Smile Dentistry

Smile dentistry encompasses a range of cosmetic treatments designed to improve the look of your smile. These may be as simple as removing staining, whitening fillings or hiding damaged teeth. There isn't a compelling health reason for undergoing these procedures; having them done is dependent solely on how you feel about your teeth and how they look.

What Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Solve:

1. Stained or Yellow Teeth

Stained or yellow teeth can be a result of several dietary or other habits. Drinking coffee, wine or eating strongly coloured foods such as curry spices and berries, or acidic foods such as oranges can contribute to staining of the teeth. Smoking is also a common reason why teeth become yellow or stained. This staining effect is exacerbated if the natural enamel on your teeth is already weak.

You may feel that your teeth are yellow or stained, and this may cause you distress. You may feel less confident about smiling or showing your teeth in the manner that you wish you could.

Tooth Whitening treatment is a form of Smile Dentistry that can help with stained teeth. At MSC we provide tooth whitening in the form of a tooth whitening kit. Firstly, your suitability for this treatment will be ascertained by one of our dentists. Then trays made specifically for your teeth and jaw will be created. After that you will wear the trays filled with whitening gel for a few hours every day until you are satisfied with the colour of your teeth. 

2. Dull Grey or Dark fillings

Traditionally patients were given fillings by dentists that were composed of a metallic-looking material. These metallic-looking fillings were grey in colour and not especially appealing to the eye. They can cause a person to look older, or less healthy. This less-than-attractive appearance can make those who have these fillings feel self-conscious about laughing or smiling. They may even feel that their fillings are a hindrance to them achieving the perfect smile.

White Fillings are a form of Smile Dentistry that offer a cosmetic alternative to more old-fashioned grey fillings. White fillings offer a more natural, attractive appearance than traditional fillings, and they are also just as strong as grey fillings. At MSC, our highly experienced dentists will be happy to replace any grey fillings you may have for new, natural looking, white fillings.

3. Discoloured Teeth

Some people may have certain teeth that are not the colour they are supposed to be. When individual teeth are discoloured they stand-out from the rest of the teeth in a person's mouth. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment or awkwardness for the person affected, bringing about a desire to hide their smile from others. 

The problem of discoloured teeth involves dealing with individual teeth instead of a whole set of teeth. Therefore, in this case, tooth whitening treatment is not the solution. 

In this case, we would recommend Veneers. Veneers are thin layers of material. They are usually made out of porcelain and are placed over the discoloured tooth to hide its imperfection. The difference a veneer can make is a very profound one, and often surprising. It is sure to elevate the standard of your smile.

4. Damaged Teeth

Teeth can become damaged in all sorts of different ways. Sometimes, the damage is as minimal as chipping. However, for those who have suffered this dental damage, the imperfection may be discomforting, damaging their smile and their self-confidence.

Again, veneers are what we would recommend here. With that thin layer of porcelain to cover the tooth, the flaw will be hidden from view and you can relax knowing that your smile looks just as it should. With the use of Veneers, the cosmetic improvement to your smile can be easily achieved.

5. Missing teeth 

This is a frequent occurrence in Britain and it is common for our dentists to see this on a daily basis. A missing tooth commonly causes a reduction of self confidence in a person, damaging their overall self esteem. A Dental Implant is a fantastic way to regain your smile and confidence. This treatment ensures a more pleasing and natural look to your smile.  

The Smile That You Want

Achieving the smile that you want, unquestionably depends on taking care of your teeth well. However, there are times when a little outside help or adjustment can also be appropriate and you may choose to have cosmetic or smile dentistry treatment. Whatever you are hoping to achieve with your smile, Midland Smile Centres' team of expertly skilled dentists will listen to you, assist you and help you reach the results you are looking for.

More About Midlands Smiles Centres

Midlands Smile Centres are based in several different locations around Birmingham including Sheldon and Selly Oak. Our practices are conveniently located and, to enable our patients to receive the treatments they want without excessive financial restrictions. Our Smile Plan spreads out the costs of the dental treatments you opt for, making them more affordable for you. Our commitment to continued professional development, means that all of our dentists attend training regularly in order to learn about the latest dental treatment methods and dental instrumentation, so that you are given the most up-to-date standard of dental care.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we can do for you!

