Clear braces; a guide

Do you have a more complicated case of dental misalignment that you want to correct, but are not eager to sport the standard brace?

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Luckily, there is a way that you can get the straighter smile you want without needing to wear an obvious orthodontic brace.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we can offer many of our adult, teenage and even younger patients clear braces W1, to help them achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile without putting a temporary dent in their self-esteem.

Here, we answer the most common questions that our patients have about the ever-popular clear braces W1.

Clear braces; what are they?

It may seem like an odd statement as it stands; to have nearly invisible or clear braces W1.

However, these types of braces are becoming more common, especially if you are a patient who has an alignment problem that requires something a bit more sturdy than invisible aligners, but is also not so complex as to require a full orthodontic brace.

In short, these braces are made primarily of metal, but the archwire is thinner overall and the brackets that are used to hold them to the teeth are made from either clear plastic or enamel coloured plastic.

This allows them to be tightened or adjusted but also helps them to remain discreet.

Are they only for cosmetic issues?

No, they aren’t.

As these braces are fitted to the teeth, they can be used to treat more complex cases of dental misalignment.

And as we mentioned earlier, these types of braces do need to be adjusted and tightened, so they can offer more personalised treatment for severe dental misalignments or protrusions.

Can anyone have them fitted?

Unlike invisible aligners, clear braces do not have such a restrictive age limit, provided adult teeth are through. Children and teenagers can have them fitted if they wish and if our team deems it appropriate.

But as these braces are fitted, we have to make sure that those who do wear them will be able to care for their teeth correctly, as wearing braces can get quite fiddly, and we of course want your teeth to remain in good condition while you have them straightened.

Are they uncomfortable?

In simple terms, many orthodontic tools can cause a bit of discomfort.

And as these braces are fitted, they are designed to manage more complex cases of dental misalignment and will require tightening. So, while they are physically unable to use the same amount of force as standard braces to move teeth, they still have a bit of strength on their side and can cause a bit of a twinge following adjustments.

But if you find these braces uncomfortable after having them adjusted, we recommend using over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. And if you find yourself experiencing intense discomfort due to these braces, please book yourself in for a check-up with our team so we can assess the issue!

How long is the treatment time?

With clear or nearly invisible braces, the treatment time isn’t set and depends on the severity of the misalignment being treated.

But, as an average, these braces can take anywhere between 3-9 months to straighten your teeth.

Advantages of professional teeth whitening

Do you want a whiter smile but don’t know whether it is worth attending a dental surgery to have it done?

When you come to Harley Street Dental Clinic, our teeth whitening Harley Street will leave you with a smile you wouldn’t want to stop showing off and results that can last well over a year. Great!

In this article, we look at some of the key advantages of undertaking teeth whitening Harley Street.

Thorough results

Many patients who undertake teeth whitening Harley Street are surprised at how different the results look from other times when they have attempted to whiten their teeth at home using gels, toothpaste or powders.

And, of course, one of the key differences is that our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic will not only whiten the front of your teeth, but we will whiten the entire surface of the tooth and can match our gels to remove deeply set stains. This will create a more even-looking finish and a more thorough result.

Quicker results

When you have been trying to whiten your teeth at home using gels or toothpaste, you may have become frustrated at the time it took to remove even the simplest surface stain.

And even if you did experience success when using at-home whitening products, one of the key benefits of having your teeth whitened by a member of our team is that the whitening effect will occur a lot sooner.

We often state to our patients that any whitening that occurs at our clinic takes place over 2 or even 3 sessions. Our team will lighten your teeth with an oxidizing gel and send you home with some targeted whitening gel to wear in a mouthguard overnight for the next 14 days.

Once this is over, we will then often work to remove any stubborn stains in the chair, ensuring that you are left with a whiter and brighter smile that lasts.

Sensitivity issues

If you have used an over-the-counter bleaching product to whiten your teeth, chances are you may have experienced a problem with worsening sensitivity. Yikes!

