Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Want some information about lip filler aftercare? Your top 5 FAQs answered

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, correct aftercare is just as important as the procedure going smoothly.

While in recent times there has been a shift towards non-surgical cosmetic options, this does not mean that careful aftercare is not warranted. While there is no down-time and no anaesthesia risks, in order to maximise the effects of the procedure, you will still need to take some special steps to keep yourself healthy and to avoid damaging the treated area.

Indeed, there are many facial injectables that, while extremely effective, can be easily damaged by lifestyle choices which can cause them to be less effective and to break down prematurely.

If you choose to undertake non-surgical facial treatments, our team can help you. Qualified to perform cosmetic injectables like lip fillers in Harley Street, our dentists can help you to refresh your appearance, leaving you with a younger look and boosted confidence. Perfect!

But do lip fillers in Harley Street need specific aftercare? Read on for the answers to the top 5 FAQs related to the aftercare of this procedure.

Before I have them injected, can I take painkillers?

When you come to us for lip fillers in Harley Street, our team will apply a numbing gel to the areas where you are going to have the injections. However, in relation to over-the-counter painkillers, it is not recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as these can thin the blood and result in easier bruising. If you are in discomfort post-treatment, apply a cold compress to the area.

Can I exercise after having fillers?

If you attend the gym often or even practice lighter exercises like yoga, you may need to take a week off from all of them. Once again, strenuous exercises can increase the likelihood of developing infections and even certain yoga poses may cause rushing of blood to the injection site, leading to bruising.

How soon post-injection can I drink alcohol?

It is best to avoid consuming alcohol for at least 2 days after dermal fillers are injected. As alcohol can act as an inflammatory, it can once again increase the chances of bruising to the injection area as well as exacerbating any swelling.

When will the effects of the treatment become apparent?

While many of our former patients have commented on noticing the plumping effect of the injections to their lips as soon as they have left our clinic, fillers can take up to 14 days for the effects to become apparent. The end result will vary based on age, lifestyle choices and elasticity of the skin.

How long will they last?

As we all constantly move our lips, the results are not as long-lasting as fillers which are injected into other facial areas, like the cheeks for example. Generally, the results of the fillers will last between 6-9 months, and depending on how you feel about the results, you are more than welcome to come back to Harley Street for a top-up.

Unsure if you need a same-day appointment with a dentist? 5 of the most common dental emergencies

When it comes to general healthcare, it is important to be able to assess which scenarios require regular treatments/appointments and which ones need emergency attention.

When the majority of people hear the word ‘dental’ and the word ‘emergency,’ they immediately

picture someone with a swollen face in a great deal of discomfort. Of course, this is a warranted image; many people only seek urgent dental attention when they are in discomfort, but there are many more situations which will need emergency treatment than a sore tooth.

So, when you are going about your day to day life and you notice one of your fillings is loose, is it a dental emergency or can it wait?

When it comes to dental emergencies, our dentist at Harley Street can provide you with 24-hour access to specialist advice, allowing you to feel confident that we will always be on hand to help. We prioritise certain appointments each day to dental emergencies, meaning that you won’t be left in discomfort or with large gaps from lost fillings or crowns when you join our team.

But, going back to the initial question; is a lost filling an emergency requiring a same day trip to our dentist in Harley Street? Read on for the top 5 most common dental emergencies.

Lost filling or crown

As it turns out, yes, a lost or loose filling or crown is a valid reason for an emergency trip to our dentist in Harley Street. As both of these issues can cause bacteria to infiltrate the tooth and cause further decay or an infection, as soon as you notice that one of your fillings is loose, call our team for a same-day appointment. Remember, while the lost filling may not cause discomfort, it is indeed an emergency!

Swelling

Back to the image of swelling; indicative of everything from an infection to an impacted wisdom tooth, swelling of any kind in the mouth, throat or jaw area requires urgent medical attention. Once again, even if it isn’t painful, you still need to see a member of our team as soon as possible.

