Archives for December, 2011

What do you want from the New Year? How about a new smile from Brentford dentists

December 31st, 2011

Most people make New Year’s resolutions, which usually involve bettering their appearance by losing weight or toning up, but have you ever thought of celebrating the New Year with a new smile?

Research has consistently shown that most people regard their smile as one of their most significant physical characteristic and for this reason it is no surprise that cosmetic dentistry has developed into an extremely popular area. There is now a huge range of treatments available, to better the appearance of the smile and give you a confidence boost.

Smile makeover

A smile makeover in Brentford is the ultimate cosmetic dentistry and an incredible way to start your New Year with a bang! The treatment does exactly what it says on the tin, enhancing your appearance and making you feel and look great.

A smile makeover involves a series of different treatments, which you choose to match your expectations. Your dentist will discuss your needs and wishes and recommend treatments based on the kind of look you want to achieve once treatment has been completed.

Popular treatments

Popular cosmetic treatments include tooth whitening, veneers, cosmetic bonding and orthodontics. Your dentist will explain what the different treatments involve, so you know what to expect and can get an idea of the amazing new smile you will have at the end. The treatments will be carried out at different times and your dentist will explain the timescale and when all the different procedures will take place.

What better way to bring in the New Year than with a new smile? A smile makeover will give you a beautiful, flawless smile, which you will not be able to resist showing off to all your friends and family members.

Hounslow dentists are here to tell you to consider the health of your teeth and gums this Christmas

December 29th, 2011

Boxing Day has always been about relaxing after a long hard day of eating and celebrating, whether this involves just lazing on the sofa watching the Boxing Day film, eating turkey sandwiches or finishing off the last of the sherry and wine.

But many doctors and dentists are now warning of the dangers of over indulging over the Christmas period and Boxing Day in particular. While we all want to relax and unwind over Christmas and New Year, all you have to do is think of some of the food and drink that is regularly eaten over Christmas to realise the effect it could have on oral health. Things such as sugar canes, mince pies, sherry and wine can all have a profound impact on our oral health, causing a build-up of plaque and harmful bacteria, as well as staining teeth.

While doctors and Hounslow dentists advise people to be more aware of the dangers of over indulgence at Christmas, they also know people are sure to eat more than just sprouts – which is why you shouldn’t forget to visit your dentist for a dental cleaning.

There are, however, a number of alternatives that can be eaten and drank over Christmas and New Year. Drinking red wine over white can go a long way to preventing damage, as white wine has been found to be very acidic, wearing away tooth enamel.

As far as indulgent snacks and other foods go, top teeth busters are things such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and trifle. While we all enjoy the odd sweet food during Christmas the ingredients used in these foods can be extremely harmful to your oral health, not to mention the calories causing harm to your waistline!

So this Christmas, just take into consideration how much you are consuming and make sure you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, to rid your teeth of the turkey, mince pies, trifle, sherry, Christmas pudding and selection box treats.

The Sparkle team are here if you need a dental cleaning after all the festivities are over.

With the help of Ealing dentists you can make this Christmas sparkle

December 26th, 2011

It can sometimes prove difficult to find a suitable present for a loved one, while they may also be having the same problem finding the perfect present for you! One present you could choose this Christmas is the gift of teeth whitening, sure to brighten up and add sparkle to the Holiday Season. Whitening can be a brilliant way to enhance your smile and treatments are surprisingly inexpensive.

There are a number of ways to go about whitening teeth, the most common of which are the at-home kits and in-surgery whitening.

The home-whitening kits can bring about the longest lasting and brightest results. However, it can take a long period of time for the final results to become noticeable. The biggest problem with at-home whitening is the damage that can be unwittingly caused to the teeth and gums.

There have been a number of horror stories involving at-home whitening kits. Often the whitening bleach – which is placed into trays – has been too intense and serious damage has been inflicted on the gums and teeth of the user’s mouth. Because of this, many dentists are strongly urging people who are considering this method to only use kits obtained from their Ealing dentist and not kits bought from the internet.

