Dental insights and advice

Honest, jargon-free articles from our team - covering everything from implant journeys and smile transformations to everyday oral health advice. Real information for real patients.
6,000+

Implants placed

20+ years

Clinical experience

98%

Implant success rate

Browse the latest articles

Our team regularly shares insights from our practice - the lessons we've learned, the questions we hear most often, and the developments in dentistry we think patients should know about. Whether you're considering treatment or just want better information about your dental health, you'll find something useful below.

A Quick Guide to Dental Implants

Did you know that not all dental implants are the same? Many factors contribute to success, comfort, natural feel, appearance, and how long they last. When you buy a car, you know that the manufacturer has a track record of workmanship, technology, and safety. Dental implants are very similar. Prices vary in the car market because the research, workman’s skills, the quality of the components and general build quality is better for some than others. So when it comes to dental implants are they all the same? Well, the answer to this is no. There are nearly as many as 200 brands of dental implants available and each has its different features, which affect the success of the implant. Some of the features which vary are: Grade of titanium Are the implants designed to work as a short or long implant The type of the screw, the shape of the thread Is it tapered or straight? How does the post or abutment for the final tooth attach to the implant? Can the final result be made to look as real as possible Is it a new dental implant brand? Track record of the brand The dentist and the team will have a system which will affect the treatment outcome and how comfortable you feel straight after the treatment How is your treatment planned? Consultations? X-rays? Photos? Models? CT scans? The way the implants are inserted vary based on the brand, technique and the skill level of the dentist Does the practice use aseptic techniques with sterile gowns? Have you ever had a blood test and thought that it hurt? Whereas at other times, you have not felt a thing and get no bruising. This is down to the nurses’ lightness of touch, skill, and gentleness. This applies to dentists too The teeth are made by a technician and just as dentistry is a science, an extension of the medicine is also an art and not everyone can draw as well as each other. As you can see, not all implants are the same. At Natural Smiles, we use a brand called Ankylos and it has a very high 25-year success rate. We provide you with a free consultation about how we use dental implants to help you and our implant dentist can then later provide you with details of all your suitable options.

Bad Breath AKA Halitosis

Poor Oral Hygiene Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath. Bacteria that build up on teeth, tongue, and gums can cause plaque (the soft, white deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth), gum disease, and tooth decay. The bacteria combine with saliva to break down food particles and proteins, which releases an unpleasant-smelling gas. If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, any food trapped between your teeth will be broken down by the bacteria, causing bad breath. The bacteria can also live in the rough surface of your tongue. Therefore, as well as brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue can also help control bad breath. Having regular dental check-ups will ensure any oral hygiene problems are picked up and treated early. Your dentist can advise on how often you need a check-up. Food Certain foods cause bad breath; the most common is garlic. Smoking Smoking is another cause of bad breath. As well as making your breath smell, smoking also causes staining and loss of taste and irritates your gums. Smoking also increases your risk of developing gum disease , which is another cause of bad breath. Stopping smoking will lower the risk of gum disease and help prevent bad breath. Crash Dieting Crash dieting, fasting, and low-carbohydrate diets can also cause bad breath. These cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelt on your breath. Medicines Some types of medication can cause bad breath Medical Conditions Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that affects the flow of saliva. This can cause bacteria to build up in the mouth, leading to bad breath.  Dry mouth can be caused by salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. Other medical conditions that can cause bad breath include: lung, throat or nose infections, such as bronchiectasis, bronchitis, sinusitis, diabetes, gastritis – inflammation of the lining of the stomach – and food reflux

The Value of Excellent Dental Treatment

I was thinking the other day about some of the treatments that we offer patients at Natural Smiles . Very high-end treatments that include dental implants , braces such as Invisalign or six-month smiles , smile makeovers with veneers, and any treatment including a combination of these are very technically challenging. This requires a certain level of skill from our team at Natural Smiles and also the Natural Smiles team of technicians. The End Result Is a Combination of Skilled planning by Dr Waghela or Dr Lakhani even before we start treatment Skilled execution of treatment in the treatment room for every stage Skilled artistry by our technicians High level of technical equipment A brilliant patient All of the above can attract a high fee Recently, I thought of the following: Someone I know has spent a large amount of money on a new car. This car will be used once or twice a week. This car will need regular servicing and maintenance at an additional fee. This car will make the driver feel amazing whenever he drives it, talks about it, and thinks about it. This car will be kept for 2 to 3 years and then sold at a loss. Consequently, a smaller yet large sum of money can be spent on a life-changing new smile or set of fixed teeth. This smile or new set of teeth will be used every hour of every day and will boost confidence when she or he talks, smiles and eats. Their friends, family, colleagues at work, potential new partners and potential new employers will see the smile and experience the additional confidence. The end result will make the patient feel much better about themselves in many different situations. This new smile will be with them for a long time, not just 2 to 3 years.

TOOTH WHITENING – A Change in the Law

Tooth whitening has always been a bit of a government farce. We can take a lot of delight in blaming our own government and the EU (we like doing that, don’t we?). Just to make things clear, tooth whitening was illegal up until 1st Nov 2012. Technically, even dentists weren’t supposed to be doing it! I can hear the general public getting worried, “uh-oh, has it damaged my teeth?” Well, the answer is, thankfully, NO! If it was done sensibly and properly! The legal bit Tooth whitening is done using two compounds; one is hydrogen peroxide, the other being carbamide peroxide, which breaks down to become hydrogen peroxide, so essentially they are both very similar compounds and have very similar effects. Before 1st November 2012, the law stated that 0.1% hydrogen peroxide was the strongest concentration of whitening agents that could be used and this was because the product classification was changed from a medical compound to a cosmetic one. The problem is that 0.1% hydrogen peroxide will not whiten anything, let alone your teeth! The new law from the EU has been ratified by our government. This new law says that only those on the dental register may carry out tooth whitening and that they may only use a concentration of up to 6% hydrogen peroxide (this translates to 18% carbamide peroxide). This is some good news and some bad news. Firstly, it makes all teeth whitening by beauticians, shopping centre salons, and alleged ‘cowboys’ illegal! I have seen many teeth ruined by so-called ‘tooth whitening specialists’ and I’m glad to say that now it’s clearly banned and not allowed! So the next time you see a smile-salon-spa in a shopping center or whilst you are at a beauty salon waiting for your message, ask them if they are on the dental register. If not, call trading standards and report them, as they are breaking the law and potentially putting your life in danger. What would happen if someone had a serious allergic reaction to latex or some other compound in one of these salons? Do you think they are trained in basic life support? Probably not! Similarly, if someone had a reaction the next day or week later, will that pop-up smile-salon-spa still be in the middle of the shopping center to get advice? Probably not. In addition, all dental practices are regularly assessed for hygiene – not by various government bodies, who assess beauty salons? How many of these salons have sterilisers which are able to kill bacteria at a temperature of 134 degrees Celsius? None!!!! Is it bad? Well, in my opinion, not really. It does limit what dentists can use to whiten teeth; it also seems to limit in-surgery options for whitening discoloured teeth in children. In fact, tooth whitening in anyone under 18 is illegal and cannot be carried out. This is where my main gripe is. If a 13-year-old girl who has a black front tooth, due to knocking it a few years previously, comes to me wanting the tooth whitened, as she is getting bullied at school. Going by the letter of the law, I cannot whiten this tooth. I can drill the enamel off of it and place a ceramic crown (which may compromise the longevity of the tooth), but I cannot whiten it! Madness! I think some dentists (and I am in no way recommending this) may still whiten the child’s tooth and stand by their clinical beliefs that this is in the patient’s best interest. One very important point is this method and restriction is only applied to EU countries, so in America, China, Australia, etc., dentists are able to whiten teeth using the higher (and very effective) concentration of peroxide gel So, in summary… Tooth Whitening can only be carried out by dentists and those on the dental register. Power Whitening such as Zoom! using anything above 6% hydrogen peroxide is now illegal! Natural Smiles provides Legal tooth whitening to high standards Thanks to Dr N Parmar for his input in collating this information in an easy-to-read, simple format

Tooth Implants, The Natural Smiles Way

Did You Know Dental implants have been used in various designs for nearly 30 years! Dental Implants are small titanium screws that are designed to replace a missing tooth’s root. The special post is fitted into the implant. The post can be designed to: Replace one or more teeth Replace all upper or all lower teeth Help keep full dentures in place more firmly Replace all the teeth in a day! High-quality dental implants can last many, many years… they have a very high success rate! From our experience, our patients say that when they have dental implants fitted , there is virtually no pain!! Patients tend to put off such treatment because they think it is going to be uncomfortable and it does not promise. At Natural Smiles , our team will work to make your experience smooth, successful, attractive, comfortable, and affordable. As a patient at Natural Smiles , you will have a free consultation which gives you the opportunity to discuss your end goal and any concerns, it is very important that you explain what you would like out of having dental implant therapy and any concerns, you will be provided with a brief indication of the costs for the treatment you may need. Once this is done, you will be examined by our dentists, who will take X-rays, Photos, 3D scans (if needed) and again have a chat with you about your goals. We will then plan a bespoke schedule of treatment options for you using all the information we have gathered. Dental implant surgery is carried out at Natural Smiles , with or without sedation (either oral or intravenous) and all treatments are carried out by our very experienced implant surgeon, Dr Bhav. The day on which the implants are fitted, you may be suitable to have your prototype teeth fitted. A review appointment is made for you about 10 to 14 days later. Your implants are usually left in place from 6 to 16 weeks, after which we will start to make your long-term tooth/teeth. Once these teeth are fitted, the dental implant is used for a full function, which means eating, drinking, chewing, and, not forgetting, smiling. At Natural Smiles, we have placed many hundreds of dental implants and we have a 98% success rate! Call us for your free consultation with Carol now on 01536 206 900 or email carol@naturalsmiles.co.uk

3D Scans for Dental Implants

Patients in the Corby area will soon benefit from a 3D scan at Natural Smiles At Natural Smiles , we have just invested in a new machine that will allow us to take both regular X-rays and 3D Scans. By having an X-Ray, the dentist and his team can provide you with treatment that is best suited to your needs. X-rays also help to check for hidden areas of decay and infection. For cosmetic and dental implant dentistry X-ray help plan and prevent long-term issues 3D X-rays can bring this planning into a completely new dimension . The 3D scanner we have invested in can produce highly detailed images in just 14 seconds. What are the benefits of the 3D scanner? No need for you to wait around for your results. Lower levels of radiation than regular x-rays. Highly detailed images, which surpass those produced using traditional x-rays. Planning with a quicker, more comfortable placement of dental implants. The state-of-the-art 3D scanner will help with the placement of dental implants and other treatments for patients in Leicester , Corby , Kettering , and surrounding areas. Dental implants are one of the most innovative and successful dental treatments, which require a thorough understanding of a patient’s bone in order to aid the proper placement of dental implants. Using a 3D scan allows dentists to view the health of the bone to see if there are any areas of low density that need treatment. If you would like more information on the dental implants and the use of our 3D scanner either to replace a single or several missing teeth , please get in touch with us for a free consultation on 01536 206 900 or email carol@naturalsmiles.co.uk .

Why Natural Smiles Are Different?

1. TREATMENT CO-ORDINATOR A dedicated member of the team for free consultations , to hear and listen to your concerns and provide solutions for you in conjunction with the dentist & hygienist 2. WE LISTEN The ability to allocate time for each and every patient means that we have the time to listen to you and your concerns 3. OUR CONCIERGE LEVEL SERVICE You as a patient are the focus. We will arrange everything for your comfort. Every team member is approachable 4. MERCURY & PAIN-FREE DENTISTRY One of the only dental practice in the area that is proud of this fact Our root fillings do not hurt 5. TRAINING OF THE TEAM Dr Bhav and his team are exceptionally well trained to cater to your needs Dr Bhav is currently the only Dentist to hold Full membership of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and sits on their Education Committee Dr Bhav has attended thousands of hours of course worldwide – all this pass on his skills and expertise to patient care 6. THE BEST TECHNICIANS They have worked to create celebrity smiles 7. ONE-VISIT CROWNS Minimal inconvenience to you and your busy life No need for: additional injections for putty impressions/mould of our teeth temporary crowns 8. ALL TREATMENTS UNDER ONE ROOF At Natural Smiles , all dental treatments are carried out under one roof, such as: Dental Implants CT scans, Braces Invisalign Six Month Smiles Clear Braces Crowns and Dental Bridges Advanced Surgical treatments for implant dentistry (such bone grafts and sinus lifts) Teeth in a day  (Fast & Fixed or All on 4) One appointment Crowns ( CEREC ) and many more

Advanced Dental Implants

By Dr. Bhavnish Waghela – Natural Smiles Corby and Leicester I have always enjoyed learning and improving my knowledge; however, knowledge has to be translated into action after all. Actions speak louder… With that in mind, I prefer to choose postgraduate training that has a strong practical element. This year, I have spent many days on practical courses taught by some of the most eminent dental implantDentists In Leicester . These courses have been attended by some of the most established and best dental implant dentists in the UK, myself included (I should stop bragging now). I believe that when I treat a patient with dental implants, I do not want to provide them with just a fixed tooth dental implant, but I also want them to have a result that is as natural as possible and experience service that I myself would expect. We never work without proper pre-treatment planning, such as enhanced consultations, CT scans, and special diagnostic models that allow the dental implant to be placed in the perfect position. I have patients who have been told by their dentist that a dental implant is the best way to replace single or multiple missing teeth, but they cannot have that treatment because they do not have enough bone. In my hands and with my experience, we have many advanced procedures available that can overcome bone loss using advanced bone augmentation/grafting techniques. Recently, I went to a hands-on course where the eminent American Dental Implant Dentist said that “even a 0.1mm change in the position of the dental implant can affect the end result” and it is with this level of attention to detail that the team at Natural Smiles Leicester and Corby operate.

