Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Need a way to whiten your teeth? Common questions about Enlighten teeth whitening answered

One of the most popular and oldest forms of cosmetic dentistry is undoubtedly whitening.

In years gone by, having your teeth whitened by a dentist would have involved abrasion techniques along with harsh bleaching; while many whitening gels do still have some hydrogen peroxide in them, it is much more gentle on the teeth and the gums.

Depending on the underlying cause of the staining, such as acidic foods or smoking, our team will use a different strength of bleaching gel to remove those stubborn stains.

At Harley Street Dental, our team has 2 advanced whitening systems which we use that can remove even the most deeply set stains. Using either Enlighten or Zoom, your teeth whitening in Harley Street will leave you with a smile worthy of the Hollywood elite that does not cause sensitivity issues. What more could you want from a whitening system?

Of course, many people still have reservations about using teeth whitening in Harley Street due to misconceptions about long-term problems. In this article, we answer your questions about the Enlighten system, so you can assess if it is the right one for you.

How is it applied?

Enlighten is applied by our team during 2 sessions 14 days apart.

Our team will take a mould of your teeth to create a tray with which you will apply the whitening gel at home. You must wear this tray to bed for 14 days and afterwards, you need to visit our team for the final stage of the teeth whitening in Harley Street.

How many shades whiter can my teeth get with Enlighten?

Enlighten can whiten your teeth up to 16 shades, but this will vary depending on the level of staining and the underlying cause of the stains.

However, if you want your teeth to look similar to that of a celebrity, our team may be able to offer you a more suitable whitening treatment such as veneers.

Will it make my teeth feel sensitive?

You may have some sensitivity when using this gel; it is an oxidizing treatment, which needs to permeate the enamel to work.

However, our team at Harley Street can provide you with desensitising swabs for those 2 weeks of treatment and advise you on lifestyle tips to avoid any prolonged discomfort.

How long do the effects last?

The results achieved with Enlighten can last indefinitely with the right maintenance.

Wearing the trays used in the initial whitening for one night each month can help to keep your teeth looking whiter, and we can also provide you with a whitening serum to prolong results. Remember, the length of the whitening will depend on your lifestyle choices, so if you want a whiter smile that lasts, you may need to cut back on sugary drinks and smoking.

Can it be reapplied?

It can be reapplied but our team will aim to prolong the effects rather than reapply the gels. Talk to our team if you feel your whitened teeth need sprucing up!

Does Invisalign give you a lisp? Your top 5 FAQS about this brace answered

Unless you have been living on a different planet, chances are that you have heard about adult orthodontics.

A far cry from the traditional metal braces of yesteryear, adult aligners are now more discrete and easier to fit around a busy lifestyle, helping you to get the straighter teeth you have always wanted without the fuss of regular braces.

Of course, if you are looking for a way to straighten your misaligned teeth as an adult, this can sound like a dream come true! And while it is tempting to contact our team at Harley Street about invisible aligners immediately, you will probably have some questions about the process.

And that is where we can help! Our team has helped numerous patients obtain a straighter smile using braces like Invisalign in Harley Street, and can answer any queries you may have about this world-famous invisible brace. Overseeing every step of the process, we can guarantee that you will be left with a healthier smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off!

But back to the questions; here are some of the most commonly asked queries that our team receives about Invisalign in Harley Street.

Will I develop a lisp?

Having a new object in your mouth is likely to cause a lisp in those early days but in the long-run, Invisalign in Harley Street can actually prevent speech and pronunciation issues. As your teeth become correctly aligned, your tongue will adjust to the movement which will improve your vocal patterns, making your speech clearer.

Can I remove it whenever I want?

Technically, you can remove this brace whenever you want but if you want it to work, you will need to keep it in your mouth for the majority of the day.

Our team recommends removing it when you are eating or drinking and when you are brushing your teeth but apart from that, it is wise to refrain from removing it. On average, you will need to keep it in your mouth for 22 hours each day.

