What Causes Crooked Teeth And What Are My Options To Fix Them? Crooked teeth can be a source of much embarrassment, negatively impacting your confidence and self-esteem. A healthy, straight smile is a wonderful asset, but aesthetics are not the only concern with crooked teeth. In fact, misaligned and overcrowded teeth can make proper brushing and hygiene difficult and, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious issues. Read on to discover what causes crooked teeth and the treatment options available to correct them. What causes crooked teeth? In most cases, crooked teeth are hereditary. Narrow or small jaws that can’t accommodate a full set of adult teeth are a common genetic trait. Others have issues with extra adult teeth growing in or missing ones that leave gaps. Upper and lower jaws that are misaligned can result in an over or under bite. But the cause of crooked teeth is not always genetics. Poor dental hygiene in childhood can lead to problems with adult teeth. Thumb sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting and inadequate brushing leading to decay can all have a detrimental impact on the formation of your adult smile. Crooked teeth solutions If your crooked teeth are bothering you, it’s not too late to fix the problem. Not only will straightening your teeth give you a boost in confidence, but it can lower the risk of gum disease and decay. Invisalign Invisalign teeth straightening is a popular choice for adults with crooked teeth as it allows you to treat the problem discreetly. As opposed to the very prominent metal braces traditionally used, Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners that are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. Invisalign also offers you a more comfortable teeth straightening experience, free from metal wires and brackets that can cause pain and irritation to the mouth. The costing is generally around the same as traditional braces and treatment time is dependent on the complexity of the problem. Porcelain veneers and dental crowns If you have gappy or uneven teeth, porcelain veneers can be an excellent solution to create a straight, even smile. It is especially useful if you want results quickly. Similarly, dental crowns which cover the entire tooth can be used to improve the look of worn or decaying teeth, create symmetry and close gaps. Orthodontic work In some cases, crooked teeth require orthodontic work. Your dentist can assess your individual situation and refer you on as necessary. Discuss the right option for straightening your crooked teeth with the friendly staff at Robert Duhig Dental today! Call 07 3269...

Teeth whitening is on the rise in Brisbane, but dentists aren’t doing cartwheels about it. Read on to find out why! Why do we crave a glowing white smile? When you meet new people or confer with a colleague, your smile helps you put your best foot forward. It’s your way of expressing happiness, of sharing experiences with others, and making new connections. Your smile is seriously important! So, if your teeth have yellowed as a result of your weekend love of wine or just as a result of age, it can be a real downer. This is when most of us turn to teeth whitening – and often it’s the easier, cheaper, nastier types you can buy over the counter and use at home. Given that the chemicals used in these products are harsh and can cause serious damage to your pearly whites, the trend is extremely disturbing to dentists. You don’t want to skimp on your smile – you want to give your toothy pegs a well-deserved spa day. Only a professional dentist can do this safely and effectively. Teeth whitening options There are a number of different options available currently to help you whiten your teeth. These include: Teeth whitening strips Teeth whitening strips involve the application of a film of bleaching agent directly to the teeth, which gradually whitens them. The effect lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks depending on your lifestyle, so it’s an ongoing process. While the strips are usually inexpensive, it’s not very effective, and the chemicals used can be harmful. Whitening pens Whitening pens include ingredients similar to those found in the whitening strips – peroxide and baking soda – but without the longer exposure that whitening strips provide. Again, they’re inexpensive and only temporarily effective. At-home bleaching At home bleaching is when a solution is applied to a plastic tray that looks similar to a mouth guard. This is inserted into the mouth, where the solution is left on the teeth for around 30 to 60 minutes. With proper care, the whitening effect can last for 3 to 12 months. Professional ‘in office’ treatments In a professional dentist setting, a gel is applied to the teeth and an LED light is used to whiten them. The procedure usually takes 60 minutes, and involves the dehydration of the teeth surfaces, which brightens them. The effects of this procedure can last for 1 to 3 years. Smartlight 3LT and Smart Bleach KTP Laser treatments This method is more advanced and involves the use of a specially formulated red gel on the teeth and a green light to whiten. The process doesn’t involve dehydration and is therefore much better for your teeth,...

Looking For Dentures in Brisbane? Dentures are another name for false teeth. Discuss partial or complete dentures with your Brisbane dentist if you have lost your teeth due to decay or injury. Dentures offer a natural looking solution to enhance your smile. What are dentures? Dentures are artificial teeth that replace missing ones. False teeth are attached to a base, usually made of acrylic and sometimes metal plated. The base (plate) and false teeth together make up the dentures, and are custom made for each patient. Dentures are removable and can be taken out when eating or sleeping, if required. Your Brisbane dentist will discuss denture care with you. Why would you need dentures? Dentures are not just reserved for older patients suffering tooth loss with age. Dentures are available to anyone who has suffered significant tooth loss. Tooth loss can happen with decay, but accidents can result in the loss of teeth, too. Even younger patients benefit from partial dentures when implants or veneers are not the best option. The benefits of dentures: Comfortably restore your smile Increase confidence and self-esteem Support facial muscles Help you eat and speak Prevent movement of your remaining teeth More cost effective than implants if significant tooth loss is present. Types of dentures Depending on the number of teeth you have missing, partial dentures or complete dentures can provide a natural looking smile. Partial denture types Partial dentures are usually suggested when one or more natural teeth remain in the gum. The partial denture replaces the gaps caused by missing teeth, and is attached to a flesh coloured base plate.   Complete dentures A complete denture is a full set of false teeth that covers the jaw. Full dentures are required when patients have lost all, or the majority, of their natural teeth. If the few remaining teeth need to be removed before dentures are fitted, healing time is required for the gums. The complete denture in this case is called a conventional denture. Brisbane dentures dental practices Discuss how much dentures cost and the options available with your North Brisbane dentist. Rob Duhig Dental Practice is in the heart of Sandgate and offers a gentle, friendly service to North Brisbane patients. Call 07 3269 2443 or complete the Book Online to ask your denture questions. Book...

