Archives for May, 2011

Love your little one’s teeth

May 27th, 2011

Teeth are essential for talking, eating and smiling so it’s vital you instil good oral health in your little one from the word go.

Children’s teeth start to develop before they are born and some are even born with them (Caesar and Napoleon are rumoured to have been born with teeth). Children usually have up to 20 milk teeth before their permanent teeth erupt. Permanent teeth usually begin to erupt when a child reaches the age of 7 and continue to erupt until the child is about 13. Adults have about 32 teeth in total!

Common child dental health problems

Tooth decay: Tooth decay is caused by excess acids in the mouth that can weaken the tooth enamel. Our mouths are full of bacteria that help digest sugar in our food and drinks. When we consume too much sugar our mouths produce excess acid leading to weakened tooth enamel.

Dental erosion: This is when the enamel on the teeth wears away due to acids in sugary foods, fizzy drinks, fruit juices and squashes.

How can I prevent tooth decay and dental erosion in my child’s teeth?

1. Brush

As soon as your child’s milk teeth come through you can start brushing their teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Children under three should use toothpaste that contains 1,000ppm fluoride. Children over three should use toothpaste that contains between 1,350 and 1,500ppm fluoride.

When your child reaches the age of 7, teach them how to brush their own teeth using a gentle, circular motion. Ensure you show them how to clean the gums too by holding the toothbrush halfway over the teeth and halfway over the gums on both the upper and lower jaws.

2. Visit your dentist regularly

Start taking your child to the dentist with you whenever you go for a check-up. Your dentist will start by informally examining your child’s mouth.

3. Avoid giving your child sugary drinks, sweets and snacks

It’s particularly easy to spoil our children with sweets and sugary snacks but in the long run all we are really spoiling is their smile and future confidence.

Remember; tooth decay in children is usually the cause of too many acids attacking the teeth. Our mouths are full of bacteria that help digest some of the sugar in our food or drink. If we eat or drink a lot of sugar, our mouths will naturally produce excess acid which can in turn lead to tooth decay.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to limit sugary drinks, food and snacks, especially between meals. Replace sugary sweets and snacks with healthier options such as cheese, fruit and milk and finish a meal with an alkaline snack such as cheese or milk.

Also, watch out for hidden sugar in foods such as cereals and sauces.

4. Use an electric or battery powered toothbrush

Investing in an electric or battery powered toothbrush for your child could help them maintain even better levels of dental hygiene. These toothbrushes are clinically proven to be more effective at cleaning the teeth than manually operated toothbrushes.

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Transform your smile for good with dental veneers!

May 26th, 2011

Looking for a way to achieve a long lasting, drop dead gorgeous smile with little hassle? Then read on to see if dental veneers fit your purpose in life!

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin laminates placed over the front of the teeth for a straight white smile. Translucent, smooth and beautiful to look at, they are the dental equivalent of false fingernails and infinitely subtler.

Why choose dental veneers?

Having dental veneers fitted to your teeth is a cosmetic procedure to help improve your smile and boost your confidence. People who choose to have veneers fitted may have the following problems with their teeth:

  • Chipped or damaged teeth. Sometimes we may accidentally damage our teeth from falling over or biting into a hard surface. In this case, dental veneers will smooth over the damage to give the appearance of undisturbed uniformity.
  • Stained teeth. Just as the face ages, so do the teeth. Over time our teeth naturally darken, and stain-causing foods and drink such as red wine and coffee add to the effect. Veneers will restore the whiteness of your teeth.
  • Crooked teeth. If your teeth are crooked, jagged or uneven, dental veneers will iron over the imperfections to create the impression of super straight clarity.
  • Gaps. Dental veneers can bridge the gaps between the teeth to improve your smile power.

Porcelain and composite veneers

The two types of veneers most widely used are porcelain and composite veneers although cosmetic dentists tend to favour porcelain veneers as they are stronger, longer lasting and more translucent and natural in appearance. However they are more prone to staining so it is vital you maintain good oral health in the meantime!

How do I start treatment?

Step 1: First of all, you need to find a good cosmetic dentist with an established reputation and book a consultation. Your cosmetic dentist will start by thoroughly examining your teeth to check your suitability and explain the process to you in detail. Once you are happy that treatment is for you, your cosmetic dentist will begin treatment.

Step 2: Your dentist will inject your gums with a local anaesthetic and carefully shave away the surface of your teeth to accommodate the veneers. Your cosmetic dentist will then take a mould of your teeth to create veneers that correspond perfectly with the shaved surface. This will take up to 2-3 weeks. In the meantime, your cosmetic dentist may give you temporary veneers.

Step 3: Fitting the veneers. Once your veneers are ready, your cosmetic dentist will cement them to the surface of your teeth using a special light to activate the dental compound. Your teeth will then be thoroughly cleaned to remove any excess cement and leave you with a beautifully enhanced, natural looking smile.

