Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

How long is needed for dermal fillers to settle? 5 FAQS answered by Harley Street Dental Clinic

Ageing can be such a beautiful process.

As wisdom develops, silver hairs begin to form and it takes less and less effort to smile at the good things in life.

But from the age of around 25, our bodies begin to produce less of certain proteins and chemicals; mainly hyaluronic acid. And as hyaluronic acid is needed to keep our skin plump, firm and wrinkle-free, this inevitably leads to sagging and the formation of wrinkles.

Some people are comfortable with the signs of ageing, but if you feel that your wrinkles are beginning to impact on your confidence, you may be looking for a way to remove them without spending a fortune on facial creams or facelifts.

And this is where we can help.

At Harley Street Dental, we do more than simply offer dental treatments; we are now able to offer our patients non-surgical cosmetic procedures, mainly dermal fillers Harley Street. A simple set of injections into predetermined areas and your skin will appear plumped and more youthful. Filler injections also boost the body’s production of collagen, helping those anti-ageing effects to last for longer.

Curious to learn more? Here, our team answers your top 5 questions about dermal fillers Harley Street.

Do the injections hurt?

The needles used to inject the dermal fillers Harley Street are tiny, but nevertheless, many people worry about them hurting.

While the injections should feel no worse than a slight prick, we can offer you a localised numbing agent if you wish to prevent this sensation.

What should I avoid doing once they have been injected?

Once your fillers have been injected, avoid rubbing or massaging the area at all costs for at least 48 hours.

Similarly, you should not use sunbeds or go sunbathing during this period either; both pressure near the filler site and UV ray exposure can cause the fillers to break down.

How long does it take for them to settle?

On average, it takes around 14 days for fillers to settle, but this will depend on where they were injected and if you have had them before.

So, as hard as it is, you should avoid applying excessive pressure for this time (avoiding all pressure for the first 2 days) and keep your sun exposure to a minimum. If you have had the injections in summer, it’s the perfect time to invest in a glamorous new sun hat!

Are there any side-effects?

There may be some redness and minor bruising where you have had the fillers injected. The area may feel tight for a while too.

If you notice any intense discomfort, contact our team right away for an immediate appointment.

How long do they last?

This will vary depending on your age, where the fillers were injected and whether you have been careful with them. On average, fillers last between 6 to 9 months. If you want to have them reapplied, then our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic would be happy to do this for you, provided that the allotted time has passed.

Can yellow teeth become white? A guide to Zoom teeth whitening in Harley Street

One of the most well known and most popular of all cosmetic procedures that we can offer our patients at Harley Street is dental whitening.

Once a procedure that could cause high levels of discomfort due to the chemicals which were used, whitening has become more comfortable and affordable for many people who may feel a bit of embarrassment related to the shade of their teeth.

And while you may have concerns that whitening options which use gels may set off your dental sensitivity, our team at Harley Street only use the gentlest gels, which will help you get the whiter smile you want, without the discomfort.

When you come to our team for teeth whitening Harley Street, we can offer you 2 different types of whitening gels. The first is Zoom, which utilises custom-fitted plastic trays and at-home treatments to whiten your smile. The second is Enlighten, which also uses trays and an at-home based procedure to get your teeth whiter in as little as 2 weeks! However, our team will help you choose the correct treatment for you.

In this article about teeth whitening Harley Street, our team will answer 5 frequently asked questions about the Zoom whitening system.

Can my yellow teeth really become whiter?

Yes, of course they can.

But depending on the underlying cause of the discolouration and how yellow your teeth are, your teeth whitening Harley Street may take slightly longer. Using Zoom, your teeth can be lightened up to 16 shades in 2 weeks, but the level of whiteness obtained will depend greatly on the initial shade of your teeth.

How does it work?

Our team will paint an oxidising gel onto the surface of your teeth and then, using a specialist light, this will help to break down stubborn stains.

