Archives for November, 2011

A look at the link between diabetes and oral health by your London dentist

November 29th, 2011

Most people are concerned with the appearance of their teeth and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is key to keeping a smile looking bright and healthy. However, oral hygiene is also important for preventing oral health diseases and helping to promote good general health.

Many people assume that looking after your teeth and gums is a means of reducing the risk of oral health diseases, such as gum disease and decay. However, a growing number of studies have also indicated that oral health is important for health in general. Dentists often refer to the mouth as the window to the rest of the body and studies have confirmed that a link between poor oral health and a host of serious medical conditions, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes does exist. There is a growing body of evidence to support the notion that poor oral health increases the risk of developing these life-threatening conditions.

Diabetes and oral health problems

Research suggests that diabetes and oral health problems have a two-way relationship. Not only are people with diabetes more likely to suffer from gum disease, but people who have gum disease also have a higher risk of developing diabetes, as severe gum disease could affect blood glucose levels.

Diabetes increases the risk of oral health problems, because people with the condition are generally more susceptible to bacterial infections. Bacteria associated with gum disease have also been linked to an elevated risk of heart disease, strokes and complications during childbirth and labour in pregnant women.

Preventing oral health problems

Regular dental visits are important for everyone, but they are especially important for people who have a high risk of developing oral health problems. Patients with diabetes should stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine and visit their dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. This will allow the dentist to spot early warning signs of decay or gum disease and treat the condition before it progresses.

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Inisalign Lite is the ideal teeth straightening treatment in London for younger mouths

November 27th, 2011

The revolutionary Invisalign technology has completely changed the way peopleimprove their misaligned, crowded or crooked teeth.  Uncomfortable braces heldin place for long periods of timeare no longer needed, as the option of discreet, comfortable and quick treatmentin now available in the form of Invisalign.  Invisalign Lite is yet anotherdevelopment that promises to maketeeth straightening even easier.

Essentially it is an express version of theoriginal, innovative Invisalign system, focusing on minor issues rather than thewhole set of teeth.  If you need a slight alteration in terms of crowding,spacing and misaligned teeth, then Invisalign Lite is perfectly suited for you.

What does the treatment involve?

The first step will be to have a consultation with a Harley Street Dental Studiopractitioner, who will advise you as to whether or not the Invisalign Litetreatment is for you.  After this, you will have moulds of your teeth taken, aswell as photographs, which will be used to create a three-dimensional image ofyour teeth.  This image is then used to create personalised alignersand create a plan detailing where the treatment will move your teeth.

You willonly need between 10 and 14 aligners for the treatment to work successfully. You will then receive your aligners and wear them for 22 hours a day, takingthem out whilst eating, drinking and brushing, so they can take full effect.Discreet bracesInvisalign Lite has all the great features of the original including discreet,clear plastic aligners, rapid treatment and, most importantly, comfort.

The treatment time is incredibly fast, usually taking around 5 to 6months, so you will see the effects far quicker than with other treatments.Harley Street Dental Studio offers Invisalign Lite to all their patients ifthey are deemed suitable and in need of the treatment. High quality care isprovided throughout the procedure from professional, qualified dentists withyears of experience in cosmetic dentistry.  If your smile needs a little bit of work then Invisalign Lite could be the perfect choice.

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How effective are teeth whitening packs bought from the supermarket? As good as treatment at your London dentist?

November 25th, 2011

Unfortunately, over time the natural whiteness of our teeth can fade as they become discoloured.  Other factors, such as drinking tea, coffee, red wine and smoking can also have a negative impact on the colour of our teeth.  This leaves many with dull, tired teeth, miles away from the glossy, white perfect smile we would all love to achieve.  Teeth Whitening treatments have become extremely popular over the past few years, so much so that supermarkets have started offering teeth whitening packs that you can try at home.  These are an attractive option, due to their relatively cheap price and the convenience.

Some of the treatments available include teeth whitening toothpastes, home bleaching kits with a mouth guard and even bleaching kits with putty, to make a perfectly fitting mouth guard.