Tooth Loss Causes and the Benefits of Well‑Fitting Dentures

People Lose Teeth For The Following Reasons: Severe Gum Disease and teeth just loosen Teeth are too decayed and cannot be saved with fillings or crowns Some people actually ask for their teeth to be removed, as they feel it is going to be easier to deal with than having their own teeth Fear of having dental treatment leads to losing teeth eventually Trauma or accidents From the day a tooth is removed, the gum and bone start to shrink. When you have no teeth at all, your face ages rapidly due to this bone loss. A correctly made and well-fitting set of false teeth will improve and artificially replace the bone loss: Features Of Properly Made False Teeth  Natural-looking, not too white or too straight . This is a personal choice by the patient The teeth are made to give the correct face shape back and turn back the years They stay in place with minimal or, ideally, no movement They allow the patient to chew food well They allow the patient to have confidence in social situations when they laugh, talk and meet new people How Can Natural Smiles Leicester and Corby help? Our experience has taught us what to look for when making a new set of full or partial false teeth. We can make dentures that are: Full with Plastic or Chrome Full, they are removable but held very securely in place with dental implants Full that are fixed and cannot be removed using implants Partial with plastic or chrome Partial with chrome and special attachments crowns Partial Chrome with dental implants to securely fit them into place All of the above are provided at our Leicester and Corby Clinics

Top 8 ways dental Implants have improved our patients lives

Missing teeth can have a dramatic impact on your life. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can provide many improvements to you. We have various ways to replace missing teeth, but we know that dental implants are by far the best of these options. After speaking to many patients who have had successful dental implant treatment provided by Dr. Waghela in Leicester and Corby, these are the top 8 improvements in their life. 1. Improved eating and chewing Fewer teeth make it more difficult to chew food properly. Dentures can replace missing teeth, but dentures move, fill your mouth with artificial plastic, and are not fixed. This makes chewing possible but less efficient. Pain and movement from dentures results also in you chewing very slowly. With dental implants, you have fixed teeth allowing you to eat your favorite foods such as tough meats, nuts, and vegetables 2. Improved Appearance Dental implants are made to match with your natural teeth, they are made to feel like real teeth and nobody will know that dental implant teeth are not real, you will be able to smile with confidence. 3. Improved Speech Dentures are not fixed and therefore move, which means that talking or saying certain words is more difficult. Dental implants allow you to speak with confidence and not worry that your dentures are going to slip or move when you talk. 4. Improved Comfort Having fixed teeth with dental implants means that your teeth do not move. Dental Implants function like teeth or natural teeth , this means that the discomfort from removable dentures or missing teeth is eliminated. 5. Improved self-confidence No more gaps, no need to use any adhesive to keep the dentures in place for a few hours, none of the bulky plastic from dentures in your mouth , knowing that the teeth are fixed and are not going to get loose as the day goes on, not having to sleep without any teeth are just some of the reason that improves your confidence 6. Better dental health Dental implants are not supported by damaging natural teeth like with a bridge that keeps these teeth healthy. Gaps between teeth make cleaning more difficult and result in the adjacent teeth moving to increase the risk of gum disease and decay. These risks are reduced with dental implants providing better dental health. 7. Improved durability Dental implants will last longer than any other form of dentistry. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. 8 . Improved convenience With dental implants, you have fixed teeth that are more comfortable and convenient . You do not have to use denture glue which is messy and difficult to clean. You can chew and eat like normal. Dental implants are fixed in place and provide an option that is as natural as possible. See our Implant Section for further details or call us  and arrange your free consultation to see how we can improve your life with dental implants

Pain-Free Enlighten Teeth Whitening That Works

We are proud to announce that we have teamed up with one of the UK’s best whitening systems , Enlighten. Enlighten Whitening has a revolutionary gel formula to guarantee a B1 shade. This shade is the whitest natural shade teeth can be. In my personal experience of using Enlighten Whitening in the last 8 years, it also results in very little or no sensitivity – this is something that is unique to Enlighten. The Benefits of Enlighten Whitening  Guaranteed B1 shade at the end of the procedure – with natural-looking results  Pain-Free  It lasts really long compared to some other whitening systems  You do not need to change your diet or habits Enlighten Has Three Easy Steps A detailed consultation to assess your smile, shade, and dental health. We take a set of very accurate impressions of your teeth to allow our specialist whitening technicians to make Enlighten Whitening trays. You will be provided with Enlighten Nano Sensitive toothpaste to use from the day your impressions are done. Once your trays arrive, you are given the Enlighten Home kit and all the guidance and instructions needed to use the kit for 14 days/nights The final step involves a 1-hour power whitening session with your trays and the ‘In-Office’ gel Natural Smiles has been chosen as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Enlighten Whitening. This means we have the expertise and experience to give you the very best possible results. Book your Free consultation now and start your journey to a Natural White Smile

CT Scans and Dental Implants

Why do I need a CT scan for dental implants? In life, success comes from starting with the end in mind. Imagine going on a trip to a long haul trip without knowing how you are going to get there, Plane or Ship? With or without stopover? How long you are planning to stay there? What will you do when you get there? Will you need any documents to enter the country? How much will it cost? What will the weather be like there? Where will you stay and what will you eat? These are some of the basic questions one would know the answers to when planning a trip, in a similar way you need certain detailed information for dental implant treatment. So, at Natural Smiles, our dental implant treatment starts off with a very detailed discussion and understanding of your needs and desires for your problem in order to confirm your goals. Using this information, we start with a process called diagnostic models or wax-ups. This is a physical or digital mock-up of your new teeth. Using this we then take a cone beam CT scan . This scan allows us to see: The health of the teeth The health of the jaw and the bone We can map or highlight nerves and therefore minimize risk of nerve damage The width of bone available for dental implants The height of bone available for dental implants The quality of bone available for dental implants The position of the dental implants is planned A cone beam is seen by all experience implant surgeons as a crucial step in implant dentistry. At Natural Smiles , our level of experience and the number of implants we place means that we have our own scanner on site and therefore do not need to refer you anywhere else. I am sure you can now appreciate the level of planning that is required to achieve excellence in dental implant care. At Natural Smiles Leicester and Natural Smiles Corby we strive for excellence in all our treatment and provide you with dental implants that not only replace missing teeth but have world-class cosmetic and life-long stability. All patients at our Leicester and Corby clinics are planned with detailed planning and provided with a report of their treatment and associated costs. Contact us for your free consultation now

Can You Get Braces As An Adult?

If you think braces are solely reserved for children and teens, then think again. Braces are in high demand among adults for various reasons, whether that be to correct their bite or improve their smile.  Here are some reasons why you might consider getting braces as an adult. Your Teeth Can Move At Any Age, Even If They Are Healthy Even if you’re someone who takes your dental care very seriously, your teeth can still move. This might be due to an injury or simply a result of natural growth, but even if you had braces in the past to rectify a dental issue, you might feel like you need them again.  Almost always, braces will straighten crowded, crooked or protruding teeth and to do so will usually need to be fitted for at least 18 months to two years. They Can Help You Avoid Serious Dental Issues Teeth misalignment in adults is far greater than in children and teens, and if you have misaligned teeth, you have a greater chance of plaque buildup in between your teeth, which can lead to periodontal or gum disease. Straight teeth will also help you avoid tooth decay, gum shrinkage, bone loss, irregular wear of tooth enamel, and facial discomfort.   You Might Be Able To Avoid Other Health Issues If your bite is incorrect, you might be prone to headaches and earaches as well as gastrointestinal problems if you are unable to chew your food correctly. When eating, if you regularly bite your cheek or the roof of your mouth, you should seek help from a professional dentist . They Are Cheaper And Less Noticeable Than They Were In The Past When most people think about braces, they probably still imagine unsightly metal brackets. Fear not, braces have evolved since then, with ceramic braces being a popular option for adults because they are made from a clear material. Invisalign , a clear plastic, removable aligner, is another cosmetic advancement that is worn over the teeth without the use of metal or wires. Additionally, wearing braces today is less painful and requires less time, meaning that you don’t have to undergo as much commitment as before to correct your teeth.   Questions To Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist Over the course of your orthodontic treatment, you should be prepared to ask your dentist questions, including which is the best option for you, how to take care of your teeth once the braces have been fitted, how often you will have to arrange a check-up appointment and what the effects will be once the braces have been taken off. Mostly all adults who choose to have braces fitted, do so to correct something which they believe to be a flaw; therefore, it is rare that they would regret the treatment once it is complete. At Natural Smiles , our team is always on hand to offer any advice you may need regarding adult braces, and we encourage all questions from your initial inquiry right up until the completion of your procedure.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Whether you’re looking for a minor change or a larger repair of some sort, your dentist will have the skills to update your smile so that it’s no longer discoloured, chipped, or misshapen. There are a number of procedures that fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry , but all of these are common and relatively simple to perform. Some of these procedures might also be advised to solve oral problems such as an overbite. Bleaching Bleaching is a common process that’s used to whiten teeth and can help with the removal of stains that are a direct result of smoking or excess caffeine drinking. Usually, this process is performed by your dentist in their office and will involve them in creating a custom mouthpiece to ensure that the correct amount of whitening solution is used. To achieve the desired results, you may have to have more than one bleaching appointment with your dentist and these can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.   Bonding Bonding is perhaps the easiest and most affordable cosmetic dental procedure. It involves using a tooth-coloured composite resin (plastic) to repair decayed, chipped and fractured teeth, to make a tooth appear longer or to fill spaces between teeth. Bonding can sometimes be used as a cosmetic alternative to fillings , which can often be unsightly.   Crowns Crowns , or caps, are used to cover a tooth and restore it to its original shape and appearance. These are often used in cases where other procedures won’t be effective, such as to protect a weak tooth from breaking, to restore a broken tooth, to cover a dental implant , to cover misshapen or discoloured teeth, or to ensure that a dental bridge stays put. Permanent crowns are costly and can be made out of metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic. Your dentist will advise you on which one suits you best.   Veneers Veneers are pieces of plastic or porcelain that are placed over teeth to change their shape or colour. Usually, they are used on teeth that are uneven, chipped, or discoloured, meaning they treat some of the same problems as bonding. Your dentist will take an impression of your tooth, or teeth, and a custom-made veneer will be cemented directly onto it. To combat the added thickness of the veneer, your dentist will lightly buff the tooth. Porcelain veneers will require more than one dental visit, but they have a longer life expectancy and will retain their colour better than bonding.   Contouring and Reshaping As expected, contouring and reshaping is primarily used to change the shape, length, or position of your teeth and might even help to solve problems with bite. Bonding is commonly combined with tooth reshaping but only if your teeth are healthy enough to benefit from subtle changes. To ensure that they are, your dentist will take X-rays to identify if there is enough bone between the teeth to support them. Remember, a professional dentist will be able to answer any questions that you might have regarding which cosmetic procedure might be the best for you.

5 Things You Should Know About Dental Implants

If you have lost one or more teeth, this can obviously blight your appearance whenever you part your lips. It’d be a great pity to draw attention to gaps in your teeth as you talk; however, you do not have to settle for this, as we offer dental implants at our practices in Leicester and Corby. Dental implants consist of a replacement “root” with a prosthetic tooth attached. If you are considering dental implants, here are five key pieces of information about them. Dental Implants Are Neither Bridges Nor Dentures At Natural Smiles , we offer various forms of treatment for replacing missing teeth – and you should be careful not to become confused about the differences between them. A bridge is where a couple of adjacent teeth are filed. Dentures , meanwhile, are completely removable and prone to movement but effectively replace missing teeth. However, they lack the implant component. You Can Expect Implants To Be Long-Lasting A New York University dean told TIME that a proper implant is without physical drawbacks and will stay intact for a long time. How long? We can elaborate on these comments from Dr Mark Wolff, associate dean of the university’s College of Dentistry. While dentures can remain over many years in accordance with gum movement and oral hygiene, implants will last much longer – as they replace not simply the lost tooth, but also the root that went missing. Dental Implants’ Success Rate Can Reach 95% Your dental health and the place of the implants could affect this success rate, cautions HuffPost. However, the success rate of dental implants tends to be up to 95%. In fact, the percentage at the highest end of this scale is our own Leicester practice’s record with dental implants. The specific implants we use are Ankylos varieties, which are made to be more stable than standard alternatives. They can also more effectively fuse with the surrounding gum in the jaw. Implants Can Thoroughly Replace Teeth Roots Once you have lost a tooth, this leaves a physical gap that was previously taken by that tooth’s root. While many tooth replacement procedures aim to replace only the tooth’s crown , an implant can occupy the void left by the root. When we put an implant in place, it will touch the bone and thus lead it to grow fresh tissue around what it deems a genuine root. Therefore, the implant will be anchored to the jaw, the bone mass of which would instead deteriorate without a new “root”. Implants Feel And Look Like Genuine Teeth Once those implants are in your mouth, you won’t have to fret about them feeling fake or strangers around you becoming convinced that they aren’t the real thing. When you receive dental implants from our staff at either Corby or Leicester, those new “teeth” will appear and feel precisely like the real teeth that never left your jaw. You can progress towards benefiting from dental implants when you book a free consultation with us.

5 Tips To Get The Full Benefit Of Your Invisalign Treatment

For bringing your teeth into proper alignment, Invisalign is a more conveniently discreet alternative to traditional braces. The treatment involves wearing, on the teeth, near-invisible aligners which, every fortnight, are changed. It is recommended those aligners are worn for no less than 22 hours daily; this has various implications for measures you should take while undergoing Invisalign treatment . Here are some tips on how you can act to help achieve the best results. Don’t Fret About Initial Discomfort While the treatment won’t be entirely without pain, you should resist perceiving anguish in the first few days as a sign of things to come. Much of it is likely to fade thereafter. In an account written on A Healthy Slice of Life , Brittany Dixon reports that her first few days after having attachments put in place saw noticeable pain. However, this discomfort is likely to subside; you should keep this in mind if you experience unexpected pain after receiving your Invisalign trays in Leicester or Corby. Be Careful With Your Coffee Consumption Any drink capable of staining your teeth can do the same to your aligners. Good examples of such drinks are tea, coffee, and red wine. Naturally, you can take out those aligners before you start sipping, just as you can before eating any food or having any other drink. However, you will have only two hours in total during which to eat and drink each day. Stick To Drinking Only Cold Water One type of drink that you don’t need to resist while wearing those aligners is cold water, as recommended on POPSUGAR . Hot tea, on the other hand, will warp those attachments, while plaque can too easily gather if you drink anything alcoholic or sugary. So, for rehydrating your thirst in a more convenient manner, you could make a habit of drinking cold water outside of those two hours in which you are permitted to leave out those aligners. Don’t Clean The Aligners With Toothpaste Brushing your teeth daily is obviously a recommended practice for maintaining good hygiene; however, surprising though this may be, you should resist cleaning the aligners with toothpaste, says Shape . This is because toothpaste has abrasive ingredients that could make those trays appear murky and yellow. Frankly, that would be even more unsightly than a bit of food stuck between your teeth – and, obviously, it would compromise the aligners’ useful discreetness. Be Patient In Waiting For The Treatment To Work On average, a patient will receive Invisalign for a year before this treatment can be dropped. In your case, you might even only have to wait three months, assuming that your orthodontic problem is relatively mild. However, treatment times can greatly vary between patients. Furthermore, the unexpected extension of your Invisalign requirements could occur at a late stage. Therefore, it’s worth preparing yourself for such a possibility. We will do our best to make the whole process easier for you; get in touch with our Corby or Leicester practice to learn about how.

Six Simple Ways To Keep Your Smile White This Winter

It’s easy to assume that maintaining a sparkling white smile must be very expensive and time-consuming. However, you would be mistaken; getting the kind of smile that would make a Hollywood star proud can be down to just a few simple tactics. Ways To Keep Your Smile White This Winter You don’t necessarily need to sacrifice joining in on your favourite delicacies. Here are some straightforward ways to keep your teeth looking as white as winter snow. Brush your teeth with baking soda Baking soda’s ability to naturally whiten teeth might not surprise you when you learn that baking soda is an ingredient of many kinds of toothpaste. You can benefit from the oxidising properties when you mix a quarter teaspoon of baking soda into the water before brushing the resulting substance on your teeth. This is a technique that can gradually whiten your teeth, the Daily Mail explains. Snack on strawberries We don’t doubt that you could easily be found reaching for a fresh cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm this winter. However, you should forgo artificial sweets this season in favour of fresh strawberries instead. This is recommended because strawberries are rich in malic acid, which can naturally cleanse and whiten the teeth . Tuck into chicken instead of turkey Yes, during winter, you might love tucking into the usual turkey roast; however, that bird could be visually blighting your teeth. Therefore, your choice of cooked fowl ought to be chicken. The reason for this is dazzlingly simple: it’s a white food and so can leave your teeth whiter than a darker food like turkey would. It’s why rice and fish also tend not to leave discernible stains on teeth. Swap your usual wine for water Winter can be a great time to meet up with friends and family for a chat over a glass of wine. However, consuming too much wine could give you a reason to whine; red wine can stain your teeth, while white wine, though less damaging, can still increase the probability that your teeth will be stained by food. Try to instead increase your water intake, as it could rinse away harmful chemicals, notes Peaceful Dumpling . Drink water throughout the day, including after each meal. Eat foods that are high in calcium The health benefits of calcium are well-documented, but you may not have realised how much this nutrient can help  beautify your smile . Calcium-abundant foods can not only strengthen but also whiten your enamel. Examples of these foods include broccoli, spinach, collards, and kale. Take advantage of our teeth whitening treatment An array of stains might have already gathered on your teeth. That’s understandable if you have overindulged on tea and coffee and smoked a few too many cigarettes over the Christmas and New Year period. However, we offer teeth whitening treatment where stains would be lifted through the use of bleaching gel and an activator light. Each treatment session lasts just an hour but can make your teeth as many as 7 shades whiter, whether the treatment is delivered by a dentist in Leicester or Corby .

