Always consult a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening – here’s why

If you’re thinking about teeth whitening, a cosmetic dentist should always be the first person you call. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer two options for patients interested in teeth whitening treatment, which take between two weeks and just one hour.

teeth-whitening-harley-streetWhy you need a cosmetic dentist

Teeth whitening treatments offered by a cosmetic dentist have been extensively tested and have been proven to be effective, reliable and, most importantly, safe. The same cannot be said for the plethora of whitening treatments available from the internet, the high street, and from some beauty parlours. These products are unlikely to have undergone such rigorous testing as those licensed for use in a dental practice, which means that in the best-case scenario they simply won’t work, and you will have wasted both time and money to be left with stained or discoloured teeth.

In the worst scenarios (which have been reported in the media recently) unlicensed teeth whitening products can actually harm your teeth, gums, and mouth. This can result in increased sensitivity, discomfort and pain, as well as leaving you requiring extensive restorative dental treatment. So, whilst these treatments may appear cheaper than those offered in dental practices, they can easily prove more expensive.

The teeth whitening treatment options available at Harley Street Dental Clinic have been used to successfully treat scores of happy patients, and have been proven reliable, long-lasting, and safe. If you want to join these satisfied patients, come into our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

Teeth whitening from a Harley Street cosmetic dentist

There are two options for teeth whitening at our Harley Street dental practice, and both begin with a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

As well as assessing the nature of staining on your teeth to check that teeth whitening will work effectively, your dentist will also carry out a thorough oral health check. As with any cosmetic procedure, whitening should only be carried out on a healthy mouth.

The two teeth whitening options available at our Harley Street clinic are:

Power whitening in the practice

Home whitening

Ways that your dentist can subtly straighten your teeth

Modern orthodontics afford your dentist or orthodontist a plethora of subtle ways to straighten your teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we use both fixed appliances – braces – and removable ones – aligners – to straighten adults’ teeth without the whole world needing to know they are undergoing treatment.

straighten-teethIf you think orthodontic treatment has to mean metal train-track braces, think again. Then come into our Harley Street clinic for a consultation.

What your Harley Street dentist can do

When you come into Harley Street Dental Clinic for a consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth, and your bite – the way that your jaws meet together – before recommending the most appropriate treatment options.

Many of the discreet orthodontic treatments we offer are also quicker than standard brace treatment. You will still need to come in for regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Among the treatments your dentist may offer include:

Lingual braces

Lingual braces work just like standard metal braces, the only difference being that they are affixed to the rear (or lingual) surfaces of the teeth. They are invisible in everyday life, and can be used to correct a full spectrum of orthodontic problems.

Porcelain braces

Porcelain braces again work in the same way as standard braces, using brackets and wires to adjust the position of your teeth. The big difference here is that they comprise clear and tooth-coloured components in place of obvious metal, so they will blend in with the natural colour of your teeth.

Invisalign

Treatment with Invisalign involves using a series of clear aligners to gently and subtly move your teeth into a better position. As well as being clear, thus invisible in daily life, Invisalign are easily removable. This means you can take them out to eat and drink, as well as to clean.

How a cosmetic dentist can make over your smile more quickly than you might think

A cosmetic dentist primarily focuses on the aesthetic appearance of a smile. Harley Street Dental Clinic is staffed by a unique collection of specialists who will work together to create the smile you’ve always dreamt of – no matter what treatment or combination of treatments you require.

cosmetic-dentistA huge percentage of the UK adult population are under-confident about smiling in photographs because they dislike some aspect of their smile. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we passionately believe that everybody deserves a smile of which they can be proud, and we will match you with the perfect cosmetic dentist and/or other specialists to create the perfect smile for you.

Your journey towards your new smile begins with a consultation with a cosmetic dentist here at our Harley Street clinic. They will get to know a bit about you and will take factors such as facial structure and even hair colour into consideration when designing the perfect smile for you. A complete clinical examination is required, after which your dentist will talk you through the pros and cons of all appropriate treatment options.

Among the popular treatments from a cosmetic dentist at our Harley Street clinic are:

Teeth whitening

Carried out by a cosmetic dentist, this is a safe and effective way to remove common stains from the teeth, restoring their natural white appearance. We offer home whitening, power whitening in the dental practice, and a combination of both here at our Harley Street clinic.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are hand-crafted, thin shells of porcelain placed over the front surfaces of the front teeth to improve their appearance. Think false fingernails for the teeth and you’re in the right area. Your cosmetic dentist will select a shade of porcelain that looks as natural as it does beautiful.

Cosmetic dentures

The prosthodontics team at Harley Street will create dentures that look and function just like natural teeth, meaning many people won’t even know you are wearing them.

White fillings

White fillings, or tooth-coloured fillings to be accurate, can be used to replace old metal amalgam fillings. This is a safe and simple procedure that is usually completed in a single appointment.