How long will I wear it for?

This will depend on the severity of the underlying issue being treated but many of our patients who use this brace obtain a straighter smile in around 6 months.

Of course, this will once again depend on your discipline when keeping the brace in your mouth.

Does it hurt?

Invisible braces do not utilise force to move teeth in the same way as regular braces do, but they can still cause some discomfort.

As this brace is based around changeable retainers, you can expect there to be a sensation of pressure for a couple of days after you have changed between aligners. If you experience significant discomfort, talk to our team about potential underlying causes.

Will it rub against my inner cheeks?

Invisible braces can and will often rub against your tongue and inner cheeks, but our team can provide you with dental wax which will soften the hard edges and prevent discomfort.

Wondering if Invisalign is for you? 5 advantages of this brace by Harley Street Dental

When you have misaligned teeth, it can make everyday situations more difficult.

You may shy away from social engagements and cover your mouth with your hand when talking, making things like selfies or group photos out of your realm of comfort.

If you refused to wear braces when you were younger and are now regretting it, don’t worry! You can still get straighter teeth as an adult and due to advances in modern orthodontic care, you probably won’t need to wear a metal brace.

Known as invisible and clear braces, there is now an entire set of appliances which offer a discreet way for you to straighten your smile.

And at Harley Street Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our suitable patients invisible and clear braces. We can even offer the world-famous Invisalign in Harley Street, so your new smile will not only be obtained discreetly, but it will be comfortable and effective too. Fantastic!

But what are some of the advantages of wearing Invisalign in Harley Street as an adult? Read on to find out!

Better oral health

It is often a concern that wearing a brace will cause secondary issues with oral hygiene; after all, traditional metal braces can cause a myriad of bacteria to accumulate, hence the recommendation to attend hygienist appointments.

With Invisalign in Harley Street, you can remove the brace completely, which allows you to clean your teeth as you usually do, and prevents any plaque build-up which in turn, prevents decay. Great!

Removable

And of course, while removing a brace to clean your teeth has its advantages, you can also remove this aligner when you are eating or drinking; you can even take it out to give a talk at work.

Just ensure that you wear it for the required 22 hours each day which will help you to achieve the desired results in the period which our team has set.

Aesthetics

Another advantage of invisible braces is that they are, well, invisible!

Made from a clear plastic which slots comfortably over your teeth, they will not draw unwanted stares from strangers and will help you to feel more confident while your smile is straightened.

Convenient

Interestingly, this particular brand of invisible brace also has an app which you can use to alert our team as to the progress that is being made, which will help us to keep track while you remain at home.

Adding to the convenience, there are few appointments needed for our team to check on the progress of the braces and as the brace doesn’t require tightening, there is no discomfort after you attend our surgery. Great stuff!

Enhanced control

Many patients worry that because this brace is removable, it offers minimal control over your teeth movement.

Thanks to computer software, this brace offers more precise movements and does so in a comfortable way. If you are worried that your current aligner isn’t moving your teeth as we predicted, contact our team for a follow-up assessment.

Do dental implants sound scary? A brief guide to the fitting procedure from Harley Street Dental

When it comes to restoration and missing teeth, oral implants have seemingly taken the dental world by storm.

Whether you have a single missing tooth or need an entirely new set of teeth, implants can be used to create not only a natural-looking smile but also offer superiority over dentures and bridges when it comes to bite strength and security.

Sadly, many people read horror stories online about poorly applied oral implants causing infections and assume that this is a sure thing when it comes to this procedure. Our team at Harley Street Dental knows the ins and outs of oral implants and are here to explain exactly how the process works.

Our dental implants in Harley Street have helped thousands of patients to restore both their bite strength and their smiles and so, we can advise you on whether or not you will benefit from this procedure. Our team knows all the tricks to help speed up the healing process and can answer any questions that you may have. Brilliant!

But what does having dental implants in Harley Street typically involve?

