Crowded Teeth may Make You a Candidate for Pancreatic Cancer

Crowded teeth may be the reason for your headaches and jaw pains. The effects of malocclusiondo not limit themselves to the oral region, however. A recent study revealed that crooked teeth increase your chances of acquiring serious non-oral diseases like pancreatic cancer.

From malocclusion to pancreatic cancer

Weybridge Orthodontics It is easy to maintain proper oral hygiene when your teeth are straight and perfect. Disease-causing bacteria have a lower likelihood of lingering and infecting your teeth and gums.

On the other hand, crowded teeth cause difficulties in brushing or flossing your teeth, creating an opportunity for bacteria to thrive. Malocclusion, combined with poor oral hygiene, may lead to periodontitis or infection of the gums. Gum disease may lead not only to tooth loss but to pancreatic cancer, as well.

Researchers suggest that some bacteria from malocclusion-related gum disease contain carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines, which may react to digestive chemicals in the gut. These might cause the body to become vulnerable to the development of pancreatic cancer. Other studies note that C reactive protein (CRP) found in the blood may be the cause for the likelihood of pancreatic cancer for people with periodontal disease.

A study published in the journal Gut revealed that certain types of gum disease-causing bacteria lead to twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In addition, researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with those who never had gum disease. People with malocclusion have a higher risk of getting gum disease, thus increasing the chances of getting pancreatic cancer.

Treatment and Prevention

In acknowledgment of the link between crowded teeth and pancreatic cancer, dentists emphasise the importance of preventing malocclusion early. Observe proper oral hygiene by brushing twice and flossing once a day. Avoid grinding hard objects, thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and other habits that may affect teeth alignment.

Orthodontic treatments are necessary for those with signs of malocclusion, as well. Dentists encourage the use of teeth aligners, which come as conventional metal braces or discreet varieties.

Small discomfort and unsightly appearance are not the only things to worry about when you have crowded teeth. These may cause cancer and other serious diseases if left untreated. Surrey Orthodontics Limited providesclearRXaligners, allowing you to enjoy straight teeth and a nice smile even during treatments. Call us for more information on our orthodontic treatments.

Is Orthodontics in Weybridge Worth The Effort?

The answer to this question is almost certainly yes, especially if your teeth are substantially out of line or if you have significant problems with the way your teeth bite together. If this is the case then you’re likely to find it quite difficult to keep your teeth clean, and especially to floss in between them.

Oral Health Risks Associated with Wonky Teeth

orthodontics in Weybridge Being unable to floss and to brush properly increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth decay often occurs in the contact areas in between teeth and is one of the reasons why it’s so essential to clean these areas as it’s very easy for pieces of food to become trapped. In addition dental plaque is more likely to build up in between teeth, and the bacteria in the plaque will utilise any food fragments so they can thrive and multiply.

Gum disease poses a significant risk to oral health and general health, and can result in tooth loss. It’s important to floss right down to and just below the gum line, something that can be extremely tricky to do if your teeth are crooked and overlapping.

Once your teeth are straight you should find them much easier to clean, and as a result you’re less likely to have to spend money on treatments for gum disease or tooth decay, or even worse for replacing the teeth altogether. Orthodontics in Weybridge can also help protect your general health, as gum disease has been associated with a whole host of serious health conditions, most notably heart disease and diabetes.

Crooked Teeth Can Spoil a Nice Smile

Even though the health benefits of a straighter smile are pretty obvious, most people will choose to have their teeth straightened for cosmetic reasons. In fact certain braces systems are designed specifically to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth as they will only adjust the teeth that are visible when smiling. This can be a huge boost to self-esteem and self-confidence, and these types of braces work within a very short space of time. These shorter treatment times also mean they are often far more affordable than traditional orthodontics in Weybridge.

Which Orthodontics System Will Work Well for You?

The best way to find out is to book an appointment with Dr James Stubbs or another of our Weybridge dentists for a full assessment. They will need to check the way your teeth meet together to see where you have any significant bite problems. They’ll also be looking at which teeth are crowded for crooked, and assessing the size of any spaces that need to be minimised or closed up completely in between teeth.

