Harley Street Dental Clinic

If you want to make the best of those first vital few seconds of meeting someone, then you need to make sure that a great smile is at your command. It can make all the difference to how you are perceived when people first meet you.

If you are at a crossroads in your life, perhaps a big career move or you are starting out again in the relationship department, then ensuring you have a smile to dazzle with can tip the balance in your favour.

Not only does a good smile impress others, it can make all the difference to your self-confidence. Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, we can give you a smile makeover to refresh your entire look.

Each cosmetic dentist at our dental clinic has been trained in the most modern methods for bringing out the best in your smile. Dr Mary Shenouda has a special interest in conservative dentistry, and her colleague, Harley Street dentist Dr Abel Moreira is our designated cosmetic dentist.

When you come for a consultation, we will talk you through the various ways to rejuvenate your teeth, whether they have been chipped and worn, are discoloured or even gappy or crowded.

Your Harley Street dentist can offer a range of treatments to help you create the perfect smile, including:

• Filling new cavities or replacing old amalgam filling with white composite fillings;
• Teeth whitening to bring back the beauty of discoloured or stained teeth;
• Porcelain veneers which provide an instant makeover by covering broken, stained or misaligned teeth;
• Cosmetic dentures, custom-made to match your own gums and blend with your natural teeth;
• Reshaping the gums in a laser procedure that lifts gums with little or no bleeding;
• Dental implants, the permanent solutions to missing teeth.

The aim of the cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is to create a balanced smile that is in proportion to your face, using the shape, colour, size and alignment of your teeth to make the most of your features. You will be able to see what we recommend with our 3D computer imaging technology, before you commit to any treatment.

When you have sensitive teeth, daily activities, such as brushing, flossing, eating and drinking, can cause sharp, sudden pain in your teeth. Sensitive teeth can be caused by worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots, but can also be the result of cavities or cracked and chipped teeth.

Sensitive teeth can only be adequately treated by a dentist. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will examine your teeth thoroughly to find out what is causing the sensitivity and will find the best way of treating it. Depending on the cause of your sensitive teeth, your dentist in W1 may suggest different treatments.

What causes sensitive teeth?

Sensitive teeth can be caused by several dental issues. The most common include worn tooth enamel, tooth erosion caused by highly acidic foods and beverages, gum recession that leaves the surface of your tooth roots exposed as well as teeth grinding. Other causes include cracked, chipped and filled teeth or post-treatment sensitivity, which is usually temporary.

What can your dentist in W1 do?

Having a conversation with your dentist is the first step in determining the cause behind your discomfort. Describe your symptoms, let your dentist know when the pain started and tell them if anything makes you feel better.

After they determine the reason for your sensitive teeth, they will create a treatment plan. Treatment may be as simple as using an antibacterial mouthwash, fixing a cavity or replacing a worn filling. However, if sensitive teeth are the result of exposed root surfaces, your dentist in W1 may suggest a gum graft or root canal treatment. If you are suffering from sensitive teeth due to teeth grinding, your dentist can take impressions of your teeth and then used them to create a mouth guard that you can wear during the night.

Shield your teeth against sensitivity

To prevent sensitive teeth from recurring, your dentist will offer advice to help you maintain your oral health. Brush and floss your teeth gently at least twice a day and make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste. You might also consider limiting acidic foods and drinks, such as carbonated drinks and citrus fruits, which can eat away small amounts of tooth enamel over time.

Many changes start to happen to your body when you become pregnant. Various hormone changes increase your chances of developing gum disease, which is why it is very important to visit the dentist while pregnant. Your body will start to produce higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone, and these hormones can have an effect on your gums. Studies have shown that pregnant women are prone to developing gum disease during their pregnancy.  If you are already pregnant and have had gum disease in the past, it is even more important to visit your dentist throughout your pregnancy.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer specialised services for women who are expecting. Just as you visit your doctor for prenatal check-ups, it is also important to visit your dentist in Harley Street for prenatal dental care. Your dentist can help discuss changes in oral health during pregnancy and what to look for. There is a connection between your health during pregnancy and your baby’s health, so visiting your dentist in Harley Street regularly will help avoid any unnecessary problems.

