Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Invisalign – how you can get orthodontic treatment that no one will ever notice!

A straighter, more attractive smile doesn’t necessarily have to involve the bulky heavy traditional braces that a lot of people think of when they consider orthodontic treatment. Let’s find out more about Invisalign W1 and how it could help you.

A set of clear aligners, this system uses transparent plastic devices to consistently push on your teeth, moving them into new positions. They are a very lightweight comfortable shield and each aligner is only useful for a short period – up to 2 weeks. Therefore, a set of aligners is used to take your teeth from their current position to a more aligned final one.

Best used on cosmetic cases or those involving the front teeth, these aligners can be useful in the event of surprisingly complicated situations if used appropriately and diligently by the patient. Aligners have to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day to be effective. If you fall behind in your treatment schedule you may wear out an aligner before it is appropriate to move on to the next one. Should you fall behind on your treatment, there may be delays and your teeth may even revert back to their original position due to the overuse of one aligner.

Invisalign W1 has been particularly popular with our working patients and this is probably due to the convenience and subtlety. Fewer dental appointments are required throughout the treatment cycle with clear aligners. Additionally, for those who have to partake in public speaking or regular professional meetings and may be concerned about their appearance, aligners also offer discretion. One of the issues that we find is patients removing their aligners too often, which can become a little counterproductive towards their goal. But, with diligent use, we have found aligners to be highly effective in most situations matching that of a brace.

Having well meshing and close-fitting teeth is not just an aesthetic concern; many problems are caused by having an ill-fitting dental arrangement. But your body will attempt to compensate for your teeth position by chewing differently, thus putting additional stress on your temporomandibular joint.

Distress is not initially noticed but will eventually result in chronic headaches, neck pain, jaw discomfort or a clicking and locking jaw, all of which can be resolved by dealing with the underlying misalignment.

We are very pleased to be a distributor of Invisalign W1. If you are curious about how clear aligners could help you or one of your family members, please feel free to get in contact with us at Harley Street Dental Clinic. We will be happy to answer as many questions as possible over the phone; however, each patient’s care is different and we may need you to come in for an assessment to be sure that clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option for you. Unfortunately, we cannot give estimates on how long the treatment may take without the initial assessment as the level of misalignment can vary greatly and this can impact the overall treatment cycle.

Composite bonding vs veneers; which is better for you?

The world is somewhat abuzz with all things relating to cosmetic dental care.

And, as many people want to have whiter teeth without the sensitivity concerns of bleach-based whitening, there has been a shift in recent years towards obtaining whiter teeth using laminates. Placed over the teeth, these options can whiten, brighten and conceal imperfections on the teeth instantly, without damaging the enamel or the gums.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are proud to be able to offer our patients 2 of the most popular laminate-based treatments in the field of cosmetic dental care; porcelain laminates and composite bonding Harley Street.

But which is better? Here, our team lists 5 things you may not know about composite bonding Harley Street when compared to porcelain veneers. Enjoy!

Non-invasive

The way we fit composite bonding Harley Street and dental veneers are very different.

With veneers, we have to file part of the enamel off to place the dental cement and then the veneer. The composite option is placed straight onto the tooth and is shaped using a drill so no damage to the tooth occurs, making it the less invasive of the two treatments. However, as you may have guessed, this type of finish requires a lot of skill to master, but our team is able to create a finish that will turn heads wherever you go!

Immediate

When you have veneers fitted, you will need at least two visits to our team; the first to take the scans or the mould of the teeth and the second for the placement of the veneers. When you have composite coverings performed, we can place and shape them within one appointment, making them the more time-efficient option.

Cost-effective

Composite coverings are more cost-effective for many patients; this is because they require no specific printing or shaping and they do not need a dental technician to create them in a laboratory. As they are shaped by our team, they can save you a lot of money with the same great finish as veneers.

Durable

Yes, porcelain veneers are hardy and can stand pressure being applied to them but so can composite options. They don’t chip, break or crack easily and you can use them to bite into tough foods. They are often used as part of crown fixtures too, which aim to rebuild the entire tooth from scratch.They are also naturally stain-resistant, making them a good long term option when it comes to restoring your smile.

Versatile

When it comes to correcting minor imperfections in a tooth, such as chips or cracks, or hiding deeply rooted staining, both composite and veneers hold up well. Also, they are both used to correct issues with minor misalignments as well as concealing small cracks between the teeth. So, if you are looking for a way to spruce up your smile in a cost-effective manner without causing issues with oral sensitivity, it may be time to ask our team about composite laminates.

Remember, we will only advise the use of composite laminates if you have good overall oral health so, contact our team today for a checkup and consultation.

