Clear braces, a more elegant solution

If you hear the word “orthodontics” and immediately imagine a smiling teen with a full set of metal ‘train tracks’ grinning up at you from their school photographs you may be stuck in the 90’s because the orthodontic industry has come a long way since then. There are a few more discreet ways for people of all ages to adjust their teeth for a more aesthetic smile. We at Harley Street Dental Clinic can offer you clear braces in Harley Street that are more appealing than what you may remember of the traditional ones, allowing you the confidence you need throughout the treatment which is often quicker than traditional braces.

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Knowing just how far we’ve come

You are not alone, since ancient times, people have been trying to develop ways to straighten their teeth; even geniuses as far back as Aristotle contemplated ways to straighten crooked teeth and fix orthodontic problems. Confirmed ancient attempts to teeth straightening have been seen in archaeological evidence of mummified bodies with several types of metal bands around their teeth. It was only in the 18th century that dentistry really began to make strides in orthodontic development and it is agreed that a French dentist who published a book on straightening teeth was the first to officially explore this specialist side of dentistry. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that a wire crib and elastics were used to pull teeth into the correct position that the art of orthodontics was born.

The new orthodontics

Different classifications of malocclusions were identified in the 20th century and the perfection of the system that uses metal tracks to pull the teeth into position was finally settled upon. Since then we have come a long way with what can be expected from orthodontics in terms of clear braces in Harley Street.

Invisalign –  There are no gooey moulds that need to be taken of your teeth, only a 3D digital scan which is quick and easy, this is a clear aligner that can offer results from as little as 4 months to just under a year. They are completely invisible and removable, allowing you to eat and clean your teeth as normal without any damage. The aligners are custom made to fit you and need to be changed in the comfort of your home every 1-2 weeks, thus making them a convenient treatment that fits into your lifestyle easily.

Damon System – In some seriously difficult cases, it may be required that you first have a course of traditional braces before switching to clear ones but this system offers a similar solution to traditional braces. Instead of metal tracks and wires being fixed to the teeth to pull them apart, this system uses clear brackets that are far less noticeable than the old metal ones. The length of treatment depends on each individual case, but it is very effective.

Now in the 21st century with all the options we have for just about everything, including braces, with clear braces in Harley Street, you can control which treatments best suit your lifestyle.

A dentist for every occasion

Life never seems to go according to our plans. Many people may find this a sad truth; we don’t plan to lose one or several teeth, we don’t plan on needing a root canal somewhere in the near future, nor do we plan on accidentally chipping a tooth, but this is the way of life, these things just happen. We at Harley Street Dental Clinic know that while you may plan for a regular check-up twice a year, when you need a dentist in Harley Street the most, it’s not usually something you plan for, so knowing what we can do for you when you need us is key to not panicking when life gets in the way of your plans.

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Services to suit you

We have a long list of services on offer that can help on the occasion of an unplanned trip to the dentist, no matter what it is; if you’ve chipped a tooth or have a pain that isn’t going away, we can help you.

Emergency dentistry – this is the one occurrence that absolutely no one plans for, while you may think about getting dental implants over the course of a few months, you don’t think about what you will do if you end up in an accident of some kind and need a dentist quickly. Our team is available for any emergency like one or more teeth being knocked out, severe pain or bleeding or even a ruptured abscess, whatever the emergency and if it absolutely cannot wait, there is someone to take your call.

Missing teeth – perhaps you’ve ignored a loose tooth for a while and it’s decayed and fallen out, or maybe you’ve had a tooth knocked out or old age has got the better of you. We can create bridges and dentures to restore your smile to its former glory so you can continue with your plans.

Dental implant – this is a permanent and fixed solution for missing teeth whether it’s one tooth or a few in a row, dental implants can last a lifetime and restore your smile and give you the confidence to continue with life as usual without worrying about gaps or dentures falling out.

