Posts tagged “orthodontics”

Straighten up your smile with the help of London dentists

January 22nd, 2012

Japan, often home to some of the weirdest and wackiest crazes, has come up with the strangest one yet – young women who clip on false “crooked” teeth in an effort to look younger. Or, at least that’s why some of them have signed up for the “Yaeba” or “Double-tooth” procedure, in which non-permanent false teeth are stuck to the patient’s real smile. Others have elected to have vampire-style fangs made for them, in reference to the popular Twilight series!

In the UK, however, straight teeth are still very much in demand and vampire fangs are for Halloween only. Patients at Harley Street Dental Studio are much more likely to be asking what we can do to straighten up their crooked smile rather than asking us to mess up a perfect set of teeth! At least “Yaeba” is only temporary and no one yet seems to have undergone dental treatment to make their natural teeth permanently crooked. Any dentist who agreed to a treatment like that would be very irresponsible, as a straight smile isn’t just for cosmetic reasons, but can actually help improve your oral hygiene.

Most people with crooked smiles or gaps in their natural teeth undergo orthodontic treatment while they’re teenagers, but braces are becoming a more common sight in adult mouths. Perhaps the patient didn’t want to have ugly metal braces when they were younger and have now decided to treat themselves to some of the innovative new kinds of orthodontic treatment on the market. Maybe their past orthodontic work wasn’t very successful and they have decided to have another try. Often, women come to us for orthodontic consultations a few months before their wedding day, determined that they are going to look their absolute best on the most important day of their lives.

Braces and aligners have come a long way in recent years, with the most modern designs proving a big hit with patients of all ages. Most aligners these days are practically invisible, are much more comfortable than the old “train tracks” and can even be temporarily removed by the patient for cleaning and the odd important social occasion. And all to create a perfect, straight smile – much more attractive than a crooked grin or vampire fangs!

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The causes and treatment of worn teeth by London dentists

January 12th, 2012

Worn teeth occur when the shape and function of the teeth changes because of friction to the teeth, which causes loss of tooth enamel or loss of the tooth surface.

Causes of worn teeth

There are many affects that occur on a daily basis that can cause worn teeth. Causes include:

  • Teeth grinding or “Bruxism,” which usually occurs when people sleep, wearing the teeth down.
  • Tooth decay caused by improper dental care and poor oral hygiene, causing periodontal disease or gingivitis.
  • Improper bite, which can result from malocclusion, irregular jaw shape or overcrowded teeth.
  • Genetic/hereditary factors resulting in abnormal facial and jaw formation, resulting in friction on the teeth.
  • Injury to your jaw and teeth, which can cause teeth not only to break but also to become worn.
  • Diet containing certain acidic foods and substances, which can damage the enamel of teeth over time.
  • Excessive teeth whitening that is unmonitored by a dental care professional.

Allowing a dentist to evaluate the condition of your teeth and discuss your oral health will enable you to understand what may be the cause of your worn teeth and how best to treat the condition.

Treatment for worn teeth

Depending on what causes worn teeth, treatment options may vary depending on the appropriate treatment for your needs:

  • Dental mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding.
  • Teeth replacement – Teeth contouring or dental implants, bridges or crowns.
  • Veneers, such as porcelain veneers or lumineers, where teeth are etched and re-shaped.
  • Composite bonding to build up worn teeth.
  • Orthodontic treatments, such as braces – Invisalign, Inman Aligner, or Damon – to improve bite and prevent worn teeth.
  • Facial or jaw reconstruction to correct jaw and mouth form and function, so the teeth do not become worn when you bite.
  • Diet awareness with the help of a dietician, to prevent an imbalanced diet with excess substances that can cause tooth erosion.
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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.

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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 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.

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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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Simpli5 at your Harley Street dentist

January 7th, 2011

Simpli5 is a new, innovative orthodontic treatment that works in a similar way to the Invisalign system. Simpli5 is so-named because only 5 aligners are required. The Simpli5 system has been designed to target minor orthodontic problems and produces impressive results in a matter of weeks.

What does the treatment involve?

Simpli5 is very similar to Invisalign in that it involves the patient wearing a series of aligners; the aligners are custom-made for each patient and each one has a slightly different shape to encourage the teeth to move over the course of the treatment. There are 5 aligners in the series for each set of teeth; if you need treatment on both your top and bottom teeth, you will be given ten aligners.

