‘Orthodontics’ Category

Need a Straighter Smile in a Hurry? Try Six Month Smiles in Kent

20th May, 2013

Would you love your teeth to be straighter, but don’t want the hassle of wearing braces for months on end? Six Month Smiles might be just the thing for you. Six Month Smiles does exactly what its name suggests, giving you straighter teeth within a few short months. It is quite different from other orthodontic braces in Kent, in that it has modified traditional treatments to cosmetically improve your smile. Best of all this system uses specially designed clear brackets and tooth coloured wires that are just about invisible, so no-one need know you are wearing them, unless you choose to enlighten them.

Six Month Smiles Moves the Teeth that Show

One of the reasons that Six Month Smiles is so effective is due to the way it concentrates on moving the teeth that are visible when smiling rather than correcting the whole mouth. Even though it is a more cosmetically focused system than other braces, it can still correct crooked or overlapping teeth, and can help to close up gaps in between teeth. The braces are extremely comfortable to wear as they only use very low forces to gently move the teeth into their new, correct positions.

This type of orthodontic system will not significantly affect the way your teeth meet together, so if you have significant problems with your occlusion it may not be the best solution. These are all things we can discuss with you during your initial consultation, and we won’t recommend a particular treatment unless we think it will produce the results you’re looking for. It is a cost-effective way of improving your smile as treatment is cheaper than other orthodontic systems and alternative methods of straightening teeth such as through the use of multiple veneers.

After Treatment

Once you have finished your orthodontic treatment then you do need to be prepared to wear a retainer. This is a comfortable, removable appliance that is worn overnight. It is unobtrusive and easy to wear, and prevents your newly re-positioned teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Six Month Smiles is just one of several orthodontic systems offered by Parrock Street Dental & Implant Centre, and can be used as a standalone dental treatment or as part of a smile makeover. If you’d like to know more about orthodontic treatment, and would like to find out if this system could work for you, then why not book your free consultation? You can request a call back through our website at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or you can give us a call on 01474 537191.


Improve Your Dental Health with Orthodontics in Kent

18th May, 2013

Are you aware that orthodontic treatment could help to improve your oral health? There is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment only provides cosmetic improvements when in fact the oral health benefits can be very worthwhile. Not only will you end up with a beautifully straight smile, but also one that is healthier, and that’s surely worth considering.

Straighter Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

If your teeth are quite crooked or are overcrowded then you probably find it difficult to brush and floss properly. No matter how hard you try it can be very tricky to reach into all the nooks and crannies in your mouth, and near impossible to thread floss in between crowded teeth. The end result is an increased risk of tooth decay, as it’s essential to clean the contact areas between each tooth every day. These contact areas can easily trap food particles and plaque bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities.

In contrast, if your teeth are nicely spaced and are straight then you’ll find it much easier to brush thoroughly, and flossing will be a cinch. Your teeth will be healthier, and may even appear a little brighter as all the excess food and plaque will have been removed.

Enjoy Better Gum Health

Just as importantly having straighter teeth will improve the health of your gums. Gum disease can often begin developing in the contact areas in between your teeth, and one of the earliest signs that it might be developing is noticing your gums bleed when you try to floss. Healthy gums should be strong and should fit snugly around the teeth, and good gum health is relatively easy to achieve when your teeth are straighter.

Orthodontic Treatment Ensures Your Teeth Meet Together Properly

Wearing a brace means that your teeth will meet together properly at the end of treatment. This is extremely important for your oral health, as it will help reduce the wear and tear on your teeth. Teeth that are in malocclusion or which don’t meet together properly can wear unevenly, something that can lead to a significant amount of tooth structure being worn away. If this occurs then the teeth will need crowning to restore them to normal function. In addition malocclusion can sometimes place stress on the muscles and joints responsible for moving your jaw.

If you’ve been thinking about to see orthodontist in Kent, then why not schedule a free consultation at Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre? You can call us on 01474 537191 or if you’d prefer you can email us at info@parrockstreetdental.co.uk to learn how could improve your dental health.


Invisible Braces in Kent Can Dramatically Improve Your Smile

16th May, 2013

Have you always yearned for straighter teeth but hate the thought of wearing a mouth full of metal? If so you might be the perfect candidate for invisible braces. These braces are perfect for adults who didn’t have orthodontic treatment as children and who now feel self-conscious about their smile. Today’s orthodontic treatment is fast and effective and most importantly is very discreet. Our dental surgery offers a wide range of orthodontic options so you can be sure you’ll get the system that’s right for you.