The second choice is in-surgery whitening. This form of whitening is provided in the dental practice and will involve whitening gel being placed on the teeth, which is then treated with a special laser that activates the gel to start the whitening process. This method is much faster than at-home whitening and a difference can sometimes be seen immediately after leaving the dental surgery.

The immediate effect is quicker with in-surgery whitening and only one session is needed to achieve the desired results. As an experienced and qualified practitioner provides the treatment there is no fear of damage or pain inflicted upon the teeth and gums.

The two methods have their own good and bad points and the choice depends on whichever you feel will make your Christmas extra special.

What are some of the top adult braces available from dentists In Kew?

December 22nd, 2011

Adult orthodontic treatments have become very popular in recent years thanks to innovative new treatments, shorter treatment time and a greater desire among adults to have a beautiful smile they feel confident in. Clients looking for treatment can now choose from an array of incredible treatments, so that they no longer have to face the daunting prospect of bulky train-tracks.

6 Month Smiles

One of the major drawbacks of orthodontic treatment was that they took a long time to produce results – but this is no longer the case and 6 Month Smile braces straighten the teeth and create beautiful smiles in just six months. The brace focuses on the teeth that are visible when you smile, moving the teeth quickly and painlessly. 6 Month Smiles braces are an ideal treatment for people with minor orthodontic issues, who want to improve the look of their teeth in a short period of time and they are perfect if you are preparing for a special occasion, such as a wedding.

Damon braces

Damon braces are an amazing alternative from Kew Dentists to conventional fixed braces. The braces are very fine and discreet and use state of the art, friction-free technology to move the teeth into position quickly. Like fixed braces they can generate a lot of movement, making them suitable for most clients.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an innovative treatment that provides the perfect solution for people who are put off having treatment because they are worried about their appearance. Unlike conventional orthodontic treatments, Invisalign uses aligners which are worn for two weeks at a time and are then replaced with the next aligner in the series until. The aligners are made from clear plastic, which means that they are invisible to others.

Inman aligner

The Inman aligner is a removable device and is composed of a coiled spring and metal bar. The spring sits at the back of the teeth and the bar runs along the front of the teeth; this creates opposing forces. The Inman aligner moves the teeth quickly and treatment is usually complete within just four months. The Inman aligner is ideal for people with minor orthodontic problems that affect the front teeth. However, it is not suitable for people with more complex orthodontic issues.

Lingual STb braces

Lingual braces work in a similar way to traditional braces but are fixed to the back of teeth, which means that they are invisible to other people. Lingual STb braces are very fine and discreet and use state of the art technology to move the teeth quickly and prevent friction. Lingual braces are ideal for people who want a more aesthetically agreeable smile without the worry of having to wear highly visible braces.

The ultimate gift this Christmas is a life-changing smile makeover from Hanwell dentists

December 19th, 2011

One of the most traditional parts of Christmas is the present giving, so why not give the gift of a smile makeover this year – or why not treat yourself?

A smile makeover can be a great way to celebrate the end of the year and what better gift than the confidence of a new, beautiful smile for the year ahead? A smile makeover can involve a number of procedures, which most likely will include dental veneers to completely rejuvenate and transform your smile.

Dental veneers can be used to treat a number of dental problems and can improve the colour, shape, size and length of the tooth, making them the dental treatment of choice for those looking for a beautiful Hollywood Smile.

Dental veneers are laminates that act almost as shields for your natural tooth and are often called ‘fake nails for teeth’.

These laminates are placed on the outer surface of the natural tooth in order to improve the appearance. They can be coloured to improve the overall shade of the teeth, as well as fixing any chipped or cracked teeth.

The fitting of dental veneers usually takes three visits, whether the treatment is for one or multiple teeth. The first trip will involve a consultation with your Hanwell dentist to discuss what you are hoping to achieve with your treatment. Your dentist will then perform an examination to find out if dental veneers are suitable for you.

The second visit will involve preparation for the final treatment. This requires the removal of a portion of the enamel of the tooth or teeth to allow room for the laminates to be added. This may be done under local anaesthetic at the discretion of you and the dentist. After this a mould of the tooth is sent away and made into the laminates, which are suited perfectly to your mouth and smile. Until this time temporary veneers can be placed over the adjusted teeth.

