Worried about needing a check-up? Our dentists in Harley Street will help you overcome your phobia

On the list of phobias experienced by people across the UK, dental phobia often ranks in the top 10. While feeling a bit on edge about an upcoming dental appointment is somewhat normal, a phobia surrounding dentistry can leave people in a sweat when they walk past a dental surgery.

Dentist in Harley StreetWhile dental treatment is often painless and less invasive than it was years ago, many people who have a dental phobia have often had a bad experience in their early childhood, which has impacted on them as an adult.

Sadly, even the most diligent and thorough tooth cleaning at home is not enough to maintain a healthy mouth, meaning that you will have to visit our dentists in Harley Street at some point soon.

Don’t despair, dentists around the world are trained in ways to help patients overcome their anxiety and do not take a judgemental approach to their work. They want you to have the best oral health you can and want to stop you from experiencing preventable dental issues.

Below is a list of things to remember when you undertake work with our dentists in Harley Street and includes ways your dentist will help you overcome your fear.

They have seen worse

A person with a dental phobia is going to avoid a trip to their surgery at all costs, even if they are in unbearable pain. A focus group exploring dental phobia once found that it wasn’t the worry of treatment or even the pain, it was the fear of judgement that kept people from going for their check-ups or going in to undertake dental work.

Rest assured, even if you think you have the worst set of teeth in the world, your dentist has seen worse. They have undertaken many years of training and have been exposed to a myriad of dental issues. A few cavities and an extraction are unlikely to phase them. In a bid to keep people visiting the dentist, all dentists operate their surgeries with a non-judgemental approach and offer advice instead of criticism.

Soundless drills

Worried about the sound of the drill?

Ask if there is an option for our dentists to use a soundless drill, many surgeries have these to hand and if they don’t, they can supply you with earplugs or headphones that play relaxing music.

You are in control

If you are an extremely nervous patient, explain to our dentists in Harley Street your concerns before getting in the chair. This will ensure that they understand the extent of your worries and will give you the option to say what you are comfortable undertaking during your first visit.

They will then reassure you through the procedure and will only perform what you have asked them to do. This builds trust and is commonly used to establish a good relationship between the most phobic patients and their dental practitioners. Keeping an eye on your dental health is too important to ignore and our dentists will do their best to make it a relaxing experience for the most fearful of patients.

Our Dentists

Each dentist at our W1 office has gone through a succinct and detailed recruitment process, to ensure that all our dentists share our vision. Our website has the option to look at our entire team. We have a profile on everyone working at our practice, so you can take an extensive look at anyone who you might be receiving treatment from, as well as a list of their qualifications and where they studied. We even have a video or two, so you can get to know a bit about your dentist, before you meet them face to face! We believe that the patient-dentist relationship is one of the most important factors in excellent dental treatment, and we want to be as warm and welcoming as possible.

Dentist in W1Our recruitment process

Our vision is to create a dental practice, where everyone shares the same philosophy on dental care, and understands what it takes to be a dentist in W1. We have aimed to recruit dentists that share our philosophy for great teeth and perfect smiles, and who want nothing more than to provide fantastic treatment for our patients. In terms of knowledge of the industry, our team has received training from across the UK, and many have received training in the US.

Our atmosphere

In keeping with our philosophy, we strive to create a relaxed atmosphere, where you will feel calm and collected about your dental treatment. We understand that dental treatment can sometimes be uncomfortable, or unnerving, but at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we have aimed to remove as much discomfort as possible and create a space where you feel more at leisure. Our relaxing W1 practice has been designed solely with your experience in mind. Just take a look at our virtual tour under the ‘Practice Gallery’ tab for a better feel of the place.

Location

Being a central London location, we know that while our practice is close to many things, it may be difficult to reach. However, we are extremely close to Oxford Circus, and Regent’s Park, on 139 Harley Street, London, W1G 6BG. We also have parking too, all within a 5-minute walk from the practice, with Portland Place NCP, Harley Street Masterpark, and Cavendish Square as the most suitable parking locations. If you need more directions, just visit our ‘Reviews’ tab on our website, and we will be able to provide you with all the directions you need.

