In the absence of a cure for periodontal treatment, other than preventative and maintenance treatments, and due to the added health costs in the United States, companies such as Interleukin Genetics Inc., non-profits such as Renaissance Health Service Corp and universities, such as University of Michigan, are teaming up to find ways of improving funding options for treatment of periodontal disease.

About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease results from bacterial microorganisms that excessively colonise in periodontal tissue due to infection (periodontitis) and accompanied over-response of the immune system to the bacterial infection. The periodontal tissues that can be impacted by disease include the periodontal ligament, gingiva (gums), cementum and alveolar bone. People may have a predisposition to periodontal disease; however smoking, hormonal changes and diabetes are recognised causes.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding gums and soft tissue, infection in the periodontal pockets, inflammation, abscesses, lesions and ulcers. The result is tooth decay, changes in plasma cells, collagen and bone deterioration where bone marrow breaks down into fibrous connective tissue, bad breath and tooth loss. The inflammation can impact the rest of the body raising the risk of heart disease, such as myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Mental acuity can also be affected, slowing down memory and logical performance.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

To date, periodontal disease can be prevented but not reversed or cured. Preventative measures may include periodontal dental management, oral hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyle habits. Various dental treatments may include dental planing, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, periodontal surgery, laser assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), dental implants and crowns. The treatments are aimed at preventing re-colonisation of periodontal disease causing bacteria or microorganisms.

Funding Treatment in High Risk Patients

Recent research collaboration between the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Interleukin Genetics Inc. have findings that suggest Interleukin Genetics' PST genetic test may be able to predict predisposition to periodontal disease. What this means is that if this test is successful, preventative measures and treatments can be taken to reduce the risk of people identified with hereditary predisposition from getting the disease.
To further explore the success rate of this test, the non-profit Renaissance Health Service Corp are funding the collaborations research. In being able to identify people who are more at risk to getting periodontal disease, it will help insurance companies in the United States establish insurance reimbursement coverage for the screening. Higher at risk patients will be able to have their treatment funded through insurance.

More and more products are now available to help reduce dental phobia. Dental phobia is dental fear, whether of the dentist, the dental practice, or anything related to the dental examination, diagnosis, and treatment process.

Treating dental anxiety and fears

Fear of the dentist or anything "dentistry associated" can stop people getting the dental hygiene check ups and treatment needed. Some people who resist going to the dentist because of such phobia develop tooth decay and gum disease. These diseases have a knock-on effect on general health causing migraine, heart disease and stroke.

The stress may also cause depression, lack of confidence, and lowers standard of living. Nowadays, dentists offer counseling, meditation and also sedation to treat dental phobia. Binaural beats are a proven method of also treating dental anxiety and fear.

Discovery of binaural beats

Towards the end of 1830, a Prussian Physicist named Dr Heinrich Dove, discovered that binaural beats can induce greater relaxation, calm fears, and inspire creative thinking. By observing the different rotation of tropical cyclones in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, Dove found when two different frequencies are played separately to each ear, that perception generates a beat at the same rate. He termed this two-tone-into-one or "binaural" tone, binaural beats.

Robert Monroe, founder of The Monroe Institute and Jefferson Cable Company, furthered the popularity of binaural beats in the twentieth century through establishing the binaural-beat technology self-development industry. Binaural beats are now explored and used in cognitive and neurological research to observe how brainwaves are stimulated to reduce anxiety and control pain.

Research done by Barr et al (1977), Spitzer and Semple (1998), and Thaut (2003) located the effect of binaural beats to neuronal function responsible for auditory rhythms and particular brain wave synchronization in specific parts of the brain that also trigger sensory motor responses that can be tracked. More recent studies examine the effects of binaural beats on blood pressure and heart rate.

Use of binaural beats in dentistry and medicine

As a result, binaural beats are now used in hormone stimulation, treating headaches, focus for learning, improving sleep patterns, treating addictions, and for improving mental health.

