Oral hygiene and dental care: Its never been so easy, to keep that perfect smile

Having already written a Hub, in this week's HubMob which asks for articles about seeking perfection through cosmetic surgery, it was some of the comments on that hub that inspired this additional HubMob. I had not initially thought of Dentistry in relation to cosmetic surgery but I guess these days it has its place.

Now although I am a little older believe it or nor I did not sail on Noah's Ark. However if I look back to the dental treatment I experienced as a child and a teenager it would seem as if I was old enough to have done so. With successive dentists over the years filling my teeth for England I was hardly left with perfect teeth. Of course, then after these fillings had failed the usual alternative was tooth extraction which left a gappy grin.

Still, I guess I was luckier than my predecessors. I had an old great Aunt who had all of her teeth extracted during one dental appointment with no anaesthetic, as this relief would have cost one whole shilling. That's 5p these days. Sure, this was back in the early 1900s and a shilling was worth a lot more but come on. The pain must have been unbearable. No wonder this 4 foot 11 inch woman lived to be 89. She was as tough as old boots. When my Mum was ill, and I was a child, this aunt occasionally took me to the dentist and thought I was a terrible baby. I have to say that she made me more afraid than ever before.

These days, thankfully, Dentistry has certainly moved on and embraced modern techniques. The children of today are lucky enough to be able to experience almost pain free dentistry and with the proper care should be able to keep their teeth for life.

The added bonus is that the teeth which they will keep will not be chipped, yellow or discoloured but perfectly shaped and brilliantly white.

In The UK, in particular, during the last few years, Dentistry has undergone radical changes. The NHS funding has become erratic and many Dentists no longer offer subsidised Dental treatment. I know that your smile is precious but if you have lost your job and have little money available, spending a fortune at the Dentists may not be an option. However, If you can afford the treatment there are many ways to improve or protect your teeth.

DENTAL BRACES

These days it is not only children that are having dental braces fitted. Remember Tom Cruise a few years ago and his dental braces? Braces are much less of an eyesore these days and can help achieve those perfect, pearly whites.

CROWNS

Crowns can be a little pricey but to my mind are worth the money. They are often recommended when all else has failed with a tooth. The tooth is drilled down to leave the root and a fine point. Dental impressions are taken to ensure that the crown will fit properly. The crown is then made and, when fitted onto the remains of the tooth, should look good. Crowns can last around ten years but of course there are no hard and fast rules. It depends if you look after your teeth, are careful what you eat and the Dentist has done his work efficiently. Bear in mind though that sooner or later a Crown may need replacing and so there could be ongoing costs. Dental Crowns and Caps for teeth are the same thing.

BRIDGES

A Dental bridge is used to fill the gap between teeth. The teeth that will support the bridge are treat so that they can accept a crown. These crowns then form the end of the bridge. I had a dental bridge to fill the gap between some back teeth. This was not just because of vanity but because the gap was giving me an uneven bite. This bite was causing jaw problems and pain. I was very pleased with the results but it cost me nearly £400, a few years ago, and that was on the NHS. Unfortunately it did not work properly and ended up being removed. The problem with such bridges is that you need to have teeth crowned in order for the bridge to fit and that is a shame if the teeth are in good health.

DENTURES

Gone are the days when a set of dentures or false teeth looked as if the person was running the teeth in for a horse. Dentures can be made to appear more realistic and less uniformed in shape. They are a final drastic step but for those with poor dental health they could be just what is needed. A good set of dentures could solve dental problems once and for all. The cost of Dentures could be anything from a few hundred pounds or dollars to a few thousand. Take note you young people though. If you look after your teeth you should never need these.

IMPLANTS

It is possible to have dental implants directly into the gum. These can be a good option. Before modern anaesthetics this treatment could be painful. These days it is much better but it probably will not be pain free. Check with your Dentist to see if dental implants would be an option for you.

FILLINGS

Even fillings these days are much better.It depends how much you want to pay but it is possible to have white fillings and not those old unsightly amalgam ones. Root canal fillings can extend the life of a tooth which has been causing pain. In the past such teeth would have been destined for extraction.

VENEERS

This is where I would spend my money if I could afford it. Many celebrities are taking the plunge and going for veneers. You do need to be careful. If you are not, your brilliant white, rather large looking teeth, veneers really, could look wrong. Veneers will cost you though and will need care and ongoing money but that Hollywood smile could be worth it.

TOOTH WHITENING

Tooth whitening is readily available in the UK. There are kits that you can buy to whiten your teeth at home. Exercise caution though and take care. Make sure that you understand the instructions and follow them to the letter. If you can afford it have your teeth whitened professionally.

FINALLY

Make sure that your Dentist is a fully trained professional . If in doubt go elsewhere. Remember that if your dentist is not all that he is cracked up to be you could be left with unsightly and painful teeth which may cost a small fortune to be put right.

With tooth alignment, smile makeovers, full reconstructions, tooth bonding and more the choice is yours but it will cost you. Still that perfect white smile could be priceless.