Discomfort

If you have pain that is stopping you from eating, drinking, sleeping or functioning, you need to book an urgent appointment. Whether this pain resembles a shooting sensation, stabbing, burning or indeed a throbbing, it could be indicative of an infection, which will need immediate treatment.

Lumps

While most oral lumps and bumps are benign, it is best to err on the side of caution and book an emergency appointment with our team. In cases of oral cancer, early detection and treatment offer a better outcome, so it is best not to ignore this symptom.

Cracks and chips

More common with children, chips and crack in the teeth require urgent repair to prevent the damage from spreading, or from exposing the nerve of the tooth to bacteria. This really is a very common issue but, to prevent it from needing more extensive treatment, book an emergency dental appointment.

Want a stainless, chip-free smile? 5 advantages of composite bonding from Harley Street

It can be very jarring to confidence when you have chipped, stained or slightly off-centre teeth.

Many people who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth often resort to not smiling during photos, and may even withdraw from social interactions altogether – far from fun! In the past, you could typically have issues like staining, chipping or slight asymmetry dealt with separately but today, thanks to advances in modern cosmetic dental techniques, there is a solution to all of these issues in one treatment.

Known as bonding, this procedure is cost-effective, time-friendly and allows you to get the straighter, whiter smile you have always wanted without the worry of braces, pricey dental veneers or potentially uncomfortable whitening sessions. Offering a solution to all of these issues in one, this really is one of the best ways to boost your confidence without the hassle!

Our team knows all about the benefits of composite bonding in Harley Street and can offer you a straightforward way to improve your self-esteem without breaking the bank. When you come to us in Harley Street for bonding, we guarantee that you will leave feeling better about your smile. What’s not to like?

Aside from the obvious confidence boost which accompanies composite bonding in Harley Street, what are some of the other advantages?

Time-saving

As mentioned previously, one of the key advantages of composite bonding in Harley Street is that it saves time. Indeed, when compared to other cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers or even dental implants, there is no prolonged waiting period between the initial consultation and the application of the composite. You can be in and out of our surgery in Harley Street with a gap-free, whiter smile in 1 session! Great stuff!

Low-risk

While some cosmetic dental options present with higher risks, such as oral implants, bonding is risk-free! As the composite is bonded to the surface of your tooth, it does not damage the tooth, requires no scraping or other preparation, and will not cause any infection.

Budget-friendly

Don’t be fooled – just because this procedure is cheaper than other options, it does not mean it is inferior or low quality. Our team at Harley Street Dental perform bonding procedures regularly and are trained in colour matching the composite to your surrounding teeth, leaving you with a natural-looking finish. And, of course, as this procedure only requires composite and can be completed in 1 session, that is all you will pay for! Brilliant!

Less-invasive

Another advantage of this treatment is that, unlike other cosmetic options, it is non-invasive.

As it doesn’t require our team to scrape away the surface of your teeth and will not involve uncomfortable injections to complete. It is also pain-free, which is appealing to many nervous dental patients who want to improve their smiles.

Lifespan

If you maintain good oral hygiene and attend check-ups with our team, your bonded smile can last for years. Patients report that their bonding has lasted over 10 years, so it is a great investment.

Unsure if dermal fillers are for you? 5 advantage by Harley Street Dental

As we age, our body begins to reduce the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. While this is a normal process and is not life-threatening, it does result in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Although many people embrace the more refined definition that comes with the golden years, many people may feel under confident and unhappy with the appearance of their skin, and begin to suffer from low self-esteem as a result. In the past, the only option for wrinkled skin was either spending a fortune on face creams, undertaking a facelift, or both.

Today, there is a way you can reduce wrinkles without undergoing surgery or trialling every wrinkle reduction cream on the market. One of the most popular non-surgical ways to reduce the appearance of fine lines is with dermal fillers in Harley Street. Our team is specially trained in where to inject these fillers into your face, to leave you with a smoother, plumper look to your skin. And best of all, this option can be performed quickly, allowing you to get on with your daily routine as planned. Brilliant!