Whilst there is a link between undertaking dental whitening and sensitive teeth worsening, our team can ensure that the gels we use and other treatments we apply to whiten your teeth will not worsen any underlying sensitivity.

Of course, if you suffer from extreme sensitivity, our team could offer you a different option for tooth whitening, such as veneers or composite bonding.

Longer lasting effects

As we briefly mentioned earlier, when you have your teeth whitened professionally, the results will last longer.

Whilst the treatment isn’t permanent, it can last anywhere from 2 months to 3 years, depending on your lifestyle and whether you maintain it at home using the gels we provide. So, it’s well worth investing in the longevity of your whiter smile.

Confidence!

And finally, there is the confidence that you will have in a job well done by our team!

As we will base the level of whitening on what your aesthetic goals are, you can rest assured that the final result will leave you with the smile you have always wanted.

What’s not to like about that? For more information on dental whitening, please contact our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic today.

Daily use of Invisalign; FAQs answered

Do you want to use invisible aligners to straighten your smile but have some questions about their everyday use?

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At Harley Street Dental, our team is proud to offer our suitable patients Invisalign Harley Street and have the expertise to answer any questions that you may have about this aligner.

Below, our team answers some of the most common questions we receive about the daily use of Invisalign Harley Street. So, read on and enjoy!

Can you smoke whilst wearing invisible aligners?

You should refrain from smoking when using Invisalign Harley Street.

Not only does smoking cause the aligners to become stained due to nicotine, but it also increases the chances of you developing gum disease and oral cancers.

Should I brush my teeth all the time with invisible aligners?

Whenever you use a brace or aligner, your dental hygiene will have to improve to ensure that your teeth and gums do not become damaged.

And so, when you remove your aligners to eat, you will need to give your teeth a quick brush before you put the aligners back in. And yes, that does include when you are at work or out with friends!

This will prevent any food debris from being pushed against your teeth and will, therefore, minimise the occurrence of cavities.

What are chewies and how do they help?

Chewies are relatively new to the world of aligners, and they only have one real purpose: to help your aligners track well with your teeth.

When you put your aligners in, you may notice that they are a bit fiddly to get into place around your mouth. Therefore, chewies, which resemble earplugs but longer, are used to ensure that your aligner sits in the right place, helping your teeth reap the benefits of the appliance.

I have a stain on my aligner; what should I do?

Stains on aligners are nothing short of a nuisance; how can an aligner be invisible if it is stained?!

Should you have a stained aligner, there are a few things you can do. First, gently brush the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush and some toothpaste; do not use mouthwash as this can stain the aligners even more. Never rinse your aligner under a hot tap since this could cause them to warp.

Should the stain persist, you can invest in a cleaner designed especially for Invisalign aligners. But remember, each aligner is usually worn for about 2 weeks, so if the stain doesn’t seem to leave, you won’t have to suffer with it for long.

My aligners hurt my inner cheeks; how do I manage this?

Since invisible aligners are made from 3D printed plastic, chances are that when you first receive them or begin wearing a new aligner in the series, there will be a bit of rubbing and soreness.

However, to mitigate this, our team recommends using dental wax. Dental wax is a malleable wax that can be placed over the sharper, hard parts of the aligner to cushion the softer tissues of the mouth. Use the wax until the plastic on the aligner naturally wears down, which will usually occur in a few days.

Top facts about dermal fillers from Harley Street Dental Clinic

Are you looking for a way to rejuvenate your appearance without surgery?

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At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can offer our patients a myriad of different facial cosmetic procedures, including treatments such as dermal fillers W1.

Below are 5 things you may not know about dermal fillers W1, so read on to learn more.

Hyaluronic acid is natural

The key ingredient in dermal fillers W1 that we use is hyaluronic acid.

And whilst this can sound intimidating to those who are unfamiliar with it, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring protein that is being replaced by the injections associated with fillers.

After the age of about 30, the body begins to produce less and less hyaluronic acid along with collagen, and this is the reason why the skin becomes more wrinkled and saggy.

By injecting hyaluronic acid, our team can plump your skin, reduce the occurrence of lines and wrinkles and boost your body’s natural production of collagen. Great stuff!

