Am I Too Old for Braces?

The short answer to the question of, ‘am I too old for braces?’ is simply, no! At MSC, age is never an issue and it’s never too late to get braces. MSC have patients in their 50’s and 60’s who are benefiting from wearing braces to correct the position of their teeth with great success. Our dentists at MSC know how important a great smile is to the way you view yourself.

Patients at MSC have different reasons for wanting to have this treatment. It might be a family occasion such as a wedding, having professional or corporate photographs taken or simply just wanting to correct the position of your teeth. Invisible braces are a popular option for patients and are a great option to help fix dental problems such as overcrowding or misaligned teeth. These issues can have a negative impact on your mental well-being. If you dislike your teeth or have the urge to hide your smile in photos or when meeting friends, this can contribute to low levels of self-confidence, low self-esteem, stress and being self-conscious. At MSC, we offer invisible braces as treatment to improve your smile so you feel confident and proud of your teeth, your smile and your overall appearance. 

What Do You Think of When Imagining Braces? 

You might picture the traditional fixed metal braces which have been mainly worn by teenagers. These types of braces have been well used to straighten teeth over the years but as technology has progressed, so have braces. Dental orthodontics now offer the option of using invisible braces to help straighten teeth. These are clear and colourless which keeps your smile looking great and ensures you feel confident about wearing them. They blend in with your teeth and smile, eliminating that ‘metal mouth’ appearance associated with the fixed braces. 

How do Invisible Braces Work for Adults? 

Braces are designed to move teeth by applying tension to help move them slowly in the desired direction.  Any bone in the way gets reabsorbed by the body and new bone forms behind the tooth to keep it securely in place. New bone can form at any age which is why invisible braces are suitable for all to wear. So, if you are considering braces to correct a problem like misaligned or crooked teeth invisible braces are a great option.

Advantages of Invisible Braces

One of the advantages of choosing invisible braces is that they reduce the likelihood of other problems developing such as plaque and gum disease. Fixed metal braces can be hard to clean and requires a strict dental routine to keep teeth clean that can be time consuming but invisible braces eliminates this. It’s important to note however, that invisible braces and your teeth both still require thorough cleaning to maintain oral hygiene. Adults also have a higher level of success over a longer period of time than younger patients when using invisible braces. This is down to several factors, the financial cost and a willingness to comply with the treatment. Part of having this kind of dental procedure includes patients wearing a retainer long after the brace comes off.  It is just as important to wear a retainer as wearing the brace itself. Newly moved teeth can easily move back into their original place and the retainer helps to keep the newly positioned teeth in place.

Fact:

Nationally speaking, UK private spending on improving teeth sharply increased reaching £1.86bn in 2014 with 3 in 10 adults unhappy about the appearance of their teeth. The rising trend of make-over shows and the influence of celebrities are both factors in of people becoming more interested and pre-occupied by the condition and appearance of their teeth.

Orthodontics at Midlands Smile Centres

Our dentists at MSC are highly trained and experienced in providing orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking to improve your smile, whether it’s cosmetically or for health reasons, we can help. Book a consultation today to find out more.

The Crazy World of Teeth

There are several similarities between our teeth and those of animals. As humans, we form two sets of teeth over the course of our lifetime, starting with baby teeth that are then replaced by adult teeth. On average, every person should have around 32 teeth in total; this includes four wisdom teeth, eight incisors, four canines, twelve molars and eight premolars. Similarly, many animals have a variety of these same kinds of teeth, depending on whether they are meat eaters, plant eaters, insect eaters or a combination. Both us and animals have teeth that are very strong and amazingly constructed, made up of a mix of calcium, phosphorus, and other assorted minerals. Beavers also have massive amounts of iron in their teeth, resulting in their teeth having a strong orange colour but helping to keep the teeth strong enough to gnaw on trees.  

The Massive

With the wide variety of diets and lifestyles that animals live, there are several who have a very interesting and unique dental structure. Hippos have many hidden teeth. Though on first glance it may seem that they only have 4 big teeth, they commonly have 40 in total. Hippos also have the longest canine teeth of any animal, reaching up to 3 ft long. Their incisors are capable of biting right through a small boat.