Are there any other advantages to having dermal fillers in Harley Street? Of course, there are!

Collagen-booster

As mentioned earlier, as our bodies age, they begin to produce less collagen than they did when we were younger. Alongside the reduction in hyaluronic acid, this leads to sagging in the skin and wrinkles. When you have dermal fillers in Harley Street, they will act as a natural collagen-booster, resulting in your skin remaining plumper and smoother for longer. Brilliant!

Scar reduction

A common sight among many people who have undertaken surgical cosmetic options in the past is the scar that these treatments have left behind. Not to worry! With fillers, not only will your skin not be scarred as the procedure involves injections, but the natural plumping effect of the fillers will reduce the appearance of any scars you may have on your face. Perfect!

No downtime

Traditional wrinkle reduction involved anaesthetic, surgery and of course, downtime which often meant taking time off of work to recover. Luckily, with fillers, as there is no anaesthetic and no surgery, there is also no downtime. In fact, this treatment can be performed in less than an hour and so, you can go about your day as normal afterwards! Just make sure you avoid sunbathing or tanning beds, as these can reduce the lifespan of the fillers.

Immediate results

The plumping effects of fillers can take up to 2 weeks to become obvious, but many of our patients have noticed a reduction in wrinkles immediately. However, this will depend on where you are having the fillers injected and will depend on other factors such as your age and lifestyle choices.

Long-lasting

And finally, one of the most impressive aspects of fillers is how long they last. Depending on where they are injected on the face, they can last anywhere from 3-18 months, making them a great investment. Great stuff!

Want to know if Zoom teeth whitening is for you? Your top 5 FAQs answered by Harley Street Dental

In the modern world, there are many lifestyle factors which can cause teeth to become yellowed in appearance. From drinking coffee to high acid foods and drinks, it can be very tough to keep your teeth that icy-white colour. Of course, you may have tried a range of over-the-counter whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes, only to find that the whitening effect does not work as advertised. Luckily, dental whitening is an exceedingly common and simple procedure to undertake at a dental surgery and so, if you have had enough of discoloured, yellow teeth, it may be time to book a dental appointment.

At Harley Street Dental, our team is experienced in all cosmetic procedures, including giving you a pearly white smile to envy the Hollywood elite! When you come to us for teeth whitening in Harley Street, we are proud to be able to offer 2 different types of whitening kits for more stubborn stains: Zoom and Enlighten. Depending on your clinical presentation, we will choose the most suitable option for you, so all you have to do is smile and let our team do all the work. Perfect!

Curious to know more about teeth whitening in Harley Street? Read on for the top 5 FAQs about Zoom Whitening.

What does the treatment involve?

In short, this whitening procedure takes place with our dental team at our surgery. Our team will apply a high-concentration peroxide gel to the surface of your teeth, ensuring that your gums and mouth are protected. Once applied, this gel will penetrate into your teeth and using oxidisation, will remove deeply set stains. We may use the Zoom light, which prompts the activation of this gel, whitening your teeth by up to 8 shades. Depending on how much whiter you want to make your smile, you may need multiple treatments.

How long does the process take?

This form of teeth whitening in Harley Street takes around 90 minutes to complete, but this time is likely to vary depending on how many sessions are required.

Are there any side-effects?

During the treatment, you may notice a mild discomfort if our team chooses to use the Zoom light; it creates heat, which can be a bit uncomfortable if you have sensitive teeth. You may also notice a slight tingling sensation after the Zoom treatment, along with some minor sensitivity. If this is the case, our team will be happy to provide you with a sensitivity reducing toothpaste.

How long will the effects last?

Depending on your overall level of dental hygiene, coupled with your diet and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, the whitening results of Zoom can last up to a year. However, if our team provides you with top-up trays to perform whitening at home using diluted gel, the results can last up to 2 years! Perfect!

