Author: John Hancock

Dental Clinic Blog

INVISIBLE TEETH ALIGNERS.

Thanks to modern aesthetic dentistry, patients can now say goodbye to unaesthetic and uncomfortable braces. Invisible or clear aligners are available today that work in the same way as braces. At the same time, invisible tooth aligners do not interfere with patients, without creating inconvenience when smiling, eating and speaking.

What are invisible tooth aligners?

Clean aligners are mostly removable dental straighteners made of transparent materials. An interesting fact about invisible aligners is that the idea did not come from dental experts, but from a patient who happened to be an engineer and did not like the many visits to the dentist for orthodontic treatment . He invented the Invisalign Clear aligners using the latest CAD / CAM systems.

How do invisible aligners work?

Transparent or invisible braces are transparent plastic structures that are somewhat reminiscent of dental protectors. They are worn over the teeth and are designed to apply controlled forces to the teeth to gradually move and align in the correct direction. Typically 16 to 30 sets of numbered rows are made and handed over to the patient in the same sequence. Each leveler will last for about two weeks.

How is the treatment with pure levelers going?

Clinical examination . Before starting treatment with clear braces, your dentist will first conduct a detailed clinical examination to make sure you are suitable for an orthodontic treatment with removable braces. In addition, the dentist will also evaluate the X-rays of your teeth and examine the models to prepare a comprehensive treatment plan.

Making removable aligners : A digital impression of your upper and lower teeth will be made, which will then be used to prepare a digital design of clean aligners. The design is done in such a way that the staples will generate forces, which in turn will align the teeth.

Replacing old levelers after two weeks: Each set of clean levelers is usually worn for about two weeks. Subsequently, new aligners are designed to accommodate the new position of the teeth and to continue to force the teeth to move to their normal position. Thus, the treatment continues until the desired results are achieved.

Maintaining the orthodontic treatment : after successfully straightening the teeth, there is always the possibility that the teeth can return to their previous position. To prevent this, patients are provided with specially designed removable retainers to keep their teeth straight . In addition, the last used clean levelers can also function as anchors.

Benefits of transparent brackets

Invisibility: Since they are simple transparent plastic shells, they are not visible except for very close examination. Thus, they are superior in aesthetics to both metal and ceramic braces.

Improved Oral Hygiene: Because clean aligners can be removed while sleeping, eating and brushing your teeth, they offer improved oral hygiene compared to fixed braces.

Convenience: they are quite comfortable and, unlike metal braces, do not injure or damage the soft tissues of the oral cavity during use.

Maintainability: In case the set of clean levelers is accidentally lost or damaged, it can be easily replaced with a new one.

Removal and wearing: The patient can easily remove and don the aligners and clean them if necessary.

Reverse side of clean levelers

Despite their many advantages, clean levelers also have several disadvantages:

Expensive: Clear braces are significantly more expensive than metal, ceramic, or lingual braces.

Training required: Not all dentists can provide treatment with clean aligners. They need to be trained before they can offer this service.

Cannot be used in severe cases. Clean levelers are not effective in severe cases. These cases are usually treated with traditional dental braces.

So, here are your chances of getting your dream smile without having to wear those awkward and ugly metal braces. Visit our dentist and orthodontist today to discuss aligning your teeth with clear, removable braces.

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ALIGNERS OR BRACES?

At the moment, several different technologies are used in orthodontics to correct the occlusion and correct aesthetic defects of the teeth. The most common among these methods are braces and aligners. Therefore, the first question that arises for a person who wants to make his teeth straight is: what should you choose – aligners or braces? You can answer this question by examining the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies.

BRACES: PROS AND CONS

Braces have long established themselves as an effective tool for eliminating bite deformities and gaining a beautiful smile. Among the advantages of this technology are:

  • the ability to correct almost any, even the most difficult, malocclusion without any additional devices and procedures,
  • stationary installation in the dentist’s office,
  • relatively fast achievement of the desired effect and high reliability,
  • short recovery period,
  • availability of various types of braces – relatively inexpensive metal braces, as well as comfortable ceramic and sapphire braces.