Once you are home, you will be given a set of custom-fitted trays to place a milder whitening gel into, which will need to be worn for 14 days, preferably overnight.

My teeth are discoloured due to medication; can this treatment still work?

Yes, it can, it may just take multiple whitening treatments.

If you feel that the Zoom whitening system is not working as well as you want it to, talk to our team about alternative whitening treatments that we can offer you.

How many shades can my teeth be lightened by?

As mentioned earlier, Zoom whitening can make your teeth up to 16 shades whiter in 14 days.

But this may or may not give you the final shade that you were looking for, and so, additional treatments may be required.

How long will the effects last?

The results of Zoom whitening can last up to a year, but this may be shortened if you smoke or regularly consume acidic products like oranges, sodas, red wine or drink black coffee.

Luckily, our team can provide you with a top-up gel, designed to keep your teeth as white as possible for an extended period of time. What’s not to like about that?

Does Invisalign straighten your jawline? 5 FAQs answered by our team at Harley Street Dental

The thought of undertaking braces is tough at any stage in life.

You may think that in order to get a straighter smile you will need to undertake a metal brace. Luckily, this is not true.

There have been innumerable advances in the area of orthodontics and, as the desire to make braces less visible has been at the top of many patients priority lists, there are now clear and invisible braces which you may be able to choose from.

As the names suggest, these braces are designed to be visually discreet, but that does not mean that they are less functional when it comes to moving your teeth; they simply use a different system!

At Harley Street, we are proud to be able to offer our patients many different types of clear and invisible braces. One of our most popular braces, Invisalign in Harley Street, can help you get the straighter smile you want in as little as 6 months, without attracting unwanted stares from strangers. Perfect!

Want to learn a bit more about Invisalign in Harley Street to determine if it is the correct brace for you? Here, our team answers your top 5 FAQs. Enjoy!

Does it straighten your jaw?

In a word, no, Invisalign in Harley Street does not straighten your jaw.

If you need to have your jaw realigned, our team may need to perform surgery to achieve this or, if the misalignment is less significant, we may decide to use traditional orthodontic braces.

Will it cause a lisp?

After you have had the brace fitted, there may be some initial issues surrounding speech.

However, this is usually resolvable within a few days and is due to your tongue adapting to the presence of the brace in your mouth.

If your speech issues persist, our team can offer you a set of vocal exercises to perform or we may attempt to refit the brace.

Is it uncomfortable?

There is, unfortunately, no such thing as a comfortable orthodontic procedure.

And, while this invisible brace is comfortable enough to be worn while you sleep when a new aligner is fitted, you may feel something akin to discomfort and pressure for a couple of days. This is normal and is part of the realignment process.

Can it correct an overbite?

Depending on the severity, yes it can.

However, you will need to attend a consultation with our team in Harley Street to assess whether or not your unique clinical issue is suitable for treatment with this invisible brace.

If you aren’t, don’t fret as there are many other discrete braces that you may be suited for.

How long will I need to wear it for?

This will depend on the severity of the issue being treated and whether or not you follow the instructions that our team provides you with. On average, this brace takes 6 months but this will depend if you follow our dental teams’ advice. Simple!

Been told you need a brace? 5 advantages of Invisalign for teenagers by Harley Street

Being a teenager can be hard.

And it can seem to be a whole lot harder after a trip to the dentist when you are told you could benefit from wearing a brace! Instantly, visions of metal brackets and wires will appear in your head and all of the social awkwardness that can be created.

Luckily, there is now a way for suitable teenagers to have their smiles straightened without wearing traditional, orthodontic braces.

When you come to Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will always aim to keep your popularity in vogue by checking your suitability for Invisalign Harley Street. As the name suggests, this brace is invisible and is custom-fitted to slot over the top of your teeth. No metal, no wires and no unwanted stares, this brace could be the saving grace that you are looking for!

But what are some of the other benefits of wearing Invisalign Harley Street as a teenager?