If you have significant spaces in between your teeth then it might not be possible to close them up completely with orthodontics in Weybridge. In this case you may need to be prepared to veneer one or two teeth after completing orthodontic treatment in order to get the very best aesthetic results. Weybridge Orthodontics offers patients a choice of several different systems so we’re bound to have something that is right for you.

Dealing with Orthodontic Emergencies

In common cases, orthodontic emergencies are rare and are typically not severe. Nonetheless, the discomfort and inconvenience caused by these problems can interfere with the patient’s daily activities. We list down some of the most common emergencies that patients with braces may encounter and some temporary solutions providing relief.

Pain and discomfort

Weybridge Orthodontics During orthodontic treatment, feelings of pain and discomfort are hardly an emergency. But they may still cause our patients some degree of panic. In typical cases, the pain sets in about 6 hours after placement. It will significantly worsen over the next few days. For effective relief, we can recommend pain medication before and immediately after the placement.

Broken or loose braces

Generally, we do not consider orthodontic breakage as an urgent problem. However, a loose brace may cause some problems. When a bracket breaks loose off of a tooth, it can still be attached to the wire through its elastic tie. This is to eliminate the risk of the patient accidentally swallowing the bracket.

The discomfort may come from the bracket’s constant moving or spinning on the wire. We recommend you contact us immediately so our team can advise whether or not the problem must be addressed before your next appointment.

Protruding wires

Even at the early stage of treatment, the teeth will begin to move until they align with their prescribed position. When this happens, the wire used to straighten the teeth will move to the back of the band area. In cases where the bite is being corrected, the wire will be longer at the back of the braces. The wire can poke the gums and cause distracting pain.

We recommend Brace Eeze relief wax to smooth the area and make a buffer between the metal and the mouth. Apply it by taking a small amount and rolling it into a small ball. Flatten it and place it over the poking area of the brace.

Mouth ulcer and sores

At the first few phases of the treatment, the braces can be irritating and rough to the cheek, lips and tongue. In some bad cases, patients can experience ulcers and sores caused by the metal. To alleviate the pain from the ulcer, we recommend applying a small amount of topical cream directly to the ulcerated area. To stop the irritation, a buffer is also advised.

If the pain and discomfort are not resolved by any of these solutions, please contact Weybridge Orthodontics immediately.

The Pleasure of Nail Biting and its Consequences of Displeasure

Almost everyone has enjoyed the pleasure of biting their nails once in their lives. Nail biting occurs anywhere at any time. Maybe you have found yourself chewing on your nails while sitting through a maths lecture or waiting to be interviewed for a potential new job.

orthodontist in Weybridge About half of the human population bite their nails. Some people unintentionally pick up the habit of nail biting as a way to shorten their nails. Others resort to nail biting for the pleasure of relieving themselves from stress.

While nail biting is pleasurable, it bears significant consequences that are detrimental to your oral health. Find out why your orthodontist in Weybridge strongly recommends restraining yourself from taking a bite at your nails.

Why people gnaw at their nails

The main culprits behind every case of nail biting are boredom and stress. Nail biting is a coping mechanism when an individual needs to ease anxiety or must be occupied for a moment. Other emotional triggers, such as loneliness and frustration, also trigger nail biting. Some researchers also suggest that nail biting is a heritable genetic condition.

The oral consequences of constant nail biting

Nail biting is a pleasurable habit that comes at a costly price. The constant chipping of nails can interfere with proper dental occlusion or how your lower and upper teeth come together when you close your mouth. Your teeth might also shift out of position, leading to a poorly-aligned and fragile set.

If you are currently wearing braces, nail biting causes additional pressure on your teeth. When you constantly chew on your nails during an orthodontic treatment, you are at risk for root resorption. Weybridge orthodontists define resorption as the roots of your teeth dissolved by surrounding bone. Root resorption causes the teeth to weaken, making it susceptible to further damage.