What to expect during a dental examination

Other than the normal oral check-up, your dentist in Harley Street will examine for pregnancy-related symptoms that could cause oral health problems. Morning sickness, lack of vitamin A and vitamin D and bad eating habits during pregnancy can all cause major changes in oral health. Your dentist in Harley Street will clean your teeth thoroughly and suggest the use of antiseptic oral rinses to keep the bacteria at bay. They will also stress the importance of regular brushing and flossing at home.

What if there is an emergency?

If there is a need for emergency dental care during your pregnancy, your dentist will consult with your obstetrician before any procedures that need to take place. Emergency care can be performed on the teeth even during pregnancy and it is not dangerous for your health or the health of your unborn baby. At the time of your visit to our dentist in Harley Street, make sure to let us know the number of weeks you are into the pregnancy.

Establishing healthy oral habits at an early age is crucial and has many benefits. While proper brushing and flossing, along with healthy eating habits, are extremely important in helping children achieve healthy teeth and gums, you shouldn’t forget to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we believe that prevention is better than cure and we aim to make dental care for children a positive experience with long-lasting results. Our dentist in W1 offers a wide variety of preventive services for children including routine dental cleanings, fluoride applications and sealants.

We generally recommend that you bring your child in for a visit within six months of the appearance of their first tooth. Since decay can occur in even the most recent of teeth, the earlier you bring your child, the more likely they are to avoid problems.

Our dentist in W1 will look for signs of early problems, such as tooth decay and misalignment, and educate you on the best ways to care for your little one’s teeth. Remember that preparing for each dental visit with a positive attitude is going to prepare your child for a lifetime of healthy oral habits.

Dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are as important for children as they are for adults. Our dentist in W1 will remove plaque build-up from your children’s teeth and gums and ensure that their teeth are properly polished. Moreover, they will teach them how to brush and floss their teeth correctly.

Dental sealants and fluoride applications

Dental sealants are the most effective way to prevent tooth decay – the next most effective treatment is fluoride. Children and young adults are more prone to tooth decay, because brushing and flossing on a daily basis is not among their priorities.

Our dentist in W1 recommends dental sealants, since they are firmly attached to the surfaces of the teeth and protect them from decaying food remains bacteria for many years. We can also apply fluoride to your children’s teeth in gel or foam form. For most patients, we will leave the fluoride on the teeth for four minutes or less.

Regular dental care is perhaps one of the best gifts you can offer to your health. Regular examinations, check-ups and professional cleanings will ensure that your teeth and gums are free of plaque, cavities and gum disease. More specifically, cleanings will allow your dentist to remove plaque and other bacteria, prevent problems and improve your oral health in the long run.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we believe that prevention is better than cure and for this reason, we urge our patients to visit the dentist in Harley Street at least every six months. Though our first goal is to prevent oral conditions in the first place, if we detect them early, we can often address them effectively.

What to expect during a dental check-up

During your dental appointment, your dentist in Harley Street will thoroughly examine your teeth and prepare them for a deep clean. Professional cleaning involves the removal of bacteria and hardened plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line. Your dentist may also take x-rays to look for cavities, dental misalignment, and other concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we will also screen your mouth and throat for oral cancer, especially if you are over 40. If we notice anything unusual, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Oral care and dental health

While regular brushing and flossing can remove a significant amount of harmful bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gums, it cannot eliminate all of them. Over time, these bacteria will stick to the surfaces of the teeth, form plaque and start eroding the dental enamel, causing cavities or even tooth loss. Therefore, to keep your teeth healthy, it is essential to visit the dentist in Harley Street on a regular basis. This way, if you do develop cavities or gum disease, your dentist can diagnose them early before they cause serious discomfort or more extensive damage.

