Archives for September, 2009

Cosmetic Dentist Demand Soars for Pearly Whites

September 4th, 2009

More people are seeking out the services of a cosmetic dentist – and the most popular treatment? Teeth whitening.

Cosmetic dentistry used to belong to the United States – like Botox and face-lifts. But now, more Brits are queuing up to find a good cosmetic dentist. In fact, it’s estimated that demand for cosmetic dentistry is increasing at a rate of up to 40% a year in the UK. And one of the most popular treatments is tooth whitening.

Cosmetic Dentists Get Their Teeth into Whitening Procedures

It isn’t surprising that tooth whitening is the most sought after treatment. We are inundated with celebrity culture – on our TV, in film, in magazines – and it’s now a rare thing to see a celebrity who hasn’t had extensive treatments from their cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist is just as crucial as a hairstylist or make-up artist for the Hollywood elite. And where Hollywood goes, we follow. Perfect teeth however are not just about cloning the A-list. Having a good set of gnashers has been proven in survey after survey to impact on our emotional well being. If we are happy with our teeth, we are proud of our smile – if we’re proud to smile, we’re likely to smile more often. And smiling has a powerful physiological effect on our emotions – if we smile, happy emotions follow.

Celebrity Teeth – A Whiter Shade of Pale

For most of us, after years of slurping coffee, drinking red wine, grinding and chewing, our pearly whites are not so pearly, or so white. A cosmetic dentist is a safe way of brightening up your whole look with a simple tooth whitening procedure. In America, tooth whitening procedures have jumped by 50% each year since 2005. And the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says more people are turning to enhancements such as veneers. The Brits are not far behind the Americans, with high profile celebrities such as Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole lighting up the way.

Go to the Pros

More people are turning to a cosmetic dentist simply because whitening toothpastes don’t have the effect that they seem to promise on the tube. Some of the toothpastes can help take away surface stains but some dentists say they do nothing to make the tooth a shade whiter. Although dentists do recommend you use tooth whitening toothpastes after you’ve had a professional tooth whitening procedure with a cosmetic dentist.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Posted in Botox, Celebrity dentistry, Cosmetic dentistry, Teeth whitening, Veneers | No Comments »

Cosmetic Dentistry Booms by 40%

September 4th, 2009

The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has said the number of people seeking cosmetic dentistry is growing by up to 40% every year.

It seems we want something to smile about during the recession – the British public are still spending money on their teeth. In fact, according to the industry body, the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), cosmetic dentistry procedures are booming. More of us are queuing up for smile makeovers, teeth whitening, new veneers and a whole host of cosmetic dentistry procedures as cosmetic treatments boom in the UK.

Cosmetic Dentist ‘Spas’

The whole world of cosmetic dentistry has changed. At one point it used to belong to the realm of old fashioned medical dentists. Today, some cosmetic dentists have removed themselves from the old fashioned dentist’s chair and set up ‘dental spas’ that only offer cosmetic treatments in a specialised relaxed environment. Some dental spas even offer massages and drinks to help create a spa like experience, with others branching out even further offering an array of cosmetic procedures that move beyond teeth to include Botox, and the like. But opting for a cosmetic dentist who has a strong grounding in dentistry is important. No cosmetic dentistry should be performed on teeth that haven’t been treated.

Say Cheese!

It isn’t surprising there’s been such a boom in cosmetic dentistry. The world is becoming more image conscious, and white, straight teeth are considered a prerequisite in many professions, especially in the world of celebrity. In 2007, the BACD found that around a fifth of us conceal our teeth in photographs and just one in four people agreed with the statement ‘I like my smile and would not change it’. As cosmetic dentistry becomes more accessible, more available, and more affordable, it isn’t surprising so many people are joining the queue.

Grin and Bare It

The BACD also found that those who came out top for the most liked celebrity smile included Kylie Minogue and George Clooney – both have big, white, bright smiles. In fact, it’s hard to think of any celebrity with yellowing or bad teeth – even Shane MacGowan of the Pogues recently underwent extensive cosmetic dentistry. Nice smiles are powerful indicators in our lives, with women associating a nice smile with warmth and men associated a strong smile with success in life. It’s felt having a strong, bright white smile will improve the quality of our lives. And judging by survey after survey, smiling can impact on our well being, our happiness, our career and our social life. It’s clear cosmetic dentists are giving more of us something to smile about.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Posted in Celebrity dentistry, Cosmetic dentistry, Smile makeovers, Teeth whitening, Veneers | No Comments »

Get Your Teeth Into Success with a Cosmetic Dentist

September 4th, 2009

If you’re concerned about staying ahead of the game as the economy flounders – it’s time you checked out a cosmetic dentist.

The state of your teeth may be the last thing on your mind when you’re worried about the state of your bank balance or the country’s economy. But research shows your teeth could actually be the secret of success. Researchers have found time and again that people who have visited a cosmetic dentist to achieve a beautifully white smile are considered in surveys to be more attractive. Research at King’s College in London found volunteers rated people with whiter teeth more favourably than those with visible tooth decay in photographs. Although that might sound fair enough – the researchers also found that those who had their teeth whitened at a cosmetic dentist were then seen more favourably than those with normal teeth.