Facial aesthetics – no one thinks about it until their thirties when one day you wake up and your sleep wrinkles no longer fade over the course of the morning or your laugh lines remain permanently etched into your skin, but ageing happens while we try to get on with our plans whether we like it or not and so you may want to consider a quick dermal filler as a solution to unplanned drooping or loss in volume.

Preventive dentistry – maybe some of you are worried about being taken by surprise and would rather prevent an unplanned trip to the dentist in Harley Street. We offer dental hygiene, gum treatments, can investigate and treat bad breath, treat sensitive teeth, fix jaw problems and should you fall pregnant, we can make sure that your hormone changes are not affecting your oral health.

Your dentist in Harley Street can offer several solutions

If the appearance of your teeth isn’t exactly how you want it to be, there are some options that you can take advantage of, which can have you smiling from ear to ear.

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We understand how important it is to have a smile that reflects your true inner beauty. Unfortunately, many people judge casually on appearance and this can have a negative impact on your social, romantic and even business ventures in life. People with unsightly teeth can be seen as less trustworthy, less attractive and even less intelligent.

Needless to say, the way you feel about yourself also impacts on how others will think of you and subsequently treat you. If you don’t feel like you are presenting the best image of yourself and think there is a better way to be, a dentist in Harley Street can provide you with several options to perfect your smile, so that you can begin living your life more confidently.

Let’s walk through some of the options available for cosmetic dentistry that will also improve your oral health and general wellbeing too.

How can I straighten my teeth discreetly and comfortably?

Straight teeth are one of the most desirable outcomes of cosmetic dentistry and thankfully there are many different devices now available that can provide well aligned teeth for you.

By talking with your dentist in Harley Street and understanding what your personal situation is regarding the alignment of your teeth and jaw, you can begin your journey towards a straighter smile with one of several different styles of braces that are now on the market.

Fixed braces are still in popular use, owing to the fact that your dentist in Harley Street is able to have more control over the movement of your teeth. If your teeth are not overly crooked or cramped, you may be able to enjoy a more discreet and hands-off treatment plan such as removable aligners or 6 Month Smiles.

How can I whiten my teeth to enhance my smile?

You have doubtlessly heard about treatments that promise whiter and brighter smiles, with many low-grade treatments available at your local supermarket. If you are looking for good, fast results, then having a treatment in our dental practice will ensure you safely gain excellent outcomes when whitening your teeth.

Is it possible to do both at once?

If you have crooked, stained, or yellowed teeth, you may be interested in an option that allows you to have perfect, straight white teeth in as little as just a couple of appointments.

Veneers are thin shells that are placed over your natural teeth and protect them from further harm. The shells are shaped to resemble the perfect smile that you have always wanted and which frequently graces the mouths of the rich and famous. You too can enjoy the results that this treatment can offer and because they are very durable and long lasting, we are able to confidently suggest that you can use these for around a decade before there is the possibility of needing to replace them, provided that they are cared for correctly.

Let’s talk about dental anxiety

Most of us feel a flutter of nerves before seeing the dentist in Harley Street. However, these feelings don’t last, once we realise that our fears aren’t grounded in reality.

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That said, dental anxiety is a real and prevalent problem that many people are afflicted with. Depending on its severity, the issue can ultimately affect your oral health.

So what advice can we give you to help you combat these feelings? Read on to find out.

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a crippling fear of seeing a dentist in Harley Street that results in avoidance behaviour, where you build up the idea of visiting the dental practitioner in your mind so much that you end up cancelling or not showing up for your appointment.

Dental anxiety can be caused by various factors, the main ones being a bad or traumatic healthcare experience in the past, a symptom of generalised anxiety disorder, or the fear of losing control. A fear of needles, pain, or gagging might also be contributing factors.

What are some of the symptoms I can experience with dental anxiety?

If you experience a racing heartbeat or palpitations, are drenched in sweat, and feel like you could faint, you might be experiencing dental anxiety.

This type of anxiety is severe and shouldn’t be left unchecked.