The aligners are fabricated according to moulds of your teeth, which are created by the dentist and sent to the Simpli 5 laboratory. The aligners are made in line with an individual treatment plan, which is drawn up based on the individual prescription.

Once your aligners have been manufactured, you will be advised to wear each one for between three and four weeks and then move onto the next one in the series; treatment should be complete within 20 weeks. The aligners should be worn for around 20 hours each day to ensure excellent results.

Is Simpli5 suitable for everyone?

You may automatically question how a treatment works in just 20 weeks; the Simpli5 system works so quickly because it is only recommended for people with minor orthodontic problems. If you have more complex problems and your teeth need to be moved considerably, you will be advised to choose a more intensive treatment.

The Simpli5 aligners are suitable for people with minor spacing between their teeth and minor problems with their occlusion; it is also very effective for people who have already had braces, as it helps to refine the position of the teeth and hold the teeth in place to prevent relapse.

Simpli5 can also be useful for patients who want to have veneers; the aligners can help to correct minor problems with the alignment of the teeth, which means that less preparation will be required before the veneers are fixed to the teeth.

Why should I consider Simpli5?

If you’re thinking about having orthodontic treatment but you only have minor problems, it’s worth considering Simpli5, especially if you’re worried or out off by the prospect of wearing a brace for a long period of time. Treatment with Simpli5 takes just 20 weeks to correct the problems and produce an attractive smile. Many people also appreciate the fact that you can take the aligners out, which enables them to eat what they want and brush their teeth properly; this also means you can take them out for big events like weddings and parties. The aligners have also been designed to move the teeth gently, which means this treatment is much less painful than some other treatments.

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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Adult braces at Harley Street Dental Studio

December 23rd, 2010

Most people associate orthodontic treatment with teenagers. However, in recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of adults who have chosen to undergo orthodontic treatment.

Why has orthodontic treatment become so popular?

There are two main reasons why adult orthodontic treatment has become so popular. The first is the boom in celebrity culture and the growth in popularity of the beauty and cosmetics industry. Nowadays, we are more conscious of our looks than ever before and more people are undergoing treatments and procedures to improve the way they look. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular each year and a huge range of treatments are now available.

The other main reason for the boom in orthodontic treatment is the introduction of several new treatments. Many people still think of orthodontic treatment as bulky, metal braces. However, this is no longer the case and a huge range of innovative, modern new treatments are now available. Many of the treatments involve very fine and discreet braces, removable devices and specially designed aligners, which are invisible to others.

What treatments are available?

Many people still choose traditional fixed braces but an increasingly large proportion of adults opting to go for orthodontic treatment are going for newer, faster and more discreet treatments. Recently, a large number of treatments have come onto the market and design teams have taken treatment time, comfort and aesthetics into account.

One of the most popular treatments on the market is Invisalign, which is an innovative system that involves the patient wearing a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners. The aligners are designed to encourage the teeth to move in the right direction; each one is work for two weeks and then replaced with the next one in the series. Invisalign is really popular because the aligners are invisible to other people because they are made from clear plastic. They are also removable, which enables people to eat what they want and brush their teeth properly.

Six Month Smile braces are also becoming very popular, as they produce amazing results in just six short months. This makes it an ideal treatment for people who want quick results and are maybe preparing for a big event, like a wedding for example. The braces work by targeting the front teeth, as they are visible when you smile.

The Inman Aligner is another innovative new treatment, which can produce very quick results for people with minor orthodontic problems that affect their front teeth. The removable device is comprised of a coil spring, and this is positioned on the back of the teeth, while a minute metal bar is placed along the front of the teeth. The two component parts of the aligner generate forces, which makes the teeth move in the right direction.

How to choose the right treatment

With all these new treatments on offer, choosing the right one for you may be a daunting task and you may find that you are swamped with information. The best thing to do is to arrange a consultation with your dentist. They will take a look at your teeth and discuss the treatments with you, and then they will advise you which treatment would be best based on your oral health and orthodontic problems, your desired look and your budget.

