Archives for February, 2011

Should I or shouldn’t I? Harley Street dentists can help you find the answer

February 28th, 2011

Throughout the course of our daily working life, we all encounter a number of experiences which might have a positive or negative effect on us. This could range from completing a particular project to deadline, but others could harm your own health which might include the quality of your own teeth. This often asks the person that whether or not they should undertake cosmetic dentistry. But what exactly is this?

Do go on

Cosmetic dentistry is just as its title says; the overall goal is to improve the look of your teeth. Whether you’ve experienced a traumatic encounter which could have left the patient with a missing tooth or have consumed an exceedingly large amount of caffeine products over the course of several years, cosmetic dentistry could be the best solution for you and Harley Street Dental Studio is here to help.

What we can do for you

Porcelain veneers are one such example of cosmetic dentistry that Harley Street Dental Studio can provide for you. If you have crooked or uneven teeth, it is thanks to porcelain veneers which can help you achieve this. Even if your teeth are perfectly straight, veneers can also help you achieve that pearly white smile which the film stars of Hollywood seem to sport every few moments during their blockbusters.

Anything else?

Cerinate Lumineers, which are another form of porcelain veneers, have the added bonus of possessing the ability to reshape, whiten or straighten your teeth in two pain free visits. Imagine going to the dentist and you don’t want to suffer any pain? Then look no further for Cerinate Lumineers offer exactly this.

Want to know more?

If you have dentures and you find that they are not quite fitted to the standard you expect, Harley Street Dental Studio can help you with this. Through dental implants, the need for dentures can be erased permanently as the teeth are surgically implanted straight into the jawbone so there is no chance of dental implants moving around in your mouth.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services including an oral cancer check-up examination. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic dentistry, Veneers | No Comments »

In your comfort zone at Harley Street dentists

February 25th, 2011

Our teeth play a very important role in our lives. They make a great first impression, especially if the person’s confidence is particularly high due to this. But, if they require a great deal of dental treatment this could result in the overall bill being vast. However, some people who wish to have a high level of dental treatment might not be willing to pay the costs which are attributed towards this. And this is where it gets a bit tricky.

The purpose of leaving their native country for other nations where dental treatment is cheaper, otherwise known as “dental tourism”, is becoming far more appealing. The exoticness of having that dream dental treatment at a price which is lower than what you have been quoted by your chosen dentist tends to send shivers of excitement down the spine. But, as many who have experienced this, they might have wished they could turn back the clock on their prior decision.

Even if you have dental treatment in foreign countries, the health and safety practises of that country might not be as high as what we have here in the UK. Even if you found a great deal where the price of the dental treatment was dramatically lower, there is the distinct possibility that the treatment could be carried out shoddily and might require further treatment by a dentist once you arrive back on home soil.

With many dental treatments, these cannot be carried out over the course of one visit and might require multiple trips. If the space between each visit is, for example, several weeks the overall travelling cost might be higher when compared to dental treatment in the UK.

But, even if you see that an appointment is available in another country which would only require them to carry out routine dental treatment the price could escalate especially if your mode of transport is delayed or any other unforeseen problems arise.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services including an oral cancer check-up examination. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Dental tourism | No Comments »

It’s oh so clear at your Harley Street dentist

February 23rd, 2011

Let’s face it; not everyone has perfectly straight teeth. Some might walk through life and never need any form of dental treatment. Of course, there are countless numbers of such treatments which can provide its patient with a variety of successful outcomes. One such examples of this are braces.

The times, they are a changing

When people imagine braces, they perceive them to be the traditional “train tracks”. Technology for braces has moved on from this and now there are several types of brace with a number of these catered for by the Harley Street Dental Studio.

Metal is out

One very popular type of brace is Invisalign. Thanks to a series of clear aligners, these braces work with your teeth with their main goal being to help your teeth and not hurt them for there no longer are any metal brackets digging into your gums. The overriding plus of having Invisalign braces is that they are virtually unnoticeable. Patients have commented that they have felt self-conscious when wearing traditional braces but with Invisalign this fear is no more. Furthermore, these braces are removable, which was not the case with metallic braces. Invisalign really do put the comfort of their wearer in line with the success of the final outcome.

But what else can I do?

