Match up braces from dentists in London to your specific condition

If you have a crooked smile or gaps in your teeth the easiest and most common way to fix these cosmetic problems is with braces. Most people have braces fitted when they are teenagers, as not only is it preferable to carry out this kind of orthodontic work when you are young, but the braces are also free on the NHS while you’re under 18! The problem with these free braces is that they can be ugly, uncomfortable and often take a long time to be effective. Luckily, private dentists can offer a range of much-improved orthodontic solutions.

One of the most common questions dentists are asked about braces and aligners is how visible they will be. Many of the newest types of orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, are almost invisible. They are also much easier to fit and cause fewer problems with eating and speaking. Even better for self-conscious teenagers, many of these braces can be removed for special occasions.

Of course, this also has a negative side as the braces will not work as well should the patient insist on taking them out too often! However, there are Invisalign braces designed for teenagers, which help their orthodontist keep a check on how long they are wearing them for each day.

Many patients have only minor cosmetic problems with their teeth, which don’t require serious and long-term orthodontic work. In the past, these patients could only be given the same braces as those who had major orthodontic problems. However, today braces like the Inman Aligner, which can be used to move only the front teeth into a straighter position, are available to those who only require minor and short-term corrections. This can be ideal for those who are hoping to perfect their smile for a special day, perhaps a wedding, rather than needing braces for the sake of their oral health.


Wisdom tooth pain and what London dentists can do about it

Wisdom tooth pain is one of the most common complaints that dentists have to deal with. Not all adults develop wisdom teeth and not all adults with wisdom teeth will develop problems. However, if you are one of the unlucky few who have suffered wisdom tooth pain you will know that the symptoms can affect your ability to eat, sleep and even work. Medication can help to alleviate the pain, but the only long-term way to deal with the problem effectively is to consult with your dentist.

The main problem with wisdom teeth is that sometimes they don’t completely push their way through the gum line or they come through sideways. This is called impaction and is the most common and painful problem in relation to wisdom teeth. Previously the only way to treat impacted wisdom teeth was to remove them and, in many cases, this is still the most effective procedure. While the treatment itself is unpleasant and can be painful afterwards, it is still much less painful than trying to struggle on with impacted wisdom teeth.

The removal will be carried out using local anaesthetic, unless there is a special reason that the patient needs to be asleep or sedated. Removing a wisdom tooth is very similar to removing any other tooth. The only difference is that because the wisdom teeth are tucked right at the back of your mouth, the dentist may need to pull your mouth and jaw around a bit more than usual. This is the cause of one of the common symptoms among those who have had their wisdom teeth removed, which includes swollen and painful cheeks, mouth and gums.

The patient should rest up after the procedure, take over-the-counter painkillers and use a cold towel pressed to the face to reduce swelling.


Why would I need dental implants from dentists in London?

Dental implants are a rooting device used for replacing missing teeth and are made of titanium, which is a material chosen for its high fusion success rate due to its similarity in structure to bone tissue.

This technique is the most common and popular way of replacing individual or small groups of missing teeth. For larger numbers of lost teeth other choices for tooth replacement may be more recommendable, due to factors such as cost, recovery time and jawbone quality.

The method involved in fitting dental implants is relatively simple, but will be followed by a moderately lengthy recovery time depending on the patient in question and the amount of work that needs to be done. Before any procedure can be undertaken, your dentist will need to determine whether or not you have sufficient bone structure in your jaw and whether this bone quantity is of a proficient quality to hold the implant. The device in question will be drilled into the bone to act as an anchor for the new tooth, known as the crown.

Once it has been decided that the bone quality and quantity is good enough the procedure can go ahead. This is done firstly through preparation and involves drilling a precise hole, or holes, into the bone where the implant(s) will be placed with a surgical drill that the titanium implant will sit in. This ends the first half of the procedure and a healing time is then needed, usually lasting between 3 and 9 months. Commonly a temporary crown will be placed if the tooth to be replaced is in a very visible area.

