The plasma brush, isn’t actually a toothbrush, in fact it’s a multifunctional tool that can effectively break up plaque, as well as prepare teeth for stronger, longer-lasting fillings.

Plasma Toothbrush

The plasma torch, which is no hotter than room temperature, targets the bonds that cause plaque to stick to the teeth. The same plasma torch can also be used to help fillings stay in place for longer.

Hao Li, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the University of Missouri College of Engineering, explained how some cavities need to be refilled every 5-7 years, and this can only be done a few times before the tooth has to be pulled out.

The plasma brush primes cavities by etching tiny grooves in hole; creating more surface areas for filling to adhere to. According to the research team, the plasma-assisted fillings could be up to 60% stronger than traditional fillings.

Human trials are set to begin early next year at the University of Tennessee at Memphis. All being well, the team hopes that the plasma brush could be approved by the FDA and available to dentists by 2013.

TAGS :

Developed by OrthoAccel Technologies, the system uses gentle pulses, which vibrate the teeth and surrounding bones, resulting in enhanced tooth movement. AcceleDent doesn’t rid the need for braces, as something is still needed to hold the teeth in place as they shift position, however it has been proven to drastically reduce the time required to straighten the teeth.

Orthoaccel Acceledent Straightens Teeth Quicker

The small, hands-free unit – which is to be used 20 minutes daily – can be used with braces or clear liners, and comes with a travel shell and a handy portable charging unit.

Having perfectly aligned teeth is not simply a cosmetic wish, it also comes with great health benefits too; straight teeth wear down less and are much easier to clean thoroughly.

In a randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the AcceleDent improved tooth movement by 106 percent in the alignment phase, and 38-50 percent afterward, all with no adverse effects.

The device has already received FDA approval and the company hopes to ship it to orthodontists throughout the U.S. by the end of Jan 2012. No word on prices as of yet.

TAGS :

Eighty-one Zacarias Pacheco de Moraes was shot whilst working behind a bar in small western city of Alta Floresta on Thursday, May 26th. The reasons for the shooting are still unknown.

Globo TV’s G1 website – where the story was originally posted the following Saturday – quoted hospital official Jose Marcos da Silva who explained that the bullet would have pierced Moreas brain had it not hit his dentures and lodged in his throat.

Marcos added that the bullet will not be removed immediately because surgery right now would be too risky.
After the ordeal, Moreas is said to be in a stable condition, but is at risk of becoming partially sighted as the bullet damaged some of the eye.

TAGS :

Electric toothbrushes are designed to vibrate or oscillate at high-speed. Normal electric toothbrushes run at around 3,000 to 7,000 brush stroke per minute, but sonic tooth brushes typically run at around 28,000 to 40,000 brush strokes a minute. Sonic toothbrushes spin or vibrate so fast that dynamic pressure waves are projected from the end of the bristle, and these pressure waves can still clean the tooth even when the bristles aren’t actually touching the enamel.

In fact, when tested at a distance of 2mm away from the enamel, a Philips Sonicare sonic tooth brush was still able to remove 65 percent of plaque, according to a report mentioned on Electric Toothbrushes Reviews.

Sonic Tooth Brush

In the same article, sonic tooth brushes were reported to remove 95 percent of plague after just 5 seconds, and after 10 minutes, no traces of plaque remained. Sonicare toothbrushes are been backed by over 150 clinical and laboratory studies by at least 50 universities and research offices around the world, proving that the company is not the only ones who believe the advanced cleaning abilities of sonic toothbrushes.

Different Types of Electric Toothbrushes

Sonic toothbrushes, being top-of-the-line, are also high in price. That said, the average life of a sonic tooth brush is around two years, and split over the 24 months of use it’s likely to see, most brands will run less than 10 dollars a month; a small price to pay for excellent oral health.

Still, not everyone is willing to shell out so much on a toothbrush, especially when there are so many other options to chose from, most at a fraction of the cost.

