Replace your metal fillings with white fillings in Harley Street

A few decades ago, metal fillings were the norm in restorative dentistry. Also known as dental amalgams, metal fillings are traditionally black or silver in colour and are made of liquid mercury and metal alloys. Amalgam used to be very popular because of its strength and resilience. However, the presence of mercury in their composition has made them unpopular among patients.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, we can improve the aesthetic look of your smile by having your metal-coloured fillings replaced with tooth-coloured or white fillings. This is a quick and safe procedure, which involves your Harley Street dentist cleaning your tooth thoroughly, removing any decay, taking out the amalgam and replacing it with a strong and durable white filling. This process will free your smile from metallic gleams and give your teeth a more natural appearance.

white-fillings-in-harley-streetDisadvantages of metal fillings

Although it has been concluded that metal mercury fillings are not harmful to your health, a lot of problems can occur beneath these old fillings. Because metal fillings are impervious to X-rays, your Harley Street dentist cannot see any damage below the filling until it is very extensive. Sometimes, this can mean the need for root canal treatment.

Amalgam fillings do not prevent teeth from cracking. This is because they are not strong enough to protect your teeth. A metal filling in a tooth acts like a wedge, and every time you chew the pressure is transmitted to the rest of your teeth. If the filling covers more than half of the width of the tooth, it is quite likely that the tooth is going to crack, break or chip.

Unlike metal fillings, white fillings made of composite material blend with the rest of your teeth for a natural appearance. Moreover, white fillings are minimally invasive, since they require very little of the tooth structure to be removed, offering maximum stability.

Get in touch

If you wish to replace your metal fillings with white ones, a Harley Street dentist can help you achieve a natural and functional result. Call us today or contact us via our website to book an appointment.

We can help you close the gap

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, we can help you close the gap. Whether you are looking for cosmetic orthodontics to straighten up your smile and help your teeth to meet or you want to bridge the gap between your ideal version of yourself and where you are now, we are here to help.

We want to make visiting the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street easy so that you can take that first step towards a brighter smile.

cosmetic-dentistry-in-harley-streetWhat treatments do we offer?

When you visit the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, you may already have a look in mind. Our job is to take that vision and give you practical advice and information so you can choose which treatments you want to help you achieve it.

If you want a whiter smile then you might think that it is obvious that a whitening treatment is the way to go. However, your dentist can talk to you about longer lasting options as well, such as veneers. You might also need to consider this option if you have intrinsic stains which will not respond to whitening. These are marks that are acquired when the teeth are growing so they need to be covered rather than bleached.

For missing teeth, full or partial dentures might be an option. Did you know there are others such as dental implants? The improvement to your look from filling gaps in your smile is substantial and can give a real boost to your confidence.

Our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can offer you a broad range of treatments to suit many budgets and time frames. The important thing to know is that the choice is yours but we support you with everything you need to make it.

How do I pay for treatment?

Payment is often a patient concern when considering dental treatment. We will give you a full breakdown of the likely costs involved in your treatment as soon as possible after your first consultation. This allows you to prepare and to consider options like finance plans. These are available through our clinic to help you spread the cost over time so you can start your treatment journey today.

Worry-free endodontics

Sometimes our teeth get so badly infected that our dentist recommends root canal therapy.

This is the layman’s term for a branch of dentistry called endodontics. Harley Street Dental Clinic has a dentist who specialises in this kind of treatment.

endodontics-in-harley-streetWe know that many people get pretty frightened when they are told that they are going to need endodontics. Harley Street Dental Clinic’s, Dr Nectaria Polycarpouis our endodontist and she diagnoses inflammatory diseases and infections of the teeth, so that she can use advanced techniques, equipment and materials to resolve the problems.

Endodontics focuses on the inside of the tooth, the blood supply and nerves, and also around the tooth, if the infection has spread from the pulp. If the infection and inflammation are not dealt with, you can end up losing the infected tooth. Tooth loss leads to a whole new set of issues involving the jawbone and the surrounding teeth, so these days, dentists prefer that you hang on to your natural teeth as long as possible.

