Tag Archives: treatment

How To Choose The Right Teeth Correction Solution For You

Posted on by

As you get older, you might find that you aren’t happy with the current layout of your teeth. Over time, your teeth can move slightly, and this can cause problems with the placement and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Additionally, there are cosmetic reasons why you might not be happy with how your teeth are placed in your mouth.

The good news is that in 2021, there are tons of excellent teeth correction and straightening options that you can choose from. The decision on whether you decide to opt for metal braces or simple invisible aligners is entirely up to you and your budget. What works for some people won’t necessarily work for others. So, how do you choose the right solution? Here are some of our tips to help you make the right choice.

Check Out Your Options

The first thing that you should do when you are hoping to choose the right teeth correction solution for yourself is to look at the options. Many people are only aware of the most popular options but over time, more companies have created solutions that can be more discreet. 

Some of the most common options include clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, veneers, bonding and lingual braces. The only real way to determine which is best for you is to check out each in great detail and uncover some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Some are more visible than others while you can expect to pay more for certain options. Once you know a bit more about the options that are available to you, you can make a clear decision. 

What’s Your Budget?

It is unlikely that you are going to be able to correct your teeth without making some kind of financial contribution to the procedure. There are some cases where it can be a medical emergency to correct the shape of the teeth and there may be some reductions in price for these patients. However, the majority of options will set you back a fair bit of money, so you need to be willing to pay for it.

Before you start booking appointments with experts who can check your teeth, take a look at your budget. How much can you realistically afford to spend on this solution? This also comes down to how important this is to you. Some correction options will cost you thousands of dollars – are you willing to pay that? 

Determine your budget and find a solution that fits within that. It might be worth pushing this change a bit further into the future so that you can find time to save up for a solution that works better for your lifestyle. By waiting a bit longer, you’ll also be sure that you have made the right decision and you are happy to proceed.

Find a Reputable Company

You might think that your only option when it comes to correcting your teeth is to visit your dentist but that is not the case at all. Yes, your dentist can offer recommendations on which options might work best for you and help you to keep you spot any issues that need to be rectified quickly but they don’t have to be the one that goes through with the procedure.

You will find that if you opt for an alternative to traditional braces like invisible aligners, for example, you’ll want to find a reputable company who can help. For example, Straight My Teeth offers a range of options and they have a long list of happy clients. 

Reading reviews can be really useful when it comes to finding a reputable company. Why not spend some time looking at the reviews over at straightmyteeth.com to see what the happy customers have to say? This way, you’ll know what to look out for.

Ask Around

Sometimes, making the decision on which tooth correction solution is best for you is as simple as asking around. Do you know someone close to you that has a great smile? Has a relative recently undergone a procedure to improve their teeth and they are happy with the final result? You could find that by asking your close friends and family members that you can learn more about the options that are out there.

You could even find that some reviews from relatives suggest that an option won’t work for you. Spend some time asking around your circle and see if you can find any answers there. They might not be entirely educated on each option, but they can give you a summary of their experience and you can use this information to determine the right choice. 

Visible or Invisible?

One of the main things that you should consider when you are choosing a teeth correction solution for yourself is the visibility. Many people around the world have already experienced wearing metal braces as teenagers and know how visible these can be. Is this something that you want to experience again? If you are comfortable with others noticing your teeth correction solution, then this might be the best option for you as it can be very affordable.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more discreet option, we recommend looking into some invisible aligners. This option is becoming much more popular with adults who are hoping to correct the alignment of their teeth without drawing too much attention to it. 

Check Out Treatment Times

Are you looking for a quick fix or something that might take a bit longer to really work? This is a consideration that you need to make when you are choosing a solution as some are quicker to work than others. For example, if you were to choose at-home clear aligners, you might expect the treatment time to be around 6 months.

Additionally, bonding will usually be done in just one or two appointments with your dental company so this might be something to consider if you want to resolve the problem sooner rather than later. Some alternatives such as braces or veneers might take a bit longer, but they will be worth it in the end.

