Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Invisible braces with Invisalign W1

How about discreetly straightening your teeth with one of the treatments that we have available these days, that ensure you can enjoy a healthier looking smile without anyone knowing you’re in the middle of a teeth-straightening procedure?

Invisalign W1 is a popular option for both adults and teenagers who are looking for a convenient and relatively invisible treatment plan. This device is known for ticking most of the boxes that we find our patients have when it comes to expectations and wishes for a teeth-straightening procedure. And this is perhaps why it is fast becoming the leading choice for both dentists and patients who are looking for a solution to solve mild to moderate dental misalignments.

This treatment can be performed relatively remotely as well, with initial scans proving to be the backbone of the plan, with subsequent aligners that are used to straighten teeth over time being digitally designed in response to the misalignment that you suffer from.

We are able to support and monitor your progress, either in person or remotely, although ideally we would like to meet you every few months to really understand your progress and to speak with you about how you are feeling about the programme. It is important that you feel relaxed and comfortable to raise any concerns or questions that you might have, so that we can continue to offer you an enjoyable teeth-straightening journey from start to finish.

How long will it take from start to finish?

This all depends on the severity of your misalignment and we will happily discuss with you your personal situation and the length of time we expect you to be wearing your aligner. For most people, Invisalign W1 will take somewhere between 18 months to 2 years, although a single year for more mild treatments is generally enough.

However, it is imperative that you understand the necessary addition of a retainer that needs to be worn after the Invisalign W1 treatment itself, to preserve your smile and ensure that your commitment to the treatment was not in vain.

More importantly for adults whose bodies are more resistant to change but still critical for all aligner wearers, by wearing a retainer, you are reminding your teeth to relax into their new found position. Ligaments are likely to snap back into their previous positioning if they are not held in place and this can result in your teeth simply moving back into their original position after several months.

Retainers do not need to be worn all the time. For some people, every night is recommended and for others, maybe once or twice a week, again at night. By understanding and committing to this additional factor of treatment, you can ensure that your new smile remains with you forever and that you can enjoy the benefits that come with having that straighter, healthier smile that you have been working hard to achieve.

We would love to help you find your true smile, or if you’re ready to straighten your teeth, get in touch with us today.

Your dental implants will be just like your original teeth

It can be traumatising when you lose teeth, whether it is one or all of them, but at Harley Street Dental Clinic we endeavour to get you smiling again as soon as possible. We supply treatments to replace any missing teeth that you have lost, as well as giving you the option to upgrade from your removable dentures. We understand that having gaps in your teeth can affect more than just your smile. Eating food can become increasingly difficult, as you have to consciously remind yourself to chew on one side and avoid certain chewy foods, even if you love them. If you wish to have teeth just like your original ones then you should think about booking an appointment with one of our practitioners to have discussions about getting dental implants Harley Street.

Crowns, bridges or dentures will complete your look

After you have had your first appointment for your dental implants Harley Street you will need to wait for around six weeks before returning to our practice to complete your smile. This is so your gums have time to heal around the titanium screws. Once your mouth is healed you will be able to attend our practice for your second appointment. It is at this appointment that you will have either a crown, bridge or denture attached to your tooth implants to replace your missing teeth. A crown is used in circumstances where only one or two teeth are missing, whilst a bridge can be used to replace multiple teeth, regardless of whether they are on either side of an original tooth or in a row together. Dentures are often used to replace an entire set of teeth, or a top or bottom row. They can be partial dentures or full ones, depending on how many teeth you are missing.

Durable, natural and secure

After you have had dental implants Harley Street you will find that they are extremely durable. If you take care of them they could last you a minimum of around ten years, and in many cases can last much longer. Your dental practitioner will explain how to keep your new teeth clean properly, advising on which brushes and products will be most suitable for you to use. Your new teeth are incredibly secure, meaning that you no longer need to worry about having to chew carefully in case food dislodges your tooth or becomes stuck in it, and chewy foods will be a pleasure for you to enjoy again. Being able to eat confidently in public will allow you to enjoy what you are experiencing a lot more, without worrying about getting into any awkward tooth situations. Whilst you’re out in public you will be able to smile more confidently too, knowing that there are no longer any gaps in your smile. Your new teeth are made to look exactly like your original ones, made of porcelain to feel like natural ones too, meaning that when you’re having a conversation with someone they may not even spot that your teeth are not really real.

Enjoying your clear braces W1

For those people who need to straighten their teeth or realign their bite for an improvement in appearance and general wellbeing, using one of the many options that are available these days may enable you to actually enjoy your journey.