Your questions about Dental Implants in Birmingham Answered

Dental Implants are a relativity new area of dentistry. There are several different types of dental implants. Whilst some people may only need a single tooth replacing, others may need a group of two or three substitute teeth, and still others may require a full set of new teeth. 

In this article we explore different types of dental implants, including what they are and when they are used, as well as some frequently asked questions. 

Denture Implants - implants for the whole mouth

What Are They?

Denture Implants are a fixed alternative to standard traditional dentures. They are made up of screws or titanium cylinders which are implanted directly into the gum, to which extensions are attached, followed by your custom-made new teeth.

Why Have Denture Implants?

•  a sensible solution for those that have lost their teeth
•  comparable to traditional removable dentures, but vastly superior
•  secure because they are fixed to the jawbone
•  designed to look and function in the same manner that natural teeth do
•  long-lasting
• reduces jawbone shrinkage in response to the loss of teeth
• comfortable and stable because they are secured inside your jawbone, meaning that you can chew and bite all manner of food types

The Procedure

Firstly your dentist will access whether your jaw is suitable for implants. 

Next they will take moulds of mouth to ensure that the new teeth will most closely reflect your own original teeth. 

Then the screws or titanium cylinders are attached to the jawbone.

For the next 2 – 6 months, the jaw is left to settle so that the bone can grow around the implants, bonding with them to create a stable foundation. A temporary denture will be provided by to be worn over the implants during this period.

When the bone has settled around the implants, the extensions are attached. At this point another couple of weeks of healing time will be required. There are a variety of different extensions with different connections for fitting the new teeth: some can be clipped to a bar, some will be snapped on or off a round ball anchor, others are simply fastened down.

Finally, the full-set of custom-made teeth is fixed to the implants, ready for use as you normally would. Initially, you may feel slightly strange when you use them, but their natural quality means that you will quickly get used to them.

All patients are different, but at Midlands Smile Centres, the approach we take to your teeth can be perfectly tailored to suit you.

Implant Supported Bridges

What Are They?

Bridges are false teeth that are used to replace one or more teeth in a row. 

Traditional bridges use the surrounding healthy teeth as supports for the false tooth and the false teeth are  permanently fixed to those teeth. 

Implant supported bridges, however, are supported by an implant. This is a titanium rod, which is embedded directly into the jaw bone, meaning that the false teeth are fixed into the jawbone. 

Why Have Implant Supported Bridges?

In order to place a traditional bridge, the neighbouring teeth must be filed down, so that a support - or "bridge" - can be created from one tooth to another, supporting the false tooth in between. This causes unnecessary damage to the neighbouring teeth. 

Implant supported bridges, on the other hand, are not supported by neighbouring teeth, but by an implant. This means that they do not cause damage to any of the neighbouring teeth in your mouth.

Having an implant supported bridge placed means that you can continue to use your teeth as normal. 

They are much-less damaging to healthy teeth than standard bridges.

They boast greater durability than ordinary bridges, being capable of lasting for the entirety of your life, whereas ordinary bridges may need to be replaced after 10 -15 years.

They are well-suited to those that clench or grind their teeth.

The Procedure

Initially, the dentist will access you in order to ascertain whether or not your mouth is suitable for Implant Supported Bridges. 

If it is deemed that your mouth is suitable for this treatment, a dental impression will subsequently be taken. This gives us the opportunity to pair the correct style and type of implants with your mouth.

Next, the implants will be inserted into the jawbone. After which, they will be left for a number of months to give them time to fuse to the jawbone.

Once this period is complete, the implants will be checked. If the implants have seated properly, your new teeth will be fitted.

Dental Implants in Birmingham

What Are They?

Dental Implants are a combination of a false tooth and a supporting titanium rod. The titanium supporting rod goes into your gum to take the place of the root of your tooth, while the false tooth is visible on top, blending in with your other teeth due to its natural appearance.