After the area has healed the patient will be fitted with their permanent dental crown. This crown will have been coloured to match the surrounding teeth and after the procedure should look as natural as any of the patient’s other teeth.


Why not put some cosmetic dentistry from London dentists into your Christmas stocking?

Christmas shopping can be stressful, especially if you have a friend or family member who already has everything or somebody on your present list who happens to be very demanding. If this is the case and you find yourself stressing about the endless search for the perfect gift, why not consider giving cosmetic dental treatment?

Cosmetic dental treatments

Cosmetic dentistry has become incredibly popular during the last few years and more and more people are visiting the dentist to get their dream smile. Celebrities have gone mad for cosmetic treatments and many have followed in their footsteps in a bid to recreate the Hollywood style smile. Adult orthodontics has also enjoyed a boom period, as new treatments have become readily available and treatment times have been reduced.

The aim of cosmetic dental treatments is to improve and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. It is rare to have a naturally flawless smile and there is now a huge range of treatments, from tooth whitening to a smile makeover, which can give you a beautiful smile.

Which treatment should I go for?

If you want to give someone a special, unique gift this Christmas there are a number of treatments available.

Tooth whitening is an ideal gift because it produces results quickly, affordably and creates a glowing, radiant smile. If you fancy giving something a little more dramatic, you could opt for veneers, adult orthodontics or a smile makeover.

Research has consistently shown that the majority of people believe their smile is their most important physical feature, so buying somebody a gift to give them a beautiful smile will show them that you really care and would give them a huge confidence boost. You can also spread the cost of your gift if you cannot afford to pay the total cost up-front. Your loved one will never expect to receive a dental treatment in their stocking and it will make a welcome change to socks and bubble bath.


Why not try adult braces from dentists in London to start the New Year?

Christmas is fast approaching and you may already be thinking of New Year’s resolutions and vowing to turn over a new leaf, whether this involves eating healthily or going to the gym more often. However, have you also considered giving yourself an extra confidence boost through orthodontic treatment in the New Year?

Orthodontic problems, including crooked, twisted, gapped and crowded teeth, can put many off treatment due to the daunting prospect of bulky, ugly braces being fixed to teeth. If this is the perception you have of orthodontic treatment, you will probably be surprised to hear that ugly braces are a thing of the past and there is now a myriad of options, including innovative appliances and extremely discreet braces.

Treatment options

Orthodontics has come on in leaps and bounds over the course of the last ten years and an amazing array of treatments are now available, including Invisalign and Clearstep, which are clear aligners systems. Other innovative and modern brace systems include Damon braces, Six Month Smiles, lingual braces and the Inman aligner. Invisalign and Clearstep are very popular because the aligners cannot be seen by other people, meaning nobody need know you are wearing a brace.

Damon braces are fixed braces, which are made from very fine wires and brackets and can achieve a great deal of movement in a short space of time and are much more aesthetically pleasing than traditional fixed braces. Six Month Smiles braces are also fixed but work extremely quickly, producing a straight set of teeth in just six months. This is ideal if you are preparing for a major event, such as a wedding or graduation ceremony.

Lingual braces are another ideal option for people who are worried about the appearance of their teeth. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are fixed to the backs of the teeth, meaning they are invisible when you smile; Incognito is a leading lingual brace system.

Why have treatment?

The idea of orthodontic treatment may fill you with dread, but it could make a huge difference to your appearance and, in turn, your self-esteem and confidence. Treatments are now discreet and work incredibly quickly, so you won’t have to wait too long to show off your new smile.


Invisalign Teen in London – Put a smile on your child’s face this Christmas

Christmas is all about giving, but if you’re dreading the annual dash around overcrowded shops and struggling for inspiration for the perfect gift, why not consider thinking outside the box? Give your child a perfect smile this Christmas.