Dealing with the nail biting

Teens and adults unable to outgrow the habit of nail biting can resort to a few techniques to lessen its occurrence. One way to lessen the habit is to keep your nails trimmed and short to avoid the temptation of biting them.

If you are a nail biter, there are several options to fix your teeth. Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign and Incognito can help correct misaligned teeth due to nail biting.

Weybridge Orthodontics can help find the solution that suits you best. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Dental Anxiety vs. Dental Phobia: Defining the Difference

Contrary to what most people think, dental anxiety and dental phobia are not the same. While both are incredibly common, they are also extremely different. Weybridge Orthodontics, a dental practice of choice for many in South East England, breaks down the two terms and draws the line between common public error.

Dental Anxiety

Weybridge Orthodontics Dental anxiety refers to the feeling of uneasiness people sometimes feel when it is time for their appointment. Most people can live with the feeling of anxiety, but some people experience extreme unease coupled with exaggerated or unfounded worries and fears.

The anxiety felt during a visit could be attributed to the feeling of helplessness and control that is prevalent in most clinics. Because you do nothing but sit in the dental chair and the dentist has control over what goes on, it is completely understandable to feel this way, most especially if it’s your first time.

Embarrassment is also a key factor for those who feel anxious or uneasy during their visit. People may feel ashamed or self-conscious about how their teeth or mouth looks on the inside. It could also be due to negative past experiences during previous dental procedures.

Dental Phobia

Dental phobia, on the other hand, is more than a slight feeling of uneasiness or embarrassment. For people with such a phobia, visits to the dentist are so terrifying that they will go through extreme means just to get away from any appointment.

Phobia refers to an intense and irrational fear toward an activity, a person, an object or a situation. People with dental phobia put off the imperative dental appointments for years, and some even put up with gum infections, pain, or even unsightly teeth.

Avoiding the dentist not only exposes you to higher risks of dental problems, it can also take a toll on your self-esteem and self-perception. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this fear, Weybridge Orthodontics has a special scheme for nervous patients.

Our team of Orthodontists, therapists, treatment coordinators and support staff are all trained to understand the patient’s fears and to work with them. Every effort has been made to make the practice a stress free environment to put all patients at ease.

Book an appointment today for a sympathetic approach to treatment unlike any other.

Invisalign: How the Clear Aligners Actually Move Teeth

It used to be that those who wanted straighter teeth did not go through with treatment simply because they did not like the way braces look. Many thought traditional orthodontics were too bulky and painful. 1998 saw the introduction of Invisalign—an orthodontic treatment that uses custom-moulded clear, plastic trays—as an alternative to metal bands and brackets.

Weybridge orthodontics Invisalign has grown in popularity as an alternative solution to misaligned teeth, but only a few know how the whole process actually works.

How Invisalign Moves Teeth

Let us start with the players involved. The tooth itself is made from different materials. The visible part of the teeth is covered by a material called enamel, while the root of the tooth is covered with a material called cementum.

The cementum is then connected to the surrounding tooth socket by what is called the PDL or the periodontal ligament, which is made up of many fibres of collagen. The main purpose of the PDL is to anchor the teeth to the bone socket so that they do not fall out. It also allows slight movement or ‘bounce’ to absorb the pressure from chewing.

Under normal conditions, the PDF does not allow the teeth to move. Additional pressure on the teeth (such as with aligners), however, causes cells on the side of PDL compression to start ‘eating away’ at the bone. This then causes the tooth to move into the new space. Simply put, Invisalign aligners carefully apply controlled forces to the teeth to move them into a better position.

The same process occurs with traditional metal braces. With Invisalign aligners, however, the treatment is painless, convenient, and far less embarrassing.

Light Force on the Tooth

Even placing a light force on the tooth using the tongue or a finger can cause it to move. This is why orthodontists in Weybridge like us are concerned with thumb sucking, nail biting, and tongue piercing, which can dramatically tip teeth outwards or upwards.

Invisalign has been proven to be effective in straightening teeth. If you wish to undergo Invisalign treatment, call us for a Weybridge orthodontics consultation.

Does It Pay to Undergo Orthodontic Treatments Early?