Better oral health

While you should visit a hygienist once a year, there is no need to do so more often while wearing Invisalign Harley Street.

This brace is removable and so, you can take it out to clean your teeth, ensuring that your pearly whites stay, well, pearly white! Long term, this brace reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease when used properly.

Removable

As we said earlier, this brace is removable and while this offers an advantage for cleaning your teeth, it allows other benefits too.

You can take the brace out when you are giving a presentation at school or college, and remove it when you are playing sports. Just be sure to wear it for the minimum time required each day to reap the benefits of this brace.

Accelerated treatment

OK, so while we could talk about how adults need a quick-acting brace due to their lifestyles, we know that teenagers don’t want to sit around waiting either!

This invisible brace can work in as little as 3 months but has an average time of 6-9 months to straighten teeth. Of course, this will depend on the severity of the underlying misalignment being treated and whether or not you have worn it for the appropriate amount of time each day.

Our team in Harley Street will be able to offer you a more accurate breakdown of how long this brace will take to straighten your teeth.

Comfort

As parents we all remember that one child in school who wore a traditional brace and complained about it being uncomfortable.

As this brace uses a pushing motion as opposed to a pulling one, it is more comfortable to wear in daily life and requires no tightening; it is even comfortable enough to sleep in. So it could be easier to persuade your offspring to use.

Excellent results and integration

And finally, this brace offers fantastic results, with over a 96% success rate after 5 years. It is also easy to fit into your day to day life, taking the literal pain out of orthodontic treatments. If you want to know more, contact our team at Harley Street today!

Does food get stuck under dental implants? 5 myths about oral implants debunked

When it comes to solving the aesthetic and functional problem of missing teeth, there is now a solution that is more permanent and secure than the traditional denture.

Known as oral implants, these are a single or set of titanium screws which are attached to the jaw. Once fitted, they need to fuse with the jaw bone, which can take between 3-6 months. When they have fused, a set of prosthetic teeth or a single tooth are affixed to them, securing them to bone.

Based on this, it is easy to see why they are so popular!

At Harley Street Dental, we can offer our suitable patients dental implants in Harley Street. We will ensure that all of your questions and queries are answered before the fitting, and will oversee the healing process. Our team will also offer you advice and tips on how to look after your new teeth, to make sure they last a long time. Brilliant!

Despite their popularity, dental implants in Harley Street have received their own set of myths and falsehoods, which can deter patients from seeking them. Here, we discuss the facts behind the fiction of oral implants.

They look fake

On the contrary, the dental implants in Harley Street that you will receive will be colour, shape and size-matched to blend in with any natural teeth that you may have.

If you are receiving a complete denture, the same care will be taken to ensure that your new teeth fit your face shape perfectly.

Food gets stuck under them

Once the implants have been fitted, our team will sew up the gum around the implant site to prevent food and other debris from getting under the implant.

If you are worried that something may have become stuck under your implant, contact our team for a check-up.

Having them fitted is painful

It is easy to see where this myth came from!

However, when you are having implants fitted at Harley Street, we will check that your mouth and gums are sufficiently numbed before we begin the fitting procedure. If at any point you have a concerning sensation, just inform our team and we will stop to reapply the numbing agent. If the idea of being conscious while we fit your implants makes you nervous, we may be able to offer you a sedative to calm your anxiety.

They don’t last

There are some instances in which oral implants do not last as long as they should. For example, if you neglect your oral health, smoke or consume too much alcohol, it is likely they will have a shortened lifespan.

But with correct care, the average implant can last for over 20 years.

They are too expensive for most people

At Harley Street, we can offer suitable patients financing options, to help them break the cost down into monthly chunks. Contact our friendly team to assess your suitability for the financing our team offers.

Do clear braces cause cavities? A guide to looking after your clear brace from Harley Street

You may have heard of the famous invisible brace Invisalign. You may have heard of the Inman aligner. But have you ever heard of a clear brace?

