Ask your cosmetic dentist about smile makeover options

As a cosmetic dentist there are few greater pleasures than seeing a patient’s confidence restored with a smile makeover. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our skilled team of dental professionals offer a huge selection of treatments large and small to make over your smile.

cosmetic-dentistryThere are many reasons you might be interested in a smile makeover, both aesthetic and functional. Boosting your smile can also boost your self-confidence, and can improve your personal and business relationships. Treatments such as cosmetic orthodontics can also have a corresponding positive effect on your health, because straighter teeth are easier to clean and so are healthier.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of your smile, we invite you to join us for a smile makeover consultation with a cosmetic dentist at our Harley Street clinic. Your dentist will listen carefully to your likes and dislikes about your current smile, and what you would like to achieve. Photographs, x-rays and scans will be taken as required to aid with diagnosis and treatment planning. They will then carefully examine your teeth, gums and surrounding structures, before running through all the appropriate treatment options to achieve your smile goals.

Your cosmetic dentist may recommend one treatment or a combination of two or more. Thanks to the latest 3D imaging technology available at our Harley Street clinic, your dentist will be able to show you the projected results of any treatment options right from the outset, so that you can make an educated choice about your smile options.

Once you and your cosmetic dentist have decided on your best treatment options, they will draw up a detailed treatment plan. Depending on your needs, all work may be carried out by your initial dentist, or you may be referred to one of their specialist colleagues at our Harley Street practice for certain treatments.

Silver to White Fillings

There was a time when, if you found yourself needing a filling, the only option was to have one made of metal amalgam. Metal fillings are very strong and durable, but on the down side are also very obvious, particularly if the tooth that needs filling is near the front of your mouth.

white-fillingsFortunately, times have changed and white or tooth-coloured fillings are now far more common.

White fillings have been around for many years, but were for some time considered less strong than metal amalgam fillings, so not suitable for the back teeth where the strongest chewing forces are exerted. However, improvements in both materials and techniques now means that white fillings are considered almost as strong as metal amalgam, and thanks to the range of materials used are suitable for use anywhere in the mouth.

Many white fillings are made from a composite resin material. As well as being strong, this material will be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth by your dentist, meaning they will blend in seamlessly and will not be obvious. You should remember that this type of material will not be affected by tooth whitening products, so you should speak to your dentist first if you are also thinking about having teeth whitening treatment.

For larger cavities, we are able to create porcelain restorations using our Cerec 3D porcelain milling machine. This option provides strength and longevity, and again your dentist will closely match the colour of porcelain to the natural shade of your teeth for maximum discretion.

Many patients come to us with grey-coloured metal amalgam fillings that they would like replaced with tooth-coloured fillings. While we would never recommend a treatment just for the sake of it, if your metal fillings are old, worn or unsightly, making you shy about smiling, we may be able to remove them and replace them with a strong and durable tooth-coloured alternative.

How your dentist can help combat gum disease

Gum disease is a common problem that your dentist and hygienist can work with you to combat once and for all. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, as well as standard dental and hygiene treatment designed to prevent gum disease from arising, we also offer the services of a dedicated periodontist – a dentist who has undergone additional specialist training to specialise in the treatment of gum disease and other gum problems.

Why gum disease happens

hsdc-gum-diseaseThe main cause of gum disease is dental plaque, which builds up on the surfaces of the teeth. This plaque bacteria starts to irritate and attack the gums, leading in the first instance to gingivitis – the milder form of gum disease.

Even if you have a good home cleaning routine, there may be areas of your mouth that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone. It is here that plaque bacteria can start to collect, and it is essential to visit your dentist and hygienist regularly to remove any plaque build-up.

From gingivitis to periodontitis

Many people will experience mild gum disease (gingivitis) at some point in life. Regular visits to your dentist help to catch the condition early, sometimes even before you have noticed any signs at home.

Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. This requires specialist treatment in order to save your teeth. At our Harley Street clinic, our periodontal specialist Dr Pedja Pavlovic is highly experienced in treating even complex cases of periodontitis.

As well as working at Harley Street Dental Clinic, Dr Pavlovic lectures in Periodontology at the Royal London Hospital.

Gum disease symptoms

The best way to prevent gum disease is good dental hygiene. Some of the common symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
  • Swollen gums (with or without pain)
  • Bad breath

If you spot any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist immediately.

How a cosmetic dentist can help patients with missing teeth

A cosmetic dentist has several options available to help patients with missing teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of dental specialists – including periodontists, implant dentists and prosthodontists – who will work together to help you restore your smile.

Why you lose teeth, and why you should replace them

hsdcAt our Harley Street clinic we see patients who have lost teeth for a variety of reasons. Gum disease and tooth decay can result in tooth loss, as can accidents and injuries. Whatever the reason you’ve lost your teeth, as dentists we believe you should always replace them.

