Archives for March, 2011

Covering Up to Create Anew

March 30th, 2011

Dental veneers do just that; they cover dental problems such as grey, dead teeth, severely yellowed teeth and teeth that are badly misaligned to create beautiful, gleaming smiles and full sets of teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin pieces of tooth-coloured laminate pressed onto the teeth to correct aesthetic problems that can completely transform smiles.

If you have teeth stained from years of smoking or if you have damaged teeth from an accident, excessive grinding or from the consumption of too many carbonated soft drinks, veneers might be for you. Additionally, if you have gaps in your smile and crooked teeth, and braces and other teeth straightening methods don’t work, you might consider veneers.

Each set of veneers is specially designed for individual wearers after an initial consultation with a dentist. The teeth have to be prepped before the veneers are adhered and after applying anaesthesia, the surfaces of the teeth are filed. Only enough of the tooth is removed so that the veneer replaces the material that was lost. It’s not long after this, usually at a follow-up appointment, that your veneers are fitted and you’re free to go with your bright, new smile.

Porcelain veneers are not permanent, although they do last a long time, generally up to 10 years. After this time, they will need to replaced. Maintaining a proper oral health routine will ensure that your veneers last as long as possible and remain in good condition.

There are multiple types of porcelain veneers out there ranging from Lumineers to ceramic veneers. You could consult with your dental practitioner to determine which type of veneers works best for you and your lifestyle.

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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Invisalign: the treatment of choice for the Hollywood stars

March 28th, 2011

Invisalign is fast becoming the orthodontic treatment of choice for Hollywood stars, with Tom Cruise and Justin Bieber both sporting invisible braces. The Invisalign system is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment, which uses invisible aligners, rather than conventional fixed metal braces.

Orthodontic problems are very common, but many people avoid having treatment because they assume that the only option available to them is Ugly Betty style metal train-track braces; however, this is no longer the case and there is a now an impressive range of new treatments on the market.

The Invisalign system involves a series of clear aligners, which are custom made to move the teeth gently; each aligner is slightly different. The aligners are work for two weeks and then replaced with the next one in the series until treatment is complete. The aligners are removable meaning you can eat and drink what you want; oral hygiene is also better than with other types of brace, as you can clean your teeth properly and more thoroughly.

If you’re worried about wearing braces but you want to correct orthodontic problems, Invisalign could be just what you need; you can get the straight, beautiful smile you want without anybody even knowing that you are wearing braces.

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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Tooth loss doesn’t need to be the end of the world

March 25th, 2011

Dental health is a major problem nowadays, with caries being a specific problem. Traditionally, once a patient loses a tooth then the hole left behind is not treated. However that does not have to continue – missing teeth can be replaced by artificial dental implants.

Loss of teeth can be caused by a variety of reasons – tooth decay, gum disease, ageing and so on. But while sets of false teeth are perhaps the ultimate in tooth replacement, filling a gap even in one cavity can also help improve your feeling of wellbeing. Thus, you might like to consider having dental implants if you have lost one or more teeth, teeth that are decayed or need to be extracted, broken or damaged teeth. You can even benefit if you wear dentures or had particular single tooth cosmetic treatment such as a crown or a bridge.

“I’m a real boy!”

Dental implants are designed to resemble, as far as is practicable, the look and feel of your own natural teeth. So, if you have lost one or more teeth or even the whole set, then you might want to consider getting them replaced. The days of the old fashioned removable dentures, designed by taking a cast of your mouth are over.

Dental implants are small metal rods made from Titanium, and are inserted into the root or jawbone where the original tooth existed. They are fitted securely into the gum area of your mouth acting, as a replacement root for the new tooth. This in turn supports the new teeth also known as restorations. The implant then fuses with the jawbone ensuring a secure fix.

Worth the effort

Although dental implants are a really great way of replacing lost teeth there is a small operation involved. With that in mind, while the surgical operation itself is likely to be painless, you may feel some discomfort afterwards or perhaps some swelling. However this is temporary and in any event, the dentist will prescribe pain relief if required.

There are also a number of cosmetic reasons why you might want to consider having a dental implant. First and foremost is that missing teeth can look unsightly. Cosmetic dental surgery not only improves the appearance it will no doubt make you feel a lot better about yourself, particularly your self esteem and confidence.

While removable dentures have in the past been a really useful alternative for missing teeth, wearers often find prolonged use of them is uncomfortable. This is particularly the case if they move around in the mouth. Once inserted, implants are fixed and permanent.

Another, and possibly more important medical reason for having a dental implant, is because tooth loss can cause a loss of bone from the jaw. Replacing the missing tooth or teeth stimulates jawbone which in turn prevents atrophy and any potential distortion of facial features.

Implants also allow you to eat normally as well as preventing any possible speech impediment. Traditional dentures are well known for causing slurred speech. Finally, if you wear traditional dentures, the likelihood is that you will have had to have replacements every now and again. Since dental implants are fixed they will last a life time.

