Archives for September, 2010

Harley Street Dental Studio Pioneering New Techniques

September 29th, 2010

Renowned cosmetic Dental Surgeon, Dr Mark Hughes has recently opened the Harley Street Dental Studio.  The new practice, based in the heart of the professional private medical community, uses groundbreaking techniques that are set to transform dentistry in the UK.

The Harley Street Dental Studio is one of the first cosmetic dentist practices to use a variety of techniques imported from the US.  Clients can benefit from the finest ‘micro-thin’ veneers, produced by the Da Vinci laboratory in California, and previously seen on Living TV’s The Swan and Extreme Makeover. Veneers such as these are only 0.3mm thick which gives a natural look and saves on tooth structure when creating new smiles.

Crowns and fillings

Crowns and fillings are created using Cerec 3D Cad-Cam which allows Dr Hughes to scan the tooth with a laser which produces a 3-dimensional model on the computer.  Dr Hughes is then able to cut an actual porcelain filling, ready to be fitted, in less than 10 minutes.  Technology such as this has previously only been seen in the US and the Harley Street Dental Studio is delighted to be able to offer such advancements to clients in the UK.

Having the perfect smile is important not only aesthetically but also promotes good health and wellbeing, therefore Invisalign orthodontics and Zoom 2 whitening treatments are extremely popular with Dr Hughes’s clients.

Invisalign products are ‘invisible’ and allow crooked teeth to move into the correct position without the need for braces – you can have the perfect smile without wearing braces to get it.

Zoom 2

A superior tooth whitening product from California – only takes 40 minutes to complete and teeth are brightened by several shades to give outstanding results.  Other advancements currently used by the Harley Street Dental Studio include replacing drills with lasers – resulting in silent treatments with no pain and no numbness and digital X-rays and scans.  These ensure sharper and more accurate images, with one tenth the radiation from conventional X-ray machines.

Working alongside Dr Hughes is a committed team, whose expertise stretches far beyond the call of traditional dentistry.  Dr Nick Fahey is a key team member whose skill and talent lies in endodontrics, prosthodontics and dental implantology.  Dr Hughes and Dr Fahey are ably assisted by Kathy Waters, a hygienist with over 10 years practical experience in private clinics around London.

In addition to using the latest dental techniques, the Studio also offers the ultimate lifestyle experience: a plasma screen showing a DVD of your choice, complete with Bang and Olufsen surround sound, a limousine service to and from the Studio and, for those who want the ultimate pampering experience, procedures such as a manicures or pedicures can be carried out while in the dentists chair.

Dr Hughes is dedicated to clinical excellence and has built a reputation as one of the finest aesthetic dentists in London.  He is well known in the industry for his impeccable standards and for working closely with patients to provide outstanding quality in dental and aesthetic treatments using only the latest techniques.

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, Dental crown, Invisalign, Teeth whitening, Veneers | No Comments »

Invisalign Q&A’s

September 27th, 2010

We answer some common questions about one of the most advanced orthodontic treatments: Invisalign ‘invisible’ braces.

Q. How does Invisalign differ from other competitive orthodontic treatments?

A. Invisalign is a series of comfortable, removable nearly invisible ‘aligners’ that help to move teeth step by step to achieve a great smile. It is perfect for enhancing your natural assets, ‘using what you’ve got’ rather, for example, than drilling away the teeth and adding porcelain.

If you compare Invisalign to traditional braces, primary differences include there are no metal brackets or wires and unlike traditional ‘train tracks’ you can remove the aligners for special occasions, and indeed daily to eat and to keep up your oral hygiene.

Aligners are more comfortable than and not as painful as traditional braces. With the latter you are required to have the wires changed and tightened, which can cause great discomfort. Aligners on the other hand, apply a constant gentle force on the teeth without causing much pain.

Finally, you have a certain amount of flexibility as you will only need to see your doctor every 8 to 12 weeks. This means less maintenance – perfect for those with a busy schedule.