If people with crooked teeth would cite their least favourite in the world, they would probably say dentists. The costly and sometimes painful dental treatments do not exactly endear ‘tooth doctors’ to the public. Dentists, however, argue that these issues would not happen if people were to undergo early orthodontic treatments.

Why are they important?

orthodontics in Weybridge Crooked teeth happen for a number of reasons, including genetics, childhood habits, trauma and disease. Whatever the reason, the effects of malocclusion stay the same – more tooth decay, gum disease, loosening of teeth and eventually, tooth loss. Early orthodontic treatments will reduce, if not eliminate the effects of teeth crowding.

Just how early?

Oral health experts suggest that children receive an orthodontic screening by age 6 or 7 because that is the time when permanent teeth start to show and orthodontic problems become apparent. Teeth aligners correct teeth and jaw growth to prevent bad bites. In addition, early treatments help make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, lessening the chance of malocclusions and extractions in the future.

How effective are early orthodontic treatments?

Early orthodontic treatments showed positive results in oral health. In a study of the effectiveness of such treatments, North Carolina researchers found that about 75% of patients treated early with headgears, braces and other dental appliances showed improvement in their teeth alignment.

The earlier people wear braces, the earlier they can remove them. Dental costs will be lower and focused on minimal maintenance work with proper care.

Why do some people take long to wear them?

The use of orthodontic devices depends on the patient’s condition. People with bad habits or situations that complicate treatment may have to wear them longer. Regular smokers and alcohol drinkers may alter their teeth’s condition drastically, which may alter the results of treatments.

How do I take care of orthodontic devices?

Proper oral hygiene and care of dental appliances are the best ways to make orthodontic treatments more effective. Less consumption of tobacco and spirits helps speed up their effects, as well.

Early orthodontic treatments may shorten treatment and costly procedures. With these procedures, people will prevent serious oral health issues, allowing them to enjoy a better smile sooner. Orthodontists in Weybridge provide a wide range of treatments to help fix your dental problems. Learn more about orthodontics in Weybridge.

Behind the Teeth Grind: Why Bruxism is No Laughing Matter

Some people clench or grind their teeth from time to time. Triggers for teeth grinding vary from one person to another: bursts of anger, anxiety or disturbed sleep. When you clench or grind your teeth as a response to these triggers, it is normal. When you grind your teeth on regular basis, however, this may already be bruxism.

Unfortunately, most people do not take teeth grinding seriously and consider it a condition one can easily brush off. Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, we consider teeth grinding as a serious condition that requires attention—and so should you.

Understanding bruxism

Orthodontists in Weybridge describe bruxism as a medical condition describing the unnatural clenching or grinding of teeth. If you are suffering from this condition, you unconsciously grind your teeth together every morning or clench them while you sleep (sleep bruxism).

While teeth grinding occurs due to anger or anxiety, most bruxism cases occur during the night while you are asleep. These cases stem from abnormal bites and crooked or missing teeth. Sleep apnoea also plays its part in encouraging bruxism.

How serious is teeth grinding?

A number of bruxism cases occur earlier in life while the teeth undergo the development process. Fifteen percent of children reportedly clenched or grinded their teeth during their sleep. Some conditions wane as an individual enters adulthood, while others continue to experience teeth grinding.

Normal teeth grinding wears enamel at the rate of 0.3 millimetres every 10 years. In the case of bruxism patients, they experience 2 millimetres of enamel erosion during their early to mid-twenties. Sleep bruxism occurs for as long as 40 minutes which equates to 250 pounds of force. Such pressure is enough to crack a walnut.

Chronic teeth grinding results in severe cases of teeth loss, fracturing and wear. It also causes jaw problems, worsens Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and changes your facial appearance.

Bruxism – no laughing matter

Bruxism can remain undetected for years until complications develop. Some patients refuse treatment and consider teeth grinding as a habit rather than a condition. It is important to know the symptoms of bruxism and seek regular dental care from your Weybridge orthodontist.

Treat bruxism as early as now and enjoy a life free from grinding and clenching. Weybridge Orthodontics offers cost-effective bruxism remedies to all patients. Get in touch with us now for more information.