Who suffers from dental anxiety?

Anyone can be affected by dental anxiety. If you’re reading this, you probably suspect that your reaction to seeing the dentist isn’t healthy and might be seeking out ways to manage these feelings.

Is avoiding the dentist really such a bad thing?

Dental appointments are regularly scheduled because they help us to make an early diagnosis, so that we can treat potential issues in the infancy stages.

By not seeing the dentist in Harley Street as often as you should, minor issues can develop into more serious ones.

What are some of the ways I can manage anxiety?

Your first port of call is to tell us, the dental team at Harley Street Dental Clinic, that you’re anxious. Knowing this, we’ll adapt our approach and only move forward at a pace that is comfortable for you. Some patients are afraid of the unknown, which is why we believe in communicating what we’re doing when we’re doing it, so that you’re always in the know.

There are also some other techniques you can employ, which may help to a certain degree. These include a number of well known relaxation methods.

Distract yourself by listening to music

The shrill sounds of dentistry equipment are enough to put anyone on edge and are a known trigger for people with dental anxiety.

Listening to calming tunes or your favourite tunes could distract you from your nerves.

Breathe

Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and prompts the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you to feel infinitely calmer.

Conscious sedation

If alternative methods do nothing to relieve you of anxiety, you should ask our team of dental practitioners about conscious sedation.

After being sedated, you’ll feel relaxed to the point where you might drift off to sleep. You should be aware of the side effects of conscious sedation before its administered, which include possible nausea and drowsiness.

Welcome to our dental clinic in W1

If you are a little bit hesitant to come into a dental clinic in W1, don’t worry. We are doing everything we can to ensure that your experience with us is hassle free, seamless, relaxing and enjoyable.

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Our dentists are real people who are passionate about your health. They are non-judgemental, considerate and understanding of a vast range of different situations. Believe us, we have probably heard it all before hundreds of times so you can’t really shock us.

We understand that it can be intimidating to visit a dental clinic in W1 and the longer you put it off, the harder it can be. Give us a call or pop in to visit us and see what it feels like to be treated with understanding and respect. Whether you are a nervous patient or not, all of the people who come through to our dental clinic in W1 are giving specific treatment that ensures they understand everything that is going on, all of the options are provided and supporting information is given so that they can make a suitable decision based on their situation.

Trust in our guidance if you’re not sure, as we are looking out for your best interests. We understand that costs can be a factor and have worked hard to ensure that with 0% interest financing and multiple ways in which to pay, the cost does not have an overwhelming bearing on the health of your mouth.

We will of course work with you however to offer you that happy medium. Trust that we do not judge and are happy to help you in any way we can. A healthy smile is a happy one and we are proud to see our patients all with the brightest, biggest smiles they have ever shared.

I’m nervous about visiting, what can I do?

We offer a range of different solutions for our nervous patients and it all starts before you even walk through our doors.

We can provide you with information, e-courses and other resources that can help you to understand your fears and to work through them. Everybody feels their emotions differently and will therefore need to find their own way in overcoming fears and in their own time.

Our waiting room is professional yet relaxing. We have no desire to leave you feeling uncomfortable in a waiting area surrounded by intimidating and guilt-laden images regarding the effects of poor oral health.

Our staff members are all approachable and friendly and are happy to answer any questions or queries that you may have.

In the examination room, should you have anxiety regarding an upcoming appointment, we can schedule you to receive conscious sedation so that your mind is free to drift off elsewhere. This safe and commonly used solution for those who are terrified of a procedure is beneficial for both dentist and patient, as it allows us both to do what we need to in order to create a perfect final result.

Come in and speak with us today about the options that are available to nervous patients so that you can get the treatment you need and the healthy smile that you deserve.

Why all the fuss about cosmetic dentistry?

Huge technological advancements in the field of dentistry have allowed countless British citizens to improve the way they look with smile transformations.