Fillers are not the same as wrinkle injections

If you have been looking online at wrinkle injections, you may have concluded that hyaluronic acid and wrinkle injections are the same thing.

In short, they aren’t.

Wrinkle injections typically involve a protein being injected into the nerves, allowing the surrounding muscles to relax and thus the wrinkles to lessen over time (usually 3-4 months).

Fillers, however, are just that; an injection that fills the wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, plumping the skin. The two treatments can be used together, but our team will need to determine whether it is required.

The results are not permanent

It is a sad reality that no cosmetic treatment is permanent, and when it comes to dermal fillers, the longevity of the results will depend on where the fillers have been injected, your age at the time of injection and your lifestyle choices.

For instance, if you have fillers injected under your eyes (one of the shorter-lived areas for fillers), you smoke and are in your 50s, the results will not be as long-lived as they would’ve been for a non-smoker in their 30’s having fillers injected in their foreheads.

For better guidance on how long your fillers may last, please talk to our team.

There is no downtime required

As fillers are considered a non-invasive procedure, there is no real downtime involved.

However, you will need to refrain from rubbing the area where you have had the injection for a minimum of 24 hours post-treatment. Pressure directly on top of the fillers within this period can cause them to move under the skin. Similarly, an increase in metabolic activity, such as strenuous exercise, can also cause the fillers to move; therefore, the gym is best avoided too.

But, you can have fillers injected by our team during your lunch break if needed and return to work straight after with no ill effects.

You need a professional!

Whilst it can seem like a simple procedure to have performed, things can go wrong when dermal fillers are injected, and so, you should do your homework when looking for a professional to inject them. Our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic is trained in this procedure and has helped thousands of patients restore their appearance using dermal fillers.

Myths about dental implants debunked

Have you heard that oral implants fall out?

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When you come to us for dental implants Harley Street, our team can advise you on your suitability for oral implants, advise you on how best to take care of them and will straighten out any myths or mistruths that you have read online.

Here, we take a look at some of the most prevalent myths that surround dental implants Harley Street, so you can learn the truth about his procedure. Enjoy!

Myth 1 – oral implants don’t last long

With the correct aftercare and oral hygiene, dental implants Harley Street can easily last up to and over 15 years.

That means seeing our team biannually for checkups, brushing twice a day and staying on top of issues such as gum disease.

Myth 2 – you can get implants abroad for cheaper

Technically, this isn’t a myth, but we have included it in this list for a reason.

In short, the reason oral implants are offered to patients for cheaper abroad is linked to the tools and experience that is put into them. At Harley Street, we always use the latest technology and equipment to ensure that your implants are fitted properly and that they will last. If you find oral implants abroad for a lower price, chances are that their longevity is not going to be as good, so it is best avoided altogether.

Myth 3 – implants are uncomfortable

Some people assume that having oral implants fitted is going to be uncomfortable.

Rest assured that when our team at Harley Street Dental fits them, you will be completely numbed and won’t feel any discomfort.

However, once you are at home, any discomfort (which should feel no worse than a dental extraction) should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol. If you have issues coping with the level of discomfort that accompanies your oral implant fitting, please contact our team.

Myth 4 – implants are for older people

There is an idea that people who have oral implants tend to be older, and may be looking for a way to replace the use of dentures.

And whilst it is true that oral implants have made an impact on that particular dental demographic, many younger people have also noticed the advantages of this restorative procedure.

So, as long as you are over the age of 18 and have good oral and physical health, you will probably be a suitable candidate for oral implants.

Myth 5 – anyone can have implants

We wish this were true, but sadly, it isn’t!

The most common type of oral implant used in dentistry today is the endosteal implant.

And, as such, some requirements need to be met for you to be fitted with this implant. For instance, you need to have good overall oral health and a good amount of healthy jawbone, which our team will determine by using an x-ray to get a better look at your jaw.

