Looking after your dentures is just as important as looking after your teeth. After all, they can still fall prey to bacteria and plaque build-up, and introduce those things into your mouth. Your gums can also be affected by these risks, which could lead to problems down the line. So, today, our Lancaster dentists will talk about ways to care for your dentures and keep you smiling.

How should I clean my dentures?

Your dentures will need thorough and effective cleaning to stay looking their best and ensure you keep any bacteria and plaque at bay. This involves a few steps:

– Rinsing and removing after meals

– Brushing your dentures every day

– Soaking your dentures at night-time

– Cleaning your mouth after removing dentures

How do I rinse my dentures?

Tap water is fine for a quick rinse, and it helps to dislodge any food, bacteria and particles that might have collected over the day (or meal). Ensure you place your dentures in a case, cup or on a towel when removing them, as they’re fragile.

How do I brush my dentures?

You can use a soft toothbrush and denture cleanser to tackle any deposits. Don’t forget to clean the grooves that sit against your gums while you’re wearing them – adhesive can build up on these.

How do I soak my dentures?

Follow the instructions on the packet of denture solution, or talk to our Lancaster dentists for more advice. If dentures aren’t kept moist, they can lose their shape and become uncomfortable and ineffective to wear. It goes without saying, but ensure they’re thoroughly rinsed of solution before wearing them again. Some chemicals are harmful and can lead to burns, pain, irritation and sickness if ingested.

How do I clean my mouth?

A soft toothbrush can clean your cheeks, tongue and palate. You should take care to remove any denture adhesive too.

What should I avoid?

Don’t use abrasive products, toothpastes, bleaching agents and hot water.

What if my dentures become loose?

That’s what our Lancaster dentists are there for. Regular check-ups can prevent the issue from occurring. If you have loose dentures, you might develop irritation, sores and even infection, so it’s important to schedule a check-up if you’re concerned.

What should I do next?

If you haven’t seen yours recently, book in with our Lancaster dentists. We’d love to help you with all things oral health – including those dentures!

If your teeth are dull, stained, aged or generally lacklustre, professional teeth whitening treatment could be in order. Here’s why our Lancaster patients love to use our dental practice for a whiter, brighter smile – and why we’d recommend visiting an expert when you need that smile makeover.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening uses bleaching agents to lift the shade of your smile. It is safe and effective, with long-lasting results and minimal downtime. We can also use different methods to achieve your perfect result.

Why should I have treatment?

We think everyone should have a healthy, happy and bright smile. After all, a smile is often the thing others first notice about you, and people who smile easily are considered friendly and confident. White and bright teeth also look healthier and more youthful. In other words, there’s no reason to live with stained or yellow teeth any longer.

Who can carry out my treatment?

Only a trained dental professional, who is also licensed for treatment. Teeth whitening involves a prescription following a comprehensive assessment, so can’t be carried out by just anyone, or on just anyone, either. It’s why we boldly say: ‘teeth whitening should only be performed at the dentist’.

What happens during treatment?

We’ll always carry out a personal consultation to check if treatment is suitable for you. If it is (true in most cases), we’ll then explain your next steps. We can whiten your smile either at home or in-surgery. It all depends on your needs and budget.

What is at-home teeth whitening?

This is where we deliver special trays and gels to your home with full instructions. Just apply the gel to the tray, pop in your mouth for a couple of hours over a week or so, and see your smile come to life.

What about in-surgery treatment?

Teeth whitening in our Lancaster dental practice is just as easy. We use a special UV light to activate the agents in the gel and everything is carried out under the watchful eye of a dental professional.

How can I keep my teeth bright?

Watch out for staining foods, drinks and activities – anything from glasses of red wine to smoking cigarettes. Also, be sure to have whitening carried out before dental work like crowns, so these can be matched to your brightened smile.

What else do I need to know?

For questions, comments, bookings and more, speak to our Lancaster team and we’ll look forward to seeing you very soon.

At VIVA, we help patients living in and around Lancaster achieve healthy, happy smiles. Today, we’re focusing on the most common dental problems we see in our patients, and how to treat them. We’ll even offer advice on how to prevent them, if possible. Read on to find out more about this hot topic.

1. Tooth decay

Many leading dental bodies are concerned that there’s an increasing number of patients – especially younger ones – needing treatments like cavities and root canals. These are connected to your oral care routine, as if you’re not brushing and flossing as you should, our tooth enamel wears away and leaves us more susceptible to developing cavities. Once a cavity opens in the tooth, you’re then at risk of infection, too – which is where root canals come in.

To treat tooth decay, we can offer fillings and if needed, root canal (cleaning out the infected tooth before sealing it). Sometimes, the tooth may need extracting, but we do our best to avoid this if we can.

