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.

Dental Implants vs Orthodontics

Midlands SmileCentres boast several practices around Birmingham, making them easily accessible for anyone seeking expert dentistry. MSC’s team consists of highly experienced, highly skilled dentists with a history of providing quality care.

The Journey Starts With You

When it comes to receiving the highest standards of dental care with outstanding and experienced professionals, Midlands Smiles Centres are the place to go. The treatments offered here at MSC are varied, with numerous options that can be tailored to the patient’s needs. As a result, you are provided with many different options and ways to improve your teeth and the whole process really begins with you choosing what best suits you and your needs.

Below we take a look at two effective methods of treatment; dental implants and orthodontics, and how the different varieties of these treatments can help you.

Dental Implants and Implant Procedures

Midlands Smile Centres are a well-known and experienced dental implant provider. We’ve helped over 5,000 patients by giving them a full, happy smile. The advantages of having a dental implant are many, but two of the most commonly reported are that patients feel more confident and they enjoy eating again.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are widely considered one of the best and most versatile treatments for replacing a missing tooth, with patients often reporting an increase in their own self-confidence from having a new bright smile and additionally an improvement in their overall eating experience. Dental implants consist of using a natural-looking false tooth and an adjoining titanium rod, taking the place of the original root of the tooth and being firmly fixed into the jawbone. The false tooth fits in seamlessly with the other teeth, is reliable for eating meals and can also help to enhance the formation of speech which can be affected by tooth loss.

Denture Implants: Denture implants are an incredible improvement over traditional removable dentures, being permanent and stable, without the likelihood of becoming loose or falling out unexpectedly. By using dental implants, the dentures are then fitted into the patient's mouth and being fully secure, strong and durable, can additionally prevent the jawbone from receding which is a natural response to the loss of teeth.

Implant Supported Bridges: Implant support bridges are similarly based on the principle of ordinary bridges. The main difference is found in the support of the surrounding teeth; instead of using healthy teeth, Implant Supported Bridges use dental implants for support in bridging the gap in the gum between adjacent healthy teeth. In most cases, a one-piece bridge is attached to one implant for every missing tooth that the patient has. These bridges will not damage surrounding healthy teeth and are extremely long lasting.

Orthodontic Treatment

Midlands Smiles Centres offers a wide variety of orthodontic treatment, each being used depending on the needs of the patient. Many people are unhappy with their smile, due to overcrowded, crooked and/or irregular teeth. We offer a multitude of treatments to provide a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile, from more traditional metal braces to invisible braces. By accessing our orthodontic treatment, you can receive high quality individual treatment for you and your teeth.

Traditional Braces: For most patients, straightforward treatment usually only requires a removable brace. By using gentle pressure, these braces help move the teeth over time. Your orthodontist could decide that a fixed brace would be a better fit for you if your teeth have more complex problems. These braces consist of brackets and bands which will be attached to your teeth temporarily and can only be removed by an orthodontist.

Damon Braces: Damon braces are a new and exciting approach to orthodontics, with the aim to move your teeth more quickly and comfortably. Instead of extractions or using high force to move the teeth, the Damon system focuses on reshaping your facial symmetry to bring your teeth into the ideal position to create a naturally beautiful smile. Using self-ligating brackets and shape memory wires, these braces use light pressure to move your teeth. Damon braces are widely considered more comfortable than traditional braces and can be used for the treatment of more complex problems.

Invisalign Braces: If you are seeking a treatment that is less visible, our skilled orthodontists can also advise you about our invisible braces and whether they are the right fit for you. These braces are made especially for your teeth and will gradually move your teeth into a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing position. Additionally, they are also removable, which makes it easier for you to eat, and clean your teeth.

Six Month Smiles: Another popular treatment offered by Midlands Smile Centres is called Six Months Smiles. The average timescale ranges between 4-9 months, but frequently these cosmetic braces straighten your teeth and give you your desired vibrant smile in as little as 6 months. While discretely using clear braces and tooth coloured wires, these braces are also extremely comfortable to wear as they gradually move your teeth.

Plus...

We offer other types of treatments in addition to the range outlined above, all of which can provide a much-needed change to your dental health. Midlands Smiles Centres can offer you the ideal treatment for your teeth, giving you a newfound confidence in your smile. Visit our website or get in touch with us today to find out more about our smile dentistry.

