What a cosmetic dentist can do for you

A cosmetic dentist provides treatments that focus on the aesthetic appearance of your smile. At Harley Street Dental Practice our skilled cosmetic dental team have helped countless patients to transform their smiles, and with it boost their self-esteem, professional and personal interactions.

cosmetic dentistMany people are unhappy with the way their smile looks. If you find yourself hiding your smile behind your hand in public or even not smiling at all because you are embarrassed about the appearance of your teeth or gums, you may think that help is beyond your reach, or that you’ve left it too late to get treatment.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we believe that it is never too late to seek the help of a cosmetic dentist. There have been massive advances in the materials, techniques and technology in the field of cosmetic dentistry in recent years, which has enabled more and more patients to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.

The team here at Harley Street is highly specialised and comprises a unique mix of skills. Whether you have a small concern or a big problem, we are confident that we have the perfect cosmetic dentist or team of dentists to help.

When you come into our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, they will listen carefully to the concerns you have about your smile, and will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums before recommending appropriate treatments.

This could be something as simple as removing stains from your teeth with at-home or in-practice teeth whitening, or could be as extensive as a full-mouth rehabilitation using crowns, dentures, bridges or dental implants, depending on your individual needs.

No matter what treatment you need, you can relax and know that you are in safe and skilled hands. Your cosmetic dentist will pay great attention to detail, using the highest-quality materials and the best techniques to deliver the smile of your dreams.

Scared of the dentist? How to conquer your fear for good

Fear of the dentist affects approximately one in six adults in the UK. This fear can range from slight anxiety to major phobia, complete with panic attacks at the mere thought of visiting a dental practice. Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are committed to helping nervous patients to overcome their anxieties, enabling them to get the treatment they need and the smile they deserve.

scared of the dentistThere are many causes of fear of the dentist. It may be a bad experience in childhood, or a particular trigger such as the sound of the drill or the sight of a needle. In other cases fear of being out of control, embarrassment or fear of judgement if you haven’t visited the dentist in many years may be the trigger, whilst in some cases there is no specific identifiable cause of dental phobia.

At our Harley Street practice our whole team is highly experienced in treating nervous and phobic patients, and have a number of options that can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

We believe that in many cases talking through your fears in a relaxed, comfortable setting will help. All treatments and analgesia requirements will be explained in depth before you start your treatment, and you can ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.

Your dentist will devise signals for you to give should you require a break during a procedure – don’t worry about holding us up, we factor enough time into appointments to cover this, and understand that everybody needs to take time out sometimes.

Our Harley Street clinic is equipped with in-chair entertainment, so you can listen to music or an audiobook, or watch your favourite film or TV show to help you relax during treatment.

We also offer hypnosis to help with anxiety, as well as treatment under inhalation or intravenous sedation.

How a cosmetic dentist can treat a gummy smile

If you have a gummy smile – when too much of your gum is on show when you smile – a cosmetic dentist from Harley Street Dental Clinic can help. Gummy smiles are a common problem that cause sufferers to feel self-conscious about how their smile looks, hiding it away behind their hands in public and having a serious, negative effect on their self-esteem. Fortunately, a simple and pain-free cosmetic dental procedure called a gum lift can remove excess gum tissue and give you the smile you’ve always dreamt of.

cosmetic dentistThe first step for those afflicted by a gummy smile is to book a consultation with a cosmetic dentist at our Harley Street dental practice. Your dentist will carefully examine your gums and teeth before recommending the best course of treatment.

Our cosmetic dental team at Harley Street Dental Clinic have performed many successful gum lift procedures. There are a variety of different cosmetic dental techniques that can be used to lift and reshape your gums, leaving you with a beautiful smile.

What is a gum lift?

A gum lift, also known as gum reshaping, involves raising and sculpting the gum line to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. In some cases, your cosmetic dentist will use a laser to painlessly reshape the gum line by decreasing or increasing its length, so it is more even and so that it better fits the structure of your teeth.

Patients requiring more extensive treatment may need dental surgery to remove excess gum and bone. This will be carried out under local anaesthetic or sedation at our Harley Street clinic.

Advantages of a gum lift

As well as the aesthetic and confidence-boosting results of a gum lift, this procedure can also lead to healthier gums in the long-run.

To book a consultation with a cosmetic dentist at our Harley Street practice, get in touch today.

Ask your dentist about dental implants

Dental implants may be recommended by your dentist if you have lost one or more of your natural teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our skilled implant team has helped many patients to replace their teeth with dental implants. They are all fellows of the International Team of Implantology, and are highly experienced in treating even the most complex of implant cases.

Why you should replace your missing teeth

about dental implantsAny dentist will tell you that it is a good idea to replace any missing teeth. While there is obviously a strong cosmetic element to this, with gaps in your teeth causing self-consciousness and anxiety about your smile, there are also clinical reasons to replace missing teeth.