Is it expensive?

In short, no. Many patients find this form of tooth whitening extremely affordable and often come back to our surgery for another session once the whiteness fades.

Curious about the Invisalign process? A brief guide from Harley Street Dental

With dental treatments, it can be unnerving for many patients to not know the procedure or to know what to expect.

Indeed, one of the main causes of dental based phobias is due to patients not knowing what will be involved in their treatments, allowing them to feel out of control. Far from fun!

If you are considering adult orthodontics, you could be forgiven for assuming that the entire process is similar to that which children undertake when having a traditional metal brace fitted.

However, you will be glad to know that this is not the case at all. Due to the simplicity that often comes with adult orthodontics, having a clear or invisible brace fitted is no hassle at all. It is far more simplistic and nowhere near as time-consuming.

When you come to Harley Street Dental for adult orthodontics, our team is likely to recommend one of our most popular adult braces. Known as Invisalign in Harley Street, this brace is removable, comfortable and as the name suggests, invisible. So, you can get the straighter smile you want without worrying about the aesthetic issues of a metal brace. Perfect!

But, back to the procedure. What can you expect when you come to us for Invisalign in Harley Street? Read on to find out!

The consultation

As a first step, our team will book you in for a consultation.

This will be to assess your suitability for Invisalign in Harley Street and, if all goes well, to take a 3-D scan of your mouth so that our team can begin to plan how many aligners you will need throughout the treatment. This will also allow you the opportunity to ask our team questions about this brace, but, if you forget any, you can always contact us to resolve any queries that you may have.

Fitting

Once your consultation is complete, our team will send the 3-D scan of your mouth away to a specialist laboratory, who will shape your aligners; this can take between 4-8 weeks.

Once fitted, you will see how easy they are to slip on and off and our team will explain to you how to recognise the signs that it is time to move onto the next aligner in your treatment. Once again, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Treatment

Once in, you will need to wear this removable brace for up to 22 hours per day. But, you can take it out when you eat food or brush your teeth, just remember to put it back in again!

On average, you will need to change to the next aligner in the treatment every 2 weeks, but if there is any confusion, you can contact our team for advice.

On average, treatment with this invisible brace takes between 6-9 months to complete. Brilliant!

Aftercare

Once the final aligner is out and you have your gorgeous new smile, our team will provide you with a custom-fitted retainer to prevent your teeth from relapsing.

Heard that Invisalign is uncomfortable? 5 common myths dispelled by Harley Street Dental

With cosmetic dentistry becoming more commonplace, more and more people are seeking out ways to improve the whiteness of their teeth, conceal minor cracks and even ways to correct misalignments.

Once considered a treatment for only the most extreme cases of malocclusion and misalignment, adult orthodontics is becoming more popular and, as such, the options available for many people wanting a straighter smile have expanded. In most dental surgeries today, if you want to obtain a straighter smile, many dentists will offer you the option of clear or invisible braces. As their name suggests, these braces are more visibly discreet than traditional metal aligners, making them the perfect way to keep your confidence up while you straighten your teeth!

One of our specialities is adult orthodontics, and when you visit us to have your teeth straightened, we are likely to recommend one of the worlds most well-known aligners. With Invisalign in Harley Street, you will have all the discretion of an invisible brace, with the realignment capability of a traditional metal brace.

But, as popular as Invisalign in Harley Street is, it does have some myths to dispel. Here, we discuss the most common myths you may come across online, allowing you to decide if this brace is suitable for you.

This brace is uncomfortable to wear

Invisalign in Harley Street is custom-fitted and, as it is made of a thin plastic and requires no tightening, it will not be uncomfortable to wear in day-to-day life. Of course, in the first few days of wearing it, you may need to adjust your talking and eating habits, but this will be temporary.

Many people can’t afford invisible braces

This is one of the most persistent myths about both clear and invisible braces. While the final price may seem excessive, our team at Harley Street are able to offer suitable patients payment plans or financing options, to allow you to spread the cost into affordable monthly payments. And so, cosmetic braces are more accessible for the average person. Brilliant!

