Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Realigning your smile and embracing clear braces W1

Discovering your options

When you first make the decision to straighten your smile, it can become somewhat overwhelming with the choices available to you. Taking the first step towards even considering straightening your smile is one to take pride in, as all too often patients believe that a straightened smile comes at the cost of appearance and daily life. Whilst in the past this may have been the case with the heavy duty head contraptions or protruding metal braces that caused irritation to the gums, with advances within the dental world both in terms of knowledge and technology, the approaches to realigning teeth are far less daunting and fit in easily within your daily life. One of these modern options includes the popular clear braces W1. These come as fixed ceramic braces with transparent or tooth coloured wires and brackets, or as the very popular, removable transparent aligners. Here we discuss clear aligners.

Why they may not be suitable for some particular orthodontic treatments

Whilst the majority of dental misalignment problems can be altered using removable clear braces W1, it is of the utmost importance to get the correct treatment from the outset so as to not waste time on your realignment. Therefore if you are suffering from more severe alignment problems it may be that you wear a fixed brace to begin with and after a certain amount of improvement has been made, switch to the transparent aligner option for further changes.

Taking the plunge by using clear braces W1

Once the decision has been made to use this particular orthodontic treatment it will put a series of events into place which begin with a consultation. This first appointment is of extreme importance as it enables the dental team to have a more in depth discussion with the patient on the entire process and take any photographs, X-rays or impressions of the teeth so as to begin creating the custom-made clear braces W1. This appointment also enables the patient to voice any concerns that they may have regarding the treatment and hopefully set their mind put at ease. If during this consultation you begin to doubt whether this is the treatment for you, please raise this with the dental team. This consultation does not mean that all other possible options are eliminated.

The benefits of following this type of orthodontic treatment

With the challenges of modern society and the busy world that surrounds us, keeping on top of appearance whilst continuing to lead your life is important. This is why having a treatment or procedure that is discreet, but works with our patients on a daily basis is so important. Clear braces not only provide a discreet treatment in terms of appearance, but they also aim to realign the teeth with minimal discomfort inflicted on the patient. Whilst a mild ache is common, having major discomfort will affect your life and this is something which needs to be avoided. If you do suffer from more severe discomfort please discuss this with your dental team.

We always aim to give our patients the fullest information on any treatments or products we provide, so please get in touch with us so we can help you with any procedures you might be considering.

Dental fillings; how we do what we do

Are you experiencing a nagging toothache or a sudden pain when you try to bite on hard food? What about the tingling sensitivity when consuming hot and cold food or drink? Maybe your teeth need a filling? Perhaps you tried looking for a cavity yourself, but without training and a very good light source and mirror, it’s time to book a dental appointment with your dentist Harley Street.

The most common symptoms experienced by our patients who require a filling are all caused by an increased exposure of the nerve. How that increased exposure came to be can be quite different; tooth decay for instance causes a small local cavity which can drill deep into the tooth thereby exposing the nerve. Acid erosion is where the entire tooth is weakened equally all over eventually making the enamel thin enough for the porous dentine to be exposed and therefore the nerve.

If symptoms occur soon after some form of trauma, it’s quite possible that you have chipped or cracked a tooth. These chips and cracks, if deep enough to expose the nerve, will cause a sudden toothache similar to that of a cavity. Most chips and cracks are not resolved using fillings by our dentist Harley Street; if it is severe enough to expose the nerve it is likely that some form of crown will be required.

How we carry out the filling procedure

Depending on the nature of the filling, it may be necessary to remove small quantities of the tooth using a dental drill and if so a local anaesthetic is required. This will be administered into the gum around the tooth which is being worked on. Our dentist Harley Street will press on the gum and will ask you if you can feel anything. This is to ensure that the local anaesthetic has worked correctly, ensuring that you will not experience any discomfort during the drilling of the tooth.

After being thoroughly cleaned and drilled, the site will be filled with a filling material that will either be a metal amalgam or a composite polymer.