If Invisalign braces are not to your liking, Harley Street Dental Studio also offers a 6 Month Smile service. Using less pressure than metal braces, by choosing to use this form of treatment also allows you to have braces on your teeth which are practically invisible to the naked eye. 6 Month Smile technology helps your teeth become straight without applying relatively large amounts of pressure.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services including an oral cancer check-up examination. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Orthodontic treatment | No Comments »

Teeth Whitening for a bright looking smile

February 21st, 2011

Teeth whitening can aid in removing discoloration and stains on the teeth and is the perfect solution for those of you who want are embarrassed or apprehensive about showing off your smile due to yellow stained teeth. Many London dentists offer treatments for teeth whitening such as a scale and polish at the dentist which can aid in removing stains and discoloration from the teeth. Many cosmetic dental practices offer a combination of teeth whitening cosmetic treatments or professional tooth whitening kits which you could take home and use to improve the appearance of your teeth.

How can I protect my teeth from discolouration?

Following a healthy balanced diet and cutting down on drinks containing caffeine such as coffee or tea can significantly improve the colour of your teeth as certain drinks can stain the teeth. Fizzy acidic drinks should also be avoided and sugary foods may cause dental decay which will add to further marks on your teeth. With the help of regular brushing and flossing you can aid in protecting your teeth against discoloration and staining.

How much whiter will my teeth become after teeth whitening?

The amount of discoloration and stains that can be lifted on the teeth depends on the type of teeth whitening treatment you have. If you have a teeth bleaching treatment by a professional cosmetic dentist you may find that you can successfully remove staining and discoloration on your teeth effectively in comparison to a home teeth whitening kit which may be less effective.

A brighter smile

The goal of teeth whitening is to brighten your smile by sharpening the clarity of the teeth until they appear whiter than they have for a long time. With this procedure the changes to your smile can often give the illusion of reversing the aging process, as much discolouration is provoked by aging or inadequate oral hygiene over time. Your smile will also appear cleaner, as yellow or brown hues have unfortunately grimy connotations.

Greater confidence

Seeking a dazzling smile via teeth whitening can successfully boost your confidence, helping to improve both the social and business areas of your life. Many people talk to their dentist about this cosmetic improvement when they feel unsatisfied or despondent about the negative consequences of their stained smile. Discolouration regularly leads to people limiting their public smiling due to embarrassment. This can be damaging to yourself and potentially to other elements of your lifestyle.

Erase embarrassment

Teeth whitening often acts as an eraser for some people’s past indiscretions. For instance, consistently drinking too much wine or smoking tobacco can both result in stains on your teeth. These will be undesirable if you wish to quit those habits, and an unwelcome reminder if you have already done so. Whitening helps you to move on and not to worry what other people are seeing.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services including an oral cancer check-up examination. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Teeth whitening | No Comments »

Harley Street dentists can help you identify early signs of oral cancer

February 18th, 2011

Cancer is perhaps one word that puts fear into every human. That’s not really surprising when you realise that there are a large number of different types of carcinoma. Modern research however is making a marked inroad into both detecting the disease earlier, and even stopping it spreading.

Facts about oral cancer

One of the least known carcinomas is oral cancer, so it is perhaps a good idea to give you some facts. For instance, in the United States around 36,000 people are diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer each year. From this number about 50 per cent will survive to at least a further 5 years. While on the surface this seems a good statistic, unfortunately, this figure has remained relatively constant for many, many years; decades in fact.

This is further exacerbated when you add in the number of associated throat cancers. Worldwide this is 640,000 cases per year. The major problem with oral cancer is not the difficulty in diagnosing; rather it tends to be diagnosed too late. By then the disease will have taken hold and is likely to be found at secondary sites such as the lymph nodes in the neck.

What’s more, unlike other carcinomas such as skin or lung cancer, where symptoms are more discernible, with oral cancer patients rarely, if ever, show particular signs. In short, there is no early warning. To make matters worse, even if you are successfully treated the risk of developing a secondary cancer is 20 times higher. This risk factor can also last for 5 to 10 years.

Oral cancer is basically a tumour occurring in the mouth, technically called the oral cavity. It results from the development of abnormal tissue in a specific area. This is called a lesion. While lesion types are different, most – approximately 90 per cent – are squamous cell carcinomas.