When a tooth is lost, remaining teeth have a tendency to move position into any gaps. They can become crooked and more difficult to clean, increasing your chances of tooth decay. Additional strain can also be put on remaining natural teeth.

Missing teeth can also lead to bone loss, as the jaw bone slowly starts to resorb when teeth are lost. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevent bone loss, because they act as replacement tooth roots and integrate with the bone.

Why Harley Street Dental Clinic?

At our Harley Street dental practice, our implant team comprises top implant dentists Mr Stephen Dover, Dr Pedja Pavlovic and Dr Charlotte Stilwell. All are fellows of the International Team of Implantology, and all are experienced in complex implant cases, including those patients whose teeth have been missing for some time and who have experienced bone loss.

Even if another dentist has told you that because of bone loss you are not suitable for implant treatment, we are confident that we can help. Additional procedures – bone grafts and sinus lifts – help to rebuild the bone, enabling your dentist to place implants successfully.

Fast ways a cosmetic dentist can boost your smile

A good cosmetic dentist will tell you that there is no such thing as a quick fix in cosmetic dental treatment. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we pride ourselves on the quality and durability of work we carry out, and the high standards our staff achieve for every patient.

cosmetic-dentistHowever, there are some quick, safe and effective ways to boost your smile, and when you come into our Harley Street clinic for a consultation, your cosmetic dentist will carefully examine you and will assess which is the best treatment option to suit your individual needs.

Here are some of the most popular and quickest cosmetic treatment options at our Harley Street practice:

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry. Our teeth become stained by drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine, by habits such as smoking and by certain medicines. When carried out by a cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to remove these stains and leave your teeth several shades brighter.

Special dental bleaching gel is used to gently remove stains. It’s important to remember you should only have this treatment under a cosmetic dentist’s care.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have three options for teeth whitening: home whitening, power whitening here in the practice, and a combination of both. Home whitening uses whitening trays that you wear overnight for about two weeks, while power whitening is performed here in the practice, and takes about an hour.

Veneers

Dental veneers are placed over the front surfaces of the teeth to improve their appearance and disguise minor imperfections. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we use porcelain, ceramic and composite material (white filling material) to create beautiful, natural-looking veneers.

You will require at least two appointments at our practice to have your veneers fitted.

How your dentist can save your tooth

As a dentist, you know the importance of preserving patients’ natural teeth whenever possible. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we’re keen to promote preventative dentistry, which should help to stop serious problems that cause the risk of tooth loss from arising. However, in some cases teeth can become damaged or infected, in which case we will do everything we can to save your tooth.

endodonticsRoot canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a term that can make even the bravest of patients feel somewhat nervous. However, it is nothing to be worried about – your dentist will prescribe this treatment when the pulp of your tooth has become infected, risking tooth loss.

At our Harley Street dental practice, all of our root canal treatment is carried out by specialist orthodontist Dr Nectaria Polycarpou, who is very experienced and highly skilled in treating even complex cases (including repeat treatment if root canal work with another dentist has failed). Her kind and compassionate nature helps even the most anxious patients to relax.

The pulp or nerve at the centre of the tooth can become infected through untreated tooth decay and also through trauma involving the teeth. Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist, coupled with a strong home-care routine, will help to prevent such infection from arising. However, if it does, Dr Polycarpou at our Harley Street clinic will be able to remove the infection and clean the root canal(s) to get you out of pain and preserve your tooth.

She uses the latest equipment – special files and a binocular microscope – to clear all infection from your tooth, before clearing and filling the root canal to stop further infection occurring. At our Harley Street clinic we carry out this treatment under local anaesthetic or sedation if necessary, so you will experience no discomfort.

This usually requires two appointments to ensure the infection is fully cleared. A crown may be placed on top of your tooth at the end of treatment for additional strength.

How a smile makeover with a cosmetic dentist can increase your confidence

A cosmetic dentist doesn’t just improve your smile – they can also boost your self-esteem and confidence. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments that can give you the smile you’ve always dreamt of, at the same time increasing your self-confidence and improving interactions in your personal and professional life.

cosmetic dentistSome people that seek out the services of a cosmetic dentist have a particular treatment in mind, while others know they are unhappy with their smile, but are unsure what they need to do to improve it.

If you fall into the latter category, we recommend booking a smile makeover with a skilled cosmetic dentist here at our Harley Street practice. During a smile makeover consultation, your dentist will present all the appropriate treatment options to you so that you can make an informed choice about which is best for your smile. The pros and cons of each option will be carefully explained to you, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have.

