Invisible Braces

 

STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH THE CLEAR WAY – NO WIRES OR BRACES

 

Every day more and more people are straightening their teeth to enhance their smiles. Beautiful white, straight and healthy teeth show well-being and attractiveness and is a desire of each person. A beautiful smile and healthy teeth make you feel great and has a positive effect on one’s social and business life. Your teeth are your personal business card.  It’s not unusual for people with teeth irrgularities to refrain from smiling, because they are embarrassed by the looks of their teeth. 

Modern technology and advancement in orthodontic dentistry has now made it possible to comfortably straighten  your misaligned teeth without conventional wired braces.

 

“Invisible braces”

In-Line® and Invisalign® are the new modern and contemporary  systems that use removable transparent splints straighten teeth. The clear plastic splints or aligners fit comfortably over your  teeth and are designed to move and reposition teeth gradually into the desired position. The splints or aligners are custom made  through a combination of the dentist’s expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology. Each aligner is individually designed and manufactured with a computerized image of the patients teeth generated at the beginning of treatment  and determines the course of action for you to get the desired position  of the teeth you want. Aligners are made from a plastic material that is very thin and comfortable to wear. A typical treatment requires 20 to 30 aligners for both the upper and lower teeth. Most adults complete their treatment in less than one year. However, treatment time depends on the specific alignment problem. Each aligner is worn for 6 to 8 weeks, then replaced with the next one in the series. Aligners are similar to teeth whitening trays, except a lot more high tech. And yes, you can use your aligner  to whiten your teeth at the same time! Up close it’s really hard for people to tell you’re wearing an aligner and it does not affect your outer appearance. 

 

How do I know whether this system is suitable for me?

To use this system the eruption of the permanent teeth should be complete, which means it is suitable for patients of 15 years and older. Nearly all cosmetic orthodontic teeth corrections for adults can be treated successfully with this system.

The system is especially suited for cases where:

Teeth are overly crowded -  When there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to fit comfortably or normally.

Teeth are widely spaced - When there is too much space between the teeth due to abnormal growth of the jaw or shifting of the teeth due to missing teeth.

 

Overbite/over-jet - When the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth.

Cross-bite - When the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, causing one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, on either the front and/or sides of the mouth.

 

Mild relapse -  After traditional braces have been removed, when some relapsing tooth movement has occurred.

 

This system may not be appropriate for certain cases of misalignment or complex bite problems. Fixed orthodontic appliances (traditional wire and bracket braces) are  then indicated. Please contact your dentist to find out if this system is suitable for you.

 

What are the advantages of the In-Line® or Invisalign® treatment

Treatment is  undetectable

The aligners are virtually undetectable and they go unnoticed when speaking in social situations. Aligners can give you that beautiful smile by straightening your teeth without anyone knowing.

Aligners are removable

The best part is, other than being clear and out of site, is they are removable. You can remove the splints/aligners while eating, drinking or when you brush or floss your teeth.   This means you are not faced with any inconvenience in your daily life. Maybe your going on a special date with a special someone and you would rather go without for a few hours, that’s just fine, but don’t forget to put them back in when you get home!

Aligners are comfortable

Metal braces and wire with sharp edges, often cause oral inflammation, are no longer necessary.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of In-Line® or Invisalign® treatment is slightly more than that of traditional braces. However, your dentist can determine the actual cost of treatment because it will be based on your specific needs, including how extensive your dental problems are, how long your treatment will last, etc. Payment plans for financing treatment  may be available through your dentist’s office. Consult your medical aid policy to determine what orthodontic benefits you may qualify for.

Transparent  tooth liners/splints as alternative to the traditional method using braces and wires has transformed the way we straighten teeth. This break through has been sweeping the world and everyone is taking advantage of this new technology.  Imagine having straighter teeth in as little as 9 months without having to wear braces!
  Invisible aligners is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life. This treatment can give
you the smile you’ve always wanted without the braces you’ve always avoided.