Detect symptoms for early diagnosis

While early diagnosis is still difficult, practitioners are now realising that it is advisable for individuals to keep a check on anything unusual occurring in the mouth. For example, keep an eye on any sore found that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks. Similarly, check on a prolonged sore throat or a numbness of the tongue or some other area of the mouth.

Other possible symptoms include a lump or swelling in the cheek, white or red patches on the gums, lining of the mouth, tongue or tonsils; prolonged difficulty swallowing or a problem moving the jawbone or the tongue is another potential sign.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services including an oral cancer check-up examination. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in General dentistry | No Comments »

Cosmetic dentistry at your Harley Street dentist

February 16th, 2011

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals purely with the aesthetic aspects of your teeth with the aim of improving the overall look of your smile and making it easier on the eye – its popularity is born out of the growing obsession with the idea of a ‘Hollywood smile’. The wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments available today means that anybody who has all of their life had to face the daily toil of panic every time they have to greet someone or face the dreaded camera flash, can finally restore their self-confidence by creating that killer “Hollywood” smile.

What does cosmetic dentistry encompass?

Cosmetic dentistry procedures cover just about every flaw a tooth could possibly have, these include: teeth whitening, bridges, veneers and crowns, white fillings, orthodontics, gum reshaping, dental implants, dental bonding, a gum lift, even a facial rejuvenation – which basically means a non-surgical facelift. The possibilities are endless and the end results can be as subtle or as dramatic as you like – it is even a possibility through cosmetic dentistry to reverse the clock and take years off of a face that is starting to show signs of age.

The most popular cosmetic dental procedures are things like teeth whitening and veneers, crowns and bridges and such treatments can be reasonably priced and are accessible to those of us that don’t have a bank balance to rival Cheryl Cole. The price of treatment generally depends on the type of treatment you are having and as you can tell from the list, such treatments can be as minor or as major as you desire.

What’s wrong with cosmetic dentistry?

Some people criticise the rise of cosmetic dentistry and believe it to be an unnecessary existence; simply put, some believe cosmetic dentistry is to the dentist world what cosmetic surgery is to the medical world. Nevertheless, whilst there are ethical issues with any form of unnecessary or aesthetically-driven change to your body; cosmetic dentistry can sometimes do wonderful things such as improving your speech, correcting bite problems and reducing the risk of gum disease. This is without mentioning the wonders cosmetic dentistry can do for a person whose smile makes them so unconfident that it has taken over their lives.

Weigh up your decision

For anybody considering cosmetic dentistry work it is important that you do your research; understand the process, the risks and the scale of such treatment; and look around as different surgeries will offer different prices for different treatment performed by variably qualified dentists – some dentists that do not specialise in the area of cosmetic dentistry are still able to carry out procedures but obviously specialists are more skilled in the area.

As the saying goes, look good feel good, and this is exactly the sentiment that cosmetic dentistry encompasses. Your smile is something that you cannot hide away or cleverly disguise as you can your muffin top or your moobs and when your smile isn’t sparkling, neither are you. Cosmetic dental work may be just the thing to put that little extra sparkle back in your life.

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.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic dentistry | No Comments »

Braces treatment at your Harley Street dentist

February 14th, 2011

Dental braces are not really that uncommon today; many children and teenagers have braces and those of us lucky enough to have a perfectly aligned smile will most certainly know somebody who was not so fortunate. Today it is not even that uncommon for adults to have braces and even such high profile celebrities as Tom Cruise and Katherine Heigl have been spotted sporting such an addition to their smile.

Why get braces?

Braces can be used purely for aesthetic reasons – to correct a crooked and unsightly set of teeth; and braces can be used to correct more serious problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites and any bite misalignment that can put immense pressure on the tissues and bones in the jaw. For this reason braces are an extremely important tool in orthodontic treatment and many people benefit from the aesthetic and structural problems it can fix.

The basic idea of a brace is to use and manipulate brackets and wires in a way that will put enough pressure on the teeth to pull them into a more desirable position. Braces are often worn for as many as 2-3 years and that is because movement of the teeth has to be done slowly to avoid damage to the bones and tissues beneath the surface. As the teeth slowly change position new bone will grow around the newly positioned tooth, therefore, if the teeth are moved too quickly, there will not be enough time for this to happen and the teeth will become loose.