The question is, though, how effective are they?

Whitening Toothpastes

Teeth whitening toothpastes are, on the whole, misleading, in that they do not actually bleach the teeth.  They merely remove stains and keep discolouration at bay, using low-abrasive granules and micropolishers.

Home Bleaching Kits

Home bleaching kits should work in theory, as they come with various strengths of carbamide peroxide, which is similar to that used by professional dentists.  However, the application of the gel is the main concern, as the mouth guards provided (both one-size and putty versions) may not fit properly.  This improper fit could lead to the gel leaking, which can cause serious damage to the gums and mouth in terms of blisters and sensitivity.

Overall, teeth whitening packs purchased from a supermarket are not particularly effective and in some cases can be fairly dangerous.  Most do not have the proper effect of bleaching the teeth, so prepare to be disappointed with the results.

Dentist Teeth Whitening

Obviously the best option is to go to a professionally qualified dentist, who will guide you through the process and find the treatment that is right for you.  There are many types of treatment available and Harley Street Dental Studio offers a comprehensive range including Zoom, Enlighten, Ramp, Nite White and Smile Strips.  All of these are completely effective in their own way, so you will be left with the perfect white teeth you have always wanted.

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Enlighten teeth whitening is the treatment of choice at your London dentist

November 21st, 2011

Having perfectly white teeth is something most people crave and there are a multitude of options out there to help improve the whiteness of your teeth. This ranges from teeth whitening gels and lasers to treatments like veneers and crowns. However, with Enlighten Teeth Whitening you are always guaranteed to get the whitest shade available on a dentist’s guide, with brilliant results that can last for several years.

Enlighten is a revolutionary new teeth whitening treatment that guarantees outstanding results for all patients, regardless of age, starting colour, lifestyle or dietary habits.

Enlighten achieves this level of whitening by using special trays made from impressions of the teeth, which are then coupled with a gel for a truly beautifully white smile.

The procedure for Enlighten Teeth Whitening is pretty simple and straightforward. First your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which is used to make super seal trays, custom-made for your mouth, to provide an exceptional fit.

The patient must then wear the trays for four to eight hours per day for two weeks. The patient may experience some sensitivity during the first three to four nights of treatment, but this will soon subside. Enlighten teeth whitening has a very high success rate, with 95% of patients achieving the desired effect within the two week time period.

After the desired effect is achieved, it is important for the patient to top up the enlighten teeth whitening on occasion, depending on their diet and habits. This can easily be done from home, to help the patient achieved the original effect.

Ask your dentist about Enlighten and if it can help you achieve the best smile possible, without the pain or cost of other treatments.

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Who is the winner between normal toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes at your London dentist?

November 20th, 2011

When it comes to the toothbrush, the debate for years has been over which is better: manual or electric? The truth of the matter is that for the most part toothbrushes will keep your teeth clean if you understand how they should be used. The main purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and stimulate the gums, which both manual and electric are able to provide. Below is some information to help you make the decision over which one you would prefer.

Manual toothbrush

The manual toothbrush has been used for many, many years and does have plenty of advantages. The price is the main selling point and you can pick up a manual toothbrush for under £1 from numerous stores, shops and supermarkets. The manual toothbrush also puts less force on your gums and teeth as you control it yourself.  Applying too much force to teeth can wear down the enamel, leading to sensitivity problems and an augmented danger of tooth decay.

The manual toothbrush is also extremely useful if you have children as they can easily learn to use them themselves, helping them turn tooth-brushing into one of their daily habits.

Electric toothbrush

However, the electric toothbrush also has a number of advantages. For example they are extremely useful for those who have problems using a manual toothbrush, for reasons such as shoulder problems or arthritis. An electric toothbrush can help an arthritis sufferer clean their teeth much more effectively, without the need to move their joints as they would with a manual toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes also come with added features, such as pressure sensors, which make you aware if you’re applying too much pressure. Some electric toothbrushes also use timers, to show you the best amount of time you should spend cleaning your teeth.