Straighter teeth without the brace? Consider clear braces W1

There are many reasons why a patient may not have received the orthodontic care they require earlier in life; one of them is that they may have been concerned about how they will be perceived in a brace. But did you know there are lots of options that are unlikely to be noticed in public, like clear braces W1?

Often, adult orthodontic patients have concerns over how their appearance will be affected by the treatment not only upon completion but throughout the procedure. There seems to be a higher tolerance amongst teenage and adolescent patients to wait out their treatment in order to enjoy the results of well-proportioned, aligned and meshing teeth. But, with adults who have pressing responsibilities (perhaps that necessitate them to carry out professional meetings or public speaking), the idea of inconspicuous alignment methods is a calming thought.

Clear braces W1 are polymer ceramic braces constructed so the archwires are kept as thin as possible and the translucent brackets allow them to seamlessly blend with the rest of your teeth. They are fitted as discreetly as possible to give you the full capacity of treatment from a traditional brace with the subtlety that you would normally only see with clear aligners. Clear braces W1 can be an excellent middle ground for those with moderate to severe orthodontic needs but who do not wish to use more extensive braces or headgear.

So, if you are looking for low-impact tooth realignment and have been rejected as a suitable candidate for aligners, these translucent braces may be exactly what you need. Our dental team, at Harley Street Dental Clinic, has extensive experience in fitting and maintaining these braces and a long track record of proven work whose portfolios are openly available upon request.

We are excited to provide several clear or invisible brace systems at our clinic and provide our patients with the confidence and care they require. Exactly which option would be more appropriate for you will be discussed after a full assessment as each clinical case is different and any advice would have to be tailored to you.

There are also justified medical reasons for seeking out adult orthodontics that are actually more important than the cosmetically driven ones. Temporomandibular joint pain is common in adults who have lived many years with misaligned teeth and can be resolved by wearing a brace.

It is a condition that creeps up and is caused by the alterations your body has made due to misaligned jaws or teeth. This puts additional stress upon your temporomandibular joints and results in chronic neck pain, headaches and clicking and locking jaws. It can be a very disrupting chronic condition that has a huge impact on your everyday life.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain and are curious if one of the options that have been mentioned could help you obtain the straighter smile you want, then contact our team, at Harley Street Dental Clinic, for an orthodontic assessment and we will do our very best to help you.

Myths about teeth whitening debunked

When it comes to dental whitening, you may have heard a myriad of different truths about what can and cannot be achieved using in-surgery or at-home treatments.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are proud of the results we have obtained year after year using teeth whitening Harley Street. When you come to us, we can guarantee that you will leave with a wonderful smile.

So, what are some of the most common myths our team hears about teeth whitening Harley Street?

Professional whitening results can be achieved at home

If you want to whiten your teeth inexpensively, you may opt for using an at-home whitening gel or polish.

It is unlikely that these options will result in you obtaining a whiter smile and they may even cause damage to your gums and enamel. When you come to us for teeth whitening Harley Street, we will always aim to match the results of our treatments to what you want and, with our expertise, ensure that there will be no damage done to your teeth or gums.

Gums and toothpaste can whiten teeth

There are many pastes and gums on the market that boast being able to whiten teeth.

But, if you have extensively stained teeth, these are unlikely to work. Even the strongest toothpaste available on the market for whitening contains less than 3% peroxide, which, when compared to the 60% solution that we use in surgery, is unlikely to achieve the desired result.

The strongest gels are the best for whitening

It is easy to see where this myth comes from. After all, a stronger solution of anything equates to a better result, doesn’t it?

When it comes to whitening your teeth, however, our team will select the strength of the whitening gel we use based on what your desired result is. Also, if you are looking for an ice-white smile, we may have to spread the treatment out over several sessions and will not use the strongest whitening gel in the first instance; this can cause damage and will not result in the best long term whitening.

Diet has no impact on dental whitening

Just as your diet can affect your teeth before you have them whitened, once you have had the treatment, your diet can play a large role in how long your teeth remain white.

Indeed, if you smoke or drink excessive quantities of alcohol, red wine or soda, it is unlikely that you will get the standard 6-8 months out of having your teeth professionally whitened.

While we will provide you with at-home top-ups, if you are worried about how long your whitening is likely to last based on your diet, please talk to our team.

Veneers or white fillings can be whitened

When you undertake whitening procedures, whether it is with our team or at home, it is important to remember that the gels used are for natural teeth only.

Ergo, if you have white fillings or veneers, they cannot be whitened along with the rest of your teeth.

Signs Invisalign isn’t working as planned by Harley Street Dental Clinic

As an adult, when it comes to straightening your teeth, you may feel that you have won the lottery when you are given the green light to go ahead with invisible aligners.