1. Gum disease

Sore gums, bleeding and redness in the area can all indicate gum disease. This is where bacteria gets into the pockets of the gums and attacks the tissue. Over time, the gums can recede, which makes teeth more likely to fall out.

Again, this is most likely linked to oral care – so step up the brushing and flossing and book in for a scale and polish too. However, smoking is also linked to gum disease and gum recession, so if you can, quit.

1. Chipped, cracked or damaged teeth

We put our smiles through a lot – whether it’s bad habits like chewing pens or crunching ice, or taking part in sports without the right protection. Our teeth are extremely strong, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t vulnerable to getting broken.

If your tooth does end up damaged, we may be able to save it through applying a porcelain crown. These are shaped, sized and colour-matched to your smile for a custom-made solution. In some cases, the tooth may need removing, but in these situations it’s possible a dental implant could be carried out to replace the lost tooth.

1. Misaligned teeth

Nobody has a perfectly straight smile, but some people find that the positioning of their teeth is impacting their mouth. It might be bite problems that are leading to pain or tooth wear; gaps or crowding which increase the likelihood of decay; or general crookedness, which also affects your oral health.

While there’s not much that can be done preventatively, adult braces could be a fantastic solution for problem smiles. These can give you impressive, long-term results while reducing the risk of future complications, like gum or tooth wear, or TMJ.

Book with our dentists today

If you’re in or around the Lancaster area, speak to our experts and see how we could help your smile.

Body image and teenagers have never been a happy combination. This is a time in your life when you’re learning to accept new adult ideas and develop an opinion about how others perceive you, not to mention explore concepts of self. All of this is going on, in most cases, from within a childlike body. It’s difficult, and the last thing you want to do is draw more attention to yourself while you figure out how you want to present yourself to the world.

As a parent, you are probably fully aware that your child is unwilling to consider ‘train-track’ fixed braces, but if they don’t have their crooked teeth straightened, they’re more likely to be embarrassed about their teeth in the longer term. Not to mention the fact that attractive smiles play a huge part in being recruited for new jobs, or considered for career promotion. Getting braces for your child is the right thing to do, even if you’re only doing it because you know straighter teeth will prevent them from being high risk candidates for tooth decay. But how are you going to convince them? With Invisalign braces, that’s how!

The advantages of Invisalign removable braces for teenagers

Invisalign braces are a relatively new concept in orthodontics. Instead of metal brackets being bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth to hold in the wire which will tighten periodically to shift your teeth into a straighter alignment, Invisalign braces look more like mouth guards. You will be supplied with two thin, transparent aligner trays, which will fit exactly over the upper and lower rows of teeth. The trays are custom made to ensure your comfort.

These trays; of which there will be several over the course of your treatment, will pull your teenager’s teeth into straighter alignment without being obviously visible. What’s more, when your young adult goes out with his or her friends to eat, they won’t even be wearing the trays. The braces will need to be removed before eating and before brushing.

That doesn’t mean your teenager will get the chance to avoid wearing them and risk you having the money spent on the treatment wasted, however. A blue dot indicator on the side of the trays will signal to you whether or not the braces have been worn for the recommended 20 hours in a 24 hour period or not.

Invisalign adult braces

Invisalign braces aren’t just for teenagers by the way. Their adult braces operate in exactly the same way and are just as discreet. They also provide the same benefits. They correct a wide variety of alignment and bite problems, giving you a more attractive smile.

The best way to find out more about these revolutionary alignment devices, which have been fitted on over 5 million people worldwide, is by giving our dental clinic a call to book yourself in for a consultation. Our dentist will examine your teeth with a view to assessing your, or your teenager’s, suitability. Get in touch today and it’s possible your smile could be transformed by the end of the year.

Do you have one, several or all your teeth missing? Then it could be time to think about treatment. At our dental practice based in Lancaster, we can help restore your smile to its former brilliance, giving you back your bite and chew – and even your quality of life once again.

Why do people lose their teeth?

There are lots of reasons. It might be an accident or injury that’s knocked them out. It might be the removal of a tooth due to issues like infection or decay. Or it might be that you have been missing some of the permanent adult teeth from birth (a condition called oligodontia). Whatever the cause, our Lancaster team is here to focus on the future – and treatment.

What’s so bad about missing teeth?

Sometimes, losing one tooth doesn’t pose too much of a problem – although it really depends on the location in your mouth. In most cases, though, it can affect your life, forcing you to hide your smile or avoid the foods you love. But on a medical level, it can actually cause issues for the future, such as teeth that spread and become gappy to fill those spaces, or even recession of the gum and jawbone underneath.

How do I replace one of my teeth?