Q. When you say anti-ageing, can you explain in more detail how misaligned / overlapping teeth contribute to looking older than you need to?

A. One of the things that can happen to the teeth as we age is discolouration, which can also occur from stains penetrating the enamel.  Teeth, like any other part of the body, are also subject to wear and tear – everyday physical forces cause deterioration to the tooth structure. This can manifest with loss of enamel, resulting in teeth shortening, chipping or developing fracture lines.

Tooth decay and even gum disease over time may also cause deterioration in teeth, which can lead to fillings, root canals or in extreme cases, tooth loss. Gum disease can also cause teeth to loosen and move due to a loss of bone supporting the teeth. A natural movement in teeth also occurs throughout life; however teeth that are already crooked have a tendency to worsen further with age.

Discolouration and teeth that have moved, or are fractured are key indicators of ageing. Crooked teeth, particularly on the bottom, become more obvious as we age as the facial tissues become less elastic and the skin sags, making the teeth more visible. Crooked teeth also wear faster than straight teeth and therefore the effects of ageing are more obvious – the more discoloured and deteriorated the teeth, the older someone physically looks. With Invisalign you can tackle both the movement of teeth and the discolouration, as you can whiten your teeth during treatment, unlike with train track braces.

Q. Is there an age-limit on using Invisalign?

A. I would recommend the treatment to anyone from the age of twelve upwards, with no upper age limit.

Q. Are there any people who wouldn’t qualify for Invisalign (e.g. those with a number of crowns/implants in their mouths?

A. The most important thing is good oral health – if you are not orally fit, it can be contraindicated to go into treatment. You have to be careful about treatment choices if you have crowns or implants as this can provide limitations – you can’t move crowns or implants, just straighten the teeth around them.

Q. What are Dr Hughes’ tips on anti-ageing your teeth (and does this extend to gums too)?

A. Poor diet can be a cause of tooth deterioration, whether through sweet, hard, or staining food and drinks.  Failure to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine also plays a major part in the ageing process, as this can lead to tooth decay. Poor attendance for dental health checkups can add to the deterioration and prevents the opportunity for early detection of any problems such as decay, or clenching/grinding of teeth which can speed up the ageing process.

You can’t stall the ageing process but you can reduce the physical effects of it with a better diet (avoid too many sugary foods and those that can cause staining such as red wine, coffee etc), regular dental checkups and visits to a dental hygienist (considered part of a regular beauty routine for many people now, much like going for a facial). Ensure you are brushing teeth effectively and incorporate floss or interdental brushes into your oral hygiene routine to reach the tooth surface and gum between the teeth.

Taking measures to whiten the teeth and correct tooth position will also directly reduce the physical effects of the ageing process. Protective measures, such as a bite guard, can help slow tooth deterioration that occurs as a result of tooth grinding etc.

Q. What price range are we talking about?

A. The average cost ranges from £2,500 to £4,000. But if your teeth only need minor corrections, prices could be as low as £1,800.

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, Invisalign | No Comments »

Making sure your smile is as perfect as your dress on your important day

September 24th, 2010

As the most important person at your wedding, all eyes will be on you. And it’s not just your dress, shoes, hair and make up that are being admired, it’s also your smile.

Brides spend all day smiling and it’s important that your teeth look lovely, white, clean and healthy.  A beautiful smile can literally brighten someone’s face so make sure that you draw admiring glances as you beam your way through your special day.

The Harley Street Dental Studio is one of the first cosmetic dentist practices to use a variety of techniques imported from the US. Renowned cosmetic Dental Surgeon Dr Mark Hughes leads a strong team committed to providing you with the very best in state of the art dentistry care.

At the cutting edge of technology

The Harley Street Dental Studio is proud to be at the cutting edge in dentistry technology, offering speed with superb service and excellent treatment. Teeth whitening, using the superior brand Zoom 2 takes only 40 minutes to complete and teeth are brightened by several shades to give outstanding results.   A short visit to the Harley Street Dental Studio will guarantee a winning Hollywood smile on your wedding day and you can radiate confidence all day.   Not only that, but it is so easy and effective why not book your mum, dad and all the in laws in for a treatment.

