Amalgam and White fillings – animation and Qs & As

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AMALGAM & WHITE FILLINGS

Q What are amalgam fillings?

A Amalgam or silver fillings are the metal coloured fillings that many people have. Amalgam was the traditional material used for fillings for many years.

Q Why should I consider white fillings?

A Most people have fillings of one sort or another in their mouths. Nowadays fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well. Many people don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile because they are more conscious about the way they look.

Q Can I get them on the NHS?

A The National Health Service will not usually allow white fillings on the biting surfaces of back teeth. However, this does not apply to the sides of back teeth or to any front teeth.

There is a slight chance that some people may be sensitive to the metals used in silver amalgam fillings. If this sensitivity is proven, it may be best to replace the amalgam fillings with another type. (In very exceptional cases these replacements may be available on the NHS, if a consultant decides that a patient is extremely sensitive to these materials and asks for them to be replaced.)

Q Are they expensive?

A Because many white fillings are only available privately, costs can vary quite a lot from dentist to dentist. Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling used and the time it takes to complete the treatment. Costs may also vary from region to region. As a guide, white fillings start from around £40 each, but your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the cost before you agree to treatment.

Q Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?

A White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than
silver amalgam fillings. But there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your dentist can advise you on the life expectancy of your fillings. However, any fillings provided on the NHS are automatically guaranteed for one year.

Q Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?

A It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist decides that an old filling needs replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material.

Some dentists prefer not to put white fillings in back teeth, as they are not always successful. One way around this would be to use crowns or inlays, but this can mean removing more of the tooth and can be more expensive.

Q What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?

A This can vary, but they are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient. Your dentist should be able to give you more information about the particular material that they use.

Q Where can I get them done?

A Most dental practices offer white fillings as a normal part of the treatment they give you. However, white fillings are classed as a ‘cosmetic’ treatment, and you can therefore only have them if you pay for them.

Q Are there any alternatives to fillings?

A Adhesive dentistry is another form of this treatment. This involves bonding the filling to the tooth. The dentist has to remove less of the tooth, which is obviously better.

As we have already said, there are alternatives such as crowns and inlays although they can cost a lot more. Veneers can be used on front teeth instead of crowns or fillings.

Arm & Hammer tooth whitener giveaway

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For brilliantly white teeth why not try NEW Advanced Whitening from the leading toothpaste innovator, Arm & Hammer® (rrp £2.49, 75ml). Clinically proven to whiten your teeth by an amazing 3 shades, it is a highly effective daily whitening toothpaste.

Advanced Whitening contains Baking Soda particles that dissolve to gently clean away both surface and deep stains. This advanced toothpaste also has the added benefit of micropolishers that safely polish your teeth leaving your smile dramatically improved. With long-lasting fresh breath protection Advanced Whitening also neutralises odour and gives you the dentist feeling of clean.

We have ten samples of this product to give away. If you would like to receive a sample, please email us at readeroffer@elixirnews.com with your name and address, stating Toothpaste, in the email header. Note this offer closes 31 May, the Editor’s decision is final and no cash equivalent is being offered.

Advanced Whitening is the latest addition to the groundbreaking Arm & Hammer Super Toothpaste Family. Like Advanced Whitening, each other product in the range contains super ingredients that do a particular job. The range also includes:
Enamel Care Whitening (rrp £3.49, 75 ml); with the patented ingredient Liquid Calcium® this is the ideal toothpaste for those who want to strengthen the surface enamel on their teeth. In only three months your teeth will be stronger, healthier and whiter.

Enamel Care Sensitive (rrp £3.49, 75ml); great for those with sensitive teeth, this is the only toothpaste that will actually fix the cause of sensitivity using patented Liquid Calcium®.

Recommended by dentists, Advanced Whitening is simply great value toothpaste for those that want visible results:
“Advanced Whitening is great for deep stain removal, leaving you with cleaner and healthier teeth. I recommend it to patients who want gentle and effective whitening from their every day toothpaste, for a great price.” – Dr Graham Barnby, Professional Dentist

All Arm & Hammer toothpastes also contain fluoride to strengthen your teeth.
They are avaible in the UK from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrison’s, Boots and Superdrug.

Get one year’s supply of Arm & Hammer whitening toothpaste free

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London: With New Year round the corner, you may be starting a new regime to look after yourself better in 2008. Why not start the easy way, by replacing your regular toothpaste with a super toothpaste that will not only whiten with the natural power of baking soda, but will care for your teeth. Check out the products below and care for your smile the easy way into next year!

**NEW** Arm & Hammer Enamel Care Sensitive® 75ml (RRP £3.49) – Great for those with sensitive teeth.

From the leading baking soda brand, Enamel Care Sensitive removes the cause of sensitivity by sealing the teeth and protecting exposed nerves to offer lasting relief from sensitive teeth, by fixing the cause. It is the only sensitive toothpaste to contain Liquid Calcium® which fills in the tiny crevices to restore the enamel surface. Liquid Calcium® technology repairs the teeth and seals them to form a protective shield in only three months. The baking soda offers deep cleaning and stain removal restoring teeth to their former whiteness.

