How visiting a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can improve your health

Contrary to popular belief, the work done by cosmetic dentists is more significant than just whitening your teeth or improving your smile. Just like restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is also concerned with the health of a patient’s smile. Considering that a cosmetic dentist can perform complex procedures like dental implants, you can start to see that there is more to cosmetic dentistry than just aesthetics.

Cosmetic Dentist in Harley StreetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic, we provide many treatments to correct teeth that are discoloured, chipped, misaligned, uneven, or gapped. If you want to have your teeth reshaped, straightened, whitened, or entirely restored, our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can help. Not only will our cosmetic improvements make your smile more attractive, but they will also improve your dental health.

Cosmetic dentistry and oral health

When your mouth looks good, it is also healthier. While cosmetic procedures are aesthetic in nature, the additional health benefits should not be overlooked. In many instances, dental imperfections have a cause that is related to your health. For the majority of people, that cause is gum disease.

Gum disease not only causes tooth loss, but can also upset your overall health. For instance, gum disease has been associated with conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By addressing the appearance of your mouth, a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will do more than restore your beautiful smile.

Another cosmetic treatment that can be beneficial for your oral health is veneers. While veneers are aesthetic in nature, they also add a protective layer against bacteria. The same applies to dental crowns. Choosing to get a crown placed over a filling reduces the chances of tooth decay. Finally, teeth straightening also decreases the chances of gum disease and further tooth loss.

Get in touch

Our oral health can drastically affect our overall wellbeing, whether that be our emotional, psychological or physical health. Often, cosmetic issues have underlying health-related causes that need to be addressed. If you are suffering from damaged, crooked, or discoloured teeth, give us a call and we will book a consultation appointment for you, to help restore your healthy smile and your self-confidence.

Prevent tooth decay and gum disease by visiting the dentist in W1

Nearly all adults experience tooth decay and gum disease at some point in the life, most commonly in the form of cavities and sensitive gums. Tooth decay and gum disease are very common oral problems and while they start as small concerns, they can quickly escalate to more complex problems.

Visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year (or more if needed) is an easy and affordable way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and plaque-free. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, preventive dentistry is something that our W1 dentist encourages all of our patients to practice. After all, preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral problems is much better than treating them when they have already expanded.

Dentist in W1Our preventive services

During your dental examination, your dentist in W1 will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health issues. Your dentist may also need to take x-rays in order to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.

After this stage, your dental hygienist will examine the surface of your teeth and gums for signs of cavities or broken restorations. They will then check your gums in order to ensure that they are healthy and adhere tightly to your teeth. Next, the hygienist will remove plaque build-up from your teeth with a process known as a scale and polish. If your teeth are prone to cavities and tooth decay, we may also apply fluoride at the end of this treatment. Cleanings usually are not painful, but if you feel any sensitivity you should let your hygienist know, since this may be a symptom of gum disease.

If your dentist in W1 finds gum disease or tooth decay after examining your teeth, they will talk to you about changing your brushing and flossing habits and provide advice on your diet. In severe cases, they may even recommend antibiotics or advanced dental treatment (i.e. root canal treatment).

Overdue for your dental exam in W1?

If you cannot remember the last time you visited our dental practice for a check-up, then it is probably time to call us and arrange your next appointment.

Your guide to invisible braces in Harley Street

Do you have crooked, crowded, gapped or simply misaligned teeth, which you feel would benefit from being straightened? If you want to straighten your teeth, but do not want to wear metal brackets and wires, then invisible braces are a viable option, since they are designed to be fitted onto the back of your teeth.

Also known as lingual braces, invisible braces in Harley Street are customised to address your particular dental problems and promise to straighten your teeth discreetly. Unlike other discreet teeth straightening options, invisible braces can be worn by children and teenagers, who wish to straighten their teeth without anybody knowing.

Invisible Braces in Harley StreetWhat are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are just like conventional metal braces, yet they are fixed to the back of the teeth. Each bracket is custom-made to fit seamlessly into your smile and increase your comfort.

Once your dentist has examined your teeth and confirmed that lingual braces can work for you, they will prepare impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used as a guide to creating the brackets of your braces. This process can take several weeks. Once the brackets are ready, your dentist will glue them to the back of your teeth using a special adhesive.

