Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Curious about composite bonding? Your top 5 FAQs answered by our team at Harley Street Dental

In the world of dental veneers and oral implants, it can be easy to overlook simpler methods that are available for restoring your smile to its former glory.

Indeed, when it comes to dental veneers as a treatment, these nifty coverings find their origins in a much earlier cosmetic treatment; bonding.

A safe and effective procedure that was developed some 50 years ago, bonding has been used to restore damaged teeth and was subsequently also been used to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. Like veneers, the procedure used a bonding resin to attach a composite covering to the tooth, using light to cure the surface and allow the composite to harden. While this is now commonplace in cosmetic dental clinics, in the past you would need to attend an appointment with a specialist practitioner to ensure that this procedure was performed correctly.

At Harley Street Dental, we are proud to carry on the tradition of composite bonding in Harley Street and can ensure that all bonding carried out by our team will be both restorative and cosmetically striking. Improving on the old fashioned techniques, we can use bonding as part of a smile makeover or to simply build up a damaged tooth, allowing you to feel confident with your smile.

Have some questions about composite bonding in Harley Street? Your 5 FAQs about bonding answered by our team.

Does it hurt?

Like dental veneers, composite bonding in Harley Street should not be uncomfortable.

As our team will sand down a thin layer of your enamel to apply the bonding agent, the inner parts of your tooth will be untouched, meaning you won’t even need a numbing injection!

Can be used to cover decay?

Yes, it can.

In fact, bonding was often used in lieu of metal fillings in past dental practices to cover decay which had occurred at the front of the mouth.

How long does the bonding last?

This will depend on your overall level of dental hygiene and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking.

Similar to white fillings, bonding procedures have an average lifespan of between 3- 10 years. Our team will always ensure that these composite coverings are intact during routine check-ups, and will aim to replace them if they aren’t. Simple! However, the composite used in bonding is softer than the porcelain used in veneers, so bonded teeth are more prone to chips and cracks. Luckily, such damage is easily repaired by our expert cosmetic team at Harley Street.

Can it close gaps?

Bonding can be used to cover gaps between teeth but in a similar way to dental veneers, our team will need to assess suitability.

If your gap is too large, we may suggest either orthodontic braces or dental implants.

Who is suited for bonding?

Provided that you have good overall oral hygiene and you have an ailment which is suited to bonding, then our team will happily offer you bonding as a way to either restore your teeth or enhance your smile.

Want to learn if dermal fillers are right for you? A brief intro from Harley Street Dental

Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are more common than ever and with the rise in availability, they have become more popular than ever!

While you may not think of attending your local dental surgery to have such a procedure performed, we can assure you that it is perfectly safe. All dentists are trained on facial muscles, nerves and basic facial anatomy, so when you visit a member of our team at Harley Street for non-surgical treatments, we will know what we are doing!

Now, back to the types of treatments we offer. As many people want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without undertaking a full facelift, they may wish to have a set of hyaluronic fillers injected. Perfect for plumping the skin, these injections are well known for reducing the signs of ageing instantly, and for offering those who have them injected a long-term solution to wrinkles.

At Harley Street Dental, we are proud of our selection of non-surgical cosmetic options; perfect for topping off that new smile! With our dermal fillers in Harley Street, you can experience a reduction in both fine lines and wrinkles, while not having to worry about non-natural chemicals or derivatives. Perfect!

But what exactly are our dermal fillers in Harley Street made from and how do we know that they are suitable for you? Read on to find out!

Types of injectable fillers

In cosmetic practise today, there are 3 types of filler available- synthetic, human-derived and animal-derived.

Our dermal fillers in Harley Street are synthetic and so, they are suitable for everyone including our vegan customers. Simulating the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, these are injected into specific areas of your face where they plump the skin. This leads to a reduction in the appearance of deep-set wrinkles, allowing for an instant youthful appearance.

Where can they be injected?

Fillers are generally suitable for injection in certain parts of the face and neck.