However, braces also have their drawbacks. Typically, this is the visibility and sensation of a foreign body in the mouth. But when installing sapphire braces, where most of the structure is made of a special transparent material, this issue is not so acute. Also, in some cases, it is possible to install lingual braces behind the teeth and therefore unobtrusive . But of course, this does not negate the presence of a metal structure in the mouth, which may not suit the patient from an aesthetic point of view. In addition, braces require regular visits to the dentist to control the bite correction process, careful hygiene and the rejection of certain products. In some cases, when wearing braces, gum inflammation and impaired diction are possible.

ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF ALIGNERS

Aligners are a modern high-tech bite correction system. It is a transparent mouthguard made to order from a special hypoallergenic thermoplastic material. They are used to displace individual teeth, eliminate enlarged interdental spaces, crowding and other disorders. Aligners have many advantages over other orthodontic systems:

high aesthetics, since aligners are absolutely transparent and virtually invisible in the mouth,

they do not cause allergies and irritation, and do not damage the tooth enamel,

no influence on diction,

convenience and lack of sensation of a foreign body in the mouth – mouth guards are made of a very thin material that quickly ceases to be felt,

individual production, taking into account the peculiarities of malocclusion in each specific case,

the ability to remove aligners, there are no restrictions on the choice of food.

Just like any orthodontic construction, aligners require some maintenance. They must be removed while eating and brushing your teeth. Aligners should be washed periodically with warm water and a disinfectant solution provided by the manufacturer. In addition, after some time, the aligners will have to be replaced with new ones, so that the alignment of the dentition occurs gradually.

Still not sure which one to choose? Contact the specialists of the FDC clinic, they will conduct an examination and help you choose the orthodontic system that is suitable specifically for your case. The French Dental Clinic employs orthodontists certified by Invisalign , a leading manufacturer of quality aligners. The experience gained allows FDC dentists to work with even the most complex malocclusion at the highest level.

USEFUL ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO USE BRACES

What to do if part of the bracket system is displaced?

This happens even with the quality work of the orthodontist. When releasing the archwire, adhere to the following useful tips, but it is still better to contact the specialist who installed the bracket system. When the archwire pops out of the self-adjusting braces clip, you can try to put it back. But it is better to contact an orthodontist immediately after detecting a violation.

Damaged braces: what to do?

The released bracket must be removed by removing the ligature. Such unexpected situations happen quite often: as a rule, the reason is a poor-quality installation of the system or the patient’s carelessness. If you have removed the bracket, then take it to your doctor’s appointment. And do not hesitate to contact the orthodontist, as expensive braces must be examined and repaired by a real professional.

How to eat properly for people with braces?

Some people who are faced with the need to wear braces for a long time believe that they will have to give up their favorite foods for a long time. But in fact, dietary restrictions should be minimal and with the correct behavior of the patient, they will not affect the quality of life in any way.

To prevent damage to braces, it is recommended to reduce the load on them by correcting the diet: refrain from eating coarse fibrous foods, sticky foods. Train yourself to eat slowly, putting small bites in your mouth. Eat solid foods gently.

Avoid caramel, butterscotch, gummies, and overly hard foods (hard green apples, nuts, hard bread). Sticky products will remain on parts of the braces and are difficult to remove with standard cleaning products.

Remember that people with fixed braces are at increased risk of developing tooth decay. Between the grooves of the braces and the tooth enamel, the smallest fragments of food are still preserved, which, after decomposition and eating by cariogenic microorganisms, turns into a composition that corrodes enamel. Therefore, patients with braces should limit their intake of sugars and sugary carbonated drinks, as they create the most fertile environment for bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Despite the large selection of lingual systems, we use internal braces only from the Incognito system, the oldest and most experienced developer of lingual mechanics for orthodontic treatment.