Removable Braces

Removable braces, particularly Invisalign, are extremely popular and can be used to treat a wide variety of orthodontic problems. These include gaps in between teeth, overcrowded teeth and minor problems with occlusion or the way the teeth meet together, to more serious occlusal problems such as having an underbite or overbite. This system is affordable and most people will complete treatment within a year or so.

Learn How They Work

The braces or aligners are made from a clear plastic and look a little like a mouth guard. They will have been custom-designed to gently move your teeth into their new positions. Each set of aligners is replaced every two weeks by a new set to continue the treatment.When you first begin wearing your aligners you may experience some temporary discomfort but this should quickly pass as your teeth become accustomed to them.

They need to be worn for approximately 22 hours each day, but can be removed whenever you eat or drink something. One of the major advantages of this system is that it enables patients who have been fitted with braces in Kent, to maintain excellent oral health throughout the course of the treatment. Teeth can be brushed and flossed as normal, and the clear plastic aligners simply need to be gently brushed and washed every time you remove them. When they are in place they are virtually undetectable and are ideal for anyone whose job involves meeting the public or clients, or anyone who feels very self-conscious about having orthodontic treatment.The final result should be beautifully straight and healthy teeth.

If you’d like to know more about Invisalign or any of our other orthodontic treatments then you can find lots more information on our website at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk.  or you can call us on 01474 537191 to schedule a free consultation. Our dental team are more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding orthodontic treatment.


Are you looking for an orthodontist in Kent?

14th May, 2013

If you want to find out more about different methods used for straightening teeth in Kent then you should consider visiting the award-winning Parrock Street Dental & Implant Centre in Gravesend. Although he is not an orthodontist, dentist Dr Rik Trivedi and the team at Parrock Street Dental & Implant Centre are trained and qualified to deliver a number of modern orthodontic solutions.

Depending on your teeth, your lifestyle and your budget there are a number of tooth straightening options available. One option is Invisalign, which consists of clear plastic trays that snap over the teeth and are worn throughout the day and at night. They are removable so you can take them out when you eat or drink. You are given a set of aligners that you wear for two weeks at a time before advancing to the next one. Over time, each aligner gently guides the teeth into a straighter position. Treatment time varies according to how much the teeth need to be moved, but on average it can take around 8-12 months.

Another orthodontic solution that we offer at Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre is Six Month Smiles. This system uses clear brackets which are bonded to the teeth and then a tooth coloured wire clips into them and helps to guide the teeth into the ideal position. Treatment time is around the 6 month mark although some patients may require a bit more time for the best cosmetic result.

As the recent overall winner of the Dartford & Gravesham business awards 2012 recognising excellence in customer service, organisation and standards, our practice is proud to offer a wide variety of dental treatments to our patients. After treatment is completed, our patients are impressed with their new smiles and find they have more confidence in social situations. They also get more compliments! To have a look at how teeth can be straightened with modern orthodontics, you can visit our smile gallery on our website.

For orthodontics in Kent you need not look further than Parrock Street, where we work relentlessly to provide you the highest quality cosmetic dentistry treatments. To deliver you what we promise, we have the best and experienced dentists the industry has to offer. So, why not make an appointment to visit us today? Call us on 01474 537191. You will also find more information about our practice on our website: www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk


When to consider veneers or braces

6th May, 2013

Dental veneers can help you obtain that bright white and sizzling smile you have been looking for. Dental veneers are porcelain or composite shells that fit over your natural teeth. They are painted in the same colour of your teeth, or a whiter shade of that colour to give your mouth a whiter and brighter smile. These coverings can be used to correct a number of cosmetic problems with your teeth, including lost teeth, broken teeth, chipped teeth and discoloured teeth. Today’s dental methods have allowed veneers to look and feel better than ever before.

Like all forms of cosmetic treatments, dental veneers have both positives and negatives. It is important for all patients to carefully consider their options before they choose to get dental veneers. Some of the advantages of veneers are that they are almost impossible to see from outside of the mouth and that they can be individually shaped to fit your specific teeth. This means that veneers will look completely natural. These tooth coverings are also a great substitute for crowns or caps, which require the dentist to remove some of your tooth’s natural structure. This is not the case with veneers. None of your tooth structure will have to be altered to apply veneers.

Orthodontic treatment is another option available to patients who wish to have their teeth look straighter and more aligned. Using modern techniques, teeth can be straightened and moved into place in a discreet manner with invisible orthodontics such as Invisalign or clear brackets and tooth coloured wires by Six Month Smiles. Although treatment takes longer than veneers, orthodontics can now be done in a matter of months, depending on the severity of the misalignment. Before deciding on any cosmetic dentistry treatment, it is important to have a full oral health assessment so your suitability for certain types of treatment can be determined.