6 Brace-Friendly Foods

If a brace has just been fitted or tightened in your mouth, this could have various unwelcome implications for how you live your life while waiting for it to straighten your teeth . For instance, if you have a fixed brace, you may need to reconsider your diet. You could feel pain during your first few days of wearing a brace , and eating certain foods could add to the pain. So, what should you eat instead? As a general rule, you should avoid hard or sticky foods, as these could damage the brace. However, you can exempt tough vegetables from this rule provided that, before eating them, you steam them until they soften and can be easily bitten, as WikiHow explains . Raw carrots are out unless they are cut into minuscule pieces, while corn should be eaten only as kernels; don’t think about corn on the cob. What to Eat After Getting Braces Mashed potato You might count a potato as a hard vegetable, but it’s much softer if it’s mashed. Another attraction of mashed potatoes is that you can tuck into many different forms of it. Authority Dental highlights some brace-friendly mashed potato meal ideas. Fancy some slow-cooker buttery garlic herb mashed potatoes? Are you interested in a sweet potato and cauliflower mash? Do you have a preference for loaded skillet mashed potatoes? Those are just some types of mashed potatoes that won’t be harsh on your brace. Rice As is the case with mashed potatoes, there are plenty of different types of rice that you can eat without causing aches. The options include cheesy zucchini rice, cheddar chive rice, and vegetable fried rice. One plus point of the last of those is that the vegetables can be consumed in small, rather than large, chunks; that’s another reason why, with this meal, you can avoid hazards to your brace. Soup The liquid makeup of soup can prevent it from even feeling particularly like food. The types of soup from which you could choose include slow cooker split pea soup, homemade tomato soup, roasted garlic potato soup, creamy tortellini soup, and cream of chicken soup. Pasta The Italians have long been onto something with this kind of dish. The dish is yet another type of food where variety is abundant; hence, even if you think you don’t like pasta, you might come across a form of pasta that is surprisingly pleasing to your taste buds. The options that you should consider include creamy garlic herb mushroom spaghetti, baked cream cheese spaghetti, one-pot garlic parmesan pasta, and bacon-parmesan spaghetti squash. Moist cakes Cakes can be a guilty pleasure for many of us – though when eating moist cakes like cinnamon swirl loaf, sticky lemon cakes, or blueberry sour cream coffee cakes, you wouldn’t need to feel any particularly strong guilt about what effects this food is having on your brace. Alternatively, you could opt for a non-fixed brace, which you can remove during mealtimes. Our dentists in Corby or Leicester can provide this brace.

How To Take Care of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers provide one of the best routes to achieving a natural smile , helping to correct the effects of gaps, chips, cracks, and staining. However, porcelain veneers also represent a significant investment, so you’ll want to take care of them and keep them looking their best for as long as possible. Tips To Take Care of Your Porcelain Veneers For the most part, there are no special dietary requirements, and you don’t need to adhere to too onerous a hygiene routine either – the care of your veneers just entails a little common sense, which we know you possess in droves. Here are a few tips to keep you on track: The dental routine, first and foremost Just like your natural teeth, veneers can show a build-up of plaque and tartar, so it’s important to keep up your regular dental routine. So do brush your teeth twice a day with a good-quality brush and toothpaste, and don’t let your dental check-ups slip; ensure you have them twice a year. A regular cleaning by a professional hygienist will help combat the buildup of plaque or tartar. The better you care for your teeth and veneers, the longer they will last. Are you a daydreamer? While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it’s easy to accidentally bite on an inedible item, such as a ballpoint pen or a pencil, when you are dealing with a complex problem or simply daydreaming. Please avoid biting on inedible items, as this is one of the most likely actions to damage the immaculate appearance of your veneers. On this note, do be mindful of the potential for ice or hard-boiled sweets to damage or chip your veneers, so eat them in moderation and with care. However, for the most part, you can: Relish your food Food is one of life’s great joys, so enjoy it without worrying about stains. You’ll be pleased to know that many foods that cause discolouration to our natural teeth don’t pose a problem for porcelain veneers. So if caffeine-fuelled or alcoholic drinks have been a cause of concern in this respect, you don’t need to worry. Even deeply coloured summer fruits shouldn’t lead to stains on the veneers. However, all of the above can prove a problem for the bonding agent used to repair chips, so be mindful of this if it’s been used on any of your teeth. Furthermore, remember, any uncovered parts of your teeth are still subject to decay and staining, so keep up the good work and maintain your good dental health routine. A good veneer, though, will cover the entire front of a tooth, leaving nothing else – a bonding agent or a natural tooth – on show. Time For Another Dental Check-Up? Then contact Natural Smiles , we have a dentist based in Leicester, and Corby  so make an appointment without delay. In addition to routine checkups, our skilled team also provides a range of implant and cosmetic dentistry . Moreover, if you’re suffering from tooth pain, we’ll make your appointment a priority , so contact our dedicated team today.

The Most Common Dental Problems And How To Avoid Them

It’s always worrying when we encounter any issues with our teeth. We’ve outlined the most common dental problems and exactly how they can be avoided. For many of the issues, ensuring you have proper oral hygiene is key. Do not be afraid to get checked out by a dentist if you have any concerns. Here Are The Most Common Dental Problems Tooth decay Also known as cavities, tooth decay occurs when plaque combines with the sugars and starches of the food we eat to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Tooth decay can occur at any age but is particularly common in children. The best way to prevent the chances of tooth decay is to brush twice a day, floss daily, avoid foods with high sugar content, and go for dental check-ups regularly. The better your oral routine, the less chance you will have of suffering tooth decay. Bad breath Bad breath is also called halitosis and can be a result of an underlying dental condition. For example, gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, and bacteria on the tongue all cause bad breath. Using mouthwash will certainly help reduce bad breath , but it will not cure an underlying issue. Make sure to see your dentist for a check-up if you have any concerns. Gum disease Gum disease is an infection of the gums and is known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, and although it usually occurs after the age of 30, everyone is at risk. According to the NHS, “most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree, and more people experience it at least once.”  The symptoms of gum disease are bad breath and sore, red, bleeding, and swollen gums. Make sure to brush twice a day and see your dentist for a checkup regularly. Smoking can also increase your risk of gum disease. Mouth sores Mouth sores usually last more than two weeks but are not a major concern. There are two main types: canker sores and cold sores. Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, occur inside the mouth and are not contagious, while cold sores appear on the outer lips and are contagious. Cold sores will come and go and are not entirely curable. Tooth sensitivity If your teeth are particularly sensitive to hot and cold air, food, and drinks, you will benefit from using a specialist toothpaste for sensitive teeth regularly. Sensitive teeth can also be a sign of a cracked tooth, an abscess , or worn fillings, and if this is the case, you need to see a dentist to prevent losing a tooth. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain. Dry mouth We all suffer from a dry mouth occasionally, but if you feel your mouth is consistently dry, you might need to seek treatment. Certain medications and health conditions can be the cause of a dry mouth; however, it can also be caused by tooth decay, as these conditions can result in decreased salivary flow. Having a dry mouth itself is not serious, but you need to address the underlying cause of the problem. If you are suffering from any of these dental problems , don’t hesitate to contact our skilled team for advice. If you’re looking for a dentist in Corby, Northamptonshire , we’re the right choice for you.

The Top Natural Remedies For Post-Dental Surgery

Looking for natural remedies to soothe you after dental surgery? Here are a few ideas to help you get started How Nature Helps You Recover From Dental Surgery Cauliflower comes up trumps Cauliflower is mooted repeatedly for its nutritional benefits, loaded as it is with B vitamins and high in fibre too. So, cook a simple soup to boost your nutrient intake and help you on the road to recovery. There are lots of recipes available online; take a look, and you’ll see. Marigolds make the grade The humble pot marigold, otherwise known as Calendula Officinalis, has long been heralded for its medicinal benefits, having both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties – making it a great choice for a post-dental surgery natural remedy. You can use marigolds to make tea or as a mouthwash, and they have even become popular as edible flowers suitable for your culinary efforts. Pot Marigolds are the plain, single-flowered variety, not the fussy, frilly ones sometimes used as summer bedding. In addition to aiding your recovery after dental surgery, marigolds also serve as an excellent companion plant for your vegetable plot. Like  liquorice? As a young child, you might have run down to your local sweet shop and bought a liquorice root on which to chew. However, as well as having a great flavour and being the basis for so many of our favourite sweet treats, they also have medicinal benefits, making them ideal post-dental surgery . Like some marigolds, liquorice has anti-inflammatory benefits; however, from a dental perspective, it offers even more, including encouraging the tissue to heal, reducing plaque, and protecting you against the formation of cavities. Moreover, this humble root is also believed to have properties similar to a painkiller. So liquorice could help you when you’re recovering from dental surgery or if you have a mouth sore too, relieving your pain and inflammation. You can still buy dried liquorice roots, but you can also now purchase teas, capsules, tablets, and more if chewing on the root is not to your liking. Myrrh is a marvel Myrrh may be a substance that you primarily associate with the Christmas story, and indeed it has long been wrapped up in legends and religion, but look back, and you’ll find that for just as long it has been imbued with soothing and restorative properties. Step back in time, and you’ll find the Ancient Egyptians used it for its antiseptic benefits to clean and heal wounds, for example, and it’s an integral part of Chinese medicine too. Today, Myrrh is believed to have antioxidant, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties, so you can see how it could help you after dental surgery. In fact, Myrrh has been used as a mouthwash and a tincture to help deter infections and to help with the process of tissue repair, but, as with using any essential oil, always practice caution when using it and seek appropriate advice first. Moving forward So, as you can see, there are a number of natural remedies available to help you recover from dental surgery. Just be mindful of the fact that you should never ingest a plant you are not entirely confident about identifying. If you’re not, then buy your natural remedies from a reputable health food shop or herbalist. Also, contact our skilled team for advice about your dental health.

Amazing Benefits of All-On-4 Dental Implants

The term All-on-4 dental implant refers to a fixed prosthesis consisting of 10 to 14 teeth that are supported on just four implants. It is a surgical procedure for the total rehabilitation of patients with decayed teeth, badly broken-down teeth, or periodontal disease. All these oral conditions can lead to poor oral and overall health and can also affect the patients’ self-esteem and quality of life. The All-on-4 dental implant solution enhances your oral health and overall well-being. It’s also an efficient solution that saves you some time and prevents you from spending extra cash. We perform the all-on-4 procedure by placing four implants in the anterior maxilla, a region with higher bone density. This technique has been identified as a potential and valid, less expensive alternative to conventional implant techniques . And today, it has increased in popularity as more clinicians now recommend it for their patients. All-On-4 As a Treatment Technique Has the Following Characteristics Four dental implants to support a full fixed denture The use of angulated implants to overcome bony deficiencies Immediate loading There is a common question or a direct challenge to the All-On-4 procedure, which is, ‘Can all the bottom and top sets of teeth in the mouth be replaced by just four implants?” The answer is simply yes, thanks to the technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry . Tooth loss is a common occurrence among adults, and its chances increase with age. Instead of living with the hassles and discomfort of dentures, many people are opting for AO4 because it is now regarded as a simplified way of replacing decayed or missing teeth . All-On-4 Implants Vs Conventional Implants In AO4, only four implants that are strategically placed in a thick jawbone area are required to replace your entire set of teeth, while traditional implants require double what is required for All-on-4 implants per arch. All-on-4 implants are more stable and secure in the jaw since they are at a certain angle to each other. The procedure also does not require bone grafting, as in conventional implants, which saves time and makes it more cost-effective. What Is the All-On-4 Dental Implant Procedure Like? The procedure basically involves the use of anaesthesia, preparation of the area, implant installation, and post-operative cleaning and suturing. The procedure may look scary if you’re getting it for the first time. The fear is mostly generated by uncertainty. The following are the four major steps involved in getting an All-On-4 dental implant. Your dentist will want to make sure that you are comfortable, so anaesthesia will be administered. The dentist will prepare your mouth for the implants as he removes your remaining failing teeth and infected tissue from your gums or jaw. He will then start the installation process. The titanium screws will be inserted into your jawbone. Two implants will be placed towards the front of your mouth and two towards the posterior of your mouth so that the pressure of the denture is evenly borne by the strategically placed anchors. After the implantation, surgical sites will be wholly cleaned, and all incisions will be sutured. You will then be taken to the recovery room, where you will have time to relax and wake up from the anaesthesia. Benefits of the All-On-4 dental implants procedure If it is a choice among many, it must have some benefits attached to it. Here are some of the benefits of the AO4 dental procedure. 1. Immediate Results Within 24 hours, you can replace your entire denture and have a permanent implant-supported bridge with as few as four dental implants . Hence, it is called a smile-a-day procedure. There is no waiting period for its usage, and you can experience enhanced chewing ability, teeth stability, and overall comfort almost immediately. 2. Improved Appearance When your jawbone shrinks and you lose all your teeth, you will likely look older than you are . A dental implant can help prevent this from happening or correct it when it does. The All-on-4 procedure helps to preserve the jawbone and prevent further damage to the facial structure associated with missing teeth. It significantly decreases the wrinkles associated with missing tooth or bone structure, whose end result is looking younger with a more radiant smile . 3. It Helps Improve Chewing and Make You Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Again With the All-on-4 procedure, your overall eating habits will experience a boom. You can eat what you want, when you want, and where you want. The dental procedure allows you to enjoy your favourite foods again. Whether in public or at your home, you can now sit back and have a pleasant bite of your desserts. 4.  It Helps You Get a Long-Lasting Smile With the AO4 procedure, a set of permanent teeth with a non-removable implant-supported bridge will be created. The dental implant bridge is stable and comfortable. Unlike a normal denture, it doesn’t cause any discomfort or embarrassment. After placement, no adjustment is needed, and it will normally serve you for life. 5. It Improves Your Quality Of Life When you have a good set of teeth, your confidence will surely receive a boost, aside from the greater comfort you will experience. These are what you experience with All-on-4 dental implants. Generally, you will look better, feel better, and have a renewed outlook. 6. Eliminates Health Issues Associated With Failing and Missing Teeth The All-on-4 dental implant procedure helps in reducing the chances of periodontal diseases and thus, create a healthier mouth and a healthier body. Over time, periodontal diseases, which are mostly caused by bacterial infection, have been linked to diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and other chronic diseases. Because dental implants help in restoring your mouth to its natural state, they may help to prevent periodontal diseases. By taking good care of your mouth with regular brushing and flossing, dental implants will enhance your overall health . 7. No Risk of Shifting or Slipping The all-on-4 dental implant is very stable and reliable. There is no need to worry about shifting or slipping because it is firmly anchored to the angulated area of the thick jawbone. 8. Reduced Healing Time The All-on-4 dental implant procedure not only saves time and money, but it also significantly reduces the healing time and alleviates the emotional stress you feel when you don’t like your look. 9. Eliminates or Reduces Bone Resorption (Bone Atrophy) Bone Atrophy is a condition characterised by the wasting away of the bone density when there is an excessive breakdown of bone substances and structure. The all-on-4 procedure helps in managing this condition. 10. It saves time and cost The All-On-4 procedure shadows some steps that are usually done during conventional dental implant sessions, such as grafting. Grafting is exempted from All-On-4 dental implants in Leicester, which drastically reduces t he cost of the operation and also the time that would have been expended on