Invisible aligners can be removed, are easy to care for and, as the name suggests, are made from clear plastic, meaning that nobody will know you are wearing them unless you point them out.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are proud to be able to offer invisible aligners to our patients and frequently use Invisalign Harley Street to help correct dental misalignments such as spacing, overcrowding or bite issues without any problems at all. Great!

But what are some of the signs to look out for relating to Invisalign Harley Street not working as planned? Read on to find out!

Your teeth aren’t moving

One of the key benefits of wearing an invisible aligner is that you can see the aligner working.

And, as Invisalign Harley Street is removable, every day when you remove it, you will probably be looking for evidence that these aligners have been doing their job.

But what if your teeth aren’t moving? This is a tracking problem and it may be due to a more subtle movement that the particular aligner is responsible for. However, if you need some reassurance that the aligners are working, then book an appointment to see our team.

Your aligner constantly feels loose

Towards the end of the 2 weeks assigned for an aligner in the series, you can expect the aligner to feel loose; this is a sign that it has done its job and your teeth are now in the final position for that particular aligner.

However, if you put your next aligner in and that feels loose too, then you should contact our team. We may be able to either adjust the order in which you wear your aligners or identify a potential error with the fitting.

Your aligners feel overly tight

As you may know, when you put your invisible aligners in, the new tray is going to feel tight.

If you struggle to put it in properly, it may be time to invest in some chewies or other devices that are used to slot aligners into position.

But, if it is still difficult to do with the aid of aligner placement tools, then we will need to see you for a refitting. Overly tight aligners can put excess pressure on your teeth, leading to worsening misalignments if left untreated.

Wearing them is uncomfortable

When it comes to wearing braces or aligners, you can expect there to be some discomfort.

After all, these appliances are designed to move your teeth! With invisible aligners, you can expect discomfort to occur when you change between them, putting in a new one. But, if your discomfort lasts the entire 2-week period and interferes with your sleep, eating or concentration, please book an appointment to see our team. We recommend this even if the aligners are moving your teeth, as it can point to an underlying issue with your roots or jaw.

FAQs about dermal fillers answered

With our dental surgery at Harley Street Dental Clinic now offering all ranges of cosmetic dental procedures, we are happy to offer our patients non-surgical facial aesthetics too.

When you are looking for a way to refresh or rejuvenate your appearance, there is no easier way to do so than with a non-invasive, injectable cosmetic procedure. These procedures are typically painless, can often be performed during your lunch break at work and are cost-effective.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our team is trained in offering all manner of non-surgical treatments for refreshing the face, including lip fillers, chemical peels and dermal fillers W1. These can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving you a more even complexion that will glow day after day. What’s not to like about that?

Curious to learn more about the treatments we offer? Here, we will discuss dermal fillers W1 to help you decide if this procedure is right for you.

What are fillers?

Under the surface of the skin, there is a group of naturally occurring proteins such as collagen and hyaluronic acid that help to keep the skin looking firm and wrinkle-free.

Once most people hit the age of 30, the production of these proteins begin to reduce and thus, wrinkles appear to look deeper.

The dermal fillers W1 that we use are made of hyaluronic acid which, when injected into the subsurface of the skin, boosts the production of collagen and other acids and allows the skin above it to look firmer and plumper.

What can they treat?

Fillers can treat wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead, on the cheeks and around the smile lines too.

They can be used on certain areas of the neck too, but it is still debatable whether this is effective or not. However, if you aren’t sure that they can be used to improve the appearance of your wrinkles, talk to our team.

How are they applied?

They are applied via a thin syringe into the subsurface of the skin.

This is typically done with minimal discomfort but, if you are worried about pain, we can apply numbing gels before we inject them.

Is there any aftercare I need to know about?

When it comes to hyaluronic acid being injected, there is some rather strict aftercare that can extend the effectiveness of the treatment.

For instance, we advise that you sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first 2-3 days post-injection and that you avoid putting pressure onto the site where you have had the injections as this can cause the filler to move out of position.

Avoid sunbathing, sunbeds, smoking or drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours post-injection.

When can I have them reapplied?

Fillers will typically last between 6-18 months, depending on where they have been applied.

If you are looking to have them reapplied, our team can do this every 6 months. Remember, the lifespan of your fillers will depend on the depth of the wrinkles you are treating, your age and other factors like lifestyle. For more advice on this treatment, contact our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

When something goes wrong with your dental implants

When you have lost one or several of your adult teeth, you will have undoubtedly looked online for ways to conceal the gaps and restore your bite function.