Here’s a list of the main types of electric tooth brushes you are likely to find at a store in your local high-street stores:

• Rotary toothbrushes – a small circular rotating head.
• Counter-rotational toothbrushes – a circular head with two parts spinning in opposite directions.
• Rotating-oscillating toothbrushes – a circular head that spins back and forth.
• Oscillating-pulsating toothbrushes –a head that oscillates and vibrates.
• The Sonic toothbrush – a conventionally shaped head that vibrates at high speed.

Electric Toothbrush

There are also a whole host of features to be found in different models of electric toothbrushes. Features that are popular on modern electric toothbrushes include pressure sensors that help regulate speed; built-in timers; gum massaging modes; rechargeable batteries; some high-end models even feature UV sanitizers that blast UV rays at your brush to kill and keep away bacteria.

How to Clean Teeth Effectively With Electric Toothbrush

To sufficiently clean your teeth, dentists recommend brushing for 2 minutes, twice every day. To ensure your are spending the right amount of time brushing, the mouth can be divided into four quadrants. Upper left, upper right, and lower left, lower right, and section cleaned for 30 seconds.

Don’t forget, there are 3 visible surfaces you can clean with your toothbrush; the outer, inner and chewing surface. Then there’s the part you can’t see; in between the teeth. Some electric tooth brush will still be able to reach some inter-dental area, however flossing daily to clean between the teeth is still advised.

The average electric toothbrush will last around 2 years, and the brush heads need replacing every 3 months.

How To Clean Teeth Properly With Electric Toothbrush

All in all clinical research has shown electric toothbrushes to be more effective than the manual variety, with sonic toothbrushes performing the best of the bunch. Switching to use an electric or sonic toothbrush is therefore, one of the easiest ways to remove plaque, prevent gum disease, keep teeth white, and improve your overall oral hygiene.

TAGS :

Traveling to Thailand for dental implants at Bangkok’s best dental clinics remains top of the list when it comes to reconstructive dental surgery, and is a safe and affordable option sure to give you the realistic results you’ve been looking for.

Dental implants have become the best solution of choice for replacing missing teeth for those who have unwanted visits from the tooth fairy late in life.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are long-term replacement teeth prosthesis that your dentist, or maxillofacial surgeon, implants in the jawbone.

The whole implant is made up of three components; a titanium implant that is fused to the jaw bone using a technique known as osseointegration; the abutment, a screw-type fixture that connects to the implant and protrudes about the gum line; and a crown, the carefully sculpted prosthesis that fits to the abutment.

The tooth prosthesis is sculpted by prosthodontist or restorative dentist, and is designed to look as natural as possible.

titanium dental implants

Dental Implants Vs Dentures

Because dentures are not permanently fixed, they are prone to slipping. Dental implants however, are fused to the jaw line and will never come loose unexpectedly.

Another problem that arises because dentures are not permanently secured is that when they slip, they make a noise, and this chattering can often be embarrassing, if not at least a little distracting. Dentals implants will never slip, and therefore will never make unexpected noises.

Dentures may also cause bone loss where there is no teeth to protect the gums. Of course, the nature of dental implants means the dentist will drill into your jaw bone, but no further bone lose will result from the procedure.

Dental Implants Vs Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges must use adjacent teeth as anchor. This can often affect the health of the anchor teeth. Dental implants however are securely fixed to the jaw bone and do not affect the health of neighboring teeth.

Fixed bridges typically have a life-span of around 12-15 years, whereas dental implants can last over 20.

Benefits of Dental Implants

With realistic dental implants, you can enjoy the benefits including:

• Improved appearance; they look and feel like your own teeth.
• Improved speech; they don’t slip, so your tongue won’t either.
• Improved comfort; the secure permanent fixtures make it easier to eat.
• Improved oral health; dental implants don’t affect the health of your other teeth.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

X-Ray of Dental Implants

Ideal candidates should have good general and oral health. Adequate bone in the jaw is also needed to fuse the implants.

While the best candidates should have good oral health, you may still be an ideal candidate for dental implants even if you:

Image Credit: Robert Gougaloff, 2008.