Amongst the many fascinating creatures out there, Narwhals are truly intriguing. They are born with a horn on top of their head which is actually a tooth that can grow to 8 feet or longer. Narwhals use their horn to taste and measure the concentration of chemicals in the water around it in order to find food.

The Many 

Animals like giraffes, dogs and cats have a similar number of teeth to us, but some animals have even more. Like humans, there are many creatures that also lose their teeth throughout their life, for example elephants and sharks. Elephants can have four sets of teeth in their lifetime and their tusks are the longest teeth in the world.

Similarly, Sharks can have over 30,000 teeth in their entire lifetime and on average lose one tooth a week, which is then replaced with a fresh new tooth. Sharks also don’t get cavities because their teeth are protected with a layer of fluoride. The main difference is that unlike humans, they never stop producing new teeth. But for us, our adult teeth are all that we get, which means that we have to take good care of them. On the other hand, Dolphins only have one set of teeth for the entirety of their life and just like humans, they need to take care of the teeth they have too.

The Maintenance 

Animals have their own ways to care for their teeth, just like us, ensuring they stay healthy and free of cavities or other issues. But unlike humans, animal diets are naturally low in sugar and therefore are less likely to develop severe teeth problems. Some animals like zebras, beavers, squirrels and other rodents have teeth that never stop growing. They chew on tough foods like nuts, leaves and bark, which helps to wear down their teeth and keep them from growing too long. In fact, most animals have a habit of chewing on materials like bone or tree bark which helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Just like animals who are naturally proactive at cleaning and taking care of their teeth, we need to make sure that we are doing the same. Due to the commonly high amount of sugar in our diets, our teeth are extremely vulnerable, and it is very important to clean thoroughly and with care several times a day. It is also a good idea to have regular check ups with your dentist, in order to prevent any serious issues from arising and causing long term problems and hassle.

Don’t take your teeth for granted, because it’s the only set you get. Midlands Smile Centres is here to guide and help you along your dental journey, providing you with the right treatments and offering you the support you need.

A New Look with MSC Facial Aesthetics

Making slight adjustments here and there to your appearance is something that many of us ponder from time to time. Among the more serious of changes are those of facial aesthetic treatment. Facial aesthetic treatments cover a range of different types of procedure, all aimed towards helping you achieve your desired appearance. These can range from anti-wrinkle treatments, to volumizing and fillers. All of these treatments can help give a more youthful look and improve your confidence.

For those already aware of the superb standard of dental treatment offered at Midlands Smile Centres, the difference our dentistry can make to your teeth will be obvious. But with MSC offering an impressive range of facial aesthetics as well, it is clear that these kinds of treatments could be opted for after undergoing the dental work of your choice. In this way, facial aesthetics could be the final piece of the puzzle in correcting, improving and ultimately revitalising your appearance.

Any perceived imperfections with your appearance can cause a lack of confidence and may cause you to miss out on opportunities in life. You may believe that there are imperfections with your appearance that are a direct result of the ageing process, and these may be a cause of some discomfort for you. Whatever it is that you believe is the cause of the issue and the extent to which you feel that it makes you uncomfortable, we at Midlands Smile Centres can offer you something which could solve your problem. Choosing to go with MSC and make use of the vast expertise we have in providing treatments to alter your appearance can leave you with a better sense of well-being, and a greater level of confidence.

Facial Aesthetics For You at MSC

There are a range of treatments that can help give a boost to your facial aesthetics. Here are just a few of the options we have available at MSC, but you can find out more on our facial treatments page.

Dermal Fillers - Usually used around the nose and mouth areas, Dermal Fillers give wrinkles in the skin a little lift. Injected underneath the skin to allow them to take the appropriate effect, Dermal Fillers help create a more youthful appearance and will last between 6 months and a year.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections - Able to be used on the neck as well as the face, Anti-Wrinkle Injections take effect by relaxing the muscles in the targeted area. Also referred to as Botox, Anti-Wrinkle Injections work to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and lines, helping to create a look that will require an appointment every 3-6 months to maintain.

Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting - A further treatment for facial rejuvenation, Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting is designed to help give you a more youthful appearance. This treatment targets the cheeks as the cheeks are a part of the face that can begin to sag with age, leading to wrinkles and lines forming in the nose and mouth area. Capable of producing noticeable and wide-reaching cosmetic benefits, Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting at MSC is also a procedure that is very convenient, meaning that you can walk-in and walk-out and enjoy the effects that a single Cheek Volumizing/Sculpting appointment can bring you.

Lip Fillers - Boosting the lips by imbuing them with a bold, plump shape, Lip Fillers are delivered via injection to introduce new volume to both the upper and lower lips. Able to last for between 4 and 6 months, Lip Fillers can be carried-out again in order to renew the shape of the lips.

Non-Surgical Nasal Tip Lifting - A way of changing the appearance of your nose without the use of surgery, Non-Surgical Nasal Tip Lifting is a relatively new type of treatment and is provided by us, here at MSC. Non-Surgical Nasal Tip Lifting can be effective in removing bumps in the nose and for a period of between 4 months and two years (dependent on which treatment you choose), the treatment will help improve your appearance. Although the agent will dissolve after this period of time has elapsed, you can undergo the treatment again to renew the results.   

Teeth Grinding Therapy - The condition that causes individuals to grind their teeth is known as bruxism and it exists in two forms: sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. Related to stress and anxiety, bruxism can be combatted by the treatment we offer at Midland Smile Centres. By opting for this treatment, you can take steps to preserve your smile.

Gum Reduction - Another way to boost the appearance of your smile, Gum Reduction involves the altering of your gumline for cosmetic purposes. At MSC we can give you Gum Reduction treatment to mould and shape your gums for a reasonable price. What’s more, our MSC Gum Reduction treatment is permanent.

Get in-touch with MSC today and discover how our facial aesthetics might be right for you!

Why You Should Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

When was the last time you had a regular dental appointment? Following the given advice of having a check-up every six months has a lot of benefits for your pearly whites. A regular check-up will normally include;

1.      An examination over your oral hygiene and overall health of your gum and teeth.

2.      Spotting any problems with your teeth such as cavities or gum disease and obtaining relevant and successful treatment.

3.      Checking on the condition of your gums.

4.      Removing build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

5.      Receiving professional dental advice on your brushing and flossing techniques.

6.      Time to ask any questions you may have relating to the effects of diet, alcohol and smoking on your teeth.

7.      Reporting any dental problems you may have had since your last appointment.

What if there is a problem with my teeth?

Nobody wants to endure things like toothache, nerve pain, build-up of plaque or bad breath.  Midlands Smile Centres offer several dental treatments to alleviate problems like these found during a routine check-up. These include:

1       Fillings – these are used by dentists to remedy decaying teeth. There are three different types of filling; composite/white fillings, metal fillings and dental restorations.

2       Orthodontic Treatment – this involves a brace being fitted to correct crooked teeth or the bite of the patient.  The different types of braces used include Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Month Smiles.

3       Hygienist Treatment - this is a scale and polish treatment for your teeth. This type of treatment helps to minimise tooth decay, gum disease and tooth wear.

4       Oral Surgery (extractions) – an example of this is the removal of wisdom teeth that may cause discomfort or to address overcrowding if there are too many teeth.

Ignoring a problem with our teeth is likely to lead to further problems if left untreated.  Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist for regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth and oral hygiene in good condition. You can book a dental check-up at your local dentist in Birmingham online.

Top tips for improving your dental health

The Do’s:

1.      Brush your teeth on a regular basis. The advice given for daily bushing is twice a day however, brushing in between meals would give your teeth an extra boost of protection and will lead to better oral hygiene.

2.      Use an electric toothbrush. Whilst brushing with a regular toothbrush using the correct technique can keep your teeth clean, using an electric toothbrush gives a more effective clean. The smaller brush head gets into the harder to reach back teeth to keep them healthy and in good condition.

3.      Brush your tongue. Doing this this reaps many benefits such as improving your oral hygiene, which is the result of the amount of bacteria inside your mouth. It can also make your breath smell minty fresh and feel cleaner.