Also, you will have probably heard about oral implants. Fixed to your jaw, these small screw-like objects fuse with the jawbone over 6 months, acting as a solid anchor for the prosthetic tooth or teeth that we will place on top of it.

When you come to Harley Street Dental Clinic looking to resolve missing teeth, we will always aim to provide you with dental implants Harley Street. From the initial x-rays through to the aftercare, we do it all to ensure that any questions you may have are answered, allowing you to make the right choices for your dental health.

But there are occasions when things can go awry. So, when you are back home after your dental implants Harley Street have been fitted, you will need to know how to identify these issues. Here, we list some of the signs that you need to see our team urgently regarding your implants.

Constant discomfort

Yes, you’ve just had dental implants Harley Street fitted so, you’re going to be in a bit of discomfort for at least a week!

If your discomfort continues despite the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, then you need to contact our team for an emergency appointment. This also applies if, after you have just had the prosthetics fitted, you experience difficulties or soreness when you bite into or chew food.

Bleeding

Bleeding is to be expected following the fitting of your implants.

But, if it goes on for more than 4 days and is excessive in nature, then our team will need to take a look. Excessive bleeding can signify an infection, which will need to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Discolouration

When you get home following the fitting of an implant, you may notice that your gums look a bit red and swollen. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern until it fails to resolve.

If the gums around your implant site look red, blue, purple or yellow for more than 4 days after the treatment, then you may have an infection and you will require an emergency appointment with our team.

Treated successfully, this will not cause a long term problem with your implants.

Visible wobbling

Even from day 1 of the implant fitting, if your implant is wobbling when you brush over it with your teeth, it will need to be assessed by our team as this should not be happening.

It could signify an issue with your jaw density, you may have applied too much pressure to it too soon or it may have simply come loose.

Either way, come to us and we will aim to restore it for you!

Recurring infections

Recurring infections around oral implants is not a good sign and may require us to remove the implant altogether.

If this is the end scenario, we will aim to fit you with another restorative, like a fitted bridge or a set of dentures.

Benefits of overcoming dental aversion with our dentist

Feeling apprehensive about attending dental checkups is nothing new.

It is a global phenomenon; many people are less than eager to have a dental team look in their mouths but, when this becomes a serious concern, you need to seek help.

If you are worried about dental checkups, the worst thing you can do is attempt to avoid the issue as this can not only deepen your phobia but also lead to worsening dental health.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we do not take dental phobias lightly and will work with you to help you overcome them. Our dentist W1 can offer sedation, distraction and even anaesthetic to help our most concerned patients manage checkups. So, if it has been a while since you got into the dental chair or you have worries about saying ‘aah’, come to us!

But what are some of the benefits of overcoming your dental phobia once and for all? Our dentist W1 offers the following insights.

Better oral health

We cannot emphasize having good oral health high enough on this list!

If you have a fear of seeing our dentist W1, then your oral health is going to be one of the first things to suffer. Cavities, decay and gum disease are more likely to go undetected and can lead to abscesses, tooth loss and even issues with facial symmetry.

Overcoming these worries will allow us to manage any conditions that you have. So, should you need extractions, we can then discuss restoratives with you when your dental health is in better shape. Great!

Better general health

The link between oral health and general health has been spoken about time and time again.

If you dodge your checkups, you will have a higher risk of plaque seeping into your system, where it can increase the chances of heart attacks, cancer or even strokes.

By seeing our team regularly, we can remove stubborn plaque with the help of our hygienist, and you can reap the benefits of improved physical health as a result of frequent dental checkups.

Confidence

Confidence should not be overlooked on this list. By overcoming a phobia, you will feel more capable and undoubtedly notice a boost in your self-esteem.

You will also feel happier because your teeth will look better as we will remove any plaque from the surface of your teeth during your checkup, thus creating a whiter and more attractive smile.

Creativity

With that whiter smile and improved self-esteem, you are probably going to smile more.

Studies have found that when you smile, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, both of which have been linked to increased creativity. So, overcoming your dental phobia can actually lead to a promotion at work!

Cosmetics

Touched upon earlier, once your oral health is in good condition, our team can begin to discuss any cosmetic treatments you may want to have.

If you want a whiter smile, we can offer teeth whitening or veneers. If you want teeth replaced, we can offer implants, all with the aim of restoring your smile.

Reasons to see our emergency dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic

Unsure if that toothache is getting better or worse? Have you noticed a swelling during your daily brushing that has you concerned?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we can offer same-day appointments to our patients when needed. Our emergency dentist Harley Street will make it their mission to resolve any discomfort you are in, while also diagnosing and treating the underlying problem. Great!