Adult orthodontics is becoming more commonplace in dental surgeries and as such, more brands are becoming available. And as you would imagine, each brand of adult brace is designed to do a slightly different thing or handle a different type of issue.

If you need a significant amount of dental realignment performed that is too much for Invisalign to handle, then our team in Harley Street may suggest a clear brace as an alternative.

Practically invisible like Invisalign, these clear braces Harley Street are attached using clear or tooth coloured brackets, making them almost invisible. Used by celebrities such as Emma Watson and Drew Barrymore, you will achieve a smile fit for the red carpet when you wear these discreet braces. Perfect!

But, as it is usually a fitted brace and it is attached to the front of your teeth, how do you ensure that your teeth will stay in good condition while wearing it?

Use an electric toothbrush

If you don’t already use one, our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic advises purchasing an electric toothbrush when you begin treatment with clear braces Harley Street.

This will help you to remove microscopic debris from around the brackets, keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

Attend check-ups

As with any brace, when you wear clear braces Harley Street, you will need to attend check-ups with our team.

It is important to not skip these appointments, as doing so could allow plaque to go undetected, which can create decay and gum disease. And of course, our team will need to check the progress that this brace is making regularly, so please keep all appointments with our team.

Attend hygienist appointments

As most clear aligners are fitted, you must attend hygienist appointments alongside regular dental check-ups.

Our hygienist in Harley Street will aim to keep your teeth free from plaque, and will also make sure that the earliest signs of decay or gum disease are spotted before they develop, allowing preventive measures to take place.

Avoid hard and sticky foods

Just like traditional metal braces, when you wear a clear brace, you will need to avoid eating certain foods.

We suggest cutting down on sticky foods and hard foods, which can cause the brackets of the brace to come loose. Sticky foods can also be harder to remove from the braces successfully and can create a sugary plaque which will lead to decay.

Cut down on sugary drinks

Sugary drinks are everywhere these days and while they are good for an energy boost, they are not so good for people who are wearing fitted braces.

To keep your teeth in good shape while you wear a clear brace, cut down or avoid all sugary, carbonated drinks. This will prevent plaque from accumulating on your teeth and gums and will prevent cavities and periodontal diseases from forming.

How can I stop my dental pain? 5 general dental FAQs answered by our dentist in Harley Street

When it comes to dental care, most people have more than a couple of questions to ask their dental practitioner!

As the fear of dentistry reduces due to the improvement in pain-free procedures and the allure of cosmetic options, there has been an overall increase in the numbers of people attending dental surgeries for general dental procedures. And while there is still some way to go until everyone becomes comfortable in the dental chair, dental teams are being asked more questions about general dental care than ever before.

At Harley Street Dental, we aim to be as informative as possible to all of our patients, explaining procedures and techniques in jargon-free language. Our dentist in Harley Street and their team will always aim to provide all of our patients with top rate dental care, while also being compassionate and understanding to those who are anxious about dentistry. Perfect!

So, what are some of the most commonly asked questions that our dentist in Harley Street receives? Read on to find out!

How can I practice good oral hygiene at home?

The key to good oral hygiene is routine; make sure you brush, floss and rinse twice a day and be sure to routinely attend check-ups with our dentist in Harley Street.

Avoid overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks, try to avoid smoking cigarettes (we can help with smoking cessation if requested) and, as tempting as it is on a hot summer’s day, do not chew on ice cubes!

How can I stop dental pain?

Any intense dental pain should be followed up with a visit to our team in Harley Street.

In the interim, aim to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen, and gently rinse the area with saltwater.

How do I get my kids interested in brushing their teeth?

Children very rarely enjoy brushing their teeth and so, it is important to make it as fun as possible.

Brush your teeth with them, create a song, use star charts to reward when they have brushed, and invest in an interactive toothbrush. Make it a game if you have multiple children- if they brush their teeth twice a day for a week, they will receive a treat. And if we give them the thumbs up at their check-up, they will get a bigger treat.