Why Have Dental Implants?

•  an effective and superior solution for missing teeth
•  restores the charm to your smile
•  all-round confidence-booster
•  improved speech due to gaps in teeth now being filled
•  renewed pleasure in eating

The Procedure

The first step of the process is for the dentist to access whether or not your gums are in the healthy state necessary for them to undergo the Dental Implant procedure. Once the dentist has confirmed that your gums are right for Dental Implants, the procedure can begin.

The dentist will take moulds of your teeth to make sure that the new teeth are perfectly designed to fit your mouth.  

Next they will use X-ray imaging to precisely locate where in your gum the implant should be placed.

The dentist will insert the implant straight into the gum using the No-Scalpel method and allowed it to settle. 

When the implant has settled fully into it's proper place in the bone, a natural looking crown will be attached to the implant, thus completing your dental implant. 

Now you will be able to eat and drink as normal. 

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

FAQs

“I Don't Want Bridges Again, What Can I Do?”

Implant Support Bridges are an ideal alternative to bridges. This is because Implant Supported Bridges cause less damage to your normal teeth, and they last longer, too. Once in place, Implant Supported Bridges can last for the rest of your life.

“I Need to Replace Missing Teeth But Need a Reliable Provider. What Do I Do?”

Midlands Smile Centres are here for you. MSC are staffed by an expert team of highly skilled, experienced dentists ready to provide you with Denture Implant, Implant Supported Bridges, Dental Implants or a number of other treatments.

  

“Is There Anything Better For Me Than Removable Dentures?”

Denture Implants! Denture Implants are attached to your jawbone and are therefore more secure and more comfortable than Removable Dentures.

They can also reduce the shrinking of your jawbone.

“Will These Types of Treatment Be Costly?”

Midlands Smile Centres boast treatment prices that are suitable for a whole range of budgets. To learn more, you can contact our specialist dental implant practices on the following numbers:

Kings Heath: 0121 444 1928

Selly Oak: 0121 414 1551

“I Need Dentures, But Don't Want to Change My Eating Habits. What Can I Do?”

Consider having Denture Implants instead. Then you won't need to worry about what you eat. This is because Denture Implants are more stable than ordinary dentures, which is due to the fact that they are fixed to your jawbone. Choose Denture Implants and enjoy the freedom of being able to bite into any type of food you choose.

  

Contact MSC now to find out what we can do for you.

The Road To A Beautiful Smile

With 2018 now upon us, it is a great time to give a thought to the overall standard of your teeth. Your dental health is very important, but it can be easy to not give your teeth the attention they deserve. Sometimes this is a result of being busy and having to deal with all of the other things that go on in life. So it's a good idea to use the beginning of the year as an opportunity to ensure that the health of your teeth is at a good standard, and to start getting into good habits when it comes to keeping your dental health at a good standard.

Ongoing/Persistent Dental Problems

2018 could be the perfect opportunity to finally get the treatment for your teeth that you have been avoiding for some time. Here at MSC, our team of highly qualified, highly skilled dentists are able to assist with a whole range of dental problems. Explore the range of services that we offer here at Midlands Smile Centres that can help give you a healthy smile. 

If your dental problem is crowded, crooked or irregular teeth we can help...

Midlands Smile Centres provide a range of orthodontic treatments that are designed to help alleviate the problem of crowded, crooked or irregular teeth. These treatment types include: Damon Braces which quickly manoeuvrer teeth by utilising gentle pressure, Lingual Braces which are not dissimilar to traditional braces and shift teeth using light force, Invisalign Braces which are transparent in their appearance and move teeth at a gradual pace, and Six months Smiles which are a tooth-coloured brace to correct teeth in an average time frame of between 4-9 months.

If your dental problem is a missing tooth, we can help...

MSC are capable of giving you an expert dental implant procedure that will replace your missing teeth. The different types of treatment for this dental problem include: Dental Implants, which consist of a false tooth and a titanium rod inserted directly into the gum; Denture Implants, which are available as either fixed or removable dentures that use dental implants fitted to the jawbone; Implant Supported Bridges, which are given the support they need by dental implants.