Metal amalgams

An amalgam filling is the standard treatment provided by the NHS. It is a hard-wearing material made from a mix of metals including silver, copper and tin. It is very tough and when applied by our dentist and with your good care, these fillings can be expected to last 10 to 30 years.

Polymer composites

Polymer composites are newer in terms of clinical use. The main advantage of composites is that our dentists will be able to colour match them to your enamel by mixing resins, followed by ‘polishing-in’ where a dental drill is used to make the transition between your natural enamel and the polymer filling indistinguishable.

These are only sometimes available as part of NHS treatment, usually if they are related to a filling at the front of the mouth. This is not because there is any doubt of their effectiveness, only that NHS treatment has to consider effectiveness vs cost-effectiveness, leaving most composite fillings available to private or medically insured patients.

We do hope that this changes in the future, as there is an attempt to phase out some of the materials used in amalgam fillings due to the environmental hazards of manufacturing them and potential issues they can cause to teeth.

Prosthodontics in Harley Street- What we do and how we help!

A prosthodontist in Harley Street sounds like a pretty intimidating title, but if you break it up it’s really just a prosthetic tooth specialist; everything sounds better in Latin or Greek!

Much like the more famous orthodontist who is responsible for the shape of teeth, or the root canal performing endodontist, the under teeth specialist prosthodontists concern themselves with the design fitting in manufacturing of dentures. This is no longer the case as dental prosthetics are not the removable items they once were; more and more often dental prosthetics are finding themselves being permanently attached into our patients jawbone. The modern prosthodontics in Harley Street dentist shares more in common with the American maxillofacial surgeon than a standard dentist.

Our specialisation of working with the temporal mandibular region of the face and its associated muscle groups, blood vessels and nerves make us similar to an oral surgeon, Most of the patients we see have been referred on from other dental clinic or surgeries in order to receive specialised treatment with an extensive medical back history which is sent ahead of them. We always read through this and prepare thoroughly for our first meeting with our patients so that we can discuss treatment options although they are likely to be quite similar to the conclusions made by their local dentists.

We occasionally see patients directly when they approach us about maxillofacial issues not directly related to teeth. This would be in the case of facial reconstruction surgery, post mouth cancer surgery and extensive oncology treatment. It could also be related to correcting soft tissue and palate issues often related to obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring. This is usually done by trimming soft tissues within the airways and permanently widening the orifices.

Dental implanting

It is only in the last decade or so that dental implants in a clinical setting performed by dentists have become the norm; it was mainly facilitated by the development of a dental implantation technique that did not require full anaesthesia. Without the need of an anesthesiologist or an operating theatre, these implants could take place in your local dental clinic using nothing more than the anestesia already available in dental surgeries.

Before that point, dental implantation was exclusively performed by prosthodontics, as well as being considered more of a research field rather than an established treatment procedure. We still do perform a great deal of dental implants along with more entrance facial reconstruction surgeries but usually focus on either complicated or specialist cases where advanced and multifaceted skills with an extremely high success rate are best used.

So in spite of our strong surgical background you’ll be able to find prosthodontics in Harley Street or any other centre of dental excellence. We often work in a mixture of clinical and hospital environments with many of our staff also holding part-time positions in dental universities as teaching or guest lecturers.

If you would like to speak more about surgical procedures, like oral implants fitted to the highest professional standards, feel free to get in contact.

Complete the look with lip fillers Harley Street

We all know that your picture-perfect smile isn’t complete unless it is framed in the right way. Oral health care has long been involved with cosmetic solutions, offering teeth whitening, veneers and teeth straightening to name just a few of the options that enable us to perfect the appearance of our smile.

Innovative oral health care professionals have been able to provide a more holistic smile makeover treatment plan for their patients of late, offering confidence to individuals who are seeking cosmetic solutions but want to ensure safety and legitimacy.

Who better than a highly-skilled professional to provide cosmetic solutions such as lip fillers Harley Street in order to complete your desired look and give you the smile that you are looking for. Our dentists have trained for many years in the area of your face, understanding the natural structure and anatomy which is important in creating a balanced and natural finish.