Usually, when you go to a consultation, you can learn more about how long the process will take. While some might be quick to implement, they might need to be fitted for a longer period of time so make sure to consider this carefully. Hopefully, you’ll find something that works for your lifestyle.

Choose An Option That Works For You

You should discuss the solutions that you are considering with your loved ones, but you should remember that this is your decision to make. It doesn’t hurt to check in with your dentist to see what kind of solution they recommend you get.

Think about the variety of solutions available and consider important factors such as your budget, the duration of treatment and the company that will perform the procedure. Once you know what you are looking for, you can get booked in and start your oral transformation sooner rather than later. We hope that we have helped you to come to a final conclusion. 

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

READY… STEADY… RESTORA!

Posted on by

 

 

Now that summer is officially behind us (*hearts break everywhere*), it’s time to regroup and prepare for winter. That doesn’t mean just heading out and purchasing a few chunky knits, scarfs and Chelsea boots. It means giving our skin, hair and nails the nourishment they all need after the marvellous months of sunshine.

 

Focusing on our lovely locks, we’ve found the Restora range and are pretty pleased with the results.

 

The Protein Treatment, which is a three step process taking just 45 minutes, rebuilds damaged hair instantly and uses scientific research to figure out exactly what our sun-kissed strands need.

 

The treatment is proven to transform the internal structure of hair, reversing the damage caused by chemical processing, excessive heat styling and sunlight to give you envy-worthy locks which apparently last six weeks.

 

If you just want to test one product in the range, we’d recommend going for the Protein Treatment tube itsslf as this elixir is definitely the hero and will give you noticeable results immediately.

 

It’s available exclusively online at restora.co.uk. Prices start from £8.99 for the Restora Protein Shampoo and Conditioner, and £24.99 for the Restora Protein Treatment.

*We were gifted with the Restora range to experience

Protecting Little heads from tiny pests with Kit & Coco: Complete Treatment Review

Posted on by

head lice review

head lice treatment, kit & coco

head lice treatment, kit & cocoThere are many things that parents dread. Parenting nightmares are very real things and head lice is a big one. The ick factor is there and so is the embarrassment. Past head lice treatment can smell- and be- too chemical. Others are not that effective.

Kit & Coco is a haircare brand created to be gentle but effective on little heads. Launched earlier this year, Kit & Coco’s haircare is enriched with coconut oil which is naturally hydrating, nourishing and soothing. When massaged in, it both strengthens hair fibers and soothes irritations of the scalp, leaving hair even softer and shinier than before. Coconut oil has a bonus quality: it is an active participant in the treatment of head lice. Very handy.

Kit & Coco provide a gentle and fuss free solution to headlice and their pesky eggs.

Lice can produce around 10 eggs a day which take around seven days to hatch so one small problem can escalate into a larger issue very quickly. The Kit & Coco complete treatment kit includes treatment shampoo, a gentle ergonomic nit comb, applicator brush, protective shower cap and a surprise treat for little ones.

The Kit & Coco shampoo has coconut oil and rich botanic oil to deliver gentle yet effective prevention and treatment for head lice and nits. As head lice are constantly adapting to create a resistance to Pediculicides (chemical based insecticides), KIT & COCO has utilised plant based active ingredients – to totally eliminate head lice and nits (eggs) through asphyxiation, which head lice simply can’t develop any resistance to. The treatment range utilises the fatty acids from coconut oil to clog the respiratory system of head lice to banish those little pests for good. The 45-minute treatment we reviewed is proven to be 100% effective against lice and nits, find out more here: http://uk.kitandcoco.com/kit-coco-proven-efficacy

So what did we think? Kit & Coco Complete Treatment Review smells so much better than most head lice treatment. It is well packaged and the comb is a good one. You get four lots of the shampoo and…it works. Our tester was very impressed with the results. Great packaged stuff that looks fun and works. What more could you want?

