Restorative Dentistry

Removing amalgam fillings

Linda Cosmetics Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry , , , 0 Comment
Removing amalgam fillings

Dental amalgam is a cost effective and popular filling material that has been used in dentistry for over a hundred years. Amalgam is an alloy made up of silver, tin, mercury, zinc and copper. When the mixture has set, these metals bond permanently and harden. Amalgam has been clinically proven to be bio-safe despite ongoing concerns about the release of mercury into the body.

The main advantages of amalgam fillings are durability, resistance and strength. They may not look that attractive but on the upside, amalgam fillings can last well over 10 years and can withstand strong chewing and grinding forces, especially on your back teeth.

Amalgam is also very effective for large cavities below the gum line. While the alloy is pliable, it can be pushed and compacted deep into the prepared cavity.

TC-dental-group-Amalgam-Filling

Should amalgam fillings be replaced or removed?

There is no conclusive clinical evidence that amalgam fillings can cause health problems unless you have specific metal allergies. In that case, you wouldn’t have been recommended an amalgam filling treatment in the first place.

If there isn’t a good reason to remove a sound amalgam filling, then removal is not usually recommended. Removing good amalgams is a safe procedure but trace amounts of mercury may be released, and the healthy parts of your tooth may be affected unnecessarily in the process. The preparation and restoration process alone may remove and weaken your existing tooth structure more than simply leaving the existing filling undisturbed.

However, there are situations were removing or replacing amalgam fillings is still preferred or even necessary.

Reasons for removal or replacement include:

  • Appearance. Amalgams have a silver colour that doesn’t match the natural shade of your teeth. When you open your mouth too wide as you speak or laugh, these fillings are very visible. This can be a big issue for a lot of people. Solution? Have your amalgams removed and replaced with composite resin fillings which can be colour-matched perfectly to your surrounding teeth. They are just as strong but may need to be replaced after five years. If you prefer to keep your amalgam filling, you can also elect to have a dental onlay applied to mask it.
  • Worn or broken amalgam fillings. Amalgams may be long lasting but they can wear out and break. And as with any type of filling, bacteria and decay may develop beneath a filling. Your dentist should spot any potential problems early at your regular check up, and give you advice concerning the best time to replace or restore your amalgams.

If you are concerned about your amalgams, or would like more information about getting your amalgams removed or restored, call our friendly staff to book a consultation on (07) 3349 9334.

Invisalign® – the invisible teeth straightening solution

Linda Restorative Dentistry , , , ,
Invisalign® – the invisible teeth straightening solution

Invisalign® is a clear and removable alternative to braces that can help adults, teens and kids to transform their smiles – while maintaining good oral health and an active lifestyle at the same time.

With Invisalign® clear aligners, you have the freedom to take out your aligners for eating, cleaning your teeth and attending special occasions. When you’re done, you just pop them back in. At any other time, when you are wearing Invisalign® “crystal clear” aligners, most people won’t even notice because they are almost invisible!

TC Dental Invisalign®teeth straightening

You won’t even notice that you are wearing them because Invisalign clear aligners straighten your teeth without any irritation or discomfort.

Getting your teeth aligned correctly with Invisalign is a proven way to improve your smile and confidence. But did you know that there are important oral health benefits from straightening your teeth?

The most common oral health reason to straighten misaligned teeth is to correct a “bad bite”. Crooked or crowded teeth can cause chewing and digestive problems, headaches, chronic pain and TMD (temporomandibular disorder).

Invisalign® is suitable for most cases of teeth misalignment. In cases of more complex teeth-straightening issues, such as large gaps and rotated teeth, you may be referred to an orthodontist. However, research has shown that up to 80% of all adults are suitable candidates for using aligners.

If you are planning to have veneers, then straightening your teeth first can contribute to a better result. The aligners move your teeth into their ideal positions before veneers are applied. This means that there is minimal veneer preparation involved, and less weakening of your teeth in the process.

For a big, beautiful smile, Invisalign® invisible aligners do all the work for you – without you or anyone else noticing. Invisalign® patients experience better periodontal health, comfort, convenience and satisfaction during treatment compared to fixed wired braces.

For more information about Invisalign clear aligners, or if you would like to book a consultation with one of our Invisalign®-trained dentists, call TC Dental today on (07) 3349 9334

Be careful what you eat this Christmas – for teeth’s sake!

Linda Restorative Dentistry
Be careful what you eat this Christmas – for teeth’s sake!

Christmas is almost upon us again, and Australian kids and adults are experts at Christmas snacking over the holiday period. Chocolate, cake, chips, Xmas pudding, custard, endless bowls of sweets – you name it, we munch it. We feast like kings and queens – but for our teeth and gums, it is an entirely different experience.

In fact, for them, the holiday period is more like holiday hell.

TC dental group eathing sake oral healthThere are heaps of healthy foods that are beneficial to our oral health. Unfortunately, a lot of traditional Christmas snacks and beverages don’t fit into this category. As it happens, they are the reason why the Xmas/New Year holiday period is probably the worst time of the year for our teeth.

