How a dentist can replace your missing teeth

A dentist has several options available to replace missing teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique and highly-skilled collection of professionals, including implant surgeons and prosthodontists, who create realistic replacement teeth.

replace-missing-teethWhy you should replace missing teeth

Ask any dentist and they will always tell you that you should replace missing teeth. Of course, if you’ve lost a tooth near the front of your mouth there are obvious cosmetic concerns, as you are likely to become too embarrassed to smile in public. But there are also health reasons to replace missing teeth.

Any remaining teeth are likely to move into gaps, becoming crooked and more difficult to clean. Depending on the number and location of the teeth you have lost, you may find your ability to eat solid foods and even your speech can be affected.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer a number of different ways in which your dentist can restore your smile by replacing missing teeth.

Dentures

Dentures have been used for many centuries, and the modern versions are highly realistic in both appearance and function. They can be made from a number of different materials, including plastic and porcelain. A partial denture is used to replace several missing teeth, whilst a full denture is used to replace all the teeth in one jaw.

Bridges

A bridge can be used to replace one or two adjacent missing teeth. Again, they can be made from a number of materials, usually comprising a precious metal base with porcelain teeth. If the teeth surrounding the gap are strong and healthy, crowns or wings may be used by your dentist to attach your bridge. Bridges can also be supported by dental implants.

Implants

At our Harley Street clinic we often recommend dental implants, because they are the only permanent way to replace missing teeth. A bridge, denture or crown is then attached on top.

A smile makeover with a cosmetic dentist can give you the smile of your dreams

A cosmetic dentist has many ways in which they can improve the appearance of your smile – and with it give a boost to your self-confidence. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of professionals who will work together to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, whether you need one treatment or a combination of two or more.

smile-makeoverIt all begins with a consultation with a Harley Street cosmetic dentist. . .

Every smile makeover we perform is as unique as the person undergoing treatment. When you come into our Harley Street clinic for a smile makeover consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist, they will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures, and will also take the time to listen to what your likes and dislikes about your current smile, and what your smile aspirations are.

The smile makeover process works like this:

1 Consultation with a cosmetic dentist

In addition to a thorough clinical examination, your dentist will also take into account other important factors in smile design, including your facial structure, hair colour, and your dental health. All cosmetic treatments should only be carried out on a healthy mouth.

2 Treatment recommendations

Your cosmetic dentist will talk through all relevant treatment options. This may be one treatment, or a combination of several.

3 Three-dimensional computer imaging

Using the latest software, your dentist will be able to show you what results you can expect before you start your treatment.

4 Treatment plan

Only when you are entirely happy will your cosmetic dentist draw up a bespoke treatment plan. This will include the number of future appointments at our Harley Street clinic, and the order of treatment if you are having more than one. Appointments will then be scheduled to suit your needs.

Scared of the dentist? How to beat your fears

Fear of the dentist is a common problem in the UK – approximately one in six adults puts off dental treatment because of fear. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we understand anxiety and phobia surrounding dental appointments, but do not think it should prevent you getting treatment. Our skilled and empathic team will work with you to help you beat your fear once and for all – and get you back to full dental health.

dental phobiaThe causes of dental phobia

Nervous patients give many reasons for fear of the dentist. It could be a bad experience in the past, perhaps during childhood, or could relate to a specific trigger such as the sound of a drill or the sight of a needle.

Some people who haven’t had treatment for many years are ashamed or embarrassed at the condition of their teeth. At our Harley Street clinic you will never be judged if fear has stopped you visiting the dentist and left your teeth in less than perfect condition – we only want to help you get your health, and your smile, back.

Others can identify no specific trigger for their anxiety; they know only that the thought of visiting a dental practice is terrifying.

Whatever the cause of your fear, we invite you to join us at our Harley Street clinic. Our experienced specialists will take all the time you need to talk through your fears in a relaxed, comfortable environment away from the dentist’s chair. They will provide you with hand signals that you can give whenever you need to take a break during treatment – never worry that you are holding up the dentist, as we will ensure enough time is factored in to your appointments.

We also offer the options of treatment under hypnosis or sedation. Both of these options are provided by fully-qualified, experienced professionals.

Ask a cosmetic dentist: why dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth

A cosmetic dentist has many options to help you replace missing teeth. At Harley Street Dental Practice we believe that, in many cases, the best tooth replacement option is dental implants.

dental-implants-harley-streetDental implants remain the only permanent way a dentist can replace missing teeth. They are small titanium screws that replace the root portion of one or more natural teeth, and your cosmetic dentist can then attach highly realistic-looking new teeth – dentures, crowns, or a bridge – to the abutments on top of the implants.