Although few people would consider straightening their teeth as an enjoyable experience, we have worked hard to meet the needs of our patients so that their treatment is, in fact, aligned to their wishes as it straightens their teeth.

By listening to the reasons why adults put off their treatment, by recognising trials that previous patients have experienced throughout their treatment and modifying devices to minimise or eliminate these features, we are doing what we can to make the experience more comfortable, more convenient and more available to those who need it.

If you believe that you need to straighten your teeth, whether you are a teenager or an adult, then we are confident that we have a solution that meets your very unique and personal needs. Why don’t you speak with one of our experienced team members who can guide you through the options that are available to you, so that you can see for yourself the choices that await you?

What are some of the features that modern treatments possess?

One of the major points of concern for both young and adult patients is their physical appearance throughout their teeth-straightening journey. Wearing visible braces can have an impact on an individual’s self-esteem and can potentially impede on their professional ventures, depending on their line of work.

As a result, clear braces W1 are fast becoming a popular option for many who wish to straighten their teeth discreetly. There are a vast range of different clear braces W1 that you may be able to choose from, depending on the severity and type of misalignment that you are presenting with.

It is important that you speak with us at Harley Street Dental Clinic about your desire to wear clear braces W1 so that we are able to work with this from the beginning. Options for both fixed and removable braces that are clear or invisible are available, so we do encourage you to enlighten us as to other expectations you might have that would make your teeth straightening journey that much more pleasant for you as well.

Let’s look at the different options

Should you be looking for a more generic and affordable option, then your traditional front-facing fixed braces can be made from clear or white materials that resemble your natural tooth colour. Although not invisible, this clear option can be difficult to see whilst providing our dentists with the device that they need to straighten your teeth correctly. Also a number of removable aligners come under the heading of clear braces, suitable for mild to moderate misalignments.

If you are looking for truly invisible teeth straightening options, then lingual braces although not ‘clear’ are the option for you. Not suitable for every misalignment, these fixed braces are attached to the back of your teeth and are coated in a plating to protect your tongue and limit the amount of debris and bacteria that might remain there after brushing.

You can trust our dentist with your tooth related issues

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we want to help our patients feel good about their smile wherever we can. We know that a trip to your dental clinic is about more than just a routine appointment and we will take the time to understand how you feel about your teeth, advising on which treatments will be able to help you the most. More than this though, our dentist Harley Street will be there for you to rely on them when you find yourself in the middle of an emergency, day or night. If you find that you are having any issues with your teeth, whether it is an emergency or not, it is important to make an appointment to speak to one of our dental professionals as soon as possible, to prevent any additional damage from taking place.

Providing support through day and night

Our dentist Harley Street is not just there for you when it is time for your routine appointment, but when you are having an emergency too. Tooth related emergencies can happen when you least expect it, from tripping over and knocking your tooth out to being involved in a sporting accident or suffering from intense wisdom tooth pain. If you have lost a tooth or you are in severe pain then it is important to make an appointment as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from occurring. The earlier you phone in the day then the earlier we will be able to arrange for you to come in for an emergency appointment. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we understand that emergencies are not planned and will sometimes unfortunately take place during out of hours for our practice. However, in these circumstances you are still able to call our practice during your emergency and your call will be answered by a dental professional who will be able to advise you on what to do until morning. In the morning one of our team will call you to make an appointment for you as soon as possible.

Consider long-term solutions for your smile

If you chip or crack your teeth it can leave you feeling incredibly insecure, but there is no need to worry, as a simple chat with our dentist Harley Street will allow you to find out what treatments could help you resolve your issue. Treatments such as veneers and composite bonding are both capable of disguising chips and small gaps between teeth, but they work in slightly different ways. Veneers offer a more long-term solution to cover up imperfections, as they are capable of lasting for up to ten years if they are taken care of properly. However, getting veneers will also require careful tooth preparation, as the veneers themselves are attached to the surfaces of your teeth. This differs from composite bonding, where no tooth preparation is required. With composite bonding a resin is applied to your chipped or cracked tooth and then moulded into the right shape before being hardened underneath a special lamp, but it will not last as long as veneers can.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants Harley Street are replacements for single or several missing teeth. The implant itself is made up of a metal, titanium screw which will fuse to the jawbone to mimic natural teeth. The attachment to the screw that is used as a solution can be in the form of a crown, bridge or a secured denture. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our dental professionals have great expertise in this area of dentistry. We can provide single restorations or multiple ones if that is the patient’s preference. Losing teeth usually occurs due to ageing or injury to the mouth area. This can be a huge distress to patients, however with this dental option there is a possibility for the issue to be fixed. The loss of teeth can make an individual shy away from social situations which may require them smiling and missing teeth are also an important life issue, as the situation can interrupt daily necessities such as eating and talking. The loss of teeth can also affect the alignment of teeth in the surrounding area therefore exacerbating the problem. Dental implants can address this discomfort and are a highly recommended solution. If you are interested in this dental procedure, feel free to book an appointment with us to discuss dental implants Harley Street.