Is Harley Street Dental Practice right for me?

Looking for the most suitable dentist in W1, and not sure where to find them? Head into our office on Harley Street, and we’ll be more than happy to give you some quick guidance. If you have any doubts about our reviews or treatment, then simply visit our testimonials section. There you will find several reviews that we feel reflect the true feedback that we receive from our patients. Visit our ‘Smile Album’ section too, which reflects the standard of our work, from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry.

The importance of routine check-ups and other forms of general dentistry in Harley Street

Did you recently get a letter through your door, an email, or a text message reminding you it is time for you biannual dental check-up? Are you thinking about skipping it? Don’t!

General Dentistry in Harley StreetAlthough it may be a nuisance and causes about as much excitement as watching paint dry, dentistry in Harley Street and other general dental practices are important for maintaining your oral health, but are also required to help you keep your whole body in good health too.

You are going to gain more from that dental check-up than you will lose, so before you throw the letter away, or delete that email and wait for an emergency to visit your dentist, consider the other benefits of general dentistry in Harley Street.

Early identification

Prevention is better than cure; nowhere is that more relevant than in dentistry.

While your dentist can recognise early indicators of issues like gum disease, tooth decay or excessive plaque build-up, they are also trained to recognise more ominous issues too.

If you are a smoker, it is advisable that you visit your dentist at least twice a year for oral cancer screening; if you don’t smoke, but have a weakened immune system due to medication or illness, it is important that you stay in regular contact with your dentist.

Basic dental work if needed

Although it is difficult to enjoy having a filling, it is important to have one if needed to prevent further decay of the tooth and most importantly, to stop the pain and prevent further issues.

If a tooth needs filling but is left for a sustained period, it may decay further, leading to an abscess, a root canal or even an extraction in the future.

If your dentist identifies a minor cavity or the beginning signs of one, they can apply a fluoride gel to harden the enamel and prevent you needing any further work on that tooth.

White fillings

If you have decay at the front of your mouth, you may be worried about your dentist filling it with a large, black, metal filling.

Today dentistry in Harley Street, means metal based fillings are being phased out in favour of white, composite based ones. They are more aesthetically pleasing and are hardier to temperature changes that may occur in the mouth due to consumption of hot and cold beverages and foods.

Referrals

If you require further work than one of our dentists can offer, they will refer you. This can be to another dental professional, like an orthodontist for braces or a hygienist for preventative dentistry.

When your dentist becomes concerned about a swelling or lump in your mouth, they are able to refer you to a specialist for a check-up and further diagnostic work, to determine what the lump or swelling actually is. This can be life saving and more often than not reassuring, as that dental lump you are worried about is probably benign.

Call us today about general dentistry.

Choosing your Orthodontist in Harley Street

Your oral health is of great importance, which is why you will want to use the services of a reputable orthodontist in Harley Street. Renowned for being the home to established health care professionals, Harley Street is the go-to location for patients who are looking for outstanding medical assistance. Harley Street Dental Clinic is pleased to provide a range of orthodontics that will help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Find out how our treatments can rid you of crooked teeth once and for all.

Orthodontist in Harley StreetWhat is orthodontics?

The specific area of orthodontics is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws. Treatments can be preventive and corrective with contemporary treatments being more comfortable and discreet than ever before. An orthodontist will have trained for many years following their dental medical training and will be extremely experienced in this field.

Why would I need to visit an orthodontist in Harley Street?

If your crooked or overlapping teeth have had an impact on your confidence, your eating, or even your speech, it is important to consult with an orthodontist. Correcting the position of your teeth can make all the difference to how you feel about your appearance and can give you a confidence boost you never thought possible. Besides affecting your self-esteem, speech or eating, improperly positioned teeth can lead to tooth decay and other problems. Such problems can occur as you may find it difficult to clean your teeth properly and food can soon become lodged in places your toothbrush has been unable to reach. A visit to our prestigious clinic in Harley Street will allow you to address these problems and prevent serious oral health issues occurring.