Important Things to Know Before Getting Dental Veneers

Your smile is important for a good first impression, so we wouldn’t be wrong if we said it is a procedure that is worth investing in for the people of Corby and Leicester . As a matter of fact, a survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that 48% of American adults consider a smile to be a person’s most memorable feature. So people are opting for dental veneers today for good reason. Porcelain veneers are a good option if you want to bring your smile back to life. You can cover up imperfections and finally have the smile you have always craved. Cosmetic veneers are one of the best ways to repair chipped, cracked, and stained teeth. Things to Know Before Getting Dental Veneers Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or ceramic that directly bond to the front surfaces of your teeth. When installed, they appear just like the better version of your natural teeth . Veneers are undetectable, as they are customised for your teeth, and that’s what makes them so preferred. However, before getting veneers, there are some things you need to know. 1. It Is Usually Not a One-Time Visit to the Dentist Dental veneers are not what you get with a single visit to your dentist. So, do not expect to come out with perfect-looking teeth after the first consultation. The procedure for installation involves several important steps. At the initial stage, a smile analysis must be done to determine whether you are a good candidate for these prosthetics. At times, teeth whitening or dental bonding might be a less invasive solution to the problem you are dealing with. 2. Temporary Veneers Could Be Made After communicating what you need with your dentist, he can make a temporary veneer for you before the real deal. These temporary veneers are made of liquid composite and often serve mainly as a blueprint for you to get used to your new smile and have a sense of what you are to live with. It is put in place to make sure that you like the final outcome. With the temporary veneer, you can decide if you want to proceed or halt the process. 3. You Don’t Have to Get Veneers on All of Your Teeth When you smile, people don’t get to see your molars and premolars; only the front teeth are obvious. So, you can consider doing it for only the front teeth. You can also do a veneer for the tooth that has a grey cast on it or is chipped. The veneer must be well fitted with the natural teeth, and that’s a feat that is sometimes not easy to achieve. 4. You Might Experience Bonding Sensitivity Sometimes, you may experience a reaction between your teeth and the bonding cement following the anaesthesia, which can last for about six hours. After the procedure, there is an adjustment period that lasts a few days. Excess cement has been recognised as the major cause of pain; you can see your dentist for its removal. 5. Your Gums Will Be Sore Gums always require an overall healing process, as they become sore while forming around your new teeth. You can use some pain relief drugs like Ibuprofen to help with the pain. 6. Veneers Are Quite an Investment A dental veneer is a cosmetic procedure that is very expensive because each veneer is customised and made by hand before being given to the ceramist to make a copy. 7. Veneers Are Not Forever The lifespan of veneer depends on how it is treated. It may last for about 15 years with good care. They need to be removed and replaced with a new set at some point. 8. You’ll Be Getting a New and Customised Smile Things fit people differently. Customising veneer for you will make it look like you were born with it. This equally gives you the opportunity to address what you don’t like about your smile, and it will be taken into consideration during the design. Your information to be taken by the dentist to use for the custom veneer is mainly the image of your mouth. This image will then be sent to the laboratory. 9. From Each Tooth Being Treated, Some Enamel Is Typically Removed During the installation of veneers, a simple calculation is put in place. A small portion of your enamel will fill filled off by the dentist. The amount removed will be proportional to the thickness of the veneer to be installed. Filling off of your enamel makes the approach irreversible. There are also ultra-thin samples of veneers that do not employ the filling off of your teeth enamel. 10. The Process Is Not Painful While it is possible to experience some slight discomfort when getting veneers, your dentist will administer anaesthetics to you before the removal of the portion of the enamel so you don’t feel pain. Some cosmetic dentists in Leicester, Corby, and Kettering also use nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas), which is also a dental sedative, to take care of the fear of pain. So you have nothing to fear; you won’t feel any pain. 11. It Is a Cosmetic Procedure A dental veneer is typically a cosmetic procedure, so it is not covered by most insurance plans. Still, you are encouraged to confirm with your company to see if this procedure is covered. 12. They Can Chip and Crack Veneers, just like teeth, can chip and crack, so you need to be careful when wearing them. Biting and grinding on hard objects can damage veneers. So you need to look into any teeth grinding issues before considering getting veneers. 13. Veneers Are Not For Everyone Unfortunately, you cannot get a veneer just because you want it. You need to be examined by the dentist before it is approved. Teeth decay can prevent you from getting veneers, which means you’re good for another cosmetic option. 14. There Could Be Some Side effects Dental veneers have some side effects, but they are mostly tolerable. 15.  Make Sure You See an Experienced Dentist Cosmetic dentistry is very serious work, and so, it is important that you get it done by an experienced dentist. Before making your decision, check the gallery of before and after images of the work done to find out if you like their work before committing yourself. 16. Do Your Regular Dentist Check-Ups If you are the type that skips an appointment with your dentist, you can no longer do that when having a veneer. You will need to go for a dental checkup every six months. 17. Floss Daily Flossing is very important when you have veneers. You can use floss to get rid of most bacteria. By flossing, you can clean away dirt that your toothbrush can’t reach. Bottom Line Dental veneers are what you need if you want to have that perfect smile you have been craving. Now that you are well informed about it, you can make a perfect decision about whether you want to get some. But trust me, having dental veneers is worth it! Call us on  01536 206 900 for advice from our friendly team, or fill in our Call Back Request Form

Things You Need To Know About Composite Bonding

One of the most common procedures these days is composite bonding, and this has been very popular for patients who want to quickly and effectively improve their smile . What Changes Can Be Made To My Smile With Composite Bonding? Generally, composite bonding can improve your smile by changing the shape of your teeth and changing the colour of the teeth, making these changes provide a quick and effective smile makeover. Composite bonding can also be used to artificially straighten teeth. This means that we are making the front surfaces of your teeth line up and look straightened. What Is The Difference Between Composite Porcelain Veneers Composite bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers and has a major advantage in that: You can have a smile makeover in one appointment   Generally, this is done without drilling or injections. Instant results. Chips and fractures can be repaired easily What Is The Ultimate Way To Improve Myself For The Best And Longest-Lasting results? The best way to improve your smile is by causing minimal damage to the teeth, using a material that is the strongest and most natural in the way it feels, looks, and behaves when you eat, drink, and smile. This means that the ultimate smile makeover is with Digital Smile Design, Braces or Invisalign to straighten any crooked teeth, whiten your teeth and then finally improve your teeth’s shape and size with ultra-thin bespoke porcelain veneers. What Are The Problems With Composite Bonding? Composite bonding does have a few drawbacks, and they are because composite is a plastic-based material designed to mimic the tooth and is not as hard-wearing as porcelain. This means that, on average, composite bonding lasts between 2 and 5 years, after which it needs to be replaced. Composite bonding will attract stains more than porcelain veneers Composite Bonding can chip when you use your teeth; the main cause of this is grinding and clenching at night. Can Any Dentist Provide Composite Bonding? Composite bonding can be moulded and bonded by cosmetic dentists ; the more skilled the dentist, the more natural the appearance of the bonding. If you were to ask several people to draw a horse (for example), some drawings will be better than others, and this is just artistic talent. Dentistry is just as artistic as drawing, and therefore, not all composite bondings are the same. It is also crucial to use the highest quality materials when doing a composite bonding; your smile looks more natural and polishes beautifully. To get the best results, digital planning before composite bonding provides a better and longer-lasting result because every last detail is planned before your teeth are worked on. Once completed, we advise the use of a night guard or retainer to protect your bonding. Conclusion At Natural Smiles in Corby and in Leicester , we have treated hundreds of patients with small makeovers using composite bonding. We endeavour to provide all our patients with the best result possible and therefore advise and guide you on all the solutions available to you. The most important factors that will help you choose your route for a smile makeover are your age, how long you want the smile to last without additional treatment, how quickly or slowly you want your new smile , and lastly, your budget. Would you choose a solution that lasts longer?

What is Dental Implants and How much does it Cost in UK?

What are Dental Implants? Dental Implants by Natural Smiles. Whether you are at a meeting in the workplace or a gathering of family or friends, a beautiful smile brings all the goodness together and lights your world up. But if some dental problems or an unforeseen accident lead to one or more missing teeth, you might end up feeling insecure about it. In such a situation, a dental implant is just the ideal solution for you, helping you to smile confidently once again. An implant is a structure made of titanium that attaches to the jawbone to support an artificial tooth. In a span of a few months, the implant fuses with the bone to become a part of the mouth. An alternative to an implant is a denture, which is removable. Before you get an implant from an efficient implant dentist , assess the costs and benefits of all the options available for implants. Compare them well before making the final decision. Here are some of the important points you need to know before proceeding with a dental implant. The Parts of a Dental Implant There are three key components of a dental implant. The first part is a replacement for the root holding the tooth in place. The abutment is the second constituent, which is a connector and links the implant with the crown. The permanent replacement tooth, which seems exactly like a natural tooth, is a crown. The crown is the only visible part of the implant. What Is Involved In Getting Dental Implants? Knowing what you are paying for from the beginning will make you worry-free about any unexpected extra costs. A consultation is the first step in the process. Here, a dentist discusses what it involves, talks about your expectations from the treatment, and answers all queries you might have regarding it. Soon after, the dentist prescribes an X-ray to check that there is sufficient bone density for placing the implant. Before the process starts, there is a prophylactic cleaning of the gums and the whole mouth to make all the parts germ-free. After all, this is in order; the dentist proceeds to fit your implant following all the steps and with utmost perfection. The Biggest Advantage Of Dental Implants One of the primary reasons that implants are more popular is that they are a more permanent choice. As long as you take proper care of your implants, they can last as long as natural teeth. Implants can also be placed without causing any damage to the teeth on either side. This is not possible in the case of a bridge, where the dentist needs to cut your existing teeth to fit the denture. How Much Do Dental Implants Cost? The cost of the treatment varies, depending on the number of implants and the complexity of the procedure. Discussing your treatment with your dentist will give you a fair idea of the cost involved. Generally, the cost for a single dental implant is estimated to be between £1,500 and £2,500 . This expense includes all three components of the implant – the root replacement, the abutment, and the crown. The only other costs involved are those of the X-ray and the cleansing of the gums and mouth. While the cost of the X-ray is around £30, the cleansing costs around £110. As and when you go for different kinds of implants, the expense varies, which we will discuss in the next few sections. Mini Dental Implants Cost In the UK For those of you whose jawbones are not strong enough, a mini dental implant will be suitable. Such an implant is a smaller version of the traditional one. The size of the structure ranges from 10 to 15mm in length and 1.8 to 3.3mm in diameter. Being smaller, the implant consists of a titanium post which has a ball at the end. The ball supports the prosthetic teeth being placed. The average cost of a mini dental implant can vary between £400 and £1500 . The cost is dependent on the number of teeth and the jaw where the implant is placed. The expense is much lower than traditional implants since the structure uses less titanium and other such materials. Gold Tooth Implants Cost UK A gold dental implant will adorn the smile with a style that is most desirable. A gold implant functions in the same way as an ordinary implant but enhances the teeth visually as well. So if you like the appearance of a smile enhanced by gold, a gold dental implant is the best choice for you. The dental implant consists of a root replacement and a gold tooth, made up of a gold alloy. The alloy is used in the implant since adding the other metals to the gold gives more strength to the crown. The cost of dental implants can range from £2700 to £3700. The expense is slightly higher than a traditional implant due to the inclusion of the gold crown. How much do all-on-4 dental implants cost in the UK? Such dental implants are suitable for people who either have failing teeth or have no teeth. If you are facing a similar situation and are currently using dentures, then such an implant might reduce your discomfort. The all-on-4 dental implant replaces one entire arch or both arches of teeth, as per the requirement of the person. A permanent or removable bridge is also attached to the implants. The procedure involves placing six implants on the upper arch and four on the lower arch. It may include bone augmentation depending on the requirements. Costs of dental implants also vary with the number of teeth and with the type of bridge used to support the implants. The cost of getting implants to replace one arch of teeth varies approximately between £16000 and £24000 . The expense may be £5000 higher in the case of a fixed bridge for support. So here is your all-in-one guide on dental implants. You need to consider each one of these factors carefully before making a decision on getting an implant. The right choice of an implant will make your smile appear straighter and more even.

What is Partial Dentures & How Much does it cost?

The Chinese are fond of saying, ‘Use your smile to change the world; don’t let the world change your smile. But to adhere to this aphorism, you do need 32 pearly whites. Oral prosthetics can easily replace teeth lost to cavities or accidents. Modern dentistry can achieve remarkable results. Orthodontists can replace teeth using dentures and implants, fix crooked teeth in a jiffy with veneers , remove debris, and whiten your smile . What is a Partial Denture? Previously, they used to be called a bridge and were by far the most common dental treatment before root canals and crowning became the norm. A partial denture is false teeth, one or several, made from hard resin, porcelain, and plastic that fit perfectly in the gaps left by missing natural teeth. They hold on to the remaining adjacent teeth with a metal frame and clasp system. Do not worry; the clasps do not hurt the remaining natural teeth. For a few days, you get the feeling of something foreign in your mouth and then forget all about it and chew toffee to your heart’s content. Types of Partial Dentures Dental prosthetics differ by design and material. It is the same with partial dentures . There are many variations available, all of which work using the same basic principle: a false tooth holding on to the neighbouring natural one. 1. Cast Metal Dentures Don’t worry; your mouth is not going to look like a metal workshop. This type of denture has a thin metal strip that acts as a frame to hold the artificial tooth in place. The metal is covered by gum-coloured resin and cannot be seen when you smile. In the case of the front tooth replacement, the clasps that allow the framework to anchor to an adjacent tooth may be visible. It is durable and sturdy and easily lasts till, due to age, the anchor tooth wears out, causing it to release the clasp. 2. Flexible Dentures They are made of synthetic material, such as nylon, and slipped into your oral cavity and fixed in place by the dental surgeon. They are thin and lightweight as well as really comfortable. Due to this reason, the use of this type of denture is prevalent among young people who do not want any metal objects inside their mouths to be visible. Flexible dentures are removable, but it is not advisable to do so regularly since it causes them to lose shape. 3. Dental Flippers These are single-tooth prosthetics used temporarily during a dental procedure such as an implant. Flippers are unlike other types of bridges and have an artificial palate that is attached to the molars with hooks to hold it in place. They are aesthetically pleasing but uncomfortable to wear. Since flippers are made of acrylic, they are the least expensive, but it is not recommended to wear them for more than a few months. How Much Do Dentures Cost Privately? Types of Partial Dentures You have access to a variety in private practice that you do not have with the NHS. The price of dentures varies widely but is an average of £200. Of course, if you are replacing more than one tooth, the cost is higher but not significantly. Of course, the cost of the consultation and extraction of decayed/damaged teeth is extra, and the total would be at least £400. In private practice, you can also avail yourself of implant-retained dentures. These are dentures held in place by screw studs that are planted inside the gum. Since it is a type of surgery under anaesthesia, the cost is at least £5000 and requires several visits for the perfect stud implant. It is a more expensive procedure but one that is entirely natural-looking, durable and requires no anchoring to healthy teeth. Flexible Dentures Cost Flexible dentures perfectly fit into the mouth and need no clasps. They are priced at approximately £250 per tooth in private practice. As related above, the cost of consultation and removal of any tooth is extra. Overall the cost of flexible dentures is almost the same as that of metal frame dentures, and it is only the design and material that are different. Single Tooth Dentures Cost Partial Dentures cost at private clinic The cost of dentures for a single tooth varies between £200 and 4000 depending on if it is made from a metal frame, flexible or implanted. The cost of dentures depends primarily on the number of visits and techniques used. The price of the material to manufacture the denture is quite small. That is why the price of metal frame dentures for three teeth may be £500 but the cost of one is £200. Also, there is a wide variation of price quoted among different dentists in private practice . Unlike eyewear and corrective lenses with established brands such as Bausch + Lomb and Zeiss, the dentist is the sole source of all dental prosthetics. The level of markup varies with the practitioner, and it is not uncommon to ask for and receive a discount. Denture Costs For Pensioners Almost every citizen in the UK would require some type of dentures past their sixties. However, there is no special discount to assist the pensioners who have access to limited income. Dentures partial and full dentures fall under NHS Band 3 and are priced at £270. However, when you consider that dentures last quite long, in some cases a decade, the price is not that high. Also, note that dentures rarely fail. It is bone loss in the mouth that leads to the gums diminishing in size and making the dentures too large to wear. How to buy dentures and save If you are buying from the NHS, the price is fixed. If you are looking at private dental clinics , the answer lies in legwork. With the proliferation of private clinics, there is stiff competition, and most dentists would give you a discount to get you as a client. If you are opting for their service, be sure to ask about the warranty period and fitting charges. It may require several visits to make tiny tweaks to the denture and get it to sit correctly. Those visits should be free of charge and included in the overall package. Last Words All over the world, tooth replacement is an expensive proposition. Unlike relatively cheap eyewear, dental work costs considerably more. However, nothing can be more confidence enhancing than a big smile , and a few hundred pounds is an amount well spent to attain it.