Who is eligible for dental implants?

A suitable candidate for this dental procedure is someone who has one or multiple missing teeth. For multiple missing teeth in the same area there is the possibility to secure more than one artificial tooth to a single, individual implant.

Benefits of dental implants

There are a wide range of advantages when receiving dental implants, one of the major benefits is that they are semi-permanent. There are also many more favourable results from this dental treatment.

Function in the same way as natural teeth

Dental implants both appear to look like natural teeth and behave in the same way as natural teeth. The prosthetic teeth will gradually fuse to the gum line which makes them structured in the same way as natural teeth. No one will be able to tell the difference and it is highly possible no one will know that you have had a restoration. Since the artificial tooth fuses with the jawbone it provides strength and stability to the surrounding area. This is what a natural tooth does, therefore the prosthetic and natural teeth function similarly.

Easy aftercare of dental implants

Dental implants post procedure are easy to take care of. This is because they can be treated in the same way a natural tooth would be. Which means daily brushing and flossing will be required alongside regular dental check-ups. It is a common myth amongst the public that because implants are not created from organic materials it is not a requirement for them to be cleaned. However, this is not a true statement and like natural teeth dental implants have the ability to develop tartar and periodontal disease, such as gum disease and infections. This will occur if the dental implants are not treated in the same manner as natural teeth.

Cost-effective treatment

In comparison to other dental procedures dental implants Harley Street are cost effective. They do not require regular replacement and once the implant has been secured a patient will only have to work on preventing future tooth loss.

Want to know if lip fillers are for you? A brief guide from Harley Street Dental

Simply put, of all the cosmetic or beauty trends that are taking the world by storm, dermal fillers are by far one of – if not the – most popular procedures available.

Applied to multiple areas of the face, neck, hands and lips, these small injections can reverse the signs of ageing and allow your skin to look younger and less wrinkled without the need for extensive surgeries. And while the idea of attending a dental surgery to have facial aesthetics performed may seem counterintuitive, it is actually one of the best ways to ensure that the results look natural and attractive.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are proud to be able to offer our patients non-surgical facial aesthetics, including lips fillers Harley Street. Our team is trained in the muscular anatomy of the human face, and will know exactly where in your lips the injections need to be applied to yield the best results for your face.

But what are lip fillers Harley Street and how do they work? Read on for our brief guide to this procedure and how it might work for you.

What are fillers?

In short, the main ingredient in the fillers we use at Harley Street is hyaluronic acid.

This is a naturally occurring protein which begins to wane in the skin when we get to the age of 30, causing fine lines and wrinkles.

And so, by injecting it back into areas which have wrinkles or need a bit of plumping, we can help the skin look more youthful and revitalised.

Does the application hurt?

In short, no, the application of lip fillers Harley Street should not be painful.

You may feel something akin to a slight sting where the needle enters the skin, but this should not be overly uncomfortable. If you are worried about flinching, talk to our team and we can apply a numbing agent to the site of the injection.

How long do the results last?

When applied to your lips, dermal fillers last an average of 9 months.

But, as with most things, this is variable and depends on multiple factors, such as if you smoke. If you are older when you have fillers applied to your lips, they may not last this long either and of course, if you frequently use sunbeds or sunbathe, this can cause the hyaluronic acid in the fillers to break down prematurely. In fact, this is why sunbathing can actually age your skin in the first place, so it may be worth losing the tan to keep your skin smooth.

Are there any side-effects?

Yes; once you have had the injections, you may notice some swelling or bruising around the area. There will also be some redness.

If the site feels hot, painful or there is excessive redness, contact us right away.

Are fillers permanent?

No; as mentioned earlier, the acid should break down over 9 months.

And so, if you are unhappy with the results of the procedure, we can reverse it by injecting an enzyme. Simple!

Why do rotten teeth smell? Your FAQS about tooth decay explored by Harley Street Dental

When it comes to the world of dental care, preventive treatments usually revolve around stopping those common dental nuisances that cause pain and swelling – cavities.

And while there are a few lucky folks who have never had a cavity, if you have a filling, a crown or have needed a root canal during your life, the chances are that you have had one at some point, even if it wasn’t uncomfortable.