Through a process called dental implants – which uses permanent false teeth to restore your smile’s appearance and function. In the industry, this is known as a single dental implant.

Can I replace a row of teeth?

Yes, we can replace several teeth together through special bridges. These use a false tooth in the middle of the row, retained by your dental implants on either side. We call these implant-retained or implant-supported bridges.

What about a whole set of teeth?

You can even replace both sets of teeth, called implant-retained or implant-supported dentures. These use implant attachments at special anchor points in the mouth, plus dentures that ‘snap’ into place. They’re much more secure than typical dentures and can be easily removed.

How long will my new tooth implants last?

With the right care and attention, there’s no reason your new dental implants shouldn’t last a lifetime. They feature a secure metal root and a porcelain crown, so look extremely realistic as well as being highly durable.

What’s next for me?

To arrange a dental implant consultation at our Lancaster dental practice, speak to our talented dental team today and we’ll book a date and time to suit you and your schedule.

Your child’s dental health is easily neglected, in fact, a quarter of five-year-olds in England have tooth decay. Kids of any age really need to take proper care of their smile – and the earlier they crack it, the better. Not only do our dentists recommend devising a good dental routine as soon as the first tooth starts to poke through, but we can also help with finding the right products to factor into your care. After all, making your oral health a habit can mean your child enjoys a healthy, happy smile well into adulthood.

So, what toothpaste should I try?

Toothpaste is a cornerstone of any good oral health routine – you won’t get far without it! Even though alternatives have gained in popularity in recent years, our experts always recommend branded toothpaste when brushing your smile. However, the products we suggest will depend on the age of your child.

What toothpaste is suitable for my baby?

As mentioned, brushing as soon as the first tooth comes through is so important, that for babies, using a baby toothbrush alongside their toothpaste is essential. A finger brush is often all that’s needed. When it comes to the toothpaste itself, you’ll need to check the fluoride content. Too little, and it won’t help protect those tiny teeth. Too much, and it can cause problems if your little one has a tendency to swallow toothpaste. We’d suggest starting with a tiny smear of toothpaste, using a product that’s at least 1,000ppm (parts per million, i.e the fluoride content).

What about young children?

Kids up to the age of 6 can use fluoride of 1,000ppm but might need a larger amount – perhaps a pea-sized amount. You’ll need to supervise their brushing, and can encourage them to get involved through songs, timers, colourful accessories and rewards like stickers or toys. Demonstrate to yourself if they get stuck and always be prepared to step in!

What about older kids?

Once a child is aged 6-7, they can start on the adult toothpaste. This one will need to be no more than 1,500ppm. At this age, your kid might have developed some bad habits (like thumb-sucking), so try and curb these before they do harm to their teeth. Our dentists can advise you if you’re stuck.

What about teenagers?

Sometimes, teens can need an incentive to invest in their oral care routine – but it’s really worth doing if it makes them brush and floss twice a day. They’ll still need a pea-sized amount of adult toothpaste for the best results.

Talk to us

If you’re finding choosing a toothpaste tricky, or need tips on encouraging brushing, our experts based in Lancaster can help. Just get in touch for our tailored advice.

Ask anyone, and they’ll say Christmas is one of the best times of year – citing presents, delicious food and family entertainment. But it’s also a time when we might be tempted to indulge in the sweet stuff a little more than usual. Especially sweet-toothed kids and their filled Santa stockings. As a dentist in Lancaster, we’ll help keep smiles bright all through the year. Here are some of our top tips for doing just that – and some details for how to give us a call if you need us.

 1. Get into a good oral health routine

It sounds easy – because it is! Even the most tricky kids can be encouraged to brush and floss twice a day (for two minutes each time) through a little incentive. For the very young, a sticker chart or brightly-coloured toothbrush is often all it takes. Primary-aged children might engage better by brushing to music or pretending to brush their toys’ teeth. And teenagers will do almost anything for pocket money!

2. Don’t neglect dental check-ups

Christmas is a busy time of year – and that’s the case for our dentists in Lancaster, as well as hard-working, juggling parents. But one appointment you shouldn’t cancel among the last-minute dash to the shops and endless school plays is your child’s dental appointment. That’s because our dentists can help to clean and care for your child’s smile, as well as spot any problems like decay or sensitivity.

 3. Watch what they’re eating (and drinking)

When Christmas rolls around, we’re easily tempted by sugary snacks and sweet drinks, be it fizzy pop, hot chocolate, selection boxes or the classic tin of Quality Street. But kids aren’t known for their willpower and can find it difficult to turn down a treat. That’s why it’s up to parents to keep an eye on what they’re consuming over the holiday period and to ensure they’re not over-indulging in mince pies and candy canes. On a related note, some Christmas foods we enjoy (nuts, candies and harder foods) can wreak havoc on our smiles, leading to cracks and chips. So it’s good to be aware of this, too.