CONSCIOUS SEDATION

 

CONSCIOUS SEDATION – TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF DENTISTRY

Finally , there is an option for patients who may be fearful or anxious about dentistry or simply do not have time for multiple appointments. If you are one of the millions of people who experience uncomfortable levels  of anxiety with a dental treatment, conscious sedation is the answer you have been looking for. Conscious sedation will make your dental visit, comfortable, relaxed, safe, and pain free experience. 

Conscious sedation has become popular for use in a variety of different settings and for different types of procedures.

Sedation dentistry is also referred to as sleep dentistry. It involves using a combination of sedative and pain relieving drugs to put the patient into a relaxed state. The patients level of comfort, sedation and vitals will be monitored by the anethetist with medical equipment so that the procedure is completely safe. No eating and drinking is allowed 4 hours prior to the appointment. The patient is not really asleep, but not completely awake either, but can respond to the dentists or anethetists commands. The patient will not remember anything afterwards. 

 

How can I benefit from conscious sedation?

Anxiety and fear factor

Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental treatment was anxiety or fear. Patients who are faced with a heightened level of fear or anxiety, or who require involved dental procedures (like root canals or surgical extraction’s) may elect to be sedated for their treatment.  Anxiety and fear are serious problems for many of us. People experience fear due to a variety of causes; the uncertainty of the future, work pressures, and relationship pressures are only a few of the things people fear on a day-to-day basis. What’s more, many suffer from anxiety over their health and are anxious about dental care. There are a great many people who fear visiting the dentist to such an extent that they forgo visiting completely, neglecting an important part of basic health care. The main reason for this is the thought of the pain of dental procedures that they may have to go through. So for these people, even something as painless as teeth whitening is ruled out. Dental treatment doesn’t have to be something that’s feared, and can be completely painless thanks to oral sedation dentistry. Conscious sedation allows the patient to be calm and drowsy while still in control.  

If you’ve been putting off years of dental work, “conscious sedation” dentistry will change your life. When it comes to eliminating pain and anxiety, no other technique comes close! 

 

Extended Appointments - Time Collapse Dentistry

A further benefit is that you can have all your dental care done in one relaxing appointment, and you will have little or no memory of the treatment. Patients who have extremely busy schedules and require multiple procedures may elect to be sedated for a single long appointment rather than multiple ones. Many patients with active careers or lifestyles have difficulty “finding the time” to undergo either routine dental care or treatments that require several sessions.

Business entrepreneurs or busy self employed patients enjoy the opportunities of having a special appointment set up to complete all needed treatments in only one, uninterrupted visit. Conscious sedation has the magical effect of collapsing the time dimension of treatment. With proper levels of monitored sedation a long appointment can seem like 15 minutes.

 

Reduced discomfort

Naturally, there are the additional benefits of experiencing minimal discomfort and effortless anxiety management. Patients who have experienced muscular discomforts with certain types of treatment (root canals, multiple fillings, posterior restorations) can usually expect the absence of these post-treatment discomforts. Sedation medications, for many patients, produce a level of muscle relaxation that can eliminate common discomforts associated with long appointments. 

 

What are the advantages of conscious sedation?

Recovery is quick 

Normal activity can usually be resumed within  4 hours after the operation. There is no postoperative complications like nausea and sore throat experienced with general anesthesia.

 

It is convenient 

Conscious sedation can be done in the dentist’s chair. These locations are often less intimidating than a theater to patients who are anxious.

 

It saves costs 

Conscious sedation cost much less than general anesthesia as theater and hospital fees are cut.

 

Less side-effects

 According to recent study, 96 percent of patients experience no side effects, like nausea and vomiting, which can be a common complaint after general anaesthesia.

 

It is safe

The patient’s level of consciousness, lung and heart function are all continually monitored with special equipment throughout the procedure to reduce possible risks and to ensure that your treatment is completely safe. Computer-controlled infusion pumps increase the accuracy and patients have complete control over breathing. The protective reflexes – coughing and swallowing – also remain intact and communication is possible.  Sedation dentistry allows a patient to be calm and drowsy while still remaining in control. 

 

Who can benefit from it?

People who have . . .

Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment

History of traumatic dental experiences 

Difficulty getting numb 

A bad gag reflex or difficulty opening their mouths

Very sensitive teeth 

Complex dental problems or a need for dental surgery

Limited time to complete dental care 

People who . . .