Incognito braces and wires are individually manufactured from gold alloy in the Bad Essen laboratory in Germany after taking silicone impressions of the patient. Incognito lingual braces are used in patients with high aesthetic requirements when it is impossible to use removable equipment.

We consider the Incognito system to be as efficient and safe as possible for the patient.

ot all of us can boast of beautiful and even teeth. Although, as you know, the correct position of the teeth is not only beauty, but also health. Straight teeth are easier to clean. More and more people are realizing the benefits of straight teeth and want to look their best.

People with a malocclusion since childhood, collect information on the Internet about all existing bracket systems in the world, and now the truly revolutionary and at the same time the most effective Incognito bracket system, created in 2000 by the German dentist Dirk Wichmann, is popular.

Nowadays, with the help of invisible Incognito braces, even the most difficult situations can be corrected and significantly improved. Call FDC, where the system is being installed in Moscow, and find out all the information you are interested in.

In general, if you want to align your teeth and approach this wisely and judiciously, then take a closer look at this system that uses braces installed on the inner surface of the teeth for treatment. From the outside, they are practically invisible, so your teeth will align, but others will not notice how this is happening.

WHAT DETERMINES THE PRICE OF INCOGNITO BRACES?

It turns out that the cost of invisible Incognito braces is quite high, and any normal person will first of all have a completely natural question – why pay more if there are cheaper braces systems? But, not everything is so simple …

Incognito has a number of advantages that influence the final choice and therefore are decisive for people who want to get a first-class result.

Features of Incognito braces

  • Incognito lingual braces will be made in the TOP-Service laboratory in Germany especially for you at the request of your orthodontist.
  • The bases of the miniature gold clasps will fit perfectly to the surface of the teeth and will be almost invisible to you.
  • Orthodontic bows for moving the teeth into the correct position are also prepared individually, the shape of the bows is milled specifically for your clinical case, which allows you to achieve an ideal treatment result.

Benefits of treatment

Imperceptibly! Braces are fixed on the inner, lingual side of the teeth, so your treatment will remain a secret for everyone around you.

Comfortable! Compared to conventional lingual braces, the Incognito is so flat and tiny that you quickly stop paying attention to it and your speech is not disturbed.

Safely! The gold alloy does not cause allergies.

Individually! Your braces will be made individually according to the impressions of your teeth using CAD / CAM technology.

Exactly! Thanks to the individual arches, the teeth are perfectly positioned in all three planes.

Incognito braces are internal, and they remain invisible when smiling, talking, eating food, and this is their advantage, because even the most inconspicuous sapphire braces are clearly visible during direct communication.

All elements adjacent to the teeth are as flat and miniature as possible, which provides a fairly quick addiction, while in conventional bracket systems, large parts bring discomfort and therefore the adaptation period increases.

Alignment aligners do not damage the enamel, do not erase it or change its color. The efficiency of wearing aligners is very high and, with small defects, is quite comparable to traditional braces. Some patients say they notice changes after 2-3 months of regular wear.

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Invisible Braces Are The Second Most Popular Bite Correction Method In Adults

Do you know how long the treatment of malocclusion with braces can take? Up to five years! Naturally, not everyone is satisfied with wearing a foreign, well-visible and outwardly not very attractive design during all this time. Moreover, in the most conspicuous place. For patients with increased requirements for aesthetics, we are ready to offer a special device for correcting malocclusion: invisible braces.

Invisible lingual braces are placed on the inner side of the dentition and are therefore visible only when the mouth is very wide open. And if the treatment of malocclusion with ordinary braces can no longer be called some kind of exotic – this method is very common and widely practiced in dental practice, then  invisible braces are still considered a very unusual device .

An alternative to them can be only plastic, ceramic and sapphire braces. But the former are not strong enough and durable, and the latter and the third are very expensive. Lingual braces do not suffer from these drawbacks, although they have their own: discomfort in the oral cavity during the adaptation period, diction is impaired in a number of patients – all these problems disappear on their own within the first 2 weeks of wearing the system, following addiction.