If your dental problem is a tooth that is damaged or severely damaged, we can help...

MSC can provide you with a crown. Crowns are artificial caps that are placed over the remaining part of a tooth, imbuing it with strength and returning to it a natural tooth shape.

Smile Dentistry

You might also be worried about the appearance of your teeth. After all, studies have shown that people make their initial judgement of someone almost in the blink of an eye. Having a bright smile really goes a long way towards making that first meeting count. If you'd like a bright smile to make a great impression, you may wish to begin looking into Smile Dentistry at MSC. Smile Dentistry encompasses the broad selection of cosmetic treatments that are available at our various Birmingham practices.

Discover MSC's cosmetic treatments below:

• White Fillings: A much more appealing alternative to grey amalgam fillings, white fillings are a simple yet effective cosmetic improvement to your teeth. MSC's white fillings maintains the function, but eliminate the potential of feeling awkward about smiling or laughing that having metal fillings can cause.

• Tooth Whitening: Another way to achieve whiter teeth, our Enlighten Tooth Whitening system is sure to create the look you want for your teeth. This form of treatment begins with the creation of specially made close fitting trays for your mouth. Next, these trays are filled with whitening gel that is given to you and these trays are then to be worn overnight for two weeks. Finally, a visit to the dentist for your last treatment will be required. Safe and highly effective, this is a superb option for better looking teeth.

• Veneers: Are you concerned about irregular teeth inside your mouth? Whether you have teeth that are damaged, decayed or discoloured, veneers can help to rectify the issue, leading to the kind of smile you're looking for. They are simply thin layers of material -usually porcelain- that are placed over the top of teeth. They are tooth-coloured and are a straightforward method for enhancing your teeth's appearance.

• Airflow: A pressurised jet of air,water and sodium bicarbonate, our airflow treatment is designed to offer you a thorough, efficient clean. This helps to remove the build-up of plaque and staining, leaving you with brighter, healthier looking teeth as a result.

• Gold Services: Here at Midlands Smiles Centres, we are able to provide a range of gold services that bring a bold visual touch to your smile. Our gold services include- Gold Implants, Gold Crowns/Custom Crown Design, Gold Inlays, Gold Veneers. All are intended to introduce a striking charm to your teeth.

Now's the Time

Whether it's work you know is needed on your teeth, or changes you know you want made to your teeth, we can help you. Midlands Smile Centres boast a superbly skilled team of dentists with extensive experience that are able to carry-out the types of treatment that you are seeking. Its 2018; it's time you got the smile you want.

20 Dental Tips: The DOs and DONT's

1) DO → Floss

Flossing is something that you should definitely do on a regular basis. The reason we recommend it so highly is that it removes the particles of food from your teeth that general brushing usually cannot. Extracting these pieces of whatever it is that you've consumed is so beneficial because it helps to remove plaque.

2) DO → Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is available in many different varieties these days. The general advantage that mouthwash offers is that it is able to get to the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush isn't capable of, helping your teeth to stay cleaner and to reduce the risk of plaque build-up. It is widely advised that you leave some time after brushing before you use your mouthwash each day, so that the fluoride in the toothpaste has a chance to work. Mouthwash will leave you with fresher breath, too.

3) DON'T → Use Teeth as Tools

Whilst it may sometimes seem easier and more convenient to hold things or open things with your teeth, it is not an idea that is recommended. By doing this you actually run the risk of causing damage to your teeth.

4) DO → Drink Water/Rinsing your Mouth with Water

We often hear that drinking water is a real boost to our overall health. However, it is very advantageous to your dental health, too. If you drink water promptly after finishing a meal and rinse your mouth with it as you do, you will dislodge any pieces of food left clinging to your teeth.

5) DON'T → Eat Too Many High-Sugar Foods

Certain types of food have a high-sugar content. We all know the kinds of thing that are heavy in sugar, and many of them taste delicious. Nonetheless, it is wise to eat these tasty things in moderation. Some sweet treats, like lollipops and caramel, are particularly detrimental to good dental health.