And finally, you need to have good overall general health; many conditions can prevent oral implants from fusing correctly. Furthermore, if you have an autoimmune condition, then the medications you take may prevent your implants from fusing. Similarly, if you have an illness such as osteoporosis, then it can be more difficult for implants to not only fuse but also stay in place for the desired time. If you have any concerns that a health condition could impact you having oral implants fitted, please talk to our team.

Reasons to see our emergency dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic

Do you have a toothache that is keeping you awake?

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At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our dentist W1 is proud to offer emergency dental treatment to all our patients as well as a triage service for those who are uncertain whether they require urgent dental care.

Here, our dentist W1 runs through the most common reasons why people seek out emergency dental treatment.

Discomfort

A universal indicator that you need to see our emergency dentist W1 is if you are in discomfort.

If this discomfort has come on suddenly or has been gradually creeping up, you still need to seek help since oral discomfort can be indicative of anything from a dental abscess to a lost filling.

So, if you have a toothache that is distracting you, call our team!

Ulcers

Many people have experienced ulcers, especially when they have been unwell or stressed.

And whilst there is nothing inherently urgent about an ulcer in your mouth, if you notice that they are recurring or one of them is larger than a 5 pence piece, then you should seek emergency medical attention from our dental team.

Ulcers that are large or persistent can be an indicator of oral cancer, so it is best to get them checked out as early as possible.

Swelling

Swelling to the face, neck, gums or jaw should always be treated as some kind of emergency, especially if it seems to develop quickly.

Once again, even if this swelling does not hurt and you can identify the cause of the swelling, you will still need to seek medical attention from our emergency team. In most cases, oral swelling is linked to an abscess, a food allergy or even an impacted tooth, all of which need urgent treatment.

If you have a swelling that is preventing you from eating or drinking, seek emergency treatment from your nearest hospital.

Lost restorative

If you have fillings or crowns, there is a high chance that after 10 years, they may come loose or fall out. This likelihood increases if your fillings or crowns are made from amalgam or have a metal element in them as these expand and contract with hot and cold liquids.

You may have heard that losing a filling or crown is uncomfortable; however, this is not always the case. So, if you notice that you have lost a filling or crown, do not delay in seeking emergency treatment, even if there is no pain.

We will always aim to restore the lost filling or crown, and provided that there has not been a delay in treatment, we will rarely have to perform any work that is more extensive or invasive.

Bleeding

If you have recently had blunt force trauma to your face, then some bleeding is to be expected.

However, if you have applied pressure to the source of the bleed (with clean gauze) for around 20 minutes and it is still bleeding, then you will need to book yourself in to see our emergency team.

We will aim to stem the flow of the bleed and treat the underlying cause; should that be an injury, we may apply stitches.

If you are uncertain whether you have a dental emergency, please contact our team for advice.

Why it is important to see our dentist regularly

The majority of people in the UK, and indeed worldwide, avoid attending their dental surgery unless they have a dental emergency.

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And whilst this may seem like the perfect plan, especially if you don’t suffer from bad or weak teeth, it can very quickly become a bad idea to avoid dental checkups.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we know how important prevention is in dental care, and our dentist Harley Street recommends that all of our patients attend a checkup every 6 months as a bare minimum. That way, we can provide easier treatments to problems, which, if left untreated, may result in more intense procedures further down the line.

On to specifics; why is it important to see our dentist Harley Street at least twice a year? Read on to find out.

Cleaning

We know that you are, at heart, a good dental patient who cleans their teeth twice a day, avoids sugar and will always inform us if there is a dental issue.

However, when you visit our dentist Harley Street, we can clean your teeth thoroughly, removing any calcified plaque (tartar) and ensuring that there is no plaque underneath your gum line.

This will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy and, in the long-term, your overall health in better condition.

Decay prevention

OK, so when you hear the word ‘decay’ concerning teeth, you probably think that this entails treatments such as fillings or crowns.

Well, whilst that is part of the restorative aspect, we can offer sealants to prevent decay from forming, keeping your teeth healthy and intact without the need for any further procedures. Great!

Gum disease prevention

A simple checkup can also help to prevent gum disease.