An electric toothbrush with bristles that move in multiple directions has proved to be the most effective device for removing plaque and helping prevent gum disease. This is one of the main benefits of electric toothbrushes, providing as near to a dentist clean as possible. However, the costs of electric toothbrushes are their main downfall, with the lowest price being around £ 20.

Both toothbrushes have their pros and cons but hopefully you now have a little more information to help you make your decision. Remember that whichever brush you choose once the bristles have worn down always change your toothbrush or toothbrush head.

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There is no need to be put off by brace treatment – thanks to Six month smiles at your London dentist

November 20th, 2011

One thing that has always put people off receiving orthodontic treatment to straighten their crooked teeth has been the length of time previously associated with undergoing such procedures. In the past, orthodontic treatment usually lasted no less than two years up to five years and beyond. That type of commitment was more than enough cause for concern and meant that many people opted out of receiving teeth-straightening procedures.

Now, thanks to advances in technologically, the time one spends wearing braces has been drastically reduced. Another change that has been made that is seeing more people approach their dentists with queries on how they can achieve straight smiles is that many braces are made out of materials which people are finding less invasive.

A particular type of braces, invisible braces that are somewhat like plastic mouth guards are fitted over  patient’s teeth and changed every so often as the teeth begin to react to treatment, promise results in about six months time. Six month smiles are not a fantasy nor are they wishful thinking; they are a reality that many people are welcoming as they mean less time spent wearing uncomfortable braces and enduring the pain once associated with undergoing orthodontic treatments. Six month smiles offer flexibility, control of appearance and a quick solution for a common problem.

If you previously considered braces but changed your mind because you didn’t want a mouth full of metal or because you didn’t want to commit to years and years of orthodontic work, a six month smile might be the best option for you.

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The effects of crooked teeth on oral health and well-being and why treatment from your London dentist is so important

November 19th, 2011

Crooked teeth are one of the most common dental problems in the United Kingdom. Despite its prevalence, it can also be one of the most distressing dental problems, often requiring years of treatment to correct.

There is a common misconception that nothing can be done to treat crooked teeth as an adult, as many people believe that braces and other related treatment is meant solely for children and teenagers. They may feel that they have ‘already missed the boat’ by the time they have reached their adult years and therefore do not pursue any orthodontic treatment. This is unfortunate, as crooked teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but can also be detrimental to general oral health and wellbeing for a number of reasons:

  • A person’s bite may not function as well as it should.
  • Crooked teeth may serve to hinder proper cleanliness/oral health, which could potentially lead to infections and dental hygiene issues.
  • A person’s self confidence, self-esteem and general mental wellbeing may be affected by crooked teeth.

With such a wide range of problems caused by crooked teeth, it is surprising that more people in London do not seek treatment. As previously mentioned, this is largely due to the attitude that has surrounded orthodontic dental treatment over the years. However, the majority of people fail to realise that dentistry has come a long way and a number of treatments are now available, which are tailored to suit their individual needs.

Those who have been deterred from seeking treatment for crooked teeth, due to lengthy and unsightly brace treatments, now have the option of much quicker and more discreet treatments. Braces such as ‘Six Month Smiles’ and the ‘Damon Brace System’ can deliver impressive results in a fraction of time. As the treatments for crooked teeth continue to improve, patients will be able to both treat the aesthetics of their smile, while ensuring they are in the best of oral health.

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The dangers of not replacing missing teeth at your London dentist

November 17th, 2011

For many people, missing teeth are not only unsightly, but can also lead to further health problems.

  • They can cause an inability to chew food properly, which can potentially lead to a number of nutritional problems over time, as well as pain and discomfort.
  • There may be embarrassment caused by missing teeth, which can lead to a general fear of social situations and in some extreme cases can lead to stress and anxiety.

Although people have previously chosen to “suffer in silence”, there are now plenty of options available for patients in London. This means that patients do not have to put up with the discomfort, pain and embarrassment associated with missing teeth.

