Seniors Archives - Smile Makers Dental

Oral Care for The Elderly

smilemakers — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 01:27:41 +0000

Hygiene

The mouth is an entry point for much bacteria. So regular and correct hygiene habits are essential to health. With age and disease, there may be a decrease in manual dexterity making it more difficult to practice these habits. Older adults may need to use electric toothbrushes and other special brushes to clean between teeth. People with arthritis or other limitations to movement may need modified toothbrushes with thicker handles. Smile Makers will show the correct methods of cleaning the teeth, suitable for the individual

Dryness of the mouth

Older adults may not have had the benefit of regular care during their youth so their dental health would be compromised. In addition, they may be distracted with other issues and think that dental care is “unnecessary”.

Now with increasing evidence of the connection between the health of our mouths and our general health (the mouth-body connection), the necessity for clean, healthy mouths become clear.

Our mouths affect our physical health and our psychological well-being – at any age. Good oral habits like brushing and flossing need to be maintained all through life

Tooth Decay

Older adults may see an increase in tooth decay due to reduced saliva. Saliva helps to wash away the acids produced by bacteria in plaque – acids that attack the tooth structure and cause decay.

Adults may also be prone to decay because of exposed root surfaces or worn-out chewing surfaces where the protective layer of hard enamel has been lost. Decay on these surfaces can spread rapidly.

At Smile Makers, we can carry out saliva tests to check on the quality of saliva and recommend ways to increase protection against tooth decay. Examples of such protection include regular fluoride applications, use of calcium creams at home and the use of fluoride containing filling materials rather than amalgams.

Gum Disease

Uncontrolled gum disease has been associated with increased risk of heart disease and strokes. People with diabetes are more prone to infections and need to be especially aware of the possibility of having gum disease. Gum disease is a “silent” disease that often goes unrecognised until advanced symptoms like looseness of the teeth occur. Older adults with poor oral hygiene may suffer from gum disease without being aware of it. Regular checkups are necessary to make sure that gum disease is kept away with good hygiene habits.

Denture Care

Dentures need to be changed every 3 to 5 years. This is because the gums and teeth that support dentures will change shape and position over time. Then the dentures will no longer fit well. Continuing to use worn-out dentures that do not fit well can cause a range of problems like ulcers or sores on the gums and looseness of remaining teeth. Furthermore, chewing will not be so efficient. Even the appearance of the person can be affected. (Please refer to “My dentures make me look old”)

At Smile Makers, we schedule regular checkups for older patients to make sure that their dentures are in good condition and that they are cleaning their dentures, as well as their natural teeth, well.

Attitude to Dental Care

Now with increasing evidence of the connection between the health of our mouths and our general health (the mouth-body connection), the necessity for clean, healthy mouths become clear.

Our mouths affect our physical health and our psychological well-being – at any age. Good oral habits like brushing and flossing need to be maintained all through life

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Replacing Lost Teeth

smilemakers — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 08:25:44 +0000

Why bother to replace teeth?

If a tooth is lost at the back of the mouth, often people assume that it does not matter. They think that as long as the empty space does not show when they smile, nobody will know – and what people don’t see, don’t matter!

The fact is, when a tooth is lost, the neighbouring teeth will tilt into the empty space. This will cause mal-alignment of teeth, which will lead to food getting stuck in awkward spaces between the teeth. This, in turn, will cause tooth decay and gum disease. Tilted teeth are not able to withstand the forces of chewing well, thus, these teeth may slowly become loose. That means more teeth will be lost.

To prevent all these problems, Smile Makers will advise you on the different ways you can replace your teeth – according to your oral condition and your budget.

Book an appointment to find out more about Teeth Replacement options today

Dental Implants – the closest thing to natural teeth!

An Implant is done when the whole tooth (including the root) is lost. Implants comprise a screw to replace the root , which is the part of the tooth that is below the gum and a crown, to replace the part of the lost tooth that was above the gum.

Implants feel secure, just like natural teeth. Learn more about Dental Implants to understand how implants are similar to natural teeth. They don’t need to be removed for washing. Clean them with brush and floss, just like natural teeth. Implants can last several years with good, daily care and regular dental checkups

Bridges

Bridges are artificial teeth fixed to the natural teeth on either side of the lost tooth. Bridges are suitable for replacing just one or two lost teeth as they depend on good, strong remaining teeth for support. As they do not need to be removed, bridges are sometimes known as fixed partial dentures.

Bridges can look very natural when made fully in ceramic. However, if your bite is very heavy, then, you may beed a bridge made of porcelain fused to metal. They can be made relatively quickly, within 2 weeks. With proper care, bridges can last several years.