By examining your teeth, we can determine whether you need to brush your teeth more regularly, have an active case of gum disease or need to see our on-site hygienist to remove plaque.

Oral cancer screening

Oral cancer is on the rise in the UK; however, it is also one of the most preventable of all cancers.

The best way to detect and treat any signs of oral cancer is to attend a dental checkup once every 6 months with our team. We are trained to spot anything unusual or suspicious in your mouth and can refer you to the appropriate professionals for treatment if needed.

Remember, oral cancer is not only one of the most preventable cancers, but it is one of the easiest to treat too. So, to safeguard your general health, please attend our surgery for checkups and cancer screenings.

Cosmetics!

Suppose you have had a gap in your smile for a few years now and are eager to have it filled, how else will you manage this without attending a dental checkup and discussing it with our team? A checkup provides far more than an opportunity for our team to check your teeth for signs of decay. Rather, it allows us to discuss treatment options with you to help you get the smile that you have always wanted whilst giving you the green light about your dental health too.

Importance of cosmetic dental treatments at Harley Street

The term cosmetic tends to conjure up the idea that these procedures are for aesthetic purposes only. This could not be further from the truth, cosmetic treatments Harley Street are far more important than merely to enhance your looks. A number of different procedures are undertaken to correct various dental problems. Teeth that are crooked, chipped, gapped and have become discoloured are some such problems. An overbite or underbite can inhibit your ability to chew your food correctly which can result in gastric problems developing.

Our teeth affect our physical and mental wellbeing

Harley Street Dental Clinic has invested in providing our patients with the best treatments available, through our regular staff training to keep up to date with procedures and with the latest equipment. Our mouths allow us to eat and drink, and our teeth, gums and jaw ensure that we masticate our food in such a way that our body can digest that food. Harmful bacteria caused by teeth and gums that have not been properly maintained can lead to serious lung and heart problems. Cosmetic treatments Harley Street aim to correct any dental problems and also enhance your smile and consequently your self-confidence and mental wellness.

What treatments are available?

We believe that our cosmetic treatments Harley Street offer a very wide range of dental procedures, some more complex than others. There has been such amazing progress in dental implant procedures that we believe that it is the better alternative to replace missing teeth. The whole concept of implanting a post into the jawbone to mimic a natural tooth root allows for a stable tooth replacement. This procedure can now be done to replace one tooth or a number of teeth utilising just one implant. By using just four implants we can now replace an entire mouthful of teeth.

For misaligned teeth, technology has provided us with more modern and comfortable appliances. The traditional dental brace has been remodelled and is now a more effective and comfortable way to straighten teeth. In addition the introduction of dental aligners which fit over the teeth like a gumshield and are made from a clear dental material have attracted adults who previously would not wear a traditional brace. These aligners are produced in a series, each with a slightly different orientation, which very gradually moves your teeth into alignment. The procedure takes around ten to twelve months, but we are able to show you how your teeth will look even before we commence the treatment. Full mouth rehabilitation, crowns and bridges are also treatments that can benefit both your dental and cosmetic requirements.

A healthy smile

Teeth whitening is undertaken by many patients using over-the-counter solutions, but we believe that having your teeth whitened at our dental practice is far safer and more effective. Teeth discolouration comes in a variety of forms and can be an indication of something more serious. Our dentists and hygienists are trained to identify problems that may manifest at a later stage and one of the signs of possible problems is the type of tooth discolouration you want removed. Certain spots can indicate coeliac disease, fluorosis is identified by the lacy markings left on the enamel. We would like to help you stay healthy by attending regular six monthly check-ups and by allowing us to do your teeth whitening, we are confident that we can fulfil this responsibility.

Find out what you need to know about getting lip fillers

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we know that getting older can be difficult, especially when our face starts to show signs of ageing. Fine lines and wrinkles can appear around the mouth as your skin depletes its natural supply of collagen and hyaluronic acid, leaving you feeling incredibly insecure when you smile. That’s why we offer treatments tailored to your needs when it comes to keeping your appearance youthful. If your lips have become thin they may disappear completely when you smile, making you reluctant to laugh around other people. We believe that getting lip fillers Harley Street can dramatically reduce the signs of ageing. For those people who wish to have other areas of their face and neck treated we may recommend dermal fillers instead, which are a slightly different treatment and can last up to twelve months.