More specifically, our team in Harley Street can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes, lips, cheeks, temples, forehead, chin and around the jawline and neck.

At present, you can also have them injected into your hands and elbows too, to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in these 2 commonly affected areas.

Are they safe?

Synthetic hyaluronic acid fillers are Food and Drug Administration approved and are safe for regulated use in both dental clinics and beauty spas.

But as with all medicines which are injected, they are not without risk. You may have an allergic reaction to the chemicals used in the fillers, at which point our team will inject an enzyme to break down the filler in its entirety.

At the site of the injection, you may experience itching, swelling, burning, redness or bruising; this is normal and should be expected with these injections. However, if you have concerns about any of the aforementioned symptoms once the fillers are injected or in the following days contact our team to seek urgent medical advice.

Which teeth whitening method is right for you? A guide to Zoom in Harley Street

One of the easiest and most popular treatments available to boost your confidence when you smile is dental whitening.

Traditionally performed using a small drill, whitening is now undertaken using a system of oxidising gels, lights and the occasional cleaning with a specific brush head from a dental professional. It can be performed at home, in the surgery (or both) depending on the severity and the depth of the staining that you have.

What are the advantages of attending a dentist to have your teeth whitened? When compared to using at-home whitening kits, there are many. For instance, your smile can be lightened by up to 18 shades in under 14 days!

At Harley Street Dental, we are able to offer our patients 2 different kinds of teeth whitening in Harley Street. The first uses a system called Zoom, and the other is called Enlighten. The difference between the 2? The length of time they take, the stains they can remove and of course, the techniques that they use to whiten your teeth.

In this article, the type of teeth whitening in Harley Street that we will break down for you is the Zoom whitening treatment that our team can offer. Enjoy!

How does it work?

The zoom whitening gel contains 25% hydrogen peroxide.

While that sounds intimidating, our team will ensure that before it is applied to your teeth both your gums, nose and eyes are protected.

Using great care, our team will brush this on to your teeth, and use our special chairside lamp to accelerate the process.

After 15 minutes, your teeth whitening in Harley Street is complete and your smile will look up to 16 shades whiter.

How are the stains removed?

The oxidising gel penetrates the enamel and with the help of the lamp, the hydrogen peroxide in the gel breaks down. This allows oxygen to get underneath those stubborn stains and lift them away in an instant.

Best of all, unlike traditional whitening methods, the enamel and the structure of the tooth is not damaged.

Is there an at-home option with Zoom?

Yes, there is.

To help keep your teeth looking sparkling, our team at Harley Street will create a set of custom-fitted trays for you to take home. We will provide you with a weaker version of the oxidising gel, allowing you to maintain that whiter smile at home.

How long does it last?

This will depend on your lifestyle; if you regularly drink highly acidic products like coffee, red wine or juices, then the effects may not last very long.

On average, the whitening achieved with Zoom lasts 6 months.

Can it be redone?

Yes, it can.

Many of our patients choose to have the process repeated but, in the name of safety, our team will only be able to offer you another Zoom session 8-12months after your last one was performed. Remember, you will have the maintenance kit at home to help you keep that gleaming smile whiter for longer!

Is hygiene as important when wearing Invisalign braces?

When it comes to basic dental care, hygiene is important.

It works as a solid basis to promote good oral health and is often the first thing a cosmetic dentist will check before beginning any cosmetic procedure. In short, it is the basis on which all other dental care is built.

If you are one of the many adults in the UK who is beginning orthodontic treatment with an invisible aligner, you may feel that there are no additional requirements surrounding hygiene. After all, these braces are typically removable, allowing you to take them out for check-ups, eating and for your twice-daily brushing. But when it comes to invisible braces, hygiene is equally as important as it would be with a traditional orthodontic brace.

When you come to Harley Street Dental for treatment with invisible braces, our team will advise you on the best way to keep your dental hygiene at a high standard. Our team has helped thousands of our patients get the straighter smile they have always wanted using Invisalign in Harley Street, so we know how to keep your oral health in top shape throughout any orthodontic treatments.

