Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Discreet treatment

Clear braces in Harley Street allow you to realign your teeth without spoiling your appearance. Our innovative technology means that you don’t have to walk around with highly visible wires and brackets stuck to your teeth while you improve your dental alignment. The thought of having to wear a traditional metal brace is often what deters people from seeking the positive changes they need. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can improve your dental positioning using discreet and effective appliances.

The benefits of clear braces in Harley Street

Wearing Harley Street clear braces allows you to attend your social engagements without the increased anxiety that traditional braces often cause. This low-hassle experience is a tremendous bonus for people who want to transform the positions of their teeth. Our clear braces provide all the oral health and cosmetic benefits of regular braces. They increase the visual appeal of your smile, improve dental function, and help you to maintain oral hygiene.

The first thing to do if you’re curious about clear braces in Harley Street is to book a consultation with our friendly team. We’ll have a good talk about the repositioning you want to achieve, and take some measurements of your teeth. Your braces will be customised for an exact fit, so, as well as having low visibility, they’ll have a high degree of precision and comfort.

Improved oral health

After your braces come off, the visual improvement will be plain to see. Your smile will be more harmonious, and your bite will be more properly aligned. There’s also a hygienic benefit. With fewer awkward spaces in your mouth, your toothbrush will have an easier time scrubbing your dental surfaces. Clear braces in Harley Street can reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Spreading the cost

Realigning the teeth is a gradual process. Typical treatment time is often 12-18 months. This will vary according to the complexity of your needs. The time invested is well worth it, because the results last for many years afterwards. We offer payment plans to help you access the benefits of clear braces in Harley Street.

Proper management of dental implants in diabetic patients

Many people with diabetes have already rejected the idea of dental implants, simply because they think they are not good candidates for this treatment. But if you have diabetes, this isn’t necessarily true.

If a dentist has told you that you cannot have dental implants because of diabetes, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we are happy to review your case and offer a second, informed opinion. While patients with diabetes who wish to have dental implants in Harley Street may experience more difficulties than regular patients, dental implants are still doable if some conditions apply.

What is diabetes and why can it affect implant placement?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body metabolises and processes glucose. Glucose is the type of sugar used by the body to send energy to the cells, but can also be harmful if its volume in the bloodstream is too high. Glucose levels are regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Diabetic patients do not produce this hormone at all or don’t produce enough quantities of this hormone. For either type of diabetes, additional insulin is required for controlling diabetes.

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for dental implants in Harley Street because it slows down the wound healing process. This process is really important for the successful outcome of implant bonding or ‘osseointegration’ – a biological function that occurs in the period of time after the placement of dental implants into the jawbone and the placement of replacement teeth over the dental implants.

Numerous studies have shown that patients with controlled diabetes can have dental implants successfully placed and healed. The healing process though may be longer than that required for non-diabetic patients. During this time, patients should be extra careful not to develop infection in the implant sites. This can be achieved by following the dentist’s instructions and visiting the dental clinic in Harley Street for regular check-ups.

No need to abandon the idea of dental implants in Harley Street

With proper disease management and a little extra care for your dental implants after the surgery, you can be among the many that experience a great outcome and a healthier smile with dental implants in Harley Street.

Your tooth roots and dentistry

You may think that all dentists have the same skills and knowledge, but in fact dentistry is a complex and varied area of care. Every dentist has to study for 5 years to become a general dentist, but after they have qualified, they can then choose an area of dentistry for more in-depth study and training. Cosmetic dentistry, braces, dental implants are all different areas of dentistry. Another is the study of tooth roots, and the living tooth material inside them.

Endodontics in Harley Street Teeth are so hard that it can seem like they are just chunks of enamel, and like hair, no longer alive, but in fact they are complex bits of natural engineering. The outer layer is the enamel, and underneath are the dentin and the living pulp. We can see the crowns of the teeth above the gum line but below are the roots and they contain living pulp. Get a tooth infection, or suffer a trauma and you soon know that your teeth are alive; the pain is often excruciating.