The third and final trip to the dentist is when the permanent veneers are attached or ‘bonded’ to the tooth, usually around two weeks after the second visit. A cement is bonded to the tooth and veneers, after which a special light is use to activate the chemicals within the cement, to quickly harden it to the enamel of the tooth.

So, this Christmas enjoy a glistening smile with the health of dental veneers and a complete smile makeover.

Dentists in Chiswick examine the relationship between alcohol and oral health

December 15th, 2011

With the festive season fast approaching you may be looking forward to indulging in lots of food and drink, but it is worth considering the potential implications of drinking a large amount of alcohol. Most people like a drink now and again and that’s fine, but drinking in excess can contribute to health problems, as well as making you feel miserable, sick and unwell the next day.

How does drinking affect your oral health?

It may seem strange to link alcohol to oral health but there is a lot of media attention concerning mouth cancer at the moment – Mouth Cancer Action Month is a means to highlight the risk of alcohol and how it can lead to oral cancer. If you drink and smoke then you are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer. The number of cases has doubled in the last decade alone and more and more young people are being diagnosed with the disease.

Preventing oral health problems: hygiene therapy

If you are planning to let your hair down this festive season, Chiswick dentists recommend you moderate your alcohol intake and take steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A visit to the hygienist may be beneficial, especially if you have indulged in lots of sweet treats. Your hygienist will be able to clean your teeth thoroughly and give them a radiant glow.

Cleaning your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash and dental floss will also help to keep oral health diseases at bay. Hygiene therapy is painless and nothing to be worried about and you will feel the difference immediately.

If drinking a lot of red wine has left your teeth stained, why not arrange to see your hygienist for a deep clean or have treatment like air abrasion? Air abrasion is used to remove heavy staining and involves using compressed air to blow aluminium oxide powder onto the teeth. The treatment will leave your teeth looking bright and feeling smooth.

Cosmetic dentistry in Kew is changing smiles for the better

December 12th, 2011

Cosmetic dentistry has become incredibly popular in recent years, as people look for ways to give their appearance a boost. Now, more than ever, people are worried about the way they look and many are choosing to have treatment to enhance their appearance, especially their smile. According to numerous research polls and studies, the majority of people consider their smile their most important physical feature and having a nice smile also tops the list of features most people look for in a partner. A healthy, attractive smile can make you feel a million dollars.

Historically, having a beautiful smile was a sign of status, good health and wealth and this is still true to some extent today, as a bright white, straight set of pearly whites has become something of a trademark for celebrities, with everyone from Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell to Fearne Cotton and Justin Bieber flashing ultra-white smiles.

Cosmetic dentistry: popular treatments

Cosmetic dentistry has come on in leaps and bounds over the course of the last few decades and people have more choice than ever. Treatments range from non-invasive treatments to dramatic transformations. The most popular treatments include adult orthodontics, veneers and tooth whitening.

In the past, orthodontics included a limited choice of metal fixed braces, but now a whole range of amazing new appliances are available, from Invisalign invisible aligners to Damon braces, which use patented technology to move the teeth quickly and painlessly.

Visit your dentist in Kew to learn what cosmetic dental treatments can transform your smile today.

Chiswick dentists know all too well that good oral health doesn’t happen by chance

December 8th, 2011

Oral health is really important. It can prevent a range of harmful conditions and also contributes to good overall health. There have been several recent scientific studies that have shown how conditions such as gum disease can lead to serious illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease.

So, in order to enjoy good oral health it is imperative that you follow a few simple rules and make necessary changes to your lifestyle. One of the most important aspects of oral health is diet: having a healthy diet can contribute to healthy teeth and gums, while having a diet high in sugar and fat can bring about serious oral health problems.

Those foods that are high in sugar can cause the protective layer of the teeth to become weakened, which makes the teeth more susceptible to decay. Healthy eating ensures the body gets all the vital nutrients it needs to perform and will also boost the immune system and make the body more robust and resistant to illness and infection.