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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Teeth whitening is more popular than ever

March 23rd, 2011

White teeth have long been associated with good health and success; historically, an attractive smile was linked to status and wealth and this perception has lasted through the ages. Today, with the rise of celebrity culture, the bright white smile is everywhere, from posters and billboards to television programmes and marketing campaigns. Numerous celebrities have been photographed showing off perfect sets of pearly whites and members of the public have followed suit and more and more people are having cosmetic dental treatments to get the perfect smile.

Teeth whitening treatments are especially popular because they provide an almost instantaneous boost to the teeth and create a much more aesthetically pleasing smile; they are also much more affordable than other cosmetic dental treatments.

There are different types of whitening treatment available, from inexpensive whitening toothpastes to professional in-chair treatments, which can cost hundreds of pounds. As a general rule, the more you pay, the better the results but if you merely have mild discolouration, whitening products may make a noticeable difference; if you have heavy staining, you will need a more intensive, professional whitening treatment to get the results you want.

Recently, whitening treatments have hit the headlines, as some dentists have raised concerns about the safety of DIY home whitening kits and DIY whitening methods. Home kits have become especially popular amongst young people, as they are much cheaper than professional treatments; however, some can be harmful for the enamel of the teeth. Reports also revealed that an increasing number of people are using household products, including bleach to try and whiten their teeth; this can be very dangerous and dentists have urged people to see their dentist for a safe, effective whitening treatment.

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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The problem of dental trauma

March 21st, 2011

Dental trauma is something none of us want to be faced. But we also want to know what help is available when dental trauma does happen.

What is dental trauma?

Dental trauma is the term given when a patient is inflicted with some form of injury or damage to their teeth, gums or mouth. It can range from damage caused by something as serious as a car accident to simply knocking your tooth out during football practice. Because of this range in definitions, the injuries that count as dental trauma range quite dramatically; something as simple as a fat lip or cut cheek can be diagnosed as dental trauma, as well as more serious matters such as a broken jaw.

What should I do if I’m suffering from dental trauma?

If the injury is only minor (such as a cut lip or burnt tongue) then it can usually be dealt with at home in a similar way to any minor injury you might get on your hand or leg. Any serious injury, such as the loss of or chipping of a tooth should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible. Even with serious injuries such as this, there are things you can do yourself to help before you get to the dentist’s. Cleaning the area where the tooth has been lost with lukewarm water and keeping the tooth fragment will help your dentist a lot. This could mean the difference between requiring a new manufactured tooth or getting a filling and keeping your old one!

What can I do to prevent dental trauma?

General common sense and safety tips can go a long way to preventing dental trauma. Keeping floors uncluttered, wearing seat belts in cars, that sort of thing. During sports, mouth guards are also advisable, such as the Pure Power Mouth Guard available from Harley Street.

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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Cosmetic dentistry and the celebrity

March 18th, 2011

The Gossip Mill

Celebrities have a thin line to walk when it comes to how they look in the media spotlight. The public eye puts pressure on them to look their best, yet if they go through too much of a cosmetic change they get accused of having “work done”. All you have to do is watch Jeremy Clarkson heckle Richard Hammond week in, week out for having his teeth whitened.

But as the list of celebs that have gone through some form of cosmetic surgery or dentistry grows it has become less shocking to the public, especially as such big names as Tom Cruise has had nose jobs and is also rumoured to have had laser skin treatment, Ben Affleck who it is believed has had cosmetic dentistry and the Beckhams who have also supposedly gone under the knife.

Celeb Cosmetics

As cosmetic dentistry has become more common to the rich and famous it has also become accessible and cheaper so that we mere mortals can take advantage of modern day technology as well. Many cosmetic practices now advertise themselves as places that often take celebrity clients to bring in business.

There are now many ways of going about cosmetic treatment, whether its work on facial wrinkles or teeth whitening that you’re after. Chances are there’s an option widely available to you that wouldn’t have been 5 or 6 years ago.

Treatments such as tooth replacements, whitening, and white fillings are now common and widely used. Dental Implants are another treatment that has grown in popularity. Having dentures anchored into the mouth can give you piece of mind as well as making them more comfortable. The Straumann Implant used by Harley Street is one of the best dental implants available and uses titanium which is accepted by the body easier.

With a variety of treatments available, cosmetic dentistry has never been easier to access than right now.

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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Keep Your Teeth Healthy to Keep Your Heart Healthy

March 16th, 2011

Is there any link between the health of your teeth and gums and heart problems? Does maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and limiting your intake of sugar snacks work wonders for your ticker? Well, numerous theories have attempted to clarify the connection between gum disease and heart disease.

To begin with there is the belief that bacteria located in the mouth can have an adverse effect on the heart when they go into bloodstream. This then attaches to fatty plaques in the heart vessels which can lead to the development of clotting. This is a dangerous condition as it can limit or completely stop the degree of oxygenated blood transferring into your heart.