Have Existing Medical Conditions: While some existing medical conditions may affect a dentist’s decision to perform dental implants, many patients with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes – factors that often increase the risk of complication in many surgeries – may still be ideal candidates for dental implants.

Have Gum Disease or Problem Teeth: Dental implants have been shown to be a successful procedure for those who have lost teeth due to decay or periodontal disease.

Are Wearing Partials or Dentures: Dental implants can be used to replace removable bridges of dentures; they can also be used to secure dentures to make them more comfortable.

Are a smoker: Smoking can lower the success rate of dental implants, however the procedure may be performed, and depending on your oral health and hygiene, often goes without complications.

There are approximately 150 different dental implant manufacturers. In the end, the best dental implants are always the ones placed well. At ThaiMed, our Dental Labs only use the best dental implants approved by the FDA and international dental organizations. Some of the top dental implant manufactures we use are listed below.

• Biohorizon Dental Implant
• Biomet Dental Implant
• Nobel Biocare Dental Implant
• Straumann Dental Implant

If you would like to find out more about Dental Implants at Bangkok, Thailand’s best dental clinics, please click here>>>

TAGS :

The companies, Walgreen Co., Johnson & Johnson, and CVS Corp., all claim that their mouthwashes help to ‘reduce plaque above the gum line, promote gum health, and prevent gum disease,’ but the FDA says it has found no such evidence to substantiate these statements.

In light of the findings, the agency has now sent warning letters to the companies, asking that they correct the false statements labeled on their products within 15 days, or face further legal action.

FDA Says Mouthwashes Make False Claims

The active ingredient in mouth rinse products is sodium fluoride. Although this mineral has been shown to reduce and even prevent cavities, the agency said had never been shown to remove plaque or prevent gum disease.

Under federal law companies are not allowed to claim their products are effective treatments for any symptoms unless those claims are proven to be true, and have also been recognized and approved by the FDA.

Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in recent press release:

“It is important for the FDA to take appropriate enforcement action when companies make false or unproven product claims to ensure that consumers are not misinformed or misled” [WebMD]

The FDA explained that all three companies’ claims regarding the effectiveness of their mouthwashes were equivalent to the claims that are made for drugs, for this reason these products must be evaluated and approved by the agency in order to comply with current regulations.

In response to the letters sent by the FDA, Mike DeAngelis, a spokesman for CVS, said that the company will “fully comply with all FDA labeling requirements.” And Robert Elfinger, a Walgreen spokesman, said in an email that the company is “committed to working with the FDA on this matter and will be responding to their letter accordingly.” [WebMD]

Johnson & Johnson avoided responding directly to the letter by saying that ‘the company has received the FDA letter and “will respond to the agency in an appropriate and timely manner.”’ [WebMD]

The FDA noted that no injury or adverse effects had been found by using mouth rinses, only that the claims to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease lacked evidence. The agency explained that consumers could continue using these products without fear of injury, but should know that no data has been found to suggest they can prevent gum disease.

TAGS :

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers is simply a brand of porcelain veneers. They are much thinner than traditional porcelain veneers – a characteristic that lends its self to certain advantages and disadvantages.

Both traditional veneers and Lumineers can correct uneven, broken and discolored teeth, and both procedures can produce lasting effects.

Anyone previously interested in the procedure will know that Lumineers are often touted as a quick, painless alternative to porcelain veneers and while this may be true, these benefits come with tradeoffs.

Lumineers

Advantages

• Quicker than traditional porcelain veneers
• Reversible procedure
• Fitted without any anesthetic injections
• Fitted without drilling the tooth
• Less pain

Disadvantages

• Less natural looking results
• More susceptible to damage
• Can lead to problems with speech and biting habits
• Can be annoying

Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, including Lumineers, are thin sheets of porcelain. Traditional veneers are made using a plaster-cast of the patient’s mouth – a process that can involve days of waiting whilst the veneers are being sculpted.