The KIT & COCO range is available to buy online at KIT & COCO, Amazon and independent pharmacies nationwide.

Is This the Best Treatment for me Doctor? Statistics on a Postage Stamp by Dr Kathleen Thompson

Posted on by

When we read about impressive new drugs, do we really understand what the percentages quoted mean?

You may need to make medicines-related choices—particularly for cancer, but other illnesses too. To make rational decisions you MUST understand the numbers your doctor quotes. He won’t deliberately mislead, but it is easy to misunderstand  statistical data.

So let me give you an inkling—not a maths lesson, just a few tips to help you ask the right questions.

Last week the BBC headlined: ‘Breast cancer: Taking hormone drugs for up to 15 years can reduce risk … cancer recurrence was cut by 34%’

Wow. Impressive. But let’s look closer: In that particular study, 95% of those who took the treatment for 15 years were cancer-free, compared to 91% who stopped at 10 years.

Hang on – 95% isn’t that different from 91%. How is that cutting risk by 34%?

Well (and this is important) improvement percentages quoted in newspapers, and by doctors and scientists, are often described in relation to the original risk.

In these patients, the original risk of cancer recurring was only 9%, so any improvement would appear large relative to 9%. If the original risk had been higher, the same benefit would have appeared less.

OK that’s the bottom line. But for the curious, another example:

Relative Risk Reduction (RRR) is a statistic often used to describe drug benefit. It is what it says—the reduction in risk (eg risk of death, or disease recurrence) relative to the original risk, ie the actual risk improvement divided by the original risk.

cancerriskreduction2

The Table shows an example. Patient A has a low risk of cancer returning (9%); Patient B’s cancer is more likely to recur (50%).

You can see from the Table that Patient A’s risk will only decrease by 4% with Treatment X, whereas Patient B’s will decrease by 15%.

Knowing this, Patient B should be more inclined to take treatment X than Patient A.

However, if Patient A’s doctor describes the benefit as RRR (see Table), then Patient A’s risk appears to decrease by a massive 44%. Consequently Patient A may have wildly inaccurate expectations for the treatment. The doctor isn’t tricking him, RRR is scientifically valid, but you need to know what it means.

This example highlights another point. Sometimes we only know that a treatment works in most people. However sometimes there is more information about how much it works in different patients eg Patient B would respond to Treatment X more than Patient A.

If available, you need specific information on the benefit for YOU. This could influence your decision, particularly for a treatment which has significant side-effects.

So, in summary: 

If your doctor uses percentages to explain a treatment benefit, ask:

1. Exactly what do the numbers mean?

2. By how many percentage points should you improve on treatment?

3. Is there more specific information for your particular situation? 

Don’t be frightened to ask your doctor for more information—he wants you to understand and may not realise when you don’t.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co,uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

Further information:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36455719

http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa1604700

http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2013/03/15/absolute-versus-relative-risk-making-sense-of-media-stories/

http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/understand/abs_v_rel

http://www.nps.org.au/glossary/absolute-risk-reduction-arr

 

 

 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer by Dr Kathleen Thompson

Posted on by

breast cancer, cancer, information on breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer

Have you read Heidi Loughlin’s blog? Heidi is a young mother who has breast cancer.

She was pregnant when diagnosed, so treatment was started with chemotherapy drugs which were relatively safe for her unborn baby. The birth was to be brought forward, when she would switch to more effective drugs.

However her cancer progressed quickly, requiring an earlier delivery than planned, to allow Heidi to start Herceptin treatment sooner. Devastatingly, her baby daughter died shortly after the birth, just before this Christmas.

Heidi has inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Although rare  (1-4% of all breast cancers), it is important for two reasons— (1) it grows and spreads rapidly and (2) the appearance may mimic infection or injury (often there is no lump), and so breast cancer may be overlooked and life-saving treatment delayed.

IBC invades the breast skin, and blocks the lymph vessels within it. It tends to spread in sheets, rather than forming a lump.

