6 Ways To Make Your Teeth Sparkle This New Year

Recent surveys have shown that a bright, white smile can help to make someone appear younger and more attractive. Your smile is often the first thing a new person will notice when they meet you, so why not make 2017 the year you ensure that your teeth are in the best possible condition.

1. Hygienist appointments

The dental hygienist specialises in preventative dentistry, in particular the treatment of gum disease and other periodontal conditions. The hygienist will thoroughly scale and polish your teeth to give your smile a lift.

Advantages

• The hygienist will be able to polish your teeth to remove food and drink stains
• Regular scaling and polishing helps to keep your teeth and gums health by removing plaque and calculus that can build up and cause gum disease.
• Demonstrations on effective tooth brushing can help you to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums keeping your teeth bright in between appointments

2. White Fillings

White fillings can now be used in nearly any tooth in your mouth. A white or composite filling is made up of a mixture of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient.

Advantages

• Once in your mouth, no one will be able to notice white fillings as they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
• White fillings are usually light cured, which is where a bright light is used to harden the composite mixture and set it. This means that you will be able to eat and drink as normal as soon as the anaesthetic wears off.
• White fillings can be bonded to your tooth and this means once applied the tooth will often be stronger than they were before.

3. Dental Implants

Dental implants can help to restore your smile, replacing gaps caused by missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to support either crowns, bridges or dentures depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.

Advantages

• Dental implants are the next best thing to healthy natural teeth. Restoring a lost tooth so it looks, feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth.
• Teeth restored with dental implants are teeth that let you, not your teeth, lead your life
• A face without teeth can sag and appear sunken and sad. Dental implants allow you to maintain the natural shape of your face and smile.

4. Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is an effective and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Teeth Whitening can help to give your teeth back their sparkle by removing stains caused by food, drink, smoking, ageing and medications.

Advantages

• Teeth Whitening is an excellent way to improve your appearance. Having a beautiful smile is now within the reach of anybody who wants it.
• A whiter smile tends to minimise the appearance of facial wrinkles, giving way to a more youthful and energetic appearance.
• Teeth Whitening can help to boost a person’s self-confidence

5. Teeth Straightening

Teeth straightening can have a dramatic impact on the appearance of your teeth and smile, no matter what your age is. There are a wide range of teeth straightening procedures available and your dentist will be able to advise on the best one to suit your needs.

Advantages

• Teeth straightening can help to improve your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to achieve things you never thought were possible.
• Teeth straightening helps your gums to fit more securely around your teeth and in the long term this can help to reduce the risk of teeth loss.
• Teeth straightening and properly aligning the bite, reduces discomfort and wear caused to your mouth and jaw.

6. Smile Makeover

A smile makeover uses a number of different cosmetic dental treatment to completely change the appearance of your teeth and smile. A smile makeover takes into account your facial appearance, skin tine, hair colour, teeth, gums and lips to develop your ideal smile.

 Advantages

• Patients have confidence in their new smile which spills over into social and work related situations.
• It is possible for dramatic results to be achieved in relatively few appointments, so a smile makeover can be a great way to prepare for an important event.
• Teeth that have been straightened, repaired and replaced are easier to keep clean. By maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, you can help to keep your teeth looking their best for years to come.

What are you waiting for? Call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188 to book your consultation and start your journey to a sparkling smile.

Fast Orthodontics - The Benefits Of Six Month Smiles

There’s no doubting that modern orthodontics have come a long way since those metallic train track style braces of old. Instead 21stcentury orthodontic treatments now cater for the growing number of adults who are looking to improve the appearance of their teeth. In fact, according to the British Orthodontic Society (BOS), latest figures suggest that 75% of UK orthodontists are seeing a surge in adult orthodontic treatment. One such treatment is Six Month Smiles.

As the name suggests this particular treatment is designed to be completed within six months or less and is part of a growing trend of fast or accelerated orthodontic procedures. It’s designed specifically for older teenagers and adults who have dental crowding, twisting, or spacing issues and offers some befitting advantages over conventional metal style braces.

Firstly, what they can’t do!

Although Six Month Smiles treatment can fix a whole host of dental issues, it isn’t designed to deal with major bite problems. Why? Because like all fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments Six Month Smiles focus their efforts solely on the top and bottom teeth that are visible when you smile. Because of the speedy time scale, it isn’t possible to fix the whole bite or correct tooth root alignment. That said, the vast majority of patients are actually more concerned with how their smile looks rather than how it functions, anyway. In this respect, speedy orthodontic treatments such as this work exceptionally well.

Now we know what they can’t do, let’s turn our attention to their advantages.

They’re discreet

Remember those train-track style braces we talked about at the beginning of this post? Not particularly discreet are they? Many adults are put off from wearing braces for this very reason. After all, who wants to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal every time they crack a smile or talk? On the contrary, Six Month Smiles uses a combination of tooth coloured braces and wiring which blend in with the teeth making their appearance far less obvious.

