Health

Are you looking into your orthodontic options? Perhaps you’ve been told a dental misalignment is causing disruptive complications? Have you considered the role of clear aligners like Invisalign London, in providing treatment without the complications and disruption associated with traditional metal braces? This article explores the everyday practicality of clear aligners.

The feeling of wearing invisible aligners

There’s an awful lot available online explaining how invisible aligners work, but what does it actually feel like to use, both within design and day to day?

The good news is that everyday use of these aligners is pretty uneventful. You wake up wearing your aligner, and remove it for the morning tooth brushing and flossing ritual, giving it a brief rinse in lukewarm tap water before replacing it. Every time you eat, you take out your aligner and it is recommended that you briefly rinse it and that you use mouthwash before returning it. Once the aligner is in place, it stops the natural flow of saliva over your teeth. This creates a microenvironment for bacteria to multiply without a normal cleaning mechanism, making it particularly important for you to wash or brush before replacing your aligner.

On a side note, the aligners might be translucent and practically invisible to wear every day but any buildup of plaque inside them or food debris is not. Not only does this make your orthodontic tool less effective, but it is also far more noticeable.

Professional life Impact

Starting with the first priority (everyone has to work at the end of the day), clear aligners almost always go unnoticed, especially when it comes to online meetings. Even in 4K resolution, the subtlety of the aligner, its closeness to the teeth and its translucency help. When used properly, the aligners fit tightly to the teeth, causing no risk of them coming loose or any awkward facial movements associated with loose dentures that could give away your use of an orthodontic tool.

In meetings and presentations where there also seems to be very little chance of them getting noticed, it does occasionally come up in one-to-one conversations, usually in more quiet corners of the office or at the water cooler. The change in shininess of the surface of the teeth can give a hint, and prompt a few questions although usually far more out of curiosity than anything else.

Personal life impact

Concerning your interpersonal life, particularly in dating, it’s probably best to preempt any notice from your date or partner by explaining that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment and getting a polite shocked ‘I had no idea!’. Even in the most passionate of moments, clear aligners do not have these sharp edges or complicated wire brackets that can make kissing concerning. So they do not come with the awkwardness of fitted braces!

In photos, even rather close selfies with clear aligners, they will only come across as an increased shininess on your teeth, and are more likely to hide imperfections than seem like one themselves. In a similar fashion as getting lipstick on your teeth, lipstick on aligners will adhere well, so a little caution when applying is warranted.

 

Sleep is one of the most important things that we can provide our bodies with. If we hope to have enough energy throughout the day and keep our immune system strong, good sleep is a must. Yet, as we get older, getting a good night’s sleep can become more challenging than during our younger years. For that reason, it’s important to practice healthy habits.

Yet knowing that you should be practicing healthy habits and actually doing them are not the same thing. If you find yourself waking up the next morning, after a lousy night’s sleep, here are some of the potential reasons why you may not be sleeping well at night.

Alcohol

For many people, a glass of wine in the evening is a way to wind down and make you feel an extra boost of drowsiness before going to bed. Yet, one glass too many can interrupt your sleep patterns and leave you feeling out of whack. Ideally, you should avoid alcohol before bedtime, since it can significantly lower your overall quality of sleep.

According to experts, you shouldn’t be drinking more than three units of alcohol a week, or abstaining from it altogether. If you’re drinking a significant amount of alcohol before bed every night, then it’s likely the culprit for your drowsiness. Try cutting alcohol out of your diet for 10 days, and notice whether your sleep patterns change.

Lack of Exercise

If you lay your head down at night and find that you’re not tired whatsoever, it may be because your body isn’t moving enough. The more that we move our bodies throughout the day, the more our bodies will feel ready to rest.

Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, and it will start to make a significant difference in how ready your body is to sleep at night. If it feels like it’s lacking some kind of movement, then your brain will still remain “on.” The great news is that exercise can come in many different forms. Whether it’s walking, running, or dancing in your living room, try to get into the habit of moving more, and your quality of sleep will significantly change.

You Need a New Bed

Perhaps you’re practicing all the right habits, and your sleep is still a problem. In that case, the problem may have nothing to do with you— you may be sleeping on a poor quality mattress that needs to be replaced. Mattresses were not built to last 30 years, in fact, even the best mattresses usually start to wear out after about 10 years. So, if you have a mediocre quality mattress, with springs poking out in odd places, or uneven surfaces, then it may be a pretty big sign that your poor sleep has to do with what you’re sleeping on.