As technologies have advanced, dental practitioners are now more equipped to prevent initial signs of decay from developing into cavities, meaning that as long as you attend six monthly check-ups, there may be no need for you to have a filling again.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are on the frontline of preventive treatments for both cavities and gum disease, meaning that when you visit our dentist W1, you are receiving the best treatment that money can buy to keep your mouth healthy. What more could you want from a dental team?

But back to cavities; what are they and why do they cause so much trouble? Our dentist W1 answers these questions and more below.

Why are cavities brown?

In short, cavities are brown because they are exposed areas of dentine which are darkened due to bacteria.

As bacteria accumulate on the surface of your teeth (plaque), they begin to dissolve the enamel of your teeth and form holes (cavities). Underneath the enamel is the dentine, which is usually yellow in colour, but with the bacteria now latching onto it, it changes colour and becomes more obvious.

Why does tooth decay smell bad?

Tooth decay creates a sulphurous or bad smell due to the enamel and dentine being broken down. As the bacteria consume these substances, they release a gas into your mouth that creates the unpleasant odour that occurs with cavities and rotten teeth.

What happens if a rotten tooth is left untreated?

If our dentist W1 does not see you for your biannual check-ups, then that tiny cavity is likely to grow, either externally or internally; usually both!

Externally, the brown spot will become bigger as the enamel is destroyed and sadly, no amount of brushing can slow the process, so you will need to see our team as soon as you spot a cavity. Internally, the bacteria will burrow into the dentine until they reach the pulp. Once there, the bacteria can cause infections and abscesses.

How will your team treat a rotten tooth?

This depends on the extent of the decay; if it is minor, we may be able to prevent it spreading with a clean and the application of a sealant.

If it is more extreme, a filling or crown will be used. If there is an infection, a root canal may be warranted and in the worst-case scenario, we will extract the rotten tooth.

How do you prevent rotten teeth?

By brushing and flossing twice a day, attending dental check-ups with us every six months and by refraining from overconsumption of sugary sweets and drinks.

Can composite bonding correct crooked teeth? Common FAQs answered

In the modern world, if you have crooked or yellow teeth, it can feel embarrassing when there are group photos at work or when out with friends; even smiling in general, can become a lot tougher!

If you don’t want to undertake the hassle of wearing an adult aligner or are looking for a more cost-effective way to whiten your teeth without veneers, then you are in luck!

Known as bonding, this process involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin to the front of your teeth, to correct the shape, colour or to hide any cracks in the enamel. You may be wondering how this differs from dental veneers, but the answer is simple; the dentist who applies bonding to your teeth will be able to sculpt the composite by hand, whereas veneers are typically created with a 3D printer.

Our team has practised composite bonding Harley Street for decades and as a result, our team has the required skill set to leave you with a great-looking smile that is symmetrical and whiter. Often more affordable than veneers, this procedure won’t break the bank and will give you a smile you won’t be able to stop showing off to others!

Curious to learn more about composite bonding Harley Street? Read on for the answers to the top 5 FAQS.

How long does it take?

Composite bonding Harley Street can be completed in one session, which may last up to 90 minutes.

Unlike veneers, there are no moulds to be taken and there is no need for the composite to be preshaped; our skilled team simply place it onto the desired teeth and sculpt it with the help of drills and files to produce a pristine finish.

Can it correct crooked teeth?

Oh yes!

But this is where the price of the process will vary; if your teeth are very crooked, then the underlying cost of binding will be more and in some cases, such as extreme crowding, it will not be feasible to use bonding to correct it. Either way, our team will discuss the options with you to help you to that gorgeous smile you deserve!

Does the procedure hurt?

No, much like veneers, the composite is placed directly onto the tooth’s surface and requires no injections or numbing agents.

Once they are fitted, can I eat straight away?

Our team will advise that you allow the composite to settle for at least 1 hour before you try to eat anything.

Although we will fix or cure the composite with a specialist light, the underlayers may still be soft, so don’t go out to lunch afterwards!

Will they need to be replaced?

Much like white fillings, bonding may need to be replaced on average every 5 years.

But this will differ depending on your lifestyle and whether you stick to good dental hygiene. Of course, one way to ensure that the bonding stays affixed to your teeth is to attend our surgery every 6 months for a check-up. It really is that simple!

What should I avoid after dermal fillers? A brief aftercare guide from Harley Street Dental Clinic

With cosmetic procedures becoming more commonplace in today’s society, it is no surprise that the use of non-surgical options is becoming more popular.