This results in an unusual picture. The lymph blockages cause fluid build-up, so the skin swells and discolours, and hair follicles enlarge, forming multiple pits. The resulting skin resembles that of an orange (and is called ‘peau d’orange’).

However this classical appearance isn’t always seen either.

The breast may become red, hot and swollen, resembling infection, and if ‘mastitis’ doesn’t respond to antibiotics, IBC should be considered urgently.

Sometimes the skin appears bruised, or ridges or welts appear. There may be ulceration. Sometimes the nipple inverts or leaks fluid/blood, and there may be enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or collar bone area.

If any of these changes occur, you must see a doctor without delay.

Because there may be no lump, and because it often occurs in younger women, with denser breast tissue, it may not be picked up on a mammogram.

Biopsy of the affected skin is key to diagnosis. AS IBC spreads early, PET or CAT scans of the body, and bone scans will also be needed.

The outlook for IBC used to be very poor. It is still not as good as for other breast cancers, but with modern treatment it has improved, and recent genetic research has yielded potential new hope.

Chemotherapy is usually started before surgery. Afterwards a full mastectomy is generally needed, removing more body tissue than normal, including armpit lymph nodes. Breast reconstruction isn’t normally possible until later on.

Radiotherapy follows surgery, then often more chemotherapy. If the cancer is HER2 positive, Herceptin will be given. If it is sensitive to female hormones, anti-oestrogens, either tamoxifen or an aromatase-inhibitor, such as letrozole will be prescribed.

Treating any cancer during pregnancy involves balancing risks to baby and mother, and, as in Heidi’s case, can involve bitter disappointments.

If you notice any unusual and persistent changes in your breast—not necessarily a lump, you must see your doctor without delay. Unless there is a good explanation for the changes, you should be referred to a breast clinic. Do push for this if you are concerned.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q

Further information:

http://storminatitcup.blogspot.co.uk/2015_12_01_archive.html

http://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/ibc-fact-sheet

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/about/types/inflammatory-breast-cancer

http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/101/19/1302.full

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

 

 

 

Early Miscarriage by Dr Patricia Thompson

Posted on by

miscarriage A miscarried pregnancy can be a devastating experience. The woman has already experienced pregnancy – nausea, swollen, tender breasts, just ‘feeling pregnant’.  The couple are sharing a cosy, exciting secret – visualising their anticipated offspring, they may well have chosen some names.

Then, abruptly, hopes are shattered. It can happen in several ways – sometimes there is bleeding, cramping pain, the woman may just not feel pregnant anymore, an ultrasound scan may show that the baby has stopped growing, or there is no heart-beat.

However it happens, both partners usually feel devastated.

And yet, approximately a fifth of pregnancies end as early miscarriages, meaning during the first three months. Sometimes the woman didn’t know she was even pregnant, just experiencing a ‘late period’, other times the couple are very aware, and can experience deep pain and loss.

The baby frequently has a serious genetic/chromosomal abnormality in these cases, and would have been incapable of surviving.

An early miscarriage is usually a one-off event, and the next pregnancy will be successful. However, if it happens during the first one, the couple may feel uncertain whether they can have a child. Nothing will convince them except a subsequent normal birth.

A few couples (around 1%) have recurrent miscarriages – defined as at least three in a row. Even then, three-quarters of these will eventually have a normal baby.

A few unfortunate couples may never succeed – possibly due to a particular genetic problem, but often a reason isn’t found, and it is very upsetting.

Late miscarriages – during the middle third of pregnancy, are less common (only one pregnancy in fifty), and may be due to illness in the mother, or womb or cervix abnormalities. Depending on the cause, treatment may be possible for future pregnancies.

So what if you have an early miscarriage? Firstly, nobody is to blame.  Too much exercise, stress, or having sex, for example, do not cause miscarriage. Healthy pregnancies are pretty resilient.

The pregnancy tissue may be lost naturally, through your vagina. However, the hospital may suggest removing any remnants, using a gentle vacuum under anaesthetic. This prevents possible infection, which can be serious, and could compromise future pregnancies.