Does tooth whitener from the pharmacy actually work?

In cases of minor staining, purchasing a whitening toothpaste from a chemist can work.

But as more people have deeper set stains, it is unlikely that you will achieve the level of whiteness you want. If you want whiter teeth, contact our team and we will be able to offer you dental whitening which can lighten your teeth up to 18 shades! Brilliant!

Can I get straighter teeth as an adult?

Of course!

The brace or aligner which we choose will depend on the severity of the issue being treated, but if it is minor or moderate, we will try to use a more visually discreet brace like Invisalign.

Wisdom teeth in Harley Street are a common problem

Many people need to have certain teeth removed throughout their life through no fault of their own, and we have specific training and experience when it comes to the most common example of this, which is wisdom teeth Harley Street.

Otherwise known as the third molars, wisdom teeth Harley Street are the last teeth to erupt and are usually making an appearance when a person is about 17 years or older. Because most people’s mouths are not big enough to accommodate these teeth, they are prone to become impacted and maxillofacial surgery is generally needed in order to have them removed.

What is maxillofacial surgery?

This is a term that is used for surgical dental procedures that affect the mouth, jaw, face and neck. The role varies, although the most common reason for such a surgery is due to these third molars. A dental practice that has the capabilities to perform such surgical matters means that many people are referred to these professionals who have the tools, equipment and experience to competently perform these sometimes complicated procedures and restore your health again. As wisdom teeth Harley Street can be quite troublesome and cause not only a lot of pain, but bring your wellbeing below par as well.

Why is this?

Many dentists wait until it is necessary to remove these teeth, once they become impacted and partially erupting or once pain becomes problematic to the individual. Often, impacted teeth become infected with food debris getting stuck in the area, sometimes cysts develop underneath the gum as the tooth develops over the years and this can damage surrounding teeth and the jawbone as well.

The removal procedure

This varies for everyone depending on the position of the third molar, the underlying complications of cysts, infection and so forth and the general removal of the tooth itself, which can be difficult. Roots can sometimes hook around, making it more difficult to extract. Surgery does need to be performed in order to remove the tooth.

You will undergo a local anaesthetic for this and depending on your wishes, you can also have sedation throughout the procedure as well, to alleviate any feeling of distress that you could have throughout the surgery.

After surgery, swelling and some pain is expected and we offer a range of solutions to help you through this time. After 2 weeks, this will subside and you will be brought back into the dental practice so that we can check up on your healing. By applying cold packs, eating cold, liquid-like products and avoiding smoking, you can help to ease the swelling and pain and speed up your recovery. Make sure you keep well rested and take pain medication when required and according to direction.

A lot of people talk about the removal of these teeth and a lot of horror stories are heard. Remember to keep an open mind regarding your experience so as to not let other people’s experiences haunt you as you embark on your own. Everyone is different and when you are in competent hands, you can be assured of a quick recovery.

Looking for plumper lips? An introduction to lip fillers in Harley Street

When many people want to spruce up their appearance, they might visit their local hairdresser or pop to a salon for a manicure.

But if you are looking for something a bit more personal and longer-lasting, you may be considering having a non-surgical treatment performed. And with more cosmetic and dental surgeries now able to offer these procedures, it can be as quick (if not quicker) than having your hair layered!

One of the most popular treatments sought out are lip based; in short, many people want to have their lips appear firmer, fuller and pinker to create a more youthful look. As this procedure can now be completed in less than 30 minutes, it is a fast and easy way to makeover your look.

And at Harley Street Dental, our team is proud to be able to offer non-surgical facial aesthetics, including lip fillers in Harley Street. Our team will endeavour to make any treatment that you undertake with us as prompt as possible, allowing you to go about your day with that new glow you have been searching for. Fantastic!

