Considering getting Invisalign in Harley Street? Five things you didn’t know about this popular clear brace

Invisalign braces are more fashionable than ever and at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are using this treatment every day to help more people achieve their perfect smiles.

Invisalign in Harley StreetIf you have been researching online about Invisalign, you are probably already well aware that correcting misalignments with Invisalign in Harley Street is more lifestyle friendly than many other braces available; all Invisalign aligners are removable and can be taken out as and when required.

You are probably also aware that treatments involving Invisalign in Harley Street are faster than traditional braces, but are just as powerful at straightening gapped, crowded or protruding teeth.  However, there are some pieces of information rarely available on the mainstream internet about these braces, which are important to know.

No need for extractions

Traditional orthodontic braces often require an extraction or several, in order to allow your teeth to move without causing unnecessary pressure or discomfort in your mouth. This is obviously beneficial, but in the short term it can cause discomfort and concerns that if your teeth do not move according to plan, you will be left with a large gap in your mouth.

As Invisalign works through a system of different aligners, each fitted with opposing coils to move your teeth, there is no need for any of your teeth to be removed prior to treatment. This means that once your mouth has been scanned, you can begin treatment without additional appointments or delays.

Not all practitioners are equal

Not all dentists are created equal and when it comes to working with Invisalign, you will want to seek out the highest quality cosmetic dentists to help you.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, all of our dentists are exceptionally skilled with lots of experience and can offer you the most professional and thorough procedures when you begin Invisalign treatments with us.

Consultations should be free

All dentists should offer the initial Invisalign consultation for free and at Harley Street, we do just that. This is to reassure you that you are free to look elsewhere if you are unsatisfied with the expertise of the dentist you meet and allows you to compare other variables, like price of the treatment, distance from your home etc.

Results before you start

After your mouth has been scanned, a member of our dental team will be able to show you the stages of the treatment with Invisalign, along with the final predicted result based on how you want your new smile to look.

This makes the entire procedure more predictable, allowing you to see each step before it occurs.

Accelerated treatment time

The average treatment time for Invisalign is twelve months but other procedures at the start of the treatment can make it even faster.

Machines like the iTero scanner removes the need for moulds to be taken and Acceldent stimulates bone growth to reduce wear time.

Call us today for more information about Invisalign!

Why we would recommend dental implants in Harley Street

There are a number of ways for us to fix up your smile, but one particular procedure we would recommend to our patients is the use of implants. These prosthetic teeth allow us to help you fill in gaps or replace any damaged teeth to help you attain a more natural looking smile.

Dental Implants in Harley StreetWhat are implants?

You’ve probably heard of this procedure before as it’s fairly common, but here’s a quick recap of what you can expect when you book an appointment for dental implants in Harley Street.

How are they fitted?

The process of having an implant fitted amongst your teeth sounds fairly straightforward but can take time. First our dental team will inspect the area and depending on the type of prosthetic being used they may also alter the surrounding teeth, (they will also have to look at inserting one or more titanium posts). This is normally done to make it easier to fit the prosthetic and allow it to have a more normal looking appearance amongst the rest of your teeth. If this is the case, then our team will usually discuss it with you first to figure out the best approach.

After that an impression will be taken of the area so the prosthetic will fit correctly, and this will then be sent off to a lab. We will also match it with the natural shade of your teeth to make the implant look more natural when it is fitted.Once the implant has been made you will have to come back to the dental clinic for the fitting which should be a fairly quick process.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will ensure the process of having your implant fitted will be a quick and smooth one that will leave you with an improved smile.

Are there benefits?

One of the biggest benefits to our patients that come in for this type of treatment is that it leaves you with a natural looking smile at the end, as the implant blends in with the rest of your teeth. The treatment is relatively fast and shouldn’t take longer than an hour before you’re finished and heading back home.

Tips for aftercare

After your appointment for dental implants in Harley Street, we generally advise that you clean your implant as you would any other tooth. Although, do be careful when you are brushing as pressing too hard could damage the cap if you’re not too careful.

How long do they last?

Generally, implants tend to be pretty durable and can last quite a while before you need to come back in to the practice. If they’re looked after properly they should last you quite a while, but we recommend you still come in for your check-ups just so we can keep an eye on your progress. This also lets us see if there’s any damage or if the prosthetic needs to be replaced.

These are a few of our interesting facts about implants. If you want to learn more about this treatment and what I can do for you, then ask our team at the practice on your next appointment.

Is it time for you to take your child to the dentist?