If you have questions about porcelain veneers in Kent, you should consult with Dr Rik Trivedi of Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. Dr Trivedi and his staff can answer all of your cosmetic dentistry questions. The Centre can be reached through its physical address, which is 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN, through their website at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or by telephone at 01474 537191.


Tips for dealing with sensitive teeth and braces

4th May, 2013

Many people suffer from sensitive teeth. They experience chronic pain in their teeth, especially when they drink or eat items that are either very hot or very cold. This pain can be dull, sharp or extremely acute. It is often so troublesome to patients that it negatively affects their entire life. Tooth sensitivity is caused by microscopic holes in the teeth, which allow the underlying layer called dentin to become exposed. These microscopic holes are known as tubules by dentists and they create a hole directly to the tooth’s root and nerves. When a hot or cold substance touches the outside of a tooth it travels through these tubules directly to the roots and nerves, causing extreme pain.

There are several causes of tooth sensitivity, including a loss of enamel due to poor dental hygiene, from brushing the teeth too hard, eating too many foods that are high in acid or as a result of an underlying dental disease. There are ways to help negate the pain of sensitive teeth. Many dentists will recommend a special toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes can actually help to cover up the exposed tubules and restore the patient’s lost enamel. There are also special toothbrushes available that feature softer bristles.

Some people may also experience temporary tooth sensitivity when they undergo orthodontic treatment. When brackets and wires are first placed this can cause some discomfort, and when putting in new aligners, Invisalign patients, can experience similar sensation. This is usually treated with over-the-counter pain medication such as paracetamol which will help to minimise any discomfort.

If you have any questions about the advantages of modern orthodontics, the best place to get information about braces in Gravesend is Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. Led by Dr Rik Trivedi, he and his team can answer questions regarding orthodontics and problems with sensitive teeth, and they can recommend various treatments that can lessen the pain. No one should have to deal with the pain of sensitive teeth, especially when there are treatments available.

More information about the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre can be found at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or by calling 01474 537191.Interested people can also stop by the office, which is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.


What is a rapid palatal expander and how is it used in orthodontics?

2nd May, 2013

If your child’s dentist has recommended a rapid palatal expander then you might have a few questions, such as what it is and what it does. A rapid palatal expander is an orthodontic tool that is used to increase the size of the upper jaw. This device is commonly used when the patient has an upper jaw that is too narrow to fit properly with the lower jaw.

Children are the most common patient to have this kind of jaw problem. This condition is more common in children with allergies than in children who do not suffer from allergies. The exact reasons why allergies tend to cause a narrower upper jaw are unclear, but some dentists tend to think that it has something to do with the child’s need to breathe through their mouth due to congestion in their nose. This need to breathe through the mouth is thought to force the upper jaw to become underdeveloped.

Most dentists will prescribe a rapid palatal expander for a child when they are around the ages of seven, eight or nine. This is because the device tends to work better on younger children and because they are more likely to comply with the device. As children get older it can be difficult to get them to wear the device. Pre-teen children are actually the ideal candidates for a rapid palatal expander, but few children this old will actually wear it or follow the dentist’s instructions. Therefore it is easier to fix this problem when the child is younger.

A rapid palatal expander works by applying pressure to the insides of the upper jaw bone, therefore forcing it to expand over the period of time. The device is placed in the roof of the patient’s mouth, and it features a small screw in the centre of the device. Turning this tiny screw forces the device to get wider, which places pressure on the bones. It usually takes about three months to reach the appropriate level of expansion. Then the device can be removed.

Are you looking for orthodontist in Kent? For the best advice on orthodontics, you may wish to schedule a consultation with Dr Rik Trivedi and the skilled dentists at the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. They can be reached through their website at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or by calling 01474 537191. Or you can stop into the practice, which is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.


Choosing the right toothbrush when you have braces

1st May, 2013

There is a lot of conflicting information out there regarding what type of toothbrush you should use. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should pay extra attention to regular tooth brushing to avoid plaque build-up during treatment, so picking the right toothbrush is essential. The purpose of a toothbrush is to stimulate the gums and remove any plaque that has accumulated on the teeth. The vast majority of toothbrushes will accomplish this task if you use them properly and replace them regularly.

Manual toothbrushes have many advantages. The most obvious advantage is their price, which is often lower than that of electric toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are readily available and are easy to carry with you anywhere you go. These toothbrushes also don’t require batteries or to be charged. A manual toothbrush needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the bristles clean your teeth optimally. When the bristles are worn and soft there is a risk of placing too much pressure on your teeth and gums while brushing, which can strip away the enamel covering, causing the gums to bleed.