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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Smile Makeover: the ultimate cosmetic dental treatment

November 19th, 2010

The importance of looking good

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you and first impressions are usually long-lasting and influential so having a smile to be proud of is important. Today, perhaps more than ever, attention is focused on beauty and appearance, with the enormous growth of the beauty industry and the boom in celebrity and popular culture. Most of us don’t have a perfect smile but now we live in a world where we can have almost everything we want and a smile makeover can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

In the UK, like in many other countries across the world, we are spending an increasing amount of time and money on our appearance and the majority of people would admit to being concerned about the way they look. For many, their smile is one of their most important features and having an imperfect smile is consequently not an option. Cosmetic dental treatments can be pricey but fees are becoming increasingly competitive and an increasingly large proportion of people are willing to sacrifice their hard-earned cash in the name of looking and feeling great.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is the ultimate cosmetic dental treatment; you can choose from a whole host of different cosmetic treatments to give you the look you’ve always wanted. Choose from popular treatments including teeth whitening, veneers, orthodontic treatments, cosmetic bonding and gum contouring.

Choosing the perfect treatments

When faced with such an extensive menu of treatments, it’s not surprising that many people feel a little daunted and confused; however, this is when your dentist will come in handy, as they will be able to explain what the different treatments entail, assess your individual requirements and discuss what kind of look you want to achieve. You may prefer to go for a more natural look or you may want to go all-out and treat yourself to a glamorous Hollywood-style smile.

Most people opt for a combination of popular treatments; if you have orthodontic problems, you may wish to go for cosmetic braces and then treatments to further enhance the aesthetic of your smile, such as a whitening treatment. If you have chipped, broken or heavily stained teeth, you may wish to go for a set of veneers, which will completely transform your old smile into a glossy, gorgeous looking new one.

The results: is it worth the effort?

A smile makeover really can produce incredible, unbelievable results; even the most unattractive smile can be completely transformed and in a matter of weeks an unhealthy set of chipped, damaged, wonky and stained teeth can become a perfect set of glossy, stunning pearly whites. For many people, a great smile will always be worth the money, no matter what the final bill; however, for others, the mere thought of shelling out thousands of pounds will fill them with sheer dread; at the end of the day it’s a personal choice.

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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You’re never too old for braces

October 29th, 2010

Most people associate braces with teenagers. However, in recent years the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has increased significantly.

Traditionally, orthodontic treatment is associated with teenage children because it is best to treat orthodontic problems as early as possible. However, many people with orthodontic problems do not receive treatment and consequently continue to suffer from orthodontic problems during adulthood. Orthodontic problems do not just go away and, although it is best to try and resolve them as early as possible, it is never too late to have treatment and many people are now wearing braces in their twenties, thirties and forties.

Image-obsessed society

Nowadays, we are more image-obsessed than ever before and an increasingly large number of people are seeking treatments and solutions to ensure they look better, younger and more aesthetically pleasing. Advances in science and technology mean that treatments are becoming increasingly effective and safe and many treatments can produce incredible results in just a matter of minutes.

Adults need braces too!

The range of orthodontic treatments on offer to patients is now vast and dental technicians and dental companies have taken adult patients into consideration when developing new products and treatments. For most adults, the most obvious disadvantage of having orthodontic treatment is having to wear braces, which can have a dramatic effect on the individual’s appearance. For many people, the mere thought of braces rules out orthodontic treatment because they still associate wearing braces with traditional, uncomfortable, bulky metal braces. However, there are now many different types of brace on the market, as well as other orthodontic devices, which are much more discreet than conventional braces.

Invisible braces

Invisalign is just one example of the new age of orthodontic treatments. Invisalign braces are actually clear plastic aligners, which are designed to be completely invisible to other people. The aligners are designed to move the teeth into the correct position without anyone else even knowing that the patient is wearing braces. Many other treatments have also become popular in recent years and the most successful products are those that have been designed to be discreet and subtle.

The celebs

Some celebrities have also inspired adults to visit their dentist for orthodontic treatment and even the most traditionally unattractive metal braces have developed a cult following the success of television programme, Ugly Betty. Most famous faces tend to go for the more modern braces, which are barely visible to other people and the straight, healthy looking smile has become something of a must-have accessory.

Numerous studies have also shown that people with an attractive, straight set of teeth are more likely to succeed in both their social and professional lives. Research has also shown that a large proportion of people also consider a nice smile to be an essential characteristic for a future partner. In light of these findings, it is unsurprising that an increasing number of adults are taking steps to improve the appearance of their smile. Nowadays, brace-wearing does not have such a stigma attached and improved treatment methods and shorter treatment times means that people are more willing to go to their dentist to discuss orthodontic 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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