Schedule your appointment today

It is really important to be prepared and talk to your dentist in Harley Street about any changes you may experience in your oral health. Contact us today and we will book an appointment for you.

Nearly all adults experience tooth decay and gum disease at some point in the life, most commonly in the form of cavities and sensitive gums. Tooth decay and gum disease are very common oral problems and while they start as small concerns, they can quickly escalate to more complex problems.

Visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year (or more if needed) is an easy and affordable way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and plaque-free. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, preventive dentistry is something that our W1 dentist encourages all of our patients to practice. After all, preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems is much better than treating them when they have already expanded.

Our preventive services

During your dental examination, your dentist in W1 will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues. Your dentist may also need to take x-rays in order to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.

After this stage, your dental hygienist will examine the surface of your teeth and gums for signs of cavities or broken restorations. They will then check your gums in order to ensure that they are healthy and adhere tightly to your teeth. Next, the hygienist will remove plaque build-up from your teeth with a process known as a scale and polish. If your teeth are prone to cavities and tooth decay, we may also apply fluoride at the end of this treatment. Cleanings usually are not painful, but if you feel any sensitivity you should let your hygienist know, since this may be a symptom of gum disease.

If your dentist in W1 finds gum disease or tooth decay after examining your teeth, they will talk to you about changing your brushing and flossing habits and provide advice on your diet. In severe cases, they may even recommend antibiotics or advanced dental treatment (i.e. root canal treatment).

Overdue for your dental exam in W1?

If you cannot remember the last time you visited our dental practice for a check-up, then it is probably time to call us and arrange your next appointment.

Pregnancy is a significant event and affects nearly every aspect of a woman’s life, including her oral health. You may think of your oral health as just one more thing on your To Do list, but taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums is really important while you are pregnant.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we believe that pregnant women should visit the dentist in Harley Street frequently for check-ups and cleanings in order to ensure their oral and overall health as well as the health of their unborn baby. Studies have shown that when a mother has healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy, the child typically has better oral health throughout their lifetime. On the other hand, pregnancy gum disease has been associated with premature births and low birth weight.

Pregnancy and gum disease

Most women notice changes in their gums during pregnancy. Some women notice sensitivity and redness when they brush their teeth, while others may experience swelling and bleeding.

These symptoms correspond to a special type of gum disease, known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’. They can start as early as the second month, and tend to peak around the eighth month.

Pregnancy gum disease has different causes compared to normal gum disease. Increased hormone levels may be partly responsible, since they enhance the growth of certain bacteria that attach the gums. Also, your immune system may work differently during pregnancy and this could change the way your body reacts against these bacteria.

Luckily, pregnancy gum disease is treatable but it may reoccur throughout your pregnancy. To minimise the effects, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, use a mouthwash and make sure that you visit your dentist in Harley Street for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Moreover, a diet full of vitamins, calcium, and protein will protect your teeth from gum disease and support your baby’s health as well.

Is it safe to have dental work while pregnant?

Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women can have their teeth fixed, if necessary. The second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care. However, if possible, avoid major procedures, elective treatments, and surgery until after the baby is born.

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic in W1, London, we try to provide a complete service for all of your dental needs. We understand that in the city, it’s easier for you to have a one-stop-shop so you don’t have to go anywhere else to find what you need.

We offer services to look after the health of your teeth and unlock the potential and cosmetic value in your teeth. We can also help with jaw problems, tooth grinding, snoring, bad breath and even help to quit smoking.

General treatments at Harley Street Dental Clinic

We offer a full service in W1. Dentist treatments like regular check-ups are vital in maintaining the health of your teeth. In a regular check-up, your dentist will assess your teeth and search for any signs of problems that could arise in the future.

This is vital in spotting things like tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer.

If any cavities are found, they can be filled with normal amalgam fillings or white fillings if you’d prefer not to have the appearance of metal fillings in your teeth.

In case of emergencies, we have a 24-hour phone line that you can call to receive help. Our practice team will book you in for an appointment as soon as possible.