Orthodontic problems are very common and can cause children to feel self-conscious, especially when they smile. In the past, there was only a very limited range of treatments available, but now there is a host of different treatments, including invisible braces.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign is an amazing orthodontic system, which uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move the teeth into the correct position. The aligners are custom-made for the individual and each one is worn for two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series until treatment is complete.

Invisalign Teen works in exactly the same way as traditional Invisalign aligners, but with some differences that have been specially designed to make the treatment process simpler for teenage patients. The aligners are marked with coloured strips to remind you to change them and there are replacements for any that you lose or misplace. Invisalign Teen aligners can be removed, which makes it easier for patients to eat and drink and also reduces the risk of oral health diseases. You can brush your teeth properly and there is no danger of food and plaque clinging to wires and brackets.

Why choose Invisalign?

The teenage years are all about image and the thought of wearing ugly braces for months on end may be daunting. Invisalign provides an incredible alternative to conventional braces and the Teen aligners are ideal because they too are invisible and can be removed for special occasions. Your child can benefit from a beautiful, straight smile without anyone else even knowing that they have had treatment. A healthy, attractive smile helps to boost confidence and self-esteem and your gift will provide a lifetime of happiness.


London dentists pick the ultimate fight: lingual braces Vs traditional braces

Most people still conjure up images of unsightly metal train-track braces when they think of orthodontic treatments, but this is a field that has advanced at lightning speed and the range of treatments now on offer is amazing.

Over the course of the last decade or so, a whole host of innovative treatments, devices and appliances have become available and patients with orthodontic problems now have a huge choice of treatments.

Traditional fixed braces

Traditional fixed braces have always been regarded as a highly effective solution for teeth straightening problems, crowding, tooth gaps, crooked and twisted teeth and issues relating to bite (meeting of lower and upper arch). However, they are highly visible and can be very uncomfortable, especially when the bands are tightened. Braces are also prone to trapping food particles, which can increase the risk of decay and gum disease.

Fixed braces are suitable for most people because they can achieve a great deal of movement. However, many people are put off fixed braces, as they are very prominent, especially in comparison to newer, discreet brace treatments.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are an excellent example of how far the field of orthodontics has come and are the most invisible brace available today. They work in a similar way to traditional fixed braces, but are instead attached to the back of the teeth (known as the lingual side) so they cannot be seen when you open your mouth.

Lingual braces have become popular because they enable people to get a straight, beautiful smile without anyone being able to see that they are wearing braces.

Incognito and STb lingual braces

The idea of lingual braces may seem a little daunting and you may assume that the braces are painful due to the proximity of the brackets to the tongue. However, lingual braces are very fine and discreet and Incognito and STb braces use special technology to prevent friction. Lingual braces are very effective and provide an amazing solution for people who want to have treatment without worrying about how they look during the treatment process. However, they are not suitable for everyone and if you have small teeth or a certain bite, you may be advised to choose a different treatment.


Clear braces are now available from dentists in London

If you asked a crowd of people what they picture when they hear the word ‘braces’, they would probably describe the famous metal train-tracks. However, orthodontic treatment has advanced rapidly and there is currently a varied selection of appliances which are completely invisible or highly discreet.

In the past, if you wanted orthodontic treatment you had a limited range of options, which pretty much included variations of the standard fixed metal brace, but this is no longer the case. Thanks to amazing developments in the field of orthodontics, you can have treatment without anyone even realising.

Clear braces

Clear braces provide the perfect solution for people who want straighter teeth but do not want to wear unsightly metal braces for months on end. Treatments such as Clearstep and Invisalign move the teeth using clear plastic aligners, which are invisible to others. Both systems use a series of aligners that are worn for a set period of time before being replaced by the next in the series, until treatment is complete.

Why choose clear braces?

The major benefit of clear braces is that they are invisible to others, which is great if you are worried about how you will look during the treatment process or embarrassed about wearing braces. The aligners are transparent and nobody will be able to tell that you are wearing them. In just a short period of time you can show off a straight, healthy looking set of teeth and feel confident that you have a beautiful smile.