Hate needles 

Are in denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable

Have not received professional dental care in many years

Hate the noises, smells and taste associated with dental care 

Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Often make and then cancel dental appointments

Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrest

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Will I feel any pain?
No. You will feel nothing!

Will I be unconscious?
No, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will be responsive.

Will I be monitored?
 Yes, the anesthetists is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs and treatment time required.

Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you home again.

Practical considerations

If you consider having a procedure done under conscious sedation, discuss the possibility with your dentist or specialist. Many anesthesiologists around the country are trained to do it. You will also be asked to sign a document of informed consent beforehand, and given instructions as to pre- and postoperative care. Most medical aid schemes are keen to cover the procedures, as conscious sedation can be a less costly alternative to general anaesthesia. Contact your medical scheme beforehand to check with them.

Although it was first developed for use in dental procedures, conscious sedation is now widely used for many less invasive surgical procedures where local anesthetics are used, like cosmetic/plastic surgery; ear, nose and throat operations; endoscopic procedures, like gastroscopies and colonoscopies; interventional radiology; and in-vitro fertilization.

Conscious sedation promises a wholly comfortable and predicable dental experience. Because patients are comfortable, they are able to have more dental work completed in a single visit and  free from anxiety. Patients that have experienced sedation dentistry, will never be afraid to have dental work again.  If the thought of going to the dentist makes you uneasy, anxious, or physically sick then sedation dentistry can help.  Dr Hartshorne receives countless referrals from patients who have found their experience with conscious sedation to be positively life changing.

Gumlift

 

UPLIFT YOUR SMILE WITH A LASER GUMLIFT

 

In this busy socially adapted world we live in, it’s more and more a reality that people judge each other by their appearance. We only get one chance to make a good first impression. Are you embarrassed that too much gum is showing when you smile? Does this prevent you to smile? Is you gum line very uneven or receding? If so, then gum reshaping (or re-contouring) could easily resolve these problems for you. With technology revolutionizing the way we do dentistry, high end cosmetic dental procedures are now available to every day people, not just for the rich and famous. 

High tech at work for you

Cosmetic laser dentistry is a cutting-edge way to correct gum related cosmetic problems. It is also more difficult for a patient to maintain and manage oral health when excess gum tissue is present. 

An advanced diode laser is used to re-shape or re-sculpt excessive or uneven gums quickly and comfortably to meet the cosmetic needs of the patient. The laser is a special beam of light with which the gum line is gently sculpted or reshaped to get the ideal gum  line that will instantly create a more visually appealing smile. In most cases, you can take your smile from good to great in just one visit. 

Complications are rare, and at most a patient may experience minor tenderness and swelling for up to one week. The discomfort should be minimal however, and will not interfere with daily activities such as speaking, eating, or drinking.

 

What is a “gummy” or “horsey” smile

A “gummy or horsey smile” is one of the most common conditions treated by laser.  Your smile is made up of lips, teeth and gums. They should all be in harmony. Excess gum tissue can create the appearance of short teeth. This will give your mouth an imbalanced, gummy look and a smile that is more red than white.  A “gummy” or uneven smile can make your teeth seem almost secondary in appearance to your gums, making your teeth look short and unattractive. Sometimes, too, an uneven gum line can make your teeth seem slanted or unusually sized or shaped.    

With the ease and comfort of a laser, gums can be re-contoured to reveal a more appealing smile. Gum re-contouring is a safe, comfortable procedure. The dentist will first numb the gums with anesthetic. Then, with a laser, he or she will gently re-shape the gum line, sculpting excessive and uneven tissue away. It also immediately seals the tissue, helping the patient to heal faster and more comfortably. Lasers cauterize while they cut, which means less bleeding and a dramatically reduced chance of infection for patients. This procedure can be completed in a single office visit.

Sometimes all that may be required is to contour the gum tissue to a more esthetically balanced appearance. This is called a simple cosmetic gum lift. Of course, there are times when contouring the tissue alone is not enough. In those circumstances the bone at the front of the root may have to be reduced surgically.

 

What are the causes of a “gummy smile” or excess gum tissue?