If it’s more serious dental work that’s needed, this is equally easy and efficient; crown and fillings are created using a new technique involving scanning the tooth with a laser which produces a 3-dimensional model on the computer. Dr Hughes is then able to cut an actual porcelain filling, ready to be fitted, in less than 10 minutes.

Be a beautiful bride and take advantage of a full pampering experience while your teeth are taken care of. Relax in attractive surroundings in the London studio, perhaps choosing a DVD to watch on the state of the art plasma screen while your procedure is being done. For the ultimate in star treatment, the bride to be can also indulge in manicures and pedicures whilst in the chair, and be chauffeured by limousine to and from the studio to complete the special experience.

Special care for scared patients

For those who are afraid of visiting the dentist, then the Harley Street Dental Studio will completely change your opinion of teeth care. The extra perks and lunchtime-length treatments will have you wishing the sessions were longer to enjoy the plush surroundings and special attention.

A bride-to-be deserves the very best, and the combination of excellent dentistry in a stylish and fashionably holistic spa environment will have you ready to smile your best for the entirety of your big day.

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Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, Dental crown, Dental phobia, Teeth whitening | No Comments »

Roll Back The Years With Invisalign

September 22nd, 2010

The ageing process is an inevitable fact of life with British people spending millions of pounds each year trying to reverse the process. We all know how to reduce fine lines with anti-ageing creams, facials, fillers, and masks…but most people don’t consider how to anti-age their teeth.

Celebrity makeup artist to the stars, Lina Cameron explains, “There is nothing more ageing than seeing a beautiful woman with poor dental habits. A straight, bright smile can knock 10 years off in some cases. It is never too late to correct something you are unhappy about.”

The fact is, we can do something about it and prolong our youthful smiles by taking action today. Leading Harley Street and Invisalign®practitioner, Dr. Mark Hughes, offers insight into the ageing process that affects our teeth with advice on preventative measures.

SCIENCE BEHIND AGEING TEETH

Discolouration

The most obvious thing that happens to the teeth as we age is discolouration, both from the inside, as Dentine increases in size, but also from stains penetrating from the outside through the porous enamel.  Wear and tear also plays a big part in the deterioration process, resulting in teeth shortening, chipping or developing fracture lines, which are tell-tale signs of ageing.  Tooth decay and even gum disease over time adds to this deterioration and can also cause teeth to loosen and move due to a loss of bone supporting the teeth.

Straight teeth

A natural movement in teeth does occur throughout life; however teeth that are already crooked have a tendency to worsen further with age. Crooked teeth, particularly on the bottom, also become more obvious as we age as the facial tissues become less elastic and the skin sags, making the teeth more visible. The more discoloured and deteriorated the teeth, the older someone physically looks.

Preventative measures

  • Poor diet is a common cause of tooth deterioration; therefore avoid too many sugary foods and those that can cause staining such as red wine, coffee etc
  • An effective oral hygiene routine can keep the ageing process at bay, so ensure you are brushing teeth effectively and incorporate floss or interdental brushes into your oral hygiene routine to reach the tooth surface and gum between the teeth
  • Poor attendance for dental health checkups prevents the opportunity for early detection of any problems such as decay, or clenching/grinding of teeth which can speed up the ageing process.  Regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are essential to maintain, healthy youthful looking teeth
  • Straightening teeth can protect your bite and consequently reduce tooth wear. It is also easier to maintain the appearance of straight teeth, as they are easier to clean, which in turn reduces the risk of developing gum problems.
  • Invisalign® is a practically invisible orthodontic treatment that adjusts teeth with a series of clear removable aligners. The treatment can tackle both the movement of teeth without embarrassment and discolouration, as you can whiten your teeth during treatment, unlike metal braces
  • Protective measures, such as a bite guard, can help slow tooth deterioration that occurs as a result of tooth grinding etc – Invisalign® can provide protection as a bite guard

Next time you consider your anti-ageing lotions and potions, spare a thought for your hard-working teeth and how you can roll back the years with a youthful, dazzling smile!