 

Sensitivity in teeth is actually very common, but having sensitivity can seriously impact our lives day to day. Daily activities such as brushing, eating and drinking can cause us to have short, sharp bursts of pain in our mouths. If you are having issues with sensitivity you should always visit your dentist in Stevenage to check you haven’t got a more serious underlying issue.

Why does teeth sensitivity happen?

Often our tooth enamel can weaken and wear out tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots – when the root is exposed that’s when teeth get sensitive and sore. If you are looking to try and help get back your teeth to pre sensitivity there are a few different things to try.

What can I do to treat tooth sensitivity?

The most readily available option would be to purchase a desensitising toothpaste. Several days of using this can help block the pain caused by sensitive teeth. There are many, many different brands and products you can purchase over the counter. Most super markets, pharmacies have lots of options or you could go online and see what you can purchase from online venders.

If you visit your dentist in Stevenage they may apply fluoride. If fluoride is applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth it can help to strengthen the enamel. You could also be prescribed fluoride to put in trays and apply at home.

If in a more severe case exposed root surfaces can be treated by a dentist apply a bonding resin to the sensitive root surface. If this procedure were to take place you might find you need a local anaesthetic.

If you find your tooth root as lost gum tissue, your dentist could take a part of your gum from another area and graft it to the area of your gum affected.

Finally there are root canal procedures. If all the treatments have been explored and you are suffering with severe pain your dentist could then recommend you for a root canal. This procedure is used to treat problems within the tooth’s softcore. This is considered to be the most significant way to treat tooth sensitivity.

Once I’ve cured my sensitivity – how do I stop it from coming back?

When you’ve managed to cure your teeth of sensitivity you’ll want to make sure you brush your teeth twice daily with a soft burst and sensitive teeth toothpastes. We also greatly encourage daily flossing. Use soft brush strokes as opposed to intense scrubbing.

We also recommend taking a note of how much acidity is in your diet. Carbonated drinks often have loads of citrus fruits and this can cause enamel to break down. Try and make a conscious effort to use a draw when drinking fizzy, flavoured drinks this will also help protect against staining. If you do eat or drink anything acidic make sure you follow it by a large glass of water and a good teeth clean – this will help protect your teeth.

If you have any concerns relating to teeth sensitivity get in contact with your dentist as soon as possible – prevention is much better than cure when it comes to looking after one’s teeth.

People can lose their teeth for many reasons, and it’s not always linked to bad oral care. Losing one’s teeth can be seriously traumatic and can lead a person to feel constantly stressed or anxious about the way they look. Having a daily inner monologue that questions your appearance and if every single person you talk to is thinking about the tooth you are missing can be seriously exhausting. Taking the step to having dental implants in Leicester fitted could be a major player in silencing these voices. But this is only one benefit – here are all the other benefits to getting dental implants in Leicester fitted.

Physical benefits of dental implants

When you have missing teeth the way your teeth fit together changers, any changes to jaw and structure will affect your alignment – having bad teeth alignment can lead to teeth grinding and headaches – if you’ve noticed since losing teeth that you’ve started getting more headaches having dental implants fitted could help cure this.

Did you know that when you lose a tooth the bone that holds that tooth there also starts to go? Bones are super clever and are the area in which a bone grows stops being stimulated through chewing, the body sends a signal to say, ‘right we don’t need to grow bone there anymore’. The problem with this is that the teeth on either side of the lost tooth could be affected. So, before you know it, you’ve not just lost one tooth you lost two or three. Dental implants are inserted at the bone and so aid against this.

Chewing and being good at chewing goes beyond just being able to get stuck into a super sticky chewy toffee. If you don’t have the right capabilities of chewing your food this could actually affect your digestive system. In the last few years we have all been made far more aware of the importance of the brain gut relationships and how these effects are health far beyond just how we digest food. The relationship between our gut and brain greatly affects mood and mental health. Dental implants can give you back your full capability of chewing – correcting gut issues tooth loss has caused.

Psychological benefits

This was touched on earlier, but I think it’s worth mentioning again – how we will feel about our appearance has major implications on our day to day lives. If you don’t feel happy or confident in your own skin, you could end up with serious anxiety disorders which left unattended can cause people to isolate themselves from friends and family.