Snacks that are high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, such as iced donuts, fruit mince pies and cakes, are the perfect food supply for billions of pathogenic oral bacteria in our mouths. And the more snacks we consume, the more food residue builds up on our teeth.

It’s when we take a break from snacking to watch TV that the fun really starts. That’s because it’s low tide, and the oral bacteria can feast on the food residue trapped in the nooks and crannies of our teeth – and start reproducing very quickly.

In just a few hours, the entire population of bacterial microbes on your teeth, tongue and cheeks can double in number, forming huge bacterial plaque colonies. If these bacteria are left undisturbed for 24 hours because you forgot to brush and floss your teeth – then you’ve got a bacteria population explosion.

You can even see it growing on your teeth in the mirror. It’s that whitish sticky fuzz – on your teeth, close to your gum line – that you can remove with your fingernail. It looks innocuous enough, when actually it’s a thriving plaque colony of living – and reproducing – microorganisms.

The main waste product of these developing plaque colonies is acid. Not just any acid, but a potent compound lactic acid that aggressively demineralises tooth enamel. It can start leeching out calcium from your tooth enamel within minutes – causing loss of enamel, tooth decay and cavity formation.

To make matters worse, it can take up to two hours for your saliva to neutralise this harmful acid because it is beneath dental plaque. The plaque acts as a protective cover preventing the bacterial acid from being diluted or washed away by saliva, food and beverages.

The only way to remove plaque is by brushing and flossing. For ultra-clean teeth, visit your dentist for a professional scale and clean.

Always remembers these teeth saving tips when eating and drinking over Christmas:

  1. Don’t graze on snacks or sip on sugary drinks. Consume in a timely fashion.
  2. Minimise the time sugars are present in your mouth. (E.g. avoid sucking lollies).
  3. Don’t forget your daily brush and floss routine. Look out for plaque build-ups. Keep your teeth clean and fresh, and stay hydrated when you are not eating.
  4. Don’t savour that lingering food-flavour after-taste. That’s actually the taste of trapped food residue on your teeth and tongue. At the very least, rinse your mouth with water to wash away food residue after snacking. Tooth picks and sugar-free gum can also assist.
  5. Moderation is key – eat when you are hungry. Avoid binge eating snack foods or sipping large quantities of sugary soft drinks.
  6. Try to make healthier food choices for snacks.

Eat healthy for a healthy mouth this Xmas!

FIRST AID for KIDS: Sports Injury / Dental Trauma

Linda Restorative Dentistry , , , , , , , ,
FIRST AID for KIDS: Sports Injury / Dental Trauma

If your child suffers a dental injury – it is a dental emergency.

There are 4 main types of teeth injuries:

  • Knocked-out (Alvulsed) teeth
  • Dislodged (Luxated) teeth
  • Chipped or fractured teeth
  • Root fractures

The causes of these teeth injuries range from falling over to accidents while playing sports. They can also occur when biting something hard.

All of these types of teeth injuries require prompt dental attention and treatment. Soft tissue trauma to your child’s mouth, gums or cheek may also need to be assessed and treated by a dentist.

In the case of a knocked-out tooth, take your child to your nearest dentist immediately. You can locate your nearest dentist by using the locator in the National Health Services Directory website. Your child’s tooth has the best chance of survival if a dentist can replant and stabilise it – within 30 minutes of being knocked out.

It is also important to remain calm and act quickly, when your child or student experiences a tooth injury.

Before jumping in the car, call the dentist for specific advice on how to handle your child’s dental emergency, if possible. There are steps you can take, that can influence the successful outcome of dental treatment and recovery.

If you have access to basic first aid supplies, you can also take immediate action to relieve your child of pain and discomfort, as well as to reduce any swelling or bleeding.

For knocked-out teeth:

  1. Locate the tooth, and handle it carefully by the crown to avoid further injury to the root.
  2. Rinse the tooth gently in clean water, without drying.
  3. Reinsert the tooth carefully into its socket.
  4. Instruct your child to keep their mouth closed and bite gently (or use a clean finger) to hold the tooth in place.
  5. If the tooth cannot be replanted, keep it moist. Do not allow it to dry out. You can store it in a sealed cup of milk, or instruct your child to keep the tooth between their gums and cheek – without swallowing it.
  6. See a dentist within 30 minutes if possible, though a tooth can be saved after an hour or more.

TC dental children missing teeth

For chipped or broken teeth:

  1. Collect all pieces of broken teeth.
  2. Instruct your child to rinse their mouth with clean, warm water.
  3. Call your dentist to schedule a visit, as soon as possible.

For soft tissue injury:

  • To stop bleeding, give your child a folded piece of cold, moist gauze. Instruct them to bite down gently on the gauze.
  • To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the affected cheek.
  • Administer a suitable dose of pain medication, such as Ibuprofen, if necessary.
  • Call your dentist to schedule a visit, as soon as possible.
  • Monitor your child for signs and symptoms of further swelling, increase of pain, fever and changes in tooth colour.

