Dentistry is changing so rapidly right now. It is almost unrecognisable in many clinics from how we used to practice just a few years ago. I don’t mean the drilling and filling of teeth, although that has improved for many as well, but more the level of technology we have available for the more complex aspects of dentistry such and crowns, bridges and implants.
For the past few years the next level of digitisation of dentistry has started taking place in the clinics. No longer do you need the gloopy, rather grim, impressions taken of the mouth. We are proud to say that we are one of just a few dental practices in Sussex and indeed one of few in the UK using the very latest in digital dental technology; Intraoral Digital Scanners. These allow us to produce a 3D model of the patient, right before their eyes. This is then sent to the lab, via the cloud obviously, so they can create the magic on the fully digital model, and of course print 3D models as well. It is also possible to mill the crowns in our dental clinics, so after just a short wait the final crowns can be fitted – saving additional appointments for our patients’ busy lifestyles. The 3D views wow patients so much, to see the teeth and gums appear on the screen, all in remarkable colour is a sight to behold. These images can then be moved around giving us views of teeth that we were never able to utilise before. Not only is this much more comfortable for patients, but the accuracy is far higher, so benefiting all involved.
Teeth in the News
Over the counter teeth whitening has been getting some serious attention in the press lately, you may have even seen me on This Morning talking Eammon and Ruth through the various options available. Most importantly, over the counter whitening products should be tested and safe to use, in the same way as prescribed whitening products from dental professionals. It is important to buy products from recognised manufacturers rather than online from companies that may be less well regulated. Over the counter products such as strips and gels will be applied in ways that are more likely to result in leakage of the whitening agent. This leakage of material will make the whitening less effective and may result in more irritation of the gums. Although this tends to be temporary, in the extreme could cause gum damage. Some OTC products have been found to contain sodium chlorite which can reduce the strength of the enamel of the teeth, particularly when there is acid present in the mouth. As these products are less likely to be effective, the user may use more frequently which can contribute to higher sensitivity in the teeth. I’m afraid to say that gimmicky charcoal products like black toothpastes are not going to whiten the teeth. The abrasiveness of them may take a little of the extrinsic stain off the teeth, but they will not remove the intrinsic stains which are the cause for teeth looking darker.
The most effective way to whiten teeth is with bespoke trays specifically fabricated for your mouth from a dentist and a whitening kit supplied by them. They can also discuss any issues that may arise from whitening such as other restorations such as veneers and crowns standing out, and possible sensitivity and suggest remedies.
Patient Transformation
Our patient of the month is Claire, who had extreme dental phobia and had lost confidence in dentistry and the care she had received in the past. This meant she had not seen a dentist for some 15 years! She felt ashamed about her teeth but was too scared to do anything for such a long time. 9 implant teeth from us later and the aesthetic outcome is exceptional. Perfect tissues, very natural crowns and an ideal bite. With a smile like this that is so high and so proud now we really had to get everything to be perfect in this extremely complex case. Everyone involved is simply delighted.
By Guy Barwell, The Implant Centre