So, what are some of the signs that you need to see our emergency dentist Harley Street?

Swelling

Although a common trope in cartoons relating to sore teeth, a swollen mouth is no laughing matter.

Even if you have no discomfort but one part of your face, neck or inner mouth is swollen, you need to see our dentist Harley Street for an emergency appointment. The causes of oral swellings can range from an abscess to an impacted tooth or even a food allergy, all of which will need emergency medical treatment.

Bleeding

If you are a footballer in your spare time or you have just undertaken oral surgery, a bit of bleeding is to be expected.

But, if you apply gauze to the site of the bleed and it carries on at the same speed for over 20 minutes, we will need to see you. This will allow us to seal the impact site and assess the reason for the extreme bleed.

Broken, chipped or lost tooth

Exceedingly common among children and those who play contact sports, a broken, lost or chipped tooth requires a same-day appointment with our team.

If the tooth has come out entirely or broken at the gum, we can replace it using composite material and a crown. If there is a chip or crack, we will generally use composite to restore the tooth, providing a natural-looking finish.

Remember, damage to enamel can allow bacteria to get into your teeth which then lead to abscesses or decay. Neither is nice and both can be prevented! So, call us if any of these issues occur with you or a family member.

Lost or loose restoratives

Lost fillings or crowns are somewhat a part of life. If you lose a restorative or feel that one of them is wobbly, then you should book an emergency appointment, even if there is no discomfort.

Why? Because a loose restorative can allow bacteria to gain access to a sensitive part of the tooth, which can either worsen the decay or, in the worst-case scenario, lead to an abscess.

To avoid all of that, it is best to contact us if you notice any wobbling, soreness, sensitivity to heat or a feeling or bruising around a tooth that has either a crown or a filling.

Ulcers

How is an everyday oral ulcer an emergency?

Well, if you have had ulcers that have recurred over the last few months in the same part of your mouth, then this could be a warning sign that should not be ignored. Moreover, if your ulcers bleed, are white or have grown to the size of a 5 pence piece, then you will need to see our team urgently as these are signs of potential oral cancer.

A good place for orthodontics, Harley Street

Living with misaligned teeth can prove to be uncomfortable, as well as posing other issues within someone’s oral health and hygiene. This is one of the most common dental issues amongst adults living in the UK, due to the fact many of them made the decision not to engage with tooth alignment treatment when they were younger for their own very personal reasons.

If you are one of the adults who have grown to believe they made a mistake by not receiving treatment to aligned correctly, then please do not believe that you have let the chance of receiving treatment pass you by. We can now provide a new opportunity for you to receive the treatment you feel you need to align your teeth correctly.

More dental practices are offering tooth alignment treatment for their patients to access. You can now visit orthodontics, Harley Street to find out more about the treatment we offer.

People can access information about tooth alignment treatment easier than ever before, this has led to reports that more adults in the UK with misaligned teeth choosing to engage with alignment treatment and having their teeth fully aligned correctly. You may want to consider joining them by asking yourself if tooth alignment treatment could make a positive change in your life.

The use of orthodontics, Harley Street

The problems associated with misaligned, or crooked, teeth are varied, but many of them share one thing in common. They are all resolvable with tooth alignment treatment, which has seen some major changes in the last couple of decades due to advances in dental technologies.

In the past, many of the people who refused to engage with alignment treatment when they were younger, did so due to the way the treatment looked once in place as the only option that may have been offered was the metal and wire braces. Now they are investigating the modern treatments to find that the new treatments offer a far more discreet option for treatment.

The new breed of aligner has been designed to provide you with an option, that once in place, offers you a practically undetectable treatment for misaligned teeth. There is no need for you to be concerned about others spotting the aligner when being worn, as even when others look at you face on, they will not be able to tell that the aligner is in place.

Common issues resolved

If you are living with misaligned teeth, you may be struggling to maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, due to the teeth being difficult to clean in a consistent manner. Having your teeth realigned can solve this problem, as your teeth will be in their optimum positions making it easier for you to navigate them with a brush and floss them.

Another common problem associated with misaligned teeth is the feeling that you may be experiencing is a weakened bite, this can lead to problems with biting and chewing food, making eating an uncomfortable thing for you to do. Having the teeth aligned correctly can solve issues with the bite and improve the eating experience for you.

It is also common for misaligned teeth to give rise to someone having a speech impediment, again having the teeth align correctly can resolve these issues.

Make a change

If you are looking to resolve issues that are caused by misaligned teeth, you may want to consider orthodontics, Harley Street.

The HSDC’s reputation for superior dental care has been built up over the past 35 years by the principal, Dr Stanley Kay.

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