With the right emergency action, you can ensure the best outcome – when your child experiences a dental injury.

 

Let’s show we care on Daffodil Day 2016

Linda Restorative Dentistry , , , ,
Let’s show we care on Daffodil Day 2016

Daffodil Day will be held this year on Friday, 26 August. It is a day for all of us to show our support for people in our community who have been personally affected by cancer.

Over 2.8 million Australians have been diagnosed with cancer since 1986, when the first Daffodil Day event was held. There are many different types of cancer which can affect all parts of your body.

Oral cancer accounts for between 3 to 4 percent of all cancers that are diagnosed. On average, 7 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in Australia each day.

TC-dental-group-oral-cancer-daffodil-day-2016In 2016, Cancer Council are calling on all Australians to contribute on Daffodil Day to help fund cancer research, prevention programs and patient support services for people impacted by cancer.

For this year’s event, organisers are calling on Australians to dedicate a daffodil to a loved one.

Cancer Council Australia CEO, Prof. Sanchia Aranda, hopes this dedication can provide a more personal way for Australians to reflect on and support Daffodil Day. She would like all of us to recognise the everyday Australians that give the event its meaning.

Specially selected dedications will be on display at bright yellow pop-up stands across the country on Friday. You can dedicate a fresh daffodil or wear a pin for someone you care about.

But just in case you can’t drop by, you can still help – on your smart phone.

In a new initiative, Cancer Council has made donating as easy as sending a text message. In fact, that’s all you have to do – text “HOPE” to 1999 8877 and you have made a $5/SMS donation to help Cancer Council reach their fundraising goal of $9 million. You can also donate online at www.daffodilday.com.au

We can all wear a Daffodil pin to honour someone who has been affected by cancer, and to show we care.

To show your support, simply click the link below, or pop into our clinic on Friday with a gold coin donation for a fresh daffodil.

https://dedicate.daffodilday.com.au

Happy Daffodil Day from the team at TC Dental Group!

The pros and cons of Invisalign aligners

Linda Cosmetics Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry , , , , , , ,
The pros and cons of Invisalign aligners

When Invisalign clear aligners first came on the market in 1999, they offered an alternative to traditional metal braces. They were hailed as a big advance in modern dental orthodontics.

To this day, Invisalign continues to grow in popularity all over the world. Independent academic research has proven the benefits of Invisalign- for a patient’s emotional and physical well-being during teeth-straightening treatment.

Benefits of Invisalign

  • Looks better – Invisalign aligners are transparent and discreet. Patients are less self-conscious when wearing them.
  • Prevents plaque and oral infection – Invisalign aligners are removable. This makes normal oral care (incl. brushing and flossing) far easier and more effective than cleaning teeth while wearing fixed metal braces.
  • Gentler on your teeth roots – Invisalign treatment realigns your teeth roots with less torque than metal braces. This gradual shift causes less damage to your teeth root structures (Resorption), which means stronger teeth.
  • More comfortable to wear – Invisalign aligners are changed fortnightly so each alignment step is more gradual and less painful than traditional braces. There are also no metal wires or brackets poking and pressing against the inside of your mouth. Invisalign aligners are strong and flexible, causing less cheek and gum irritation.
  • Made from FDA-approved, medical-grade, material-safe and allergy-free plastic polymers
  • Comparable in price to braces – Treatment costs can vary, depending on individual needs. Your Invisalign provider, government tax rebates and health fund membership may largely offset treatment costs also.
  • Utilises 3D scanning and imaging – Before your aligner trays are fabricated, your dentist can manipulate your “virtual” teeth on a computer and show you a preview of the final results. No surprises!

TC dental group InvisalignThe benefits of Invisalign are clear. But they aren’t suitable for everyone. Before deciding on Invisalign as a treatment, you will need to consult your dentist to determine if you can benefit from Invisalign treatment.

Limitations and disadvantages of Invisalign

  • Maintaining treatment requirements – Removing your Invisalign aligners for eating and tooth brushing is a plus. But forgetting to re-insert your aligner trays, and not clocking up the requirement of wearing them 22 hrs per day, can result in treatment failure. Using Invisalign aligners requires self-discipline.
  • Cleaning – Not only do you have to brush and floss your teeth, you have to clean your aligners also. Otherwise, the oral health benefits of Invisalign are compromised.
  • Not suitable for all orthodontic conditions – Invisalign can’t treat all cases of malocclusion. Specialised orthodontic braces may be required for overbites, cross-bites, severe crowding of teeth, rotated teeth, single tooth adjustments and shifting teeth vertically.
  • Treatment times may be longer – Traditional braces can be a faster treatment. But when your teeth are being repositioned permanently, it pays to adjust them more gradually, to prevent tooth and root resorption.

So, there are quite a few factors to consider, if you’re comparing Invisalign with other teeth-straightening treatments.

To make an informed decision, we can help you. Just book a consultation with one of our dentists at either of our TC Dental clinics in Mt. Gravatt or Annerley. We are certified Invisalign providers. For any questions, please call us on 07 3848 1574 or 07 3349 9334.