As the brackets are made to fit amongst the teeth, lingual braces should not be uncomfortable. However, they may feel weird for a day or two, as the tongue needs some time to adjust to them.

Just like, conventional braces invisible braces in Harley Street can correct many dental problems such as crowded, gapped and rotated teeth.

Who can have lingual braces?

Lingual braces are custom-made to fit nearly every oral condition. They can be used to treat a variety of dental issues and correct irregular bites, including complex cases. However, lingual braces can also be adapted to fit only on the front teeth for patients who require minor corrections.

Benefits of lingual braces

Lingual braces have many benefits, but the most important is that they are entirely invisible. Unlike clear aligners, which can only correct very specific oral issues, lingual braces can correct most dental problems. They are also very versatile and adaptable. Lingual braces are ideal for all ages.

How can dental implants in Harley Street stop bone loss?

Bone loss is a devastating consequence of tooth loss. The most common cause of bone loss is not replacing lost teeth, especially when there’ more than one lost tooth. This is because the health of the jawbone is preserved through constant pressure and when that is reduced due to tooth loss, the bone tends to deteriorate.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in Harley Street, dental implants are our treatment of choice for patients who have lost one, several or all of their natural teeth. Unlike conventional bridges and dentures, dental implants do not sit on the gums. Instead, they are embedded into the jawbone, where they create a strong and sturdy foundation for natural-looking replacement teeth.

Dental Implants in Harley StreetBone loss and dentures

Conventional dentures can hasten bone loss by gradually wearing away the soft tissue and the bone they are placed on. As a result, long-term denture wearers find that their dentures become loose and uncomfortable over time and are even painful when they talk or eat. People who wear dentures can also experience the collapse of their facial characteristics, especially around the ridge bone. This can cause jaw related-problems such as headaches and bite issues.

How can dental implants help?

Dental implants fuse and integrate into the jawbone naturally, serving as foundations for the installation of replacement teeth. An important reason to consider dental implants for replacing one or more missing teeth is the maintenance of the jawbone. The jawbone requires constant stimulation to remain healthy and dental implants offer this type of stimulation because they restore communication among the nerves, muscles and jaw joints.

What about loss of bone density?

When bones loses density it becomes more porous. Density loss is much less common than loss of bone volume, but can happen. Bone can lose density because of a variety of factors, including diet, hormonal imbalances, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Bone density can be detected with CT scans and what can be done is to avoid the areas of low density or use mini dental implants.

Contact us

To learn more about dental implants in Harley Street and how they can protect your jawbone, get in touch with our friendly team today.

Looking after your teeth at your W1 dental clinic

Looking after our teeth is an extremely important part of our daily lives. Keeping our teeth looking and feeling great can have effects on our confidence levels which, in turn, has an effect on our social lives, love lives and even our careers.

Having a warm and welcoming smile can make all the difference in that important business meeting.

The daily upkeep of our teeth is up to us, but we do also need the help of a dentist to lend an experienced eye to our oral health. Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we provide a complete dental service, from providing regular check-ups to cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening.

W1 Dental ClinicOur regular check-ups

Our routine check-ups are carried out by experienced dentists who can spot any irregularities of problems before they develop into more serious issues. Check-ups are usually carried out every six months, but some patients may need to visit more regularly to keep on top of their oral health.

The frequency of visits depends on a few different factors like if you smoke and your dental history. Your dentist at our W1 dental clinic can advise you on exactly how often you should visit.

Check-ups involve a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. Sometimes you may need x-rays to be taken to assess your oral health. Advice will also be given on looking after your teeth and gums. If any problems are found, we can book you in for treatments like fillings or root canals before the problems get any worse.

White fillings

Many people who need to have a filling might not want the metallic appearance of traditional amalgam fillings.

Here at the dental clinic in W1, we offer tooth-coloured fillings that can protect you from tooth decay but don’t have the same metallic appearance. You can also have old metal fillings replaced by white ones to restore the natural look to your filled teeth.