Regular visits to the dentist: essential in the battle against gum disease

You need to visit your dentist regularly to guard against gum disease. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a periodontal specialist (a dental professional who specialises in treating conditions affecting the gums). Dr Pedja Pavlovic can treat even complex cases of gum disease, which have advanced from gingivitis to become periodontitis, or periodontal disease.

gum-disease-harley-streetSymptoms of gum disease

As with all conditions, the sooner gum disease is spotted, the easier it is to treat. The major problem is that the early signs can be hard to spot at home. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we focus on preventative dentistry, helping to stop problems before they start, so we are in a prime position to spot the early symptoms of gum disease.

Things to look out for at home include blood on your tooth brush or in the sink when you brush your teeth, swollen, red and painful gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with a dentist straight away.

Gum disease is caused by dental plaque, which can be prevented by a good home brushing and flossing routine, coupled with regular visits to the dentist and hygienist. The mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis and is relatively easy to treat and manage if caught early. The more serious form is periodontitis or periodontal disease, which can result in tooth loss.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include tooth ligaments starting to detach, destruction of the surrounding bone, teeth becoming wobbly or loose, and ultimately teeth falling out.

Dr Pavlovic at Harley Street Dental Clinic is highly experienced in treating the more serious forms of gum disease. If you have any of the symptoms of either gingivitis or periodontitis, don’t delay, book a consultation with us straight away.

How a cosmetic dentist can use a combination of treatments to create your dream smile

Thanks to huge advances in the field, the services of a cosmetic dentist are now available to more people than ever before. Harley Street Dental Clinic’s team comprises a unique collection of specialists and dentists, all of whom enjoy nothing more than helping a patient to realise their dream smile with the help of a range of cosmetic dental treatments.

cosmetic-dentistWhat can a cosmetic dentist do?

Every patient’s needs are different, and your cosmetic dentist will work with you to design the perfect, bespoke smile. At our Harley Street clinic we offer a huge number of aesthetic treatments both large and small. You may need just one treatment, or a combination of two or more.

The first thing your Harley Street cosmetic dentist will do is to establish what your goals are from treatment. They will conduct an in-depth clinical examination and will also take such factors as facial structure and proportions, and hair colour, into consideration to ensure that your perfect smile looks as natural as it does beautiful. Only when you are happy with their recommendations will they draw up your treatment plan.

Procedures from a Harley Street cosmetic dentist

Harley Street Dental Clinic’s cosmetic dentistry menu is extensive. Depending on your wants and needs, your dentist may recommend:

Porcelain veneers

Micro-thin porcelain shells placed over the front surfaces of the front teeth to improve their appearance. You can have a single veneer for a chipped or permanently discoloured teeth, or a full set for a smile makeover.

Gum lift

Used to treat a gummy smile, a gum lift involves raising and reshaping the gum line to create a more even appearance and show off more of your teeth.

Teeth whitening

Carried out by a cosmetic dentist, this is a safe, predictable, and fast way to brighten up your smile.

Ways a dentist can repair and restore broken teeth

You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you break a tooth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our team of dental professionals offers a number of different ways in which to restore and repair your broken teeth, with results that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.

broken-teethIn some cases broken teeth are a dental emergency. If you need an emergency dentist, contact our Harley Street practice straight away on 020 3797 2473. This is particularly important if your broken tooth is causing you pain, but under any circumstances you should book an appointment as soon as possible. This is because even the smallest cracks and chips in the teeth can be enough to allow bacteria into the pulp at the centre of a tooth, causing infection and requiring endodontic or root canal treatment.

Tooth replacement options at Harley Street Dental Clinic

The team at Harley Street Dental Clinic have a range of options to repair broken or damaged teeth. When you first come for a consultation with a dentist, they will assess the nature of the damage and will recommend an appropriate solution.

Here are some of the treatments your dentist may recommend:

Crowns

A dentist can use a crown to give strength and aesthetic appeal back to a broken or weakened tooth. Crowns may be made from a range of materials, including precious metals, porcelain, and ceramic. They produce results that look natural and are very strong and durable.

White fillings and composite bonding

White filling material can be used by your dentist to restore a broken tooth. Composite bonding involves using this material to restore your tooth; the colour of material is closely matched to the natural colour of your teeth.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be used to cover chips and cracks on the front teeth, offering additional strength as well as aesthetic appeal.

How a cosmetic dentist can improve your smile – and your life – with a smile makeover

A cosmetic dentist offers treatments that focus on the aesthetic appearance of your smile. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of dental professionals who can create the smile you’ve always dreamt of. The first step is to join us for a smile makeover consultation.

smile-makeoverWhen you come to our Harley Street clinic for a smile makeover consultation, you will be seen by an experienced cosmetic dentist. They will undertake a thorough clinical examination, as well as finding out what you want to achieve from treatment. Whenever possible, treatment will be designed to fit around your lifestyle as well as your clinical requirements.

Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a huge selection of cosmetic treatments large and small, so we are confident that we will always find the best way to help you, whatever your needs. It is often beneficial to combine two or more treatments from our cosmetic dentistry menu; whatever your requirements, your cosmetic dentist will provide you with a bespoke treatment plan, detailing future appointments, order of treatments, and estimated costs.