The other major advantage of Invisalign and Clearstep braces is that the aligners are removable, which means you can take them out to eat, drink and clean your teeth. They can also be removed if you are attending a special event or occasion. The aligners are custom-made and move the teeth gently, meaning you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort and there are no brackets or wires to trap food, which will decrease the risk of developing oral health problems.


London dentists look at why dental phobia needs more attention

You are at the dentist office. If the perspiration is falling from your face, your heart rate is increasing, your hands are shaking and you’re only in the waiting room, you’re not alone. Four out of the five people sitting there feel the same way. When the technician calls your name, the shaking gets worse and your stomach turns over. Why? You have what is known as dental phobia (fear of the dentist, the dental work, dentistry, and that entire field of medicine).

What is the reason behind it?

Dental work, while thought to be minor on a medical scale, can become majorly horrific to a person who is fearful. Some dentists offer sedation (some light and some heavy) in order to calm the patient and make the procedures more tolerable. However, very little is known as to why people are so apprehensive. The very person, who would go to a general practitioner and endure poking and probing, blood work and injections with minimal stress, would walk on hot coals in order to avoid dental work.

Whether generated by white coats and sterile surroundings, the equipment that has the appearance of robotic arms or simply the possibility of pain, the major cause for dental phobia is unknown. Many phobias are caused by the fear of the loss of control of the situation or helplessness. Some are caused by the mere site of objects or people. Other phobias appear to have no recognisable basis. Fight or flight panic attacks control the patients whole being and for a time nothing can be done to calm the fear.

The truth about dental phobia

In the play, “Little Shop of Horrors,” dentists are portrayed as sadists who derive pleasure from causing pain. The play is funny, the perception is not. Many patients feel that dentists are uncaring and malicious when actually the opposite is true. Dentists strive to eliminate any pain or discomfort and many dentists will contact patients after a procedure is done in order to make sure everything is okay. However, many people consider dental work as an unnecessary evil and they put off going to the dentist as long as possible. This action in itself is harmful because in the long run, putting off needed dental work causes the need for more dental work.

More studies should be done into why so many patients are afraid of dental procedures. Dental phobia is very real and very debilitating. Sedation helps, Novocaine helps, sodium pentothal helps, but to date nothing exists that can take away the knot in the stomach when a patient realises it’s once again time to go to the dentist.


Don’t let the winter months get you down – London teeth whitening can brighten your day

It is a well-known fact that the weather and seasonal changes can have a massive influence on a person’s mood. With the temperature dropping and the nights drawing in, winter is well and truly on its way.

As darkness descends yet again, there is no need to despair, as winter doesn’t have to be a dull and gloomy time. You can go a long way towards brightening each winter day with a smile that sparkles, thanks to new and improved tooth whitening techniques, which are sure to shift those seasonal blues.

What teeth whitening options do I have?

There are plenty of ways to achieve whiter teeth and a more radiant smile and the benefits are self evident, with a better smile meaning more confidence, which translates to a happier you, in both your social and professional life. There are three main kinds of tooth whitening experiences available, so everybody is sure to find a way to improve their smile, which can fit both their lifestyle and their budget.

Enlighten Deep Bleach:

Utilises a super seal extreme whitening system, which is guaranteed to provide excellent results. This simple system negates the need for any sort of light activation or high concentration gels and it is a market leader in tooth whitening.

Ramp home whitening:

This is a gel based system made by Enlighten, which gently ‘ramps up’ the concentration of the gel used, in order to give a perfect white smile over the course of 15 days. Patients can subsequently use a ‘mini ramp’ kit, which works over a shorter duration of six days, if they want to ‘top up’ the whiteness of their treated teeth.

Zoom laser teeth whitening:

This is a super speedy option, which is capable of enhancing the whiteness of a smile by as many as 10 shades in as little as an hour!


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