In for the long haul?

Undergoing this sort of dental treatment will require dedication and persistence for a long period to get the most out of the treatment. The patient will have to attend regular appointments to tweak and adjust the brackets in order for treatment to continue progressing. Once the treatment is complete and the teeth are successfully repositioned your teeth will usually maintain that position permanently.

Today these sort of dental treatments have progressed wildly from the traditional ‘metal mouth’ idea that has become an icon of what wearing a brace has to be. Braces can be very discreet and can even be invisible if you would prefer to undergo your treatment quietly. Some types of brace do not even require you to give up your gum chewing habit or your love of sticky toffee – although your dentist would probably advise you to give up the latter anyway – and so with some types of treatment it will have very little impact on your day-to-day life.

No pain, no gain

There are obviously some drawbacks of undergoing this sort of orthodontic treatment such as the pain and discomfort following adjustment; the necessary extra attention you need to pay to your oral hygiene; and mouth sores due to the irritation of fixtures on your gums. Nevertheless, when your misaligned mouth is causing you trouble, whether that be aesthetic or functional trouble, the small inconveniences that having a brace would mean are probably worth it for the fabulous results you would achieve.

A perfectly straight smile is only one orthodontic treatment away and by speaking to your dentist about your options you may well find your treatment would be much simpler than you could ever have imagined.

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.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Orthodontic treatment | No Comments »

Cover imperfections with Cosmetic Bonding at your Harley Street dentist

February 11th, 2011

Cosmetic bonding is the answer to your prayers if you have an average smile and want to transform your worn, dull and mundane mouth into that dazzling smile in an instant. Cosmetic bonding is an established treatment in cosmetic dentistry which is used for a number of corrective purposes from a tiny chip right through to a complete smile makeover. The treatment involves using an acrylic resin – a paste-like material – to cover any flaws on the tooth; the material blending seamlessly with the rest of the teeth. It’s so seamless that even you might have trouble picking out the revamped tooth.

The treatment can be used for a number of purposes including the repair of broken or chipped teeth; reshaping teeth; closing gaps between teeth; for filling small dental cavities – this is what is known as a “white filling”; replacing traditional metal or amalgam fillings; and the versatile material can even be used as a veneer – although in terms of quality this is probably not the best option for veneers.

The great thing about this treatment is that you can make the transformation in just one relatively painless trip to the dentist. For some procedures you may need a local anaesthetic but not for every treatment. The dentist will first perfectly match the colour of the material to the rest of your teeth. The tooth or teeth to be treated will be thoroughly cleaned and then shaped and roughened to prepare it for bonding. Then an acid-based gel is applied, followed by the bonding material before it is exposed to a curing light which will cause the material to harden and set. Once the final polishing and buffing has been done you will never know there was ever a flaw to begin with.

Cosmetic bonding is perfect for those that want a quick fix at a reasonable cost. The treatment is over in one day, with little pain or discomfort to suffer post-visit and even better, with little pain or discomfort when you receive your next bank statement. The treatment is the more reasonably priced option for correcting the little errors in your smile. The drawback is that it is not as strong and durable as other materials, such as porcelain in the case of veneers and the wear and tear may start to show more quickly. The material is also more prone to staining than other materials or your natural teeth and so this can eventually become a problem.

Nevertheless, when cosmetic bonding is carried out by a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist the results can be stunning and your killer smile can be unleashed without going through the pain and discomfort that you might imagine such a transformation would take.

If the small crack in your smile is making you conscious and you dream of the day you will be able to beam with pride then cosmetic bonding may just be the treatment for you.

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.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Cosmetic dentistry | No Comments »

Brushing and flossing advice by your Harley Street dentist

February 9th, 2011

The main purpose of brushing and flossing is to rid the mouth of the bacteria and food debris that if left to fester will develop into harmful plaque and tartar. It can take just 24 hours for bacteria to develop into plaque and 72 hours for plaque to develop into tartar; and tartar is only removable by a professional cleaning. When plaque and tartar are left to form on the teeth it puts your teeth at risk of problems such as cavities; tooth decay and gum disease.