Utilises low force

A key component of the Six Month Smiles system is the nickel-titanium arch wires. Natural in colour they’re designed to exert a gentle but continual force in order to move the teeth back into the desired position. This means that unlike other brace systems, wearers won’t feel quite so much tenderness in the teeth when force is applied.

Perfect for teeth crowding issues

One of the most common complaints of those seeking orthodontic treatment is overcrowding. The Six Month Smiles system is perfectly made for dealing with this particular issue. This brace system has the ability to round out and develop the constricted arch, thus creating sufficient room to simultaneously align the crowded teeth.

They cost less

Aside from being safe and effective, Six Month Smiles typically costs less than many other orthodontic treatments. Invisalign for example (another discreet brace system) will typically cost up to twice as much. So not only are Six Month Smiles better for your teeth, they’re also better for your bank balance too. What’s more, at West Wickham Dental Practice we allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months making it an affordable and viable option. See our special offers and Smile Proud!

So there you have it – The benefits of Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment for adults and how it can help you get straighter, healthier teeth.

If you’d like to find out more about how adult orthodontic treatment can help you, then contact the team here at West Wickham Dental Practice. To book an appointment either call us direct on 0208 776 1188 or visit the online booking form on our website. On behalf of the team, we look forward to helping you restore that great looking smile.

Six Month Smiles Vs Clear Braces Which One Would You Choose

It used to be that teeth straightening was a treatment purely reserved for teenagers but over the past few years there has been a large increase in the number of adults turning to teeth straightening to improve the appearance of their teeth. Here at West Wickham Dental Practice we are able to offer two different teeth straightening treatments. Six Month Smiles and Clear braces and in this blog we will look at the key benefits to each treatment.

Six Month Smiles	Clear Braces
Six Month Smiles uses the latest technology to move teeth quickly and safely.	Clear braces, also known as invisible aligners are a safe and effective way to straighten your teeth
Six Month Smiles focuses on those teeth visible when you smile means you can see results fast!	Clear braces use a system of retainers to move your teeth. These are almost transparent so should not affect your appearance
Six Month Smiles uses tooth coloured braces and wires which means that the braces should be barely visible	Clear braces have minimal effect on your speech, so no one will know that you are wearing them unless you tell them!
Six Month Smiles focuses on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite, using standard orthodontic mechanisms	Clear braces are removed when you eat so you will still be able to eat a full and varied diet without the worry of getting food stuck in your braces
Six Month Smiles use low force to move teeth more comfortably.	Aligners are changed every 4-6 weeks to allow the teeth to move gradually into their final position causing little or no discomfort
Six Month Smiles can give you the smile you want in a fraction of the time taken with conventional treatments.	Fewer trips to the dentist are required with Clear braces than with other more traditional teeth straightening procedures.
Six Month Smiles are typically less expensive than traditional teeth straightening procedures	Clear braces enable you to still carry out your normal oral hygiene routine without the need to clean around fixed braces

Straightening your teeth can not only help to improve your confidence and self-esteem but can also help to dramatically improve the future health of your teeth and gums. Your oral health is improved following treatment as teeth are properly aligned so can be easily and effectively cleaned. This reduces the need for further dental treatment in the future.

Straighter teeth help the gums fit more securely around teeth and provides the strongest defence against periodontal problems. Properly aligned teeth can also decrease the stress placed on the jaw joints. If left untreated poorly aligned teeth can lead to chronic headaches and discomfort when you eat.

If you would like more help and advice on how teeth straightening can help to improve the appearance of your smile book an appointment online, or call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188

New Year, New You-Cosmetic Dental Treatment

The New Year resolution as defined by Wikipedia is, “… a tradition, …in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice… beginning from New Year’s Day.” Resolutions for overall fitness and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle is a norm for most of us and is great for improving general health and well-being, however, it is important not to forget the benefit of also improving your oral health too. Ranging from refining tooth brushing habits to completing unfinished dental treatments. A beautiful smile can make you feel healthy and rejuvenated. You don’t need to be in Tinseltown to enjoy a bright sparkling smile, straightforward dental treatment from teeth whitening, veneers, Six Month Smile orthodontic treatment or dental implants can be rewarding and motivating. Begin your journey towards a better and brighter smile with a Free Cosmetic Consultation, just ask!

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are a safe and well established treatment and are currently the closest treatment you can have to having your own teeth back again. Dental Implants supports the jaw bone by preventing further bone loss. Most, importantly it allows the teeth to be fixed to the jaw bone simulating natural teeth. Looking after your implants should be no more difficult than looking after your natural teeth. However, there may be some areas that are more difficult to reach and your dentist or hygienist will be able to advise on how best to clean these areas. The dentist may also advise that you attend for more regular hygienist appointments to ensure that the implants stay free of plaque and calculus build up. Provided they are looked after,dental implants should last for many years.