How it works

The first step is to come into Harley Street Dental Clinic for an initial assessment with a cosmetic dentist. Your dentist will assess the shape, colour, size and alignment of your teeth, as well as your general oral health. They will ask what you want to achieve, and will take into consideration other important factors including hair colour and facial proportions.

Your cosmetic dentist will then recommend appropriate treatments, and will use computer aided design to show you what results you can expect before starting treatment. Once you have agreed on your treatment options, a treatment plan will be drawn up.

Subsequent appointments will be arranged here at our Harley Street clinic at the most convenient time for you.

Why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly

Regular appointments with a dentist are essential to maintaining good oral health. At Harley Street Dental Practice we recommend patients visit us for a general dental check-up every six months. In some cases it may be necessary to visit more frequently, and you should always follow your dentist’s advice to ensure your mouth stays in good health.

visit-your-dentist-regularlyEven if you think your teeth are in excellent condition, you should maintain regular check-up appointments. Your dentist can spot any problems even before you have noticed any symptoms yourself, and the early we can begin treatment, the quicker and less traumatic it is likely to be.

We are committed to preventative dentistry at our Harley Street clinic, helping to stop problems before they start. Your dentist can check for any early signs of decay or gum disease and can recommend the best course of action to take before these issues become serious.

When you come for your first appointment with a dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic, they will take a detailed dental and medical history.

It is vital for your clinician to be aware of any pre-existing conditions you may have or medications you may be taking, as these can sometimes affect your treatment options.

They will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and surrounding structures, including taking x-rays as necessary to aid with diagnosis. If any treatment is needed, they will provide you with all the options and will draw up a treatment plan. You may be treated by the same dentist or referred to one of their specialist colleagues, depending on your need. We have many dental specialists under one roof at our Harley Street clinic.

Your clinician will also provide advice on maintaining good oral health at home, including tooth brushing techniques and the effects of diet on your teeth.

How taking your child to visit the dentist from an early age can establish great oral health for life

Many parents wonder when they should start taking their children to visit the dentist. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we recommend bringing children in from the age of 12 months, and believe this can help instil good dental health habits for life.

oral-healthProfessor Raman Bedi is our paediatric dental specialist here at Harley Street. He is the chairman of the Global Child Dental Fund and co-chair of a global expert committee on caries management and prevention. He and his team are excellent at building up a good rapport with young patients, establishing a relationship of trust.

A bad experience in childhood is the cause of many adults’ dental phobia. By bringing your child to see a specialist children’s dentist from when their teeth start to appear, you can help to prevent this.

Children will quickly learn that a visit to the dentist is routine and nothing to be scared of, and establishing good preventative habits including regular, proper tooth-brushing will help to avoid the need for more invasive treatments at a later stage.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe that by seeing children from the age of 12 months, the dentist will soon become a friendly face your children look forward to seeing every six months. By making dental appointments a regular, routine experience, you can help establish a good oral healthcare regime for life.

Our children’s dental team, led by Professor Bedi, believe that every child deserves a healthy mouth. If your child does require a filling, their dentist will use a laser instead of a drill, which is less traumatic and far more comfortable.

Your dentist can also provide preventative treatments for children, including fissure sealants and fluoride varnish, which help to strengthen teeth and combat tooth decay.

To book an appointment with a children’s dentist, contact our Harley Street practice today.

Is there such a thing as a quick fix from a cosmetic dentist?

A “quick fix” solution is not something a good cosmetic dentist would offer. Quality treatments take time, skill and care, and a rush job is unlikely to look natural or to be very durable. At our Harley Street dental clinic we believe in creating beautiful, natural-looking, long-lasting smiles for every patient. Using our unique combination of finely tuned skills, our cosmetic dental team will create the perfect smile every time.

cosmetic-dentistHowever, there are some reliable and safe ways for a cosmetic dentist to boost your smile quickly. Here, we look at some of the popular quick smile boosters available at our Harley Street practice.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening uses special bleaching gels to gently remove many of the everyday stains that build up on our teeth. It should only be carried out under the care of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Products available on the internet and the high street may claim to whiten teeth, but are unregulated so at best will be ineffective and at worst may be harmful.

The teeth whitening treatments offered at our Harley Street practice are reliable and safe. Whether you opt for power whitening here in the practice or for self-administered whitening treatment at home, you will remain under the supervision of your cosmetic dentist at all times.

Power whitening takes just an hour while home whitening takes about two weeks.

Veneers

If you have teeth that are permanently stained, slightly crooked or gappy, mildly chipped or cracked, you should ask your cosmetic dentist about dental veneers. Veneers are much like a false fingernail for the teeth, being thin pieces of material placed over the front surfaces of the teeth to hide a range of minor imperfections. They may be made from porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material, and are a popular choice at our Harley Street clinic.