And remember…

Your dentist is always here to help with any concern you have about our child’s smile or general oral health. So whether it’s advice on the best toothbrush, toothpaste or mouthwash to try on your child’s smile, a quick check-up at our Lancaster dental practice, or a concern like decay or tooth troubles, get in touch with our professional dentists today.

Interested in the process of getting dental implants? Considering your options? Just looking for a bit more information about what’s involved? Our blog can help. Today, our experts will share some top advice about dental implants – offered here in Lancaster – so you can take that next step.

What exactly is a dental implant?

A dental implant – or tooth implant as it’s also known – is a solution for missing teeth. You can replace one tooth, several teeth, or all the teeth with these clever false ones, which look and act just like the real thing. Tooth implants have been around for years, and we’re highly experienced in carrying out this treatment here in Lancaster.

Why have a dental implant?

With missing teeth, you’re missing out! You might have to change your diet, hide your smile, or even be forced to look older than you are, with sagging around the mouth. A dental implant can change all this. Better yet, tooth implants have some oral health benefits, as they can keep the underlying muscles and bone working away.

How is a tooth implant placed?

It’s done under a local anesthetic as a form of minimally-invasive surgery. You’ll not feel any pain during the procedure, but will be aware of movement in your mouth. The root is placed first, through tiny incisions that heal in a matter of weeks to months, and once complete you’ll have a brand new crown fitted.

What’s the process of getting tooth implants?

You’ll always need a consultation for treatments like these. It’s so we can be sure they’re appropriate for you, and to help you feel confident and comfortable about what’s involved. It also means we can advise you of other options, for example, dentures in the case of missing sets of teeth. We know everyone’s needs – and budget – vary, so we will work with you to come up with the best solution.

What about dental implant aftercare?

Again, we’ll work closely with you to ensure your teeth are looked after properly at every stage of your treatment. We’ll advise you on what to eat (and what to avoid), lifestyle habits to stop and the right products and oral routine to ensure results last. We’ll also book you in for regular check-ups when you need them, and make sure your dental implant stays put.

What’s next for me?

We’d advise you to book that consultation at our Lancaster dental practice. Give our friendly team a call and see when we can slot you in – we promise that tooth implants are worth the time and effort, and you’ll love them as a long-lasting solution to tooth loss.

Enquiring about tooth implants near Lancaster? Then you’ve come to the right place. Today, our expert dentist at our state-of-the-art dental practice talk through some important information about tooth implants. Find out what dental implants are, how they work, who’s suitable, and more in today’s article.

What are dental implants?

Think of dental implants as permanent false teeth. They’re implanted surgically into your gums and jaw through a minimally-invasive procedure. Each tooth implant features a root and a crown, with healing required between fittings.

What does treatment involve?

After a consultation at our practice in Lancashire – which can check your eligibility for treatment – we can carry out your tooth implant placement. This involves making a tiny incision in your gum followed by a small hole, which the root part of the implant can be gently screwed into. You’ll have a local anaesthetic while this is being carried out, so won’t feel any pain. Once the work is finished, you’ll have detailed aftercare instructions to follow to prevent complications and will have a temporary crown fitted while healing takes place. Finally, once healed, the crown is then placed to complete your new tooth.

Am I suitable for dental implants?

Most people are eligible for tooth implants, but it does depend on your medical background. For instance, we wouldn’t place dental implants in patients who have active or extensive gum recession or disease. We also would recommend people who smoke should quit, as smoking is linked to gum recession. However, even in some cases, treatment can go ahead – for instance, you could have a graft beforehand. This is why we always place an emphasis on our consultations, so we can advise you on a case-by-case basis.

What are the drawbacks to treatment?

There aren’t any – you’ll benefit from a restored smile, could broaden your diet, and will have a sturdy tooth for life (with the right care). We also work hard to closely match your new tooth to your existing smile for a seamless look. Finally, your new tooth implant could improve your oral health as it means your teeth won’t shift into any gaps and you’re maintaining your underlying gum and jaw structure. Perhaps the only negative about this type of treatment is cost, but in our opinion, it’s worth pursuing!

How do I enquire about dental implants?

Simply visit our contact page for all the details, and we’ll arrange a personal tooth implant consultation for patients in Lancaster. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Do you currently wear dentures? Are you planning on having dentures in the future? Or are you simply seeking advice for a friend or family member? Whatever your situation, our expert dentists – who proudly serve the Lancaster area – are on hand to help. Read on to find out some common dos and don’ts involved with this common and effective dental treatment.

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