Invisalign Before and After

A perfect smile is essential for great self-confidence. But do you feel that, because your teeth are malformed in some way, you cannot have a radiant smile? Here you can see how your tooth will look before and after Invisalign . If you had a gap, overbite or underbite until now, the traditional way to correct them was to wear dental braces . But braces are unsightly and make you feel self-conscious. Anyone would feel different if they had a mouthful of metallic springs, hooks, and archwires. Not any more. Invisalign has created clear aligners that allow anyone to enjoy a beautiful smile in a matter of weeks or months. There is no hassle of cleaning that you face daily with metallic braces since they are compact and easily removable. How long does Invisalign take? This is the question that most patients have. Of course, your dentist is the most suitable person to answer this query after studying your condition, but on average, it requires no more than 12 months. In exceptional cases, it might require 18 months of treatment. Teeth are, after all, bone formations. They are anchored to the jaw by means of a long, clamp-shaped root. The crown of the tooth , the visible portion, is only a quarter of the entire structure. It is not that the crown alone has to shift, but the root also has to change position slightly to allow the tooth to stand upright. Since bone formation takes time, Invisalign does not work instantly. However, after the first 4 weeks, you would observe a noticeable difference in the way your teeth are aligned. Invisalign: Before And After a Gap It’s easy to notice the difference before and after using Invisalign . Invisalign’s aligners are an easy way to treat malocclusions. Gaps between teeth are unsightly. Invisalign pushes teeth closer together slowly and makes the gap disappear inside a year. Of course, it is important that you discuss all your options with a dental care provider before you arrive at a conclusion.

How To Straighten Teeth?

Flashing the lovely pearly whites is the best way to get noticed, increase one’s circle of friends, and influence people. But sadly, nature is not always kind. According to orthodontists, four out of ten kids have a misaligned bite. As we grow older, the jaw develops, and the crooked alignment becomes more noticeable. What’s more, the teeth on the upper and lower jaw keep each other in place. If the upper and  lower teeth are not on top of each other, they tend to grow out of the gums, known as erupting. What’s the alternative? Get your tooth straightened out and placed in perfect alignment as soon as the permanent tooth is strong enough. The best age would be about 15, though children as young as ten and adults as old as thirty also opt for treatment. Tom Cruise, Hollywood heartthrob since the mid-80s, proudly sported braces at four decades old! Benefits of Teeth Straightening Crooked teeth gather debris, causing painful cavities. If left untreated, extraction could begin as young as 25. The toothbrush cannot reach between crooked teeth, causing gingivitis, a painful infection of the gum that needs antibiotics. Straight teeth that are perfectly aligned allow better chewing. This helps digestion since swallowing food whole leads to gastric problems. It makes us look more aesthetic and pleasing. Facial symmetry is an essential factor in likeability, and teeth alignment helps it much. What are braces? Traditional metal braces are one of the most common options you could use. They work by applying pressure. They may be made of metal or ceramic. A bonding material used to glue them on to your teeth. The brackets are connected by archwires that put a lot of pressure, making the teeth fall into line. They are adjusted every 2-5 weeks, and treatment can last up to 36 months if teeth are severely out of place. Braces do not hurt, but it takes a lot of time to install them correctly. Much also depends on the expertise of the orthodontist. The principal drawback of the braces is that they are unsightly. Most kids shy away from wearing them and, even if they have been installed, want them taken out. However, they work really well and are not very expensive. It is also a commonly available option and very readily available. Every orthodontist receives thorough training regarding installing and adjusting braces during their graduate study. How to straighten teeth with braces? Braces gradually move the teeth in the intended direction by exerting pressure. The shape of the jaw is not constant but evolves till we reach adulthood. In the case of young patients, it is quite easy to move the teeth and reshape the jaw slightly so that the teeth are well aligned. The visible part of the teeth is quite small compared to their entire size. The crown or the visible part, is crooked because the root that anchors the teeth to the gums is not in the proper place. By exerting force on the top, it is possible to move the root to a small extent. Of course, this movement is less than a millimetre. When braces are first fixed, they cause soreness because the roots are not used to an external force. But with time, the discomfort vanishes, and the bone reshapes itself. How are braces fixed? 1. Bracket placement The dentist would first clean the teeth surface thoroughly. This is done using a solution of Chlorhexidine that removes the thin veneer of bacteria from the surface. Following a thorough cleaning, glue is applied. A modern dental adhesive is made of glass ionomer and is colourless. On top of the glue, either plastic, ceramic or steel brackets are attached. It is these that can be commonly seen when one smiles. The brackets are joined to each other using tiny wires made of surgical-grade stainless steel or copper-titanium alloy. 2. Ligatures Ligatures, also known as O-rings, are used for applying further pressure and keeping the brackets in place. The pressure on the jaw is calibrated with these rings. They are adjusted during every visit to make the teeth grow in the right direction. 3. Rubber Spacers Spacers are most often made of rubber. Alternatively, your dentist could use synthetic material like plastic. They are placed adjacent to the molar and push the jaw forward from back to front. This allows the braces to fit if the back of the mouth is too small. It is not mandatory that a spacer be fixed. Even if used, they are removed after a fortnight. 4. Archwires These connect the brackets together like girders on a bridge. They allow the collective force on your jaw to be regulated. Ligatures allow for an increase and decrease of pressure on one tooth, and the archwires work on the jaw as a whole, making it grow the way the dentist wants. They are made of the same material as the brackets and are fixed in the first session. Afterwards, the tension they exert is changed as often as required. 5. Coil Springs Some brackets may be joined by springs. Whereas archwires pull teeth closer, springs push them apart. The entire braces are made of brackets, archwires, and coil springs. How to maintain braces? The braces are delicate. Any misalignment would cause your teeth to grow in the wrong direction and cause pain. You have to avoid food that requires you to clamp down with a lot of bite force, such as hard candy. Anything that gets trapped between teeth is also best avoided, such as popcorn and chewing gum. Though major adjustments happen every few weeks, you may have to visit the dentist to have your teeth cleaned of debris in between. Should you opt for braces? Absolutely, though, there are other alternatives, such as Invisalign – a clear aligner . Braces remain the most used method of treating misaligned teeth because it is highly affordable. As long as you do not mind having a funny smile during your teens, braces can impact your oral health and overall health very positively for years to come.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

One of the most effective ways of obtaining perfect teeth is the use of Invisalign . It is used for proper teeth alignment to straighten teeth . However, how long Invisalign takes to work depends entirely on the natural setting of the teeth and the kind of correction required. On average, Invisalign can take 12 to 18 months to work, although you can start noticing a difference in the course of the first few weeks. Understanding Invisalign Before you start using Invisalign to correct your teeth, you must have a proper understanding of what exactly it is and how it works. Thereafter, you will have a more realistic expectation about how long it could take to work for you. Invisalign is used to straighten crooked teeth to align them very well and with near invisibility. It helps make your smile more endearing. They are an upgrade over the traditional braces. The use of Invisalign is also an option in those cases where teeth are formed unusually since childhood. Also, make a note that Invisalign is different from veneers. Veneers are used more often to take care of cosmetic issues like poorly shaped teeth, chipped teeth, or severely discoloured teeth. What Is Invisalign? Invisalign is fast becoming a favourite among those who want to straighten their teeth comfortably and affordably. Wearing braces was never a pretty sight, and many children refuse to wear them. However, modern Invisalign is virtually invisible, made from superior-quality plastic, and made especially to fit the teeth and gums of the wearer. These braces are a lot more comfortable, and with time, the teeth that were realigned are gradually pressed back into place. They are also proving to be more effective, with results being achieved in much less time. Traditional Braces Vs. Invisalign Traditional braces are made from wires, and they often have to be tightened around the teeth and gums, causing a lot of discomfort and often pain and producing problems while eating. That is because not all food items could be had, and food particles would often get lodged between the metal as well. Often, metal brackets also have to be attached, and that can result in a lot of pain . However, with these braces, you are not likely to hate the process so much. Why is Invisalign Better than Braces? Unfortunately for some, the teeth do not always grow out in a neat row. Some might be misaligned, while for others, the entire upper or lower row seems to jut out, and they would like to shift it back into place. Invisalign is much stronger than it looks. You can wear an Invisalign with ease and not feel as cumbersome or uncomfortable as you do with traditional braces. You will feel less conscious of yourself than you usually would have done in the company of people while talking or laughing because of their invisible nature. It is easier to get them off if needed, and they can be cleaned more easily. Getting Fitted For Invisalign Much like the traditional braces, Invisalign works best when it fits properly. It could take as little as one appointment for you to determine the perfect shape and size which you will wear long-term till the entire set of teeth is pushed back into place. A new set of aligners can be replaced every two weeks until the procedure is over and the results are great. The aligners are created specifically for the patient, with their measurements and the movement of the mouth taken into consideration, which was not the case with the traditional braces, and you had to get what was available.   How Long Does Invisalign Take To Work? Invisalign braces would work best if they were custom-made. Invisalign is available for regular use, but those with severe problems will benefit the most only if the braces are made according to the measurements of the mouth, and the pressure comes exactly where it is needed. That makes sense, or else if there isn’t adequate pressure, the Invisalign would fail to do its job. A dentist should take your measurements, and they would tell you how much time it would take to push the teeth back in place and how long the Invisalign would have to be worn. Note – Invisalign also works faster with children since their gums and teeth are more pliant than those of an adult. Invisalign And Orthodontics Most people with teeth malformation believe that they need to visit a cosmetic dental surgeon for the proper repositioning of their teeth, but there is a branch of dentistry that caters specifically to this problem. Orthodontics is that special branch of dentistry that especially deals with the correction of badly formed teeth and strives to give the patients perfect rows of pearlies. How Traditional Dentistry Works And Why Invisalign Is Better? Traditionally, metal wires are used with orthodontic brackets or braces , and they are usually made of stainless steel. One variation is the Invisalign, which has the same functions. On the other hand, if there are problems in the jaw growth, then certain functional appliances are used to redirect it and assist in the process; such work is carried out by our specialist colleagues. Jaw dimensions cannot be altered if there are problems from birth, and we work with specialists to help you. Dental surgeons often recommend Invisalign to patients after a difficult dental realignment surgery, to hold the teeth in position till they are perfectly set. Overall, a lot of misalignments in the mouth can be corrected with the help of Invisalign, and almost every patient has left with a newfound confidence in themselves. Contact your dentist today to advise you about the Invisalign best suited for you.

Porcelain Veneers Cost In The UK

This guide is composed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of porcelain veneers and details of the procedure. Covered below: What are porcelain veneers? Approximate price range Why should or shouldn’t you consider porcelain veneers? Types of veneers Details of the procedure What Exactly Are Porcelain Veneers? Veneers, in general, are used extensively in cosmetic dentistry. They are small tooth-coloured chips that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to either improve the colour or alignment. They can be made of resin or porcelain, the latter of which is more commonly used in practice. Getting veneers is a low-invasive and relatively quick procedure and can be completed in 2-3 sittings. What Are The Benefits of Veneers? Why Should You Consider Getting Them? Veneers can improve a range of superficial and aesthetic concerns with the teeth like chipped or broken teeth, discoloration, misalignment, gaps in the teeth, etc. They are also extremely useful in giving you a brighter and symmetrical smile. Veneers are meant to be permanent, and thus, your dentist will take great care in ensuring that you get the specifications that are most perfect for your teeth. What are the benefits of dental veneers? Fixing pointed or jagged teeth Filling in imperfections of broken teeth Concealing chips or dents on the tooth’s surface Fixing discoloured spots or stains Rectify uneven tooth size Brighten the smile Veneers can help you get an improved and confident smile – they are a useful investment with long last returns on dental treatments . How much do veneers cost? Types of teeth veneers There are primarily two kinds of veneers: porcelain-based and composite veneers. There are some key differences between the two: Porcelain veneers : These are wafer-thin, stain-resistant, and give complete coverage. The application process does not require the dentist to remove any enamel from either side of the tooth to cap the porcelain chip. Since the chip is ultra-thin, it can be attached to the tooth without any modification to the sensitive tooth tissue . The veneer is completely opaque and so can be prepared in a shade customised to give the patient the best smile possible. Resin-based composite veneers : These chips are similar to the porcelain kind but do not have the same level of durability. They are more prone to staining and chipping over time. Benefits of Porcelain Veneers (Lumineers): Can be attached without removing the tooth enamel Stain-resistant Highly opaque More customisable Generally last around 20 years Less likely to chip or break More natural-looking finish Ideal for covering up discolourations and spots For more information, you should go through a useful comparison between porcelain and traditional veneers here . How Does The Procedure Work? Like we mentioned earlier, the whole procedure requires two to three sittings, right from the consultation until the end. Consultation sitting When you come in for your first consultation visit, your dentists and cosmetologists will carry out a full inspection of your dental specifications and take note of your desired end product. Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth and help you select the ideal type of veneers (Lumeneers ). There are various factors that need to be considered while  choosing your veneers : Size of the teeth and jaws The shape of the face Colour of the teeth Marks or blemishes, if any Chips or dents in the teeth Dental history Additional factors that you must let your dentist know about are decisions that can modify your appearance, for example, if you’re planning to get lip or cheek fillers. These can change the shape and tone of your face, and affect your choice of teeth veneers. Once the choice is made, the impressions are sent to a specialised dental laboratory to custom-make the porcelain chips for your teeth . Each client receives a tailor-made set of veneers to ensure that they are a perfect match for you. Second sitting – Application Once the porcelain veneers are prepared at the lab, the client can return to the clinic for the application process. The fitting is a non-invasive process and does not require any local anaesthetic to be administered. The dentist will prep your teeth for the chips and then permanently bond them to your teeth. It is quick and pain-free. Third sitting – follow-up This is an optional visit to the dentist after 7-10 days following the fitting of the Lumineers. This is to ensure that the bond of the veneers on the teeth is solid and that there is no discomfort. In just a few days after the procedure, you should be able to completely return to your regular eating and drinking habits. Since any procedure involving teeth is a delicate matter, your dentist will give you a set of precautions and instructions to take the best care possible of your teeth.

