Category “Orthodontic treatment”

Effective and discreet braces from dentists in London can brighten up your Christmas

December 20th, 2011

Some of the treatments dental practices in London offer include self-ligating braces to eradicate the need for extra ties inside the mouth, which helps alleviate friction inside the mouth and increase comfort. There are also a whole range of less intrusive procedures such as ceramic, lingual and ‘Invisalign’ braces that all provide more subtle ways to correct dental problems.

If you are searching for a Christmas present that is a bit different so socks, slippers and games, why not buy your loved one the chance of a smile that boosts their confidence and self-esteem?

Many of the clinics in London are well attended and, as such, have a wealth of reviews and testimonials available online, useful when deciding on somewhere for your own treatment.

On dentist websites there is also information on procedures, contact details, location of premises and often fees are set out. Also, a quick web search can often provide details on the online image your dentist has built up. A dentist website should also include testimonials from past and present customers and pictures of before and afters.

One of the other techniques used by orthodontists in London is the Inman Aligner. The Inman Aligner is a tool which is used primarily for problems with the alignment of patients’ front teeth. They offer many advantages when pitted against fixed braces, such as faster results and the flexibility of removal.

Other treatments that are sure to brighten Christmas smiles include ‘Damon Braces’, which eliminate the need for elastics inside the mouth due to the employment of a sliding door in the brace brackets. Again, this technique offers many advantages over other more traditional orthodontics such as quicker treatment and less obtrusive fixtures inside the mouth.

Dentists in London know the importance of a healthy, attractive smile

December 6th, 2011

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you so having an attractive smile usually helps to create a positive impression. If you do not have an attractive smile this may alter the way people perceive you. With children issues such as protruding teeth, crooked teeth and irregular facial features can often be the source of why a child is being bullied by their peers. In fact, recent research carried out by orthodontic specialists in the UK found that children with irregular dental features are more likely to experience bullying.

A healthy attractive smile has been linked to good academic performance and high levels of confidence by numerous researchers. If a child is happy about the way their teeth look, they are more likely to show off their smile and feel better about their overall appearance. Good oral health and a healthy, radiant smile have also been linked to success in relationships and in the world of work later in life.

A healthy smile is also important for good general health. Many studies have now shown that poor oral health contributes to an increased risk of serious health conditions. Children who have poor oral hygiene habits and a poor diet are more likely to suffer from poor oral health in their adult years.

In order to give your child the best possible chance of having a healthy and bright smile, it is important to encourage good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day, limit the amount of sugary foodstuffs they consume and take them to see a dentist on a regular basis.

If they suffer from orthodontic problems, such as crooked, crowded or poorly positioned teeth, ask your dentist for advice. Orthodontic problems are very common and many children will undergo treatment during their adolescent years. Orthodontic treatments may not be suitable for younger children and they may be encouraged to wait until their mouth has grown.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ClearStep braces are the ideal treatment for patients who want straighter teeth in London

November 11th, 2011

Whether you or someone you knew wore braces in the past, we all remember the unappealing metal devices used for teeth straightening during our schooldays.  Memories of these bulky, uncomfortable contraptions may stop many people visiting their London dentist for orthodontic treatment, leaving them with less than perfect smiles.

However, today there are many products available, which can help fix problems such a crooked, crowded or gapped teeth without the need for thick metal wires and brackets.

Clearstep braces are a new form of brace, developed using state of the art materials for swift results combined with unnoticeable treatment. Clearstep aligners are completely transparent, for incredibly discreet yet effective treatment. The creators of Clearstep even boast that it is impossible for anyone to even realise you have a brace on unless you inform them yourself.

This revolutionary brace is also removable and there is no need to fix it to the teeth permanently, leaving you to go brace free to any social events, dates or interviews, without feeling self-conscious.

The treatment is relatively simple. Each patient is issued with a series of clear retainers, which place mild pressure on the teeth to encourage them into the desired position. Because each brace is only worn for a few weeks before requiring a new one, the dentist can easily check up on the progression of the brace and make any alterations if necessary.

Clearstep can provide treatment for any age group, with each set of aligners made specifically for every patient. If you are interested in Clearstep visit your dentist today, for a consultation or for help finding a local practitioner.

Treatment for gapped teeth at your London dentist is more advanced than ever before

November 7th, 2011

Gaps in between teeth can really wear down self-esteem and cause feelings of self-consciousness. This is especially true if the gap sits between the two front teeth, or between any of the teeth that are on show when you smile.