In the past, your dentist might have just extracted an infected tooth, but these days, we prefer to save them if we can. Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, we have a dentist who focuses solely on endodontics, which is the treatment of tooth roots and the soft tissue inside them.

Our endodontics dentist is Dr Nectaria Polycarpou. She deals with all the different aspects of endodontic treatment, including diagnosing the causes of long-term pain.

Dr Polycarpou works solely on endodontic cases and is also a consultant at King’s College Hospital, where she trains qualified dentists to become specialists in endodontics.

Root canal treatment

This treatment removes diseased pulp material from tooth roots where the crown of the tooth is otherwise still healthy and functional.

While any general dentist can carry out root canal therapy, if you need complex treatment you are likely to be treated by Dr Polycarpou here at Harley Street Dental Clinic. Complex root canal treatments usually involve teeth with more than one root needing diseased pulp to be removed.

If you need endodontic treatment, you will be in safe hands with Dr Polycarpou.

What a dental clinic in W1 can offer

Visiting the dentist can be a different experience for different people. Some people feel comfortable going to the same small dentist for years, and others feel more comfortable visiting a larger dental clinic where all of their dental needs can be met under one roof.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are passionate about dental care and for this reason, we have gathered together many talented and highly skilled dentists in our dental clinic in W1. Whether you are suffering from a toothache or you want to improve the appearance of your teeth with veneers, we can help. Simply give us a call, identify your problem and book a consultation appointment.

Reasons to visit the dental clinic in W1

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, you can find many dentists available at any time. Most of our dentists can be reached through appointments, but chances are that if you come for a check-up and you wish to discuss a cosmetic dentistry procedure, someone will be around to answer your questions.

Moreover, at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer longer hours and we are open for more days. This way you can even schedule a last minute appointment without worrying that you won’t find an available slot.

Last but not least, you can visit the dental clinic in W1 with your child or another family member and receive a check-up at the same time without having to wait for long hours. That’s provided that we have the availability to see both of you around the same time.

Disadvantages of dental clinics

Nonetheless, larger dental clinics also have disadvantages. In some clinics, you may not be able to see the original dentist you saw and this can lead to the loss of personal contact. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we do our best to ensure that you get the same dentist throughout your treatment since personal communication and effective patient care is a very important part of our philosophy.

Make the best of your dental clinic in W1

Harley Street Dental Clinic is an asset to the local community, offering patients dental care that is consistent with their expectations. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, get in touch.

Top benefits of orthodontics in Harley Street

The idea of seeing the dentist can evoke a lot of negative feelings in people. From anger to anxiety, guilt and stress dental visits are not everyone’s cup of tea. Similarly, for some people, a visit to the orthodontist may seem unnecessary, since they believe that having crooked teeth is not an issue. However, no matter how long it has been since you have visited the orthodontist (or even if you have never visited the orthodontist before), it is still important to find time for this appointment.

Orthodontics in Harley Street At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will routinely look for orthodontic problems while checking your teeth and gums during your bi-annual dental check-up and examination. If we find any problems with the alignment of your teeth and your jaw we will recommend orthodontics in Harley Street.

However, if you hear orthodontics and you immediately picture metal brackets and wires, don’t be alarmed – we also offer more discreet, subtler choices that allow you to smile throughout your treatment with orthodontics in Harley Street.

No more oral infections

People with crooked and misaligned teeth experience many problems with their dental hygiene, since harmful bacteria can hide in-between the crevices created by their teeth. If not removed properly, these bacteria transform into plaque and can eventually lead to gum disease and other oral health complications (i.e. cavities, tooth loss)

No more jaw problems

It has been proven that misaligned teeth can cause stress on the jaw, which can lead to the overall dysfunction of the jawbone (a condition known as TMJ). Fixing your bite problems with orthodontics in Harley Street will allow your bite to improve and prevent your teeth from wearing down unevenly. Additionally, if you don’t align your teeth properly, you may experience severe headaches because of the pressure concentrated on your jaw.

A well-rounded treatment

As you can see, braces provide many benefits to your oral and overall health. In addition to these benefits, your improved self-esteem and your new appearance will provide a much needed psychological improvement that is invaluable. Have a question on orthodontics in Harley Street? You know where to find us.