But how can you ensure your oral health stays in good condition while undertaking Invisalign in Harley Street? Read on for our dentists top tips.

Invest in a mini toothbrush

When you wear this brand of invisible braces, you will need to invest in a mini toothbrush to carry with you to work or when you meet up with friends for a meal.

Why? Because Invisalign in Harley Street presses against your teeth, and if your teeth are not clean, it may push the bacteria and plaque against the enamel, speeding up issues like decay.

Be sure to always brush your teeth with water before putting your brace back in, to ensure good hygiene is maintained.

Clean the aligners every day

Another advantage of having a removable brace is that it is easier to clean.

With this particular aligner, you can either rinse it under a lukewarm tap or invest in a targeted cleaning solution. These will remove bacteria that can lead to decay. Never wash this brace in hot water or use mouthwash to clean them; this can cause discolouration and even warping!

Storage

When you receive your aligners from our team in Harley Street, they will come with a storage box.

To keep your aligners clean when out and about, ensure that they are always kept in the supplied storage. Not only will this prevent them from becoming damaged, but it will also protect them from bacteria in the surrounding environment.

Staining prevention

Acid is a big no-no when it comes to dental health and when you are wearing invisible aligners, it is advisable to cut back on acidic products to prevent staining and enamel erosion.

Both stains and erosion can cause further issues related to hygiene, such as plaque and cavities. Make sure you always brush your teeth after that morning cup of coffee or juice!

Not sure whether to have veneers or Invisalign braces? A comparison from Harley Street Dental

When you hide your smile in group photos, it may be time to seek help.

Far from being a cosmetic issue, having a misaligned smile can impact on confidence, mental health and if the misalignments are complex enough, it can even impact on your ability to chew food correctly. Yikes.

There are currently many cosmetic procedures which can alleviate both the functional and cosmetic problems linked to a misaligned smile. However, choosing the right treatment for your specific needs is paramount to long-term confidence and better oral health.

At Harley Street Dental, our team is happy to be able to offer suitable patients these cosmetic treatments. If your smile is off-centre and you need it straightened quickly, you may be a suitable candidate for Invisalign in Harley Street. However, if you are looking for a faster way to close gaps and create better symmetry, we may be able to offer you a different option. Perfect!

In this article, we will compare 2 treatments which may be suited for people with slightly misaligned teeth, small gaps or issues with symmetry; porcelain veneers and Invisalign in Harley Street. Enjoy!

Treatment time

Of the two options, Invisalign in Harley Street will typically require a longer time commitment.

To create veneers, our team will need to scan your teeth and send these images to a laboratory to have the veneers created. While this process can take up to 10 weeks, invisible aligners have an average treatment time of 6 months.

So, of the 2, veneers are faster.

Comfort

As is the way with orthodontics, any pressure (no matter how minimal) which is applied to your teeth is going to be uncomfortable.

While this is usually manageable with over the counter pain relief, some people find the pressure from invisible braces tougher to manage. With veneers, our team won’t even need to apply a numbing injection to your mouth. We simply remove a fine layer of enamel from each tooth which is having a veneer placed on it, apply dental cement and then fit the veneer.

Current dental hygiene

Both procedures will need your oral health to be in good condition. If you have gingivitis, cavities or other dental issues, our team will need to treat these before beginning either treatment.

However, poor oral health in the long-term is more likely to cause veneers to fail, as the swelling of the gums may cause them to fall off.

Treatment goal

Invisible braces can correct crowding, spacing, over, under or crossbites while also creating a more symmetrical smile.

Veneers are somewhat limited in this regard; they can create a whiter smile that has fewer gaps and better symmetry, but they cannot treat bite issues or overcrowding. Therefore, your long term treatment goal will impact on which procedure is more suitable.

Cost

Many patients are surprised to learn that in the long-term, invisible braces are often more affordable.

