Truth Behind My Smile

DIY tooth whitening ruined Russell’s teeth.

2011-11-03T09:30:36Z

After having his teeth whitened professionally, Russell Fraser was thrilled with the result. He spends a lot of time meeting clients, so feeling confident is important to him. Teeth whitening is an easy way to give your smile a lift. Whiter, brighter teeth give the impression of looking younger and healthier but top ups are needed to maintain the look.

When Russell decided he needed another treatment to brighten up his smile again he was very busy at work and thought he’d save time by using a DIY treatment at home. Russell did his research and found a company online that supplied teeth whitening kits. The company seemed reputable and he was impressed that the service included making personalized trays. Russell sent off an impression of his teeth and the kit soon arrived in the post.

That night Russell carefully followed the instructions, filling the tray with the liquid supplied and wearing them overnight. But by morning his teeth were throbbing so badly that he considered going to his local A&E department. After about 16 hours the pain eventually wore off but Russell’s problems were only just beginning.

“At first I could not see any changes to my teeth but I kept a close eye on them and after about two weeks I noticed that the area around the gum line had gone darker. I found a dental mirror to inspect the back teeth and to my horror, I could see they had turned brown.”

The damage to Russell’s teeth worsened with time, until, in his words “they were literally falling apart.” The whitening treatment had eroded the enamel, leaving the dentine exposed and his teeth in a very vulnerable state.

Russell knew he needed to take action but he was too embarrassed to visit his regular dentist so he called a private practice. He was told that he would need 18 crowns and he was shocked at the price. Typically, aesthetic metal free crowns at a UK private dentist will cost upwards of £500.00. Russell started searching for a cheaper option and he discovered Smile Savers Hungary. He was able to organize his treatment over the phone and once the clinic had seen photographs of his teeth they were able to give him a treatment plan and a quote.

Russell needed 21 fillings, four root canal treatments and 18 crowns to repair the damage. “It was intensive. I spent a whole day in the dentist’s chair for the first visit; the next session was four hours. But I have no regrets, in the UK the treatment would have cost around £28, 000.00 but in Hungary I paid £8, 500.00.”

Russell was told that the damage to his teeth was typical of some kind of acid attack. It’s hard to tell what safety testing might have been done on a home whitening treatment and you’re risking the health of your teeth and gums by choosing the DIY route.

Dr Attilla Kaman of Smile Savers Hungary agrees: “it’s just not worth the risk, bleaching agents and acid are dangerous in the wrong hands and you just don’t know what you’re buying.”

Luckily Russell and Smile Savers Hungary were able to remedy the damage, but dentists agree that teeth whitening kits should only be purchased from a dentist.

Disillusioned with the NHS but David found the answer in Hungary

2011-09-07T15:23:27Z

David Naughton from London confesses that he grew up hating his teeth, they were gappy and crooked and as he got older he felt so down about their appearance that he failed to look after them properly. As problems with his teeth worsened, David felt let down by his NHS dentist, who he believes over looked problems and failed to do the treatment that was really needed.

Decay around the gum line of two front teeth was covered with filler that quickly fell off and soon David needed to have two back teeth removed. He felt so disillusioned with his dentist that he did not make plans to have them replaced. Things deteriorated and as he grew more anxious about his crooked smile he realised that action was needed. David knew that he would not get the help he needed from his NHS dental practice and was put off private dentists by the price. He also felt that UK standards were just not up to scratch. He started to do more research online and discovered that many Brits felt the same way and that travelling overseas for treatment was a popular choice.

David soon had a quote from one company and was contemplating the best course of action when he read about another dental tourism company called Smile Savers Hungary. Impressed by what he read on their website he made an appointment for a consultation. At last, David had finally found a dentist who was honest with him about his teeth. After the consultation, Smile Savers gave him a smile design and recommended that he needed to address both the problems with decay as well as consider the overall appearance of his teeth. “They told me there was little point in spending money on my top teeth without doing work on the bottom.” Explained David. Smile Savers Hungary recommended a comprehensive course of treatment that tackled the dental problems David had along with the cosmetic issues. Because the quote was so reasonable he could afford to have it all done properly.