The shape of the patient’s mouth can sometimes bare more of the gum tissue than is visible in the average person’s mouth. Although the excess gum tissue is normal and healthy, it will make your smile look abnormal.

Overgrowth of gum tissue can also be caused by irritation, medication, medical problems and bad habits such as grinding or bruxing of teeth. Overgrowth of gum tissue can also be caused by the irritation from braces during orthodontic treatment, in spite of proper oral hygiene.

Nasal or adenoid problems can lead a patient to breathe through the mouth, especially at night. This habit dries out the gum tissue, leaving it susceptible to disease and overgrowth.

Medication such Dylantin (anti-epileptic), used for seizures and Cyclosporine, an immuno-suppressant to prevent rejection of tissue grafts  or organ transplants, can also lead to gum tissue overgrowth.

Crown or  tooth lengthening

During cosmetic procedures the dentist often needs to correct the level of the gum before veneers or crowns are made. This procedure is called crown or tooth lengthening. Tooth lengthening is the dental equivalent to trimming cuticles. A periodontist or skilled cosmetic dentist shifts your gums to a position that reveals more of your teeth and less of your gums. 

Usually this procedure is done with a scalpel and sutures (especially if bone level needs to be adjusted as well), and takes six to eight weeks of healing before your veneers or crowns can be made. The gum around teeth can be reshaped and balanced quickly and painlessly with laser. 

How will laser surgery benefit me?

Accuracy

Laser surgery is a precise and effective way because it can treat a focus area.  Surgical lasers are more accurate than a scalpel, and allow the dentist to conserve as much soft tissue and bone as possible. 

Safety and Comfort

Laser surgery is seeked out by individuals looking for extreme safety and comfort. Because of the precise focus with the laser, damage to surrounding areas is greatly reduced. Because dental lasers use a high-energy light beam, blood loss is minimized by the lasers beam aiding in clotting of exposed blood vessels.
 Another benefit of the high-energy light beam is it sterilizes the area being worked on reducing bacterial infections. Soft tissue lasers are considered safe for both adults and children.

 

Gum reshaping can be done alone or in combination with other cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you have a gummy or uneven smile, a great option to enhance your smile may be laser gum re-contouring or “gum lift”. It’s a quick, easy, and painless way to recanter the shape of your gum line to enhance your smile. 

Laser treatment, the newest, most comfortable, and fastest healing of all the gum surgery options, is becoming a more and more popular dental procedure today and will continue to grow at a high rate in the future.

The Wand™

 

TAKING FEAR AND INJECTION PAIN AWAY WITH DENTAL WIZARDRY 

 

The WAND™ is a revolutionary  and exciting alternative to the traditional local anesthetic injection system, that will help you conquer anxiety, fear and pain. It doesn’t look like a syringe, it doesn’t hurt like a syringe, and it works better than a syringe. The WAND™ System represents the first major technological advance in anesthetic delivery since the syringe was first invented nearly one hundred fifty years ago.

The Wand™ is essentially a computer-controlled dental injection. The flow rate of the local anesthetic is controlled by a computer. This means that the injection is guaranteed to be slow and steady and therefore comfortable. 

 

Many patients who have had bad experiences with dental injections believe that needle insertion is what causes discomfort during an injection, when in fact most of the pain is caused by the flow of the anesthetic. When you get an injection, the needle is not what causes the main discomfort of an injection. Discomfort for most patients comes from the pressure and volume of the fluid going into the tissues. Most often, the sting was caused because the anesthetic was injected in too quickly. Obviously, it is possible for the dentist to control the speed with a standard syringe, but the idea of the Wand is to take out the “human error”. This can be very reassuring for people with previous bad experiences. 

The microprocessor inside The Wand™ automatically compensates for different tissue densities. The anesthetic is delivered at a constant pressure and volume that’s typically below the threshold of pain. The computer also provides a flow of anesthetic directly ahead of the needle. This numbs the site of insertion and develops a “pathway of anesthesia” so you hardly feel the needle at all. The Wand™ delivers the anesthetic at an optimal flow rate for a comfortable injection every time. 