You also have the right to feel good, using up brain power, worrying about teeth, when that energy could be used to help advance your career or be put into the wealth fare of your children feels like a much better use of your time. Having dental implants could seriously help you in getting back that confidence and stop you wondering if the whole room is staring at your teeth.

Having straight teeth helps us to remain healthy. Straight teeth are not only cosmetically beneficial, but function better as well. The ability to chew our food properly relies on our teeth meeting correctly. Having misaligned teeth prevents this from happening, resulting in not being able to chew properly and forcing our stomachs to try and break down larger pieces of food. Misaligned teeth can also cause pockets of bacteria to develop which can instigate a number of unwanted infections.

A new generation of braces and aligners

Wearing a large metal brace with wires, blocks and bands used to be the accepted way that misaligned teeth were treated. These devices were effective but were not comfortable to wear. Those same braces have been made into a far more comfortable and effective piece of modern day equipment. Technology and science have also combined to go further and to produce a number of additional braces. Some of them still use wires, blocks and bands, but they are made from different materials which blend better with the natural colour of our teeth. A lingual brace goes even further and instead of fitting onto the front of the teeth this clever device fits onto the inside of the teeth. These all require regular dental surgery visits for assessment and adjustments. Now there is a new type of brace called an aligner which works using different principles and is computer assisted, Invisalign in Glasgow has embraced this new technology.

Invisalign aligners

Invisalign aligners resemble a gum shield which fits over the teeth and they are made from a clear dental material, making them almost impossible to see. This is far more appealing to both young and old alike who may suffer from a dental misalignment. The scanners and computer software enable numerous images to be taken, so that there is no need for a putty mould of the teeth. These images are far more accurate and can be digitally transmitted to a laboratory quicker and more efficiently than a putty mould. This results in a far more rapid service and also allows the patient to view a virtual image of how their teeth will look once treatment has been completed.

How does it work?

Images of the mouth, teeth and gums are taken and a treatment plan is created. The images are then transmitted digitally to the laboratory where a virtual image of the patient’s teeth is created showing how they will look after treatment. The patient and dentist are also able to discuss the details of the treatment and the anticipated duration. A series of aligners, sometimes referred to as trays, are created, on average twenty-five are required, but the exact number depends on the condition being treated. These are fitted over the teeth and must be worn for at least twenty-two hours per day. It is possible to remove them to eat, drink and to brush and floss the teeth.

The revelation!

At the end of the treatment, one final retainer must be worn for a given time to give the teeth help to settle into their new positions. Once this period is over, it’s time to reveal your new smile to the world as you beam broadly and confidently.

 

Misalignment issues of the teeth not only affect the way we feel about our smile, but also have a detrimental impact on our dental health. With significant advances in dental technology over the last few decades it is now more convenient than ever before to address the aesthetic aspects of your teeth. Clear braces Sydney CBD are a popular choice of treatment for the correction of badly aligned teeth.

Clear braces vs traditional orthodontics

Traditional orthodontic braces are great at straightening crooked and wonky teeth but they are very visible in the mouth. This is because traditional dental braces are composed of metal brackets and wires which are attached to the front surface of the teeth and therefore visible every time you open your mouth. This has resulted in adults being highly reluctant to address the misalignment issues of their smile using traditional orthodontic braces. Over the last few decades much research and development in the field of orthodontics has resulted in the introduction and firm establishment of clear braces. Clear braces are a proven alternative to traditional orthodontic braces, addressing the need to straighten teeth for those who are looking for a more discreet treatment option. Speak to your dentist today to find out about clear braces for fulfilling your dental requirements.

The benefits of clear braces

Clear braces will not only help to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile and create a neatly aligned one, but will also help promote better oral health for life. This is because if your teeth are crooked or wonky then your toothbrush may not be able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth, which can result in the build-up of plaque and the formation of tartar. Tartar causes an array of dental issues, leading to cavities and decay. Over time these conditions can result in irreversible damage to your teeth and gums and of course tooth loss. If your teeth are protruding then they are more prone to damage and may not last for the whole of your life. If you suffer from bite disorders such as an overbite, underbite or crossbite then this can result in significant complications in the future such as tooth decay, gum disease, and discomfort of the jaw causing pain and headaches. Clear braces can help correct these aberrations in your teeth and prevent such complications in the future. Teeth that are neatly aligned are easier to clean and maintain. Your toothbrush and floss are able to reach all surfaces of them and therefore prevent the build-up of excess plaque or the formation of tartar, as well as giving bacteria less chance to be able to linger in your mouth. The earlier in life that you address the problems concerning the straightness of your teeth the greater chance there is of enjoying a healthy and a beautiful smile for the rest of your life. Speak to your dentist to find out about clear braces today and find out how you can achieve a beautiful smile and enjoy better oral health very soon.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

 

Aging is one of those things that is inevitable, even with the help of surgery. There’s no stopping time, no matter how much we might like to think we can. The fact is that one day we are all going to have to retire one day and accept our older age.