David had seven root canals, three composite fillings and six teeth were built up before 22 crowns were fitted. It was revealed that previous dental work had simply patched up problems, not solved them. The Smile Savers team explained to David that one of the most important elements of the treatment was to fit implants to replace the teeth he’d had removed several years ago. Without implants the jaw bone was starting to deteriorate which would have led to significant problems in years to come.

David chose to have all the treatment done over a ten day period, seeing his trip as a chance to explore a new city. He loved Budapest and found plenty to enjoy during the days off from the clinic and whilst the treatment has tough be felt well cared for. “Of course it was quite painful but the team were all excellent, you sense that everyone wants to work there, it’s quite different from my experiences in the UK. I really felt that I was in good hands.” Explained David.

David is now waiting to have the implants fitted and is looking forward to going back to Budapest. But he’s already enjoying his new smile. He explains: “It’s like a big weight off my shoulders and I feel like I am no longer being judged for having bad teeth. My confidence has soared!” David saved over £13,000 by going to Budapest but more importantly he saved his smile.

Emma saved £16, 000 by flying to Budapest!

2011-07-22T15:51:10Z

Emma’s problems started as a child when many of her adult teeth failed to grow. She was left with little baby teeth that were out of proportion with her adult face and were also crooked. As she grew up, Emma perfected her closed mouth, ‘Victoria Beckham’ style smile. Whilst she knew it made her look tense and unhappy, at least she wasn’t showing her crooked, baby teeth.

Whilst unusual, some people never grow adult teeth, this condition can cause a lot of distress. Emma’s confidence was seriously affected as she felt very conscious about her smile. She had always looked after her teeth and gone for regular check-ups, so it felt very unfair to have to hide her smile. By the time she hit her late 20’s she was determined to do something about it and spoke to her dentist about braces. “I was told they couldn’t straighten my teeth because they could not put braces onto my peg sized baby teeth.” Explained Emma.

Her next step was to talk to a private dentist about cosmetic treatment and she quickly arranged a consultation. Unfortunately it didn’t go as Emma had hoped: “I was shocked by the price, they quoted me £20,000.00 for the work that I needed. Even if I had that kind of money I’d never be happy spending that much on my appearance. It’s the sort of money you spend on the deposit for a house or even an expensive car!”

Luckily, as Emma was about to resign herself to a lifestyle of worrying about her teeth, she discovered that many Britons go overseas for affordable dental treatment. Her internet research led her to find Smile Savers Hungary and she quickly felt confident that their dentists could help her. A consultation followed and a full treatment plan revealed that she could afford a 10 unit bridge and six crowns that were needed to get her smiling again. This time, Emma was quoted
£4, 000.00: “It was still a lot of money to me, but it was an amount I could save up for and I started to get excited.”

Last July, Emma flew to Budapest where the Smile Savers Hungary clinic is located. She was collected from the airport and taken to the four star accommodation which the service had helped to organise. A driver took her to the clinic where she found the staff and dentists spoke excellent English. She had a 10 unit dental bridge fitted; these are false teeth which are permanently fixed to neighbouring teeth by fusing them with a crown. A crown is a porcelain cap that fits over an existing tooth to improve its appearance or protect it. For Emma this was the best combination of prosthetics and was possible because she had healthy teeth and gums. The treatment was successful and Emma’s smile showed rows of straight, white, adult sized teeth. For the first time since her childhood Emma’s confidence soared and she’s been smiling ever since!

Up In Smoke!

2011-06-28T18:32:03Z

A healthy smile is a smoke free smile

The health risks of smoking are well documented, from heart disease to lung cancer; it’s a habit that you definitely need to break. The effects of smoking on your oral health are just as devastating and go way beyond the obvious signs such as bad breath and stained teeth.

Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. This nasty habit triggers the production of more bacteria in plaque, which in turn produces acid, putting teeth and gums under attack. Without the proper care tartar build up is also increased and gum disease is more likely.

Smoking also causes poor circulation and limits the oxygen supply; this means the body’s own healing process is limited. The result is gum disease that progresses far more rapidly than in a non-smoker. Bleeding is usually a tell tale sign of gum disease and a good indicator of gum health, but in a smoker, this bleeding may be lessened simply because of the poor circulation a smoker is likely to have. Without the tell-tale signs, gum disease is easy to ignore, again meaning it can progress un- checked. Without treatment, tooth loss is inevitable.