Gum Disease Treatment Cost – All You Need To Know

Gum disease is dubbed as the silent killer largely because of the threats it poses to your health and well-being. Gum disease is present in 70-75 percent of the adult population and can be present in varying stages of severity. The odds are that you have gum disease but don’t know about it yet and its implications on your overall health. In various studies undertaken, severe gum disease has been linked to dementia , obesity , hypertension , stroke , blood pressure , and even diabetes . Here’s what you need to know about gum disease and what you need to do about it. What Is Gum Disease? Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissues that envelope and uphold your teeth. Gum disease is the foremost reason for tooth loss in adults . Untreated gum disease can grow and cause bleeding, tooth loss, and impair bone and mouth tissues. It all starts with a build-up of plaque, a sticky colourless film that repeatedly forms on teeth when the sugars and starches present in foods interact with the bacteria in your mouth. Plaque reforms quickly, typically within 24 hours. If plaque stays on teeth for longer than a couple of days, it can harden under the gums becoming tartar. Tartar causes the plaque to harden, which becomes difficult to remove and creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone and requires removal by a professional. Gum disease has three stages: Gingivitis – This is the first stage where gums are mildly inflamed, they appear red or swollen, and may bleed during brushing. Periodontitis – In the second stage, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, allowing plaque bacteria to infect tooth roots supporting fibers and bone. Advanced Periodontitis – The third stage of gum disease is where supporting fibers and bone are destroyed, teeth are loose, and need to be removed. As gum disease is generally painless, you may not realise its presence. It is likely that you have gum disease but show no clear symptoms. That is one reason why regular dental check-ups and examinations are important. Early detection of gum disease can prevent you from developing further dental and health complications. What Does Gum Disease Look Like? Being aware of the symptoms can help you identify if you are at one of the stages of gum disease. So what do healthy gums look like? Healthy gums are pink in colour, firm, not swollen, and red. Healthy gums act as a wall that stops harmful bacteria from entering your body. Now let’s look at some broad symptoms that you can experience, indicating an underlying condition of gum disease. Tender, swollen or red gums Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing Gums that are pulled away from teeth forming pockets Altered teeth fit when you bite Persistent bad taste or bad breath Let’s take a look at the symptoms at each stage of gum disease that you can identify and take necessary action in time to prevent further damage. Stage 1: Gingivitis The word gingivitis comes from ‘gingiva’ that denotes the gums, and ‘itis’ denoting inflammation, so gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. In a healthy gum, there is no redness, bleeding, sensitivity, and gums have a pocket depth of one to three millimetres that hug your teeth closely with no plaque deposits. Plaque starts building in the gums due to the lack of adequate oral hygiene care. When bacteria start to grow in the plaque, it starts accumulating on the surface of the teeth. If you are suffering from gingivitis, you will notice the following symptoms: Redness Inflammation Swelling or tenderness in the gums Bleeding while brushing and flossing At this stage, gingivitis is still reversible and can be removed by a professional cleaning, followed by daily brushing and flossing. Stage 2: Periodontitis Periodontitis comes from ‘peri’ means around, and ‘odon’ denotes the tooth, so it’s the inflammation and erosion of the supportive structures around the teeth. If gingivitis is not controlled and left untreated, the condition can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Continuous inflammation of the gums eventually creates pockets between the gums and teeth that collect plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Symptoms of periodontitis: Swollen gums Sensitive teeth Painful chewing New spaces develop between the tooth Loose teeth Bright red or purple coloured gums Tender to the touch Teeth appear longer than normal as gums pull away from teeth Pus between teeth and gums Bad breath Bad taste in the mouth Shift in the manner your teeth fit together when you bite Change in the fitting of your partial dentures If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek an appointment of a Periodontist before it advances. Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis Over time the gum pockets deepen allowing even more bacteria to accumulate. This leads to the last stage. Advanced periodontitis is the final straw of the gum disease that results in the destruction of gum tissues, irreparable tooth decay, and loss of one or more teeth. All the untreated symptoms experienced during gingivitis and periodontitis lead you to this stage. This stage can prove to be extremely dangerous for your overall health as plaque can enter and migrate through the blood vessels exposing you to various health risks. Below are a few elements that accelerate the risk of developing gum disease. Genetics Inadequate oral hygiene Smoking Chewing tobacco Stress Hard to clean crooked teeth Older age Poor diet Diabetes Medications that lessen saliva output Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives or menopause How Much Does It Cost To Treat Gum Disease? Gum disease is a curable condition if detected early on, if not, it’s treatment can become costly and time-consuming. Advanced gum disease can be stabilised and maintained with the right treatment as suggested by your Periodontist. The cost of gum disease treatment depends on the stage of gum disease and its severity. Due to the wide range of severity of gum disease, it’s hard to determine the average cost of the treatment. The average cost of treatment can be between £120 – £4000. The range of costs can be as low as £90 for basic examination and full mouth treatment cost can start from £18,000 minimum. Bring that beautiful, confident smile back to life with regular check-ups, examinations, and the right treatment.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Do you want luscious lips like Kim K? It’s easy to have them with dermal filler treatment . Dermal fillers are the usual choice if you want soft and youthful-looking skin. It helps if you have these naturally, but if not, your dermatologist can lend a helping hand at a very affordable price. consult now to get the young glowing skin. The procedure has become so commonplace that millions of people avail of it every year. There is no danger from the treatment and minimal side effects, but it increases facial aesthetics to a considerable extent. What Are Dermal Fillers? It is an injection of gel made from Hyaluronic acid. The acid is found naturally in our skin. It has a fantastic property of being able to hold on to a thousand times its weight of moisture. Needless to say that it is indispensable for well-toned skin. Many types of dermal cosmetic treatments have been used over the past thirty years. The first was botox, a weak derivative of botulinum toxin that partially paralyzes a small part of the skin and makes wrinkles become invisible. It has plenty of side effects, including a bruising and crooked smile. Thankfully Hyaluronic acid is the invention that dermatologists have been looking forward to . it is safe and without any side effects and it brings back your smile with full love. In scientific parlance, it is known as a humectant – fancy name for saying that it absorbs a lot of water. This mass of moisture keeps the skin young, and dermal fillers replenish the supply. Why Do You Need It? Under the topmost skin membranes, cuticle and epidermis, there are two types of tissues – collagen and elastin. They are made of protein and have a complex weave structure, not unlike the foam in your mattress. When a person is young, this weave is strong enough to support the skin. As aging sets in sometime after 25, the collagen and elastin structure begins to weaken. Of course, this degradation takes time, and at least a decade passes before the skin becomes visibly sagging and wrinkly in places. It picks up pace after 50. The most common place to find disappearing collagen is the face. That is why the face sags at old age. Moreover, the skin can retain moisture longer and become dry. The lack of water molecules makes it look even more wrinkled. Prolonged exposure to the sun, as can be seen in outdoor sports, adds to the damage. Why Are Dermal Fillers So Popular? There are several reasons why this treatment has become mainstream. It is not because famous celebs like Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry have availed of it – though that did contribute to the word of mouth publicity. While botox is excellent for crow’s feet around the eyes, dermal fillers are far better for deeper wrinkles. An excellent example is a nasolabial fold that runs from nose to the mouth, between the eyebrows and, of course, making lips plump and pouty. Usually, it requires only a single visit to the doctor. One injection and voila, your lips are plump, and the eyebrows don’t have furrows anymore. What can be more convenient and inexpensive? This is in sharp contrast to almost every other category of cosmetic treatment that takes an enormous amount of time and causes scarring. You can get a dermal filler treatment in about the same time it takes to visit a salon and get a facial. It is easy to make dermal fillers look natural. Have you not seen newbie influencers on Instagram with full lips? Surely they could not afford Tom Cruise’s secret plastic surgeon who keeps him looking like he is 30. But the effect is absolutely natural just as if a world-famous surgeon has done it. This is a miracle of modern science without a doubt. Fillers can be used as a deterrent to prevent lines from appearing at all. This is good news. If you start treatment in your late 20s, you are ever going to look old. It is like finding the fountain of youth. Keep your weight under control with diet and exercise and your face young with dermal fillers , and at 50, you could look 25. Hyaluronic acid can do a lot of stuff – depending on its particle size. The type of Hyaluronic acid used can perform a wide variety of cosmetic treatments from making cheeks appear fuller to disappearing wrinkles in the forehead. How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last? A dermal filling is, after all, a skincare procedure. The results will vary depending on the genetics and lifestyle of the individual. Depending on the brand of dermal filler, they can last between 6 months and two years. Even longer is possible with a touch-up and maintenance in between. Your body metabolizes all tissue. Skin is no exception.  The rate at which old skin is broken down and new skin is created varies widely from person to person. That is why it entirely depends on the individual how long the effect lasts between two extremes of 6 months to two years. Ultimately degradation is inevitable, and you would need another round of treatment . Are There Any Risks? It would be wrong to say there are no risks. Even flu shots can produce undesirable effects. But the discomfort is minimal and happens to a small percentage of those treated. The most significant risk is having it done by a quack – usually, a medical student or med school dropout out to make a few bucks. The expertise of the dermatologist is essential. Technology can achieve most of the tasks, but not all of them. At the end of the day, it is the human hand sculpting the lips that matter. Schedule a pre-procedure visit and ask about risk factors associated with the brand of filers your doctor would be using. Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. A botched up operation may mean you have to hide your face from your friends and colleagues for a month. A week before the procedure, discontinue (with the advice of a doctor) any blood-thinning medications such as Clopidogrel and Aspirin. Also, avoid Vitamin E and St John’s Wort. Dermal filler treatment should not be availed if you are pregnant or lactating or have a severe dermatological issue such as lupus. As in all such matters, your doctor gets the final say.

Types of dental bridges

Most adults from 20-65 years of age are missing one tooth on an average or have 3 diseased teeth that they will eventually lose. Missing teeth and the gaps caused by them affect your life in ways that you could never think. Hence finding the right replacement is the key to your confident smile and oral hygiene. One of the most popular options is using dental bridges. What Are Dental Bridges? A dental bridge is a pontic (false tooth) that is used to close or bridge the gap due to missing teeth. They are held in place by using the teeth on either side of the gap as abutments. Dental bridges can be made with a variety of materials like gold. However, your dentist would recommend porcelain to aesthetically blend in with your natural teeth. Why Do I Need Dental Bridges? A missing tooth or teeth can affect you in multiple ways. These changes can be addressed by a dental bridge for: Preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position. Re-adjusting your bite to properly distribute forces while chewing. Maintaining the shape of the face. Restoring your pronunciation and speech. Restoring your ability to chew properly. Restoring your smile. When Do Dental Bridges Become Necessary? A professional dentist would recommend dental bridges over implants due to their many advantages. Also, when you can’t get implants for medical reasons, your dentist would suggest dental bridges for tooth loss due to: Old age Medications Periodontal disease Trauma or injury Severe tooth decay What Are the Different Types of Dental Bridges? 1.    Implant-Supported Bridges As implied by the name, these dental bridges use dental implants as opposed to metal frameworks or crowns . Usually, one implant is placed surgically for every missing tooth, and these implants support and hold the bridge in place. These dental bridges are often used for restoring teeth like molars and premolars as they are the strongest system. However, using too many implants can lead to implant failure or rejections. 2.    Composite Bridges If you’re looking for an affordable and easy solution for replacing one or two teeth, composite bridges fit the bill. They are made and installed in a single visit by placing the composite bonding material directly into the tooth cavity. An additional reinforcing wire or Ribbond can be used to provide more strength to the composite bridge. However, they are considered temporary and can be used by people with periodontal disease . 3.    Maryland Bridges They are commonly referred to as winged bridges or resin-bonded bridges that are designed with plastic teeth. The metal frame is bonded to the existing anchor teeth and is used as a fortifying system. This system is efficient for the front teeth or incisors and canines. Your dentist will make minimal adjustments to the contour of the abutment teeth making it cost-effective and easy. However, if you have a crossbite or a deep bite, you might require another option for dental bridges. 4. Cantilever Bridges When there is only one anchor tooth available for supporting the dental bridge, a cantilever bridge is the best option for filling the missing tooth gap. Saving money and time, cantilever bridges can work well if designed for the front teeth. A good dentist will always consider the biting force when designing a cantilever bridge. The bridge is not suitable for use in the back tooth as a lot of bite force will be put on the abutment tooth. 5. Traditional Bridges They are the most popular dental bridges used for restoring lost teeth when you have natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. They are lightweight and provide excellent chewing comfort by distributing the normal bite force evenly along the jawbone. If you maintain an optimum level of dental hygiene at home, these implants can last a long time. However, a lot of enamel will be removed from the abutment teeth and they will need to be protected by well-fitted crowns. What Is the Procedure for Dental Bridges? The entire procedure for dental bridges may require a minimum of two appointments or sittings. Visit-1: Tooth Preparation and Temporary Bridge During the first visit, local anesthesia is administered to ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. All abutment teeth are shaped and filed by remove enamel to provide a clear path to the other tooth. After shaping the teeth, impressions are sent to dental labs where custom dental bridges are created. A temporary bridge will be placed over the newly shaped teeth and the gap with or without implants. Visit-2: Permanent Bridge Placement On returning for your second appointment, the temporary bridge is removed after providing a local anesthetic. Then by using dental cement and x-rays of the bridge, your dentist will ensure that the bridge fits properly and is perfectly bonded. How Much Does It Cost? Many variables affect the price of dental bridges including: Complexity or difficulty of the placement Geographic location Materials used, such as zirconia, metal alloy covered in resin, or composite resin Number of teeth needed to fill the gap Additional treatments for other dental issues, like gum disease The type of bridge that you select will further define the price. An implant-supported bridge could cost £5,000-£15,000 to bridge a gap of three to four teeth by two dental implants. A Maryland bridge costs £1,500-£2,500 for one pontic with the framework or wings attached to the abutment teeth. Cantilever or traditional bridges cost £2,000-£5,000 for one pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth. What Dental Bridge Aftercare Will Be Required? Most dental bridges last for five to seven years but require a commitment to oral care from you. Make this your regular habit. Brush at least twice a day and rinse with mouthwash often. Use water floss or super floss instead of the traditional dental floss. Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, to manage the pain. Avoid sticky, hard, chewy, and extremely cold foods. What Should I Do Next? Using dental bridges is always a viable teeth-replacement method as compared to using dental implants . You can even customize your dental treatment plans with your dentist and consult them for a suitable dental bridge . The different types of dental bridges serve different needs and oral situations of the patients. You can use our guide to choose a suitable option depending on your budget and oral situation.

How Much Does It Cost For Inman Aligner In UK?