This will depend on how many veneers you plan to have fitted and how long you wear the invisible braces for.

Does diabetes impact on fitting dental implants? A brief guide from Harley Street Dental

There are many advantages to having a missing tooth or teeth replaced by an oral implant.

They are more secure, sturdier and can be crafted to seamlessly blend in with the other teeth in your mouth. And of course, they have a longer lifespan than many other prosthetics!

And while any dental team, including ours, will aim to get you fitted with the right type of oral implant to ensure that your needs are met, there are some situations in which this is not possible. As you may be aware, if you have conditions like gingivitis or are deemed to have too little bone left for implants, you may not be able to have implants fitted.

But did you know that there are many other health conditions that may also disqualify you from this procedure?

At Harley Street Dental, our team will always aim to make sure that you receive the cosmetic treatment that is best suited to you, including the fitting of dental implants in Harley Street. If you are not suited due to an underlying health condition, our team will make sure that your gaps are concealed with another suitable cosmetic option that offers equally striking results. Perfect!

So, what are some of the conditions that can prevent you having dental implants in Harley Street?

Blood clotting disorders

Once an injury forms, a blood clot is created to stem the bleed.

However, if you have an overactive blood clotting disorder like thrombophilia, this can create a real risk when it comes to having dental implants in Harley Street.

Unfortunately, anti-coagulants used to treat these disorders also create an issue with this procedure, as they may cause you to bleed excessively, leading to anaemia.

If you have any concerns about a blood-clotting disorder and implants, talk to our team and your doctor for advice.

Auto-immune disorders

If you have been diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder like ankylosing spondylitis or lupus, then it is unlikely that any oral implants will last.

Due to the overactive nature of the immune system in these disorders, any foreign object is likely to be attacked and rejected. While immunosuppressants can minimise this, if you are taking steroids to manage inflammation associated with these disorders, your bone density may be too low to support implants.

Unmanaged diabetes

People who have diabetes run a higher risk of implant rejection in general, but that should not prevent those who have controlled diabetes from accessing this treatment.

However, if your diabetes is uncontrolled, then you are at a higher risk of periodontal disease and will be deemed unsuited for implants. If you have any concerns about your diabetes management, talk to your doctor before attending a consultation for oral implants.

Cancer

If you have recovered from cancer, firstly congratulations! Plus, you can have oral implants fitted. However, if you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, treatments like radiotherapy can cause issues with bone density. Therefore, it is not advisable to have oral implants fitted during traditional cancer treatments.

Looking for a robust set of clear braces? A brief look at Incognito Braces

As adults, having anything that is less than discreet just won’t do!

And when it comes to braces and aligners, this is also true. While you may not associate braces with being discreet, there are many orthodontic options available that can straighten even the most misaligned of teeth without drawing unwanted attention. Some of these options are fitted and cannot be removed by anyone besides a member of our team, and others are designed to be removed as and when it is required by the patient.

At Harley Street Dental, we are proud to offer both. With our invisible and clear braces in Harley Street, we can offer you an accelerated treatment which will be both discrete and easy to fit around other life commitments. No long-appointments, no excessive tightening and no worries about giving up your favourite foods, we really can offer it all with our range of adult orthodontics at Harley Street.

In this article, we will introduce one of our more popular fitted clear braces in Harley Street; the incognito brace.

What are Incognito Braces?

Visually similar to traditional orthodontic braces, incognito braces are attached to the inner side of your teeth, making them almost impossible to spot.

And used in a similar way to traditional alternatives, these clear braces in Harley Street are designed to correct a wide range of dental alignment issues which could not be achieved with invisible braces like Invisalign.

Incognito aligners will need altering or tightening from a member of our dental team on average every 6 weeks. However, with our expertise, these appointments will not be too long and will allow you to get on with your day. We are also open on Saturdays if you need an appointment outside the 9-5 window during the week.

Advantages of this brace

As mentioned earlier, this brace can offer the same advantages as traditional metal braces, while being visually hidden.