Some parents panic when it comes to their children’s teeth. Whether it is when their first tooth is coming through or when they need braces, your dentist in W1 will be there to guide and support both you and your child through the process. Our dental practitioners are trained in dealing with children and will make sure your child is completely comfortable and relaxed.

Dentist in W1We have a range of treatments available for children. If you think there is something wrong with your child’s teeth, but you are not sure what, book an appointment at our practice and let one of our friendly practitioners assess the condition of your child’s mouth and put your mind at ease.

When should you take your child to the dental practice for the first time?

Taking your child to the dental practice is vitally important. You should take them for their first check-up as soon as they develop their first tooth. If your child has not developed any teeth by the time they are twelve months old then do not worry, but you should take them to your dentist in W1 at this point anyway regardless of whether they have teeth or not, to make sure that their mouth is healthy.

It is recommended that you take your child for a dental check-up two times a year minimum. Your dental practitioner will be able to tell you exactly how often you should be bringing your child in to see us when you have an appointment, as this will vary from patient to patient.

It is important to bring your child to us regularly so we can monitor the development and movement of their teeth. This will allow you to find out if your child has an underbite or overbite. Treating these problems earlier is suggested, as the teeth are easier to move into new positions. If an underbite or overbite is left untreated it will only get worse and your child may need more extensive dental treatment in the future to resolve it.

Children’s dentistry

Your dentist in W1 can do a lot more for your child than just a regular examination. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we pride ourselves on the quality of care that we can provide for your children. We will do what we can to treat your child’s dental issues as soon as possible to prevent any further problems from arising, as we believe that prevention is better than cure.

We offer fluoride applications which is where fluoride is painted onto the surface of the tooth, helping to mineralise it. It also assists with keeping your child’s teeth protected from decay. In addition to this we can provide your child with fissure sealants, which also help to combat decay. They are applied to the biting surfaces of the teeth, but they are tooth coloured and blend in nicely.

If your child has an underbite or overbite this is something we can treat early through using a type of brace. If there are signs of overcrowding in your child’s mouth, then we may be able to remove a tooth to make more room for when their adult teeth start to come through.

Been referred to visit the orthodontist? 5 things you didn’t know about orthodontists in Harley Street

Television shows today have helped break down some of the confusion surrounding different medical professionals. As we are taken through closed doors into the workings of A&E departments, GP surgeries and nurse practices, more people are becoming informed as to what these different medical workers do in their day to day jobs.

Orthodontists in Harley StreetHowever, there is yet to be a ‘Dentist Behind Closed Doors’ or indeed a ‘24 Hours with an Orthodontist’. While most people are vaguely aware of what procedures a general dentist can perform, very few are aware of the variety of duties that an orthodontist can carry out.

If you have been referred to an orthodontist in Harley Street, it is worth noting that there is more to these dental professionals than meets the eye and they are worth investigating.

What is an orthodontist? What do they do?

So, if you have ever had a friend or family member who has had braces, you will have heard about trips to the orthodontist for the tightening and removal of braces. It is assumed by most members of the public that all orthodontists, including orthodontists in Harley Street, are only able to perform brace related treatments.

It is true that this is one of their primary roles, but with this specialist training there are also some other procedures and skills that are useful to the average dental patient.

Snoring and sleep apnoea

Granted, if you or your partner snore, your first trip is probably to a doctor and not a dentist. However, orthodontists can help you with issues around snoring or indeed sleep apnoea.

Snoring is usually caused by a partial closure of the airway during sleep; as our bodies enter sleep, our throat muscles relax and in certain people this can cause the upper throat to vibrate, causing that dreaded sound at 1am. Sleep apnoea also involves the throat muscles relaxing but can cause pauses in breathing and in some cases, can be fatal.

Our orthodontists can create a device called a ‘mandibular advancement splint’ for both snoring and mild apnoea; this mouthguard pulls the jaw forward and keeps the airway open. For more severe cases of sleep apnoea, different apparatus may be required.

Paediatric dentistry

Children have braces fitted more often than adults, so orthodontists are experts in working with children and are aware of common dental issues in this age group.

If you are looking for a dentist who is an expert in working with nervous or worried children, consider booking an appointment with an orthodontist. They can perform all of the check-ups that a general dentist can and will probably have a more child friendly surgery room too.

Facial surgery

Orthodontists can perform surgery to correct the jaw, neck, face and mouth, provided there is an underlying pathology or serious injury.

If you have been in a car accident for instance, an orthodontist may be involved in reconstructing your jaw and cheekbones.