Why choose Harley Street Dental Clinic?

As an established orthodontist in Harley Street, we are trusted by our patients to provide an excellent service and to produce fantastic results. We offer a range of services tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Among our treatments, you can access Invisalign braces, and lingual braces. Invisalign is a popular treatment that involves an impression being made of your teeth via 3D scanning before a precisely fitted Invisalign brace is created. This discreet method of teeth-straightening is preferred by many adults as it is barely noticeable and gives quick results. Lingual braces are another method of teeth-straightening that differs from the traditional metal braces associated with childhood braces, and these are fixed to the back of teeth so that they remain unseen. We are here to help you have the smile you deserve from a friendly, professional team who make your comfort a priority.

Find out more

We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our treatments, and so if you have any enquiries, or you wish to book a consultation, contact our team today. Our clinicians will be delighted to address any concerns regarding phobias, cost, and what each treatment entails, so please do get in touch to find out more.

Ways to prevent dental phobias in children; the benefits of introducing your child to the dentist in Harley Street

If you have children, you, as their parents are responsible for making sure their teeth are well looked after. This includes teaching them how to brush, how much toothpaste to use, talking to them about sugary foods and making sure they consume enough calcium.

Dentist in Harley StreetSince they were born, you have taken your child to the doctor to make sure they are developing well and to get preventive treatments like vaccinations.  Unfortunately, too many parents forget that taking your child to visit the dentist in Harley Street is just as important as doctors’ visits. Ideally, you should start taking your child for dental check-ups when they are about 12 months old, just when their teeth have started to come through.

Early dental visits

While it may seem a little young, it is worth noting that many children under the age of 4 years suffer from cavities- as many as 25% of all children under 4 have had at least one cavity, meaning these will need treatment as early as possible to prevent further decay.

Also, early exposure by going to the dentist in Harley Street is beneficial for your child later in life. Your child is less likely to be afraid of dentists in the future, meaning they will not suffer from severe dental issues in their teenage and adult years.

Similarly, it will make dentist trips a natural routine in your child’s mind. Basically, they will become aware that dental hygiene is just as important as other aspects of health. They will, therefore, be more likely to look after their teeth to a higher standard than children who have missed out on early dental check-ups.

Their first appointment

When you take your child for their first dental check-up, try to use positive language and to reassure them if they become scared, this is all new to them and it is understandable if they are apprehensive.

Luckily, their first visit to a dentist in Harley Street, provided they are around 12 months of age, will be an easy one. You will be asked about your child’s medical history, if they have any illnesses and the dental professional will show you how to brush your child’s teeth. If your child has teeth in their mouths, they may even be able to have them cleaned in the surgery by a hygienist. Your child may even get a free toothbrush!

Choosing the right dentist

There are many dentists that specialise in paediatric dentistry, and at our dental surgery in Harley Street, we have many dentists for you to choose from.

Be aware that your child may not like the first dentist you take them to. This can make them fearful of future dental appointments. We advise you to try meeting with our other dentists so you can find a dentist that they like and feel safe with. This will prevent them from developing a phobia or an aversion to dental professionals.

Tailored service

Here at the Harley Street Dental Clinic, we’ve been committed to providing a standard of excellence, professionalism and care within cosmetic dentistry for over thirty years. As Harley Street is such a highly respected area for medical and dental services, steeped in rich history and notable residents in their respective fields – we try our best to provide a standard of care which is befitting our historic surroundings. It is our dental clinic philosophy that each individual patient is unique, and as such, each form of treatment and care provided ought to be catered to the specific needs and requirements of each individual patient. Rather than adopting the one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetic dentistry which is commonplace in all too many practices across the city, here at our dental clinic Harley Street Dental Clinic on Harley Street, we provide a more bespoke, tailored dental experience. We make an active effort to get to know our patients on a personal level and make their dental clinic experience with us is a truly informed and positive one.