As well as looking just like natural teeth, restorations attached to implants will also act just like natural teeth, restoring full functionality to your jaw and enabling you to eat a full, healthy, balanced diet.

How treatment works

Our Harley Street clinic is fully equipped to provide implant surgery, using either local anaesthetic or sedation, depending on your preference. Implant placement is meticulously planned to avoid nerves and other vital structures, as well as to ensure that your implants and new teeth can withstand the forces generated by biting and chewing.

We have a unique collection of specialists at our Harley Street practice, so your cosmetic dentist may refer you to one of their implantologist colleagues for implant placement, or may place your implants themself. Whoever carries out implant surgery, you can rest assured that you will be treated with the highest degree of professionalism, care and respect at all times.

Once your dental implants have been placed, they will be left to heal for a couple of months. During this time you may have temporary restorations fitted, so you need not worry that you will struggle without teeth for any period of time.

After your permanent new teeth are attached, you will need to attend regular maintenance and follow-up appointments with your dentist and hygienist at our Harley Street clinic.

Why regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are so important

How often should you visit the dentist? At Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe you should attend regular dental check-ups at least every six months. Some patients may need to visit more frequently, particularly if you have a condition such as gum disease that needs careful monitoring, and you should always follow your dentist’s advice.

dentist-hygienistHarley Street Dental Clinic is open six days a week and the opening hours are 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays. Late night, Sunday, and bank holiday opening are also options by special arrangement, because we know it is important to fit around your lifestyle as much as possible.

Your dentist is in prime position to spot the early signs of common problems such as tooth decay or gum disease – often before you notice any symptoms yourself. We also provide mouth cancer checks as standard as part of our general dental check-up. Mouth cancer has a high proportion of deaths per number of cases diagnosed compared with other cancers, so early detection is vital. You will be referred to a hospital consultant immediately should we find anything suspicious.

As well as visiting the dentist regularly, you should make frequent visits to the dental hygienist. When most people think about hygienists they picture professional tooth-cleaning – a scale and polish using special pastes and equipment. However, the hygienist also provides many other vital roles.

Your hygienist will show you the best techniques and equipment to clean your teeth, and will also provide dietary advice, including how cutting down on not just sugary but also acidic foods and drinks can help you to keep your teeth healthy.

We offer full hygienist services to patients of all ages at Harley Street Dental Clinic. New patients should contact a member of our friendly reception team to book an appointment.

A cosmetic dentist is essential for teeth whitening treatment

If you want whiter teeth, a cosmetic dentist is a must. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our skilled cosmetic team offer three options for teeth whitening treatment: home whitening, power whitening here in the practice, or a combination of both.

teeth-whitening-harley-streetWhy is teeth whitening so popular?

Teeth whitening has seen a massive surge in interest in recent years, and any cosmetic dentist is likely to have carried out a number of whitening procedures. This is partly thanks to celebrity culture, and partly thanks to people learning the true value of a beautiful, bright smile.

Our teeth are easily stained, by food and drink including tea, coffee, and red wine, by smoking cigarettes and cigars, and by some medical conditions and medicines. When carried out by a cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and reliable way to remove these stains, restoring the natural brightness of your smile.

Teeth whitening at Harley Street

Our three whitening options at Harley Street Dental practice are suitable for most patients, and in most cases your personal preference will be the deciding factor. They all start with a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, who will assess your oral health as well as checking you are suitable for treatment.

Power whitening takes just one hour and is carried out by a cosmetic dentist here at Harley Street. Home whitening involves using custom-made whitening trays and gel at home for two weeks. Combination whitening starts with home treatment before a final session with a dentist here in the practice.

Why a cosmetic dentist is a must

Teeth whitening products prescribed by a dentist have a long track-record and have been proven to be both safe and effective. Other “budget” whitening options are unlikely to work, and in the worst-case scenario could end up causing damage to your teeth and gums.

Afraid of the big, bad dentist? We can help!

Fear of the dentist is a very common condition, and nothing to be ashamed of. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our whole team is committed to providing pain-free dentistry. We empathise with nervous patients, and have a variety of techniques that can help you to get the dental treatment you need – and the smile you deserve.

bad-dentistApproximately one adult in every six in the UK is afraid of the dentist. That fear can range from a mild anxiety to a crippling phobia, and it has a wide range of causes. Some people cite a bad experience during childhood as a reason for their fear, while others are triggered by specific sounds, sights, or smells. Others still do not know the exact cause of their fear.

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we do not think that in the 21st Century fear of the dentist should be a barrier to getting treatment. We work with you to help you overcome your fear and to receive the treatment you need.

Our Harley Street practice is designed to be relaxing, and our team of specialists will take the time to talk through your fears and concerns away from the dentist’s chair. They will explain any required treatment and analgesia options in depth, and will provide you with hand signals so that you can let us know if you need a break during treatment.