Self-consciousness is a natural result of all the lookism that pervades modern society. Supernormal stimuli abound, in the form of corporate advertisement, and now through the heavily-edited optics of social media. Those perfectly photogenic Instagram influencers do play their part in the social game. At ground level, this is seen in the aesthetic standards in your social circle. Fashion and personal care are immediate mediums through which we influence each other. You’ll look for those high-waist trousers you saw on your friend — that are en vogue . Or you’ll both get the same type of hairstyling and skincare treatments. It’s not all bad. Some of these standards serve a practical objective. They didn’t just come into being from mere vanity. They came from the necessity of personal health and hygiene. Hair needs to be clean, sweet-smelling and flowing. Almost like liquid. Skin needs to be lustrous and fertilized with essential oils. And your teeth need to be as even and symmetrical as possible — more pertinently, the six front teeth, also called the “social six.” What’s the practical purpose of even front teeth? It’s not like you can’t chew food if your teeth were crooked, right? Not exactly. For one, fluctuations in the frontline of your teeth can cause either extreme overbite or underbite. The former is when your lower teeth clench well in front of the upper teeth. The latter is when they clench well behind the upper teeth. This can cause complications while eating. A crowded front line of teeth also looks ugly. What Can Fix Uneven Teeth? Orthodontic measures to straighten and correct crowding and crooked teeth come in two main types – traditional and modern methods. Traditional measures Metal braces Clear braces Damon braces Lingual braces Modern measures Clear Aligners Advantages of Clear Aligners Cost: Clear aligners tend to cost less than traditional braces. Convenience: They also have direct-to-consumer options that allow the customer to send the selling company molds of their teeth. These molds are then used to build a custom-made clear aligner. A remote evaluation is also available. Clear aligners don’t need in-office treatments with orthodontists as much as a traditional treatment. Speed: Clear aligners are usually faster at doing their job. They take 8-16 weeks to align teeth if the user wears the aligner for a considerable amount of time every day. Risk: They also are less liable to cause complications such as root resorption. Removability: The Inman Aligner has the advantage of being removed when one doesn’t need to use it. This is hugely helpful. One can take it out before eating, brushing one’s teeth, and sleeping. One can also wash the aligner in a seamless manner. Clear aligners come in many types. Examples are Invisalign aligner and Inman aligners . Invisalign aligners are a more expensive option, usually costing double of Inman Aligners, up to £4,000. These products often come with professional assessments that cost £200-300. It is advised one takes these assessments to confirm if one needs an aligner. For the purposes of affordability, we will discuss the Inman Aligner further. It is an ideal choice for individuals who cannot afford lengthy, traditional treatments. Inman Aligners work through constant pressure applied on the teeth as seen here. The Costs of Inman Aligners The whole treatment of the Inman Aligner can cost anything from £1,400 to £2,000 for a single arc of teeth. If one is correcting a double arc of teeth – i.e. the top and bottom front teeth – then it can cost as much as £3,200, including a full retainer and a full case assessment. Paid plans can also include a monthly 12-month plan with no interest or a monthly 60-month plan with 10% interest. For single arc treatment, it can costs £125 per month for a year or £29 per month for 60 months, at 10% interest. What To Keep In Mind Before Buying? There are important questions one must ask themselves before making a decision. What is the main objective of the treatment? Is it straightening your teeth for aesthetic purposes? For example an upcoming wedding? Is it because you have an overbite? Or an underbite? Does chewing your food have difficulties because of either? Do you also need whitening to go with it? How much are you willing to pay? Are you willing to try a treatment that includes a full assessment along with the Inman Aligner? Or have you already done an assessment with your dentist? Is it for your upper front teeth, lower front teeth, or both? To do both will cost double than that of either one. Do you want to do the mold at home or at a company shop? There are choices on how you can go about getting the treatment. You can call the company and request a mold taken at home. Company professionals will take a mold of your teeth at home and use it to create a custom-made aligner. They will send you the aligner and its retainers by mail. This method might cost more. Or you can go to the shop to get your mouth scanned in 3-D, with an intraoral scanner. They will garner a custom model of your mouth and either deliver or ask you to pick it up from an outlet in a few days. Always Seek A Professional Opinion Before Purchase Whether it’s a purchase through traditional methods or purchase at a shop offering direct-to-consumer options, always seek separate (or direct) professional help first through your family dentist or a company orthodontist. Inman Aligners have been around since the late 2000s. They are known to be extremely effective over short periods of time and incredibly affordable given the other options. They solve issues of crowding, spacing, and evenness of the front teeth. As time passes, improvements in this technology have led to fewer oral health problems in the process. It is now a great time in the field of orthodontics to exploit as a consumer! Happy shopping!

Types of Braces

Crooked teeth can be a cause of lack of confidence, anxiety, and depression. They are known to cause long term psychological and emotional effects. Don’t let the fear of a mouthful of metal keep you in distress. Today there is a wide range of different types of braces easily available. This has led to the growing popularity of orthodontic treatments amongst adults in the UK. According to the British Orthodontic Society , almost 75% of orthodontists across the UK have experienced an increase in the number of adult private patients. Types of Braces Orthodontic treatments have improved substantially in recent times. With the help of technology and new materials, braces have come a long way. From yesteryear’s metal wires crisscrossing over teeth to modern day’s almost invisible plastic aligners. The two main types of braces available are: Fixed Braces Removable Braces Fixed Braces Fixed braces are widely accepted around the world as the most popular teeth-straightening solution. Fixed braces as the name suggests are fixed to the patient’s teeth by an orthodontist. Fixed braces usually consist of square brackets that are cemented to each tooth. They also have a wire running through them to join the brackets together. The wire is used to maneuver the misaligned teeth into the correct position. The typical treatment time is approximately one to two years. Fixed braces are commonly used by orthodontists for solving numerous dental problems like: Crooked teeth Misaligned bite (underbite or overbite) Abnormal eruption of teeth. The different types of fixed braces are : Metal braces Metal braces are often called Traditional braces or Conventional braces . These have been used for years by dentists and are still one of the most preferred forms of treatment for poor jaw alignment. Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel brackets and a flexible metal archwire which guides the teeth to the correct position. Modern-day archwires may also be heat activated for quicker movement. Metal braces also come with fun and quirky colorful rubber bands that are used to attach the wire. Pros : Least expensive form of braces available The strongest form of braces and are prone to less damage Useful for solving different dental problems The fastest type of orthodontist treatment Colorful bands that are attractive and pleasing for children and adults Cons : May cause gum irritation Very noticeable and some adults may find them unattractive Need to visit a dentist regularly for frequent wire adjustments Remains fixed—can not be removed Ceramic Braces Ceramic brace s are also known as clear braces. They are similar to metal braces, but they use transparent or tooth-colored brackets instead of stainless steel brackets. Tooth-colored or clear brackets are attached to the teeth with the help of similarly colored or transparent wires and rubber bands. Pros : More comfortable than metal braces Cost-effective solution—not as expensive as other unobtrusive dental solutions High durability—doesn’t require frequent replacement or repair. Cons : May need to avoid certain foods due to the staining effect Brittle nature of ceramic bracket may break in case of extensive pressure Self-ligating braces Self-ligating brace s are one of the most popular types of braces in recent years. They are quite similar to metal braces and ceramic braces. They consist of a bracket and wire system. However, they do not use rubber bands. Instead, they make use of a sliding bracket mechanism with “doors” or “clips” that attach to the wire. This sliding mechanism ensures minimum friction and is less painful than metal or ceramic braces. They are available in both metals as well as ceramic colors . Pros: The smooth mechanism is less painful Not suitable for all types of patients Need fewer visits to the dentist Reduces the treatment time Cons: Needs special equipment to ensure proper dental hygiene Not as cost-effective as traditional braces Not suitable for appearance-conscious patients as it is not completely transparent Lingual braces Lingual braces were first invented in the 1970s by an American and Japanese orthodontist duo. They are similar to traditional metal braces. But, in the case of lingual braces, the metal brackets and wires are attached on the inside of the teeth. Lingual braces are not at all visible to people since they are hidden behind the teeth. They are often also known as “incognito” or “hidden” braces. Though they offer discretion during treatment, they are not quite commonly used. Initially, they were not very suitable for teeth strengthening and causing discomfort to the patient due to their bulky nature. However, over the years, lingual braces have evolved and are now considered as good as other braces. Pros: Aesthetically pleasing—as they are completely invisible from outside Prevents decalcification problems that are common to traditional braces Highly suitable for patients who play musical instruments with the mouth, EG: saxophone, flute, the mouth organ. Cons: May cause greater discomfort than other types of braces May give the patient a problem of lisp while speaking The treatment takes longer than traditional braces More expensive than other braces Removable Braces Removable braces do not remain fixed in the mouth. They can be easily removed by the patient without visiting the orthodontist.  The most common type of removable brace available today is invisible braces. Invisible Braces Invisible braces as the name suggests are almost invisible to people. They are made of transparent, clear plastic and are also commonly known as clear aligners. Orthodontists use modern technology like x-rays, scans, and mouth photos to create a 3D model of the patient’s mouth. They then go on to make customized plastic aligners that are an exact fit over the patient’s teeth. With regular visits to the dentist , these aligners work at “aligning” the teeth to their correct position. Pros: Very comfortable to wear—doesn’t cause pain, irritation, or cuts in the mouth Completely transparent—hardly visible to other people Doesn’t require complex installation process—suitable for patient’s of all ages Can be easily removed Easy to follow the cleaning process Requires minimum maintenance Faster treatment time Cons: Quite expensive—not affordable for all patients Not suitable for persons with severe dental problems May need buttons at the back of the teeth to help them stay in position. Getting a beautiful smile is now easy and affordable. Fulfill your desire for the perfect smile without compromising your aesthetic appeal.

How much is the cost for Dental Crown in the UK?

Believe it or not, the global market of the seemingly commonplace dental crown and bridges was more than USD 6.1 billion in 2019. And in the next five years, it is estimated to touch a whopping USD 8.9 billion. There has been a steady rise in the demand for dental crowns in the UK. Dental crowns are gaining popularity due to: Growing awareness about dental health Improvement in dental technology A rise in demand for aesthetically superior dental solutions Government initiatives to promote oral hygiene A rise in dental problems and ailments including tooth decay Increase in income levels and affordability of dental products. Dentists in the UK as well as all around the world are recommending dental crowns to combat different dental problems. Understanding Dental Crowns In simple words, a dental crown is a “tooth-shaped” cap. It is strategically fitted over the tooth so that it resembles your existing teeth and looks as natural as possible. The dental crown is “cemented” into its position and it completely covers the existing damaged tooth above the gum line. Dental crowns are useful in solving several dental problems: To cover an existing dental implant To provide additional support to a dental bridge To protect and restore a cracked or broken teeth To safeguard the root canal process. Types of Dental Crowns Dentists recommend the type of dental crown based on a clinical examination. Depending on the type of problem you are experiencing, there are various types of dental crowns that your dentist may recommend to you: Stainless steel: Stainless steel crowns are usually used as a temporary measure by dentists until a permanent crown is completed. They are also widely recommended for children. Metals: These crowns are made from alloys having a high content of gold, platinum, titanium, or a combination of base-metal alloys. All-porcelain or all-ceramic: These blend naturally with your existing teeth and are widely used for front teeth. PFM (Porcelain with metal): These dental crowns offer the aesthetic benefit of all-porcelain crowns and the strength of metal crowns. Zirconia: Zirconia crowns are made of bio-compatible material which is incredibly strong yet allows light to pass through it. They come in various colors and blend naturally with your existing teeth. Resin: These are cheaper than other crowns. But they are more likely to break in comparison to other crowns. Lithium Disilicate Crown: These crowns are recent additions in the world of dental crowns. They are made of a material called lithium disilicate. They are aesthetically pleasing as well as sturdy and durable. Cost of Dental Crowns in the UK The price of dental crown fitting in the UK is different for NHS (National Health Service) and for private dental treatment. Cost of Dental Crowns in private clinics in the UK It is a widely known fact that private dental treatment carries higher investments than NHS pricing and has more choices in better quality. The price range for dental crown treatments in the UK approximately falls between £400 and £1,200. The cost of dental crowns with a private dental clinic in the UK depends upon the following parameters: Type of dental crowns and the material used in making it: While Zirconia and porcelain crowns are the most expensive dental crowns; resin crowns are less expensive than crowns. Type of technology used in making the dental crown: Crowns that are made with modern technology or those crowns that are hand-crafted to meet patient requirements may be more expensive than regular dental crowns. Location of dental clinic: Usually a dental clinic that is located in the heart of the city may be more expensive than the ones that are located in the suburbs. The number of sittings: By thumb rule, a more complex dental procedure is sure to cost you more than regular treatment. If your dental crown treatment is more complicated than a usual dental crown procedure it may cost you more. Number of crowns: Private dentists may offer better price deals if you need multiple dental crowns. Here is an approximate price guide to the different types of dental crown treatments in private clinics in the UK. A resin crown may cost approximately £200 to £500 A gold dental crown treatment in a private clinic may cost just about £400 to £1000 A Zirconia crown is priced at approximately £600 to £800. Porcelain fused to metal crown is estimated at £300 to £800 An all-porcelain crown may cost anywhere between £400 to £1200. Dental crowns offer many benefits other than a picture-perfect smile. Visit your dental clinic to assess your dental health as soon as possible.