Staying stress free whilst visiting your dentist in Harley Street

For many visiting the practice is a fairly mundane task, but there are people out there that find dentist appointments to be the most nerve racking thing in the world. We always want our patients to feel relaxed in our practice, so with that in mind, we’ve picked out a few tips for staying calm on your next appointment.

Dentist in Harley StreetTalk to your dental team

It really can’t be stressed enough how important it is that you communicate with your dentist in Harley Street. Talk to our team members and work up some sort of signalling system to let them know that you need a break. We can’t read your mind, so even lifting your hand or making a noise will do.

Talk to our dental team on your next appointment and see what method will work for you. After all, at Harley Street Dental Clinic our team strives to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We want you to feel at home whilst we give your smile a makeover.

Bring a teddy bear if it helps

It may seem weird to walk into the practice with a bear, but for some people it can help quite a lot to have something familiar from home to clutch onto when the nerves get too overworked. As long as it’s nothing too big your dentist in Harley Street should be fine with you hanging onto a plush during procedures.

Practice breathing exercises

One of the biggest symptoms of anxiety is nervous shaking, this is because your body is burning through too much adrenaline in your system from the fight or flight response. To counter this, you have to use breathing techniques of slow inhalation through the nose and out through your mouth, that will over oxygenate your blood. Breathing like this for extended periods of time helps your body breakdown the adrenaline surge brought on by anxiety and eventually this helps you calm back down again.

So, if you feel yourself starting to get rather nervous or panicky in the practice, just let your dentist know, then take a few deep breaths for a few minutes and you should start to feel better.

Listen to music

Sometimes it can be hard to zone out when you’re in for a lengthy procedure and your mind then starts to race and head to those thoughts that make you anxious. A good way to counter this is to listen to some music to distract your mind and calm you down.

Although, if you’re going to crank up your favourite tunes for a while, we recommend you pick something soothing or try classical music. Songs with thumping bass lines, buzzing electronics or heavy metal will just get your heart rate up again and make you feel nervous.

So, if you’re feeling nervous about your next appointment, try a few of these helpful tips to keep that anxiety in check. Just remember you need to communicate with our team to let us know when it’s getting too much.

Are you aware of what your dental clinic has to offer?

When people speak about going to their dental clinic in W1 they often mention general check-ups and possibly braces, but many patients do not realise the extensive treatments that are now available to them. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we treat people that have been suffering for years and we wish they had visited us sooner.

Dental Clinic in W1Nobody should have to suffer with feeling unhappy about their teeth or smile. Advanced dentistry has now enabled people to correct their teeth’s crookedness, whiten their stains, fill in their gaps and so much more. If you are unsure of what treatments we have available, then pop into the practice or have a look at our treatment page online. We are eager to help you with any issues you have with your mouth, as we think you deserve your best smile.

Improving the condition of your teeth is easier than you think

Over the years, people’s teeth can become stained and appear to be a yellowy brown colour. This can be down to poor oral hygiene or the fact that your teeth are ageing. Smoking and drinking alcohol are both factors that increase your chances of developing stained teeth. Whatever the reason for your stained teeth, it can leave you feeling self-conscious about them. Instead of suffering, make an appointment with one of our dentists and have them whiten your teeth.

Whitening can brighten your teeth’s overall appearance and make you look younger. The practitioners at your dental clinic in W1 will be able to advise you on what treatment is most suitable for you and explain how many shades whiter your teeth will be able to go. Veneers are an alternative option for whitening teeth, but they can also get rid of any unwanted chips in your teeth.

Veneers fit nicely onto the front of your teeth and can get rid of any chips that are damaging your self-esteem by giving your smile a straight, even appearance. They can make your teeth seem both longer or wider, and after a consultation our dental practitioners will be able to help you by fitting your veneers, to make you proud when showing off your smile.

Are you missing teeth?

When you lose a tooth it can be a traumatic experience, but when you lose all of your teeth it can really damage your confidence and social life, as well as your general health. If you are missing all of your teeth, then your jawbone will not be stimulated and can end up being damaged. Your dental clinic in W1 can replace all of your gaps, whether it is one, five or a whole set of teeth.

Implants can restore your teeth, whether you need a single crown implanted to replace a single missing tooth or a partial denture to replace multiple teeth. An implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into your jaw, and from here our dental practitioners will be able to attach any necessary appliance, such as a full denture or crown.

If you are having a full set of teeth replaced you will not require one implant for each missing tooth, but your practitioner will be able to explain your procedure to you thoroughly at your consultation, as every patient we see is an individual and this is how we treat them. Implants will completely restore your confidence as well as your teeth, as you will feel and look like you have your original teeth back.