The experience can impact both partners for a considerable time. The woman experiences physical changes, and both are affected emotionally. The man sees the distress of his partner, and feels he should be the strong one, and yet he is suffering too.

It is important to talk, and grieve together, and, if possible, to share with close friends and family. People can appear to forget very quickly, or don’t even know you’ve had a miscarriage. They expect you to be ‘back to normal’ and don’t always understand your continuing pain.

Specialists and groups are available should you experience difficulty in getting through the grief.

Importantly, don’t forget, if you have had a miscarriage, you are highly likely to have a successful pregnancy next time.

Useful information sites:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/miscarriage/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a252/understanding-miscarriage

http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk

 

These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

 

 

Help with Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy

Posted on by

newborn-216723_640Pregnancy is a life changing, joyous, emotional and exciting journey for most women. However, approximately two-thirds of women experience back pain and almost one-fifth experience pelvic pain during pregnancy. This pain often increases with advancing pregnancy, interfering with daily activities, work and sleep. Fortunately this condition is treatable, it is important to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to successful resolution of symptoms.

The hormones released during pregnancy to prepare a women’s body to grow a baby and give birth, soften and relax the soft tissues of the body (eg. muscles, ligaments). This increased softening increases your joints’ range which means that they do not receive the same protection from the ligaments as before. It is this, coupled with the weight of your growing uterus that may cause backache or sciatica.

Symptoms of back pain and PGP

Back pain can be felt in the upper, middle or lower back. It is probably most commonly felt in the low back during pregnancy and can vary from an occasional ache to a constant sharp or nagging pain in any of these areas.

Pain in the pelvis is described as pelvic girdle pain (PGP), used to be known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), but this implied that only the pubic bone was involved, which is often not the case.

A range of symptoms can be described as PGP and they vary in intensity from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy.

The main symptom is pain;

  • pain over the pubic bone at the front in the centre
  • pain across one or both sides of your lower back
  • difficulty and/or pain walking, waddling gait
  • clicking or grinding in the pelvis with movement
  • pain when weight bearingWomen may experience pain anywhere in the pelvis or into the front of the thighs. These symptoms tend to increase and intensify with walking, standing, sitting, moving the legs apart, standing on one leg (think getting dressed into socks, underwear), climbing stairs and turning over in bed. Symptoms vary from mild to more severe needing support with crutches or a wheelchair.What causes back pain or PGP? For most women PGP is a mechanical problem; there is often asymmetry in the pelvis, with one joint becoming stiffer or more mobile than the others. It is more common in women with a previous history of PGP/low back pain. In approximately 9% of women with PGP the cause is purely hormonal and this tends not to respond to treatment.

When might back pain or PGP start?
it can start at any stage of the pregnancy, it may come on gradually or start quite suddenly. Sometimes symptoms will disappear or improve with rest.

How do I know if I have PGP?

Diagnosis of this painful condition is based on the location of the pain and by taking a careful history of your symptoms.

Will back pain or PGP affect my baby?

No, it will not affect your baby. However, it is important, however that the midwives caring for you are aware that you have back or pelvic girdle pain.

What can I do about PGP?
It is important to remember that whilst PGP is common, it is not normal, but is treatable;l Often resolving within a few treatments. Firstly, tell your midwife, or whoever is responsible for your antenatal care, and then seek treatment sooner rather than later. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to successful resolution of symptoms.

Meanwhile plan your day carefully, avoiding too many trips upstairs, remain active with the limits of your pain, avoiding activities that increase your discomfort. Rest is important, rest more frequently, try sitting for activities that normally require standing ie ironing. Try sleeping with a pillow between the legs, or use the pregnancy cushion known as ‘dream genie’.

What can I do about back pain?

Seek treatment sooner rather than later. Try to find a McTimoney Chiropractor who is experienced in treating women during pregnancy and ask them for a few safe exercises you can perform at home. Wearing support tights or a belly band can often give enough support and relief without having to resort to an actual back or belly belt. Try sleeping with a pillow between the legs or under the legs in early pregnancy when you may still be sleeping on your back.