Some people, however, may look considerably older than they actually are. So, what is the difference between those of us who look much older than our age and those of us who look much younger? The secret lies in a few things that you may not have even considered.

Take a look at some of the most common reasons why people look much older than they actually are.

They Eat Poorly

Unfortunately, the rumors are true. You most certainly are what you eat, as the saying goes. So it goes without saying that if you’re eating things which are high in preservatives, chemicals, or anything that is not derived from a natural source, it’s going to show itself in your physique.

The more chemicals that you allow into your body, the more that they’ll start to affect you negatively. You may notice more wrinkles in your skin or your metabolism lagging.

One of the biggest giveaways of age is how good of shape someone is in. If you hope to keep a healthy and strong physique, you’ll need to eat a diet that is lean and full of plenty of nutrients.

They Don’t Wear Sunscreen

The sun has plenty of benefits for our bodies. However, it isn’t doing us any favors in terms of aging. It’s important that you protect yourself from the suns harmful rays. People who fail to apply sunblock over the years will notice that their skin degrades at a much faster rate than those who do.

Some people who have leathery skin never bothered to protect themselves from the sun. If you do only one thing in your life to fight aging, wearing sunblock is the best defense.

Experts recommend applying at least 30 SPF every day, even in cloudy conditions. Since the sun can still get through clouds, you may not think you’re being harmed by the sun, but you are.

They Don’t Sleep Enough

Sleep is incredibly underrated for many busy professionals. Unfortunately, people who don’t get enough sleep will start to age much faster. When you sleep, your body is able to rejuvenate itself. A lack of rejuvenation will lead to a degrading body.

A lack of sleep over time will most notably lead to a rugged complexion and dark circles under your eyes. It’s important that you try to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night.

In addition to length of sleep, quality of sleep is also important. Make sure that you’re in a dark and quiet environment that promotes a deep sleep, which is the most kind of rejuvenating rest there is.

Licorice root can have many benefits for skin, from promoting brightness and an even appearance to reducing inflammation. The plant Glycrrhiza glabra, which means “sweet root” in Greek, is an herbaceous perennial legume that is a natural source of glycyrrhizin. This compound is 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar and may be most beneficial when applied topically. Licorice root extract is also a rich source of antioxidants that stimulate collagen biosynthesis while protecting skin from environmental damage. Find out more about why this botanical extract is a popular ingredient in vegan face wash and hormonal acne treatment.

Boosts Brightness

Licorice root is best known for its ability to brighten and even the tone of skin. These properties are largely due to the fact that this extract is a rich source of glabridin and Licochalcone A. These antioxidants inhibit the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers pigmentation after skin has been exposed to ultraviolet light.

In addition to a comprehensive brightening effect, licorice root extract can also be helpful for minimizing the appearance of spots or discolored areas. This extract supplies skin with the flavanone glycoside liquiritin, which can disperse melanin. Liquiritin has the ability to gradually fade discoloration and promote an even skin tone. Licorice root extract is a gentle alternative to applying a harsh chemical peel and can be an effective way to combat hyperpigmentation over time.

Calms Inflammation

Licorice root extract is useful in an acne oil cure for its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The licorice herb is a natural source of glycyrrhizin. When applied topically, this compound has an effect similar to cortisol or steroids.

The antioxidant Licochalcone A also helps to reduce inflammation resulting from free radical damage by suppressing cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This enzyme and inflammatory mediator cause the pain associated with sunburn. Regular applications of this extract may soothe and calm existing irritation and have preventative effects.