The treatment that is often recommended to deal with severe infection and inflammation inside the tooth is root canal treatment.

Root canal treatment involves the use of specialist equipment, such as a dental binocular microscope. Dr Polycarpou uses this to see into the roots of the tooth, and then clears out the infection. Once the roots have been totally cleared, they are filled, so that there cannot be further infection.

It is usually possible to carry out this treatment under local anaesthetic. But Dr Polycarpou understands that some people can become anxious at the thought of receiving this treatment, and they may also require sedation. Her main aim to make sure that the treatment is pain-free.

The treatment may require one or two visits to Harley Street Dental Clinic, with the average treatment taking between one and two hours. If you need more than one visit, you will be fitted with a temporary filling between visits to protect the tooth. Once the treatment is finished, Dr Polycarpou will most likely cover the root canal with a crown, to protect it and give it extra strength.

Two of our cosmetic treatments in detail

Part of the decision making process when you are considering visiting the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is information gathering. For any treatment, you need to know how long it will take, what your options are and what your experience will be like. One of our friendly, professional staff will be happy to take you through everything step by so you can be prepared.

Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, London, is a modern, bright practice with a team of excellent people covering a number of dental disciplines. This means that you can usually get all of your required work done in-house, in one place, so you are in surroundings that are familiar and comfortable.

cosmetic-dentist-in-harley-streetTeeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a very good value treatment. For the required investment of time, you can get a dramatic result that has a noticeable impact on your look and confidence. This makes it one of the most popular reasons to visit the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street.

If you have in-clinic whitening, the treatment time is around an hour. You do not need to do any preparation work if you have healthy teeth. If you need a bit of work done or are due a polish then your dentist may advise that you do this first.

For home whitening, you will have custom trays made before you begin your treatment. This means they will fit you well and keep the gel next to your teeth so it can do its work. This treatment initially takes around two to three weeks of wearing your trays for a few hours a day or overnight. Subsequent top ups will only take a few days at a time.

Veneers

Veneers are ultra-thin shells that are fitted over the top of any teeth you want to restyle – either the shape, size or colour. Again, your teeth need to be healthy before you start. This is because veneers are supported on the teeth underneath them.

Veneers are usually fitted across two appointments – one to measure you for them and one for the application itself.

When you visit the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, these are just two of a huge range of available treatments.

Why might you need an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has under taken extensive extra training so that they can specialise in correcting particular teeth issues. They work with misalignment of the teeth or the bite and can often also address issues like jaw pain, temporomandibular joint disorder, sleep apnoea (snoring)and uneven wear on the teeth. All of these problems can be corrected using methods that change the position of the teeth in some way.

orthodontics-in-harley-streetHow can I see an orthodontist in Harley Street?

You will normally be referred to an orthodontist by your dentist. At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, we have an in-house orthodontist as well as a general dentist. As we have a close working relationship with your orthodontist, this means you get great continuity of care and the chance to have your treatment in familiar surroundings. Whether you are looking for cosmetic benefits or have a clinical needs, we treat you with the same care and diligence.

What happens when you visit the orthodontist in Harley Street?

You orthodontist in Harley Street will begin to plan your work with you at our clinic. Part of the process is about mapping where the teeth will go and predicting what effect this will have on the rest of your teeth. This may require you to have teeth removed to make room for your other teeth to sit in a straight line. Sometimes, you need a tooth rotating or pulling down into positon. Your orthodontist will make all of the nuances of your treatment work together to give you a beautiful smile in the shortest time possible.

How long does treatment take?

Braces can be fitted reasonably quickly. It should take no more than a couple of hours at your first appointment and then considerably less than that at your regular check-ups. You have a number of options when it comes to type of braces and the focus of your treatment which your orthodontist will discuss with you. Different methods take varying degrees of time to get to the result that you want.

When you have chosen a method and agreed what you want to do with your practitioner, they will give you an estimate of how long the overall treatment time will be.