Binaural beat sounds are available on CD's, such as "Dental Anxiety Cure", and also through devices, such as the Reson-8 binaural beat generator. Such generators are programmed to stimulate various brainwaves, such as the alpha and theta for stress reduction and also to reduce dental anxiety or phobia.

While dentists and oral hygienists often recommend chewing sugar-free gum between meals to help remove trapped food from between the teeth, reports from the American Diabetic Association shows that certain sugar-free products, such as sugar-free gum, may actually worsen oral health.

Link between sugar-free products and oral hygiene

These reports explain that certain companies producing sugar-free products add "sugar alcohols" as an "artificial" replacement for sugar, and that there is evidence to suggest that such products can still raise blood sugar and increase risk of dental caries, especially where individuals are more predisposed to onset of hypertriglyceridemia and gastrointestinal irregularities that can result from high fructose levels.

Use of sugar alcohol

Sugar alcohols may also be called "polyols" and are labelled differently in products, such as lactitol, sorbitol, xylitol, maltitol, mannitol and isomalt. Part of the structure of the "sugar alcohols" resembles sugar and the other part, alcohol. Plant products, such as berries and certain fruits, produce sugar alcohols naturally and therefore they have become common for use as a sugar substitute. Sugar alcohols are not only used in chewing gum, but also in certain toothpastes, because they pose less risk of tooth decay than if regular sugar is used.

Sugar alcohol, calories and blood sugar

For people who diet, products containing sugar alcohol sometimes have less calories than if normal sugar is used. Per gram of normal sugar, there is usually approximately 4 calories present. With sugar-free products containing sugar-alcohol, there may be between 1.5 to 3 calories per gram. Sugar alcohol transforms to glucose at a slower rate than normal sugar. In the metabolic process, less insulin is needed and for this reason it is thought that these sugar-free products do not cause quick increases in blood sugar. Diabetics often use sugar free products for this reason. People therefore may think it is safe to consume more of these products frequently.

Managing use of "sugar-free" products

Depending on quantity, consuming sugar-free products containing sugar alcohol can still raise blood sugar. Reducing too much calorie and sugar intake can also substantially lower blood sugar resulting in conditions such as diabetes and periodontitis. For this reason, the American Diabetic Association recommends learning about "sugar-free" content from product labels and understanding how quantity may impact blood sugar levels, dental and overall health. Nutritional information and dietary guidelines provided through the U.S. Department of Health may be useful as a guide, or in the case of the U.K., the National Health Service (NHS).

When we hear the word "herpes", we think of horrible "bugs" that can cause sores around the mouth right down to the genitals. The Greeks named these viral bugs, "herpes", because of their creeping nature.

Viral diseases affecting oral health

These viral bugs are classified into separate families and cause different types of viral diseases from the common flu to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All these types of diseases can weaken the immune system, making people susceptible to oral diseases. The herpes simplex virus can cause oral herpes or "orolabial herpes" that we may recognise as fever blisters or cold sores (oncovex) on the face and mouth. The virus can be spread through simply sharing the same tea cup or coffee mug and exchange of bodily fluid.

Oral Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus)

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2); that can cause oral herpes, deriving from the family "herpesviridae" (dsDNA) and subfamily "alpha". These viruses spread through replication in cell nucleus and remain dormant or active in neurons of mucoepithelial cells (facial nerves).

The oral herpes virus infects and inflames the mucosa of the cheeks, mouth and gums that can result in acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, pharyngitis, dysphagia and lymphadenopathy. Reoccurring herpes simplex labialis and intraoral HSV stomatitis can severely affect the palate, alveolar, tongue and gums. Symptoms can be triggered by sunlight, illness, skin damage, menstruation, stress and anxiety. Vaccines are produced to try and prevent infection and treatments, such as acyclovir and zinc oxide, are produced to treat symptoms. Some people have no symptoms in an asymptomatic infection and may not know that they have the virus. Even when latent, the virus moves through spine nerve tissue. Infection cannot be cured.