Obviously, taking care of your teeth and gums will also go a long way to protecting against decay and gum disease. Dentists recommend patients that patients adopt a good oral hygiene routine from an early age and parents are urged to get their children involved in oral hygiene from an early age. This is so they can learn to include teeth cleaning in their daily routine.

A good daily oral hygiene habit should include brushing teeth with toothpaste, flossing and mouthwash. The act of flossing goes a long way to eradicating traces of plaque and bacteria in those hard to reach mouth areas, while mouthwash will rinse away other remaining deposits.

For a thorough dental cleaning visit your dentist in Chiswick for a professional clean and polish – you really will see and feel the difference.

What treatment can be included in a smile makeover from dentists in Hanwell?

December 5th, 2011

There are now a range of cosmetic dental treatments available and you can have a mix and match of these as part of advanced smile makeover treatment. Hanwell dentists are experienced with all the latest techniques, procedures and gadgets, and will be happy to discuss the ins and outs of all relevant treatments. Some treatments that could form your smile makeover treatment include:

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatments can be used to straighten the teeth and address crooked and twisted teeth, spaces between the teeth and overcrowding. Popular orthodontic treatments include Invisalign, 6 Month Smiles, Damon braces and the Inman aligner.

Veneers

Veneers can create absolutely beautiful sets of pearly whites, so you can show off your own celebrity smile. Veneers can be used to cover stained and chipped teeth and also close gaps in the smile.

Replacing missing teeth

Losing a tooth is more common than many think and it is always beneficial to replace them. If you choose now to, the resulting gaps can contribute to oral health problems, as well as affecting the aesthetics of the smile. There are various options for replacing missing teeth, including dentures, dental implants and dental bridges.

Repairing chipped teeth

Chipped teeth can cause the smile to look less attractive but chips can be repaired very easily. Cosmetic bonding, crowns and veneers can be used to repair fractured or broken teeth.

Gum contouring

Gum contouring is an effective treatment which can be used for people who have a gummy smile. This is when a large amount of gum tissue is visible when you smile. Gum contouring involves trimming away very tiny pieces of gum tissue to increase the amount of tooth that is visible when you smile. The process may sound a bit scary but it is a very simple procedure and it can be done using lasers, which decrease pain and healing time.

Acton dentists are well aware of how important your smile is

December 1st, 2011

Millions of people all over the world upload photos onto Facebook and other social media sites every day – but if you dread being tagged because of your smile, now could be the perfect time to see your dentist and discuss the option of dental treatment to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

If your teeth are damaged as a result of poor oral hygiene, an accident or teeth grinding, your smile may not be one you want to expose to the millions on the internet. In such cases, a simple treatment known as dental crowns could be the answer. Crowns are restorations that are designed to strengthen a tooth and create a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Many people suffer damage to their teeth, but if this is not treated soon it can start to affect the overall aesthetics of the smile. If a decayed tooth is not treated the bacteria will continue to spread and the tooth may eventually die, which occurs when the living tissue (the pulp) becomes decayed or damaged. If this is the case, your dentist may advise you to have root canal treatment, which involves removing the decayed tissue from the root canals, cleaning the canals and filling them with dental material to prevent further infection.

Once the tooth has been sealed, a new crown can be placed. The crown is the visible portion of the tooth and it will create a flawless, beautiful smile. Crowns are designed to match the natural teeth and to restore the function of a tooth that has been damaged, fractured or decayed. Crowns can be made from porcelain, precious metals or a combination of metal and ceramic material. If you have a new crown it will be shaped exactly like a natural tooth to match your beautiful smile.

The procedure to fit a crown is fairly simple and takes place over the course of 2 appointments at your Acton dentist. During the first appointment your dentist will prepare the tooth and place a temporary crown. At the second appointment the permanent crown will be placed and your dentist will fix it into place, once you are happy and your dentist is content with the fit and appearance.

Once your crown has been fitted you can show off a beautiful new smile and look forward to your photos being uploaded onto Facebook, showcasing your brand new smile!

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