What you need to know before getting invisible braces in Harley Street

Thinking of getting invisible braces? Erroneously dubbed as ‘invisible braces’, Invisalign aligners can straighten your teeth without the need to wear metal brackets and wires. Want to learn more? Ask our experienced cosmetic dentists at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Invisible Braces in Harley StreetMost people are familiar with the concept of Invisalign, but don’t know how these ‘invisible braces’ in Harley Street work exactly. Here are some things you should know in advance in order to make an informed decision about this innovative treatment.

Invisalign aligners are not for everyone, but don’t rule yourself out

Often, people plan their Invisalign treatment before they have even talked to their dentist. This is normal, yet you may be overthinking a treatment that’s not suitable for you. Or you may be thinking that this treatment is not for you, when the complete opposite is true. If you are wondering whether you are eligible for Invisalign, it’s time to book a consultation appointment with your dentist. Only they can help you decide whether you can have this treatment or not after examining your teeth and bite carefully.

Invisalign is not as fast as you think

Most people think that Invisalign is faster than regular braces, but that’s not necessarily true. The overall duration of your treatment is a combination of many factors, namely the state of your teeth and the type of problems you want to fix. Whereas some people can benefit from quick treatment, other patients have to wear the aligners for at least 12 months to fully realise results. If you want to have Invisalign because you are convinced that treatment is going to be quicker, you may need to think again.

Invisalign aligners have to be cleaned properly

Just because you are not wearing brackets on your teeth, it doesn’t mean that you should neglect your teeth and gums. Invisalign aligners need to be cleaned frequently through the day, especially after being removed and before being re-inserted in your mouth. If you don’t know how to clean them properly, ask your dentist.

Want to learn more about Invisalign and invisible braces in Harley Street? Contact us today.

Gum disease – dispelling common myths

Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss around the world among adults. This condition manifests itself in different ways and many people are unaware that they suffer from it before it’s too late. Part of the problem is that they neglect to visit the dentist regularly. Just like cavities, gum disease can develop rapidly and if not treated quickly, it can lead to serious oral and general health problems.

Dentist in Harley StreetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic, we take gum disease seriously and we are committed to educating our patients on its harmful effects. If you think that you have symptoms of gum disease, our dentist in Harley Street, London, will do their best to contain and reverse the situation.

Below are a few myths about gum disease which are still prevalent:

Bleeding gums are not dangerous

Bleeding, red, swollen, puffy and sensitive gums are always a sign that something is wrong with your oral health. If you see blood every time you brush or floss your teeth, it is imperative to see your dentist in Harley Street so that you can be tested for gum disease. Gum disease is not only dangerous for your oral health; it can also affect and/or trigger other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Flossing is not compulsory

If anything, daily flossing can prevent the build-up of plaque around the gums and prevent gum disease, therefore it’s highly recommended by dentists.

Poor oral health is the only culprit for gum disease

Not brushing and flossing can definitely lead to gum disease, but gum disease can be caused and triggered by other factors as well. For instance, if you smoke or have diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing gum disease. Other factors that may increase the risk of gum disease include poor nutrition, stress and genetics.

Gum disease is the only condition that leads to tooth loss

Although periodontitis (advanced gum disease) carries a high risk of tooth loss, tooth loss can also be caused by other oral infections as well (i.e. cavities, abscesses etc). Visiting your dentist in Harley Street for regular check-ups and professional cleanings will prevent gum disease and enable you to stay on top of your oral health.

Don’t find excuses for missing your dental appointment

If you can’t remember when the last time was you sat in the dentist’s chair for a check-up or cleaning, it’s time to reconsider your priorities and see your dentist as soon as possible. In general, it is recommended to arrange dental visits at least twice a year. However, different people have different dental needs and the frequency of visiting the dentist depends on many factors such as the state of their teeth and their risk of cavities and gum disease.

Dental Clinic in W1At Harley Street Dental Clinic, your trusted dental clinic in W1, we are committed to providing great preventive dental care, constantly encouraging our patients to improve their oral health habits. Brushing and flossing are pretty standard practices for good oral health, yet they are not enough on their own.