Our experience working with such chemicals also can provide you with peace of mind that you need to consider and eventually try lip fillers Harley Street for yourself. We will discuss with you how the treatment is done and how the materials that we use work for you. By giving you knowledge, that fear of the unknown that might potentially be, the hurdle that you need to overcome can be taken down for you.

We can then talk about your desired expectations and what our expected results will be, aligning the two to create the perfect smile for you that both meets your needs and looks the best for your face shape, teeth and general lifestyle. By trusting in our knowledge and experience, you can embrace a natural and youthful look that gives volume and impact, without looking fake.

How does it work?

Lip fillers Harley Street uses a naturally occurring substance found in the body to replace youthfulness that we lose over time as we age. We apply it in precise amounts in very exact areas of your face and lips.

We can remove lines around the mouth in this way and we can give fullness to thin lips. This treatment doesn’t last forever, but it does last for several months, however in high impact areas such as your smile, you can expect the filler to wear away a little quicker than in other areas that we can use it in.

If you have any questions about this treatment, we do invite you to discuss them with us so that you can feel empowered by the knowledge given. This way, you are able to make an informed decision and enjoy the results that we are able to provide you with.

As one of the many non-invasive, non-surgical facial aesthetic treatments that we offer here, plumping your lips is a popular treatment that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. With the constant improvement of procedures and substances, you need not be concerned these days about complications, as many of the issues surrounding such cosmetic solutions have been smoothed out over time, excuse the pun.

If you’re keen to explore the options that are readily available to perfect your smile, then get in touch with one of our experienced dentists.

Extracting teeth- fundamental dentistry

As a proud W1 dentist, You may think it’s strange that we have an aversion to extracting teeth. This is not born of squeamishness or lack of confidence in our ability to safely and professionally remove teeth. We simply feel that every tooth is worth saving and we will always try our best to repair a tooth over extracting, so you can enjoy using your teeth for many decades to come.

Unfortunately, whatever the case may be from unresponsive gum disease to a severe cavity that has structurally weakened and compromised the tooth beyond the capacity of capping or crowding to save it, an extraction is usually our last option.

Every tooth of every patient is unique, so the rough guide we provide below is just a textbook example of the average patient. For advice more relevant to you, or if you have a pressing dental issue, please contact our surgery immediately and we will be happy to provide you with more tailored advice.

Extracting teeth

Once determined by our W1 dentist that the extraction is necessary and the patient’s consent is given, a set of dental X-rays is taken so that the procedure can continue without any unexpected complications and the state the roots can be assessed, as this may alter the extraction technique used. Local sedation is applied, usually by injection around the gum, and a prick test is performed to ensure the area is fully numbed and then the extraction takes place.

The extraction itself can take anything from a few minutes to 25 – 30 minutes depending on the condition of the tooth and if it has to be removed in pieces or as a single unit. Oftentimes, patients report an unpleasant pressure on the face that radiates down the jaw during extraction. This is perfectly normal and is important to remain calm.

If you have a dental aversion, partial sedation and the use of a calming sedative can be applied before an extraction. Please speak to our dentist about your feelings around dentistry so that this can be accommodated if required and so we can ensure that you are comfortable.

Post extraction care

Some very basic care can help with a successful recovery. The first 24-hours are the most important and ensuring that a sturdy blood clot forms in the now vacant socket is the highest priority. Within this first 24-hours, you should avoid using mouthwash and brush cautiously around the extraction site. Over-the-counter pain relief can be used to manage any discomfort and you may be asked to take a course of preventative antibiotics to reduce the chances of infection.

The most common complication post-extraction is dry socket. Although rare it is wise to take steps to avoid it, as it can be extremely uncomfortable. The chances of dry socket increase if you are a heavy smoker or drink spirits during the first 24-hours after an extraction. If you have had a dry socket in the past, have a family history of dry socket, this also increases your chances of developing it yourself. Mention this to our dentist and the option to pack and stitch the extraction will be considered as this is the best method of avoiding dry socket formation with our W1 dentist.