Are dental implants in Harley Street worth a consideration?

Gaps or cracked teeth can be something quite bothersome to people as they can ruin smile. But luckily there are a number of different treatments available from our cosmetic dentist to help you get that gorgeous grin you deserve. One particular procedure popular with patients is having implants.

Dental Implants in Harley StreetWhat are they?

If you are unfamiliar with this treatment then here’s a brief summary.

It basically involves the insertion of a prosthetic tooth into your jawbone that’s fixed in place with a titanium screw. Then over time the surrounding bone will grow over it to create a stable and secure platform for the implant.

How the process works

When you come in for dental implants in Harley Street, we will usually explain what’s going to happen first, then a scan and thorough inspection of the area will be carried out to ascertain the best plan of attack before the implant is fitted. Your medical history may also be checked to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the local anaesthetic or any other medication you may require afterwards.

From there the implantation procedure occurs and afterwards you will be allowed to make your way home. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will make sure the process of implantation is smooth, fast and will leave you with a more natural looking smile.

Types of implants available

There are a number of different techniques for fitting your prosthetic tooth, but generally there tends to be two types of implants. There’s the endosteal and the subperiosteal. The first is the most commonly used and involves, as we mentioned, fitting your implant into your jawbone. The second though is different because it’s placed under the gum line but above the jawline. This is normally used when there’s not enough healthy bone to graft to or if a patient is unable to go through with reconstructive surgery to create a platform for the implant to bond to.

The type of dental implants in Harley Street you can expect depends on what your dentist decides is the correct option for you.

How to care for your implant

To keep your implant looking good just brush it as you would any tooth in your mouth, you can also floss normally too if that’s part of your oral hygiene routine. Although, we do recommend that you take care when you’re cleaning it. If you brush too hard you could potentially damage the implant.

The same goes for flossing, avoid pulling too deep into your gums as you could damage your mouth’s healing process. Also, we recommend that you try to be careful when eating or drinking anything hot or cold as your mouth is going to be pretty sensitive for a while.

Hopefully this has helped clear up a few things about implants. They’re a great way to improve your smile as they blend right in with the surrounding teeth. If you want to see what this kind of treatment can do for you then book an appointment at our practice and find out.

Has your dentist mentioned lingual braces? What you need to know about this orthodontic option

Braces are a great way to help straighten your teeth; they are efficient, safe and have been found to have a positive impact on other areas of your oral care.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetDespite this, many patients we see at our practice do not want to undertake any form of orthodontics in Harley Street, even though there are many different options available, depending on the conditions our dentists are aiming to treat.

A lesser known option for orthodontics in Harley Street is that of lingual braces, which are just as powerful for realigning teeth as traditional orthodontic ones. If your dentist has suggested that you would benefit from having lingual braces fitted, as opposed to traditional ones, here is what you need to know.

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are one of many different types of orthodontics in Harley Street, which can be used to correct more severe dental alignments, such as protrusions, spacing and overcrowding. Visually, lingual braces are comprised of metal brackets which are attached to your teeth, a wire that runs through these brackets is tightened or loosened during the course of your treatment.

Unlike traditional braces that are fitted to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are fitted to the back of teeth, making them less noticeable to passers-by. This has the obvious advantage of discretion but can make them a bit harder to clean and maintain.

Trips to the hygienist

Trips to the hygienist are a must when you have had lingual braces fitted. A member of our hygienist team can advise you on how to look after your braces, can show you the correct brushing techniques and will be happy to clean around your braces regularly, to prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

At home, it may be worth investing in a small dental mirror, which will allow you to check on your cleaning technique yourself, while also enabling you to identify any issues that may occur. Prevention is better than treatment!

Food restrictions

It is a fact that even the strongest metal brace is not indestructible; as both traditional and lingual braces are made from metal, you should apply the same rules of food consumption to both.

Avoid hard candies, toffees, caramels, excess consumption of sugary drinks and drink as much water as you can throughout your day.

Treatment time

A common question we are asked is does the treatment time with lingual braces differ from traditional orthodontic ones? As each case is individual, we cannot provide a straightforward answer. However, we can tell you that many people who undergo treatment with lingual braces can wear them from between one to three years, which is about the same amount of time that many patients wear traditional braces for.

Depending on the severity of your misalignment and how well maintained your braces are will all have an impact on your treatment time.

Contact our team today for more information.