TYPES OF INVISIBLE BRACES

Invisible braces  are not a separate type of design. This is a whole class of braces sorted into two large categories:

lingual, or internal braces, which are fixed from the side of the tongue and are completely invisible due to this from the side

ceramic vestibular braces, which are located on the outside of the teeth and are plastic, ceramic and sapphire. It uses the technology of masking the braces to match the color of the teeth, which makes them less noticeable (but still quite visible upon closer examination).

Different invisible braces differ from each other not only in design, but also in price. The cheapest option would be a plastic ceramic vestibular bracket. The most expensive and effective (both in terms of durability and aesthetics) is sapphire. Sapphire braces are a kind of ceramic braces. The differences are in the structure of the material: a ceramic bracket is made on the basis of a polycrystalline material, and sapphire braces are based on a monocrystalline one.

The disadvantage of plastic is its ability to change its color over time (this happens under the influence of food colors, juices, tea, coffee and cigarette smoke). Insufficiently high strength, coupled with a gradual change in the initially ideal color, leads to frequent visits to the dentist: for replacement, correction, restoration of individual braces.

Many clinics in Moscow offer the possibility of installing all types of invisible braces. At your service are highly qualified specialists from Europe, experts in aesthetic dentistry, for whom the very concept of “dental treatment” sounds like “complete correction of the bite and restoration of the attractiveness and aesthetics of a smile.”

SHARE YOUR SMILE: BRACES THAT NO ONE SEES

Are braces and a smile incompatible like genius and villainy? Not at all – rather the opposite, when it comes to the Incognito system. Its name is not just a beautiful Latin word, it fully corresponds to the technology: lingual, that is, hidden braces are absolutely inaccessible to the prying eye.

The advantages of the Incognito lingual system are obvious:

  • maximum accuracy and structural strength;
  • reliable fixation;
  • absolutely safe materials suitable for all age groups;
  • short adaptation period after installation;
  • shorter wearing period compared to previous generation systems;
  • elimination of aesthetic and physical discomfort.

Manufacturing features

The principle of manufacturing the Incognito bracket system is computer modeling of each element in accordance with the peculiarities of the structure and location of the tooth, on which it will subsequently be fixed. That is why, after bracketing, diction, if it changes, is very insignificant and recovers quickly enough.   

Orthodontic rings and bows are custom designed to provide optimal tensile force and only where it is needed, so the effect becomes noticeable after a few months. For comparison, previous generations of braces required a much longer wearing period, the period of which was sometimes calculated in years.

STAGES OF CREATING A CHARMING SMILE

The first step towards a charming smile is an orthodontist consultation. A qualified specialist will perform all the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and then prescribe an effective, tailored bite correction plan for you.

Further – a matter of technology, moreover, high-precision and ultra-modern technology:

1. Silicone impression of the dentition;

This is an exact impression of the dentition, from which the specialist creates a working model.

2. Creation of an individual model of a bracket system using 3D computer modeling (the process is robotic, so the probability of the slightest inaccuracy is completely excluded);

3. Casting of braces in accordance with the created model and making arcs to compensate for the difference in the size of the teeth;

4. Installation of the system on the inner (lingual) surface of the dentition and fixation with the latest generation of orthodontic glue.

The Incognito Light technology has been developed especially for patients wishing to eliminate minor misalignment of the anterior teeth – just a few braces are fixed exclusively in the areas to be corrected. This method eliminates not only unnecessary stress on the teeth, but also additional costs.

Care of incognito lingual braces

Compared to conventional braces , lingual braces require additional maintenance, but this does not at all mean the need for complex manipulations. The orthodontist will certainly provide all the recommendations, which will not be difficult to follow, especially since today there is a whole arsenal of appropriate devices at the service of braces wearers: special toothbrushes, brushes, dental floss, rinses and many other useful and convenient things.