I’m too old for this brace

As long as you have good oral health overall, it is unlikely that you will be unsuitable for this brace. While you will require a consultation to assess if this brace will be beneficial to realigning your teeth, many patients are able to undertake either this brace or another discreet aligner.

Invisible braces take longer than traditional braces

While traditional braces can take up to 2 years to straighten the teeth of adults, this particular invisible brace takes an average of 6 months. Far from a longer treatment time!

The results are not as good as regular aligners

If you are not suited for invisible or clear braces, then no, the results will not be as good as the ones that could be obtained through using a traditional brace. However, if our team at Harley Street gives you the green light for this brace, we can guarantee that you will be satisfied with the final result. Perfect!

Want to learn more about dental implants? 5 interesting facts from Harley Street Dental

In the world of modern dentistry, if you have lost a tooth either through age or decay there are many options available to you for a replacement.

Of course, the most well-known of these restorative procedures is the denture. Shaped to fit over your gum line, dentures have been a mainstay of dentistry for years and have helped many people regain their confidence. However, despite the benefits, dentures are also renowned for causing issues with rubbing and can even have an impact on speech patterns.

Luckily, there is a more permanent alternative to missing teeth, which comes with all the cosmetic advantages of dentures, without the disadvantage of movement or sore spots.

At our surgery, we are proud to be able to offer our patients dental implants in Harley Street. The most commonly used implant type, the endosteal, has helped thousands of patients regain confidence when they smile, while also improving eating and overall hygiene. What’s not to like about that?

Want to know a bit more about our endosteal dental implants in Harley Street? Read on!

Ancient idea

As modern as they may seem, oral implants are in no way a new idea. Indeed, evidence of restorative technologies similar to oral implants has been found in civilizations over 20,000 years old. Granted, these versions were made from bamboo, but the idea is the same!

Composition

Of course, the endosteal dental implants in Harley Street that our team uses are not made from bamboo. Instead, the part that is attached to your jaw is made from titanium and physically resembles a small screw. The top part of the implant, also known as the crown of the implant is usually made from titanium as well but is colour matched to blend with your surrounding teeth.

Fitting

Many patients have concerns about having oral implants fitted; having heard that it is a painful procedure which can lead to infection. Luckily, this is false! Our team will always ensure that your jaw and gum line is completely numb before beginning the fitting and once it is in place, your gum will be sewn up with dissolvable stitches. Once the numbing wears away, you may notice a bruised sensation and swelling, this is normal but if you notice any sensations which are worse than this, contact our team immediately.

Aftercare

Once the implant is fitted to your jaw, you will need to wait between 3-6 months for the crown to be placed on top.

During this time, try to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or chewing overly hard foods which could damage the implant’s stability. If you have concerns that your implant is loose or is not fusing to your jaw, contact our team for a check-up.

Long-term advantages

Of course, one of the main benefits of oral implants is that with proper care, they can last up to and over 20 years. They can be shape and colour fitted to match your natural teeth and best of all, they cannot become loose!

Want to know more about clear braces? Your 5 FAQs about the Incognito aligner answered

If you are one of the many adults who have misaligned teeth, it can seem like a tedious and expensive process to approach your dentist about having them straightened. Many adults hear the word brace and instantly envision large, metal aligners which will do little to boost their confidence in the short term. And, as the adult world is so based on appearances and looking professional, it is easy to see why traditional braces are rarely sought after. And this is before we get into the associated costs!

However, as the world of cosmetic dentistry has merged with orthodontics, there is now a solution for many adults with more complex orthodontic requirements, even if they don’t want to have large, metal attachments fitted to their teeth. Known as clear, cosmetic or even invisible braces, these options offer a discreet alternative to the well-known metal brace, meaning you can get a straighter smile without the unwanted stares.