Take a look at our record

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, there are a few ways that you can check that we have all the technical experience you need.

dentist-in-harley-streetWhen you are looking for a dentist, one of the first things you need to know is whether they are qualified. You can check this at the clinic or through each practitioner’s membership of the General Dental Council. This is the regulatory body for dentists and indicates that certain criteria have been met in terms of training. It also shows that the dentist is up to date with their professional development. In certain cases, you may also be able to check that they are a specialist in their chosen field such as in the case of an orthodontist.

A more tangible way to check our experience is to look at our smile album online and read our patient testimonials. These are real people who have had treatments with us. Seeing the results can help to boost your confidence and guide you to the treatment you want. If you want something more independent then check out our reviews on Google.

What are you questions?

When you visit the dentist in Harley Street at our clinic, we want to give you all the information you need. While we have plenty of experience talking with patients and supplying the required information, everyone is different and we want to hear about anything you particularly want to know. This means coming along with your questions. Look around our site at our treatment offerings and research your choice online as well. This will give you general guidelines on what might happen and help you to formulate your questions.

Check-ups or major treatment

Whether you are looking for a dentist in Harley Street that you can rely on for comfortable, regular check-ups or you think you might want more extensive restorative or cosmetic work done, we will do everything we can to meet your needs. We approach every patient and treatment with the same degree of care and make adjustments to tailor the experience to you.

Visiting the dentist in Harley Street need not be a chore. It can be a positive, relaxed experience. Let us show you our high standard of support and care. We look forward to welcoming you for an initial chat.

Cosmetic dentistry: luxury or necessity?

Many patients think of cosmetic dentistry as an unnecessary luxury, mainly because of the high cost of many treatments. However, whether you are after major changes or slight repairs, a cosmetic dentist in London can apply different procedures to make your smile look better; some of which are very cost-effective.

cosmetic-dentistry-in-harley-streetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, you can choose from a wide selection of cosmetic dental services to transform your smile. Whether you’re interested in whitening your teeth, or are in need of a full smile makeover, an experienced cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will offer customised treatment plans to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Here are a few cosmetic dentistry services offered at Harley Dental Clinic to patients of all ages and means.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a quick, effective and relatively inexpensive way to achieve a brighter smile in just one visit to your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street. Professional in-house teeth whitening is more effective compared to over-the-counter treatments because the procedure is monitored by a dentist. The dentist can apply stronger bleaching agents to your teeth, while the rest of your mouth and your gums are protected. Professional teeth whitening can brighten your teeth up to ten shades in less than an hour, with lasting results.

Bonding

Composite bonding treatment uses tooth-coloured material to change the colour of your teeth, fill in spaces and gaps or cover the entire tooth.Bonding is less expensive compared to dental veneers and the results can last for a few years, however, it is more prone to chipping and erosion.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers, made from composite materials or porcelain, offer cost-effective solutions for worn tooth enamel, uneven teeth, abnormal spacing between teeth and chipped and cracked teeth. Veneers are similar to dental implants in that they offer a more permanent solution and can last as long as 20years if cared for properly.

Get in touch

A cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can answer all your questions and suggest the right procedure depending on the condition of your teeth and your budget. Cosmetic dentistry at Harley Street Dental Clinic is not a luxury reserved for the few.

Top reasons to visit an emergency dentist in Harley Street

Regular check-ups at your dentist usually need to be scheduled days, if not weeks,in advance. If you have a dental emergency, you will need help much more quickly, but deciding exactly what constitutes a dental emergency can be tricky.

emergency-dentist-in-harley-streetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, we understand that accidents happen. Our practice is open six days a week offering various services from teeth cleaning to oral surgery. Although we do not have a dedicated emergency dentist in Harley Street, if you experience an accident or pain, call us at our emergency service line and we will be able to direct you to the right person. We will strive to book an appointment for you as soon as possible in order to help you alleviate your pain and offer a permanent solution to your problem.

How do I know if I require urgent dental treatment?

Most dental emergencies are nowhere near the severity of a medical emergency, but the idea of extreme tooth pain is not pleasant. However, in some cases failure to seek immediate treatment will increase the risks of permanent tooth damage, gum disease and the need for extensive (not to mention expensive)dental treatments in the future.

Here are a few good reasons to visit a dentist at Harley Street as soon as possible.