There are many other treatments available that serve to improve the appearance of your natural teeth including a range of teeth straightening treatments and even solutions to tackle ‘gummy smiles’. These treatments can you the confidence you deserve.

Should I visit the dentist in Harley Street while pregnant?

Pregnancy is a significant event and affects nearly every aspect of a woman’s life, including her oral health. You may think of your oral health as just one more thing on your To Do list, but taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums is really important while you are pregnant.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we believe that pregnant women should visit the dentist in Harley Street frequently for check-ups and cleanings in order to ensure their oral and overall health as well as the health of their unborn baby. Studies have shown that when a mother has healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy, the child typically has better oral health throughout their lifetime. On the other hand, pregnancy gum disease has been associated with premature births and low birth weight.

Dentist in Harley StreetPregnancy and gum disease

Most women notice changes in their gums during pregnancy. Some women notice sensitivity and redness when they brush their teeth, while others may experience swelling and bleeding.

These symptoms correspond to a special type of gum disease, known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’. They can start as early as the second month, and tend to peak around the eighth month.

Pregnancy gum disease has different causes compared to normal gum disease. Increased hormone levels may be partly responsible, since they enhance the growth of certain bacteria that attach the gums. Also, your immune system may work differently during pregnancy and this could change the way your body reacts against these bacteria.

Luckily, pregnancy gum disease is treatable but it may reoccur throughout your pregnancy. To minimise the effects, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, use a mouthwash and make sure that you visit your dentist in Harley Street for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Moreover, a diet full of vitamins, calcium, and protein will protect your teeth from gum disease and support your baby’s health as well.

Is it safe to have dental work while pregnant?

Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women can have their teeth fixed, if necessary. The second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care. However, if possible, avoid major procedures, elective treatments, and surgery until after the baby is born.

Regain your smile with discreet orthodontics in Harley Street

A straight smile is not only beautiful, it is also important for your oral health. Orthodontics can help you achieve a healthy, straight smile at any stage of your life. However, adult patients dread the idea of wearing visible metal braces.

Luckily, orthodontics has improved greatly in recent years and there are now more discreet treatments, specifically designed for image-conscious patients. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer a variety of orthodontics in Harley Street to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. Our orthodontic options include discreet clear aligners, subtle tooth-coloured braces as well as lingual braces.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetInvisalign

Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that consists of a series of transparent, plastic, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into their correct position. These aligners are created with the help of 3D technology and do not require frequent adjustments. As an Invisalign patient, you can take off your aligners for a few hours every day, allowing you to eat anything you want. Removable aligners also enable you to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.

The average Invisalign treatment lasts 12-18 months, as opposed to the minimum two-year treatment time for traditional braces. However, the biggest advantage of Invisalign is invisibility.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they are made of tooth-coloured brackets and wires. These braces work just like metal braces and can treat a wide range of dental problems including crowded, gapped and misaligned teeth. They can also be used to improve your bite. Ceramic braces are more discreet than their metal counterparts and for this reason, they are ideal for teenagers or professional adults who wish to straighten their teeth without anybody knowing.

Lingual braces

Just as their name suggests, lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, which makes them entirely invisible. These braces work just like regular metal braces; however, they are customised to fit on each individual tooth due to their unique shape.

Get in touch

If you feel that your smile will benefit from discreet orthodontics in Harley Street, call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists.

Questions to ask your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street

For many people, whether as a result of decades of bad habits, genetics, or accidents, showing their teeth can be a major cause of embarrassment. Luckily, many aesthetic concerns can be improved with cosmetic dentistry. Even people with serious dental problems can get a smile makeover with the help of a highly-trained and skillful cosmetic dentist.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, cosmetic dentistry is a combination of art and science and our cosmetic dentists aim to deliver the very best quality of patient care. Combining aesthetics with enhanced functionality is the most important thing when it comes to getting cosmetic treatment such as teeth whitening or dental veneers. Our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will examine your teeth and gums carefully and create a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs and smile goals.

Cosmetic Dentist in Harley StreetWhat are the main types of treatments a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street is qualified to offer?