The most natural looking and long-lasting form of tooth replacement is the dental implant. However, smokers will be advised to give up their habit before undergoing treatment or the body’s ability to heal will be limited. People with implants need to care for their new teeth in the usual way, regularly brushing and daily flossing are recommended. Most people find the cost of having dental implants in the UK is very high and going overseas to places like Budapest is a cheaper option. Those who have dental implants are usually highly motivated to give up smoking, citing it as the reason they are finally able to give up their habit.

Despite the health risk, many smokers are persuaded to give up because of cosmetic reasons. Smokers will find their teeth become very stained and there’s little point in paying for expensive whitening treatment whilst you are still lighting up. So called ‘smoker’s tooth pastes’ are limited in the effect they can have on stains, only clinic based whitening treatments will erase the signs of nicotine and in the UK professional whitening doesn’t come cheap.

Looks aside, smokers should also consider the most serious side effect – oral cancer. About 90 per cent of people who develop oral cancer smoke. Visiting your dentist regularly can help as they are trained to look carefully around your mouth for signs of oral cancer and if caught early this disease has a good prognosis. Your dentist will be just as keen for you to give up smoking as your doctor so if you’re worried about the effects of smoking on your oral health do have a chat at your next appointment. There’s no doubt about it, smoking is bad for your health… and bad for your smile but it’s never too late to give up. For more information about smoking cessation visit http://smokefree.nhs.uk/

Guard against sporting injuries

2011-04-28T12:56:45Z

There’s no question about it sport and exercise are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. But those who like contact sports or something that gets the adrenalin pumping more than a brisk walk need to consider their teeth just as much as their joints and muscles.

Sports like hockey, rugby and boxing often involve violent contact with the opposition, making teeth vulnerable and without the right protection losing a tooth is a very common injury. Karate, Judo, horse riding, football and kickboxing are all danger sports for teeth and it pays to invest in a mouth guard. Guards can help prevent tooth loss and will also help to protect your jaw. There are three types of mouth guard available – standard guards, mouth moulded guards and custom fit guards. The standard guards are available in most sport shops and come in various sizes but they might not fit perfectly which means they can slip out or rub the gums. Mouth moulded guards are also called ‘boil and bite’ guards as you warm them before placing in the mouth and they mould to your teeth. This choice is a step up from the standard guard but isn’t a perfect solution. The best protection you can give your teeth is a custom fit guard which will be fitted by a dentist, this will ensure it’s both comfortable and secure in your mouth.

If you’re not sure about investing in a mouth guard, remember that 80% of tooth injuries sustained during sport affect the front teeth. If you lose a front tooth it will need to be replaced as soon as possible. If the worst happens, a lost tooth can be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are a high tech solution and one that will look and feel just like your own teeth. The only drawback is cost. In the UK a single dental implant will cost around £2, 000.00 but you can reduce this cost by travelling overseas for treatment. Reduced costs and the best equipment make the journey worthwhile. You’re likely to save between 30-40% even including flights and hotel costs. Smile Savers Hungary takes patients to Budapest where their clinic is a leader in implant surgery. The best dental implants are considered to be Branemark but you can talk to the team about lower cost options. Remember, a good dental implant should last a lifetime if you look after it properly so it’s a worthwhile investment.

Apart from losing a tooth, exercise fans should also think carefully about energy drinks which are high in sugar and are just as bad for teeth as fizzy drinks like lemonade or cola. Anyone who trains hard and uses sports drinks to rehydrate after exercise might not realise they are neglecting their teeth as sports drinks are perceived to be healthy. But dentists warn that sipping these kinds of drinks over a long period of time should be avoided. Don’t get caught out, remember to take care of your teeth, in the same way as you’re looking after your body by doing regular exercise.