Porcelain veneers are quite thick, they typically measure around .4mm – .8mm. Because of this, dentist must trim down the tooth using a dental drill, so when the veneers are placed the tooth is still its original size.

Having oversized teeth can lead to problems with speech or biting habits, so it’s imperative the dentist trim and sculpt the tooth before attaching traditional veneers. This procedure requires the use of a dental drill, and of course, anesthetic administered by injection.

The time it takes to sculpt, drill and fit the veneer is much longer than the Lumineers procedure, however traditional veneers often produce much more natural results.

This is because enamel is actually translucent; it’s the color of dentine underneath that makes teeth white. Porcelain veneers, at .4 – .8mm thick, recreate this translucent effect more naturally than Lumineers, resulting in more natural looking teeth.

Lumineers

Lumineers are thinner than traditional veneers measuring around .2mm -.3mm thick. This makes them much more susceptible to damage, but it also shortens the procedure time.

Because Lumineers are so thin, many dentists do not trim down the tooth prior the procedure, instead the Lumineers are placed directly onto the original surface of the tooth.

This cuts down the time it take to fit the veneers, it also means there is no anesthetic injection or drilling of the tooth.

These benefits do come with some compromise. Lumineers tend to look less natural than traditional veneers and because it is fitted without any pre-sculpting of the tooth, Lumineers increases the size of the tooth which can lead to the problems mentioned before.

Being so much thinner, Lumineers are also more susceptible to damage, and when Lumineers break, there is often no easy way to correct them. The best way to prevent problems with Lumineers is to choose a highly qualified and experienced cosmetic dental practitioner.

Both traditional veneers and Lumineers do not strengthen the tooth; they are purely for cosmetic reasons.

Are Lumineers Right For Me?

Lumineers may be a good alternative to traditional porcelain veneers if you require:

• A no-drilling process
• No injections/needles
• A reversible procedure
• Less waiting

Please note that these benefits come with a certain amount of compromise – less natural looking teeth and a higher damage risk.

If you would like more natural looking veneers; you don’t mind needles and dental drills; and you have the time to wait while your veneers are being sculpted, then traditional porcelain veneers may be more suitable for you.

If you would like to find out more about Cosmetic Dentistry, pleas click here>>>

TAGS :

6 Reasons To Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

Reasons Why We Brush Teeth Twice A Day

Brushing Provides Fluoride Protection

Fluoride is one of the main ingredients in toothpaste, and it’s our teeth’s first line of defense when it comes to brushing. This is because fluoride creates a layer of protection around the teeth and when you brush in morning or night, you are simply topping up this protective layer.

Brushing Fights Off Bacteria

Bacteria builds up fast, and those left to cultivate for longer than 24 hours can wreak havoc on the teeth. A 12-hour window may not seem like a huge reduction in the amount of time for damage to be done but it literally cuts the amount of time in half.

When you combine that with other efforts to eliminate the buildup of bacteria inside the mouth like flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash or rinse the results are even more effective.

Brushing Aids Saliva

When we sleep our mouths produce less saliva, and as you may well know, saliva helps break food, bacteria and plaque that can cause cavities. Bacteria left in the mouth overnight creates an acid that damages the teeth and gums.

Brushing immediately before going to bed will remove any leftover food particles and most of the bacteria in your mouth, helping to reduce the onslaught of tooth-decaying acids.

If you are taking medications that dry your mouth, it is a good idea to start chewing sugar free gum (which helps increase saliva production) and drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.

Brushing Prevents Tartar Buildup

Tartar can form above and below the gums, and unfortunately it cannot be treated at home. To remove tartar you’ll have to pay a visit to the dentist who will perform a thorough cleaning and scrape it away.
Therefore brushing your teeth twice daily is essential in fighting of tartar buildup. People who have diabetes, smoke, or who frequently suffer from dry mouth are at greater risk for heavy tartar buildup and can try using tartar control toothpaste or mouthwash as an extra precaution.