Time to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist

The nicer your teeth, the more appealing you generally are. Bright white teeth suggest you look after yourself, you are healthy and you take pride in your appearance. A quick trip to a cosmetic dentist is all it takes. A cosmetic dentist is more of a necessity if you have missing teeth or crooked teeth, but the research proves that normal teeth – slightly yellowing teeth – can be detrimental to how people perceive you. And in today’s economy where you need to stand head and shoulders above the competition, a cosmetic dentist could be your perfect secret weapon.

Get it White with a Cosmetic Dentist

Psychologists have gone so far as to say a person’s teeth may influence whether they are successful in life. Image and looks are a powerful thing, and we are quick to judge a book by its cover. Research has shown that those with rotting teeth or crowded teeth are considered to be less intelligent, less popular and less well adjusted. In contrast, those who had visited a cosmetic dentist for a simple tooth whitening procedure were rated more attractive and more successful. The fact that such huge talents who are successful but who have bad teeth are remembered for their teeth as much as their talent says it all. Freddie Mercury for example was known for his teeth as much as his singing success, and Janet Street-Porter is often mocked for her teeth, despite her obvious intellect.
Research has shown that women get judged even more than men – showing something of a gender bias when it comes to looks and success in life. It isn’t surprising that the demand for cosmetic dentistry is increasing, despite the recession.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, Teeth whitening, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Dental Implants – A Thing of the Past?

September 4th, 2009

Could dental implants be a thing of the past? In the future, dentists could be using advancements in science to help patients grow new teeth.

It may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but research at the University of Tokyo suggests that in the future, patients may not need to resort to dental implants to replace missing teeth – they could grow new ones instead. Scientists at the laboratory in Japan have successfully grown replacement teeth for mice – and it’s a technique that could be developed for human use.

Dental Implants versus Bioengineering

The advances in science says rather than using dental implants, dentists will merely plant tooth seeds in the jaws of their patients, to grow new teeth. The experiment with mice involved growing the teeth germ in laboratory conditions before transplanting them into the jaws of the mouse. The bioengineering technology exists for growing organ tissue in laboratories that have been transplanted into animals, but the Tokyo experiment is the first time this has been done with teeth – or with a three-dimensional organ – grown from just a few cells.

Research Could Spell End of Dental Implants

The researchers tracked genes using a fluorescent protein during the teeth growth and discovered the teeth had all the usual structures such as blood vessels and enamel. This could have far-reaching implications for people who lose their teeth, who now rely on dental implants. As well as dental implants, Professor Tsuji behind the research said that the technique could also lead to new developments in organ replacements – growing new organs inside the body from stem or germ cells.

A New Era in Dentistry

In a study outlining the research, Professor Tsuji said: “We propose this technology as a model for future organ-replacement therapies. This study represents a substantial advance and emphasises the potential for bioengineered organ replacement in future regenerative therapies.”
The research could be the beginning of a new era in dentistry, with dental implants eventually becoming a thing of the past. Although experts believe we are at least a decade or more away before this kind of dental implant replacement service is available to patients. There are many clinical trials and tests that need to be considered first. Currently, dental implants are the best way to replace any lost or missing teeth – a procedure that entails a titanium screw being driven into the jaw and capped with a porcelain crown. Dental implants can only be done by qualified dentists, and although are expensive to fit, an estimated 7 million implants have been placed since the service became available in the 1980s.

Do you Need dental Implants? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Teeth Whitening – Avoid the Shady Side of Whitening Procedures

September 4th, 2009

Teeth whitening has never been so popular – and with it are a whole load of shady operators trying to cash in on the act.

If you plan to opt for a teeth whitening procedure, make sure you stick with the professionals. For many years now, unpleasant stories have appeared of victims of teeth whitening procedures – people who have bought do it yourself remedies or used beauticians rather than going to qualified cosmetic dentists – just because it’s cheaper. The fact is, you only have one set of teeth, you can’t afford to make mistakes.

Watch Out for Teeth Whitening Scams

One of the recent teeth whitening scams was highlighted in the Daily Mail recently. This scam targeted people online, offering a free trial of its teeth whitening products in exchange for a small postage fee (and your credit card details). When it comes to the transaction, they take much more claiming you agreed to the transaction of regular teeth whitening supplies at the full price. An American company called Extreme White has been highlighted as one of the culprits behind the scam, offering a trial for just £3.99 postage, then deducting £59.99 off the person’s credit card.

Too Good to be True? It Probably is

Written in the small print in the terms and conditions is a clause that says the company will keep charging you after your £3.99 trial, unless you inform them otherwise and cancel within ten days.Meanwhile, reports in Australia have highlighted that the boom in teeth whitening has prompted calls for regulation to be introduced. Teeth whitening is unregulated in Australia with teeth whitening services available in some shopping malls and tanning salons. But the teeth whitening can be potentially dangerous if undertaken by someone without the proper training. Dental groups and professional cosmetic dentists have warned that the cheap, instant teeth whitening services offered by untrained staff is dangerous. The Australian Dental Association is trying to change the law so that only trained dentists can carry out teeth whitening procedures. There are different methods of teeth whitening, but commonly teeth whitening involves strong chemicals – if used without care or training, these chemicals can cause burning, ulcers and damage the teeth and gums.