Questions to ask when you visit your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street

Cosmetic dentistry can truly transform your smile whether you choose to undergo a single or multiple treatments. Whether you want to correct a small flaw or attempt a smile makeover, cosmetic dentistry can have a profound effect on your appearance and self-esteem.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer bespoke cosmetic dentistry and we value our patients’ response. By taking into consideration your unique dental situation and your lifestyle, your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will create a personalised treatment plan containing one or more cosmetic dentistry treatments. And we are always here to answer any questions you may have prior to agreeing to cosmetic dental treatment.

Which cosmetic dentistry treatments are available at your clinic?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments and it is almost certain that you will find what you are looking for. From teeth whitening to dental veneers, and dental implants to composite bonding, chances are that you can use one or more of these treatments to enhance your smile and facial characteristics. Getting more than one treatment can also save you time and money, since we offer special discounts. We can talk you through these procedures to help you make the best choice possible.

Can I look at before-and-after pictures?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are very proud of our cosmetic dental work and for this reason, we exhibit before-and-after pictures of our work on our website. If you are interested in a specific treatment and you would like to see how it looks on a patient, simply visit our website and browse through our before and after gallery section. This way you can judge how effectively we carry out cosmetic procedures. We are positive that you won’t be disappointed.

Are there any complications associated with cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry has very few, if any, complications, and you can rest assured that we will do our best to eliminate them from the beginning. If you are uncertain, simply ask us.

Let’s get started

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or get in touch with a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, give us a call.

Health problems your dentist in W1 can spot

We all know that the best way to maintain a healthy smile is to visit the dentist regularly. However, sometimes life gets in the way and our priorities change. Under no circumstances though, should we avoid seeing the dentist for more than 6 months, since we may be putting our teeth and gums in serious risk.

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer a complete range of preventive dentistry – from routine cleanings to gum disease treatment. Our dentist in W1 will examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay and gum disease and determine the right course of action. While nobody likes to get bad news in the dentist’s chair, your dentist in W1 can tell a lot about your overall health by simply examining your teeth. And this is a good thing.

You have got a cavity

Studies have demonstrated that people who receive frequent dental care have fewer chances to develop a cavity or tooth decay, even if they are not regular brushers and flossers. A dentist in W1 has all the right equipment to remove plaque from between the teeth safely. Spotting cavities at an early stage will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Heart problems

Did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease? As a matter of fact, loose teeth and inflamed gum tissue may be indicative of heart disease. If that’s the case, regular dental check-ups and cleanings will protect your smile and help keep your heart condition at bay.

Eating disorders

Most people suffering from eating disorders will try to hide their problem or make it appear less important than it actually is. However, poor nutrition can lead to many oral health problems, including gum disease. If your dentist in W1 spots any signs of eating disorders in your mouth (i.e. eroded teeth, frail gums) then it is time to address this medical issue with all the seriousness it deserves.

Our commitment to patient care

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we combine the finest dental care with compassion towards our patients. Our team of highly skilled dentists will provide preventive care to patients with all types of dental issues.

Understanding peri-implantitis

With dental implants becoming ever more popular, peri-implant complications are also expected to increase, especially for patients who do not follow their dentist’s instructions on the post-operative care of their dental implants.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are fully aware that a patient’s journey with dental implants in Harley Street does not stop when the implants are placed into the jawbone. Just like natural teeth, dental implants are prone to inflammation and taking good care of them at all times will safeguard their health and longevity.

What is peri-implantitis and how can it affect dental implants?

Peri-implantitis is a condition that is very similar to gum disease and involves the loss of bone tissue around the dental implants. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that peri-implantitis is a frequent occurrence among implant patients and a leading cause of implant failure. The disease starts with the introduction of bacterial pathogens around the dental implants and has the same symptoms as gum disease. Luckily, just like gum disease, peri-implantitis is highly preventable and responds to treatment well.

What is the treatment for peri-implantitis?

Peri-implantitis should be treated as soon as is it diagnosed. Depending on the stage of your disease, your dentist will recommend a surgical or non-surgical therapy, aiming to prevent further progression of the infection and prepare your gums for any further regenerative procedures.