Oral Herpes and Dental Cancer

The possibility of herpes viruses contributing to dental cancer exists and further research is underway to establish the links. Dental or oral cancer is a disease of the oncogenes cells where the DNA mutates primarily as squamous cell carcinoma, although other oral cancer types also occur. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered a risk factor in development of oral cancer. Mutation in the DNA of oncogene cells can occur when the basement membrane of the epithelium is broken and there is predisposition to developing cancer. Someone who smokes or drinks alcohol excessively and has cold sores may be at higher risk of dental cancer.

Using viruses to treat Dental Cancer

A joint study by The Royal Marsden NHS Trust and the Institute for Cancer Research reveals how the herpes virus can also be used to treat oral or dental cancer. Researchers have discovered that by allowing a genetically modified herpes simplex virus (such as the one causing cold sores) to multiply in cancer cells of patients already diagnosed with cancer, the cancer cells burst, causing proteins to be expelled that improves their immune system function. As a result, the likelihood of cancer tumour reoccurrence is lowered. While lifestyle factors may cause herpes simplex virus and oral cancer that harms health, the herpes simplex virus when engineered, can be used to treat diseases and improve overall wellbeing for longevity.

Invisalign braces are an innovative orthodontic treatment, which provide the perfect solution for people that want straighter teeth without worrying about the way they will look if they have braces fitted.

What is the Invisalign system?

The Invisalign system involves a series of clear aligners, which are designed to move the teeth gradually over the course of time. If you want to have the treatment, your dentist will create a mould of your teeth using a putty-like substance and they will also take photographs, which will then be sent away to a dental laboratory. The technicians will make up a series of aligners based on the measurements and contours of your mouth.

Each aligner should be worn for two weeks and then replaced with the next aligner in the series. The aligners are shaped to encourage the teeth to move and by the time you get to the last aligner, your teeth should look great.

How do the braces work?

The aligners work by gently moving the teeth in the right direction; you need to wear the braces for around 22 hours each day and each aligner should be worn for two weeks before you go on to the next one in the series. You will need to visit your dentist on a regular basis to make sure the aligners are working effectively.

How long does treatment take?

Everyone is different and treatment time will vary according to the complexity of your individual situation. As a general rule, treatment should take around twelve months.

Who can benefit from Invisalign braces?

Invisalign braces can be used to treat lots of different orthodontic problems, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Twisted teeth
• Poorly positioned teeth
• Problems with the bite (the relationship between the upper and lower sets of teeth)

Invisalign braces can treat many people but patients with more severe problems may be advised to choose an alternative treatment. An example of the amazing results produced by Invisalign braces is shown below:

What are the advantages of Invisalign braces?

Invisalign has many advantages; the most obvious benefit is the appearance of the braces; Invisalign braces are also known as invisible braces because they are invisible to other people. The discreet appearance of the aligners means you can get the smile you always wanted without anyone else even knowing you've got braces.

Other advantages of this treatment include increased comfort and less pain than traditional braces; the aligners generate much less friction than normal braces and the teeth are encouraged to move slowly and gently. Many people also like the fact that you can take the aligners out; this enables you to eat properly and clean your teeth thoroughly; this also helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

How much does the treatment cost?

Invisalign is one of the more expensive orthodontic treatments; as with all cosmetic dental treatments, prices vary considerably depending on where you choose to go for your treatment and which dentist you choose (dentists with expertise in the field and those with years of experience will charge more than those with less experience). As a general guide, the treatment usually costs betweenn £3,000 and £6,000.

Dr. Tarek El-Bialy, Associate Professor in Medicine and Dentistry, at the University of Alberta, is researching new applications of ultrasound in treatment of tooth root resorption and tissue engineering. Through using ultrasound to stimulate jaw bone formation and healing in rabbits, Dr. El-Bialy realized that the ultrasound waves also promote new tooth growth.