But before you contact us to book a consultation, there are a few bits and pieces worth learning about lip fillers in Harley Street. Read on to learn what they are!

What are they?

The lip fillers in Harley Street that we use are made from a synthetic acid that occurs naturally in the body; hyaluronic acid.

Associated with plumper skin and a reduction in wrinkles, hyaluronic acid is used in several cosmetic procedures to reduce the initial signs of ageing. By attracting water to the surface of the skin, this acid allows for an instantaneous rejuvenation on the area it is injected into.

How are they applied?

Some facial creams and masks apply hyaluronic acid directly to the surface of the skin.

When it comes to lip injections however, our team at Harley Street will use a series of small injections to administer the fillers into your lips. As hyaluronic acid also naturally boosts collagen, you will have those plump looking lips for longer!

Is it uncomfortable?

As the injection needles are very thin, and due to our team’s expertise, these injections are rarely uncomfortable. Once you leave our surgery, the injection sites may be a bit tender, but this should resolve itself in a few days.

How long do they last?

Our injectable fillers typically last between 6 months to a year.

Be aware that lifestyle factors such as smoking can shorten the longevity of hyaluronic fillers. Also, if you are older, you are more likely to experience shorter-lived plumping from the injections.

Can I have them redone once the effects have reduced?

Yes, you can!

But our team at Harley Street Dental recommend waiting for at least 8 months to a year between each set of injections, to ensure that the initial hyaluronic acid has broken down fully. If you have any concerns about having your lip injections redone, contact our team for a consultation.

Are lingual braces for you? Our dentist answers the top 5 FAQs about this orthodontic treatment

When you are looking into having braces fitted as an adult, you will be happy to learn that you may be a bit spoiled for choice!

With advances in modern orthodontic care allowing more people to wear discreet braces, there is no longer the need to worry about how your smile will look in photos. As cosmetic aligners and orthodontic ones have merged, many people are now suited to wearing clear or invisible braces. From Invisalign to Lingual braces, more complex alignment issues can now be corrected without the need for traditional metal alternatives.

And at Harley Street Dental, our dentist in Harley Street can choose the perfect brace for you and your unique clinical requirements. With our precision application and our knowledge of all things brace-related, you can have that straighter, healthier-looking smile you have always wanted in 6 months or less! Perfect!

In this article, we will explore one of our more popular braces, that combines aesthetics with some more traditional aspects of orthodontics; lingual braces. Enjoy!

What are lingual braces?

Picture regular metal braces, and then place them on the back of the teeth as opposed to the front and you have lingual braces!

Once fitted, our dentist in Harley Street will need to see you every few weeks to adjust and tighten the aligners, in order for that straighter smile to come to fruition sooner.

Discreet and highly effective, you can even brag to your friends that you are wearing the same brace type that was once worn by Prince William!

Are they uncomfortable?

Whether you are undertaking lingual braces or Invisalign, the realignment process is likely to cause some minimal discomfort.

Remember, you are moving teeth that are set in their place into new positions using applied force, so some twinges are to be expected. However, if you feel that the discomfort is too much to bear, contact our dentist in Harley Street for a check-up and assessment of your lingual brace.

Will I have a lisp while wearing them?

When it comes to all kinds of brace and aligners, it is likely that for those first few days you will have some alterations in your speech.

Once your tongue has adjusted to having them in your mouth, your normal speech patterns should return.

How long will I need the incognito brace for?

This depends entirely on the severity of your orthodontic issue and as lingual braces are designed to treat more complex cases of misalignment, you can expect to wear them for at least 18 months. In more complex cases, you may be required to wear this brace for up to 36 months, but our team can provide a more accurate estimate.

Do they really work?

Yes, they do.

In fact, lingual braces have a similar long-term success rate as regular braces. Up to 96% of all patients who have undertaken lingual braces report a straighter smile 5 years following treatment. Remember, to ensure your teeth don’t relapse, you will need to wear a custom-fitted retainer afterwards.

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