Some of the most popular ways a cosmetic dentist can make over your smile include:

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain placed over the front surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance. Think false fingernails for the teeth and you’ll be in the right area. The results will be long-lasting and natural-looking.

Teeth whitening

Carried out by a dentist, this is a safe and effective way to remove everyday stains – such as those caused by tea, coffee, and smoking – from the teeth. You can carry out treatment yourself at home under your dentist’s direction, or can come in for a single, hour-long power whitening appointment at our Harley Street clinic.

How your dentist can replace your missing teeth

Ask any dentist and they will always recommend you replace any missing teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer a number of tooth-replacement options, and when you come in for a consultation your clinician will talk you through all the relevant treatments, so that you can make an informed choice.

missing-teethWhy you should replace missing teeth

Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about smiling, but the reasons to replace them are more than just cosmetic. Even one missing tooth puts extra strain on your remaining teeth, making them more prone to premature wear and tear. Your remaining teeth are also highly likely to move into any gaps, becoming harder to keep clean in the process.

What your dentist can do

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of specialists who can offer a wide range of treatments. When you first come in for a consultation with a dentist, they will conduct a thorough clinical examination and will check your dental health and the condition of your remaining teeth before recommending tooth replacement options.

If your tooth loss has been caused by decay or gum disease, your dentist will include remedies for these conditions in your treatment plan. Our aim at our Harley Street clinic is to restore you to full dental health, and to furnish you with the information and techniques to maintain it for life.

How your Harley Street dentist can replace your missing teeth

Bridges

Bridges can replace one or a few adjacent teeth. They can be supported by surrounding teeth, or by dental implants.

Dentures

We offer a number of denture options at our Harley Street clinic. They may be removable, or affixed to dental implants.

Dental implants

Dental implants enable your dentist to replace the roots of your teeth. Permanently attached to your jaw, they can support a bridge, dentures, or a crown.

How a cosmetic dentist can use veneers to make over your smile

A cosmetic dentist has a wealth of ways to boost both your smile and your confidence. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we’ve found that one of the most popular ways to achieve a fast, natural, and beautiful-looking smile makeover is by using porcelain veneers.

porcelain veneerThe history of veneers

Veneers were first invented by a Hollywood cosmetic dentist, to enable actors to make over their smile quickly – but temporarily. These early veneers were stuck on with dental adhesive and commonly dropped off soon after a take was complete.

The modern veneers used at Harley Street Dental Clinic are somewhat different. Designed to be long-lasting as well as beautiful and natural, they are custom-made to fit your teeth and are bonded into place with a special dental adhesive.

Porcelain veneers in Harley Street

If you are interested in boosting your smile with porcelain veneers, we invite you to join us for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist here at our Harley Street dental practice. Your dentist can use a single veneer to restore a slightly chipped or permanently discoloured tooth, when teeth whitening isn’t an option, or a full set can be used to create a smile makeover.

Veneers are an excellent option because they require minimum preparation of your teeth, meaning that healthy tooth structure is preserved. Your cosmetic dentist may remove a very thin amount of enamel from the surfaces of your teeth to aid with the bonding process; your veneers will be made to the exact same thickness as the amount of enamel that is removed, so they will look completely natural.

You will need at least two appointments with a cosmetic dentist to have your veneers fitted. They are custom-crafted out of porcelain, made to fit your teeth exactly.

Prosthodontics

If you have lost one or more teeth, you may need the help of a prosthodontist. Prosthodontics is a special area of dentistry that deals with replacing and restoring teeth, with treatments including dentures, bridges, crowns and dental implants.

prosthodonticsHarley Street Dental Clinic’s resident prosthodontics specialist, Dr Charlotte Stilwell, has worked at the practice for 15 years and has a wide range of experience helping patients take pride in their smiles once more.

There is an increasing demand for tooth replacement products, partly due to the population living longer. Patients who have had large fillings early on in life often find they need further treatment at a later stage, whether that is a tooth-coloured replacement filling or more extensive restorative treatment.

Early intervention makes treatment easier and less traumatic. As well as restoring the function and appearance of worn or damaged teeth, Dr Stilwell can help to manage the wear and tear of your teeth, helping to avoid the need for more invasive treatments in many cases. She will work closely with each patient to find the best solution in each individual case.

Treatments she may recommend include:

Crowns

Crowns are caps placed over a treated worn tooth, boosting strength and improving appearance. They can be made from a range of materials and can be matched to the natural colour of your tooth. Crowns are often necessary after root canal treatment.

Bridges

Dental bridges replace one or more adjacent missing teeth. Artificial teeth are supported by a pair of crowns or wings attached to the surrounding teeth, so those teeth need to be strong and in good condition. In some cases, dental implants can support bridges.

Dentures

Dentures are the best-known replacement for natural teeth, and they’ve been around since the time of the ancient Egyptians. They can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and plastic, and can be removable or fixed in place using dental implants. A full denture is used when all the teeth in one arch (jaw) of your mouth are missing, while a partial denture is used to replace one or a few missing teeth.