Preventive dentistry

Your W1 dentist will always try to prevent any problems from arising ahead of time. This can save you a lot of stress and money in the long-run. Keeping regular visits to the dentist is one of the most important parts of preventing any problems from arising.

Resolving problems with teeth grinding is also a way in which we can minimise the risk to your teeth. Tooth grinding is a complex issue but it can be resolved by our dentists.

Cosmetic dentistry

We also a wide range of treatments that serve to make the most out of the visual aspects of your teeth. There aren’t many cosmetic issues that can’t be resolved by our cosmetic dentist department at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

From teeth whitening to teeth straightening, we have options for every issue.

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we aim to provide a complete service for all of your dental needs. If you’re having a dental emergency or just want to improve the visual aspects of your smile, we have treatments for you.

With today’s modern dental techniques, there really aren’t many problems that can’t be solved by your dentist in Harley Street. The dentist’s aim is to have you feeling happy about your teeth whilst they function well and last long into your lifetime.

Our range of cosmetic treatments can keep your smile looking beautiful and healthy, giving you the confidence to unlock your full potential.

Cosmetic treatments at Harley Street Dental Clinic

If you have a concern with one aspect of how your teeth look, we can offer specific treatments to change that aspect. If you think your teeth are discoloured, we can provide teeth whitening to bring that sparkle back to your teeth.

One issue that many people believe they could be stuck with is the appearance of having a ‘gummy smile’. This happens when too much of the gum covers the teeth and it shows when we smile.

Your dentist in Harley Street can contour your gums to lessen the effect of the ‘gummy smile’. This can be achieved by two methods. For more minor cases, laser treatment can be sufficient. A more surgical procedure can be used to correct more serious cases.

Smile makeovers

We can also offer complete smile makeovers. This can completely transform the dimensions and proportions of your smile, giving you a whole new look. Smile makeovers combine treatments to completely overhaul the appearance of your smile. Treatments used could include:

• Teeth whitening,
• Porcelain Veneers,
• Dental Implants,
• Cosmetic braces,
• Gum contouring.

Keeping your teeth healthy

The main aim of the dentist is to keep your teeth healthy. Regular visits to the dentist will ensure your teeth are healthy and any problems that may be surfacing can be dealt with before they develop into more serious issues.

Your dentist will usually advise that you should visit the dentist at least twice a year. This number may be higher or lower depending on your habits, dental history and other factors.

Some people think it’s pretty weird that dentists are providing BTX and dermal fillers, but actually it makes good sense. In recent years, BTX and dermal fillers have gained an important place in our dental practices, whether it be for aesthetic or medical reasons. In fact, dentists are the ideal health professionals to deliver BTX and dermal fillers for many reasons.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are aware that many people not only want a great smile, but would also like to look younger by improving the condition of their skin. Due to this, our dentist in W1 provides facial rejuvenation treatments such as BTX and dermal fillers, which are carefully chosen because we believe them to be amongst the safest and most effective facial aesthetics treatments available.

BTX and dermal fillers

BTX is the trade name for botulinum toxin, which comes in the form of a purified protein. This protein is injected into the facial muscles and, within a few hours, it attaches itself to their nerve endings, affecting their ability to move. In 3-10 days after the treatment, the skin above these muscles becomes nice and smooth. The effects last approximately 3-4 months depending the amount of BTX injected and the metabolism of the patient.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are synthetic gels made of hyaluronic acid, which are also injected into the skin. Dermal fillers are being used to eliminate or soften wrinkles, reduce scar depressions, enhance lips, and replace lost volume. Results can be seen immediately and can last up to a year.

Why choose a dentist in W1?

An experienced dentist, such as those at our dental clinic, has years of professional history related to the delicate tissues, nerves, and muscles of the face and the mouth. Dentists are also already familiar with performing injections for anaesthesia and simply require further training to learn the correct methods for applying BTX and dermal fillers.

While BTX and dermal fillers are not dental procedures, they are part of an increasing skill set that dentists are in an excellent position to master and offer to their clients.