6) DO → Brush Regularly

Twice a day is the general advice given pertaining to daily teeth brushing, however, an extra session of brushing, or at least brushing following each of your meals, may be a better approach to take for better teeth all-round.

7) DON'T → Drink Too Many High-Sugar Drinks

There can be a large amount of sugar inside drinks, too. So it's always sensible to give some thought to what you're sipping on and how this will affect your teeth. The acidity of drink is also a problem for your teeth. So while a drink like cola is not great for your teeth, neither is red wine.

8) DO → Use an Electric Toothbrush

This is an excellent alternative to the standard manual toothbrush. The electric toothbrush is able to give a consistently thorough clean around each of your teeth, unlike a manual toothbrush, which gives an insufficient clean. The electric toothbrush, due to its small head, is able to reach difficult areas of your mouth, too.

9) DON'T → Use Low-Cost Providers for Procedures Like Dental Implants

A very specific yet very useful tip, low-cost providers for dental implant procedures are not recommended. It is crucial that you find a dentist with an extensive record of successful dental implant procedures. Midlands Smile Centres, for example, have over 25 years of experience in performing these procedures with successful results.

10) DO → Brush Your Tongue

There is no denying that brushing your tongue can make breath fresher and give you a cleaner, nicer overall feeling in your mouth after brushing. What may be less well-known, is that brushing your tongue actually decreases the number of bacteria inside your mouth. As a result of this, your teeth will be better off as well.

11) DON'T → Use the Same Toothbrush for Too Long

For electric toothbrushes, the head of the brush should be changed at regular intervals; the frequency of this change is usually once every three months. This is so that you are not using a head with worn-down bristles that are less successful at giving your teeth the kind of clean that they need. If you still have a manual toothbrush, then you should ensure that this is changed for a new one every three months as well.

12) DO → Use Sugar-free Gum

By chewing sugar-free gum you will increase the saliva inside your mouth, which helps to neutralise the acidity on your teeth. This means that sugar-free gum is useful after you have finished a meal. It can additionally help to free your teeth from any fragments of food that may still be clinging to them.

13) DON'T → Press Too Hard During Brushing

We all want to be thorough when we're brushing our teeth, but you should be cautious about applying too much pressure as you brush. Doing this can cause your teeth problems, such as gum damage.

14) DO → Increase Consumption of Foods Beneficial to Teeth

There are certain types of food that can actually enhance your dental health. Examples of these foods include cheese, strawberries and yoghurt. This may be worth bearing in mind in regards to your weekly diet and what you choose to buy when you go to the supermarket.

15) DO → Have Regular Dental Check-Ups

Vitally important, seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows your teeth to be checked for any issues that either require immediate attention and for your general dental health to be ascertained. There is also the possibility at dental check-ups, to ask any questions you might have, and for any issues with your teeth to be given expert attention before the problem worsens and becomes more severe.

16) DON'T → Rush your Brushing

Make time to brush your teeth properly. Life can be busy and it's easy to think you can just do a quick brush and rush off to the next thing. However, this often means that you miss parts of the mouth and teeth, leading to a build up of bacteria, plaque and acid in those areas. Rushing and not being careful can also lead to careless mistakes, such as slipping and damaging your teeth or gums.

17) DO → Have Necessary Treatments

This may sound obvious, but having the dental treatments you have been advised to have is crucial to keeping your teeth healthy. It is easy to delay having procedures done, or easy to forget about them. Whatever the obstacle, it's definitely not good to delay the treatment you have been told is important to your dental health.

18) DON'T → Ignore Dental Problems

For whatever reason - lack of time, nervousness - it is possible to ignore dental problems that you have become aware of. You may not think these problems are that severe, or you may be under the impression that you can cope, perhaps by relying on occasional painkillers. This is not helpful, however, because the issue you have noticed may be part of a larger, more serious dental difficulty. Failing to respond quickly to issues with your teeth can result in more extreme dental complications later on.