We offer in-chair entertainment so that you can watch a film or listen to music during treatment, and also have an in-house hypnotist in our Harley Street clinic.

Some patients benefit from treatment under sedation. You can have treatment using inhalation sedation (gas and air) or intravenous sedation. Harley Street Dental Clinic has a fully qualified anaesthetist and full recovery facilities, and you will be closely monitored at all times during treatment.

Ways a cosmetic dentist can restore your smile

When you come to see a cosmetic dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic with a view to restoring your smile, the first thing they will do is undertake a thorough clinical examination. They will also take a detailed medical and dental history and find out a little bit about you and your lifestyle, before drawing up a customised treatment plan to meet your needs.

cosmetic-dentistWe have a uniquely skilled collection of professionals at our Harley Street dental practice, and the best treatment option will depend on your clinical needs, as well as your personal preferences.

Worn, broken or damaged teeth

If you have worn, broken or otherwise damaged teeth, the first thing your cosmetic dentist will do is to establish whether those teeth can be saved. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we focus on preventative dentistry, and strive to preserve natural teeth whenever it is viable to do so.

For front teeth with minor chips or cracks, or permanent discolouration, your cosmetic dentist may recommend porcelain veneers. These thin shells of porcelain are fitted over the front surfaces of the teeth, producing a beautiful and natural-looking result that will last many years.

Back teeth and those with more extensive wear and tear may require a cosmetic crown, which your dentist will closely match to the natural colour of your teeth.

Missing teeth

A dentist will always advise you to replace missing teeth, not just for the sake of your self-confidence but also to enable you to eat a full, healthy diet, and to keep remaining teeth healthy.

At our Harley Street clinic a cosmetic dentist can use standard dentures or bridges to replace missing teeth, or they may recommend dental implants. Implants replace the root portion of a tooth or teeth, and crowns, dentures, or a bridge can be attached on top.

How your dentist can help you beat gum disease

Regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are essential in the battle against gum disease. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer full general dental and dental hygiene services, as well as providing treatment from our in-house specialist periodontist (a dentist who specialises in the treatment of gum conditions) Dr Pedja Pavlovic.

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in UK adults. It is a very prevalent condition, which most people will experience at some point in their life. When caught in the early stages it is easy to treat and manage with a combination of visits to the hygienist and dentist, and a stringent home care routine.

gum-diseaseWhat causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by the build-up of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, which irritates and inflames the gums. A bad diet that is deficient in nutrients, smoking, and medical conditions including diabetes and stress can all increase your chances of developing gum disease, as can tooth grinding.

The early signs of gum disease are hard to spot but include swollen, red gums, bleeding when you brush your teeth, and bad breath. As soon as you spot any of these symptoms you should book an appointment with a dentist at our Harley Street clinic.

What will your dentist do?

Your dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove all traces of plaque or tartar. They will also talk to you about the most efficient way to clean your teeth at home, including the use of special devices such as interdental brushes to clean between your teeth. You may also be advised to use a medicated mouthwash.

Untreated gum disease can develop into the more serious form, periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our specialist periodontist can treat even complex cases of gum disease to help preserve your smile.

Unhappy with your smile? Ask your cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover

A cosmetic dentist can use a smile makeover to treat problems large and small with your teeth and gums. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our experienced dental team have helped many people improve their confidence by boosting their smile with a step-by-step smile makeover.

smile-makeoverA wide selection of treatments

Treatments available from a cosmetic dentist at our Harley Street practice range from quick and simple brightness boosts with teeth whitening to extensive full-mouth restorations, using such procedures as crowns, bridges, and dental implants.

Here is how the smile makeover process works at Harley Street Dental Clinic:

1. Consultation

You will meet an experienced cosmetic dentist, who will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures, taking into account factors including facial structure, hair colour, and general oral health. They will also listen to what you want to achieve from treatment.

2. Treatment options

After assessing your current smile, your cosmetic dentist will talk through the relevant treatment options our Harley Street practice has to offer you. They will explain the pros and cons of all relevant treatments, so you are fully equipped to make choices about how to move forward.

3. Computer aided smile design

Harley Street Dental Clinic uses the latest computer technology to enable your cosmetic dentist to show you exactly what results you can expect from treatment. By using photographs and scans, your dentist can go through all treatment options in depth.

4. Treatment planning

Only when you are entirely happy with your chosen options will your dentist draw up a treatment plan. This will include such information as length of treatment and number of appointments, as well as the order treatment is to be carried out in (for example, if you opt for discreet orthodontics followed by teeth whitening for an extra brightness boost).