Toothache

Pain from a damaged or infected tooth requires immediate dental attention since it can be extremely discomforting for the patient. To ease the pain before your appointment, follow the following steps:

  • Rinse your mouth with a mild water-salt solution;
  • Apply a cold compress on your cheek to minimise swelling;
  • Take a painkiller, but do not place it directly on your teeth or gums as it may burn the soft tissue.

Knocked-out teeth

Losing a tooth as a result of accidents, fights or sports activities is definitely in the category of dental emergencies, but luckily your dentist at Harley Street will be able to restore your tooth as long as you have held onto it carefully during the rush to the dental clinic. You can hold it in your mouth, or store it inside a cup of milk, and do not handle it by its root.

Top reasons to visit an orthodontist in Harley Street

We all understand how important it is to visit the dentist for regular check-ups, but very few people are aware of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Where common dental problems, such as cavities and plaque, are cared for by regular dentists, more complicated problems concerning teeth alignment and the positioning of the jaw can only be treated by an orthodontist.

orthodontics-harley-streetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic, DrEmma Lang and DrSarah Neal, are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of crooked teeth and bite issues. While you may not consider these as serious health issues, consulting an orthodontist in Harley Street will help you not only improve your smile, but also decrease the risk of dental health problems associated with crooked teeth, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Here are some good reasons why you should see an orthodontist in Harley Street:

Physical and psychological benefits

Your smile is one of your most important features. It is the first thing we notice when we greet someone and the last thing we remember when we say goodbye. Having confidence in your teeth can boost your self-esteem and change your life for the better. A straight, beautiful smile will help you radiate confidence and reduce teeth-induced stress.

In addition to the psychological benefits orthodontic treatment can offer, a straight smile means that your teeth will be easier to clean and your gums will stay healthy. Crooked, overcrowded, misaligned and protruding teeth can cause speech, breathing and chewing difficulties, and it can be almost impossible to clean such teeth properly. An orthodontist can help you move your teeth in the right positions and maintain an optimal oral hygiene.

Orthodontic treatments to suit your lifestyle

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since the days of bulky metal braces, bands and unattractive head gears. Modern orthodontic devices are designed to be as lightweight, discreet and comfortable as possible, so that patients can get on with their lives without any major discomfort. While braces are still an effective and widespread teeth straightening method, modern orthodontic treatment options include lingual braces, clear braces and clear aligners. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer a wide range of discreet teeth straightening systems for adults such as Invisalign and porcelain braces.

Dispelling common myths about cosmetic dentistry

Many people have little confidence when it comes to their smiles and at one point or another, nearly everyone has thought about dental corrections. Sometimes, that lack of confidence stems from crooked or stained teeth, while other times, people are not willing to smile due to chipped or missing teeth. Even though cosmetic dentistry has come a long way recently, there are still many myths and claims surrounding cosmetic dentistry services.

cosmetic-dentistry-harley-streetAs an experienced cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, DrMary Shenouda and a dedicated team of experienced dentists believe in creating beautiful, natural-looking teeth individually designed for each patient. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we know the value of cosmetic dentistry procedures in enhancing our patients’ smiles and self-confidence, and we are here to help you with common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry. Let’s take a look at a few of these myths:

Cosmetic dentistry can destroy your teeth

Many people are unwilling to visit a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street because they are afraid that they will compromise their natural teeth. The reality could not be further from the truth. In fact, cosmetic dentistry is not limited to aesthetic adjustments to your smile, it also preserves your natural teeth structure and helps you maintain a good oral hygiene. In many cases, undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure helps you keep your natural teeth healthier for longer.

It’s too costly

While many dental procedures can be expensive for the average patient, there are always alternatives and options available for staying on budget. Whether you are looking for teeth whitening or teeth straightening, a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will work with you to find the best solution for your individual case.

Spending money to correct and brighten your smile is a long-term investment for yourself and your teeth. Changing the appearance of your smile with cosmetic dentistry not only improves the way you look, but it makes you feel better about yourself, improves your confidence and gives you a set of healthy teeth that function just as well as they look beautiful. Are you tired of concealing your smile? At Harley Street, a cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments in London.