How long will my veneers last?

Good porcelain veneers fitted by your cosmetic dentist will last between 5-10 years provided you maintain good levels of oral health (brushing and flossing twice a day) and visit your dentist every six months.

What if I lose my veneers or they fall out?

In the unlikely event your veneers fall out, keep hold of the veneer and contact your dentist immediately.

Other types of dental veneers on the market

Lumineers and da Vinci Veneers are high profile, super thin veneers that fit straight over the surface of the teeth. These veneers are used for instant smile makeovers and can be very costly.

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How important is a smile?

May 23rd, 2011

“Smile- sunshine is good for your teeth”

When you see someone with a serious face how does it make you feel? It makes me feel uncomfortable, worried and insecure. When a person smiles on the other hand it’s as though fingers have relaxed on the trigger. Relief floods the system like sunlight.

In our image obsessed society it’s easy to be seduced by thoughts of greedy capitalist fat cats plugging into our every insecurity for their own personal gain. But when it comes to smiling we really are at the mercy of Mother Nature as it is a universally acknowledged truth that a genuine smile from the depths of the heart is nothing short of spiritual nourishment.

“I’ve never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful”

When we smile we immediately put others at ease. We make great impressions on those around us (providing the smile is not sarcastic or diplomatic which only serves to arouse suspicion) and we are more likely to win success in both our personal and professional lives.

Smiling is also immensely contagious so not only will you earn great results for yourself, you’ll also spread a little light into other corners of the universe too!

What stops us from smiling?

Unfortunately, many people are ashamed of their smile and there is a strong correlation between having bad teeth and low self-esteem. People will yellow, crooked or missing teeth find it difficult to ‘let go’ of their smile which can lead to all sorts of unpleasant repercussions such as difficulty attracting a partner and an inability to assume leadership roles requiring confidence.

“A smile is a facelift that’s within everyone’s price range”

Given the undoubted benefits of smiling on your health and happiness, it’s hardly surprising that more and more people are opting for cosmetic dentistry. Fortunately, prices for teeth whitening treatments have become so cheap and accessible that improving the appearance of your teeth is no longer an elitist past-time. Many dentists can help you.

Dentists offer a range of treatments to improve the appearance of crooked, gapped or missing teeth such as dental implants, veneers, crowns and bridges. And if money is an issue, many dentists take insurance or offer payment plans!

“Every day you spend without a smile, is a lost day”

With so many treatments available at such affordable prices you really can take the step you’ve been longing for without feeling guilty. Look online or visit your dentist today for guidance on the latest, best and most affordable treatments available.

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Tell me about TMJ Disorder

May 20th, 2011

TMJ Disorder is an abbreviation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder which sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. The Temporomandibular Joints are the joints located between the upper and lower jaw positioned on either side of the head. These joints act as the go-between for the upper and lower jaws and consist of muscles, bones, cartilage and tendons.

The TMJ’s are vital as they enable us to eat, chew and talk. In order to function properly the muscles within the TMJ’s should be relaxed and comfortable. TMJ Disorder is when something is wrong with the TMJ’s and the movement of the jaw is restricted or disturbed. We term this a ‘TMJ Disorder’.

Classic signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorder

The classic signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorder are underlined below:

  • Pain in the TMJ area (just in front of the ear) which may spread to the cheek, ear or temple.
  • Reduced jaw movement. A tight, ‘locked’ feeling in the jaw resulting in difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
  • Ear pain (50% of people with TMJ Disorder notice ear pain).
  • Noises such as clicks, popping and sounds within the ears when chewing/moving mouth.
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  • Dizziness (vertigo).
  • Headache.
  • Neck ache.
  • Muffled/clogged ears (crepitus).

Causes of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder is mainly caused by unrelaxed muscles in the TMJ’s as a result of stress and tension. However, there are many other reasons for the onset of TMJ Disorder.

  • Trauma to the jaw (such as being broken)
  • Overactive jaw muscles due to clenching the jaw during sleep (bruxism), grinding teeth, overeating or chewing (such as perpetually chewing gum)
  • Wear and tear inside the joint such as the cartilage (could be due to type of arthritis called osteoarthritis)
  • Stress and tension
  • Certain types of arthritis (inflammation in a joint) such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
  • Injury to TMJ or cartilage disc

Diagnosis

If you experience any of the signs and symptoms of TMJ Disorder then you need to arrange an appointment with your doctor or dentist who will advise you on the next best step. Usually, blood tests, MRI scans or arthroscopy (a fibreoptic device to look inside the joint) will be arranged to identify the cause of the problem.