 

Over 59% of patients fear anesthetic syringes according to a recent survey. Some patients get more anxious than others at the mere sight of a needle and syringe. The WAND™ doesn’t look like a traditional syringe, so the patient’s initial apprehension is minimized. The Wand™ uses a small hand piece that looks like  a pen. This system gives a supply of anesthetic in a slow comfortable manner.  Then during the actual injection the development of an anesthetic pathway combined with a computer controlled constant flow assures that there is minimal awareness that the injection is even being administrated. The combination of visual difference and painless performance makes for a much more positive overall experience. Even the youngest patient don’t mind the local anesthetic administered with The WAND™.

After just one experience with The WAND™, the patient’s fear and apprehension vanishes, leaving you relaxed and happy.

 

More effective anesthetic delivery

The Wand produces an injection with improved comfort over traditional 

techniques. Whether you get nervous about injections or not, the Wand™ allows a more predictably comfortable injection, especially in the more sensitive areas such as the palate or front of your mouth. It also allows the use of less anesthetic and at certain times, techniques that can be used to eliminate the collateral numbing of your face, tongue and lips. 

The lightweight pen-grasp handle results in improved tactile control of the needle placement allows the dentist to place the needle gently and more accurately with less discomfort for the patient. The computer inside the WAND provides a flow of anesthetic directly ahead of the needle. This numbs the site of insertion and develops a “pathway of anesthesia” so you hardly feel the needle at all.

Pain-free anesthetic delivery

The source of most discomfort for injections, however, isn’t the needle. It’s the flow and pressure of the anesthetic into the tissues of the mouth.    Unlike traditional syringes, the WAND delivers anesthetic at an optimal  computer controlled flow and pressure rate for a comfortable injection every time.  The Wand controlled flow rate results in an injection experience that has proven to be two to three times more comfortable than with a traditional syringe. 

 

Key Benefits:

Greater Comfort

Looks non-threatening

Reduces patient anxiety

More effective - Faster numbing onset and sensation recovery

Works like magic for children

More pleasant experience

 

A more pleasant dental experience

The WAND is an excellent example of advancement in dental technology   to help patients have a pleasant, positive dental experience. Patients who have experienced it are amazed how comfortable it truly is, and it works magic with children.

Dental Scan

 

JOURNEY TO ANOTHER DIMENTION BEYOND THE X-RAY

 

Mouth pain while eating or drinking affects millions of South Africans everyday. Sometimes, a simple X-ray or oral examination can uncover the source of that pain. But for others, the pain continues as dentists come up empty on answers. When an X-ray is taken, dentists can see inside the teeth and gums to reveal roots and bones. But those 2-D black and gray slides can have shadows, hiding potential answers to the source of mouth pain.

Unfortunately, some patients find it difficult to fit a traditional x-ray film in their mouths and will gag or have their mouths cut. Sometimes patients are unable to open their mouths sufficiently or the dentist is unable to access areas at the back of the mouth, so the dentist isn’t able to capture all of the information necessary to catch all potential problems.

 

Seeing the unseen

Advanced imaging technology has given the dentist the opportunity to journey beyond traditional x-rays and to be able to se the unseen. A dental scan is now available that provides an accurate 3D image of the mouth and teeth. The new dental scan takes thousands of slices of data images and puts it together in a 3-D format. The captured 3D images gives dentists a far greater picture of underlying tissues than previously seen with traditional X-ray images. 

 

What are the benefits of a dental scan for the patient?

Quick and efficient

It is a quick and easy process that produces the most anatomically accurate 3-D images of the mouth, face, and jaw one can get. Capturing the images takes only 40 seconds while the patient is sitting upright. Results are processed within five minutes, so the patient and dentist can find out what’s going on almost immediately. 

 

Comfort 

The open, sitting in a chair environment, makes taking a dental scan, easy and comfortable.

 

Safer

Research shows that this technology uses 10 times less radiation than a traditional medical CT scan, making it safer for the patient.

 

Accuracy
With a  3D dental scan, one can see nerve canals and available bone structure with no distortions for more exact treatment planning. After capturing the image, the dentist can scroll through different views, turning the image in any direction and taking precise measurements for applications such as virtual dental implant  placement visualization, bone density assessment, alveolar nerve identification and implant proximity detection.
 