Dental Clinic in Harey StreetBedrock of the community

Treatment from us here in Harley Street is only carried out by a dentist  whom the patient trusts and respects wholeheartedly, and only commences when the patient feels ready. Prior to seeking any treatment with us, patients must first conduct lengthy, but informal meetings and consultations with our trusted and trained in-house dentist – where the basics of each procedure are covered, and a relationship built on trust and respect is formed. Only once a patient feels comfortable and ready to proceed, do we commence with any form of treatment.

Hidden wonders

One service we offer here at Harley Street which is particularly popular is the installation of discreet dental aligners such as Invisalign. These are a cosmetic alternative to conventional methods of orthodontic realignment – such as typical metal, fused braces – often referred to as ‘train-tracks’ which are  largely uncomfortable and have a big impact on the outward appearance of patients. Invisalign is a non-invasive alternative form of treatment which utilises a custom made retainer – constructed from a patented SmartTrack plastic, chosen for it’s uniquely malleable, yet firm consistency. This retainer, when worn over the course of treatment, uses built in, specifically placed pressure points to gradually push teeth back into their correct alignment. The specifications of which would be established prior to beginning treatment by a trusted dentist of the patient’s choosing. Invisalign treatment generally lasts for around twelve months, but depends on the extent of treatment needed. One of the main attractions of Invisalign over conventional orthodontics is that, when worn, the retainer is practically invisible – and thus patients can undergo essential dental alignment discreetly, without attracting any unwanted attention from peers or colleagues. Another benefit of this method of treatment is that – unlike fused braces – the retainer is removable and as such treatment can be carried out at a time that is convenient to the patient – such as when at home, or asleep. Treatment of this nature can be massively beneficial in both restoring the smile of our patients, as well as boosting their self-esteem and renewing their confidence.

Creating smiles with orthodontics in Harley Street

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, for over thirty years we’ve been providing local residents and beyond with a standard of excellence and professionalism within the field of cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics like no other. Keeping in line with the rich medical and dental history of the area, we believe that the individual needs and requirements of each of our patients should be at the forefront of everything we do. Rather  than adopting the one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry which is commonplace in all too many practices across the country, it is our philosophy that no two patients are the same, and as such no two treatments will be exactly the same. Each presents a new, unique set of challenges and obstacles and we are committed to helping patients overcome each of them, and helping them smile again as a result.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetBehind the curtain

One service we offer which is particularly popular is our range of discreet orthodontics, invisalign, clear braces and invisible braces in Harley Street. These are a cosmetic alternative to conventional methods of orthodontics, such as typical metal fused ‘train-track’ braces – which are often largely uncomfortable and have a detrimental effect on a patient’s outward appearance. One form of discreet orthodontics available through us here at Harley Street, is the installation of clear braces. These are similar to conventional fused metal braces in that they are fixed to the front of a patient’s teeth and consist of wires and brackets. The primary difference however, is that rather than metal, clear braces are constructed from transparent plastic alloy which makes them far less visible from the outside. Treatment of this sort can be widely successful in allowing patients to undertake essential dental alignment, without attracting any unwanted scrutiny from peers or colleagues. Lingual braces are another method of discreet orthodontics which are on offer here. These are again similar to conventional, fused metal braces – however they are fixed to the backs of a patient’s teeth and as such are obscured from the front. This again can be greatly beneficial for patients who wish to undergo dental alignment discreetly.

Invisible ingenuity

Another service we offer, which is a cosmetic alternative to traditional orthodontics, is the installation of Invisalign retainers. These are a revolutionary, non-invasive method of dental alignment which utilise a custom made retainer with built in pressure points, to gradually align teeth to their correct specifications – which would be laid out clearly, prior to beginning treatment by a practitioner of the patient’s choosing. Invisalign retainers are created from a patented SmartTrack plastic – chosen for it’s uniquely firm yet malleable nature. When worn, the Invisalign mouthpiece is practically invisible, so affords its users the ability to undertake essential alignment discreetly, without having to affect their outward appearance or attract any unwanted attention. Treatment through Invisalign usually takes around twelve months, but can vary depending on the extent of treatment required. As the retainer is removable – unlike conventional orthodontics – patients can fit treatment around their own lives, and at a time which is convenient to them, such as when asleep or at home.