19) DO → Wait an Hour after Eating before Brushing

Giving yourself an hour between finishing your meal and giving your teeth a brush is something worth thinking about. Brushing your teeth too soon can damage your teeth's enamel.

20) DO → Choose your Brush Carefully

There is currently a wide selection of toothbrushes available in the shops. Take your time to browse through the options. You might find that certain types are more suitable for your teeth, and some types less so. Those who have chosen the more efficient option of purchasing an electric toothbrush will also discover a variety of head types, each with their own specific advantages to you.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

There are many people that have concerns about their image. Looking the part and fitting in have become a very important part of society. For some people, this can be the way they dress, the way they have their hair cut and their physical image. However, a growth in dental aesthetic has risen in recent years, with more people than ever looking to whiten and straighten their teeth in order to finally have the smile that they have always desired. One method that has become increasingly popular is dental implants, due to its ability to restore a smile back to its former glory. But what are dental implants, and how do they help? Both of these questions and more will be answered in this brief look into dental implants, and how they could change the way you think about your smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are used to fill gaps in from lost or damaged teeth. This involves a titanium screw that is inserted into the gum and then fixed in place, and a cap placed over the top. This cap is coloured and shaped to look like your teeth. This helps to not only improve the look of the smile, but to help a person eat properly and without discomfort. This has made dental implants one of the most popular dental procedures that are available today.

What is the Procedure?

The first step is an assessment. This is done to analyse your teeth and gums to see if they are suitable for a dental implant. If the assessment is successful you can begin the treatment. During your appointment, a titanium metal screw will be inserted into the gum and then be secured in place. Once this step has been completed a cap can be placed onto the titanium rod. This cap, or crown as it is more commonly referred to, is normally tooth coloured. Other types of crowns are available upon request, including gold.  

What are the Alternatives?

There are a number of alternatives to dental implants, such as bridges, dentures and crowns. Bridges are false teeth that are secured onto the natural teeth adjacent to a gap left by a missing tooth. Dentures are false teeth that are clipped onto the teeth adjacent to the gap. Bridges are preferred over dentures when there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are on one side of your mouth. A crown is an artificial cap that is fitted over the remaining part of a tooth, or onto a titanium rod used with dental implants.

What is the Impact?

Dental implants can have a dramatic affect on a person’s self-confidence. Not to mention the ease of eating that comes with a dental implant. Most patients report that eating is both easier and more comfortable after having their dental implant. Dental implants can give a smile a very natural look, which is something highly desired in this day and age. This can result in a bright, confident smile.

What about the negative impacts? You’ll be glad to hear that there aren’t many downsides to a dental implant. For a short time after having your dental implant fitted, you may find that area in your mouth sore and tender. This is normal, and should pass over time. Make sure you do your best to not agitate the area around the dental implant, both with your tongue and when you eat. This could cause your recovery to take longer. Something else to consider when having a dental implant is that you’ll have to take care of it, just like your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups. If you don’t you could find you experience problems with your dental implant in the future.

Where to find Dental Implants in Birmingham?

There are a number of providers in the Birmingham area, Midlands Smile Centres have one of the most experienced and successful dental implant teams. Some of our dentists have over 25 years’ experience with the dental implant procedure. Our team can provide the very top level of care before, during and after your procedure. MSC has placed well over 5,000 dental implant procedures, you can take a look at what one of our happy customers thought about our service in this video about dental implants

Another reason to choose MSC is that we can make dental implants affordable using our payment plan. We understand that the implant treatment is not within everyone’s budget, which is why we offer a payment plan. This helps you to stretch the cost over several months, making the treatment a little more affordable.

Head to our website, you’ll be able to find our more about dental implants and our payment plans, and you can book your first free consultation for dental implants.

A Comprehensive Guide to Dental Implants

Edit: Thank you for your interest in this blog. We have revised this guide in order to make it the best source of information for dental implants at MSC, second only to our website. We hope this helps you make an informed decision for your smile. 