There are a variety of innovative treatments at the disposal of cosmetic dentists in order to combat missing teeth. Among these are dentures, bridges and dental implants.

A number of different options can be considered; depending on how many teeth a person is missing, the price of the treatment and the general health of the patient.

Dentures are usually used for those who have the majority of their teeth missing. In addition to full dentures, partial dentures are also available, with hidden metal clasps to attach to remaining teeth in a discreet manner.

Bridges are an increasingly popular treatment for missing teeth. This treatment involves a false tooth or teeth, which are fixed to the natural teeth that sit either side of the gap. Bridges can be made from porcelain and/or metal and are very natural in appearance.

Finally, dental implants offer a very permanent solution. A metal rod is fixed into the jawbone and once fused with the bone a false tooth is then attached. Although this requires minor surgery, many patients find that it is the closest treatment available to actually having a natural tooth.

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Damon braces are setting the field of orthodontics alight at your London dentist

November 15th, 2011

Braces are one of the most effective treatments available within the field of dentistry; unfortunately, they are also one of the most misunderstood treatments too.

For many people in London braces mean one thing: uncomfortable ‘metal train-tracks’ across a person’s teeth. Braces are viewed as a necessary evil, which are simply a means to an end, and something that must be endured in order to straighten teeth – making them one of the most stigmatised of dental treatments.

Although there is an element of truth to this perception, it fails to take into account the superb advances that modern dentistry has made, in order to provide patients with a much different brace experience from that encountered by past patients.

One such advancement is the invention of the Damon brace system. These innovative braces enable dentists to achieve excellent results, utilising the newest technology for discreet and comfortable treatment.

Damon braces use low friction mechanics in order to provide extremely quick and satisfying results for the wearer. Damon braces are fixed devices, which use a unique sliding mechanism to cut down on the discomfort and friction that are often an issue with more traditional braces.

Unlike other fixed braces, Damon braces are a great deal more discreet, using smaller brackets and thinner wires to provide excellent treatment, without the bulk of traditional braces.

Despite the fact that they are not completely invisible, there is one major advantage of Damon braces: speed. Current research has indicated that the Damon System is able to cut down on treatment time by up to six months when compared to other more conventional fixed braces. This means relief from crooked teeth in a much shorter space of time and less time spent wearing braces.

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Why is it important that you go to your London dentist for your teeth whitening needs?

November 14th, 2011

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental treatments and in recent years the number of people choosing to have this treatment has increased significantly. Whitening is a relatively cheap treatment which can give your smile an instant boost and make it look healthy and attractive. Numerous celebrities are sporting perfect, glowing sets of pearly whites, which has inspired many people to follow suit and visit their dentist.

Types of whitening treatment

There are different types of whitening treatment available, which include in-chair treatments and at-home treatments and in some cases a combination of both types of treatment may be recommended. In-chair treatments are usually very effective and can lighten the teeth by several shades in less than an hour with very impressive results. At-home treatments may be recommended to maintain the new colour of the teeth, rather than being the first treatment to whiten stained, yellow teeth.

Why should I go to my dentist?

You may have seen amazing deals and offers for whitening treatments in beauty salons and shopping malls, however, it is always advisable to see your dentist if you want whitening treatment. Teeth whitening is a dental treatment and according to the British Dental Association, this means that it should only be offered by trained professionals.

Whitening is a simple and safe procedure if it is carried out by a practitioner with experience and the relevant qualifications. If somebody who has only had a day’s training provides the service, this carries risks and a good deal may turn into a nightmare, leaving you in need of professional dental work to correct the mistakes made.

Going to your dentist will ensure that the procedure is carried out safely and properly. Your dentist can also check your oral health as whitening procedures shouldn’t be carried out if an individual has existing or untreated dental conditions, which should be addressed prior to treatment. If you are worried about paying for whitening treatment there are finance options available, which allow you to spread the cost of the treatment over a period of time, rather than paying up-front.

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