Background

Dr. Mark Hughes is the founder and primary cosmetic dentist at the London practice of Harley Street Dental Studio.  A Platinum rank Invisalign® provider, Dr. Hughes’ commitment to quality has made him a highly regarded cosmetic dentist in London and highly sought after by actors and other celebrities in search of advanced cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Hughes makes regular appearances as an expert cosmetic dentist on television and in printed media publications.

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, General dentistry, Invisalign | No Comments »

Dental Tourism Booming

September 20th, 2010

Dental tourism is booming as millions of people across the world travel to other countries in a bid to save money on dental treatment.

Why is dental tourism so popular?

Dental tourism is becoming increasingly popular because more people are finding out that they can get dental treatment much cheaper in other countries; the number of clinics targeting tourists is also increasing. On the surface, it seems amazing to be able to combine a luxury holiday with getting dental treatment, especially as the low costs mean that people can pay the same for a luxury holiday and dental work as just the treatment at home. However, there are many potential pitfalls and patients should take great care when they choose to head overseas for dental treatment.

Quality care in the UK

In the UK, all practising dentists must be registered and qualified. Dental surgeries and clinics must also be clean and adhere to strict infection control and sterilisation procedures. In other countries, standards of cleanliness may not be so high and you risk being seen by a dentist who does not have the necessary qualifications and expertise to be carrying out your treatment.

Dental treatment may be more expensive in the UK but you will end up paying a lot more if you choose to go abroad and see a dentist who is not fully qualified, or you attend a clinic that does not have effective protocols in place. After care is another big issue that must be considered. If you receive treatment at in the UK you can just nip to your dentist for any follow-ups. But if you have treatment abroad a follow-up appointment won’t be quite so easy to ascertain.

If you choose to come to us for treatment, you can be rest assured that you will be offered the highest possible standards of care and we will do everything we can to make sure you have an enjoyable experience with us. Our team is highly qualified and has a wealth of professional experience.

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, Dental tourism | No Comments »

Tooth Gaps are Back!

September 15th, 2010

Thanks to celebrities like Georgia Jagger and Lara Stone, gappy teeth are officially a la mode.

What’s all the fuss about?

Historically, gaps between the front teeth have been considered an unattractive feature. Even dating back to the times of Chaucer, people were criticised for having an unsightly gap between their teeth. Now, however, the worlds of fashion and entertainment have diversified and a whole range of looks are being hailed as beautiful and unique. Instead of hiding behind a seemingly unattractive quirk, celebrities like Georgia Jagger have chosen to flaunt their gap, with their so-called gappy smiles gracing billboards and magazine pages all over the world. Gaps have now become so fashionable that some dentists have seen patients who came to them asking for treatments, which would create a gap between their front teeth.

Not the end of the world

The very public airing of the ‘gap’ has undoubtedly helped millions of people come to terms with the fact that having a gap is not the end of the world and many people will hopefully gain confidence from the acceptance of models and celebrities with a gappy smile.

Bridging the gap

It’s all very well saying, ‘embrace the gap and flaunt what you’ve got’, but not everyone is comfortable in the skin they are in and having gaps between their front teeth can have implications for many people. Many people, especially young people, are conscious of their appearance and having a gap between their teeth can cause them to suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of body confidence.

If you are unhappy about the gaps between your teeth and you want to improve the aesthetic of your smile, there are a number of orthodontic treatments, which can help to give you the smile you want and boost your confidence. For most, the mere thought of orthodontic treatment conjures up images of bulky, metal train-tracks. However, technology has advanced rapidly and there are now many different treatments on offer. Many treatments now involve very discreet braces and some only take a matter of weeks. Or, you could try treatment like Veneers for instantaneous results.

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, Orthodontic treatment | No Comments »