However, they are also custom-fitted for your comfort, making them more pleasant to wear than traditional metal alternatives. And while many people brag about the advantages of having removable aligners, as incognito braces are fitted, it is less likely that they will get damaged or become lost!

Finally, with an incognito brace, our team is better equipped to target your treatment, making these braces 30% faster at correcting malocclusions than other types of clear and invisible braces.

How long will it take?

This will depend on the severity of the malocclusion being treated, but on average, this brand of brace takes between 12-18 months to straighten teeth.

Like all orthodontic treatments, you will need to wear a retainer once the brace is removed to prevent your teeth from relapsing.

Cost

The incognito brace is typically more expensive than regular metal braces.

However, at Harley Street Dental, we can offer our suitable patients’ financing options to help you spread the cost into affordable monthly chunks. If you wish to discuss applying for our payment plan, contact a friendly member of our team for information.

Need to see an emergency dentist for a painless issue? Steps to take before the appointment

When many people hear the word emergency used in conjunction with dentistry, they immediately equate the scenario to being one that is uncomfortable.

And there is some truth to that- the majority of emergency dental visits are linked to discomfort in a tooth or the jaw.

But if you find yourself with a dental emergency that isn’t linked to discomfort, what do you do?

Far from an oxymoron, dental emergencies also include issues such as chipped or cracked teeth, lost fillings or crowns, swelling to the jaw, gums or oral area and broken orthodontic braces. And as you can see, these are not all necessarily as uncomfortable as an abscess.

Here at Harley Street Dental, our emergency dentist in Harley Street can handle all manner of emergency care and will aim to resolve any issue you may have. We are proud to be able to offer same-day emergency appointments, allowing you fast relief, shortening the chance of secondary complications. Perfect!

But while you are waiting for our surgery to open to see our emergency dentist in Harley Street, here are some steps you can take to ensure the appointment goes more smoothly. Remember, this is not intended for those suffering from either acute dental pain or abscesses.

Cracked or chipped tooth

OK, so this is unlikely to have happened in the middle of the night!

But, as soon as you are aware that one of your teeth is chipped or cracked, try to save as many pieces as you can and call our emergency dentist in Harley Street.

If there is any bleeding, apply a piece of clean gauze to the area, and apply a cold compress to the outer cheek to keep swelling to a minimum.

Lost filling

An irritant that may cause minor discomfort, a lost filling can occur at any time.

If you have prepared for this moment in advance (well done you!), then you can apply some temporary dental cement to the area, to prevent bacteria from getting access to the tooth’s pulp.

If you don’t have any dental cement, place a piece of sugar-free gum where the filling was and wait for your appointment with our emergency team.

Lost crown

If your crown falls out, place it in a Tupperware container to keep it safe.

If possible, dab some clove oil onto your tooth and use some dental cement to cover it over. You can even use the dental cement to temporarily place the crown back onto the tooth but under no circumstances use super glue to do this!

Swelling

Swelling can be temporarily managed by placing an ice pack on the cheek, neck or jaw where the swelling has occurred.

Take over the counter anti-inflammatory pain relief to reduce the swelling and contact our team promptly.

Brace related issues

If a piece of your brace snaps and is cutting into your inner cheek, take a cotton wool ball and place it over the sharp end. Contact our team and your orthodontist to resolve this issue.

Who are Harley Street Dental Clinic?

We are a leading clinic who not only can offer our patients excellence in dental care but can also offer treatments such as facial aesthetics so we can help our patients feel great about their appearance whether their issue lies with the way their smile looks or the appearance of their skin. This article will take you through one of the treatments that we offer that can help you feel better about your appearance. We will then discuss what the treatment is, how it works, and what you should do next.

Can you help me?