Dentures

Dentures are removable artificial teeth. They need to be removed after every meal for proper cleaning. Dentures are relatively cheap. They are good for replacing several teeth. They are not as rigid as bridges or implants as they are supported by the gums and some remaining teeth. As the gums will change shape over time, dentures need to be replaced every three to five years.

Replacing lost teeth is important for eating, speaking, appearance and personal confidence. Smile Makers will help you make the right choice of tooth replacement.

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Gum Disease & Diabetes

smilemakers — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 07:02:52 +0000

People with diabetes have a low resistance to infection

They are 2.6 times more likely to contract severe gum disease, as they are more susceptible to sores, wounds, and inflammation.

This susceptibility to infection is due to impaired white blood cells (polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes). White blood cells are important for maintaining healthy gums.

Gum Disease is an infection

Gum Disease can destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth.

Diabetics need to control their blood sugar well

Infections reduce the control of blood sugars as the body produces certain stress hormones that reduce the effectiveness of insulin. Insulin is the essential factor in controlling blood sugar levels. Thus, chronic infections can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which affects other organs in the body such as the blood vessels, kidney, the heart and even the brain.

Get rid of gum disease and diabetes becomes easier to control

Studies have shown that treating gum disease can help to reduce the amount of medication required to control diabetes.

What needs to be done

Diabetics need to ensure that besides taking their medication, they eat healthily and live a healthy lifestyle. This includes minimising the risk of infections. Gum Disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. Diabetics need to take proper care of their teeth by practising the correct methods of brushing and flossing; and having regular scaling and polishing done. Regular dental checkups will help to identify early signs of gum disease that can easily go un-noticed.

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What is Gum Disease?

smilemakers — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 01:28:24 +0000

Gum disease is the common name for Periodontal Disease.

This is a disease that attacks the gums and bone that hold your teeth. It is a slowly progressing disease and is often overlooked because in the early stages, there is no pain or discomfort.

The early signs of gum disease include

redness of the gums
puffiness or swelling of the gums
bleeding from the gums
bad breath

In the advanced or late stages of gum disease, the gums lying over the teeth can become loose. The teeth can become shaky. In the worst case, the teeth may be lost.

The cause of Gum Disease is the bacteria that accumulates in plaque. Plaque is the coating on teeth that needs to be brushed away daily.

Gum Disease can be prevented by :

careful daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque.
regular scaling to remove calculus (hardened plaque) that accumulates between teeth and below gums.
becoming a non-smoker.
controlling your diabetes, if you are a diabetic.

How is Gum Disease treated?

At Smile Makers, treatment begins with an assessment of the teeth and gums for both the presence and extent of disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may involve sessions of deep scaling and root planing to remove calculus (hardened plaque) accumulated below the gums. Careful removal of unhealthy tissues followed by diligent hygiene at home can greatly improve the condition of the gums. Antibiotics and antiseptic mouthwashes may be prescribed to reduce the bacterial infection of the gums. In severe cases, gum surgery may be required.

Pink, firm, healthy gums are essential for keeping your teeth strong. Smile Makers will teach you the correct home care techniques to keep your gums healthy.

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Gum Disease and Stroke

smilemakers — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 11:13:18 +0000

Gum Disease Increases Risk of Stroke

Tooth loss and gum disease may increase a person’s risk of having a stroke.

Researchers at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston , Massachusetts , followed the heart and dental health of 41,380 men between the ages of 40 and 75 for 12 years.

They had no sign of heart disease or diabetes at the start of the study.

Men who had 24 teeth or less at the start of the study were found to have a 57 per cent increase in their risk for having an ischemic stroke compared to men who had 25 teeth or more. Adults typically have a full set of 32 teeth.

Tooth loss in most cases was due to gum disease or cavities

In the past, scientists have speculated that over time,oral bacteria may slip into the blood stream and trigger inflammation in the blood vessels that feed the heart and brain.

Some, but not all, studies on the topic have suggested a history of gum disease increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

-Reproduced from Straits Times, Dec 15th 02

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Dentures

smilemakers — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:55:31 +0000

Dentures — more than a substitute for Lost Teeth

When teeth have been lost, dentures are often recommended. But dentures are more than “false teeth” or just artificial teeth. Dentures help to give support to your lips and cheeks. This support would have been lost as the gums and bone that used to support your teeth shrink, over time.

In some cases, when there has been extensive loss of teeth and bone, the face can look shrunken or collapsed.
A well-designed denture can raise the lips and make the cheeks fuller. It is almost like getting a facelift!