Moreover, at our dental clinic in W1, we will examine your teeth and gums thoroughly, looking for signs of infection that are not visible with the naked eye. Oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease don’t always showcase symptoms during their early stage of development and only your dentist can tell if your teeth and gums are under attack.

Why is oral prevention so important?

Did you know that oral health infections are closely related to overall health problems? For instance, diabetic patients are more likely to develop gum disease that needs to be closely monitored.

Moreover, painful symptoms are worrying because chances are that they have already caused a significant amount of damage to your teeth.

Last but not least, preventive oral health practices and regular check-ups can save you loads of time and money in the long run.

Gum disease – an unseen enemy

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition of the gums that develops in different stages. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) doesn’t ache and does not exhibit significant symptoms. As a matter of fact, most people are likely to miss it. If it turns into periodontitis (advanced gum disease), immediate intervention is really important.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults, but luckily it’s totally preventable. At our dental clinic in W1, we will keep an eye out for any symptoms every time you come in for your dental check-up.

Bone loss and dental implants in Harley Street – can it happen?

Tooth loss is a very stressful experience and unfortunately it can affect people at any stage in life. Missing teeth create unattractive gaps in your smile and even lead to bone loss and further tooth loss. Luckily, modern dental technology has evolved in recent years and tooth replacement options such as dental implants are not only attractive but functional as well.

Dental Implants in Harley StreetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic, we share your concern for a beautiful and functional smile and for this reason we recommend dental implants in Harley Street. Unlike more conventional tooth replacement methods such as bridges and dentures, dental implants interact with the jawbone in an organic way and promote the growth of new bone tissue. However, is it possible to have dental implants with extensive tooth loss?

Why does bone loss matter?

Tooth loss and successive jawbone deterioration, reduces the available bone and compromises the security of your healthy teeth. This is because teeth require constant stimulation to function properly and this stimulation is caused by biting and chewing.

When tooth roots are not present anymore, the proper stimulation ceases to exist and the jawbone gradually deteriorates. Gradually, healthy teeth will start moving into the gaps created by the missing teeth and further tooth loss can occur.

If you have dental implants in Harley Street, these small titanium posts will function just like tooth roots, encouraging further stimulation between the root and the crown of the tooth and preventing additional jawbone loss.

Dental implants and extensive jawbone damage

Patients with bone loss can still obtain dental implants, even if their jawbone has weakened considerably. Bone grafting is a common procedure, but in recent years, alternative implant techniques have also be developed to make up for bone loss (such as All-on-4 and immediate loading implants). Your implant dentist will take a good look at your mouth, take x-rays of your jawbone and determine which implant procedure is ideal for your individual situation.

We are here to help you

Undergoing implant surgery with bone loss can be complicated, therefore relying on the right dentist to perform this procedure, is really important. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we have been installing dental implants for many years.

Benefits of clear braces in Harley Street

When most people think of braces, the first thing that comes to mind are chunky, unattractive metal brackets and wires. Luckily, for most patients, a mouthful of wire is not the only option anymore thanks to clear braces in Harley Street.

Clear Braces in Harley StreetClear braces at Harley Street Dental Clinic are a newer form of teeth straightening and come in different types. They are either fixed or removable, but have one thing in common – they are very discreet, therefore they are ideal for busy adults and image-conscious adolescents.

What can clear braces in Harley Street correct?

Clear braces in Harley Street are either fixed or removable and can correct a wide range of misalignment issues – from teeth spacing to underbites. Clear aligners such as Invisalign can fix mild to moderate bite and misalignment issues, whereas lingual braces can deal with more complex issues. To see whether you are a good candidate for clear braces in Harley Street, book your consultation appointment today and we will examine your teeth and bite carefully before suggesting a treatment. In some cases, more than one treatment may apply and we will help you decide what’s best for you.

Differences between clear braces and metal braces

There are quite a few differences between clear and metal braces, although their overall goal and orientation are the same. Metal braces are used to fix complex dental problems including misaligned, rotated, twisted and gapped teeth. Some of these differences you may notice between clear braces and metal braces include:

  • metal braces are attached to the teeth, whereas clear braces can be removable
  • metal brackets and wire are more difficult to clean, whereas Invisalign aligners and removable teeth straightening devices do not require a special oral hygiene regime
  • metal braces can hurt the interior of your mouth
  • clear braces are customised to fit over your teeth, making you feel comfortable at all times
  • removable, clear braces can be removed at any time if you want to eat or drink something.