Dentists warn of the dangers of DIY Tooth Whitening

2011-04-07T09:41:38Z

As the popularity of teeth whitening continues to grow, dentists are concerned about the dangers of DIY whitening kits available for sale on the internet. Whiter, brighter teeth have an instant anti-ageing effect and give a ‘smile confidence’ that everyone loves. But in the pursuit of a Hollywood smile, consumers are risking the health of their teeth as cheap kits containing poor quality goods and strong chemicals can cause serious damage to enamel and gums.

Whitening kits often include a whitening gel which will contain ingredients such as Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide plus mouth trays which are filled with the gel and fit over the teeth. Alternatively you can buy strips which mould around the teeth and are impregnated with a bleaching agent.

Worryingly, some websites claim their systems deliver results ‘within minutes’ when typically home kits should be used over a series of nights or even weeks. Others claim to be more effective than professional treatments or that their system is the same as ones used by dentists. “Comparing at-home kits to professional treatment is a worrying trend that I feel is very misleading for the public. Laser whitening and clinic treatments must be carried out by experienced dentists and we’ve seen the consequences of DIY treatments that have gone wrong.” States Dr Kaman from the Implant and Aesthetic Center in Budapest.

Russell Fraser from Scotland found out the real cost of using a DIY treatment when he tried an at-home kit. He’d had his teeth professionally whitened the year before and wanted to top up the effect without spending the same money and so bought a kit online. He thought the company seemed trustworthy as he was asked to send in an impression of his teeth to create personalised mouth trays. He followed the instructions supplied but by the morning his teeth were throbbing so badly he was on the verge of going to A&E. Within weeks he noticed brown marks on the teeth and that they seemed to have shrunk – in reality his teeth were literally crumbling away. The effects were like an acid attack on the teeth and the enamel was so badly damaged that he needed a full smile makeover with veneers to remedy the situation. Luckily Russell found Smile Savers Hungary and he was able to afford the treatment needed by travelling to their clinic in Budapest. In the end Russell needed 21 fillings, four root canal treatments and 18 crowns to repair the damage. In the UK the treatment would have cost around £28, 000.00 but in Hungary he paid £8, 500.00.

Dodgy DIY kits can contain chemicals like Chlorine Dioxide which is a bleach not recommended for teeth whitening. If the bleaching gel is too strong or left on for too long the tooth enamel will be breached and cavities weakened meaning the bleach can go straight to the nerves, bone and tissue at the root of the tooth causing damage and considerable pain. Badly fitting mouth trays mean the gel can leak causing stomach upsets and gum damage. If gums are damaged they become susceptible to disease which in turn causes oral and general health issues.

Dr Kaman adds: “Before you undertake any teeth whitening the health of your teeth and gums must be assessed, it’s not a treatment everyone can have. There are so many risks associated with DIY treatments it’s just not worth doing, it’s better to shop around and find a reputable clinic that you can trust to do the treatment and then maintain the whiteness by brushing with a good quality tooth brightening toothpaste.”

There are definitely some things that are left to the professionals and Russell Fraser agrees: “To anyone who’s tempted by a tooth whitening kit, I would say, don’t risk it – go to a dentist.”

Celebrity baby news turns the spotlight on gum health

2011-03-22T16:24:06Z

It seems that in celeb-land, the accessory of the moment isn’t a Hermes Birkin, but rather a baby bump, as more famous faces announce their pregnancies. The latest to join the pregnant pack is Mel B, like her fellow Spice Girls Victoria Beckham and Emma Bunton, she’ll be giving birth later this year. Kelly Brook, Holly Willoughby, Natalie Portman and rock chick Pink (to name but a few) are all blooming with health, but pregnancy can bring oral health problems that are not to be ignored.

Many pregnant women notice that their gums bleed more in pregnancy and in fact they are more susceptible to gum disease during this time. Pregnancy hormones can make gums swell and feel more tender. High levels of progesterone make the gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque making it easier for gum disease to become established. Similarly, anyone who already suffers from gum disease may find it progresses faster once they are pregnant.

Gum disease has been linked to foetal wellbeing, so it’s not just mum’s health at stake, making oral health a priority for the nine months and beyond. It takes time for the hormones to settle to normal levels after the birth so the extra precautions shouldn’t end in the hospital.