It seems that the old adage that “straight teeth in your mouth is more important than the words that come out of it” remains true – at least when it comes to job interviews and promotions.  A recent study by the The British Dental Association found that bad teeth can dramatically hinder job applicants at interview.  When surveyed, 83% of respondents agreed that visibly decayed or missing teeth and bad breath would disadvantage applicants to a client facing role (eg.  customer service, reception, solicitor).  In fact, respondents would rather see an interviewee looking unkempt than lacking in dental hygiene.  Bad teeth and breath were found to be the biggest hurdles to career advancement. Bad teeth and career prospects The report found that: 70% rated visibly decayed or missing teeth as a hindrance to gaining employment in client facing roles 62% rated bad breath as a hindrance to gaining employment in client facing roles  83% agreed that these factors are disadvantageous in a job interview for these roles 62% agreed that these factors would harm an interviewee’s chance in any role 60% agreed that these factors would hinder promotion prospects   Options for improving your smile, and your career prospects! If you’ve got a “bad smile” it’s likely that you feel self conscious not just in job interviews but in everyday interactions.  So many of our cosmetic dentistry clients come to us because they want to feel more confident in social situation, first dates and when interviewing.  Luckily dental technology has made leaps and bounds in recent years and there are some quick, simple fixes available. Crowns and Veneers Dark teeth  and teeth that have suffered such decay that they cannot be saved by fillings… these are the main hindrances to climbing the corporate ladder.  Veneers are placed in a cosmetic procedure called a “smile makeover”.  Your new look tooth is colour matched to your existing teeth and bonded to the discoloured tooth.  A crown is a ceramic or metal “tooth cover” that gives at flawless look – so it’s ideal for teeth front and centre of your smile.  Learn more about cosmetic dentistry. Implants, Bridges and Dentures Implants replace missing teeth for a smoother smile, and for easier chewing!  They’re tough and permanent.  Bridges are also permanently placed but may need further maintenance in the future.  Old fashioned dentures (or false teeth as they’re commonly known) are the most affordable option but can be fiddly and inconvenient.  They’re also prone to making existing mouth issues worse.  Learn more here. Zoom Whitening Attention coffee addicts and cigarette smokers!  Zoom Whitening is ideal for removing “lifestyle stains” from your teeth.  If you don’t want to advertise that you smoke a pack and drink five cups a day,...

Wedding Photo Tips Wedding photo tips are usually about angles and lighting but your smile is the most important part of the picture!  Here’s some wedding photo tips from your dentist, for looking your best in those all important photographs! Lippy on the teeth – no we’re NOT kidding Clear lip gloss or Vaseline on your front teeth will make your teeth shine on camera.  Back in the day, it was the hot tip of Hollywood actresses and directors!  Apply a very small amount to your front teeth and you’ll be sparkling! Wedding photo angles for wonky teeth See our bride above? She’s got an imperfect smile! You need to look very closely to tell though, don’t you?  She has a crooked tooth right in the front.  If it’s too late to get some straightening work done, speak to your photographer for tips on beautiful images taken from your best angle! Bright in a sea of white! A big tip for wedding day photos is about colour. If you’re wearing a white dress, your smile may come off as “yellow” if you’re not careful.  If you’re planning on wearing white, off-white or a pale cream, consider having a Zoom Teeth Whitening treatment before your big day.  Best of all, it’s quick because we know that brides don’t have much time!  If money is an issue (who knew a wedding could be SO expensive!) consider asking mum and dad for a dental gift voucher, or check out our easy dental payment plans. Lipstick, Flowers, Teeth, Dress Wedding photo tips are often about colour and your smile is no exception! Your photographer will be keen to get those bold matching colours together.  If you’re planning on a white dress and white teeth, be sure to choose lipstick and flowers that also match perfectly (or compliment beautifully).  Wedding photos tend to be about black suits and white dresses so every colour will leap from the image. Smile even though your feet hurt Yes, you’ll be photographed for at least an hour.  During that hour, your feet will hurt, you’ll be thirsty, it’s Brisbane so you’ll be hot…. meanwhile, your guests will be drinking champers and talking about how beautiful you are.  You might be dying to get back to the party and celebrate your future together.  To make the process easier, carry water, lipstick, powder, a fold out fan and even some band-aids with you.  When the photographer says smile, think about your fabulous future together, not the pain in your toes! Smile from the heart If you’ve got wonky or discoloured teeth, you might find yourself covering your face when you smile.  You may even feel like your smile could ruin your...