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.

The Importance of Check-Ups at the Dentist

Dental check-ups are a crucial part of keeping your teeth healthy and free of pain and infection.  Although this may sound like stating the obvious, it is extremely important and highly advised to have regular check-ups at the dentist and to take them seriously for many reasons. There are numerous potential benefits to be gained from a regular dental check-up that can be easily overlooked. Scroll down and continue reading to discover what is involved in a dental check-up and how they can benefit you.

Why should you have regular Dental Check-Ups?

• To detect potential warning signs of serious problems with your teeth, increasing the chances of quick and successful treatment.
• The overall health of your teeth can be examined and maintained.
• Your gums can be checked, ensuring that they are in good, healthy condition.
• To prevent the build-up of plaque or tartar, by having them removed by your dentist, leaving you with a great smooth finish. This is especially worthwhile as gum disease and cavities are caused by plaque and tartar.
• To be given advice on the best ways to brush and floss your teeth.
• To have a space for asking questions and receiving guidance with regards to diet, smoking and drinking.
• To have the opportunity to ask your dentist about any problems with your teeth that you have discovered since your previous check-up, maintaining a healthy and up-to date knowledge of your teeth, gums and general health.

Further Help We Can Offer You

A dental check-up can help you discover problems early on and can also highlight potential problems before they become serious. Midlands Smiles Centres can then help to support and provide the necessary assistance and follow up that you will need. As mentioned earlier, a dental check-up can help to discover problems that will require further help from your dentist, before it’s too late. There are several possible issues with your teeth that you may be suffering from; listed below are some examples of the types of treatment that we offer here at Midlands Smile Centres, aimed at alleviating these potential problems.

Types of Dental Treatment

Orthodontic Treatment: 

This treatment is used to correct and straighten crooked or crowded teeth. By using braces, Orthodontic treatment focuses on moving your teeth into a comfortable position over time. There are four types of braces available: Traditional braces, Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Months Smiles. All of the above offer the desired effects, but are dependent on the severity and type of problem along with your own personal preference.

Oral Surgery(Extractions): 

A check-up may reveal that an extraction is necessary. Extractions may be needed due to severe crowding in the mouth, a corroded tooth, or wisdom teeth causing you discomfort. Though they can be a longer procedure, causing aching and initial discomfort, extractions provide the space needed to best reach the desired effect of teeth straightening and reducing overall aching and pain due to crowding and infection.

Hygienist Treatment: 

Over time, your teeth develop plaque and can feel quite rough. A visit to the hygienist will allow you to receive a professional clean for your teeth, commonly known as a scale and polish. This will leave your teeth feeling smooth and free of any roughness on the inside and outside of the teeth surface. Additionally, by visiting the hygienist regularly, you have a better chance at preventing tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease. The Hygienist will encourage you to receive extra treatment if you do develop any of these problems, preventing them from getting any worse.

Fillings: 

As a means of repairing decayed or damaged teeth, one of three types of filling/restoration will be offered to you, depending on the nature of the problem. The types of filling/restoration that we provide are: Amalgam Fillings/Metal Fillings, Composite Fillings/White Filling, and Dental Restorations, which are more complex and can include blending composite, amalgam, porcelain and cement fillings, depending on the problem. These fillings are all capped at different prices, due to the materials used and are a great way to fix decayed or damaged teeth before they are past the point of fixing, which would then result in the need for an extraction.

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. 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 MSC today to find out how we can assist you.

Quick Solutions to Your Dental Problems by MSC

There are times when we decide we need to improve our teeth, and times when there is simply no avoiding having dental work carried-out. However, the regular schedules and routines at the centre of our lives get in the way. In this blog, we take a look at the kind of treatments are available with MSC that won’t place huge demands on your time.

Orthodontic Treatment

Six Months Smiles

As the name of this orthodontic treatment would imply, having your teeth corrected through this procedure can leave you with the results you want within half a year. The Six Months Smiles treatment at MSC will take between 4 and 9 months on average. Not only is Six Months Smiles quick and effective, it is great for those that are slightly apprehensive about how braces will make them look. The reason for this is that Six Months Smiles are tooth-coloured, allowing them to blend-in with your other teeth and making them more pleasing to the eye as part of your overall smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an impressive form of orthodontic treatment. An advanced form of braces, Invisalign should give you better teeth in a minimum of 6 months. Invisalign is used to address such dental problems as crooked or misaligned teeth and its effectiveness is based on the creation of removable aligners that move your teeth comfortably and gradually into the desired position. What’s more, because these removable aligners are transparent, they will be aesthetically pleasing, hopefully making you feel less conscious wearing them.

Cosmetic Treatment

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is a great method of improving the appearance of your teeth, giving you a shining white smile. Here at MSC, we can offer you Enlighten Tooth Whitening which will combat the staining and discolouration on your teeth, making your teeth look whiter by up to 16 shades. The success rate with this treatment is very high, and in just two weeks via the use of whitening gel and close-fitting trays made especially for you, you will see the improvement that you want in your smile.

We also provide Pola Whitening. Pola Whitening can alter your teeth’s whiteness for the better in just a day. One of the most popular tooth whitening treatments in the UK, Pola Whitening works simply through the patient applying a whitening gel to their teeth. Once applied, the whitening gel breaks down into oxygen and water ions. The oxygen ions become attached to the enamel and react with the stain molecules, breaking them down and making them colourless, before the saliva in your mouth removes them completely.

Airflow

Another speedy cosmetic treatment which is sure to heighten the glow of your smile, MSC airflow treatment is similar to a scale and polish yet is much more efficient. MSC airflow treatment revolves around the use of a pressurised blast of water, air and sodium bicarbonate. This blast is directed at the teeth through a nozzle, clearing-away plaque build-up and reducing staining. Not only does this airflow jet improve the appearance of stained teeth, it also gives your teeth a thorough clean: it can reach between your teeth as well as up to 5mm into periodontal pockets.

Cost

For a full list of the costs for MSC treatments, please visit our website. Please note that we offer a Smile Plan, which can make your treatment more affordable.

Tackling Your Dental Problems

When it comes to finding dental treatment that can fit around the normal everyday routine of your life, MSC have the solution. Capable of alleviating dental issues relatively quickly, we at MSC are also able to rectify a variety of other problems you may have with your teeth. Take a look at our website and see how we can help you. Furthermore, if you ever find yourself in need of emergency dental treatment, we can also be contacted on 07960 344510. It is not necessary for you to be an MSC patient, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need emergency dental help.

Midlands Smile Centres- A Birmingham Dentist for You

MSC boasts a number of practices around Birmingham that are fully-equipped with an impressive standard of technology. Putting your needs and dignity as a patient first, Midlands Smile Centres are staffed by a team of exceptionally skilled and highly experienced dentists that are wholly capable of bringing your ideal smile to life. From orthodontics and hygienist treatment, to facial aesthetics and other cosmetic treatments, make MSC your first-choice for the dental work you want or need for better, healthier teeth.

Get in-touch with MSC today and discover what we can do 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 

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.