Make smiling a hobby by visiting the dentist in Harley Street

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, for over thirty years we’ve been committed to providing the residents with a bespoke, patient centred level of dental expertise and professionalism befitting an area esteemed for its historical significance in the fields of medicine and cosmetic dentistry. We believe that each patient is unique, and each treatment presents an entirely new set of challenges and obstacles. As such, it is our philosophy that each method of treatment ought to be catered to the specific needs and requirements of those requiring it – rather than adopting the one-size-fits-all approach which is favoured by far too many practices across the city. Treatment  here carried out by the dentist in Harley Street is only carried out by a practitioner of the patient’s choosing  whom they trust wholeheartedly. Prior to beginning any form of treatment from us here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, lengthy, informal consultations must be carried out between the patient and the practitioner covering the fundamentals of the procedures offered and making the decision which treatments best suit the patient concerned.

Dentist in Harley StreetSculpting smiles

We offer a full range of cosmetic dental procedures here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, including implants which can treat all manner of superficial damage and deterioration to teeth as well as slightly misaligned teeth. One such treatment is a gum lift, which is a cosmetic treatment used to reshape the gum line of a patient and improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile. Treatment of this sort can be used to help patients who suffer from a ‘gummy smile’ or feel their gum line is either too high or too low. There are numerous ways of undertaking a gum lift. In one instance, we utilise a laser to reshape the patient’s gum painlessly so that it fits the structure of their teeth better. In more severe instances, the reshaping procedure may involve the removal of some of the patient’s gum bone, to allow the reshaping to be carried out. The benefits of receiving a gum lift can be that the patient has a renewed sense of self-confidence and esteem, as they no longer have to be concerned about having an unshapely mouth and attracting unwanted attention as a result. Another benefit is that the patient’s overall gum health is greatly increased, and the risk of further detrimental damage arising from neglect is decreased.

Bridging the gaps

Another treatment offered by the dentist in Harley Street is the installation of dental implants. These are a cosmetic solution to gaps in a patient’s mouth caused by the loss or removal of teeth. Dental implants act as a prosthetic response to missing teeth and can be massively beneficial in restoring a patient’s self-confidence. The process of installing dental implants initially consists of drilling a small hole into the gum of the patient, in the gap where the missing tooth (or teeth) would be. Then a titanium screw is inserted into the hole and left to heal. After a brief period of time the titanium fuses with the bone in the patient’s gum – a replica tooth (or denture) constructed from porcelain or plastic is screwed in place. Thus the gap is bridged with a good-as-new tooth, and the patient can once more smile freely without embarrassment.

What your dentist in W1 wants you to know about how eating and drinking habits affect your oral health

Modern dentistry has seen the introduction of the latest dental procedures and treatment methods now available at our Harley Street Dental Clinic.  These have increased the expectation of restoring damaged, decayed and missing teeth even in later years. Many of our patients, however, are surprised to learn that the ability to retain one’s natural teeth as they age can depend on the foods that comprise their day to day diet. There is no getting around it – diet remains a fundamental factor in good dental health care. It is not only the experience and skills of a dentist in W1 that plays a critical part in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but more significantly it is the control a patient has, or responsibility they take, towards their own oral health.

Dentist in Harley StreetThe biggest impact on teeth come from one’s diet

  1. Sugar’s role in tooth decay

Many patients are aware that sugar is bad for the good health of teeth. While sugar itself does not have a direct role in the deterioration of teeth, the cause for concern is incidental – sugar provides a valuable food source and environment for bacteria to thrive. It is this bacterium that is mainly responsible for destroying teeth. The more sugar that is consumed, the more bacteria is produced and over time, tooth enamel erodes away. Once this outer layer of teeth is destroyed, bacteria then advance to the inner layers affecting the tissue and roots prompting infections.