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If you’re guilty of covering up your smile because your mouth, teeth, or gums aren’t perfect, then you could be a viable candidate for the diverse range of aesthetic treatments.

We’ve seen people coming to us with a wealth of dental issues that can be easily fixed with cost-effective treatments.

Our cosmetic dentists in Harley Street are described as a highly specialised team comprising  individuals who’re highly skilled, friendly, and professional. You’re in good hands with our dental practitioners at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

What range of treatments are available within cosmetic dentistry?

The field of cosmetic dentistry is defined as a combination of art and science that primarily helps to improve the aesthetics of your teeth, but also betters your dental health and functionality.

This is achieved through various procedures that include, but are not limited to, manipulating the colour of your teeth, re-alignment, contouring and so much more.

What treatments will fix crooked teeth?

Many are in disagreement about whether orthodontics form part of aesthetic dentistry or consist of necessary treatment that helps to promote oral health.

Several orthodontists see the field as falling into both categories, in that straightening crooked teeth will improve upon your smile and prevent destructive dental issues in the future.

Ask our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street what your options are. For mild to moderate malocclusions and misalignments, Invisalign or invisible braces might be prescribed. Not only will these straightening devices move your teeth into the desired position, but will do so without drawing much attention to your pearly whites. Individuals, especially self-conscious teenagers and working adults, will enjoy the nearly invisible aligners that are used in this treatment.

What procedures can help me with my yellowed teeth?

Dull teeth result from the enamel of your teeth being exposed to the stuff you put in your mouth over time. The colour of your pearly whites can have a considerable impact on your confidence and the way you feel about your teeth.

Teeth whitening is an aesthetic treatment that lightens your teeth by a couple of shades, according to your preference.

It works by using a whitening agent, typically a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, that sets off a chemical reaction called oxidation reaction. This reaction is effective in breaking apart the stains on your teeth.

My teeth are chipped or oddly shaped, what should I do?

We recommend veneers due to their resounding popularity as a cosmetic dental treatment.

Put simply, veneers are pieces of ultra-thin porcelain that are placed over your problem teeth. Veneers are made from durable materials that can last a long time if they’re well cared for.

Veneers can sometimes replace the need for straightening aids if the issue is minor. For example, they can bridge the gap that features between teeth, called a diastema, which removes the need for braces.

Do you hate your crooked teeth or imperfect smile? You can change the colour, contour or re-align your teeth at the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street.

Your dentist in W1 goes above and beyond

Traditional dentistry encompasses many aspects of caring for your smile and is generally thought of as a combination of cosmetic, restorative or preventive care. Previously, care was focused purely on the teeth and gums, however, your dentist in W1 has expanded their vision to look at all of the factors that go into a healthy and beautiful smile.

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That is why facial aesthetics are beginning to play a major role in a modernised dental practice, where the skills, experience and training of facial anatomy and structure that a dentist in W1 has achieved can be put to good use for your benefit.

By speaking to a dentist in W1 about the vast range of options that are now available in our dental practice regarding facial aesthetics, you will be amazed at what we can do for you that is non-invasive and effective at removing wrinkles, smoothing out lines and plumping cheeks and lips, to give a more youthful appearance that allows you to feel confident in your own skin.

Why choose facial aesthetics in a dental practice?

Many consultants do not need to undergo vast medical training in order to provide cosmetic treatments for their patients. This can result in a final appearance looking fake and overdone. This is the last thing that anyone wants. We all want a cosmetic procedure to simply enhance our unique and natural look, emphasising our beauty and masking those things that have us feeling a little less confident about ourselves.

Our professionals have had many years of experience in understanding the facial anatomy and structure, so that they have a natural eye for what needs to go where, in order to achieve a certain look. We have experience with many of the chemicals used in dental treatments and we ensure that we are completely trained and confident with using ingredients applied for facial aesthetics.

Our medical approach comes through everything that we do and we treat any surgical procedure, however minor, with complete professionalism. We have the ability to perform intricate and detailed work and have the confidence to be able to complete your smile so that you feel great about your natural self.