We are here for You

For anyone who would like to enhance their smile, Midlands Smile Centres are the ideal option, offering treatments that can help cosmetically, or help correct essential problems with your smile. Take some time to think about what would best suit you and we’ll do the rest. Additionally, by using our Smile Plan, the treatments we can provide for you are available at affordable prices to suit all budgets.

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.

The Right Treatment to Help You

Problems with your teeth are something that will inevitably come-up from time to time. Luckily, we at Midlands Smile Centres are on-hand to help you. MSC are staffed from a team of highly skilled and experienced dentists who can be relied upon to help you with whatever dental issues that you may need professional assistance with.

Continue reading for an insight into some of the tooth-related problems you could face and for an overview of the issues that MSC can alleviate for patients such as you.

An Overview of Dental Issues and How We Can Help

Crooked/Misaligned Teeth

Not necessarily something you would notice due to the pain or discomfort it would cause you, misaligned teeth can still create a problem for people due to the aesthetic impact that they have. Crooked or misaligned teeth affect the way a person's smile looks, and this can lower their confidence as a consequence.

Our answer at MSC to this problem is our fine range of orthodontic treatments. We provide a choice that stretches from the traditional types of braces that you would expect to the more impressive invisible braces that we can offer you.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can often be a noticeable cause of pain and discomfort. If you do experience some level of pain related to this wisdom teeth, our dentists can assist you. Our dentists will decide whether or not to remove your wisdom tooth/teeth with the possible use of an X-ray aiding their judgement. Other extractions can be performed by our dentists also.

Irregular Shaped Teeth/Discoloured Teeth

Teeth serve a purpose, but they are also a fairly conspicuous part of how we look, and imperfections in the way we look can be problematic for some of us. Irregular shaped or discoloured teeth may be responsible for certain people out there to feel uncomfortable about their smile or their overall look. There may also be some individuals who do not realise that this imperfection can be alleviated, and some that are so accustomed to having irregular shaped or discoloured teeth that they have forgotten about this issue, an issue which can be addressed relatively easily.

What we offer to combat this problem is veneers. Veneers are thin layers of material- usually porcelain- that are placed over individual teeth to hide their undesirable appearance. These layers of porcelain are tooth-coloured meaning that they have a natural look and will blend in with the surrounding teeth. Simple and effective, this form of cosmetic treatment makes a noticeable difference to your smile and at MSC, with as few as one or two veneers you can expect to see a huge improvement in the way your teeth look.

Lost Teeth

Whether through playing sports or some other sort of accident, having teeth knocked-out is considered by us to be an emergency. If you do lose a tooth in a certain situation, here's what we would advise you to do: put the tooth into a container of milk, seal it and bring it with you. (Don't clean or wash the tooth.) One of our dentists may be able to reinsert the dislodged tooth.

If, however, you lost your teeth some time ago and currently have a gap in your teeth which has been there ever since the tooth came out, the gap can also create some awkwardness. This is due to the less-than-perfect appearance it creates in addition to it not being ideal on a practical level.

The skilled dentists at Midlands Smile Centres are able to make this flaw in your smile a thing of the past. We can achieve this by implementing our dental implant treatment. Made-up of a false tooth and a titanium implant that is attached to the jawbone, single dental implants will not only help restore the natural charm of your smile but will be a comfortable and versatile addition to your mouth as well.

For those patients who have more than one tooth missing, you can opt for another of our treatments such as denture implants and implant supported bridges if these are suitable for your situation.

Yellow/Stained Teeth

Various aspects of our diet and daily dental care can be attributed to the causing of yellow and stained teeth. There are things though that can be done to counter-act this, and MSC are the people to see for these solutions.

One of our cosmetic dentistry treatments types that is sure to correct this imperfection for you is our teeth whitening treatment. At Midlands Smile Centres, we offer Enlighten tooth whitening, a system that incorporates whitening gel and specially made, close-fitting trays that are to be filled with the gel and worn on your teeth overnight. These trays need to be worn for two weeks to produce the cosmetic results that are important to you.

Another method we use to help those with stained/yellow teeth is airflow treatment. Similar in some ways to a scale and polish, MSC's airflow utilises a pressurised jet of water, air and sodium bicarbonate to clean your teeth. The airflow jet will polish your teeth as well. Also able to clear your teeth of plaque and reach into periodontal pockets, our airflow treatment can reduce tooth sensitivity and does not include chemicals so it won't cause any irritation or burning.