Teeth Whitening

If you are looking for a treatment that will give your teeth a dramatic lift that is fast with visible differences, why not consider teeth whitening, a safe and effective way to lighten and brighten the natural colour of your teeth. In 2012new regulation was brought in that state teeth whitening is a dental procedure and as such can only be undertaken by a dental professional. We can offer two main types of teeth whitening treatment;

In Surgery teeth whitening: This is a repetitive intensive treatment where the dentist will apply the whitening gel to your teeth either directly or using a custom made whitening tray that is activated using a special light. You walk in with a dingy, aged smile, and leave with the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted

At home teeth whitening: This treatment can be completed in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you using bespoke whitening trays designed for your teeth. The dentist will show you how to apply the whitening gel to the trays and will explain how long you will need to wear the trays ensuring that you receive the results you are looking for.

Six Month Smiles Orthodontic Treatment

Not all of us are born with a perfectly straight set of teeth!  Apart from the aesthetic value, straight teeth help us to bite, chew and speak properly providing a significant boost in self-confidence, self-esteem and self-image; qualities that are valued at every age benefiting social as well as career success.

Misaligned teeth prevent effective cleaning of the tooth surfaces causing an increase in plaque formation, periodontal disease (bleeding gums) and halitosis (bad breath). If left untreated, the bone surrounding the teeth may get destroyed making chewing and swallowing difficult. Short Term Orthodontics such as Six Month Smiles™ or clear aligner braces can give you the smile that you want in a fraction of the time and possible costs, compared to conventional treatments. With 0% Interest Free financing available, this treatment can realise your dream smile effortlessly, safely and with long lasting results.

West Wickham Dental Practice can provide you with a range of cosmetic dental treatments to help improve your smile and confidence. Book a complimentary cosmetic consultation today to discuss your needs or call us if you have any questions on 02087761188.

Benefits of Teeth Straightening.

Teeth straightening treatments such as Six Month Smiles, Clear Braces and others have numerous benefits. Not all of us are born with a perfectly straight set of teeth for the perfect Hollywood smile. Apart from the aesthetic value, straight teeth helps us to bite, chew and speak properly providing a significant boost in self-confidence, self-esteem and self-image; qualities that are valued at every age benefiting social as well as career success.

Our teeth are placed in our jaws by nature to form perfect contact alignment when we open and close our mouth when chewing food. However, this is not the case in many people. Crooked teeth form as a result of developmental anomalies in our skeletal system before birth and get exacerbated as we grow up. Most commonly, crowding occurs affecting the front teeth of the jaw, resulting in the teeth pushing out of line or rotating on its axis.  Protruding front teeth are more prone to accidental injury and increased risk of fracture.

Misaligned teeth prevent effective cleaning of the tooth surfaces, as brushing and flossing cannot reach all the areas allowing food particles to remain stuck around the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar in the food, producing acids that cause cavities and tooth decay. The plaque (the colourless bacterial film on teeth) also contributes towards periodontal disease (bleeding gums) and halitosis (bad breath). If left untreated, the bone surrounding the teeth may get destroyed making chewing and swallowing difficult. Severe orthodontic problems can also stress out the jaw joints leading to chronic headaches or pain in the face and neck. Early corrective orthodontic treatment before the problems exacerbate can prevent costly and time consuming restorative dental treatment for more serious problems developing later.

There are various solutions to treat crooked teeth but most take at least 18 months if not 2-3 years with conventional orthodontic treatment. However the latest in orthodontics – Short Term Orthodontics such as Six Month Smiles™ or clear aligner braces can give you the smile that you want in a fraction of the time and possible costs, compared to conventional treatments.

What are the benefits of teeth straightening or orthodontic treatments?

• A smile to be Proud off
• Increased self-confidence
• Improved teeth functionality
• Increased efficiency in keeping the teeth clean
• Better distribution of muscular stress during chewing
• Long term benefit to the health of gums and teeth
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth

Signs that braces may be needed

• The upper front teeth are misaligned with the lower teeth – excessive protrusion or cover the majority of lower teeth (bucked), behind the front teeth (under bite), or don’t touch (open bite)
• Teeth may be crowded or over lapping
• Thumb sucking habits in children after 6-7 years
• Chewing difficulty
• Uneven wear of teeth or disproportionate spaces between the teeth
• Movement of the lower jaw to either side during chewing

Clear braces are also affordable, safe and effective way to straighten your teeth. With straighter teeth and an effective cleaning strategy you could have healthier teeth. Six Month Smiles™ clear braces are safe, comfortable and provide quick results because they only move teeth that shown when you smile. Think of your teeth as a window to the health of your body. Your teeth and gums — and how they look to others when you smile—say a lot about your overall health. If you're taking good care of both, you're probably taking good care of the rest of you.

West Wickham Dental Practice is a recognised provider of the Six Month Smile^TM treatment and we are able to offer high quality smile makeovers in Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington, Shirley and Croydon with Dr Anhaar Mohamedali, who has successfully treated multiple cases providing their Smile Proud! moment.

Call us on 0208 7761188 to book in for a cosmetic consultation today and start your journey to the smile you desire.