Dental Treatments: Teeth Straightening To Paediatric Dentistry

By Author: Shakeel Shahdad
Total Articles: 68
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From preventative care and dealing with aches and pains to cosmetic treatment, everyone needs a trip to the dentist once in a while. Here are three ways your dentist can help you achieve a dazzling smile.

Many people have misaligned teeth to some degree. While this is often hereditary, it can also be caused by behaviour we pick up as infants, such as thumb sucking, and can worsen through habits like nail biting or lip chewing in later life.

The three most popular methods of teeth straightening are braces, aligners and dental veneers. Braces are composed of brackets attached to the teeth, connected by a thin wire which is tightened to gradually exert pressure and align the teeth.

Braces are an extremely effective method for teeth straightening but are also quite noticeable. Invisible or clear braces, otherwise known as ‘aligners’, are a less noticeable alternative.
Aligners are removable sheaths manufactured to fit your teeth exactly. Each set of teeth straightening aligners is replaced every ...
... two weeks to gradually move your teeth into position.

Dental veneers are a third method of teeth straightening and are a quick and easy way of improving your smile.

TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, refers to disorders with the muscles that connect the lower jaw to the skull. Problems in this area can cause lock jaw, problems biting, ear pain, headaches, neck pain and jaw clicking when biting.

TMJ treatment helps relieve pain and restore the jaw to its normal functioning. Some TMJ treatment methods are simple and can be undertaken at home, such as relaxation.
For chronic, persistent disorders, TMJ treatments can include stress management or cognitive behavioural therapy to aid relaxation and break old habits.

A common TMJ treatment uses splints or bite plates – clear appliances that fit between the upper and lower teeth to prevent grinding and clenching. Splits are a temporary measure of TMJ treatment and do not cause permanent changes in the jaw.

Paediatric dentistry concentrates on improving the oral health of infants, children and adolescents, specialising on the areas of dentistry than are unique to children. Dentists in this field are trained to help make children feel as comfortable as possible when they need dental care.

Paediatric dentistry can often focus on preventative care, including education and communication as well as physical treatment to help prevent disorders that might occur later in life. Generally, those specialising in paediatric dentistry undergo further training specific to this field once they qualify.

This is because, even more so than adult dentistry, paediatric dentistry covers a broad set of skills, particularly around communication. Children may be fearful of regular dental practitioners, or have particular special needs.

About Us

Specialist Dental Services is a private dental care service in London’s West End. Our experienced Consultants offer services from simple fillings to dental implants, orthodontics, cosmetic makeovers and specialist children’s dentistry. Our team of NHS Consultants have undergone extensive specialist training and Royal College examinations in the UK. Find out more at http://www.specialistdentalservices.com.