Composite bonding; a different way of veneering teeth

Porcelain veneers have been with us since the 1980s and although they have often had their celebrity following, they always have their limitations.

Veneers were often sought out because of the speed of treatment; after measurements, a fitted set of porcelain veneers could have a similar aesthetic effect of years of orthodontic work, but long manufacturing times often slowed down the treatment. Another limitation for cosmetic teams was the bond between the natural tooth and the porcelain veneer. There were many attempts to form the strongest possible bond; these led to etching being applied to the front surface of the tooth and to the back of the porcelain providing a rough texture for which an adhesive could find purchase.

Unfortunately, these techniques thinned and reduced the natural enamel on the tooth and although this was being covered by a layer of porcelain, cavities could form at the base and edge of a veneer and encroach under the veneer, attacking the now weakened front layer of enamel.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding in Harley Street is an attempt to address both of these issues simultaneously. We not only do not etch or remove any enamel during composite bonding but there is no delay time. Whilst composite and bonding may seem very dated, it works via layers of UV cured resin being applied over the teeth. These are set using ultraviolet UV LEDs and built up in layers in a similar manner as gel nails. The UV cured resin is colour matched with a natural opacity in order to imitate enamel. It is tough and stain-resistant but can be carved and shaped using a dental drill through multiple layers of sculpting and re-application. Our skilled dentists can disassemble a facsimile of standard veneers produced in situ in the patient’s mouth!

As you might imagine, this dental procedure skirts the boundary between art and medicine as it relies heavily on the skill competence of the dentist to sculpt a convincing and aesthetically pleasing service. Our dentists have extensive portfolios of successful composite bonding in Harley Street, so if you wish to see proof of work just ask. Such a skill-based procedure warrants caution and we are happy to reassure you of our competence.

By avoiding the need to use a dental laboratory to create a porcelain prosthetic, dental bonding can often be cheaper than their veneer counterparts and when performed correctly, they are indistinguishable. As well as being a nondestructive form of cosmetic dentistry, the use of an in situ veneer can be similar to that of a crown and provide structural support to a damaged tooth or one that has been heavily compromised after fillings or extensive cavities.

Composite bonding in Harley Street is considered a permanent treatment and they have a similar lifespan of approximately 4 years. Reapplication of Institute bondings is far more simple than the reapplication of veneers and can often be done on the same day. For dental advice specific to your situation, you will need to attend a formal assessment by one of our dentists. If you are curious, feel free to get in contact and we would be happy to book you an appointment

Have you ever been curious about lip fillers?

It is a normal part of life that as we age our skin loses its elasticity; fine lines and wrinkles are a normal sign of this change. There are increasingly non-surgical, minimally invasive options to reduce the impact of wrinkles and fine lines. Dermal fillers in W1 (often referred to as lip fillers) are one such option. They are a gel-like compound made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound in the tissue matrix of our skin which becomes less common as we age.

There has been an explosion in those providing transdermal injections of hyaluronic acid in recent times. This is partly because, under UK law, there are no restrictions on those who can provide these minimally invasive procedures, due to the fact that they are safe and it is highly unlikely to cause any permanent damage. Unfortunately, this has caused a wide variety in the quality of transdermal injections. Here in our dental clinic, we are very familiar with providing medical procedures and are fully licensed to do so. The quality of Dermal fillers in W1 that we provide cannot be matched by simple high street vendors or beauty salons.

Injectable treatments

Our non-invasive injectable treatments are administered through the use of very fine needles. These needles only pass just beneath the third layer of your skin and for most patients are considered tolerable and similar to a bee sting. If you find this uncomfortable, numbing creams are available and can greatly reduce any sensation you may experience from the treatment. If you are worried about sensitivity, please talk to our dentist so a numbing agent can be administered before your first injection.

How long will Dermal fillers last?

Dermal fillers in W1 are temporary treatment and the first signs of fading are usually seen within 4 months; they are completely gone within 6 to 12 months. Many of our patients have their dermal fillers reapplied every 5 months but there can be lifestyle changes that extend the effectiveness of the treatment. The use of UV sunbeds and tanning should be avoided, as this breaks down hyaluronic acid in the skin as well as allowing your skin to become dehydrated.