Whilst most of us will brush twice daily without fail, the fact is that many of us do not do the job effectively enough to achieve maximum protection against such dental problems and something a few more of us will do is drop the flossing completely. Flossing – although a finicky and time-consuming job – is as important as brushing because flossing does the same job between your teeth that brushing does on the outer surfaces. Put simply, failing to floss means you are only cleaning the visible half of your teeth and so your teeth remain at risk despite your brushing efforts.

A good basic routine would involve: three minutes brushing morning and evening making sure you cover every surface of the teeth as well as the tongue; brushing in a firm but gentle manner going back and forth in circular motions taking care not to scrub which can damage gums and tooth enamel. Flossing should be carried out at least once daily and ALWAYS at night taking about 5 minutes to do a thorough job; you should be careful to clean between every pair of teeth, not forgetting the back of the back ones; you should get into a rhythm going back and forth in an up and down motion and remember to clean the area below the gum line. If you take the time to do these very basic things on a daily basis then your oral health is less likely to deteriorate.

Just as it is paramount to perfect your dental hygiene routine; it is important that you teach your children the correct ways of practising their routine at an early age. A child’s teeth require brushing twice daily – just as yours do – from the very moment they start to show. Flossing should also be done from the moment your child has two teeth that touch. Getting your child into this routine at an early age will help them to accept the importance of their oral hygiene routine when they are old enough to do the job themselves. A child should not be responsible for his or her own oral hygiene until they are around six or seven years old – this is the age dentists believe a child has developed the coordination to do a thorough job.

Making sure your oral hygiene routine is as effective as can be is your responsibility and if you spend three minutes every morning and night brushing your teeth incorrectly then you may as well be spending those three minutes doing the job properly. A dentist or hygienist can help you in making sure everything about your dental hygiene routine is perfect; your technique; your tools; your regularity; and getting this right will help maintain your oral health for years to come.

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.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in General dentistry | No Comments »

Solve bleeding gums at your Harley Street dentist

February 7th, 2011

Often the cause of persistent bleeding is gingivitis – a form of gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar. This problem, if caught early, is easily reversible by visiting the dentist and taking better care of your oral health. Nevertheless, if gingivitis is left untreated it can develop into periodontal gum disease which is a much more severe form of gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is not the only explanation for bleeding gums however and it is important to rule out other possible causes. Other causes include lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, poor diet and poor oral hygiene, canker sores and mouth ulcers, crooked, rough and sharp teeth, hormonal changes – women can be more prone to bleeding gums during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations, cancers such as leukaemia cause bleeding throughout the body but in this case bleeding would be accompanied by other symptoms, chemotherapy treatment can cause inflammation of the gums which can lead to bleeding, and other less common causes include uncontrolled diabetes, drug side effects, vitamin C deficiency and haemophilia.

The list of possible causes for bleeding gums is extensive – some more common and some more serious than others – but regardless of the cause of your problem the further implications it can have on your health are of great concern. Bleeding gums are linked and can lead to much more serious conditions such as strokes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It sounds far-fetched but these severe health problems are a very real possibility.

When you think about what the problem signifies – blood reaching the surface of your gums – it follows that harmful bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream at the same points where the blood exits. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria – hence the reason an effective oral hygiene routine is so important – and when they enter your bloodstream they can bond with platelets in your blood and this can eventually lead to blood clots. These blood clots can lead to heart attacks and strokes as well as digestive system disorders, respiratory dysfunction, diabetes and pancreatic cancer.

In most cases there are many ways in which you can prevent the onset of bleeding gums. Ways to prevent the problem or control it if the problem is already there include:

  • Maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine
  • Eating a well balanced diet
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Stopping smoking
  • Relaxation techniques

These prevention methods can help to keep the problem at bay and in the case of gingivitis following these rules can sometimes be enough to reverse the problem and restore your oral health before it gets out of control.

No matter what the cause of your bleeding gums it is important that you take control of the situation at once. A trip to the dentist can often identify the problem quickly and easily. Nonetheless, no matter what stage your problem has reached – maybe it is more severe than a simple change in your oral hygiene routine – the one certainty is that the problem will only progress and so putting a stop to it now will be the simplest and safest option for the sake of your health.

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.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in General dentistry | No Comments »
« Older Entries