Want to learn more about our clear braces in Harley Street? Contact us and schedule a consultation appointment with our helpful team.

What can a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street do for your smile?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with fixing your smile and the general appearance of your teeth. And although cosmetic dentistry procedures are somewhat elective, rather than necessary, some cosmetic treatments also provide restorative and other benefits for your oral health.

Cosmetic Dentist in Harley StreetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic, cosmetic dentistry is a combination of art and science in equal parts. By providing the latest in dental technology, our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is able to offer smile enhancement, restoration, and maintenance treatments for optimal dental health. There is no need for your smile to be compromised by missing, chipped, discoloured, misshapen or crooked teeth.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a very popular cosmetic treatment and can be performed in the dentist’s chair or at home. At our clinic, we offer power teeth whitening, which has shown to be very effective. We also provide custom-made whitening trays for patients who wish to whiten their teeth without sitting in the dentist’s chair.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are very thin porcelain shells, which are custom-made for each individual patient. They look exceptionally realistic and can fix dental flaws such as crooked teeth, cracked, gapped, discoloured and chipped teeth. Your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will apply them carefully to the front of each tooth with the help of special cement. Dental veneers may be applied along with other cosmetic treatments for a complete smile makeover. They are also colour-matched to the rest of your teeth for a seamless smile.

Inlays and onlays

Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are used to cover cavities or provide structure to support a proper filling. If the tooth enamel is not significantly damaged, inlays are placed directly onto the tooth surface. Onlays, on the other hand, are ideal for teeth who have sustained considerable damage, instead of covering the tooth’s entire surface.

Improve your smile and your quality of life

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, contact our friendly dental team today. We are here to answer your questions and help you decide what’s the best treatment for you.

The power of restoration

Only a tiny minority of people get through their lives without needing some form of restorative dentistry. You may already have had one. This kind of dentistry restores teeth so that we can continue to use them to eat, talk and smile.

Restorative dentistry is an umbrella term for all treatments from the tiniest filling to replacing an entire mouth of teeth. This term even includes treatments for problems such as a cleft palate. Let’s take a look at what kind of restorative dentistry is on offer at Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street.

Restorative Dentistry in Harley StreetFillings

When it comes to filling materials, people choose between amalgam or white composite fillings.

As well as being more attractive, white fillings have several advantages over amalgam. The materials used are now much stronger so white fillings last longer than when they first became available. They are also better at keeping out decay because the composite bonds with the tooth material, and does not just sit in the cavity as amalgam does. This means that decay bacteria cannot get in and around the edges of the filing and cause decay under it. Also, the dentist can rebuild the chewing surfaces of the tooth, making it more able to do its job properly.

Inlays and onlays

Sometimes the cavity in a tooth is too big for just a filling. We then use pieces of porcelain called inlays and onlays to cover the area.

Crowns

Crowns are placed over the entire tooth when it is crumbling or has a lot of decay, but is still worth hanging onto because it has a healthy root.

Bridges

Bridges replace single or neighbouring teeth. It has teeth suspended off it and is attached to adjacent healthy teeth, which are ground down and covered with crowns to act as buttresses.

Dentures

Dentures are removable crowns on a plate. Full dentures replace all the teeth and fit over the gums. Partial dentures clip onto neighbouring teeth.

Dental implants

The latest generation of replacement teeth, dental implants are anchored into the jawbone on titanium posts that fuse with the bone. One implant can hold up to 3 crowns on a bridge.

Do you need help with your sensitive teeth?

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you know from all the products on the shelves and adverts on TV that you are not alone. In fact, about 30% of UK adults suffer from some degree of tooth sensitivity. Perhaps you think you have to live with your tooth sensitivity because it’s really not that bad. But you don’t. At least, at Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, we don’t think you do.

Dental Clinic in W1At your dental clinic in W1, we want to be able to help you resolve the problem of sensitive teeth, so you’re free to eat and drink whatever you want without fear of discomfort.

What’s causing your sensitive teeth?