Arm & Hammer Enamel Care® 75ml (RRP £3.49) – Great for teeth previously weakened by acids in food and drink.

Contains the innovative patented technology Liquid Calcium® to remineralise teeth and restore surface enamel. Containing 8 times the amount of mineral ions found in saliva naturally, it actively reverses the effects of acids in everyday food and drink. It thus increases the gloss of teeth as well as whitening gently and naturally. Containing fluoride to strengthen teeth and fight cavities more effectively.

If you would like to receive 12 months supply of Arm & Hammer please email us at readeroffer@elixirnews.com by 11 November 2007. Please state whether your preference is for either the Enamel Care or Enamel Sensitive.

Smoking ban promotes whiter teeth

London: he number of people having their teeth whitened has increased since the smoking ban came into force.

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) said there had been a “marked increase” in demand for whitening treatments since the UK ban was introduced on July 1.

BACD board members reported the rise, with some practices seeing the number of people opting for treatments shoot up 40%.

On average, respondents noted an increase of 12%. Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment, followed by white fillings, veneers, crowns and bridges.

Christopher Orr, a dentist and BACD president, said: “It appears people are smoking less now due to the ban, so it is not a surprise that many would like an improved smile to go with their better health.

“Once they reduce or even stop their consumption of cigarettes altogether, people notice the visible damage done to their teeth and for the first time feel confident enough to do something about it.

“Patients also realise that the cost savings of quitting smoking mean they can treat themselves to a cosmetic procedure, which even offers an anti-ageing effect.”

A previous BACD survey found that four out of five people were unhappy with their smiles and up to a fifth concealed their teeth in photos.

Nurse can I see the wine list?

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London: UK hospitals are used to being criticised for the food and drink they serve. However, at the renowned King Edward VII’s private hospital (pictured right) in London patients benefit from the introduction of a fine wine list on a par with the finest restaurants.

Berry Bros. & Rudd, the fine wine merchants in St. James’s Street, London has developed a list of fine wines and Champagnes to compliment the sophisticated menus on offer to patients at King Edward VII’s Hospital.

King Edward’s chief executive Clive Bath says:

“It made sense to us that the most exclusive private hospital in London should get together with London’s best wine merchant to provide our patients with a serious choice of wines. And of course good wine drunk in moderation has been shown to have health giving properties.”

Simon Berry, chairman of Berry Bros. & Rudd says:

“For over 300 years, Berrys’ has supplied fine wine to wine lovers, royal families, actors, celebrities and politicians. It seems entirely appropriate that patients recovering from illness or an operation should be able to benefit from the pleasure of fine wine too.”

This isn’t the first time Berrys’ has supplied wine to the King Edward VII’s Hospital. The hospital’s operating theatre entry for 11 May 1917 recorded that surgeon Mr Clayton Green and his anaesthetist Dr Powell used Berrys’ Champagne as an anaesthetic during an operation. The procedure investigated a haemorrhage, following amputation of the right arm of a young Second Lieutenant of the Essex Regiment wounded in France.

Patient care has indeed come a long way since 1917!

Cosmetic Dentistry

What is cosmetic dentistry by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

There have been plenty of movie stars, models, even media personalities who have used cosmetic dentistry to help enhance their image.

But cosmetic dentistry is not just for “high profile” people, it’s for individuals like you and me, our families, our co-workers and neighbors. And, being more affordable than it was a decade ago, more people like you and me are having cosmetic dental work done.

Cosmetic dentistry is one of dentistry’s fastest growing areas. Eighty-four percent of dentists now offer cosmetic procedures as part of their practices and half of these report a steady increase in the amount of cosmetic procedures performed over the last three years, according to an American Dental Association survey.

Cosmetic dentistry can help people just like you:

An adult who has suffered through their teens too embarrassed to smile because of discolored teeth.
Seniors wanting a more youthful, healthier appearance.
A child who chipped teeth in a playground accident.
Survivors of domestic violence.
Victims of automobile or sporting accidents.
Cosmetic dentists can correct these problems and improve a person’s smile and overall appearance through a variety of techniques, including veneers, crowns, bridges and tooth whitening.

Veneers – can be used to correct crooked, chipped or worn teeth.

Crowns & Bridges – are an option for general bite dysfunction and missing teeth.

Tooth Whitening – is an effective means of whitening stained, discolored or dull teeth.

While, at first glance these may seem to offer primarily esthetic benefits, cosmetic dentistry can also help provide many emotional and health benefits.

An improved smile can boost a person’s self image, making them more confident in their daily lives. Higher self-esteem, for example, could help motivate a person to pursue a new career, a career they had previously ruled out because of a lack of self-confidence.

An AACD survey revealed that 74% of adult Americans who responded believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for career success, while 92% say an attractive smile is an important social asset.

Experts say oral health also benefits when a person has their smile improved. “People are more concerned about maintaining their teeth after cosmetic dentistry because they are proud of the way they look. Once they have seen the benefits of a healthy, natural smile, oral health becomes a priority,” says AACD Accredited Member Dr. Dean Lodding. For information about cosmetic dentistry, please contact the AACD at:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry®
5401 World Dairy Drive
Madison, WI 53718
Phone: (800) 543-9220