Gum disease is the most common cause of teeth loss and is easily prevented by a good dental hygiene routine. Tell tale signs include bleeding gum, but the health consequences are more far reaching than tooth loss. Gum disease has been linked to heart health and Alzheimer’s disease so your pregnancy is a good time to establish the best oral health routine possible. You need to be gentle with those swollen gums, but don’t ignore the warning signs. Here are our top five steps for good oral health for those nine months and beyond:

If you are planning on becoming pregnant get ‘gum fit’ first, visit your hygienist and make sure your gums are as healthy as possible before conceiving
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once a day is essential for healthy gums
Avoid snacking in between meals and remember that sweets and sugary drinks will cause tooth decay. Pregnancy can make you crave sugar, particularly in the early months, so if you can’t control your snacking, brush your teeth or chew gum afterwards
Have regular dental checks and make sure you see a hygienist who can help you prevent gum disease. During your pregnancy you should see your hygienist more frequently, especially if you’re worried about bleeding gums

All Smiles At the BAFTAs

2011-02-14T18:36:27Z

Colin Frith wins Leading Actor category

It may have been a wet and windy night but that did nothing to diminish the glamour of this year’s BAFTA Awards. And although some of Hollywood’s most glamorous stars were out in force it was a night for the Brits to shine.

It was smiles all round from man of the moment Colin Firth along with Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. Heavily pregnant Natalie Portman didn’t make an appearance but no doubt she was thrilled with her award for Leading Actress.

The British contingent weren’t to be left behind their American counterparts in the glamour stakes, and all were showing off perfect teeth. The ‘Smile Makeover’ or ‘Hollywood Smile’ may have started in America but here in the UK more and more people are fixing their crooked teeth, citing confidence as the main reason for the change. Psychologically, smiling is linked to self confidence which in turn is crucial to leading a successful and fulfilling life. Ask any BAFTA winning actor and they’ll agree.

A big grin (as opposed to a fake smile which often hides the teeth) ignites a great mood in you and in others. It’s true that smiling is contagious and it is also reputed to help boost the immune system, relieve stress, release mood enhancing endorphins and make you more attractive to the opposite sex.

Getting a celebrity smile will normally involve having veneers fitted over crocked or chipped teeth, crowns or dental implants to replace worn or missing teeth and whitening to brighten the whole smile. Bear in mind that this kind of treatment isn’t available on the NHS in the UK, so savvy Brits look overseas to places like Hungary for their smile makeover treatment. You can often have the initial consultation in London where the latest technology will show you what you can expect your teeth to look like after the treatment.

Top clinics in Budapest will charge about one third of the UK price, and cheap flights and hotels mean it’s affordable to return for more than one treatment if required. Company’s like Smile Savers Hungary will help you set up all the aspects of the trip and will even organise drivers to take you from the hotel to the clinic and the airport, making the whole trip stress free. They’ve handpicked the best hotels in town and the customer services team are always on hand to help with any questions. In fact the service is so good you’ll probably feel like a pampered movie star!

New Year….new you?

2011-01-16T14:59:23Z

Losing a few pounds tops the New Year resolutions list for a lot people every year and experts agree the best way to change your figure is through sensible eating and an appropriate exercise programme. Yo yo dieting, extreme eating plans and over exercising is just as bad for your health as being overweight and it’s an area where doctors and dentists agree. “A healthy diet is as good for your teeth as it is for your waistline and faddy weight loss plans or diet pills have hidden dangers.” Explains Dr Kaman from the Implant and Aesthetic Center in Budapest.

The dangers of dieting can have long term consequences for oral health, as a variety of vitamins and minerals are important for healthy teeth and gums. Vitamins C, A and D along with calcium, magnesium and phosphorous are all essential for a healthy smile. Dieting, particularly without the advice of your doctor can lead to you making some dangerous changes to the levels of these vital vitamins and minerals.

For example cutting out diary foods which are often mistakenly perceived to be high in fat means teeth and bones could be kept short of calcium. Calcium isn’ just vital for healthy teeth, it also maintains good bone structure, and remember your jaw, the foundation of a healthy smile is made from bone. Vitamins A and D are also good for teeth and gums. These vitamins are fat soluble and can be depleted when people follow fat-free diets. Vitamin D is essential for good calcium absorption whilst vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps prevent decay and maintain healthy gums. Meanwhile Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron and aids the body’s healing process.