Smoking and the risk of peri-implantitis

Studies have shown that smokers are at a higher risk of developing peri-implantitis and eventual implant failure. This is because nicotine restricts the flow of oxygen to the gums and just like regular teeth, dental implants in Harley Street require oxygen to remain healthy. Moreover, smoking encourages the development of bacteria and pathogens that can harm the gums and predispose for peri-implantitis.

What can I do about it?

In order to prevent peri-implantitis and complications with your dental implants in Harley Street, your dentist will recommend frequent brushing and flossing and rinsing twice a day with specially formulated mouthwash. Moreover, you should see your dentist frequently for check-ups and cleanings. To book your next dental appointment, contact us today.

How can I determine if Invisalign in Harley Street is right for me?

Invisalign has survived the test of time and is one of the most popular discreet teeth straightening methods available in dentistry. But as much as we’d like it to be a treatment for everyone, Invisalign has a few limitations.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, Invisalign in Harley Street is ideal for patients who wish to fix their smile without advertising it. This subtle but effective teeth straightening treatment consists of a series of removable aligners that push rather than pull your teeth into alignment. Invisalign aligners are comfortable to wear and easy to clean, since they can be removed.

Determining if Invisalign is the right option

In order to see whether Invisalign in Harley Street is for you, you have 2 options. You can either take the compatibility test on the official website of Invisalign or arrange a consultation appointment with us. In any case, we will need to examine your teeth thoroughly before we decide whether this treatment is a good match for your teeth and dental problems.

To have a better idea of Invisalign in Harley Street and how it can help you can ask yourself any of the following questions:

How old are you?

Invisalign is age-specific and if you are too young you won’t make a good candidate because your teeth are still growing. Older teenagers can have Invisalign and there’s a special type of Invisalign created just for them – Invisalign Teen.

How severe are your dental problems?

Your dental condition is the most important criterion in determining whether Invisalign in Harley Street is the right treatment for you. Invisalign can address many dental problems – including misaligned teeth and bite problems – as long as they are moderate. If you suffer from serious dental problems such as heavily crooked, twisted or rotated teeth, your dentist will suggest an alternative teeth-straightening method. For instance, many patients start with conventional braces and slowly move into Invisalign as their teeth are progressively straightened.

Are you responsible?

Invisalign is a relatively easy treatment but requires a high degree of responsibility. You can’t afford to lose your aligners or not wear them for the designated period of time. If you are not dedicated to your treatment, it won’t work.

There is no reason to dread a visit to the dentist in Harley Street

If the mere idea of going to the dentist fills you with stress and anxiety you are probably suffering from dental phobia. Some people avoid seeing a dentist up to the point where their teeth and gums are actually painful. In fact, it is estimated that more than 70% of Britons experience anxiety when going to the dentist. However, very few of them are actually afraid of the dentist.

Dentist in Harley Street At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we appreciate that many people are afraid of the dentist for their own individual reasons. Whether you had a bad experience as a child or you as simply afraid of pain and discomfort, you are not alone. However, we can assure you that our dentist in Harley Street will do their best to make you feel at ease throughout the procedure. Regular dental visits are really important for maintaining your oral health and here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid to visit the dentist.

Dentists want to help

You may be thinking that dentists get special joy from causing you pain and discomfort but, of course, we don’t. Your dentist in Harley Street wants to keep your mouth clean and healthy and will do their best not to harm you while doing so. Luckily, modern dentistry has evolved in recent years and check-ups can be carried out with the help of painless dental tools. It also helps to address these issues with your dentist in Harley Street prior to your appointment.

The longer you wait, the worse it gets

If you don’t visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, chances are that plaque will build up and cause cavities and gum disease. The more regularly you visit the dentist in Harley Street, the easier it will be for us to spot these symptoms before they advance into extensive and expensive dental problems.

Don’t let a bad experience define your relationship with the dentist

If you are avoiding the dentist because of a bad experience, we can assure you that not all dentists are the same. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are committed to making our patients feel safe and comfortable.

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