A multi faceted approach is need to treating both conditions. After taking your medical history and examining your back and pelvis, treatment takes the form of gentle mobilization of the pelvis and spine where appropriate and sometimes acupuncture or soft tissue mobilization. This should be followed by gentle exercises and ergonomic advice. The McTimoney approach is gentle and safe for both mother and baby.

In one study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had twenty-four per cent shorter labour times and subjects giving birth for the second or third time reported thirty-nine per cent shorter labour times. In another study, the need for analgesics was reduced by fifty per cent in the patients who received adjustments. In addition eight-four per cent of women report relief of back pain during pregnancy with chiropractic care.

Finally, if you are experiencing back or pelvic pain, McTimoney Chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective way to relieve your symptoms, preparing you for the exciting journey of pregnancy and childbirth.

Article credit: Penny Henderson DC MSc MMCA FRCC
Chiropractor and Medical Acupuncturist

Active Chiropractic Clinic
Lister Surgery, 8 The Parade, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 3QP
and Quennevais Parade, St Brelade, Jersey, JE3 8FX

Tel: 01534 617987
Web: www.activechiropracticjersey.co.uk

 

 References

Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy Pennick et al 2007.Cochrane Review.

Pelvic Girdle Pain and Low Back Pain in Pregnancy: A Review.
Era Vermani, FRCA*; Rajnish Mittal, FRCS†; Andrew Weeks, MRCOG

© 2009 World Institute of Pain, 1530-7085/10/$15.00 Pain Practice, Volume 10, Issue 1, 2010 60–71

European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. European Spine Journal. June 2008, Volume 17, Issue 6 pp 794-819

Vleeming A, Albert H.,Ostgaard C., Sturesson B,. Stuge B
Rosenberg Stacey Dr., Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby.2008. GibsonsChiropractic.com

Henderson C., Macdonald S., Mayes’ Midwifery, A textbook for Midwives.,Thirteenth edition., 2004.,Bailliere Tindall

www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk 

 

 

Salon Science: AnaGain Review – For Thicker, Fuller, Denser Hair

Posted on by

Frost is reviewing something a bit different: In recent years there has been a huge leap forward in plant bio-active and stem cell technology which has provided access to superior formulations and ingredients which have not, until now, been available in haircare. Salon Science  is a brand new haircare collection of 18 products that uses plant stem cells and bio-active technology within the formulations.

Salon Science- AnaGain Review - For Thicker, Fuller, Denser Hair

Developed by the leading experts in plant stem cells and bio-actives, all of the products are underpinned by extensive in vitro and in vivo testing. The collection is comprised of four ranges, each devised to tackle a specific series of problems using a key active ingredient, derived from plant extracts.

Salon Science seamlessly combines cutting edge scientific expertise with plant bio-active and stem cell technology resulting in a luxury salon quality collection. Salon Science breathes life back into hair… reviving, revitalising and nourishing from root to tip.

There are many reasons why women lose their hair. Pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, metabolism, genetics and stress. With that in mind we tried the AnaGain

This is what they say: “Packed with AnaGain, an organic pea sprout extract that is rich in restorative proteins, starch and fibres. These rebalancing phytonutrients combined with caffeine agents stimulate blood circulation to help encourage the growth of hair at the root. This advanced formulation helps strengthen, add volume, moisturise and protect, making hair more resistant to everyday damage. Continuous use of the Pro-accelerant regime helps give denser, thicker, fuller hair in 3 months.”

Do we think it works? Yes, hair looks noticeable better and thicker. Although this is all cosmetic it make you look and feel better. The shampoo is £15, the conditioner is £17 and the treatment is £39. Considering the price of other hair loss treatments- and the fact that many of them don’t actually work- this seems reasonable. We will continue to use this and give a further update in a few months.

Available from boots.com