Where to install the lingual bracket system?

European quality dental care is available to Muscovites without leaving the Russian capital: you can become the owner of a luxurious smile worthy of shining from the covers of the most popular glossy magazines by contacting the FDC – French Dentistry clinic in Moscow.

Dental Clinic Blog

Smoking & tooth loss

In recent years, there has been a significant anti-cigarette campaign. They contain about 400 harmful substances in addition to nicotine, 43 of which are carcinogenic. Smoking is linked to a variety of diseases, primarily affecting the respiratory organs, as well as having a negative impact on overall health. Despite this, the number of smokers continues to rise.

Cigarettes and tobacco smoke come into contact with the oral cavity first, so the negative effects are reflected back to the smoker. Vasoconstriction, or narrowing of blood vessels, causes less blood flow to the oral cavity and mucous membranes, resulting in gum inflammation, which can lead to periodontitis and tooth loss if left untreated and the causes that lead to it are not addressed.

According to recent research, smokers have a 3.6 times higher chance of losing their teeth than non-smokers, while women have a 2.5 times higher chance. In addition to mucous membrane inflammation, saliva secretion is reduced, the oral cavity is dry, and the tongue is coated and pigmented. Nicotine stomatitis, which includes brown hyperpigmentation on the lips, changes in the palate in the form of grayish-white spots, nicotine deposits behind the teeth that go from yellow to dark brown, and a very unpleasant and characteristic odor in long-term smokers, in addition to the above. Smokers are four times more likely than nonsmokers to experience malignant changes.

Passive smoking can cause changes in the oral cavity as well, though not to the same extent as active smoking. Japanese scientists recently investigated whether there is a difference in the oral cavity condition of children aged 3 years from smoking and non-smoking families. It was discovered that children who were exposed to passive tobacco smoke experienced changes in their oral cavity within four months. As a result, in the future, preventing passive tobacco smoke intake will be a priority in maintaining the oral cavity’s health.

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Interesting facts about teeth

Your teeth are a vital part of your body. You wouldn’t be able to smile, eat your favorite foods, or converse with others if you didn’t have teeth. We all know that regular dental visits keep our teeth in good shape, but did you know these interesting facts?

ARE YOU AWARE OF THIS FACT ABOUT YOUR TEETH?

  • The enamel on your tooth’s upper surface is the heaviest part of your entire body.
  • The mouths of humans contain more bacteria than the mouths of all other humans on the planet.
  • Taste buds have a 10-day lifespan and require one to two weeks to regenerate.
  • The only part of the body that cannot heal on its own is the tooth.
  • Only 1/3 of the teeth are visible. The other two-thirds of your mouth is hidden beneath your gums.
  • When you don’t use dental floss, you’re missing out on about 35% of the tooth surface.
  • Flossing can increase life expectancy by up to six years by lowering the risk of infectious diseases and even preventing heart attacks.
  • Oral health is linked to 90 percent of systemic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
  • A sore jaw and chest pain, especially in women, can indicate a heart attack.
  • Because bacteria grow faster on wet surfaces, it’s critical that the toothbrush is dry.
  • After a cold, tooth decay is the second most common disease.
  • Men smile only 8 times per day on average, while women smile 62 times per day.
  • 60 percent of adults are drawn to someone simply because of their smile.
  • Brushing one’s teeth takes about 38 days on average.
  • Your teeth are as one-of-a-kind as your fingerprints; no two sets are alike.
  • Your mouth will produce enough saliva to fill two pools for the rest of your life!
  • Teeth can tell you a lot about yourself. By examining our teeth, scientists can learn a lot about us.
  • Did you know that our teeth reveal our age, as well as the foods and beverages we consume?
  • No two teeth are exactly the same shape and size, whether we’re talking about the 20 “milk teeth” we have as children or the 32 permanent teeth we have as adults.
  • Each tooth in the mouth has a distinct profile, and teeth differ greatly from one person to the next.
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What are common conditions linked to oral health diseases?