Cosmetic dentists in Harley Street are trained to deliver a wide range of treatments including teeth whitening (power whitening and home whitening), composite and porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, cosmetic dentures, white fillings gum lifts as well as full-mouth rehabilitations and smile makeovers.

Whichever treatment or treatments you choose at Harley Street Dental Clinic, you can rest assured that every step of your journey will involve intensive care, skill, and attention to detail, using high-quality materials and innovative techniques.

How long will I have to wait to see the final results?

Your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street should thoroughly explain all aspects of treatment as well as the estimated timeline so that will know if your procedure/s will require one visit or several to complete.

Is cosmetic dentistry painful?

Treatments such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers involve little to no post-treatment discomfort beyond temporary sensitivity which can last a few days. Porcelain veneers generally require minimal preparation of the natural enamel but they are not painful to install, even when drilling is involved. Finally, fixed cosmetic braces such as clear braces may cause some discomfort in the beginning; however, this feeling will disappear in a few days.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Harley Street, contact us today.

Your last teeth

If you have been getting pain at the back of your teeth and you are in your late teens or older, then it could be your wisdom teeth trying to come through.

Your wisdom teeth are the last teeth to arrive in your mouth. They are the third and last set of molars and generally don’t show up until you are around 20 and know a bit about life. That’s why we call them wisdom teeth in Harley Street.

Wisdom Teeth in Harley StreetThere can be quite a few things that can go wrong when your wisdom teeth come through and this can require intervention from your dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

Misalignment

If your teeth come through wonky in some way, we may have to remove them. They may even try to come through into the roots of the adjacent tooth.

Impaction

This is when the wisdom tooth either doesn’t come through at all, or, only partly erupts. There can still be a flap of gum over the tooth and food can get under it and it can become infected. The best thing to do is to remove the tooth.

Symptoms to watch out for

Symptoms associated with wisdom tooth problems include:

  • Bad breath and taste in the mouth
  • Pain and difficulty opening the mouth
  • Ear ache
  • Pain, swelling, swollen gums or ulcers
  • Swollen glands.

Even if your wisdom teeth make it through your gums fairly uneventfully, there’s no guarantee there won’t be problems later. This is because wisdom teeth are right at the back of the mouth and they can be difficult to clean.

Throughout your life, you will need to keep an eye out for:

  • Infection of the gum around the tooth, known as pericoronitis. This can be severe, causing pain and swelling and we often have to remove the tooth;
  • Tooth decay, either in the wisdom tooth or the one in front. This may even lead to an abscess if the decay gets into the nerve;
  • Cysts around the tooth. All teeth are in a sack, and this can expand like a balloon to create a cyst. This isn’t very common, fortunately.

Services at your W1 dentist

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic in W1, London, we try to provide a complete service for all of your dental needs. We understand that in the city, it’s easier for you to have a one-stop-shop so you don’t have to go anywhere else to find what you need.

We offer services to look after the health of your teeth and unlock the potential and cosmetic value in your teeth. We can also help with jaw problems, tooth grinding, snoring, bad breath and even help to quit smoking.

Dentist in W1General treatments at Harley Street Dental Clinic

We offer a full service in W1. Dentist treatments like regular check-ups are vital in maintaining the health of your teeth. In a regular check-up, your dentist will assess your teeth and search for any signs of problems that could arise in the future.

This is vital in spotting things like tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer.

If any cavities are found, they can be filled with normal amalgam fillings or white fillings if you’d prefer not to have the appearance of metal fillings in your teeth.

In case of emergencies, we have a 24-hour phone line that you can call to receive help. Our practice team will book you in for an appointment as soon as possible.

Preventive dentistry

Your W1 dentist will always try to prevent any problems from arising ahead of time. This can save you a lot of stress and money in the long-run. Keeping regular visits to the dentist is one of the most important parts of preventing any problems from arising.

Resolving problems with teeth grinding is also a way in which we can minimise the risk to your teeth. Tooth grinding is a complex issue but it can be resolved by our dentists.

Cosmetic dentistry

We also a wide range of treatments that serve to make the most out of the visual aspects of your teeth. There aren’t many cosmetic issues that can’t be resolved by our cosmetic dentist department at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

From teeth whitening to teeth straightening, we have options for every issue.