Consultation and assessment

Unfortunately, not everyone is suitable for dental implants in Harley Street and so, our team will need to conduct an initial consultation and assessment.

This will allow our team to assess the condition of your gums and overall health to determine suitability. We will need to take X-Rays of your jaw to examine the strength and condition of it before proceeding. This is also an ideal time to ask our team any questions that you may have about the process.

Fitting day!

Once you are in the chair, our team will numb the area where the implant is to be fitted.

Then, using a surgical incision, the gum will be peeled back and we can begin drilling into your jaw; this process can take up to 1 hour to complete depending on how many implants are being fitted.

Once placed, your gum will be sewn back together and voila! The fitting is complete! We will advise you on how to keep your newly fitted implants clean and in place while they fuse to the bone.

Prosthetics

During the next 3-6 months, our team at Harley Street will need to see you regularly to check on the fusing process.

Once we deem that the implants have fused with the bone, we can fit the prosthetic teeth. This process is relatively simple and involves our team screwing the crowns or dentures to the implants.

Aftercare and lifestyle

And there you have it! Your implants are fitted and your smile and bite strength are restored. Fantastic!

However, you will still need to come and see us for biannual check-ups, along with attending to good oral hygiene at home to prevent gum disease. Lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking alcohol can harm the longevity of oral implants, so if you want implants that last a lifetime, talk to our team about smoking cessation and tips on cutting back on alcohol consumption.

Need a discrete way to straighten your teeth? 5 advantages of wearing clear braces

When you were younger, the idea of wearing braces was probably off-putting due to the social stigma it carried.

As an adult, even if you have misaligned teeth, wearing a brace is usually less than desirable due to the required time, money and effort that is involved. And so, unfortunately, many adults could benefit from wearing braces that don’t and have to suffer the often awkward issue of having a crooked smile.

Luckily, there are now many ways you can straighten your teeth as an adult without the use of metal braces, which are just as effective and offer exceptional long-term results.

Our team is proud to be able to offer our suitable patients clear braces in Harley Street; with braces like Invisalign and the Incognito aligner, you can get the straighter smile you want without drawing unwanted attention from strangers. Easy to use and more flexible to your busy lifestyle, these braces can make an instant impact on your self-esteem.

But what are some of the other advantages of clear braces in Harley Street?

Better oral hygiene

Traditional braces can cause severe issues with oral hygiene, hence why many patients who wear them have to also attend hygienist appointments to keep their teeth clean.

As clear braces in Harley Street are often made from clear brackets and thin wires, they are easier to clean successfully, meaning your oral health doesn’t have to deteriorate while you get your new smile.

Removable (sometimes!)

While we cannot guarantee it, some of our adult braces in Harley Street are removable.

Invisalign is the most famous one, but other brands such as the Incognito brace are affixed to the back of the teeth, making them unnoticeable. After the assessment of your teeth, our team will determine which type of brace is the most suited to your specific issue.

Accelerated treatment

If you knew someone growing up who wore braces, you may remember that they had them for a long time.

However, with adult orthodontics, the majority of the appliances have an average treatment time of about 6 months, making them faster than the braces worn by children and teenagers. This is because unlike orthodontic braces which use force to move the teeth (tightening), adult braces use methods such as pushing to move the teeth. Treatment times may vary depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue being treated.

Comfortable

As there is no pulling or excessive adjusting required with adult aligners, they are often more comfortable to wear for many people.

While some will require adjusting, like the Incognito brace, options like Invisalign do not and move the teeth using a set of pre-made aligners worn in a specific order, so no force is used.

Excellent results

While you may be worried that the results won’t be as long-lasting, all adult braces offer exceptional results.

Many alignment issues which were once only treatable with traditional aligners can now be corrected with more subtle braces with the same long-term results. Great stuff!