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your lips then we could be of service to you, we have vast experience in facial aesthetics to improve the look of your lips. We have been able to help a wide array of patients become more accepting of their appearance and we could provide you with the very same excellence in service and yield some brilliant results. We could support you in your endeavour to improve your lips by helping them look more full. Other patients who have had this treatment have been very impressed with the results that became apparent.

Do I need lip fillers?

You could benefit from lip fillers Harley Street if you want to improve the appearance of your smile and overall face. Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their lips but are unsure about how to best go about altering this. We want our treatment to be as accessible as possible for those of you who need and want this very kind of help. Patient’s do not need to worry about how they will be treated as they are in the best hands possible when it comes to getting this treatment. You will always be looked after by health care professionals who have a vast experience in this field. You should read on to discover a little bit more about how this treatment works.

How do they work?

Lip fillers Harley Street uses reliable methods and trained providers to get the best results. FDA approved materials are always used and proper training is given to those who administer this treatment. An injection is used to make the lips feel more plump and full. You can read more about this treatment online on the website to get more of a feel as to whether this treatment could be a good fit. You can also call us here at the practice to discuss your options with this treatment. You should read on to the next section to see what you should do next.

What should I do next?

If you decide that lip fillers Harley Street are the treatment for you and your lips, then you should consider getting in touch with us so we can begin your journey to fuller lips that you are proud of. We look forward to working with you. We are a friendly practice and will do everything in our power to ensure that patients get the treatment that they seek and that all interactions with our practice are high quality and yield brilliant results!

Reasons why you should choose us as your family dental clinic

Choosing a dentist isn’t a decision that can be made lightly, especially if you’re after an oral health practitioner who can treat all your loved ones with the utmost precision and care.

Our team at Harley Dental aren’t just imbued with the knowledge to address your dental health issues, but we’re also highly personable and empathetic. We understand that visiting the dentist is an activity enjoyed by a few, which is why we make it our priority to ensure that your appointment with us runs smoothly. In the below, we’ll discuss how we aim to make your time with us as pleasant as possible at the dentist in Harley Street.

We’ve created a safe and calming environment

Dental anxiety is an all-too-common side effect of a traumatic experience, which is something we don’t treat seriously.

Our doctors are specialised in attending to patients who suffer from panic, terror or fear associated with seeing the dentist in Harley Street.

We’ll talk you through your fear and fully explain the steps of the procedure that you’ll be undergoing. We’ll discuss approaches you can use to remain calm, which includes listening to music, watching a movie, or following deep breathing techniques.

Conscious sedation is another alternative if the above-mentioned holistic approaches don’t relax you.

Our practice is eye-catching, comfortable and clean

Our clients love the charming Georgian-style exterior of our practice, not to mention the cosy interiors and warm greetings extended by a friendly team of receptionists.

Grab a beverage and find something to read before your appointment. Our bright and airy waiting room features various seating arrangements to keep you comfortable.

We provide a personalised service

Your dental problems are unique to you, which is why we provide customised sets of treatments taking into account your budget, preferences, wants, and fears.

Our treatment menu is comprehensive

Ranging from cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, through to preventative dentistry, we offer a wide selection of treatments, administered by top professionals at the dentist in Harley Street.

Below you’ll find brief descriptions of our top treatments.

Teeth whitening is an aesthetic treatment that lightens the shade of your teeth. Tough stains and marks are removed from the surfaces of your pearly whites using Hydrogen Peroxide in one or two dental appointments.

Dental implants are a groundbreaking restoration treatment that replaces absent teeth at the root. It’s popular among people who’ve suffered both minor and significant teeth loss.

If there is one thing we know, it’s that you’re never too old for braces. Our onsite orthodontist will find the most suitable straightening aid for your unique orthodontic issue.

We’re for kids! Preventative dental care starts early, so the sooner your children begin to see us, the chances of obtaining severe issues as adults are significantly reduced. We commonly treat our little patients using fluoride application and routine checkups to keep their milk teeth healthy and strong.

We attend to emergency dental work as quickly as possible, working hard to preserve your damaged teeth while relieving accompanying pain.

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