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Avoid developing thin lips and keep your smile youthful

It is a fact that as we age so does our skin, teeth and even lips, but nobody wants to age prematurely. Wrinkles form around our lips naturally as we age, and people who have smoked for a long time will often find that their lips become thinner sooner. Having fine lines or no lips when you smile can cause all sorts of insecurities and leave you with incredibly low self-esteem. Getting lip fillers Harley Street is one way that you can keep your lips looking full, youthful and wrinkle free, and it is a completely non-surgical treatment, so you do not need to worry about going into hospital or staying anywhere for a lengthy period of time. Treatment generally takes around an hour and you can walk straight out of our practice as soon as you are done, but with a visibly fuller pout. This treatment can also reduce the appearance of fine lines around your mouth, making your skin appear much smoother and firmer. 

Stay in control of your look

Some people are reluctant about getting lip fillers Harley Street because they are not sure if they are going to like the results and worry that their lips will be changed forever. If you are worried about getting treatment then we recommend that you book a consultation appointment to discuss your concerns with one of our practitioners. They will be able to talk you through the entire process and answer any questions you have, as well as showing you before and after images to illustrate to you how the treatment changes the shape of patients’ lips. The filler itself dissolves naturally over time, so for those of you who are among the minority that are not satisfied with the results you do not need to panic about your lips never returning to their original shape. It takes about six months to dissolve, but they will go back to exactly how they were. For those of you who are happy with your results and wish to keep your treatment up, one of our practitioners will let you know when you need to come in for a top-up appointment, but this will generally be around six months after you have initially had treatment.

What’s our Invisalign process?

More and more people are looking for a discreet way to straighten their smile, and here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can help you with this. Our Invisalign W1 treatment can be a great help if you are wanting to straighten your teeth, but do not want to draw any added attention to your mouth during the process.

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What are they?

There are so many options out there when it comes to teeth straightening treatments, and this is one of the most popular. The treatment brings both good results, and a discreet process, giving you the peace of mind that you can still feel confident whilst improving the look of your smile.

What happens?

Consultation

If you decide you want to get Invisalign W1 with us, we will first have a consultation appointment with you. The consultation is an important part of the process, as it allows us to get to know you and what you want to get out of the treatment. We will lay out all of the details about how the treatment works, what your results will be and more.

Another important thing that we do during the consultation is take a 3D scan of your teeth using our brand new iTero machine. It allows us to take very detailed 3D scans of your teeth and gums, without doing anything too invasive. There is a wand attached to the machine, which we will place in your mouth to do the scan, which can increase comfort compared to some other methods. Something we and our patients have loved about the iTero scanner is that it simulates what your results should look like after your treatment, which is very exciting to see!

Once you have your aligners

If you decide you want to go ahead with the Invisalign W1 treatment once the consultation is done, we will send off your scans so that your clear aligners can be created. They are made out of a soft, thin plastic that is moulded perfectly to your teeth and they are easily removable. We will provide you with multiple aligners, each one being slightly different, and you will change between them yourself every couple of weeks to allow for a gentle, but effective movement of your teeth. The total treatment time for this can vary anywhere from 4-18 months, and you will only need to have an appointment with us every 6 weeks during this.

Why choose this treatment?

There are so many things that make this treatment popular and effective, whether it’s for your appearance or your oral health. Having straighter teeth can really help to boost your confidence, as well as keeping your teeth in the best condition possible.

One of the main reasons that people get this treatment with us is because of the use of the clear aligners. Sometimes, our patients don’t want to affect how they look whilst straightening their teeth, and this treatment is perfect for that.

Another advantage that our patients enjoy is the ease of our process, as there are no invasive surgeries and fewer dental appointments, meaning you can get on with your life whilst improving the look of your smile.