Worried about a loose filling? 5 signs you need to see our emergency dentist at Harley Street

Having a dental emergency is no fun, regardless of your age. And so, when one strikes, it is pivotal to know what to do to resolve any discomfort and get everything back under control.

In the first instance, you will need to contact a dental surgery for a same-day appointment.

At Harley Street Dental, we are proud of our emergency clinic and if you are suffering from a dental emergency, our emergency dentist in Harley Street can offer you advice 24 hours a day. We set aside appointments for our emergency patients each day and will endeavour to resolve

your issue within 24 hours, allowing you to get on with your day.

But what are some of the signs that you need to see our emergency dentist in Harley Street?

Persistent discomfort

Often portrayed in the media, persistent pain in your mouth is a key indicator that you need to see our emergency dentist in Harley Street.

Remember, dental discomfort could point towards anything from an abscess to a loose filling, all of which need to be addressed promptly to prevent serious complications.

Swelling

If you spot swelling on your gums, under your jaw or if one of your cheeks appears larger than the other, you need to see our team.

Even if the swelling does not feel uncomfortable, it still requires urgent attention as it could suddenly begin to hurt and could even signify something as serious as oral cancer. And of course, as swelling rarely shrinks, it could even begin to press on your airway which can be life-threatening. Come and see our team as soon as you notice any abnormal swellings!

Loose fillings and crowns

It is an irritation to many people who have fillings and crowns that they can come loose.

Not only can this be uncomfortable, but if left untreated it can cause infection to set in and can allow for further decay of the tooth. Yikes!

If you can move a filling or a crown with your tooth, call our team for a check-up. We will be able to apply a composite to secure the filling, but concerning crowns, we may need to prepare the tooth again to support the newly fitted crown.

If you have lost a filling or crown, we need to see you urgently as the exposed pulp is more prone to infection.

Bleeding

When you have had an accident or a dental extraction, there is probably going to be some bleeding in the oral area.

However, if with the application of gauze the bleeding fails to subside after 20 minutes, you need to see our team at Harley Street to prevent blood loss. Depending on the underlying cause, we will be able to apply surgical glues or stitches to prevent any further bleeding.

Chipped and cracked teeth

Chips and cracks are common but can allow bacteria access underneath the enamel.

Therefore, if you notice that one of your teeth is cracked or chipped, we can repair it with composite materials.

Root canal treatment: endodontics at Harley Street

When you have an infection in the center of your tooth, this is when you will need endodontics at Harley Street. The treatment needed to get rid of these infections is usually a root canal. Having this done could prevent your infected tooth from being removed, so it is very beneficial to contact us if you think you have an infected tooth.

What’s the process?

When you have endodontics on Harley Street, we may begin by taking x-rays of the affected tooth, this allows us to see the extent of the damage and see a clear picture. This treatment is usually done under local anaesthetic, however, if your tooth is severely damaged to the point of it dying, it will no longer be sensitive, meaning you won’t need it.

Once this is done, your dentist will place a rubber sheet around your tooth to make sure it stays dry throughout the treatment. This is beneficial as it also prevents you from swallowing any of the chemicals that may be used. We will then open your tooth through the top of it, this allows us to have access to the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. This is where the dentist will see the infection and will remove any pulp inside the tooth that is infected.

Cleaning and filling the tooth after removing the infected pulp is vital in lowering the probability of the infection coming back. After we have cleaned the area, we will enlarge your root canal to make more space for it to be filled. The filling process usually happens over a number of visits due to us needing to enlarge the area gradually first before filling it back in.

Why would I need a root canal treatment?

Harley Street endodontics focuses on problems in the center/inside of the tooth, which is where your infection will be if you need a root canal. There are many reasons why people’s teeth get infected, but it is usually simply down to decay or trauma to the teeth.

Chipped or cracked tooth

If you have an accident and your teeth get damaged, this can expose the inner layers to more bacteria meaning more risk of infection. This is why it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible after you have damaged your tooth. If the infection goes unnoticed, it can spread deep into the tooth and sometimes surrounding teeth.