A variety of diseases and conditions can be linked to your oral health, including:

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves that occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to specific areas of the heart.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Although the link is not fully understood, some research suggests that inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria may be linked to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

Pregnancy and childbirth complications

Premature birth and low birth weight are linked to periodontitis.

Pneumonia

Bacteria from the mouth can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory problems.

Oral health can be affected by a variety of factors, including:

Diabetes

Diabetes causes gingivitis by lowering the body’s resistance to infections. Gum disease appears to be more prevalent and severe in diabetics.

Gum disease patients have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, according to research. Diabetes control can be improved with regular periodontal care.

Osteoporosis

Periodontal bone loss and tooth loss are linked to this bone-weakening disease. Some osteoporosis medications have a small risk of causing damage to the jaw bones.

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, oral health begins to deteriorate.

Eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and Sjögren’s syndrome, an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth, are all conditions that may be linked to oral health.

Inform your dentist about any medications you’re taking and any changes in your overall health, particularly if you’ve recently been sick or have a chronic condition like diabetes.

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7 Basic Misconceptions About Your Teeth Health

There are a lot of myths about how to keep your teeth looking good and healthy. A lot of myths floating around when it comes to caring for your smile. Even though good oral health can be achieved in as little as a few minutes per day, bad habits can be harmful. Here’s everything you need to know about it…

Myth 1: Brushing your teeth harder will make them cleaner…

Brushing too hard can damage the enamel on the inside of the teeth, which protects them from caries and decay. Many people brush their teeth harder and harder because they believe it cleans them better, but it actually weakens the enamel. To my patients, I always recommend a soft toothbrush.

Myth 2: Flossing your teeth isn’t necessary…

Dental floss is very important, and some accumulations of food and bacteria can only be removed with the help of dental floss. As a result, we can avoid gum disease, which leads to tooth loss. If you’re not sure if you’re using dental floss correctly, speak with your dentist for more information.

Myth 3: It’s best to leave your gums alone if they bleed while brushing or flossing…

Inflammation is the most common cause of bleeding gums. Bacteria and plaque frequently accumulate between the teeth, where the brush cannot reach. Gums become inflamed and bleed as a result of poor oral hygiene. You will notice that your gums are bleeding if you use dental floss once a month or just before a dental checkup. I recommend flossing at least once a day to stop the bleeding and prevent gum inflammation.

Myth #4: If your teeth are sensitive, it’s because you’ve had too much enamel removed…

Tooth sensitivity is the most common symptom of tooth enamel loss, which affects the tooth’s hard outer layer. Hypersensitivity can develop as a result of pulling gums or using whitening toothpastes. To remove stains on the teeth, the ingredient in this paste penetrates the tooth enamel. They can also reach the layer beneath the enamel, which is much more sensitive, during the process.

If this is the cause of your tooth hypersensitivity, the good news is that you can relieve the symptoms by switching to a milder toothpaste.

Myth #5: Gum disease is only a problem for your teeth.

While your dentist may have first detected gum disease, other issues such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic inflammation, and similar.

Myth 6: Having white teeth indicates that they are healthy.

This could be true or false. Our teeth are naturally white, but they can change color as a result of increased consumption of certain foods, beverages, nicotine use, certain medications, or simply the aging process.

Myth #7: You don’t need to go to the dentist if nothing hurts.

This is a common misunderstanding. Many problems cause pain that isn’t felt right away. The formation of caries on the teeth, as well as the inflammation of the gums, are not felt. When all of the symptoms appear, there is already a serious problem. If you wait for pain to prompt you to visit the dentist, you may end up needing root canal therapy and a variety of other procedures that could have been avoided with regular checkups. The goal of routine dental examinations is to detect changes in the teeth and surrounding tissues before they become a major issue.

It is recommended that you go to the dentist twice a year.