They require no time off from work, do not involve operating rooms and of course, they leave your skin looking plumped and refreshed without any scars. What’s not to like?

One of the most common of all the non-surgical procedures that are now offered in dental surgeries is the hyaluronic filler. Injected into skin, these fillers plump the area and restore elasticity, thus allowing the skin to look more youthful.

At Harley Street Dental, our team has been helping our patients restore their vitality with the use of non-surgical aesthetics for over a decade. We are happy to offer our patients dermal fillers W1, helping them to feel more confident in their appearance without the need for operations or surgeries.

But once you have had dermal fillers W1, how can you ensure that they work for the intended timespan without any problems? Read on for our list of things to avoid, to keep your fillers in place and enhance your more youthful appearance.

Sunbeds or sunbathing

There is a reason why sunbeds and sunbathing in general have been linked to ageing skin.

In short, the UV rays break down the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid underneath your skin, causing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And, should you have recently had dermal fillers W1, the same thing can occur, as the fillers we use are composed of a synthetic variant of this acid.

So, refrain from attending a tanning booth and keep your skin away from excessive UV light.

Massages

It can be so tempting when you have had a set of injections to rub the site to relieve soreness.

However, as fillers take time to set in place, this can inadvertently cause them to move away from their intended area, causing the wrinkles to reform and an uneven appearance to occur.

So, for the 48 hours following the injection of fillers, do not rub the injection site or the surrounding area; if it hurts, take pain relief and apply a cold compress.

Smoking

Smoking ages the skin generally and so, if you have had fillers, you should refrain from this habit.

Much like UV exposure, the nicotine in cigarettes prematurely breaks down hyaluronic acid and can allow those wrinkles to reform quickly. If you want to give up smoking, talk to our team about smoking cessation.

Make-up

As tempting as it is to put make-up on following the injection of fillers, it can cause them to move out of place.

It is surprising how much pressure is applied when applying make-up, so for 48 hours post-injection, avoid it!

Medications

There are many medications which can interact with hyaluronic acid or can thin the blood and are best avoided following these injections. The most common ones include aspirin, ibuprofen, garlic, vitamin E and St. John’s Wort. If you have any concerns about contraindicated medications, talk to our team.

Want to undertake teeth whitening? A guide to the procedure from Harley Street Dental Clinic

When you brush your teeth each day, do you feel that they look white enough afterwards?

If you are like most dental patients, then the answer is no!

With busy daily schedules and highly acidic foods and drinks now commonplace, it is no surprise that many people have a yellow tint to their teeth. Even with brushing and whitening toothpaste, some stains are stubborn and will require a professional to remove them correctly.

Whitening teeth is one of our most popular procedures at Harley Street Dental Clinic and should you want to banish yellow tints for good, come to us!

Our team can offer you 2 systems for teeth whitening Harley Street, and we will choose the one that is most suited to you based on the causes and severity of your staining. We can offer both Zoom and Enlighten, which combine at-home procedures with in-surgery whitening to give your teeth an ice-white smile you won’t be able to stop showing off to all around you!

But what exactly is the process for teeth whitening Harley Street? Read on to find out!

Assessment

Before we begin your teeth whitening Harley Street, our team will need to examine the level of staining to assess the best system for you.

As mentioned earlier, highly acidic foods and drinks can cause staining, but so can medications, smoking and even genetics. Also, we will need to assess your teeth for eroded enamel and exposed dentine. During your assessment, we will also take moulds of your teeth, so you can have a custom-fitted device for at-home whitening.

First session

During your first tooth whitening session, with both Zoom or Enlighten, we will gently paint an oxidising gel onto your teeth and will place a UV lamp to begin removing the stains.

Depending on the severity of the staining, the time that this takes may vary and once it is over, we will provide you with an oxidising gel to wear at home with your customised mouthpiece.

At home whitening

For the next 14 days, you will need to apply the oxidizing gel we provided to the inside of the mouthguard.

Wearing it to bed, it will gently remove the more stubborn stains that are present on your teeth. For the best results, you should also try to refrain from drinking coffee, wine or sodas to prevent stains from reforming on the enamel.

If you feel that there is an issue with the process or if your mouthpiece feels loose, contact us.

Second session

On your second visit, we will once again apply an oxidising gel to your teeth and use UV light to remove the remaining stains.

Regardless of whether our team has used Zoom or Enlighten, your teeth will now be up to 16 shades whiter. Be aware that, as with most gel-based whitening, there is going to be a period of sensitivity, where your teeth may react to hot or cold liquids and food. Given time, this should settle – if it doesn’t, contact us!

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