Dental implants are often considered by many people at some stage in their life. Having a smile to be proud of is something that many people desire.

Dental implants are used to fill the gaps in your smile, this is often due to lost or damaged teeth that need to be removed. They are a great way to increase a person’s self-confidence with their smile.

This treatment offers a variety of benefits. The first of which is providing patients with a natural look, helping to dramatically increase self-confidence in the individual. It also offers more obvious benefits including a restored joy of eating and full function of the teeth. For many, there is a real fear of the dentist, and a procedure such as this can seem like a daunting task that you would rather avoid. At MSC, however, we look to ensure all our patients feel comfortable and relaxed, no matter the problem. Our dental implant specialists will discuss the entire process with you, ensuring that every one of your questions is answered.

More About Dental Implants

A dental implant can grant a more confident smile, whilst offering an alternative to a damaged or missing tooth. This provides a more natural look with increased comfort. Additionally, their durability makes them as robust as normal teeth meaning they are a good investment for the future. Alongside dental implants, MSC also provides implant support bridges and support dentures. These treatments are more likely to be used when there are multiple teeth missing. They have all the benefits of dental implants including their natural look and durability.

At Midlands Smile Centres, we are fully aware that the cost of dental work can be expensive. Because of this, MSC offers finance options on any treatment that exceeds £500. The finance term can be anywhere from 12 to 60 months. This ensures that all our patients can afford the treatment they require. If dental implants are something that you feel could be the right path for you than the next step is to book an appointment and talk to a dental implant specialist at MSC.

During your appointment, you’ll be able to discuss the options that are available to you and decide with your dentist which would suit you best. It is important that you ask any questions you may have throughout the process, this will help to put you at ease and stay relaxed.

At Midlands Smile Centres we pride ourselves on our highly qualified and experienced staff. We have over 29 years of experience with dental implants, which means you will always be in safe hands. Our dental implant specialists can be found at both our Selly Oak and Kings Heath practices in the Birmingham area.

Caring For Your Dental Implant

After you’ve had your implant treatment, there are still some important steps to take, caring for your implant is as important as looking after the rest of your teeth. Not looking after your new dental implant could cause you to experience the same problem as before. Just like looking after your normal teeth, if you don’t look after your implants, you be at risk of losing them. Read on to find out how to look after your implant properly.

After completing treatment, the surrounding area and the implant itself will be fragile and will need time to fully heal and set, during this time it is important to ensure that you do not agitate or aggravate the implant.

It is important to monitor your new implant, during the early stages you will see swelling and some possible bruising. This is common for this procedure and should not cause you any stress or worry, but you should see this slowly disappear. It is also good practice to try and eat using the opposite side of your mouth and avoid any hard chewing, again to help reduce any agitation to the new implant. Finally, try and avoid touching the implant or surrounding area with your tongue.

As many people will tell you, after having a dental implant, you will experience some swelling and pain, this is not something that should worry you and is very common. There are several ways in which you can reduce the pain and discomfort, one of which is painkillers. Painkillers will help to subdue the pain (not completely) for a period of time. It is important, however, do not take more than the suggested daily limit. A second method for helping the recovery process is using an ice pack. Without being overly firm, place a cold ice pack against your cheek, next to the implant. This should help to reduce swelling and pain. If the pain and swelling persist or become worse as time goes on, be sure to contact or visit your local Midlands Smile Centres.

The better you look after your implant and the cleaner you keep it the more likely it is for your implant to be a success, even though the new implant is sensitive at the beginning, you must still try and keep it clean. During the first few days continue to brush the remainder of your mouth while avoiding the new implant. After the initial swelling has subsided and the pain has dramatically reduced, you can begin to clean your implant, but of course be careful to not apply too much pressure or focus on it for too long.

Other ways to maintain a clean and healthy dental implant include washing your mouth with warm and salty water. This can be used as a mouthwash and is used to help clean hard to reach spots. This will help to speed up the recovery process. Be careful to not use boiling or very hot water, as this could cause you to burn your mouth, not to mention being even more painful on a sensitive implant.