What treatments are available?

We suggest you come in and speak with us regarding the kinds of results that you would like to see, so that we can offer the right kind of treatment that will provide results that you want and none that you do not want.

Dermal fillers are commonly used to plump lips or other areas of the face and to smooth out lines. We can also offer skin rejuvenation procedures and other soft surgery treatments that do not require cutting of the skin, but offer dramatic results.

These non-invasive methods to remove acne scarring, stretch marks and other imperfections are a way for you to gently approach cosmetic solutions.

Our treatments are affordable and you can enjoy 0% interest free financing options for 12 months with further plans available. We look forward to meeting with you and offering a vast range of solutions to meet your needs.

Dental implants: dos and don’ts

If you’ve just received a new dental implant, we hope that the device affords you a life free of dental issues. You’ll find that this new implant will transform your life in several ways, for the better.

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That said, there are a few dos and don’ts to obtaining dental implants in Harley Street that will help you to look after your teeth.

Our implant dentists at Harley Street Dental Clinic have made dreams possible by granting new teeth to people who have lost theirs. Here’s the advice we give them regarding the care needed for dental implants in Harley Street, and what they should avoid or stop doing for the sake of their tooth implant and their oral health overall.

Do eat well

Your prosthesis is highly durable and won’t restrict your diet in the long run. However, it’s generally a good idea to watch what you eat. You are still vulnerable to gum conditions, which could impact your gums surrounding your new tooth. Infected gums could result in your dental implants in Harley Streets being rejected by your body.

By cutting down on sugar, carbohydrates and staying away from acidic food, your teeth and gums benefit, which results in a tooth implant that’s with you for life.

Do keep your teeth clean

Once your tooth implant has been inserted and successfully integrated into your mouth, it’s a relatively low maintenance and high-reward device.

That said, while you aren’t required to use special solvent cleaners to keep it clean, you do need to stick to dental hygiene best practices, which include regular brushing and flossing of your artificial tooth.

Clean as you normally would, ensuring you employ gentle strokes and brush every surface of the tooth. Follow up with flossing to get to the bits of food you can’t reach.

Don’t pick up on bad habits

Smoking, chewing tobacco, and sweets are bad news for your teeth. Try to curb these addictions or stop them altogether.

Don’t try to rush the process

Flashing an appealing smile is the dream of many. However, the process to do so with dental implants takes time, as it’s no quick fix.

You might face obstacles that could delay the process, such as bad gums or an insufficient amount of jawbone. However, the result is worth the wait.

Do give yourself time to heal after surgery

As we’ve mentioned, implants aren’t a quick fix dental procedure, so you must give your body the time to heal after your implant procedure.

This means taking time off to focus on yourself, while taking extra precautions with proper attention to your new fake tooth.

Don’t wait or hesitate

Putting up with decaying teeth or gaps between your teeth is no way to live. A tooth implant will increase your quality of life and the way you feel about your look tenfold.

Don’t let the cost hold you back either – what you pay pales in comparison to what you receive. Plus, your dentist might be able to negotiate a payment scheme that works for you. Living with unhealthy teeth can seriously impact all avenues of your life; it doesn’t have to be that way!

In need of a new dental clinic offering treatments with minimal pain and a high level of service? Look no further

Are you searching for a one-stop dentist in Harley Street? Whether you’re new to the area or looking for a dental practitioner that takes care of your unique dental issues and requirements, pick up the phone and give us a call.

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Our clinic, the Harley Street Dental Clinic, has treated patients of all ages, from all walks of life. From people experiencing dental anxiety including nervous children, to individuals with mild to moderate dental issues.

Our secret of success and the reason why our patients stay loyal is due to our outstanding level of service, which we will cover in this article.

What are the essential qualities of a good dentist?

Being highly-skilled, seasoned and well-educated only forms part of what it means to be a successful and well-regarded dentist in Harley Street. These following qualities are also important in an oral health provider.