Stick to the Professionals

Dentists charge more for teeth whitening or bleaching – but with the price tag comes a guarantee of expertise and safety. Anyone who opts for teeth whitening via a beautician or non regulated practitioner does so at their own risk. Before you think about saving money on teeth whitening, ask yourself if the practitioner has infection control protocol, and if the strength of the bleach they use could permanently damage your teeth – is it really worth the risk?

Looking for professional teeth whitening? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, Teeth whitening | No Comments »

Need a Dentist? London Warned about Treatment Abroad

September 4th, 2009

If you’re looking for a dentist, London and UK patients are being warned to avoid treatment abroad.

Dental and medical treatment abroad may be tempting as the prices appear to be just a snip of what you’d pay for a dentist in London. But a report in The Telegraph newspaper has warned that going abroad for medical or dental treatment can not only be a false economy, it can lead to emotional as well as financial scars.

If you’re looking for a dentist, London has some of the best in the world. But the cost of dental treatment has prompted some people to look further afield to find more affordable alternatives. But The Telegraph is warning, if things go wrong, the emotional and financial scars will last longer than the physical ones. If you’re looking for a dentist, London or across the UK, it can be nigh on impossible finding one on the NHS. More people are looking abroad for quick and affordable alternatives.

Dentistry Abroad: A False Economy?

Waiting lists are part of the growing trend for Brits seeking medical and dental treatment abroad. Other reasons cited include the fact that there are many dental services, especially cosmetic dentistry, that are simply not available on the NHS to the majority of its patients. Going abroad often appears cheaper than opting for private treatments from a top London dentist. It’s for these reasons that there has been a growth in ‘global health tourism’. It has been estimated that 50,000 Brits travel abroad for health services – from cosmetic surgery to dentistry. Although some believe this figure is much higher. But there has long been a big question mark over the safety of having surgery abroad. And the Health Protection Agency recently issued a warning about a new super-bug that resists antibiotics that is being brought over to the UK by patients who have sought treatment overseas. Although ironically, fear of British super-bugs, such as MRSA is often a reason for some patients to seek treatment abroad in the first place.

Demand for Dentists – London Patients Need Remedial Work

It’s all about balancing cost and safety. In the UK dental implants can cost around £3k, in Budapest, it can be a third of the price. But there are risks, risks that can leave you worse off financially and emotionally. The British Medical Association advise: “We’d urge people to consider all eventualities before making a decision…What happens if there are complications? What happens if the treatment doesn’t work? What language will the medical notes be in?”

According to the British Dental Association, London and UK dentists have to undertake remedial work as a result of botched trips abroad. If you are thinking of dental work abroad, make sure you do your homework and are aware of the potential risks and the hidden costs.

Looking for a London Dentist?

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, Dental implants, Dental tourism | No Comments »

Demand for Dentists as London Feels the Strain

September 4th, 2009

The recession has hit parts of London particularly hard, and more people are having to seek out dentists in London as the stress grinds away.

Stress is something we all feel. But the recession has hit some parts of London particularly hard. The banking sector and the City have of course taken the biggest hit. And as a result, there has been a boost in demand for dentists in London as the recession leads to an increase in teeth grinding.

Some dentists in London as well as across the UK believe the increase in demand for dentists is party down to stress related teeth grinding. In London, one dental restorative specialist said he had witnessed a rise of 20% of teeth grinding in his patients. Teeth grinding, or bruxism can lead to permanent tooth damage and is thought to be triggered by money or job worries, as well as general stress.

Grinders Turn to London Dentists

Currently, chronic tooth grinders can wear mouth guards to try and break their habit but dental schools are working on a new way of combating the problem by delivering tiny electrical impulses to the gums when the patient sleeps to try and break the habit. It’s hoped that the unfelt electrical impulses will leave the patient’s sleep undisturbed while stopping the grinding for good and the need for ongoing treatments. Excessive grinding can result in the need for a cosmetic dentist – London has some of the best – as it can permanently grind down teeth and chip away enamel.

The Daily Grind

The stress from the fall-out of the recession in London and across the UK, may be putting more pressure on dentists. And the NHS has set up a specific ‘stress-busting’ helpline for people who are feeling depressed or worried about money problems during the credit crunch. The service aims to address the anxiety triggered around job or money worries dealing with the emotional and mental health issues, as well as offering practical financial advice on debt and job hunting.

Dentists Witness Rise in Bruxism

The helpline, although welcomed by some health officials, is not considered to be enough to deal with the mental health fall out. The increase in teeth grinding seen by London dentists is evidence of underlying stress. And front-line mental health services in London are still facing cuts, despite the well documented evidence on the impact on mental health of the recession.

Looking for a London Dentist?

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, General dentistry | No Comments »