Ultrasound restores tooth root damage from braces

People who have misaligned or crowded teeth often use orthodontic braces to realign or straighten their teeth for proper bite. The orthodontic braces range from metal to clear plastic aligners. There are different brands of brace, such as the Invisalign, Damon, and lingual STb braces, designed to correct certain misaligned or improper bite conditions while simultaneously appearing "invisible".

Research suggests that during re-aligning and forcing the teeth to move and straighten, certain braces can cause root damage. Dr. El-Bialy's studies have focused on using ultrasound on people wearing braces to prevent tooth root damage. The findings reveal that ultrasound stimulates tissue and root growth inside teeth, but cannot restore enamel.

Use of Ultrasound in Dentistry

Ultrasound is cyclic sound pressure that resonates above human hearing of 20kHz limit. Ultrasound devices focus this energy and are used in various fields, including dentistry for diagnosing conditions such as oral cancer, for treating cancer and also in oral hygiene for teeth cleaning. Ultrasound has recently played a greater role in endodontics and orthodontics, such as in shaping the root canal prior to obturation and accelerating treatment for malocclusion.

Designing new LIPUS Ultrasound for Dentistry and Medicine

During the study of patients with orthodontic braces done by Dr. El-Bialy, the ultrasound machine had to be positioned in the patient's mouth, and the largeness of the ultrasound machine was a challenge. Therefore, Dr. El-Bialy teamed up with the University of Alberta Faculty of Engineering, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), to design and produce a smaller ultrasound machine for the purpose of fitting into a human mouth.

Currently the University of Alberta team are designing a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound about a centimetre in length and powered by battery called LIPUS. Their idea in patenting this device is that it can not only be used to attach braces and crowns that protect tooth roots, but also that the machine can be used for other medical purposes, such as to stimulate stem cell growth for healing in different diseases, and also to be placed inside bandages to heal fractured bones. The team foresee that LIPUS ultrasound device will be available for use by 2012.

Orthodontics is a specialised sector of dentistry which caters to deal with a variety of dental problems such as misalignment of the teeth and bad bite amongst many others. There are various popular treatments that can help to cure the most common orthodontic problems such as Invisalign, Inman Aligner and Six month smiles.

Many patients choose to undergo some form of orthodontic treatment either to enhance the cosmetic appearance of their smile or to treat their dental problems. Most of the treatments cater to deal with both the cosmetic side of dentistry as well as tackling any dental problems that the patient may experience. Many orthodontic problems are usually treated with braces however there is a vast range of braces available including invisible discrete style braces such as Invisalign.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

There are many benefits to having orthodontic treatment as described in more detail below:

• Orthodontic treatment can help to treat problems such as malocclusion and gaps between the teeth
• It can significantly improve the aesthetics of your teeth and give you an attractive smile
• It can help to reduce discomfort and pain that you may be experiencing due to a dental problem
• There is a wide variety of orthodontic treatments readily available to choose from which makes sorting out dental problems easier
• Some orthodontic treatments comes in affordable packages and take as little as six months or less to improve your teeth

Some of the most popular orthodontic treatments are discussed in more detail below:

Invisalign

Invisalign treatment uses a clear set of braces which are designed to correct the position of your teeth. Invisalign uses a series of virtually invisible aligners that are custom made and help to move your teeth into the desired position.

Six Month Smiles

Six month smiles treatment consists of a brace which uses brackets that are bonded to your individual teeth and discrete arch wires which are made to appear natural and tooth coloured. Six month smiles braces can effectively transform your smile in as little as six months. The six months treatment focuses on moving the teeth which are visible to give you faster results.

Inman Aligner

Inman Aligners are an excellent alternative to Invisalign treatment and cater for mild orthodontic problems. Inman Aligners uses removable aligners that focus on correcting the front teeth and can achievement effective results in about six weeks.