Finally, one other simple method to speed up your recovery is simply ensuring a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to maintain a healthy diet with a mixture of all food groups. Completing daily exercise will also influence your recovery period. Make sure you regularly drink water, about 6 eight-ounce glasses a day, this should be done using a straw to avoid any movement that could cause bleeding.

The Different Types of Dental Implants

Single Dental Implants

Single Dental Implants are a comfortable way to replace missing teeth. They are natural in their appearance, plus they are versatile.

Single Dental Implants are made-up of two parts: a natural-looking false tooth and a titanium supporting rod. The supporting titanium rod replaces the root of the tooth and is placed into the jawbone, while the false tooth remains visible on top.

In terms of the procedure, here at MSC, we utilise a 'no scalpel' dental implant technique. This means that instead of a scalpel incision, our dentists use X-ray imaging to locate the precise place of the implant, before placing it directly into the gum. As a result, swelling, bleeding and pain are all reduced. Healing time is reduced as well. In some cases, the procedure can be completed in as little as three months and two visits.

Implanted Bridges

Implanted Bridges work in a similar way to traditional bridges. They consist of false teeth to fill the gaps you may have in your mouth due to having lost teeth. However, in contrast to traditional bridges, they make use of implants for support instead of nearby healthy teeth.

Implanted Bridges can fill the gap you may have in your teeth, increasing the possibility of improved alignment of your teeth and reduced shrinkage of your jaw. They will also help to restore the aesthetic charm to your smile.

In addition, due to this type of bridge being supported by implants rather than neighbouring healthy teeth, damage to your natural teeth will be reduced. Furthermore, implanted bridges are more durable than standard bridges, being able to last the entirety of your life if properly positioned and looked after.

Denture Implants

Denture Implants are another solution to the problem of having missing teeth. They are able to overcome one of the main issues linked to removable dentures which were the fact that they would move. Denture Implants involve the use of implants fixed to the jawbone making them stable, giving you the freedom to eat exactly as you wish. Furthermore, Denture Implants will feel comfortable and look natural. Alongside these benefits, Denture Implants are durable as well as long-lasting.

In terms of the procedure for Denture Implants at MSC, your dentist will check to see whether your jaw and mouth are suitable for Denture Implants. If your mouth and jaw are deemed to be suitable, X-rays of your mouth will be taken. This is done to determine the optimum place for the implants to go.

Next, a mould of your mouth will be taken, helping to ensure a perfect fit for the new teeth. Then, the implants which are titanium screws or cylinders, are attached to the jawbone. These implants act as the “roots” of your teeth.

After a period of between two and six months in which the bone will heal around the implants, a temporary denture will be provided for you to wear. Once the implants are healed and established, the extensions are attached, necessitating a further two-week healing period. There are varying types of extensions available, and some dental implants combine the root with the extension allowing for an immediate fitting of your new teeth after the initial healing period. The most appropriate system for you will be discussed at your initial consultation.

Lastly, the custom-made set of teeth are fixed to the implants. You can use your new set of teeth straight away; you may feel that a period of adjustment is needed, but you will soon become accustomed to your new teeth.

Gold Implants

Gold Implants at MSC offer a similar kind of function to that which is offered by ordinary implants, whilst giving your smile an additional visual boost at the same time.

Made-up of a titanium implant and a gold alloy false tooth that consists of such materials as copper, palladium and silver; gold implants at MSC are both strong and functional. The titanium implant is attached to the jawbone, making it irremovable, and the gold tooth part of this treatment remains visible on top.

As a result of the implant being fixed into the jawbone, our gold implants do not produce a strain on the surrounding teeth. The gold alloy that makes-up the false tooth in gold implants is also durable, meaning that gold implants are a suitable choice for your back teeth (molars) due to the fact that the majority of the chewing of food is done by these teeth.

What To Do Next

We hope that this guide has helped to inform you about dental implants and how to best look after them. If you are looking for a dental implant or feel you would like some more information, contact your local Midlands Smile Centres where we can book you in for a free consultation.