Denying the body of vital nutrients isn’t the only diet danger. Diet pills can wreak havoc with your body’s metabolism and doctors list heart problems, allergies and addiction as common side effects. Often once you’ve stopped taking the pills the weight can pile back on, leading the user to even more drastic measures. Dentists are also concerned about diet pills as a common side effect is a dry mouth and lack of saliva. Saliva plays an important role in the mouth’s defence against acid attack and if the saliva flow is modified in any way it leaves teeth vulnerable to decay.

Dentists and doctors agree that the healthiest diet for both maintaining the right weight and caring for your teeth is one that is low in sugar, processed foods and starchy carbs. Increasing the amount of vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruit is key to success. Foods that need to be chewed properly before being swallowed like apples are good for teeth as they encourage saliva flow. Swap sugar laden fizzy drinks or juice for water and snack on carrots with humous, nuts or plain yogurt. Load up on fresh veg which is filling and full of antioxidants and limit sticky foods like dried fruit.

“A general rule to follow is that if foods are close to their natural state then they’ll be good for your weight and your teeth.” States Dr Kaman. By sticking to a healthy diet you’ll see results and that’s the way to make your New Year resolutions a reality this year.

Festive foodies beware!

2010-12-18T17:50:01Z

Christmas treats can be tough on teeth

Let’s face it, Christmas time is not for feint hearted foodies, for most of us the festive season is a time for overindulgence, particularly of sweet treats and rich puddings. But beware the high sugar content of many Yule tide goodies and constant grazing either of which are good for teeth. Here’s our top ten Christmas dental demons!

Chocolate advent calendars are a daily temptation that means teeth are under constant bombardment from sugar. The sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth and forms an acid which slowly but surely eats into the enamel which protects our teeth. To minimise damage, eat your advent chocolate straight after a meal and then chew some gum to neutralise the acid.
Mince pies are full of sticky, sweet fruit and sugar topped pastry – just the thing to get trapped in teeth and prolong the acid attack on your enamel.
Christmas pudding’s traditionally should have a sixpence hidden inside, so beware if you’re biting down on a mouthful of pud. No one wants to make an emergency trip to the dentist to replace a filling or mend a chipped tooth. Christmas teeth disasters are not limited to the pudding treasure either, slipping on the ice or falling whilst you hang up the lights are common accidents which might leave you singing “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!”
Fizzy and fruity drinks are the worst culprits for causing plaque and decay, particularly if you are sipping them over a long period of time. Sipping from a straw is reputed to help, but we say the best thing is to avoid these sugary drinks altogether and stick to sugar-free mixers or water.
Mulled wine and port are traditional Christmas drinks, and whilst they will certainly get the party going they will also stain teeth making you look older and your teeth uncared for. If you’re a fan of red wine keep stains to a minimum by using a non abrasive whitening toothpaste
Savoury snacks and canapés may seem innocent enough, but remember carbohydrates like pastry and bread bases all turn to sugar and thence to acid once in the mouth. Healthier party foods include vegetable crudités and dips. But ideally, avoid snacking, remember every time you eat your teeth are under attack from plaque forming bacteria.
Candy Canes on the Christmas tree are another tempting festive treat. Pure sugar, these sweeties are best left on the tree – both your teeth and your hips will thank you for it come January.
Trifle, like most puds, is laden with sugar. From the jelly layer to sweetened cream and custard to the booze soaked sweet biscuits, Trifle is trouble for teeth!
Nuts are another favourite tradition and shelling nuts around the fire is the perfect accompaniment to the Christmas day movie. Beware of shards of shell though which can hurt your gums or dislodge fillings. Check over your shelled nut carefully to avoid any nasty surprises
Bumper boxes of chocolates and toffees are all too tempting and usually there are plenty left once January has arrived. We tend to over buy at Christmas leaving us with too many sweeties to finish up. So the sugar laden days of Christmas go on…. And on…..Avoid the tempting multi-buys in the supermarket and remember to pay extra attention to brushing and flossing over Christmas!