Cosmetic dentistry is big business these days, with millions of people flocking to their dentists in pursuit of the perfect set of Hollywood-worthy pearly whites. Since the rise of celebrity and the popularity of lifestyle and makeover television shows including Extreme Makeover and 10 Years Younger, an increasing number of people have decided to have cosmetic treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term for a number of dental treatments, which are used to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth and make your smile look better. Nowadays, there is a huge range of cosmetic dental treatments and the number of services on offer to consumers is increasing every year.

Why have cosmetic dental treatment?

For many people, looking good is important and the way your smile looks can have a massive impact on your overall appearance. Research has consistently shown that people often judge others based on the appearance of their smile and this can be particularly important when you go for job interviews and choose future partners, according to studies.

Having teeth that are crooked, stained, chipped or poorly aligned can make you look less attractive and it can also make you feel less confident about the way you look. A person who is unhappy with the way their teeth look is less likely to feel comfortable in social situations and this make a real difference in their social and professional lives.

Cosmetic dental treatments offer a solution for almost any dental problem and most treatment produce incredible results in a relatively short period of time. Increased competition between dentists and clinics means that prices are now more affordable than ever and many clinics offer payment plans and financial incentives, which can make it easier to cover the costs of your treatment.

Popular treatments

There is now a huge range of cosmetic treatments available to patients and almost any problem can now be solved with the help of modern technology and state of the art equipment. Examples of the most popular treatments are outlined below:

• Veneers

Veneers are a very popular treatment; they have been championed by many celebrities and are regularly used on television makeover shows. Veneers are very thin pieces of laminate material, which are placed on top of the existing teeth; they can transform even the most unattractive of smiles. Having veneers fitted creates a perfect, healthy looking, white smile, which will make you look and feel great. Most people choose to have porcelain veneers as these look most natural and are durable and strong.

• Orthodontic treatments

Orthodontic treatments are usually associated with teenagers but they are becoming increasingly popular amongst adults. Orthodontic treatments are used to straighten the teeth, improve the alignment and positioning of the teeth and tackle problems relating to the bite (the way the top and bottom teeth fit together). Popular orthodontic treatments include Damon Braces, Invisalign braces and 6 Month Smile braces.

• Gum contouring

Gum contouring is a simple and quick treatment which reduces the amount of gum tissue on show when you smile; this treatment is designed for people with a ‘gummy smile'; this means a lot of gum tissue is visible when they smile and it can make their teeth look small and their smile imbalanced. The photo below shows the incredible results achieved by gum contouring treatment:

• Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment; having white teeth can make you look younger and more attractive and will provide an instant confidence boost. Popular whitening treatments include those featured regularly on makeover shows, Extreme Makeover and 10 Years Younger, Zoom! whitening and Britesmile. The amazing results can be seen in the photo below:

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?

The cost of treatments varies according to which treatment you choose to have; some, like gum contouring, are much cheaper than others, including orthodontic treatments and veneers. Typically, gum contouring should cost around £150, while orthodontic treatments range from around £1,500 to £5,000 and you should expect to pay up to £40,000 for a complete smile makeover. You should check with your dentist before you agree to go ahead and have the treatment.

Dentists call the CEREC treatment ‘revolutionary' as CEREC technology allows dentist to create custom made dental crowns and other cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers in one single visit. Many people enjoy the benefits of this fast and effective form of technology which enables people to have their dental treatments quickly and efficiently.

How do dentists use CEREC technology?

CEREC technology uses effective design imaging and a milling machine to create artificial teeth, dental crowns or veneers which are custom made to your teeth and gums. Digital imaging is used to analyse the teeth to gums then the dentist will assess the dental problems in your teeth using 3D imaging. A milling machine will then read the data which is transferred from the images and the dentists input of the material, size and shape of the tooth and the milling machine will create the final result of a brand new custom made tooth or cosmetic dental treatment.