Deep decay

If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, and don’t go to the dentist regularly, then decay can embed itself deep into your teeth. This decay can cause many issues such as discolouration, weakening of the tooth, and sometimes, infection. If your tooth does get infected due to the deep decay, this is when you would need a root canal treatment.

If you are worried about getting a root canal treatment, there is nothing to be ashamed of, we at Harley Street Dental Clinic take pride in making sure our patients are as comfortable and happy as possible throughout any treatment.

Can I kiss my partner after having lip fillers? 5 FAQS about fillers answered by Harley Street

As we age, our skin can begin to sag and we may begin to develop fine lines and wrinkles.

Similarly, our lips may also begin to appear thin, which can make our face appear older.

This is due to the natural reduction in a protein known as hyaluronic acid, which is linked to plumper, firmer skin and is a natural part of maintaining healthy-looking, youthful skin.

And so, if you are looking for a way to make your lips appear plumper, you can now achieve this without having to undertake invasive surgeries.

At Harley Street Dental, our team is able to offer suitable patients lip fillers in Harley Street. Using a set of simple injections, we can make your lips look plumper and fuller in a single appointment, allowing you to leave our surgery looking and feeling fantastic. We will always aim to naturally enhance your features, so there is no need to worry about your fuller lips appearing fake or looking out of place. Brilliant!

Curious to learn more about lip fillers in Harley Street? Here, our cosmetics team answers your most frequent queries. Enjoy!

What are the fillers made of?

The lip fillers in Harley Street which we use are made primarily from hyaluronic acid.

This is made synthetically in a laboratory, but is chemically indistinguishable from naturally obtained hyaluronic acid, reducing the chances of allergic reactions.

Once applied, your lips will instantly feel fuller and appear plumper.

Can I kiss my partner after having fillers?

Yes, you can but it may be a bit tender and the kisses should be gentle!

And in order to increase the longevity of your fillers, you should avoid touching the area for at least 2 days, so avoid wearing lipstick or applying lip balms.

Will the injections hurt?

The lips are exceedingly sensitive so yes, there is a chance that the injections will be uncomfortable.

If this concerns you, our team can apply a localised numbing agent to help you manage the injections, without experiencing any unpleasant sensations.

Will the area look swollen?

Yes, it will.

Luckily, there are many things that you can do to reduce the appearance of the swelling.

Many people choose to wrap ice cubes in a dish towel, and gently dab the area; this can also help to alleviate any burning sensations you may be having.

You should avoid taking pain killers if possible, as these may interact with the fillers. For more advice, contact our team.

Is there any aftercare that I need to follow?

As mentioned before, avoid heavy pressure on the lips for at least 2 days, and try to avoid taking painkillers.

Stay hydrated, and avoid undertaking strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours after the fillers are injected. Try to sleep with your head in an elevated position and aim to eat foods which are low in sodium, as this may increase the swelling.

Also, try to avoid excessive exposure to UV light and at all costs, avoid sun beds, saunas and steam rooms!

Dental abscesses and what you need to know. A guide from our dentist in Harley Street

A subject that is rarely covered, because it makes people cringe, is the area of dental abscesses.

If you have ever been unfortunate enough to experience an abscess under one or many of your teeth, then it is unlikely that you will have forgotten what it felt like. Dental abscesses are the reason for the majority of emergency dental appointments and so, it is important to know a few facts about this particular dental issue so you can make informed decisions.

Firstly, they are usually caused by an infected pulp which will require a dental expert to treat effectively. While you may want to avoid the dental surgery altogether for fear of judgement or additional discomfort, when it comes to abscesses it is important not to do so.

And at Harley Street Dental Clinic, our team will be comforting and reassuring and will not pass judgment at such a stressful time. Our dentist Harley Street will endeavour to treat the discomfort from the abscess first and attend to any secondary issues once it has calmed and you are in no discomfort. We pride ourselves on our emergency dental team, so if you have an infection spring up overnight, contact us immediately!