The advantages of dentures

Compared to other teeth replacement options, dentures are relatively inexpensive and can usually be completed within a few weeks. Dentures are non-invasive – there is no surgery involved in the fabrication of the denture – so even those who may have some medical conditions can use dentures. Dentures can be removed and cleaned easily. Dentures are versatile. They can be used if you have lost just one tooth or all the teeth.

What you need to know about dentures

Dentures are supported by the gums and the remaining teeth. In cases of full dentures, the dentures are supported only by the bony ridge left after the teeth have been lost. This bony ridge continues to shrink through life so the fit of the dentures will be affected. It is necessary therefore, for the dentures to be adjusted or redone every 3-5 years.
Dentures require some time to adapt to. Initially, it may affect speech and eating efficiency. With full dentures, time must be taken for the tongue and lips to get used to and control the dentures. With patience and practice, one can learn to use dentures.
In cases where the bone has shrunk severely due to early loss of teeth or extensive gum disease , retention of the dentures can be enhanced with dental implants.

Dentures are customised just for you

Take time to discuss with us how you would like your appearance to be improved and your concerns with any old dentures you may have. Our dentist will see what is possible and work out options for you. Well-designed and well-constructed dentures do require several visits for completion. Each stage is essential to make sure that you are satisfied with the final denture. The treatment fee for the denture will vary according to the materials used and the design of the denture.

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Dental Implants – the closest thing to natural teeth!

smilemakers — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:58:41 +0000

Dental Implants – the closest thing to natural teeth!

Think of your natural tooth in two parts:

The part above the gum is called the crown. This is the white portion that you see in the mouth.
The part below the gum is the root. This is the portion that keeps your tooth firm because it is held by your jaw bone.

Just like a natural tooth, an implant is held by your jawbone so your new artificial tooth feels secure and you can enjoy confidence when you eat, speak or smile!

To replace a single lost tooth, an implant, or a titanium screw, is inserted into the bone. In the typical case, the implant would be covered by gum and left for 3-6 months. This allows the bone to heal around the implant and hold it firmly. This process of healing is called osseo-integration.

After the bone has healed well around the implant, a small extension, or abutment (post), would be placed over the implant. A new customized porcelain crown would be constructed and cemented over the abutment. You will then have a brand new tooth!

In some cases, a temporary plastic crown can be placed over a newly placed implant. Whether this can be done depends on factors like whether there is a critical need for an immediate aesthetic replacement and whether biting forces will be placed on the tooth.

What are the limitations to implant placement?

There must be bone of sufficient height and width to support the implant. In cases of inadequate bone, a graft
may be required to give stability to the implant.
The patient must be in good health, for example, conditions like diabetes must bze well-controlled.
Any infection, like a gum abscess, must be resolved first, before the implant is placed.
Smokers will find that healing around the implant may be poor.
Those who brux their teeth (i.e. grind their teeth excessively) may find that the longevity of their implants will be undermined. To help manage this, a soft, plastic guard may need to be worn to protect the implant as well as the natural teeth.

What are the stages and fees involved in getting Implants?

The initial consultation

Firstly, your condition must be examined to assess whether you are suitable for implants. For example, do you have any medical conditions that may affect the success of an implant? Then your mouth has to be checked for bone shape, size and quality. In some cases, bone grafts may be needed if the proposed site of the implant has very thin bone. Only after a thorough examination that includes X-rays, can we plan how your new artificial teeth will be constructed.

X-rays

If 3-D imaging is required to assess proximity to certain anatomical structures,

The Implant Insertion

The Artificial Teeth

In the case of single tooth replacement, a crown would be placed on top of the implant after the implant has completely healed in the mouth. In cases where multiple teeth are being replaced, the design may involve a bridge supported on implants, a denture fixed to implants or a removable denture retained by a few implants. The fee for such designs will be discussed on an individual basis as much depends on the number of teeth to be replaced and the type of materials used.

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Smoking and Oral Health

smilemakers — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 01:28:03 +0000

We all know that smoking causes bad breath. Apart from that, smoking affects the health of your mouth….

Oral Cancer

Cancers of the mouth form about 3% of all cancers worldwide. Tobacco is the single greatest risk factor for oral cancers. Tobacco has a direct carcinogenic effect on the cells or tissues lining the mouth (epithelial cells of the oral mucous membranes). The good news is that stopping smoking will eliminate the increased risk of development of oral cancer within 5-10 years.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, (more correctly known as Periodontal Disease) can cause the bone supporting our teeth to be lost, eventually causing the teeth to become loose. There is a clear association between smoking and the severity of bone loss in gum disease. Some reports state that the severity of bone loss is up to 7 times greater than those who have never smoked

Healing after surgery

Smoking affects the way wounds in the mouth heal. This is an important factor when considering surgery. There is increasing evidence that tobacco is detrimental to both initial and long-term success rates of dental implants.