The main reason that your teeth have become sensitive is that something is exposing the dentin layer below your tooth enamel. The dentin layer contains tubes filled with fluid. The current thinking is that when exposure to heat or cold causes the fluid to move in the tubes, the nerves in the tooth root are affected, and you experience sudden flashes of pain.

Things that could be causing dentin exposure include:

Erosion of your tooth enamel. When your tooth enamel is worn away, the dentin is nearer the surface of your tooth and more easily affected by temperature. This could be caused by decay, brushing too strongly, or night time tooth grinding. At the dental clinic in W1, we can check for areas where the enamel is thin or worn through.

Receding gums. When your gums recede, the tooth root becomes exposed. There is no enamel covering the tooth root, so your dentin is exposed to the air and sensitivity becomes an issue. Receding gums can be caused by gum disease or too much brushing. We can find out the cause and offer advice and treatments to deal with receding gums.

Cracks and chips. You may have sustained some other damage to the surface of your teeth that is exposing the dentin. Such damage can sometimes be covered over with veneers or cosmetic bonding.

If your sensitive teeth are stopping you from enjoying life to the full, make an appointment at Harley Street Dental Clinic in W1 and let’s see if we can put an end to tooth sensitivity.

Orthodontics in Harley Street

Dentistry is full of specialist terms, and patients often have no idea what they really mean. Periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics: all of these terms are in regular use, but what do they actually mean? Well, they are the medical terms of various different branches of knowledge in dentistry.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetIn order for any dentist to call themselves an orthodontist, for example, they need to complete 5 years of training to become a general dentist, and then another 2-3 years of postgraduate training to practise orthodontics in Harley Street.

Orthodontics in Harley Street is all about dental treatments that bring the jaws and teeth into alignment, so that they can do the job of eating, speaking and moving properly.

Not many people grow up with perfectly straight teeth. Often, children seem to have too many teeth for their jaws. This is not nature letting them down so much as being due to massive changes in diet that see us chewing far less than we used to, even compared to a couple of hundred years ago.

Chewing makes the jaw grow longer which then allows for plenty of room for the teeth. The modern diet of processed refined grains and fewer vegetables means that we all do far less chewing than we used to. Unfortunately, teeth are still designed for the days when there was a lot of chewing to be done and that’s why they can seem too big for the mouth.

Orthodontics in Harley Street can help solve this and other problems of alignment with the use of various treatments. Which treatment is needed depends on a variety of reasons. Simple, mild problems are easily solved with clear braces. More severe and complex problems will require treatments with more strength to pull the teeth into position, or to remodel the jawbone.

Any problems with the jawbone ideally need to be dealt with during childhood before the bone has set hard. For this reason, it’s a good idea to bring children in when they are around 7 years old for an orthodontic check-up.

Book your child in now, and help set them up for a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth.

How can the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street help you?

When your smile needs a bit of a helping hand, it’s good to know that the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is available. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our cosmetic dentists are all highly experienced in their field. When you come to see us to help you achieve a superb smile, you’ll find a friendly team waiting to make sure that you have everything you need.

Cosmetic Dentist in Harley StreetWe like to listen to your needs and discuss what you would like to achieve before we design a customised treatment plan. In it, you will see the details of the treatments we are proposing, along with costs and a time schedule. We’ll communicate with you at every stage, making sure you understand each part of the treatment, so that you’re never left in the dark.

When you come to see our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, you will find a range of treatments designed to solve many different cosmetic problems. If you are unhappy with the colour, or the size, or the shape of your teeth, we can help. We can also help if you don’t like how your teeth are positioned in your jaw, or if you have suffered damage to them. Here are a few of the treatments we can use to give you back that picture-perfect smile:

Whitening

An easy, non-invasive way to remove long-term staining and also lift the true colour of your enamel. Whitening can be done in around an hour in the clinic, or at home over a couple of weeks with one of our bespoke treatment kits.

New surfaces

Damage to the teeth can be concealed with veneers or cosmetic bonding. It only takes a couple of appointments to fix chips, cracks, gaps, and worn edges.

Better alignment

Cosmetic braces can take only a few short weeks, or several months, depending on the level of change that needs to happen, to realign your teeth. We have a range of discreet, or even invisible braces to choose from.

Come on in for a consultation with the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, and find out how easy it is to get a lovely new smile.