For many patients, the temporary nature of lip fillers is part of their appeal factor as they wish to experience a less drastic cosmetic procedure than permanent surgery.

Aftercare

You should be safe to drive and continue with most of your daily routines after receiving lip fillers. You should avoid facial massages or applying pressure to your face within the first few hours of receiving dermal fillers as the hyaluronic acid beneath the skin will be mobile and could be inadvertently moved creating an asymmetric finish. Due to the natural occurrence of hyaluronic acid and its inert chemical nature, any autoimmune or allergic response would be extremely unusual but if you suffer continued redness or soreness at the injection site after receiving dermal fillers, please contact the clinic immediately.

If you have any further queries please feel free to get in contact with the clinic.

Teeth whitening; Get the ice look!

Cosmetic dental procedures have been a mainstay of Harley Street Dental, it’s foundation or tradition that we are proud to continue. We provide the latest techniques in stain removal and teeth whitening in Harley Street that can remove many of the everyday wear and tear that we put our teeth through, whether that be from smoking, red wine or just the daily grind.

Don’t shy away from showing off your pearly whites in photos or during public appearances when you could have a tooth whitening at our clinic. Not only is the change of shade entirely within your control, but we can also use Spot whitening to correct imperfections and dark marks in the teeth. Yes, the treatment we offer is second to none!

The causes of tooth darkening

Our teeth go through a lot and although it is perfectly normal to have a slightly yellowish tint to your teeth (as this is the colour of dentin), it is usually obscured by the opalescence of our enamel. Over time, it is normal for enamel to become more translucent whether that be from acid erosion or simply age. This isn’t something you have to put up with and there are several techniques developed for lightening teeth. These are focused on the different causes of the darkening.

Staining generally is called by substances or calcified tartar forming over the enamel; this can be addressed with abrasion techniques, which grind off the stains similar to a very intense scale and polish. If performed correctly, less than 1 micron of enamel is removed during abrasion teeth whitening in Harley Street. Intrinsic staining is an alteration in the chemical structure of the enamel or underlying dentine, which could be caused by dietary deficiencies, genetic conditions or uncontrolled diabetes. Fluorosis is another example of intrinsic dental staining. These things can be addressed with a bleaching agent which permeates the tooth and chemically alters its structure making it lighter.

How we do things in our clinic

Even if your intention is simply to receive a whitening treatment, all of our consultations start with an in-depth check-up. There are several counter-indicated conditions which will lead us to advise you against tooth whitening, any cavities or loosely fitted filings should be addressed prior to treatment. Similarly, any dental sensitivity needs to be explored before cosmetic procedures can take place.

If you are pursuing chemical lightning using bleaching agents, there are at-home treatment options that you will be able to discuss with our dentist. They can take longer to achieve the desired shade but do so far more slowly over a period of months rather than lightning in the clinic, which is an immediate change, and not always in keeping with our patients taste or wishes for subtle cosmetic procedures. If an abrasion technique is being used, this can only be performed in our clinic but please talk to our dentist about the level of whitening you desire and how quickly you wish to see results.

We are continuing to provide teeth whitening in Harley Street services in line with government infection guidelines so feel free to book your appointment and stay safe.

A happier smile can be found with Invisalign Harley Street

If you feel less than confident with your smile because of its appearance, then perhaps it is important for your emotional wellbeing that you speak with a dentist to discuss the options that are available to you to rectify this.

There comes a time for all of us where we recognise the importance of our emotional health and take steps to improve it. Whether it be to enhance our business opportunities, for friendships or for romantic reasons, by feeling more confident in ourselves, we can ensure that more doors are opened.

Unfortunately, we do unconsciously judge one another and teeth is one of the first features that we see. Those with poor looking teeth are often thought to be less trustworthy, less intelligent and less attractive, perhaps a residual side effect of societal rankings and the availability of healthcare some decades ago.