4.      Have necessary treatments advised by your dentist. This is key to keeping your teeth happy and healthy.

5.      Eat foods that are beneficial to keep your teeth strong. Products that are high in calcium are particularly beneficial, such as cheese and yoghurt. Some fruits, such as strawberries, can also be beneficial for your dental health.

6.      Chew sugar free gum. Chewing sugar free gum helps your oral health by encouraging production of saliva in your mouth, which then neutralises the acidity on your teeth which would otherwise cause problems such as cavities and bad breath.

7.      Use dental products such as floss and mouthwash. Including these in your daily oral hygiene routine will minimise dental problems developing. Flossing is an extremely useful technique because it removes food from places in your mouth that regular brushing can’t, and it can also help to remove plaque.  Mouthwash is another dental product you can use to rinse out trapped food, which also helps to eliminate bad breath and the build-up of tartar. 

If you would like to know more about your dental health, contact your local Midlands Smile Centre today 

Orthodontics at Your Local MSC dentist in Birmingham

Orthodontics play a large part of the dental industry today. It isn’t uncommon for a person to know several people in their lifetime who have or have had braces. Orthodontic treatment has become much more popular with young adults who are looking to aesthetically improve their smile. The decision however to have braces can be a difficult one to make due to the lengthy treatment plan and the unappealing visuals of traditional braces. What many of these patients are not aware of, is that there are now several different options on the market that could help to address your concerns and give you the smile you’ve been looking for.

Here are just a few of Midlands Smile Centres treatments that are used to address crowded and misaligned teeth to give you an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are very well known and are respected as the most common orthodontic treatment for correcting teeth. These are made of metal and are glued to the teeth, where a wire is then put in place to apply pressure to the teeth. This pressure is then used to pull and push the teeth into place, adjusting your smile to provide straighter teeth and correcting your bite. While this is an effective way of helping to address orthodontic issues, there are some things the patient should consider. Traditional braces can be uncomfortable when first placed, sometimes causing bleeding and irritation of the gums and cheeks or causing an aching sensation due to the pressure on your teeth. It’s important that you contact your dentist if you experience these symptoms for a prolonged amount of time.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces adjust your teeth to provide a straighter smile and correct bite, without getting in the way of your smile. This treatment involves a brace being applied to the rear of the teeth where it is less visible. However, lingual braces are commonly only used for specific cases where the patient requires a lifting of the teeth. If you think this could be for you, you can find out more by booking a consultation with your local dentist in Birmingham. Another consideration of this treatment is that it can cause a sore tongue, due to the braces position on the inside of the mouth.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are your middle ground of the previous two orthodontic solutions. Like traditional braces, they have a similar aesthetic look due to both treatments using a metal material for the brace. Where this treatment differs however, is its ability to complete the treatment much more comfortably. This is due to the fact that this treatment uses a wire which is able to remember it previous shape, and consequently maintains a more gentle pressure that is consistently applied to the teeth and gums, while traditional braces have to be adjusted at each appointment with a great deal more pressure. Alongside this, patients who receive Damon braces often complete their treatment much sooner, in some cases this can be as much as six months.

Six Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a relatively new form of orthodontic treatment that has begun to make waves in the dental world for its effective and easy treatment. This service works much like a traditional brace but tackles two of its major concerns. Like traditional braces, Six Month Smiles braces are applied to the front of your teeth, but these are made from a clear plastic material. The same can be said for the wire which is usually clear or coloured to match the colour of your teeth. This not only helps to provide a more aesthetic look during the treatment phase but also allows the wearer to avoid discomfort during the treatment, of which is usually between 4 to 8 months long. If you’re interested in receiving straighter teeth in less time than traditional orthodontic treatment, you can book a consultation with your dentist to find out if this treatment is for you.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a new and innovative form of orthodontic treatment available at Midlands Smile Centres. Invisalign works by applying several plastic transparent retainers, which over several months will adjust the positioning of your teeth. Each retainer will be slightly different and will apply gentle pressure to move your teeth into position. Not only this, but they are also nearly invisible to the eye, meaning you can still enjoy smiling without worrying about the look of traditional braces. If you’re looking for a service which can provide you a comfortable and natural looking way to change your smile, Invisalign could be ideal for you. Book a consultation today to find out more.

Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centre is your local dental practice that can offer you all of these orthodontic treatments. Our team of orthodontic specialists have over 30 years of experience working with some of the toughest orthodontic cases. Our aim is to provide you with the treatment and service which will give you a smile you can be proud of.

If you’d like a straighter smile, or just want to find out more, book an orthodontic appointment at your local MSC today.

Emergency Dentistry at MSC

Do You Need Help Urgently?

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort related to your teeth or gums that has not been relieved by the use of painkillers, you should contact us on our emergency treatment number.

**You can contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year**

The sooner you see a dentist the better the chances will be of us treating you successfully. In some cases, an infection resulting from a failure to receive prompt medical attention in a dental emergency can potentially lead to the infection spreading to the neck and head and creating other serious health issues.

Please Remember:

**You Do Not Need To Be An MSC Patient To Receive MSC Emergency Dental Treatment**

You should be able to access emergency dental treatment at an MSC practice that is closest to you. If this is not possible, MSC emergency dentists should be able to help you at our Kings Heath and Selly Oak Midlands Smile Centres.

Examples of Dental Emergencies

- Toothache: If this lasts for more than 30 minutes after taking pain relief and cleaning and flossing between the teeth.

- Broken Tooth/Broken Filling: If left untreated, this can cause further tooth and filling damage as well as tooth loss.

- Lump On Gum Line Next To Tooths Root: This could be an abscess. Failure to access treatment for this will cause tooth loss.

- Broken Crown: Left untreated a broken crown can lead to untreatable decay in the root of the tooth as well as abscesses and eventual tooth loss.

- Knocked Out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth can be re-inserted. Place the knocked-out tooth inside a sealed container that is filled with milk and bring it to us when you access treatment. Do not clean the tooth; this reduces the chance of the tooth being successfully reinserted.

- Lost Tooth: It is important that a dentist gives their attention to the wound that is left in your gum. Any infection that is allowed to develop in your gum can lead to abscesses and other problems. If you are planning to have a Dental Implant, it is definitely worth being aware of this information.

- Loose/Partially Dislodged Tooth: This tooth may be able to be reinserted into its original location. It is important that you avoid touching the tooth unless you are preventing it from falling out. Aim to support the tooth instead of exerting pressure to keep it in place.

Dental Injuries: Other Issues To Be Aware Of

In regards to dental emergencies, there are some other things to be mindful of, as they may create problems for your teeth and/or gums. 

- Be aware of any kind of cuts or bleeding in your gums.

-Be careful with hard food. Biting into hard food can damage your teeth. Examples of these hard foods include corn-on-the-cob, ice cubes and hard candy. You could maybe consider eating a greater amount of soft foods instead, such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt and soup.

-Take care when playing contact sports as these activities carry a risk of causing damage to your teeth. To help keep your teeth free from damage during the playing of contact sports, you could wear a mouth guard.

-Be sure to take appropriate action if you notice any infections in or injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the cheek lining, gums and tongue, as this type of injury could necessitate emergency treatment.

-Be aware of any foreign bodies becoming trapped beneath the gum line. Use a toothpick or dental floss to carefully remove this foreign body; if this cannot be achieved easily, seek help from the dentist to minimise the risk of damage or infection.

-Any issues stemming from hardware implemented in relation to the orthodontic treatment you have undergone may also necessitate emergency attention from a dentist. 

Costs

The MSC price for receiving emergency treatment is: £32.95- Normal Price.

However, we at Midlands Smile Centres also offer the Smile Plan. The Smile Plan will cost you just £9.90 per month. The Smile Plan makes a multitude of different types of treatment more affordable for you. Please visit the MSC website to learn more about the Smile Plan.

Emergency Treatment Price with the MSC Smile Plan: Free.

About Us

Midlands Smile Centres have various practices located around the city of Birmingham and are staffed with a team of highly experienced and exceptionally skilled dentists. Able to provide a number of different types of treatment including a range of cosmetic services at reasonable prices, MSC provides a caring, compassionate service that allows their patients to achieve the smile that they are looking for.

MSC Emergency Treatment Number: 07960344510

Please visit the MSC website today or get in touch over the phone now to find out what we can do for you!