Regulates Oil Production

The same antioxidant that counters inflammation can also regulate the amount of oil produced by skin. Some skincare regimens intended to treat acne can cause dryness to the point at which skin overproduces oil to compensate. Licochalcone A balances oil levels to avoid counterproductive reactions to treatments intended to minimize the appearance of shine. In addition to keeping oil levels in check, licorice root extract may also minimize the presence of bacteria that can cause breakouts or infections thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

Licorice root extract is a potent active botanical in vegan face wash, oil blends and other products intended to treat acne-prone skin. It is necessary to apply this extract or formulas that contain licorice root to skin at least twice daily. This natural remedy may take longer to achieve the same effect as a chemical peel or other harsh treatments, but it is less likely to damage skin or cause reactions that lead to more breakouts or irritation. From brightening skin and reducing discoloration to clearing blocked pores and balancing oil production, licorice root extract is a powerful addition to any skin care regimen.

 

Whether you already play a musical instrument or you’re considering picking up this talent, playing music can have a lot more benefit to you than simply being a fun hobby or making you look cool. In fact, playing music has been linked to improving your overall health in a variety of ways. 

So if you’re needing more reasons to convince you to dust off your guitar or to start piano lessons, here are three reasons why playing music is good for your health. 

It Reduces Stress

According to Harvard Medical School, playing music can help you to feel less stress in your life.

Not only is this possible because it allows you to get your mind off of other things that could be stressing you out, but it also can help you feel more of a connection with your emotions and the emotions of other people, both of which will also help you to reduce stress and find more contentment in life. 

But the effects of music on stress don’t stop at just your own internal stress. Playing music while you’re sick or recovering from some illness or surgery can also help to speed your recovery by reducing the stress that will naturally accumulate within your body in situations such as these. 

It Helps With Your Memory And Recall

As you age, your memory and your ability to recall things that you thought you had remembered will start to dull. But for people who play a musical instrument, this memory and recall won’t be dulled quite as much.

According to HopkinsMedicine.org, especially if you’re able to pair certain pieces of music with other things that you’re trying to remember, your recall for that information will be much easier for you to access. Additionally, just the sheer act of using more of your brain to learn how to play a musical instrument will give your brain better practice with building connections between thoughts and ideas, further improving your memory. 

It Improves Your Heart Health

Playing and listening to music can also have a positive effect on the overall health of your body, particularly when it comes to your cardiovascular health.

Fred Cicetti, a contributor to LiveScience.com, shares that studies have shown that making music, not just listening to it passively, can lower your blood pressure and decrease your heart rate. So even if you’re just playing a musical instrument for yourself as a pastime, you can have some major physical benefits from it. 

If you’ve been thinking about playing a musical instrument but didn’t feel like it could really be beneficial to you in your life, consider how the mental and physical improvements mentioned above could impact your life in a positive way. 

During almost every minute of every day, there’s a chance that you could get injured in one way or another. While most of these injuries are small, some situations open you up to the possibility of getting majorly hurt.

One potentially dangerous thing that many people participate in on a daily basis is riding in a car. So many drivers don’t give the road their full attention when they’re behind the wheel, which sometimes causes some major car accidents that can result in physical injuries for the people involved.

Luckily, if you’re safe and prepared within your own vehicle, you can do things that might mitigate the extent of the injuries you might sustain when in a car accident. To show you how this can be done, here are three common car accident injuries and how to avoid them.

Whiplash Or Other Neck Injuries

A very common injury that people get from being in a car accident, even if it’s just a minor car accident, is whiplash. Whiplash happens when the force of your car being hit causes your neck and head to snap back, injuring both the muscles and the bones in your cervical spine area. David Landers, a contributor to Nolo.com, shares that this sudden movement can cause some real problems and pain for people.

One thing you can try that will help to reduce the injuries you get from whiplash is to keep your head pressed back against the headrest of your seat as much as possible. Especially if you can see the accident coming but don’t have time to avoid it completely, try to keep your head on your headrest so it won’t have the ability to snap back as much.

Cuts and Bruises

Many people find random cuts and bruises on their bodies after being in a car accident. Depending on the car accident, these cuts and bruises might be caused by broken glass or by objects within your vehicle becoming like projectiles as you car gets hit during an accident.

To reduce the cuts and bruises your body might sustain, you should always wear a seat belt when riding in a car. Your seat belt will not only keep your body in place in the event of an accident, but DignityHealth.org shares that seat belts can reduce your chances of getting hurt or killed in a car accident by about half.

Broken Bones

Because of the impact on your body during a car accident, many people will come out of a car accident with broken bones. However, if you can ensure that your car is equipped with working airbags, Cascade Business News reports that you may have a better chance of avoiding broken bones entirely.

To help you keep from getting majorly injured when in a car accident, consider using the tips mentioned above to prepare yourself and stay safe.