Treatment

Treatments for TMJ Disorder include:

  • Resting the jaw (eating soft food/avoiding chewing gum)
  • Heat and ice therapy to relieve muscle tension
  • Stress-reducing therapies such as counselling and psychotherapy to treat stress and tension
  • Painkillers such as Ibuprofen and relaxants such as Diazepam (Lithium)
  • Physiotherapy (jaw exercises)

No need to worry; it will all click into place

TMJ Disorders are not considered serious and the recovery rate is good. 1 in 10 people experience a TMJ Disorder at some point in their lives.

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Quit smoking – for the good of your health and your teeth

May 18th, 2011

Smoking isn’t just bad for your general health – the habit can have a negative effect on your oral health too.

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. There have been literally hundreds of campaigns over the years, pointing out the links between smoking and cancer, smoking and heart disease, smoking and birth defects. But all this negative publicity doesn’t seem to stop people from taking up the habit and it certainly doesn’t make it any easier to give it up!

What’s the deal?

What isn’t such public knowledge is the damage that smoking can do to your oral health. As part of this year’s No Smoking Day, on March 9, UK dentists joined forces with other medical professionals to warn us all about the damage that cigarettes can do to our health. Of course, the fact that smoking makes your breath stink and turns your teeth yellow will not be news to anyone, whether they’re a smoker or not, but the problems can go much deeper than that. In fact, these days it is pretty simple to make your teeth look like you’ve never picked up a cigarette in your life; professional teeth whitening can get rid of most of the nicotine staining in just a few sessions.

Some of the other effects of smoking on the mouth and teeth are not so easy to get rid of, however. Smokers are four times as likely to suffer from gum disease as non-smokers – a condition that left untreated can cause tooth loss. What’s worse is that smoking can actually make it more difficult for your body to fight off the infections that cause these conditions in the first place, making the consequences of developing gum disease much more serious.

Perhaps the most worrying oral health problems that smoking can cause, or at least contribute to, are cancers of the mouth and throat. Several studies over the years have found a conclusive link between cigarettes and these potentially fatal diseases, though other factors can also cause the condition. If you have tried and really can’t give up the cigarettes, which is the best way to protect yourself from developing all kinds of cancers, then the next best thing is to make sure that you never miss a dental check-up. Early detection makes all the difference is beating oral cancer, and your dentist is the best person to spot when something isn’t quite right with your mouth.

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The Invisalign Teen procedure

May 17th, 2011

Invisalign Teen is designed to correct all sorts of dental issues including overcrowded teeth, cross bites, overbites and under bites. The process is effective, easy and requires minimal contact with your dentist. The process is really simple:

  • Firstly, the dentist will go through an oral examination
  • Your dentist will then make a mould of your mouth in dental putty
  • A unique, revolutionary 3D model of your teeth is created (ClinCheck) and then a series of clear, plastic aligners will be derived from this over a 9-15 month course
  • You will change your aligners every 2-3 weeks

The advantages of Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen has many wonderful advantages. The clear, invisible aligner will not draw unwanted attention and your mouth won’t be locked around uncomfortable spikes of metal.

Listed below are the advantages of Invisalign Teen:

  • Clear, subtle and unnoticeable
  • Comfortable
  • Flexible; you can remove the aligners whenever you want for special occasions such as the prom and special photographs
  • You can eat whatever you want whenever you want
  • Teeth alignment starts right from the beginning
  • You will get several weeks worth of aligners at one time
  • The treatment is relatively quick compared to conventional braces, between 9-15 months
  • The blue dot wear indicator lets you know when a new aligner tray needs to be used
  • Treatment package includes six free aligners
  • Invisalign Teen is designed to handle teeth that haven’t yet erupted
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Celebrities board the cosmetic dentistry train

May 12th, 2011

A perfect, Hollywood-style smile is now a must-have accessory for celebrities and this trend has rubbed off on the masses, with cosmetic dental treatments becoming increasingly popular. The radiant, ultra-white set of gnashers was first showcased by American A-listers, but the look soon became popular in the UK and millions of people tuning into the X Factor on a Saturday night quickly became used to seeing sparkling sets of gleaming whites sported by Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.

Advances in cosmetic dentistry mean that there are now a plethora of treatments available to create a perfect, beautiful smile; some of the treatments cost thousands of pounds and are beyond the reach of mere mortals, but some, including teeth whitening treatments, are affordable and more and more people are flocking to their dentists in a bid to recreate the look of their favourite celebs.

Tooth whitening is not the only treatment that has been endorsed by numerous famous faces; new, innovative orthodontic treatments have also become popular amongst the stars. Recently, Hollywood favourites Tom Cruise and Justin Bieber have been sporting invisible braces, which straighten the teeth without being visible to other people. Over the course of the last few years, invisible braces have become very popular, as people look for a way to correct orthodontic problems without having to wear ugly, bulky braces.