If you don’t replace your missing teeth, other teeth may move into the gaps left behind, becoming crooked and more difficult to clean. This in turn leads to an increased likelihood of plaque bacteria build-up, and ultimately further tooth loss. Your diet and even your speech may be affected if you’ve lost several teeth, and your confidence in your smile can be severely dented.

What a cosmetic dentist can do

Patients with one or more missing teeth are invited to join us at our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. They will carefully examine your remaining teeth and your gums, and will listen to your personal preferences before running through treatment options.

For one or two missing teeth, a dental bridge is a good option. If your surrounding teeth are strong and healthy, your bridge can be supported by crowns or wings on these teeth. Another option is to have a bridge supported by dental implants – in most cases one implant can support several new teeth.

Dentures – either partial or full – are a popular choice with patients who have lost all or several teeth. These can be made from a variety of materials, and can be of the traditional type or can also be supported by implants.

A Harley Street dentist ideal for international patients

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we are proud to welcome patients from across the world who need to see a dentist. Whether you are an international patient travelling to the UK specifically for dental treatment, or are in London for only a brief period of time, we believe that our five-star service can provide you with all the treatment you require.

harly streetWhatever your dental requirements, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we are confident that we will be able to help. We have an excellent staff of specialists, from endodontists to cosmetic dentists, paediatric specialists to maxillofacial surgeons. We also have state-of-the-art facilities in our practice, which is based in the heart of London, with excellent transport links.

We are a multi-cultural practice and several of our staff are fluent in a range of languages, with in-house translation services available for Arabic, French, Italian and Japanese clients. The whole team at Harley Street Dental Clinic understands and is respectful of different faiths and cultures, and we offer the services of our prayer room to anybody who wants to use it.

Every patient at our Harley Street clinic is provided with a personalised treatment plan, which is designed around their wants and needs. If you are only visiting London for a short time we are able to offer longer appointments to fit around your schedule, and in addition to our standard opening hours (8.30am-7pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am-6pm Saturday) we are also able to offer late evening, Sunday and bank holiday appointments by special arrangement.

For patients who require treatment under sedation, or for those who just need to relax for a short time after treatment, we offer the services of a fully-equipped recovery room.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we are pleased to welcome patients of all ages, from anywhere in the world, whatever the reason that you need to see a dentist. Please get in touch with us today if you would like more information or would like to book an appointment.

Why a cosmetic dentist is a must if you want whiter teeth

Teeth whitening procedures are one of the most commonly-requested treatments from a cosmetic dentist. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer two options for patients interested in teeth whitening – home whitening and power whitening here in the practice.

Why you need a cosmetic dentist

hsdc-teeth-whiteningIf you’ve been exploring your options for teeth whitening treatment, the chances are you will have stumbled upon numerous products online and on the high street that claim to whiten teeth. Some beauty salons even offer teeth whitening, although by law this should only be provided on a dentist’s prescription.

Products used by dentists have been extensively tested and have been proven to be both safe and effective. If you go for a cheaper option online or in-store, the chances are these products won’t have been subjected to such rigorous testing. While in many cases this means they simply won’t work or won’t produce the results you want, in fact you’ve had a lucky escape. Some unregulated teeth whitening products can actually damage the teeth, gums and mouth, potentially leading to the need for extensive, expensive restorative dental work. In short, teeth whitening from anyone other than a cosmetic dentist should be avoided.

The whitening products used by the cosmetic dentists at our Harley Street clinic are safe, reliable and predictable. We will ensure any temporary side-effects such as increased tooth sensitivity are kept to a minimum, and will advise you on how to deal with any sensitivity should it occur.

Teeth whitening should also only be carried out on a healthy mouth, so whether you opt for home or in-chair whitening, you will still need to call in to our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Should they find any health issues such as tooth decay, they will treat these first.

Scared of the dentist? Beat your fears for good

Does the word “dentist” make you quake in your boots? You are not alone; fear of the dentist or dental phobia is the main reason UK adults put off seeking dental treatment. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our philosophy is that everyone deserves excellent oral health and a smile to be proud of, which is why we invest the extra time and effort needed to help nervous patients get treatment.

hsdc-scared-dentistStudies have shown that approximately one in six patients in the UK puts off seeking routine dental treatment because they are scared of the dentist. The irony is that this can become a vicious cycle: by waiting until an emergency arises, you are more likely to be in need of more intensive and invasive treatment, which in itself can be traumatic.

Harley Street Dental Clinic is proud to provide pain-free dentistry, so even if you need a more intensive procedure you should not feel any pain, and our dedicated, experienced and caring team will work with you to ensure it is not a traumatic experience. Dental phobia can cause panic attacks and severe anxiety and our team understands this, which is why in the first instance we invite phobic and nervous patients to join us in a relaxed, comfortable environment to talk through their fears.

Whether you have had a previous negative experience of visiting the dentist, have a particular trigger such as the sound of the drill or the sight of a needle, or do not know the exact cause of your fear, we are confident that we can help you.