As we all now have access to appropriate health care, there really is little excuse to not ensure our smiles are looking the best they can be. Why don’t you speak with an oral health care professional today to understand some of the changes that have been made in dentistry over the years for the better?

What are some of the ways that I can straighten my teeth?

Teeth straightening options have increased in leaps and bounds over the years. Individuals are not restricted to the singular, traditional braces option that was once the only choice. Because a lot of people have very different issues with their smile, it became apparent to dentists that streamlining the treatment process was important. This allows those with mild to moderate misalignments to receive the treatment that they needed and nothing that they didn’t need to achieve a healthier and happier smile.

One of the outcomes of this research was Invisalign Harley Street. This treatment is innovative in its design as it is one of the few removable devices that we have available. Invisalign Harley Street consists of removable trays that you replace every few weeks to a slightly different shape.

Over the course of several months, the trays gently guide your teeth into a straighter position. At the end of the treatment, you will wear a retainer, which is the same as a single aligner in appearance, but simply holds the teeth in place so that the ligaments can relax. Otherwise, we have found that teeth will gradually move back into their original position again.

Invisalign Harley Street is popular with both teenagers and adults alike, as it is a convenient and discrete tooth straightening option. Unlike traditional fixed braces, you do not need to come in and visit your dentist regularly, rather you can just change from one aligner tray to another when directed to do so. This means that you do not need to come into the dental practice as frequently, which is a must with today’s busy lifestyles.

The clear, discrete option also gives you the confidence to continue life uninterrupted as you embark on this life-changing journey to a straighter and more appealing smile.

Convenient orthodontic treatment with Invisalign

Orthodontics is not always seen as a convenient area of dentistry, as too many people associate it with bulky traditional braces worn by young adults. And, if you remember someone who wore braces, your own ideas are very often associated with their experiences at the time.

Orthodontics doesn’t have to be that way and Invisalign W1 has pioneered the adoption of clear aligners, which are much more convenient than the traditional metal brace. Let’s talk more about why we offer them to our patients and are proud to be an Invisalign partner. Invisalign in Harley Street may seem new to you, but as we are proud deliverers of dental care, Invisalign has been provided in and around Harley Street for over 10 years.

How Invisalign is provided in our clinic

As with any dental procedure, treatment starts with a thorough check-up and exploration of the patient’s medical history. Dental aligners are a highly effective form of orthodontics but are only useful for mild and moderate misalignments involving the front four teeth, as their effectiveness is limited with molars. Our dentist does not wish to waste your time with a treatment that would be ineffective or unlikely to meet your needs. So a thorough check-up, potentially with dental X-rays, is normal as part of our pre-Invisalign screening.

Assuming you are suitable for treatment and happy with the timescale and other conditions of the treatment, a fitting will be booked and can be conducted immediately. Fitting Invisalign W1 is more akin to being fitted for a fine suit than anything else; accurate measurements need to be taken of the position of your teeth. The fastest and most convenient way to do this is an intraoral scanner.

Once scans are taken it is approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the aligners are designed, manufactured and are then shipped to our clinic. Following delivery, you will be able to collect them and begin your treatment.

One of the greatest benefits of clear aligners over the traditional brace is the capacity for you to remove them at will. This allows you to take them out whilst eating and drinking. They are far easier to keep clean, and have less impact on your food choices. Unfortunately this also creates the temptation to take pauses in your treatment; aligners are only effective if worn for 22 hours or more a day, throughout the night and whenever you are not eating. There is also the potential with removable orthodontics to lose them or otherwise damage them. Clear aligners are particularly sensitive to temperature and can become warped or damaged by tumble dryers or exposure to radiators. If your aligner does become damaged, we will be able to have a replacement rapidly shipped to the clinic in order to continue your treatment without delay.

The alterations in tooth position which are encouraged by aligners are far more gradual than those of traditional metal braces, making the overall treatment far more tolerable. This is particularly true of the brace tightening appointments that you would have with your orthodontist if using traditional braces.

If you have any further questions or would like to explore the potential in using Invisalign W1 yourself, feel free to get in contact with our clinic.

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