The ultra-glossy, seemingly perfect Hollywood smile isn’t the only look currently tearing up the red carpets and runways; last year, models Lara Stone and Georgia Jagger hit the headlines courtesy of their quirky, gappy smiles and many dentists reported an influx of patients looking to create a gap between their front teeth with a view to sporting the new ‘look du jour’. The gappy smile is a contentious issue; dentists are worried about the trend, as creating an unnatural gap can be damaging for the teeth and hundreds of people complained when Tyra Banks sent one of the contestants on America’s Next Top Model to the dentist to enlarge the gap between her front teeth.

Whatever the look, one thing is for certain: celebrity trends carry a lot of clout and it seems certain that people will continue to visit their dentist to try and copy their idols.

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Sensodyne Choose Dr Hughes…

May 10th, 2011

We are very proud to announce that Dr Mark Hughes has been chosen to be a global representative for the Sensodyne Product range. See his television advertisement for the new Sensodyne Repair and Protect range of toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Dr Hughes is a highly regarded cosmetic surgeon in London who operates from our very own Harley Street Dental Studio. He gained his post-graduate qualifications at the prestigious Eastman Dental Institution, and is very popular with actors and celebrities in search of outstanding dental treatment.

We believe Sensodyne have found a perfect match in such a highly respected professional; a Sensodyne dentist.

Sensodyne offer a range of toothpastes and mouthwashes which are specially formulated for those with sensitive teeth. The product range available is clinically proven to reduce sensitivity when used twice daily. How Sensodyne works is through the way potassium ions and fluoride enters the dentinal tubules to build a wall against pain.

Dr. Hughes’ skill as a cosmetic dentist has captured the attention of the media in London and overseas. He is an Invisalign Platinum Elite dentist, a standing acquired by only a handful of dentists in the UK. With extensive experience underneath his belt Dr Hughes and the entire team at Harley Street Dental Studio are highly recommended by their satisfied patients.

In Dr Mark Hughes, Sensodyne have chosen a highly prestigious and skilled cosmetic dentist to be their global representative.

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How can Invisalign Teen help you look good?

May 9th, 2011

Let’s face it; being a teenager is no easy affair. There’s more pressure than ever on young people to look good, especially with the unfair media portrayal of air brushed models gleaming from every corner of existence and celebrities such as Cheryl Cole smiling sweetly at us from the TV screen.

The desire to fit in and look good is so strong that everyone wants to capitalise on it. Cosmetic surgery, creams, spray tans, makeup, hair extensions, face peels, manicures, pedicures; everywhere you look, every website you visit, every page you turn, another cosmetic procedure beckons you into its cosmos of correctness.

And, of course, teenagers are notoriously busy with proms, sports events, social gatherings, school, college and university trips; it seems that everyone and anyone will be looking at you and your mouth. A self conscious, half hearted smile is a definitive social no-no and repressing your true self will only lead to unhappiness and self doubt.

The benefits of a straight smile

A straight smile however is actually beneficial, not just for your looks, but for your overall oral health.  Not only do we care what other people think about our smile, we want our smile to be pretty damn good too. Straight, healthy teeth work wonders for our confidence, self-esteem and give us a magnificent ego boost. “A person’s smile reflects their personality and if they are self conscious of their teeth, they may appear standoffish or aloof” says Lina Cameron, a leading celebrity makeup artist. “When smiles are bright and straight people appear approachable and friendly. It’s a perfect treatment option to enhance your natural assets.”

Celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Oprah Winfrey are reported to have used Invisalign to perfect their smiles, so in the words of Madonna, “Express yourself, don’t repress yourself”.

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Have you lost that dazzling smile?

May 5th, 2011

The event of losing your teeth is never a pleasant experience. How can I replace them without looking completely ridiculous, as the tooth I might have chosen is not to the standard that we expect courtesy of what nature provided for us?

When dental implants are placed on patients, one common mistake is that the bone which the implant is attached to is too thin. What other dentists are currently doing though is that they are supplementing the area which implants are targeted on with bone grafts. But this has its problems. Using additional surgery in order to harvest the bone, this can cause a whole host of problems not just for the patients’ dental health but the quality of their bone which could cause a number of issues not now but in the not too distant future. This is where the Harvey Street Dental Studio is different from other dental surgeries.

Our implants use titanium anchors in order for them to be surgically implanted into the jawbone. Our team of implant placement professionals allow for you to receive only the highest quality of information which can assist you with any questions that this experience can produce.

Is it too late if I have lost a tooth already?

There needn’t be any worry on your part. Even if you have lost one or several teeth, our high quality dental implants can help you in your ambition to have that healthy looking smile once more. With our implants lasting a lifetime, there is no need to be concerned with whether the implant you have will one day fall out or become wobbly.

Want to know more about the great services we provide?

By contacting our Central London studio on 020 7636 5981 will put you on the first step to seeking that healthy smile which you thought was no longer a possibility.

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