Our Harley Street clinic is fully equipped with in-chair entertainment, so you can watch a film, listen to music or read an audiobook during treatment – whatever helps you to relax. We will also devise some signals that you can give your dentist if you need a break during treatment.

Hypnosis, inhalation and intravenous sedation are also available if you need extra help to relax.

Should I see a cosmetic dentist?

Visiting a cosmetic dentist was once considered a luxury available only to celebrities and the super-rich. However, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe things have changed, and we welcome patients from all backgrounds who are interested in cosmetic dental treatment.

hsdc-cosmetic-dentistIf you are unhappy with any aspect of your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help. At our Harley Street clinic we have an experienced and dedicated team of specialists from all areas of dentistry, who will work together to create the perfect smile for you.

People who are unhappy with the way their smile looks tend to hide it away in public or even not smile at all. This can have a serious detrimental effect on your self-confidence, which is why at our Harley Street practice we believe an investment in your smile is one of the best decisions you can make.

A cosmetic dentist can offer a multitude of treatments big and small, to suit everyone’s needs. Here are just some of the cosmetic procedures available at our Harley Street practice:

Porcelain veneers

Very thin shells of porcelain are placed over the front surfaces of your tooth or teeth to improve their appearance, masking permanent discolouration and adding extra strength to teeth with small chips or cracks. Veneers can improve the appearance of slightly gappy or crooked teeth.

Gum lift

Excess gum tissue is often called a gummy smile. In a gum lift, this extra tissue is painlessly removed, giving a more even, more attractive gum line.

Teeth whitening

Your cosmetic dentist uses special dental bleaching gel to gently remove everyday stains – such as those caused by red wine, coffee or smoking – from the teeth, leaving them several shades brighter.

White fillings

More accurately, tooth-coloured fillings. Your cosmetic dentist can remove old metal fillings and replace them with composite ones that closely match your natural tooth colour.

Why visiting the dentist regularly is essential

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is key to maintaining good dental and general health. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we appreciate that many patients have busy schedules, which is why we are open from 8.30am until 7pm every Monday to Friday, to 6pm on Saturdays, and on Sundays and bank holidays by special arrangement.

harley-street-dental-clinicBecause we know that sometimes you will need an emergency dentist outside of regular practice opening hours, we also have an emergency call-out line that is open from 10pm to 8.30am – call us straight away on 020 3553 8200 if you require emergency dental treatment.

Most patients are advised to come for a check-up every six months. Sometimes, if there is a particular condition that we are treating or monitoring, your dentist will recommend more frequent appointments. You should always follow their guidance to ensure your oral health remains in excellent condition.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we are passionate about preventative dentistry. Regular visits to the dental practice help to prevent common problems such as tooth decay or gum disease from arising in the first place, but if they do develop, the earlier your dentist catches them the easier they are to treat.

Even if you have good dental health and a strong homecare routine, it is still advisable to make regular trips to the dental practice. This is because the early symptoms of conditions such as gum disease are often quite difficult to spot at home, whereas your dentist is in a prime position to notice and treat them before they become serious.

Gum disease remains one of the leading causes of tooth loss for adult patients in the UK, so stopping it as soon as (or preferably before) it starts is vital.

Harley Street Dental Clinic offers the services of a wide range of specialists, from dental hygienists to maxillofacial surgeons; whatever treatment you need, you can get it all under one roof at our modern London practice.

Why visiting a cosmetic dentist can improve your health

Think of a cosmetic dentist and you will probably believe that they are concerned with the aesthetic appearance of your teeth and gums. Whilst cosmetic dentistry does focus on aesthetics, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we are also keen to point out that an attractive smile is also a healthy smile – there are often additional health benefits to cosmetic dental treatment.

hsdcOf course, treatment from a cosmetic dentist can have a hugely positive impact on your self-confidence, which also impacts positively on your professional and personal relationships. But there are other health benefits to cosmetic dental treatment, too.

One of the most commonly-requested treatments from a cosmetic dentist is to have straighter teeth. At our Harley Street clinic we offer a number of discreet orthodontic treatments, provided by our specialist orthodontists Dr Sarah Neale and Dr Emma Lang. These include lingual braces, which act in the same way as standard braces but are attached to the rear surfaces of the teeth so nobody will notice them in daily life, and clear aligners, which fit over the teeth and are removable for short periods to eat, drink, and clean.

Straighter teeth are healthier teeth, because they are easier to clean. With fewer gaps for food particles and bacteria to get trapped in, there is less chance of plaque building up, which in turn decreases the chances of tooth decay and gum disease developing.

Other treatments from a Harley Street cosmetic dentist that can improve your health include tooth replacements such as bridges or dental implants. It is always advisable to replace missing teeth, because otherwise additional strain is put on remaining teeth, which may also become crooked and more difficult to clean. Restoring your teeth enables you to eat a full, healthy and balanced diet, which can only be a good thing for your overall health and wellbeing.