To limit the growth of bacteria, it is advised that patients reduce sugar (in all its forms) consumption, brush teeth as instructed and schedule routine professional cleaning at a dentist in W1 for effective removal of tartar and plaque.

  1. Acidity in fizzy and sports drinks damage tooth enamel

Sports drinks and soft drinks are notorious for the significant amounts of sugar they contain, but this is not only where the potential danger exists. These types of drinks are also extremely acidic and, when consumed directly out of a bottle or can, the acidity makes direct contact with tooth enamel – increasing the likelihood of quicker enamel erosion. Patients are advised to limit consumption of these drinks and opt for water instead.

  1. Excessive consumption of citric fruits poses a risk of increased acidity levels

When it comes to eating fruit, especially citric fruits, practice moderation. High levels of citric acid are not teeth friendly so it is best to limit eating fruits of this kind.

  1. Certain beverages like tea and coffee can raise the risk of stained teeth

While sugar-free cups of coffee and tea pose little risk to the health of teeth, these beverages are known to cause teeth to darken or stain. Dental treatments such as scale and polish and teeth whitening procedures can be used to brighten the colour of discoloured teeth.

Take a proactive step towards healthier teeth by avoiding those foods and beverages that pose a danger to teeth. Be aware of what goes into your body by carefully reading the ingredients listed on the packaging. Another highly recommended step is to visit a dental clinic for professional care at least twice a year.

Smile confidently after a trip to the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street

Harley street has a longstanding reputation as being the place to go in the London area for the highest level of professionalism and expertise in the fields of medicine and dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentist in Harley StreetHere at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we’ve been providing the local residents and beyond with some of London’s highest levels of dental care. We believe that the individual needs of each patient are as unique as those presenting them, and as such each treatment should be designed around the individual, rather than adopting the one-size-fits-all approach that is favoured by far too many other practices across the city.

Cosmetic consideration

Some procedures which are very popular here are getting dental implants as well as the services offered by the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street. We understand that a healthy and straight smile can be greatly beneficial in boosting one’s confidence and self-esteem. We also understand however that the opposite can be the case and that people who have crooked and damaged teeth can find their social lives impacted, as well as it having a detrimental effect on their self-esteem and confidence. Therefore, we offer a full range of cosmetic dental procedures which can help patients achieve a straighter smile, and thus improve their social standing. One such procedure offered here at Harley Street is teeth whitening, which is a cosmetic treatment used to whiten the appearance of teeth and eradicate any superficial stains that have been caused by smoking, drinking coffee or red wine or certain medications. The teeth whitening procedure utilises a whitening agent to brighten teeth and restore their natural shine. We offer two distinct types of teeth whitening here, ‘Zoom Whitening’ which is carried out in our practice, and ‘Home Whitening’ which can be carried out at a time and place convenient to the patient. Zoom whitening uses a bleaching gel which is activated by a specialist light, and the effects are instantaneous – allowing patients to leave the same day with a glistening new smile. Home whitening kits utilise a custom made retainer, into which a bleaching agent is applied before being worn at home for a few hours at a time. This method of treatment takes around two weeks before clearly visible effects can be seen, this can be massively beneficial in boosting the self-esteem and confidence of patients.

Filling the space

Another  treatment offered here by the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is the installation of dental implants. This is a cosmetic treatment which is generally only used in instances where teeth have been lost or damaged beyond repair and it acts as a prosthetic solution to any large gaps in a patient’s mouth. The process of installing dental implants  begins with a small hole being drilled into the gum of the patient’s mouth in the space where the missing tooth or teeth were situated. Then a titanium screw is inserted into the hole, and left to heal. After a brief healing period – during which time the titanium fuses with the bone in the patient’s gum – a replica tooth (or denture) made of porcelain or plastic is then fixed on the screw and thus the gap is bridged with a new tooth. Dental implants can be massively beneficial in restoring a patient’s self-esteem and confidence as it affords them the ability to once again smile to their fullest – without having to be embarrassed by exposing large unsightly gaps within their mouths.