Brushing Protects The Gums

The gums are as important to oral hygiene as the teeth. If your gums are bad, your teeth will soon follow. Poor gum health can lead to periodontal disease, tooth sensitivity, tooth shifting, abscessed teeth, and even tooth loss.

Brushing your teeth twice daily combined with flossing, antiseptic mouth rinses, and regular dental checkups and cleaning will all contribute to overall healthy gums and teeth.

Treatments for gum disease once it sets in include plaque removal in the dentist office, prescription mouth rinses to kill bacteria, and potential surgery for more severe cases.

Brushing Fights Bad Breath

There are hundreds of products on the market that claim to keep your breath fresh and minty, and although some may actually work, nothing is more effective than cleaning your teeth twice a day.

The bacteria left in the mouth works hard to breakdown and damage the teeth, and as we all know, decaying matter smells. This also applies to the mouth, that’s why it’s important to take measures to prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep your mouth smelling fresh.

For severe cases of halitosis, some dentists also recommend brushing the tongue – a hive for odor producing bacteria.

TAGS :

Reasons Why You Should Floss

But why I hear you ask? You clean your teeth twice everyday and have never had any problems before, so why should you start flossing now? Well you’re not alone in thinking that, Alla Wheeler, RDH, MPA, associate professor of the Dental Hygiene Program at the New York University School of Dentistry explained:

“There is no instant gratification with flossing — that’s the problem. Patients don’t think it does anything.”

But in fact, flossing does about 40% of the work required to remove sticky bacteria, or plaque, from your teeth. And as we know plaque generates acid, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Wheeler continues:

“Each tooth has five surfaces. If you don’t floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces unclean…

“Floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between the teeth and remove bacteria.”

Flossing, Wheeler added, might also be an overlooked fountain of youth. Gum disease can ruin the youthful aesthetics of your smile by eating away at gums and teeth. It also attacks the bones that support your teeth and the lower third of your face. People who preserve the height of that bone by flossing look better as they age.

Choosing the right floss

Most floss is made of either nylon or Teflon, and both are equally effective. People with larger spaces between their teeth or with gum recession (loss of gum tissue, which exposes the roots of the teeth) tend to get better results with a flat, wide dental tape. If your teeth are close together, try thin floss (sometimes made of Gore-Tex) that bills itself as shred resistant.

If you have bridges of braces you can use a floss threader, which looks like a plastic sewing needle. Or you can use products like Super Floss, floss similar to shoe lace with one stiff end that makes threading the floss easier.

The most important thing, though, is to choose floss you’ll use. “I tell my patients, ‘I don’t care if you use shoe laces as long as you floss,’” Wheeler says. (Just kidding, of course.)

Flossing Tips

Edmond Hewlett, DDS, associate professor of restorative dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry, explains how you should go about flossing:

• Perfect your flossing technique. Use a piece of floss 15 to 18 inches long, slide it between the teeth, wrap it around each tooth in the shape of a “C,”and polish with an up and down motion.
• Don’t worry about a little blood. “Bleeding means the gums are inflamed because plaque has built up and needs to be cleaned away. Don’t let that deter you,” Hewlett advises. Bleeding after a few days, however, could be a sign of periodontal disease. Talk to your dentist.
• Get a floss holder. If you lack the hand dexterity to floss, try soft wooden plaque removers, which look similar to toothpicks, or a two-pronged plastic floss holder. Both allow you to clean between teeth with one hand.

If you would like to find out more about Cosmetic Dental, or Reconstructive Dental procedures, please click here>>>

TAGS :

Hanako Female Dentist Simulator Dummy

The female bot named Hanako, offers dental students a new way to practice procedures in a real-life situation.

Hanako can open and shut her mouth, wiggle her tongue, salivate, sneeze, and vomit. Using touch sensors to detect the mistakes of practicing students, Hanako rolls her eyes in discomfort, or verbally expresses pain using phrases such as “That hurts!”

The device performs so well, that Showa University is already using Hanako in tests for its dental students.

Check out the video below>>>

TAGS :