Treatments you should ask our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street about

It used to be that cosmetic treatments were only for the rich and famous, but now it’s become more common for someone to walk in off the street for a little touch up. In the field of dentistry there are plenty of treatments at your disposal now to help give your teeth that Hollywood look.

Cosmetic Dentist in Harley StreetWe’ve highlighted a few things you can try to give your smile a boost.

Invisalign braces

Crooked teeth can become a thing of the past thanks to these high-tech see through braces. Created using sophisticated imaging technology that maps out the topography of your teeth to produce a customised brace, this will then place a small amount of pressure on your teeth to straighten them up.

The mouthguards can be easily cleaned with aligner cleaning solution and you can remove them whenever you want to. Although, try to wear them for at least 22 hours a day otherwise you could negatively impact the realignment process. If you do plan on removing them then try to keep them in a hard bodied container, this will keep them sterile and safe from accidental damage.

Dental implants

Another treatment worth a mention to our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is dental implantation. This involves the insertion of a fake tooth, usually comprised of porcelain, into your gum line to fill out your smile and give you a more natural looking set of teeth. The prosthetic is fitted with a sterile titanium screw to your jawbone and over time the bone heals over the screw again to create a stable and permanent fixture for the tooth to bond to.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our team will ensure your implant is fitted securely, quickly and with the least amount of discomfort possible to give you that winning smile you deserve.

Gum lift

When we say we can fix up your entire mouth we mean it, as even your gums can get a little lift. This treatment involves re-sculpting your gums to give a better proportioned smile and reduce the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’ that can plague  some patients.

Our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will usually use a laser to painlessly reshape your gum line, although depending on the circumstances, there may be a small amount of bone removal through dental surgery involved. But your dentist will usually explain what’s going to happen first beforehand.

White spot removal

A minimally invasive treatment, this helps to reduce white spot lesions that can appear on your teeth. These are normally formed when there’s an imbalance in the protective enamel layer of your teeth which then causes the white spots to appear. This tends to be brought on from poor hygiene, plaque, bacterial build-up and from general damage caused by acids in the mouth.

This is just a highlight of some of the cosmetic options we have available for you. If you’re looking to improve your smile or are curious about what we can do to give your mouth a makeover then check with your dentist on your next appointment.

Where can I find orthodontics in Harley Street?

Orthodontists specialise in jaw and bite alignment, helping patients correct the position of their teeth with assorted treatments. If you are looking for a reputable practice for orthodontics in Harley Street, we should be your first port of call.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetDo I need orthodontics in Harley Street?

When a patient presents at their dentist with irregularities, or specific orthodontic needs, they may be referred to our clinic to receive treatment. There are several conditions that can be treated by an orthodontist, including:

  • Underbite – the lower jaw protrudes over the upper jaw
  • Underbite – the upper jaw protrudes too far over the lower jaw
  • Wide gaps between teeth
  • Too many teeth present

If you think you may require orthodontics in Harley Street, get in touch with our friendly team of professionals today to book a consultation.

What treatments can I receive at Harley Street Dental Clinic?

Treatments can vary as the chosen treatment will depend on each individual patient’s requirements. Harley Street Dental Clinic provide a range of treatments such as Invisalign, lingual braces, and even specialist referrals to our consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons who work alongside our orthodontics team to assist patients whenever necessary.

Orthognathic Treatments

These treatments refer to the instances in which we combine our orthodontic and surgical expertise when patients require more than assistance from our orthodontists. Having such combined resources under one roof allows patients to receive the treatment they require without having to move from one location to the next. This also means that consultation and examination results are available quickly.

Clear braces

Many of our patients are in search of discreet braces that provide quick results. We use Invisalign clear braces that move teeth to their correct position using clear or ‘invisible’ aligners. The bespoke aligners are replaced every two to three weeks to nudge teeth into their eventual final position. Patients may benefit from lingual braces that are also discreet, but are attached to the back of teeth to give patients straight teeth and the smile of their dreams.

Cosmetic treatments

We are pleased to provide cosmetic dental services to patients who want to make the most of their smile. You may have always wanted beautifully white teeth, or perhaps you want to take advantage of the versatility of veneers that can give patients the natural appearance of white, straight teeth. Whatever treatment you require, our team will be delighted to talk you through your options so why not call us now to arrange a cosmetic dentistry consultation?

So simple to book an appointment at Harley Street Dental Clinic

Our online appointment booking service allows you to book a free consultation when it is convenient for you. Patients can either call to speak with one of our team, or simply complete the online form and we will contact you to discuss your requirements. Access excellent orthodontics when you make an appointment today and take the first step to the wonderful smile you have always wanted.