Electric toothbrushes are another option to consider. They are a good option for anyone, but can be especially helpful to people with dexterity problems, gripping problems from arthritis or elderly patients. Many of today’s electric toothbrushes have additional features that can let you know if you are using them incorrectly or if you are pushing on them too hard. Rotating and oscillating electric toothbrushes appear to be the best for truly cleaning the teeth, as opposed to brushes that spin in a single direction.

Whether you have clear plastic aligners or brackets and wires, using the right toothbrush to clean your teeth during orthodontic treatment is essential. If you are looking for advice about modern braces in Gravesend you should consider the dental team of the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre, which is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN.The dental staff of the Centre, which is led by Dr Rik Trivedi, can answer all of your brushing and orthodontics questions. Interested people can get in touch with the dental office through their website, www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk or by calling 01474 537191.


Useful facts about wisdom teeth and braces

30th April, 2013

Wisdom teeth are the name given to the late emerging fourth molars in humans. This fourth set of molars were originally part of the development of earlier humans, when their diet required an extra set of teeth. Today these extra teeth are unnecessary and potentially harmful. The vast majority of people will get their wisdom teeth at one point or another.

Most people will start to see their wisdom teeth emerge when they are between the ages of 17 and 25. In some people the wisdom teeth emerge through the gum line and fit perfectly into the mouth. These lucky people will not have to take any action regarding their wisdom teeth. Other people will have impacted wisdom teeth, or molars that cannot properly break through the gums. Still others will have a fourth set of molars that come in awkwardly, which creates problems for the rest of the teeth. These people may have to have their wisdom teeth removed to help prevent problems with misaligned teeth or impacted wisdom teeth. Sometimes the impaction of these molars can be painful for patients, but other times they cause little to no problems.

Most dental surgeons will recommend that impacted wisdom teeth be removed, even if they are not causing any specific problems. Any wisdom teeth that are applying pressure to the other teeth should also be removed. In cases where wisdom teeth have been pushing on the other teeth for some time, orthodontic treatment may be required to straighten out the misaligned teeth. Popular options include Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. These treatments can correct alignment issues in the teeth as well as bite problems in a matter of months, depending on each case.

Any person who is experiencing problems with their wisdom teeth or who suffer from misaligned teeth should discuss their options with the dental staff of the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. This is the recommended place to go for braces in Gravesend. The practice is located at 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN. Head dentist Dr Rik Trivedi and his qualified dental staff can answer questions about orthodontics and wisdom teeth extraction procedures.

More information about this procedure and the other services offered by the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre can be found online at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk. Interested parties can also reach the Centre by calling 01474 537191. In addition to wisdom tooth extractions, the dental team can also provide routine dental checkups and cosmetic procedures.


Technological advances in dentistry allow for less invasive braces

28th April, 2013

The days of using old metal braces and metal wires to re-shape misaligned teeth are over. Modern technological advancements in braces technology now allow orthodontists and dentists to reshape the patient’s mouth and teeth using less invasive, faster and less painful methods. From using metals and technologies designed for NASA to using computed tomography (CT) scanning to design an individual braces programme, today’s braces are far more effective and easier to use.

Braces are no longer comprised of metal bands and brackets to hold the metal wires that force the teeth to move into their new position. Today’s braces use space age flexible metals and clear, tooth-coloured brackets that reduce the visibility of the braces. In some situations a patient can use removable clear aligners, which can quickly realign the teeth as long as they are not too far out of alignment. This procedure uses CT scans to create a series of different,almost invisible,aligners, which are then worn in succession over a period of time. The results are generated much faster than what is seen with traditional metal braces. Other new advancements include heat activated braces wires, which reduce the amount of times the dentist needs to tighten the wire. The patient can actually adjust their own heat activated wires simply by drinking a heated beverage!These new materials make braces less painful and visible, and reduces the amount of time it takes to achieve the desired results.

The way a dentist or orthodontist is able to plan a program to realign a specific patient’s teeth has also been improved. Computer technology now allows all dental records to be digitally recorded and x-rays and photographs can be uploaded into a diagnostic computer programme. This can vastly improve the process of creating a realignment programme for that specific patient. In some cases it is even possible to view what the end result of the re-alignment programme will look like before any work is performed on the teeth.

Many of these new techniques for re-aligning teeth can be found at the Parrock Street Dental and Implant Centre. You can visit the practice if you are interested in braces in Gravesend. Head dentist Dr Rik Trivedi BDS and the rest of the Parrock Street dental team can help patients realign their teeth to create straight smiles with less effort and pain than ever before. The address is 189-191 Parrock Street, in Gravesend, Kent DA12 1EN and the phone number is01474 537191. More information can be found on their website at www.kentcosmeticdentists.co.uk