These days, many of our orthodontists treat more adult patients than children and teenagers. One of the most popular treatment options is Invisalign, which uses virtually invisible plastic aligners to move your teeth into position. If your orthodontist recommends braces as the best treatment option for you, there are different types that are very discreet so won’t affect your appearance.

Absolutely! In fact, the earlier the better as that way an orthodontist can identify potential problems and plan for treatment. UK health guidelines recommend every child has an orthodontic assessment between the ages of 7 and 11 while their teeth and jaws are still developing. This may result in them receiving preliminary treatment to avoid orthodontic problems later on, but more often than not it allows for both the child and parents, as well as the orthodontist, to prepare for treatment if need be.

No, orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, although at various stages throughout your treatment you may experience some discomfort. This is usually around the time you have your braces tightened or you are given your next set of aligners. This discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol.

This is very dependent on the type of treatment you require. Some people may only need six months of treatment, but for most people it can usually take 1 to 2 years.

All orthodontists are dentists who have embarked on 2 to 3 years of postgraduate study to specialise in orthodontics. Your general dentist will help you to maintain good oral hygiene, carry out fillings etc but will usually refer you to an orthodontist for more substantial work, like the fitting of braces.

Orthodontics is an arm of dentistry that focuses specifically on correcting teeth and jaw irregularities and improving their function. This usually involves fitting an orthodontic appliance to ensure alignment of the teeth.

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.

Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled; keeping the tooth healthy and strong. White Fillings, also known as composites are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, flouride is has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity. Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning. The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

Hale Bowdon Dental pride themselves on the level of service we offer our patients. We have a professional and experienced team of dentists, hygienists and nurses who provide a caring and sympathetic service in a comfortable, relaxed and welcoming environment.
We welcome nervous patients and will ensure your needs are catered for and any concerns you may have are considered during your treatments.
Sedation services are also available on request.

There are several ways in today’s Dental World to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include: Tooth Whitening, Bonding, Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

Dental Implants are a consideration to replace missing teeth providing you are a suitable candidate. You would need a consultation with the dentist to assess suitability.

The single most important benefit of root canal therapy is that you keep your tooth. Extraction may lead to other dental problems. For instance, drifting of teeth, bite problems, TMJ discomfort, and the need to treat adjacent teeth that do not otherwise need dental treatment in order to restore the missing tooth. No matter how effective modern tooth replacements are – and they can be very effective – nothing is a good as your natural tooth.

With modern techniques and varied local anesthetic solutions it is rare to have any sensation in the tooth during treatment. For the first few days after treatment, It is normal for your tooth to be sensitive to biting. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications in order to control normal post-treatment discomfort.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
Discomfort when chewing or biting
Dull ache or severe pain
Discomfort that wakes you up at night
Your dentist has diagnosed the need for endodontic treatment either by clinical exam or x-ray
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might very well need a root canal. Please call and schedule for an evaluation.

Be aware not all teeth that are in need of root canal therapy will cause pain. It is possible to be pain-free and still need a root canal.

ROOT CANAL is a lay persons’ term for endodontic therapy or root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp (aka “nerve”) inside the tooth becomes irreversibly damaged or infected. This irreversible damage is a result of combined injuries that occur over the life of the tooth (decay, trauma, multiple restorations). Root canal therapy is the removal of the entire pulp throughout the root canal system (a tooth can have several roots and a canal or two within those roots), the cleaning and shaping of the canal system, and filling the canals with a polyester synthetic root canal filling and a dental sealer.

A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the Dental Implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.

With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis. What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve? The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 – 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant. The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain. You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.

Fees from Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.