But what are some of those lesser-known facts about dental infections and abscesses? Our dentist Harley Street provides them below.

Abscesses do not get better on their own

If you are extremely fearful about attending a dental appointment, you may have convinced yourself that the abscess will simply go away on its own.

And while the majority of dental abscesses do burst and seemingly resolve, this is only temporary; the pulp of the tooth is still infected and still needs the attention of our dentist Harley Street.

You may need a root canal

If you have recently recovered from an abscess, then our team is likely to schedule a root canal to ensure that the infection does not reoccur.

The infected debris of the tooth is removed from the pulp, which is then filled to prevent any bacteria from infiltrating it.

They show up on an X-ray!

You may be confused when you attend our surgery with an abscess as to why our team is taking an X-ray.

In short, an X-ray will show us how large the abscess is underneath your gum line and will help us to plan the most appropriate treatment. Once the abscess has calmed following medication, our team may take a second X-ray before beginning the root canal procedure.

You may need antibiotics

Abscess are infections and so, it is highly probable that you will need antibiotics to help in the recovery.

Standard abscesses may need a 2-week course, but more serious infections may need up to a month of antibiotics before they heal completely.

They can cause permanent damage

If left untreated, abscesses can cause deformation to the surrounding bone and may cause your teeth to protrude at odd angles, due to pressure underneath the gum.

So if you have an abscess, contact our team right away for fast relief to your discomfort.

Is composite bonding better than having veneers? A comparison of these treatments by our Harley Street dentist

When it comes to creating a whiter smile, there are many options available.

And if you want to conceal gaps and create a better look of symmetry while achieving a whiter smile, there are ways to do this too!

If the idea of having your teeth whitened using conventional whitening methods like bleaches makes your teeth tingle, there are other ways to get the smile you want without causing sensitivity issues.

And at Harley Street Dental, we can offer you both!

Our team at Harley Street take cosmetic procedures seriously and are proud to be able to offer our suitable patients either veneers or composite bonding Harley Street. Both designed to whiten and reshape your teeth, we will help you choose which option is most suited to you, and which is more likely to give you the confidence boost you want without breaking the bank!

But what is the difference between veneers and composite bonding Harley Street?

What are veneers?

Like false nails, veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are placed over the front of your tooth and are held in place with dental cement after lightly roughening the enamel.

What is bonding?

Composite bonding Harley Street involves the placement of composite onto your teeth, which is then shaped to give your teeth a straighter and whiter smile.

As you can see, the procedures are quite similar, so here our team at Harley Street Dental will compare them.

Longevity

If performed correctly, bonding will last for 10 years, provided you maintain good oral hygiene during that time. In comparison, veneers can last anywhere from 7-15 years, depending on which teeth they are attached to, oral hygiene and which foods you eat. Too much pressure can cause damage to veneers.

Appearance

Visually, these 2 procedures are quite similar; both can whiten your teeth multiple shades while closing minor gaps and creating better alignment.

Bonding is more of a skill than creating veneers though, so if you want an easier procedure with a guaranteed great outcome, veneers are probably the way to go.

Hardiness

Bonding is renowned for its hardiness and can be used to strengthen weakened or cracked teeth.

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to porcelain veneers, they can become damaged and chipped if you eat too many hard foods, so depending on your diet they may not be quite as durable as the bonding we can offer in Harley Street.

Cost

While the price of these procedures is an individual thing, based on the amount that is required, as a general rule, bonding is less expensive than veneers.

But as mentioned before, it needs a great deal of expertise to get it right, so it is your decision as to which procedure you want our team to work with when you come to Harley Street.

Application

Veneers will require our team to take either a scan or a mould, which will then be sent away to create the veneers. This can take up to 10 weeks. Bonding, however, can be started and finished in one visit, allowing you to leave our surgery with the smile you deserve.

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