General Pain And Emergency Dentistry

There are various causes of dental pain, and all of them are likely to make you consider getting a dentists appointment soon. If you are experiencing some form of dental pain and it does not cease following 30 minutes after taking pain relief and brushing and flossing teeth, then you should contact MSC on our Emergency Treatment number- 07960344510. (You do not need to be an MSC patient to access our emergency dental treatment.)

However, pain is not the only reason that you should contact MSC straight away.

Here are some other reasons that you should get in touch with us immediately:

-A broken crown. This could lead to eventual tooth loss.

-A broken tooth or filling. This can result in eventual tooth loss.

-A lump on your gum line that is next to the root of your tooth. This could be an abscess.

-A tooth that has been knocked out.

-A lost tooth. Without treatment, the wound in your gum is at risk of infection, abscesses and other problems.

-A loose or partially dislodged tooth. Our dentist may be capable of reinserting it.

Get in touch with MSC today to see how we can help you!!

The Most Noticeable Improvements You Can Make To Your Smile

 With our lives being so busy and sometimes frantic, it is easy to overlook your general dental health. This may not immediately cause noticeable pain, tooth decay or gum problems. Often the most noticeable result of neglecting good dental habits, such as brushing, flossing, chewing gum and avoiding snacking on sugary food, is a decline in the appearance of your smile. This is something you will probably first notice in photos rather than the mirror. You may then start avoiding showing your teeth when smiling, this will obviously impact your confidence levels and enjoyment at social gatherings. In most cases, any confidence lost due to smile related problems can be addressed by a dentist. That’s where we may be able to help you.

Midlands Smile Centres Smile Services

At MSC we have a team of highly skilled dentists who can address nearly any dental issues. We also have a great track-record with cosmetic smile improvement. Watch Chris’s story below to discover how Dr Joshi from Selly Oak MSC helped restore his confidence, so he could smile on camera. 

Treatment options

There are a range of reasons why people become unhappy with their smile. One of the most common is cosmetic appearance. The treatments for this are normally referred to as cosmetic dentistry. The alignment of your teeth may be the source of your concern. Do you have a “better side”? Sometimes this is due to teeth protruding or recessing more noticeably on one side than the other. An orthodontic dentist will be able to prescribe a course of treatment for this. You can read more about orthodontic dentistry below. Another common reason for people to be unhappy with their smile is missing teeth. Teeth can be lost though tooth decay, gum decease or facial injury, such as sporting incidents. Treatment for missing teeth would be undertaken by a restorative dentist, sometime referred to as a Dental Implant Specialist. Midlands Smile Centres have dentists who have experience in all of these areas of dentistry. You can read more about these dental treatments below. 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Here you will find a selection of treatment types to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Each with their own individual benefits, the cosmetic dentistry offered through MSC is certain to give your smile the little lift that you may feel it needs.

• Veneers: These are thin layers of tooth-coloured material. Usually made of porcelain, they can be placed over discoloured, irregular, damaged, decayed or misaligned teeth. 
• Tooth Whitening: Heighten the whiteness of your teeth by opting for one of our take-home whitening kits. These kits include trays made especially for you based on moulds taken from your teeth. These trays can then be filled with whitening gel and worn until the desired effect is achieved.
• Airflow: Our airflow treatment utilises a jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate to enhance your smile. This jet is great for giving your teeth a thorough clean and is capable of removing plaque build-up and staining.
• White Fillings: Able to provide you with the function that you would expect from fillings, MSC white fillings are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to grey amalgam fillings. This means they are ideal for those who are self-conscious about their fillings being noticeable.
• Gold Services: Here at Midlands Smile Centres, our range of gold services, including- Gold Implants, Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design, Gold Inlays and Gold Veneers- may be just the thing you’re looking for to add extra visual impact to your smile.   

Orthodontics

Our orthodontics here at MSC are divided into four categories: Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, Invisalign and Six Months Smiles. Addressing the problem of crooked, crowded or irregular teeth, these different types of orthodontics work in slightly different ways to help you achieve all-round better teeth.