There are a number of treatments for this problem at your London dentist, from braces to bonding and even tooth gap bands.

Braces

Braces are by far the most common solution and come in a variety of forms. The traditional metal brace can be used, but are quickly becoming outdated and many dentists now recommend aligners such as Invisalign and the Inman Aligner. Aligners act much faster, are generally cheaper and are almost invisible when worn.

Cosmetic Bonding

For those who would like another option to braces, there is cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic bonding is a treatment which uses a putty like material to act as a filler for reshaping teeth, filling cavities and of course, filling gaps between teeth. This treatment can be completed within a few sessions and provides faster aesthetic results than braces.

Teeth Gap Bands

A third and relatively new treatment is the use of teeth gap bands from companies such as Orthofill. These bands act in a similar way to braces and apply pressure to the teeth in need of treatment, to move them into the desired position. The band is placed over the two teeth surrounding the gap and left over time (usually between 3 to 6 weeks) the band steadily applies pressure to the teeth pushing them inwards, closing the gap. The bands are removable and can be taken off whenever you wish.

As with all three of these suggestions, it is highly recommended that you seek the opinion of your dentist before choosing a treatment, to ensure that you receive the treatment best suited to you.

Why Would You Need a Tooth Extracted at Your London Dentist?

October 31st, 2011

There are many different reasons why you may need to have a tooth extracted. In most cases extraction will be a last resort, but this is not always the case.

Orthodontic treatment

If you have orthodontic problems, such as crooked or twisted teeth, a bad bite, crowded teeth or gaps between your teeth, you will probably be advised to have orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and make your smile look better. Orthodontic treatment can also help to improve the function of your teeth and improve your bite. The aim of orthodontic treatment is to move the teeth into the correct position; for example, if you have gaps between your teeth braces will help to move the teeth to close the gaps. In some cases people who have orthodontic treatment need to have teeth extracted before braces are fitted, which will allow room for the teeth to move. Your dentist will tell you if you need to have teeth removed during your consultation.

Injury or trauma

If you have damaged your teeth as a result of an accident, a fall or a sporting injury, you may need to have a tooth removed. Your dentist will do all they can to save the tooth, but if it is badly damaged there may be no other option but to extract it. If you do lose a tooth and you are panicking about the appearance of your smile, there are plenty of ways to replace it and modern methods are used to create a perfectly natural replacement that blends in with the rest of the teeth.

Decay and disease

In some cases, when a tooth is very badly decayed, it may not be possible to save a tooth and it may have to be extracted. Decay is caused by harmful plaque acids which weaken and gradually destroy the enamel surface of the tooth. Once the enamel is damaged the rest of the tooth, which contains the living tissue, is susceptible. If decay is left untreated it will get worse and the tooth will effectively die (this is sometimes referred to as a rotten tooth). Root canal treatment may be used to try and save a tooth, which involves removing dead pulp tissue from the tooth and cleaning the root canals, but if this is not possible an extraction may be carried out.

The Choice of Simpli5 Braces at Your London Dentist

October 19th, 2011

If you are unhappy with your teeth and have been looking for an effective yet competitively priced treatment option, then you may want to consider Simpli5 ‘invisible’ braces.

The Simpli5 treatment is an extremely effective way of treating mild orthodontic issues, such as crooked, gapped or overbitten teeth. The treatment uses a five-aligner orthodontic system, which only requires five clear aligners for the successful completion of treatment.

After an initial consultation your dentist will decide whether you are suitable for the Simpli5 treatment. If all goes well an impression will be made of your teeth and sent to a Simpli5 laboratory to make aligners that fit your mouth and your mouth only.

Once you have received your aligners you will wear each one for three to four week for a minimum of 20 hours a day, to ensure that the treatment works effectively.

The procedure takes 10-20 weeks depending on each individual’s orthodontic circumstances, which is much quicker than other brace treatments.

There are a number of advantages that come with the Simpli5 treatment, which include:

  • A discreet way of straightening your teeth, using clear aligners for virtually ‘invisibility.’
  • You only require five aligners, which means that treatment times are shorter than other systems.
  • They also cost less than other ‘invisible’ brace treatments.

The price of the Simpli5 treatment depends on a number of things such as your orthodontic condition, the dental practice you visit and your chosen dentist’s expertise.