Stained Teeth

Even if you do not develop serious disease, you will definitely get nicotine stains on your teeth. These stains can be removed with scaling and polishing. As the teeth will get stained again with continued smoking, you would need to come more often for a professional cleaning to enjoy the smooth, fresh feeling of clean teeth.

There really is no good reason to smoke.
Become a Non-Smoker and Enjoy Good Health!

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What Adults Need to Know about Braces

smilemakers — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 01:29:21 +0000

There are many adults who did not get a chance to benefit from wearing braces when they were kids. Now, when they know how valuable an attractive smile is to their social and work lives, more and more adults are wearing braces – with confidence.

Quite apart from improving one’s appearance, there are other reasons for adults to straighten their teeth:

Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean – this helps to prevent damage to the teeth and bone by gum disease and tooth decay.
Adults who have lost some teeth may suffer from drifted or mal-aligned teeth. This may make replacement of the lost teeth by dentures, bridges or implants difficult. Straightening the remaining teeth before construction of the artificial teeth can give far more attractive results.

Watch this video to learn about the importance of having straight teeth.

Are there limitations to the treatment adults can get with braces?

Treatment may take a little longer in adults because the bone around the teeth is denser.
As adults have stopped growing, some kinds of problems may be difficult to correct with braces alone. Some extreme cases e.g. very protruding upper teeth or a prominent lower jaw may require surgery for better results.

How should an adult prepare to get braces?

Make sure that the teeth and gums are in good condition. Go for a thorough scaling and polishing and any other treatment needed to make the gums healthy.
Learn the correct way to brush and floss. Cleaning the teeth with braces on will be a little harder so being familiar with the right techniques is essential to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Check the condition of fillings, crowns or other dental treatment that you have had. Sometimes, bridges or implants may affect the treatment with braces.
Take the necessary X-rays, photos and models of your teeth and get an orthodontic consultation. At Smile Makers, our dentist will then be able to have a frank discussion with you (and your family members) about your treatment, the costs and address any concerns you may have.

Learn how you can straighten teeth without braces and wires. Read more about Invisalign

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Invisalign

smilemakers — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:59:03 +0000

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a patented technology that allows teeth to be straightened using clear plastic aligners. The aligners are custom-made to fit over your teeth. They are inconspicuous and comfortable. As they are removable, they are convenient too. A different aligner is worn about every two weeks. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth a little at a time.

Treatment Fees Book Appointment

What are the benefits of Invisalign®?

Invisalign is clear so it is practically invisible

The aligners are clear so your treatment is not conspicuous or distracting.

Invisalign is comfortable

There are no sharp metal or wires that can hurt the lips or cheeks. The aligners are easier to adapt to and because there are no wires to adjust, your dental visits can be less frequent.

Invisalign is convenient

The aligners can be removed easily for eating and cleaning of the teeth. You can eat and drink normally. And you can brush and floss normally.

Is Invisalign® suitable for everyone?

Is there an age limit?

Invisalign® can be used on permanent teeth in adults and teenagers. It is fine for correcting moderate crowding and spacing. It can also be used for correcting relapses where orthodontic treatment had been done previously. Invisalign is great for adults who have always wanted to straighten their teeth but did not want to wear conventional metal braces.

Invisalign is the Clear Solution for committed individuals seeking discrete treatment.

Note: Invisalign is one method of straightening irregular teeth. Whether your condition is suitable for Invisalign treatment is a decision that can only be made after a dental examination, evaluation of your records and understanding of your needs.

How do I know if Invisalign® is for me?

As for any kind of orthodontic treatment (treatment to straighten teeth) you must first make an appointment for an orthodontic consultation. After your models, photos and X-rays have been studied, your condition, possible treatment options and of course, the fees will be discussed with you.

Click here to learn how Smile Makers evaluates your condition.

How much does it cost?

Cost varies greatly according to the complexity of treatment.

Simpler cases can take just 7-12 months .

More complex treatment take a year or two and fees are naturally higher.

How do I make an appointment?

Just call 6397 2739 or book your appointment here.

Our consultation hours are:

Monday – Wednesday	8.30am – 6pm
Thursday	8.30am – 4.30pm
Friday	11am – 7pm
Saturday	9am – 5pm
Sundays & Public Holidays	Closed

How does invisalign work?

How do I get to Smile Makers?

Smile Makers is located at #09-26 Novena Medical Center, Square 2 – just above the Novena MRT Station. Click for a location map and transport details.

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