What are the benefits of CEREC technology?

There are many benefits to having CEREC treatment for your next cosmetic dental treatment as outlined below:

• CEREC treatment is quick and effective as treatment can be completed in one single visit on one day
• CEREC treatment is a permanent dental treatment so you will not have to worry about having the treatment again to restore your teeth
• CEREC treatment is ideal for patients who suffer from dental phobia as the treatment is quick and easy and requires only one anaesthetic injection
• The cosmetic dentist can design the tooth to the required shape, colour and size and match it closely to your natural teeth cosmetically enhancing your overall appearance

What are the costs for CEREC treatment?

The cost of CEREC treatment varies as each dental practice may charge different fees according to their version of CEREC technology.

• A dental practice with the latest CEREC technology system will inevitably charge more money for cosmetic dental treatment.
• A more experienced cosmetic dentist may charge more for their expertise and quality

CEREC treatment on average can cost anywhere from £300- £700 depending on your individual dental circumstances

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure which can vastly enhance the overall appearance of teeth by improving colour and brightness by removing stains and discolouration using a subtle bleaching process.

Who should have teeth whitening treatment?

Teeth whitening can greatly improve the smile and appearance of anyone who has stained or discoloured teeth. The final results can boost your confidence and enhance your self esteem beyond measure.

Are there different types of teeth whitening?

Yes, there are two main types of tooth whitening generally available from dental practitioners.

There is in-house treatment conducted by the dentist which combines the use of a high impulse laser with bleaching in the form of a whitening gel which quickens up the process of restoring teeth to their original pearly whiteness. However, there are also home teeth whitening kits available from dentists. The dentist will create tailor made bleaching trays from an exact impression made from your teeth to greatly enhance the effectiveness of the stain removal process. It is important to discuss which treatment is most suitable for you with your dentist before deciding which course to take.

What are the advantages and benefits of teeth whitening?

There are many advantages and benefits to having teeth whitening treatment. It is far less costly than alternatives like veneer treatment and will not have to be regularly undertaken provided a good routine of dental care and oral hygiene is maintained. Despite a small increase in tooth sensitivity during the treatment the procedure is completely painless and safe. The finished results can also be truly fantastic, restoring a fresh gleam to your smile and boosting your self esteem and self confidence.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Provided you maintain a good dental and oral hygiene routine your teeth whitening can be permanent with annual maintenance sessions to ensure the whiteness and brightness of your teeth is retained. Your dentist can advise you on the best ways to maintain the results of the treatment after the procedure. .

How are the teeth whitened and how long does it take?

The length and method of teeth whitening treatment depends on the kind of procedure you choose.

If you opt for an in house teeth whitening will begin with your dentist taking a pre-treatment photographic record of your teeth. They will then apply a protective gel to shield your gums from the bleach and you will be given goggles to protect your eyes from the laser. The whitening gel will then be applied and a handheld laser will be worked over the gel for an hour to stimulate the bleaching process. The whitening gel is then removed and a photographic record made of the results. This is all achieved in one session but a home whitening kit is often combined to ensure the maintenance of the in house teeth whitening procedure.

Home teeth whitening kits vary in method and cost. Generally, the procedure consists of your dentist taking a cast of your teeth and creating a tailor made bleaching tray. These trays are then filled with the whitening gel which comes supplied as part of the kit either already inserted into the trays by your dentist or in syringes ready for self-application into the trays. The trays are usually to be worn each day for around 90 minutes for a period of two weeks. After this period your dentist will perform a deep cleansing session and assess the results.

What are the costs involved?

The cost will vary depending on the teeth whitening treatment you choose. In house treatment costs more, but is completed in a single session. Home teeth whitening kits vary in cost and the procedure takes approximately two weeks to complete. It is very important you discuss your treatment and the costs involved in-depth with your dentist prior to undergoing the procedure.