There are many out there, another being that swelling of the gums can increase the build up of bacteria and lead to swelling in the actual arteries.

No matter what the theory, the maintenance of oral health is something that needs to be taken very seriously. From a young age you should teach children a healthy teeth cleaning routine, which can then last them a lifetime and help them maintain a healthy heart.

At Harley Street Dental you can have a session with our dental hygienist, who will be able to give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning and who will also be able to advise on the best way to keep your mouth in check.

Here’s to a healthy heart.

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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Just Another Trip to the Dentist?

March 14th, 2011

It may come as a bit of a shock, but dentists have been performing Botox injections on patients for years. Botox injections are used to regain a youthful appearance to the face. Administered as an outpatient procedure, the jabs address problems of crow’s feet, reduce wrinkles and can be used to plump and shape lips.

Receiving Botox treatment from your dentist is a safe and effective method of undergoing the procedure. According to dentists who offer the procedure, the expertise required to deal with needles for numbing the jaws and gums enables them to perform Botox injections flawlessly.

The procedure is generally quick. After an initial consultation the injection occurs in the specified location. Generally, the procedure takes about four days before its effects are visible.

Although Botox is considered to be a safe procedure, there are possible side effects that one should watch for. These include: bruising, redness or numbness at injection site, headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms, pain and muscle weakness that limits facial movement.

Botox can be used for a host of other reasons, barring cosmetic enhancements. It is used to control profuse sweating, to cease eyelid and eye muscle spasms, to relieve migraines and to cease neck muscle spasms.  Of course, Botox injections can be received from cosmetic surgeons.

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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Find out more about MAC veneers at Harley Street dentists

March 11th, 2011

When opting for veneers, considering the hype created by celebrities many people presume that porcelain veneers are the best aesthetic choice.  But many cosmetic dentists are offering not just traditional but MAC veneers – made from pressed ceramic, these veneers offer superior quality; both aesthetically and functionally.

Why use MAC veneers

MAC veneers, if you are willing to pay a large amount, come highly recommended with many a cosmetic dentist.  Created by MicroDental, they are produced by one of the company’s sectors, Micro Advanced Cosmetic Division – resulting in the name of MAC veneers.

How they work

After meeting your dentist for a consultation, they will take an imprint of your teeth and present it through the medium of a wax model.  Along with this impression, the dentist will also use digital imaging to give you an idea of how your teeth will look after the treatment.  Sent to MicroDental’s Micro Advanced Cosmetic Division, it is there where the final version of the patient’s veneers will be produced and sent back for the patient to wear.

Comparing the difference

Stronger and thicker, MAC veneers compared to traditional veneers fit more securely and tightly over the teeth.  Due to their sturdier nature, they are a lot more long-lasting and therefore harder to knock out of place or fall off by accident.  The quality of the veneers means that they are able to hide discolouration and stains a lot easier than standard veneers, as well as dental imperfections such as fractured or chipped teeth.  So if longevity and quality are paramount to your teeth’s lifestyle, then MAC veneers are the recommendation your dentist will offer to 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.

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Emergency broken tooth repair at Harley Street dentists

March 9th, 2011

Whilst strong and durable, it only takes a bad knock that can fracture, chip, or even break your teeth.  At the first sign of damage, visit your dentist immediately in order to prevent any further injury.

Why teeth break

There are several reasons why teeth fracture or break – from a physical blow to simply undetected decay.  Should your teeth experience intense stress from large fillings, this can also result in damaged teeth.

What to do in an emergency

As soon as your teeth experience a breakage or fracture, visit your dentist immediately.  Many dentists offer emergency appointments, and if your teeth have experienced extreme trauma in any way, the sooner you get seen to the sooner your teeth can be rectified – otherwise you risk getting infected, and possibly losing the tooth.  If your tooth does get broken and you have a broken piece, bring it to the dentist as they may be able to reattach it.  Broken teeth may have jagged and sharp edges, which can irritate the surrounding parts of your mouth.  To prevent inflammation, place a cloth in the affected area.

How to fix broken teeth

There’s a variety of dental solutions appropriate for broken teeth.  If the top part of the tooth breaks off but its root is still intact, it could easily be resolved by inserting a root implanted stump with a dental crown fixed on top.  Another popular procedure involves veneers – popular with celebrities for cosmetic purposes, the porcelain covers the front of the tooth with a layer giving the appearance of a whole tooth.  Or instead of veneers, broken teeth can be repaired by dental bonding or filling.  Substituting a porcelain veneer for a material similar to your tooth’s natural colour, if the enamel is affected then dental filling will be applied.  If the affected tooth is located at the front of the mouth, your orthodontist may use a composite filling.  Your dentist will be able to give you a full oral examination where you will be advised on the appropriate treatment.

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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