Personable

Our team is friendly and caring, essential attributes when you, the patient, aren’t feeling your best. Keeping you calm while administering oral health procedures is an absolute necessity.

Because we spend a great deal of time interacting with our patients, we have strong interpersonal skills that instil confidence in those we see.

Patience

Practising patience forms a necessary part of the job because it’s a role that is extremely busy and multi-faceted. That said our clinic and other reputable dentists take the time on appointments with patients to discuss everything, without rushing the appointment, so that customers don’t return with the same issues.

We also have experience with all types of patients – nervous patients and terrified children – and will treat them empathetically while finding alternative methods of treatment that don’t exacerbate their anxieties.

Critical thinking

We’re trained on how to perform by-the-book procedures. However, sometimes, we see cases that are different or severe dental issues that require out-of-the-box thinking and in-the-moment decision making to save teeth and relieve pain.

A steady hand

Our team of specialists often have to perform intricate procedures in the smallest regions of your mouth. One mishap could be disastrous, so having a steady hand and nimble fingers are necessary.

Excellent communication skills

Knowing that they have dental issues, people are prone to panicking about the unknown. As excellent dentists, it’s our job to give our patients a breakdown of their diagnoses, and a detailed summary of how we can fix these issues. By being provided with a step-by-step account of the procedure that’s soon to follow, patients feel more in control of their dental health.

At the same time, we’re good listeners. We’ll carefully listen to you, provide professional advice, and leave you with a list of procedures suitable for treating your unique situation.

A desire to learn

Any dentist in Harley Street who feels he or she has learnt everything they need to know might not be such a great dental practitioner after your best interests.

We’re dedicated to learning new and improved ways of treating our patients, using different approaches and methods that reduce pain, recovery, and enhance customer experience. There is always further knowledge to gain in our ever-evolving field!

How often do I need to visit a dental clinic in W1?

There is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the idea that you need to visit a dental clinic in W1 at least twice a year. We thought it would be prudent to set the record straight in an open and honest way, so that you can understand why this is commonly used as a guideline for many individuals.

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Advances in technology have allowed us to be able to identify slight signs of decay very early on so that preventive treatment is possible as a solution to halt further decay to a tooth. For us to be able to monitor the health of your teeth effectively, frequent check-ups in the time frame of every 6 months is advisable.

We also suggest that having your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months by a hygienist will allow your teeth to remain plaque free, so that the risk of decay or cavities is further reduced, your teeth remain white and bright and you do not suffer from bad breath.

If you commit to visiting our dental clinic in W1 every 6 months, you will find that check-ups and treatment are fast, inexpensive and easy. We can simply offer a routine scan, using the most advanced technology, give your teeth a good clean and send you on your way. Any developments or changes will be immediately alerted to you and a course of action laid out, so that you can follow it at home or if need be come in for further treatment.

There are some instances where we are able to provide you with immediate treatment, reducing the need for you to come in for more treatment as this can be burdensome, especially if you are working or studying.

We also suggest that you uphold a commitment to biannual check-ups or even more frequently if you are going through some life changes. Pregnancy can be extremely detrimental to the health of your teeth and as such, we need to be able to monitor your health closely, so to give you the right kind of treatment quickly.

During your second trimester, it is not uncommon for growths to occur on your gums and although not harmful, they can be a little frightening. By scheduling an appointment with us we can alleviate fears and ensure your teeth are strong and healthy during this tumultuous time.

So it’s critical I come in every 6 months?

In some instances, no. If your teeth are strong and healthy and we are seeing a track record of good oral health with little issues to be concerned about, we will honestly tell you so and ask you to come back after a year, unless some issue comes up.

We do suggest that you visit a hygienist, however, to keep on top of hard to remove plaque or tartar and simply to give your mouth a good clean, as it feels wonderful to do so. We believe in transparency with our treatments so that you are happy to come into our dental clinic in W1 and receive appropriate treatment.