• Damon Braces: Utilising an inventive form of technology, Damon Braces function by shifting teeth gently and naturally into the required position. Similar in appearance to traditional braces, the Damon braces mechanism is faster-acting. Plus, compared to traditional braces, Damon Braces work more smoothly and more comfortably.  
• Lingual Braces: These braces consist of wires and brackets that exert consistent amounts of gentle pressure in order to manoeuvre the teeth into the desired place. There are similarities between Lingual Braces and traditional braces. However, because Lingual Braces sit behind the teeth rather than in front, they are hidden and less conspicuous to the eye.
• Invisalign: Transparent and subtle-looking, Invisalign are a prime option for those looking for orthodontics that are hard to notice from the outside. Making use of removable, see-through aligners that are created specifically for you, Invisalign utilises optimum contemporary technology and are able to move your teeth at a gradual pace.
• Six Months Smiles: Tooth-coloured and discrete, Six Months Smiles are a comfortable-to-wear way of improving your dental health. Able to produce the intended results in as little as six months, this form of orthodontics moves teeth gradually.         

Dental Implants

If you have any missing teeth, dental implants from MSC may be worth considering. Generally viewed as effective and versatile, dental implants consist of a false tooth and a titanium supporting rod which is placed into the jawbone. Our no-scalpel method means that, through the use of X-ray imaging, the dentist will map precisely where to place the implant before it is inserted directly into the gum without a scalpel incision. It is important to seek a dentist with a long history of successful implant procedures and not simply use the cheapest provider. As some of our dentists have 30 years’ experience of successful implant procedures, we are the place to go to for dental implants. Consequently, swelling, pain and bleeding are all reduced. In as little as three months, the procedure can be complete.

In addition, we also offer Denture Implants and Implant Supported Bridges. 

Don’t continue to put yourself last.

You may have a dental issue you would like to get addressed, but somehow other priorities just keep getting in the way, a car, a family holiday, Christmas presents? How long have you been putting it off? Is it time to take action now? If the cost of the treatment is the biggest reason for the delay, we may be able to assist with our pay monthly finance plan. Don’t keep putting yourself last. Contact your local dentist in Birmingham and make the next set of holiday photos ones that you will treasure for a long time.

The Importance of Check-Ups at the Dentist

It is advisable to take check-ups at the dentist’s seriously for a variety of reasons. Although this may sound like stating the obvious, it is surprising to learn the number of potential benefits to be gained from a dental check-up that can be overlooked. Continue reading to discover what is involved in dental check-ups and how they can benefit you.

What Is Involved With A Dental Check-Up?

• Warning signs of serious problems with your teeth can be detected, increasing the chances of prompt and successful treatment.

• The examination of the overall health of your teeth.

• The checking of the condition of your gums.

• Gives the opportunity for any plaque or tartar to be removed by your dentist. This is especially worthwhile as gum disease and cavities are caused by plaque and tartar.

• The chance to get advice on the best ways to brush and floss your teeth.

• The chance to ask questions and receive guidance in reference to diet, smoking and drinking.

• The opportunity to ask about any problems with your teeth that you have discovered since your previous check-up.

Further Help We Can Offer You

As it has been pointed out, a dental check-up can highlight problems that will require further help from your dentist. If it is discovered that you do require further help, Midlands Smiles Centres can provide assistance. There are a number of possible issues with your teeth that you may be suffering from, and here are some examples of the types of treatment that we, at Midlands Smile Centres can provide to help alleviate these possible problems.

Types Of Dental Treatment

• Orthodontic Treatment: 

This is the treatment that is used to correct crooked or crowded teeth. Orthodontic treatment works by moving your teeth into a comfortable position and it does this by using braces. There are four types of braces available: Traditional braces, Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Months Smiles.

• Oral Surgery (Extractions): 

A check-up may reveal that an extraction is necessary. An example of this is in instances where you have wisdom teeth coming through and causing you discomfort.

• Hygienist Treatment: 

A visit to the hygienist will allow you to receive a professional clean for your teeth, commonly known as a scale and polish. Visiting the hygienist is a sure way to help you combat the risk of tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease.

• Fillings: 

Depending on what is required, one of three types of filling/restoration will be offered to you as a means of repairing decayed or damaged teeth. The three types of filling/restoration are- Amalgam Fillings/Metal Fillings, Composite Fillings/White Filling, Dental Restorations (More complex, possibly blending composite, amalgam, porcelain and cement).

*An important note:  Make sure that you get in touch with your dentist in the event that you     experience difficulties with your teeth between dental check-ups.

Contact Your Local Practice Today

Choose Midlands Smiles Centres for your dental check-ups and rely on us to help make sure that your teeth and gums stay in the best possible health. Contact MSC today to find out how we can assist you.