Cone Beam technology offers the highest level of surgical predictability, which results in successful surgical outcomes for patients, and reduced surgery time. Dentists can manipulate the images generated by the machine by moving it from side to side, top to bottom, inside and out. It is accurate within a tenth of a millimeter. 

 

Lower cost

The scans are more expensive than traditional X-rays: X-rays cost R150 to R250 per film whereas a dental scan can cost between R500 to R1500 depending on how much information you need. The entire scan procedure has a lower patient cost than a medical CT.

The in-office location helps patients avoid multiple hospital visits and appointments. 

 

All-in-one visit

Within minutes of the scan patients receive an immediate virtual diagnosis and treatment plan from their dentist-all in one visit.

 

Better understanding

The 3-D images helps patients see and better understand the relationship between their problem, dental structure and their soft tissue or facial appearance.

 

Seeing unknown

Users of the system claim it has helped them find diseases and conditions well beyond their typical dentist appointment. Some dentists have found infections within the bone where there’s massive bone loss around the teeth where you couldn’t see and patients were complaining of pain. Others have found tumors in patients where they didn’t they had cancer.

There is no doubt about it that the dental scan is going to become the golden standard of care in the coming years.

Rubber Dam

 

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS A DENTAL CONDOM?

 

Needs for isolation of the oral working area are rather obvious. A tooth bathed in saliva and water, a tongue that insists on obstructing vision, and a patient that is gagging due to suction appliances and instruments in the mouth, are but a few of the obstacles that must be overcome before delicate and accurate workmanship is possible. 

In the interest of hygiene, safety, and quality, most dental procedures are carried out using a technique known as rubber dam isolation (also known as “ latex or dental dam”).  The placement of a rubber dam is considered the standard of care for all restorative and root canal procedures.

Some patients refer to it as an “oral condom”. The latex (rubber) dam is a piece of thin, stretchable, customized latex  or non-latex sheet that fits over the teeth selected for treatment and held by a clamp and frame to form a barrier between you and your teeth, in effect isolating the teeth being worked on.   

 

This technique is routinely used  to isolate teeth when bleaching, and  carrying out restorative (tooth fillings) work and root canal treatment. The advantages of using a rubber dam is well known and documented in the scientific evidence-based literature. These benefits include the following:

 

Patient comfort 

The protective cover enables the patient to feel more comfortable and relaxed during treatment as it distances them from the procedure being carried out.  Patients like latex dams and say they feel more comfortable and relaxed because they don’t have to concentrate on keeping their mouth open or positioning their tongue. Also, they do not feel that their mouth is invaded by hands, instruments, and liquids.

With the rubber dam in place you can swallow and breathe normally, without having to swallow water and dental debris from the dental procedure. 

 

Improves operating efficiency

Isolation creates better access and visibility in the working area.

Improves treatment quality

A rubber dam isolates the teeth or the operating field thus preventing moisture and saliva contaminating teeth. A clean and dry environment is a prerequisite for optimum bonding of dental adhesives and placing dental restorations successfully.

Protection and Safety

The patient is protected from swallowing or worse, the aspiration of small instruments, dental fragments or debris, irrigating solutions, or irritant substances. Your gums, tongue, lips, and cheek are protected from possible injury from the cutting action of rotating burs. 

It is an accepted safety practice to take precautions especially during root canal treatment,  to prevent aspiration or swallowing of instruments.

 

The use of a rubber dam is almost mandatory in modern endodontic practice for three reasons.

Firstly, it provides an aseptic operating field, isolating the tooth from oral and salivary contamination. It cannot be stressed enough that contamination of the root canal with saliva introduces new microorganisms to the root canal which may prolong treatment and reduce the prognosis or survival rate of the root canal treated tooth.

Secondly, rubber dam facilitates the use of the strong medicaments necessary to clean the root canal system.

Finally, it protects the patient from the inhalation or ingestion of root canal instruments.

 

Remember, the dentist who takes the extra time and effort to use latex dam is committed to attention to detail to give you the best quality and service and safety possible!