Our team is well versed in all things related to adult orthodontics, and when you come to us for clear braces in Harley Street, we will find you the most suitable option for your clinical needs. Whether it’s Invisalign, Incognito or Lingual braces, we can guarantee that we will find an aligner that will straighten your smile without breaking the bank. Perfect!

In this article, we will explore some of the most frequently asked questions about one of the most popular clear braces in Harley Street: the Incognito aligner.

Are they uncomfortable?

While all aligners take some getting used to, many patients have concerns that these clear braces in Harley Street will be more uncomfortable due to the fact that they are fitted. The initial fitting will be painless, but you may experience some discomfort on your tongue and your back or molar teeth for a few days.

Can anyone wear them?

Like most braces, Incognito aligners are not suitable for everyone’s needs. While royalty like Prince William has been known to wear this brace, it is not suitable for people who have complex orthodontic needs, such as misaligned jaws or extreme malocclusions. However, these things aside this brace is suitable for children, teenagers and adults, provided that they have good oral health.

Will I need to change my diet?

Like regular braces, with the Incognito brace, you should avoid sticky and hard foods that could damage the metal. With each adjustment, there may be some discomfort too, so sticking to softer, healthier foods is recommended.

Are they noticeable?

No, they aren’t! Incognito braces are fitted to the back of your teeth and so they are not noticeable when you smile or talk. Great stuff!

Will I talk differently?

As mentioned briefly before, any kind of brace, fitted or removable, will take some adjusting to – after all, you now have something in your mouth which wasn’t there before. You may have some minor speech issues in the first 2 weeks after the fitting, but this should fade as you become accustomed to the aligners.

Worried about your next trip to the dentist? 5 ways Harley Street Dental can ease your anxieties

It is rarely a fun time when you receive a text message reminding you that your biannual dental check-up is due, especially if you are a nervous or phobic patient.

Unfortunately, across the globe, many patients who are scared of attending dental check-ups have been found to have had a traumatic experience with a dental practitioner in their childhood, which often means poorer oral health throughout their adult life. As prevention is the cornerstone of maintaining high levels of dental hygiene, consistent absences from dental surgeries mean many nervous patients will experience dental pain or other preventable issues.

Luckily, there is a way you can keep your oral health in check without having heart palpitations. Many dental teams, including our team at Harley Street Dental, are trained to help the more nervous patients whom we see on a daily basis, meaning we take the fear out of dentistry.

When you are a nervous patient who visits our dentist in Harley Street, you will be treated with compassion, respect and the highest level of care. We will allow you to set the pace of treatment, provided it is not an emergency and will help you to regain your confidence by getting rid of any pain and helping you get your oral health back on track. Perfect!

How has our dentist in Harley Street helped so many formerly nervous patients turn their phobias around? Read on and find out!

Conversation

One of the primary reasons nervous patients do not attend dental check-ups is due to fear of judgement. Or, they have concerns about not being listened to.

Our dentist in Harley Street Dental will be happy to talk through any fears you may have and will be able to create a communication system with you, so when they are working on your teeth, you will be able to signal if you need a break.

If you want to know each stage of treatment, or don’t, we can customise our response to make you feel more comfortable. Brilliant!

Diversion

Does music calm you down?

Bring in your phone or another musical device so that you can listen to an audiobook or some music that you like while we go through the procedure! As music has been found to release feel-good chemicals in the brain, this will help you to build a positive association with dental check-ups and feeling positive.

Sedatives

Need something a bit stronger?

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) can be offered to you by our team or if necessary we also have intravenous (IV) sedation to help you relax while you are in our care. If you need IV sedation, we must insist that you have an age-appropriate family member or friend to escort you home afterwards and you must not operate heavy machinery for 24 hours post sedation.

Anesthesia

We are also able to arrange for you to have full anaesthesia when you come to us for treatment, so you will be completely unconscious. Once again, for your safety, you must bring a familiar age-appropriate person along to take you home once the treatment is completed.

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