Life After Getting Braces: Managing to Eat with Braces

Newly-installed braces may feel odd and a bit painful inside your mouth. After installation, it obviously feels different and heavier, due to the metal brackets and other materials inside your mouth. Your first braces will plant the idea that you have limited choices in terms of what you can eat.

Weybridge Orthodontics Dentists remind patients of the importance of avoiding certain foods that can damage your braces. In addition to being difficult to chew, these foods can ruin your braces’ capability of shifting your teeth. When you bite into food while wearing braces, brackets can easily pull away and break.

Regularly eating crunchy, sticky and tough food may require you to wear your braces for a longer period, not to mention visit your dentist more often.

You might be wondering: ‘Does this mean I cannot eat my favourite meals?’

Fortunately, you can still eat certain food types without worrying about your new braces. Life after braces need not be difficult and ‘tasteless’—all it takes is some precaution, restraint and the help of your knife and fork.

Soft foods are always an option

The first day with braces is probably the most difficult in your journey to a better smile. Since your teeth are adjusting to the foreign object inside your mouth, you will quite certainly feel some pain. Soup and pudding are your best mates on the dining table during this time. Choose food that you can easily swallow, as chewing will be difficult during the first few days.

Softer foods are always an option while you have braces on. Rather than force yourself to eat steak, choose chicken or fish instead.

Brace yourself for easy-to-chew options

Braces, despite their durable nature, are susceptible to damage, especially when forced to break down tough food types. A steak dinner is not the best way to celebrate your new braces. Before you take a bite, consider if the food is easily chewable. If not, make sure to cut your food into smaller pieces to avoid damaging your braces.

A list of foods you can enjoy

Life with braces can still be full of delicious flavors. Here are some foods you can have:

Soft fruits (e.g. oranges, kiwis and grapefruit)
Dairy products
Eggs
Sweet treats such as pudding and ice cream
Soups
Seafood
Non-tough meats

Take care of your braces by being mindful of what you eat. At Weybridge Orthodontics, we also help you prolong the life of your braces for a better, brighter smile. Call us now for more information.

Stop Chewing on Tobacco to Save Your Teeth

Whether you are a recent smoker or far gone in the habit, you now have more reasons to quit smoking. Studies show significant impacts of habitual tobacco use on oral health and dental treatments. Here is how smoking affects your teeth and how quitting the habit early may yet save them:

Teeth discolouration

Dentists in Weybridge Your teeth have little time to fight and recover from the bacteria in tobacco when you smoke regularly. Nicotine sticks to your teeth and gums, leaving dark spots. Combine your habit with poor oral hygiene and you may end up with permanent teeth stains.

Tooth decay

Smoking reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infection. The more you smoke, the higher the chances of bacteria ruining your teeth, causing decay.

Gum disease

The Journal of Clinical Periodontology revealed that smokers are about six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. The gradual plaque build-up causes gums to become inflamed and to recede. The same study showed that gum problems worsened for those who continued the habit.

Tooth Loss

Tissues and bones that put teeth and gums together recede as disease ravages your mouth. Your teeth will become loose, fall out or require extraction.

Failure of dental work

Researchers from Valencia University found out that about one in every three implant failures occurred in smokers; one in five patients with early failures smoked over 10 cigarettes per day. Tobacco can stop dental implants, fillings and other treatments from settling and doing what they are supposed to. Even if you wear aligners, tobacco may further weaken gums and bones, altering the outcome of your orthodontic treatment.

Quitting the habit saves your teeth

Researchers noted improvements in gum health for those who quit in a year. Participants experienced enhanced well-being and heightened senses of taste and smell, as well. A report by the European Working group revealed that stopping smoking eight weeks before receiving an implant significantly boosts the dental work’s effectiveness.

Smoking has detrimental effects to oral health and dental treatments. Oral health experts suggest proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist for counselling and treatment to save the smoker’s teeth. Dentists in Weybridge provide a wide range of dental treatments for healthy teeth and overall well-being. Contact us for more information about our services.

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