Veneers Before and After

Veneers are used to correct the alignment of teeth and improve your smile. If you have issues with tooth alignment, or you have chipped teeth, you will notice a great difference in your smile before and after using dental veneers. Dental veneers are predominantly made of thin-shell porcelain or ceramic. They are bonded to the front of your teeth, and they look completely natural. Issues That You Go Through Before Using Veneers Many people have had to face several socio-psychological issues because of a chipped tooth or due to an imperfect smile. Our smile is one of our biggest assets. If you constantly feel conscious while talking or smiling, it could lead to constant discomfort when you are out in public. You will feel less confident and your true personality will never have an opportunity to shine through. Defects in a smile could be due to birth issues, or an accident could have affected your teeth badly enough that it never recovered on its own. Over time, this could end up changing your personality, where you always end feeling timid and conscious about yourself in public. Changes You Can Notice After Using Dental Veneers You can notice the following benefits after using dental veneers, depending on the issue you had been suffering from. Repairing damaged teeth Damaged teeth can be detrimental to your oral health. A fractured tooth could become the breeding of bacteria, seriously compromising your oral hygiene. Bacteria could lead to cavities in the broken tooth and could eat right down to the roots, eventually causing severe pain and tooth decay. A veneer will sit firmly over the cracked or broken tooth and seal all the gaps, preventing bacteria from penetrating the tooth. It will drastically reduce the chances of any kind of infection from a broken tooth. Improving Discolored Teeth Tooth discoloration can affect your smile to a large extent. If staining of the tooth enamel prevents you from flashing a bright and beautiful smile, then it is time to get a veneer. Extrinsic staining can be caused due to the constant consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, or even due to smoking. Bleaching is not a permanent solution and could harm your teeth in other ways. On the other hand, intrinsic staining could be a result of dentin discoloration, which is a tissue beneath the enamel. In both cases, your teeth could start turning yellowish or dark and your smile will lose its whiteness. Porcelain veneers will cover the discolored teeth. The overlay will improve the teeth color and will enhance your natural smile Covering misaligned teeth Misaligned teeth could be a birth defect, or an accident could have caused your teeth to smash and lose their natural setting. Many people try to use braces to push back their teeth and regain the former alignment, but this is painful as well as time-consuming. Even then, there is no possibility if the braces would work. Veneers eliminate the need for braces and they sit snugly over the misaligned teeth, giving the straight and perfectly set appearance your teeth deserve. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and reduce the chances of infection. Loss of Enamel The tooth enamel is delicate and it could corrode if you use aggressive brushing techniques or you consume acidic food regularly. Tooth erosion will leave you with weak teeth and you will suffer from teeth sensitivity – that acute tingling sensation that prevents you from eating anything hot, cold, or sour. If your natural tooth enamel is lost, it can never be replaced. However, veneers can cover your teeth just as well, and it will remarkably reduce the discomfort you face because of the loss of tooth enamel. It will form a protective layer on your teeth and prevent further enamel loss or tooth decay. Enhanced Appearance The biggest reason for which most people use veneers is to enhance teeth appearance. Your teeth will look whiter, and brighter, and that automatically increases your confidence and brings out your confidence. You will have a stronger personality, automatically making you more outgoing and bringing you closer to people. It can work wonders for your social life if you were hiding for so long due to an imperfect smile Dental veneers are slowly becoming popular because they can take care of several dental issues at once. Here are some reasons why you should seriously consider veneers if you are suffering from tooth problems. 1. Durable : Veneers are very durable, both the porcelain and the ceramic ones. They last much longer than the composite fillings traditionally used to fill gaps in teeth. If you install veneers once, you won’t have to worry about them for years to come. There’s just an occasional visit to the dentist from time to time. Just take care of some basic aspects like not brushing your teeth too aggressively, or not consuming highly acidic food. Then your veneers could last for ten to fifteen years, or even longer. 2. Easy to Maintain : You do not have to take any special care of your veneers, or invest extra time or money. You can brush and floss regularly. Over time, you will forget that you have veneers because they look and feel like your natural teeth. Just not use very harsh brushes and all should be well. 3. Easy to Get Fitted : Getting fitted with dental veneers is a far simpler process than most other complex cosmetic dentistry procedures some patients go through. Your complete veneer setting would be complete in four to five sittings, over a course of four weeks or so. The veneers are made to match the shape and size of your mouth so that the result is flawless and natural. It is also more economical than most other cosmetic procedures. If you have misaligned, broken, or discolored teeth, then go ahead and make an appointment with your dentist to get fitted with a dental veneer. You will be amazed at the transformation after you have been fitted and your life after veneers will be so much more exciting than it was ever before.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Discolored or damaged teeth may affect your confidence and lower your self-esteem dramatically. For most of you, slapping tons of whitening products doesn’t quite work. We spent countless hours searching for the most convincing solution for transforming your smile. None of them come close to using dental veneers. Dental veneers can hide uneven, chipped, and stained teeth to restore a flawless smile. The cost of veneers depends on the procedure, the dentist, and the type of veneers. Keep reading to find out how much the entire procedure costs. Here’s all you need to know about dental veneers and how they improve your appearance. What Are Dental Veneers? Dental veneers are thin, shell-like, and tooth-colored attachments for the front surface of the teeth. They can be used to treat cosmetic concerns like broken, chipped, or discolored teeth. They are also preferred for making your smile delightful even. These custom fittings are designed to correct dental damages like: Gaps between the teeth Crookedness Decay Chips and small missing pieces Stains and discoloration How Do Dental Veneers Work? A thin wafer of porcelain is permanently bonded to a tooth to mask its shape and natural color. During the placement process, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel and places the veneers. You can get a veneer for just one tooth or multiple teeth depending on your need. There are options for complete veneers (for the entire tooth) or partial veneer (for a part of the tooth). What Are The Benefits Of Dental Veneers? Veneers tend to last for more than a decade. This will depend on the type of veneer that you choose and the aftercare you follow. These are a semi-permanent investment that significantly improves the confidence in your smile. The most important benefit is obviously, improving the appearance of your teeth. Apart from giving you a brighter smile, dental veneers are an effective treatment for: Broken or chipped teeth from minor accidents Smaller-than-average teeth Unusually-shaped or pointy teeth Uneven coloring or severe discoloration unable to be fixed by teeth whitening What Are The Types of Dental Veneers? Resin-Based Composite Veneers Resin-based composite veneers are no-prep veneers. These veneers are usually less expensive and require lesser enamel removal for preparation. Local anesthetics are seldom required for the procedure of fitting composite veneers. Sometimes, your dentist may not require you to remove any enamel for placing composite veneers. They are also easy to replace if damaged or broken. Porcelain Veneers Traditional veneers or porcelain veneers are very strong. Thin caps of porcelain are placed on the sides and tops of the teeth during the procedure. At times your dentist will grind your tooth beyond the enamel. The preparation process can be daunting for many and requires more intensive work than compound veneers. As the process is both irreversible and painful to go through, a local anesthetic is required for tooth preparation. How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost? The cost of dental veneers is highly variable as several factors need to be concerned. The expertise of the dentist and the number of teeth veneers required plays a big role in the cost. Dental veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure and are often not covered by insurance. While composite veneers cost between £200 – £ 400 per tooth on average, porcelain veneers are priced between £500-1000 per tooth . Although the cost may vary, based on: Type of veneer Number of veneers required Expertise and fee of the dentist Your geographical location Amount of preparation required before the procedure Can Veneers Be Done In One Day? Fitting dental veneers is a multi-step process. It is spread over a few appointments, but the result is definitely worth your time. Veneers are highly customized to meet your specific needs as everyone has different teeth shape and color. A good dentist will always take into account your needs, the expressions you make, and how you smile. Temporary veneers are made out of liquid composite and then placed on your teeth. Once you’re both satisfied and comfortable, permanent veneers are placed. What Is The Procedure For Dental Veneers? The procedure for dental veneers depends on the type of veneer you choose. However, a preliminary appointment is always required irrespective of what type you choose. Preparing For Your Appointment Before getting veneers , a preliminary appointment is held with your dentist. There are discussions over the number of veneers and various options that are right for you. The dentist will check if you have crooked teeth and need braces before placing veneers. The first step will be taking X-rays to evaluate your teeth’s health. Signs of gum disease, need for a root canal , or tooth decay is analyzed. If any of these conditions exist, then you may not be fit for getting veneers. Procedure For Resin-Based Composite Veneers Initially, at Natural Smiles, we use Digital Smile Design to plan your smile as per your desires results. The dentist will clean, reshape, and prepare your teeth for fitting resin-based composite veneers. After preparation, the composite material is bonded and then sculpted. The color and the shape of the veneers is adjusted to appear more natural in your mouth. The dentist will use a light to harden and dry the composite material that was placed earlier. Once the composite material is hardened, the veneers are then finished by smoothening and polishing to make them feel like real teeth. Procedure For Porcelain Veneers Again, at Natural Smiles, we use Digital Smile Design to plan your smile as per your desires results. Some enamel (around 0.3mm) is removed from your teeth and an impression of the teeth is used to create a mold. The mold is sent to the lab to fabricate custom-fit porcelain veneers. As these are being prepared in the lab, your dentist will place temporary veneers on the teeth. Unless and until the veneers comply with your requirements, they are adjusted and then finally bonded to the teeth. Verdict: Are Veneers Worth It? Veneers are a fantastic solution for restoring your smile but tend to be very long-lasting and irreversible. It is strongly advised to consult your dentist and know about the pros and cons before getting yourself into getting veneers. Depending on how much money you’re willing to spend and the after-care you’re willing to undertake, veneers may be worth it. They are more permanent than any other alternate solution only if you have good oral hygiene.

Types of False Teeth That You Can Use To Enhance Your Smile

If you have lost some or all of your teeth, it is not the end of the world. Prosthetics are available that can work perfectly for chewing and give you a brilliant smile. This replacement for your teeth is known popularly as dentures. There are many types of dentures or false teeth . Which one you choose depends on your budget, if you have a neighboring tooth adjoining the gap, the health of the remaining teeth and The location, upper or lower jaw, also matters. Besides, other factors that play a role include age and usage. It is a complex decision that you and your dentists would have to discuss in reasonable detail. This guide describes the principal types of dentures you could avail of in the United Kingdom. Types Of Dentures All dentures can be broadly divided into two types – complete and partial. Dentists prescribe partial dentures when some teeth are remaining. Complete Complete dentures are for the aged who have lost all of their pearly whites. You can see these prostheses on the elderly’s bedside, placed in a glass of water when they aren’t being used. Previously artificial dentures were made from hard plastic and even porcelain. For the past three decades, a chemically treated resin has been used in dentures. This material is as hard as natural teeth. However, in practice, they can sometimes chip. Not to worry. The advantage is individual artificial teeth can easily be replaced by your dental care provider. The artificial teeth are on another piece of gum-colored resin that exactly fits the gum line. Your dentist will take an impression of your gum on soft putty-like material. Even after manufacture, you have to try it out and return a few times to have it perfectly shaped to your jawbone so that prolonged use causes no discomfort. These dentures last long but have to be changed after a few years because, as the patient ages, they lose bone mass from the jaw, and the denture would become loose-fitting. Partial Let’s check about the partial dentures types and the cost of partial dentures in the UK 1. Implant The most popular type of partial dentures is implants. The technique is relatively recent, and it is the closest you can come to having your original tooth back. The dental implants even have a root just like normal teeth. The root is a titanium screw that is used for anchoring the artificial tooth. The screw is fixed into a hole drilled into the jawbone. The procedure requires extensive x-ray imaging and the use of local anesthesia. If the dentist deems necessary, overnight admission to a hospital might also be advised, but that is rare. The screw is literally planted into the jaw, and for a few weeks, the bone is allowed to grow back and clasp the screw firmly. The top of this implant can be used for fitting a crown. The end result is exceptionally aesthetically appealing; in fact, more than the original tooth it replaces. This is the most effective procedure with no difference in appearance, stability, and chewing from a normal tooth. That is why it is also the most expensive. Visit the best dentist for implants . 2. Removable In design, it is the same as a complete denture, but instead of replacing all of the teeth, it only replaces the missing ones. The core of the denture is a metal frame that makes pain . From the structure, two clasps extend on either side that anchor themselves on adjoining teeth. The design and placement of the anchor hook are decided by the dentist. The concept has existed for decades and is quite cheap to obtain. Its drawback is that it causes some degree of discomfort throughout its use. There might not be any pain, but you always feel there is a foreign object in your mouth cavity. An alternative to the traditional hooks is the flippers. Acrylic is the material of choice for making these and uses suction to anchor themselves. The saliva forms a thin film between these and the mouth, causing them to stay in place. Flippers are usually used for a short duration since they are supported only by the gums. Long term use can lead to gum problems. Apart from the type of false teeth , it is also essential to know about different material types. The best material for crowns is zirconium oxide. 3. Bridge If only one or two consecutive teeth are missing, dentists depend on a bridge. A variety of dental bridges have been in use for over a century. The most popular is the cantilever and traditional designs. This design determines how the load of the artificial tooth passes to the adjoining teeth, and externally both look the same. The crown material is hard resin or ceramic. A bridge is made to order after accurate measurement. They snap on and can be opened with a push. As far as aesthetics and chewing, they are quite perfect until the adjoining teeth begin to age. Benefit of Dentures Denture provides a natural smile. A gap in tooth causes a lack of self-confidence. This can have an impact on mental health and, consequently, on income and other aspects. Denture provides a natural bite. Usually, the upper and lower teeth keep each other in place by exerting pressure. If any of the pair is removed, the other jaw’s corresponding tooth begins to come out slowly. This is known as eruption, and ultimately the healthy tooth has to be pulled out after a few years. Denture allows chewing. If food is not adequately masticated, there is a lack of digestion. Undigested food causes constipation, bloating, and gas. A denture is a must-have for proper nutrition. Caring for Your False Teeth They are artificial, but dental implants also need brushing . Plaque can also build up on false teeth quickly. Flossing though is not needed. In case of removable dentures, wash them in warm water and brush away and debris with a toothbrush. With time you would note that dentures discolor slightly. That is natural. Dentures can develop debris collection like a regular tooth. You could use vinegar and water solution to gently clean them. Complete dentures need hydration overnight. It is usually placed in a glass of water. Your dentist might prescribe a unique solution.

Get Dazzling ‘Six Months Smile’: Before and After

Smiling is contagious, and thus, it should look beautiful. But what to do if you have misaligned teeth or gaps between the teeth? The Six Months Smile treatment can be an answer to these and various other dental issues such as extrusions, intrusions, rotations, etc. If you opt for the treatment to get straighter teeth , your dentist will perform a procedure and ask you to wait for six months. A nickel-titanium wire, of the same color as your teeth, will cover your teeth for these six months. It will shift the position of the misaligned teeth, and give you a dazzling smile. Who all are suitable for the treatment? Firstly, let’s check if you are suitable for the treatment or not. I’ve seen people getting braces for dental issues that need other immediate treatments. Here are the conditions that would make you suitable to get the Six Months Smile procedure: Crowded Teeth: Teeth overlapping each other Gapped Teeth: Gaps between the teeth Open bites: The upper and lower sets of teeth don’t touch each other while biting. Crossbites: The teeth fall on the wrong side while biting. Overbites: Upper teeth stick out more than the lower teeth. Underbites: Lower teeth stick out more than the upper teeth. Overjets: Only the set of front teeth protrude further. Benefits of ‘Six Months Smile’ Six Months Smile focuses mainly on the teeth that show when you smile. Those are your incisors, both upper and lower. Here, let’s check the benefits of this treatment: Comfortable to wear Unlike your original metal braces, the six months smile braces are made of a material that exerts less pressure on your teeth. Six months will go in a flash. Besides, the braces are attached to only a few teeth that need straightening, so your entire jaw won’t be caged. Discreet Since the braces are fabricated to match the color of your teeth, they’ll be as discreet as an intelligence agent. Much better than metal shining on your teeth. Quick and effortless As its name suggests, the magic happens within six months. This is comparatively faster than all other orthodontic treatments available in the UK. How does it work? I can take you through the procedure of the Six Months Smile with four stages. Take a look at them: Stage 1   Like everything else, you’ll have to first visit a professional dental clinic such as Natural Smiles and get a consultation. The dentist will first confirm if you need the Six Months Smile or not. If you do, then they’ll proceed further. Stage 2 Once I know that the patient requires Six Months Smiles , I often advise them to get back home, think about it, and come back the next day. That’s what most dentists do. The dentist takes the impression of your teeth when you visit the next day. You’ll have to revisit because the impression is sent to a lab where your braces are made. A special Six Months Smiles patient kit is used to create the braces . The equipment ensures that the brackets are placed appropriately and could be quickly bonded to your teeth before the wires are fixed. Stage 3 In my experience, lab work usually takes 2-3 days. So, after these days, the dentist calls you for the final treatment. The dentist attaches the brace to your teeth carefully and keeps it placed there for a while. He/she might even ask you to hold it for 10-15 mins until it’s completely fixed. The work’s done for that day. However, you might need 3-4 revisits in the first month for minor re-adjustments. Plus, your teeth also feel something new, so they start acting weirdly in the beginning. That needs a bit of adjustment. I’d suggest that you revisit your dentist at least once a week for the first month. Stage 4 This stage comes after six months. Meanwhile, if you face any issues with the braces, your dentist would be available to correct it. When the treatment is completed, the dentist will remove the braces and replace it with the retainers. That is the final step to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position. After Care I’m sure you already follow the brush twice a day routine. To this, I’d advise you to add one more time for at least the next two months. You’ll also have to avoid consuming processed sugar, caffeine, chewy foods, and dairy products for some time. While the retainer is on, you can use mouthwashes or interdental brushes to clean up areas that are difficult to reach. Overall, you just have to be extra cautious for some time to ensure that the Six Months Smile procedure works and stays. Before and After The results that you’ll see will be drastic and quite welcoming. I’ve seen clients jumping with joy when they see the results in the clinic itself. But don’t be too carefree because the treatment needs care and hygiene to sustain. Another piece of advice, please don’t refrain from getting a retainer after the treatment. It will stop your teeth from repositioning to their natural position. As for those who, like most of my clients, are fearing pain or discomfort during this treatment. You can stop worrying about that. It’s only in the first few weeks that you feel a bit of discomfort and an urge to remove it. But if you combat that, there’s something better in store for you. Keep smiling!

How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost? And Other Questions – Answered

Taking the first step towards a significant cosmetic procedure can be a little overwhelming. How much does it cost, is it the right procedure for me, how long will it last, what could be the problems – these questions will naturally arise in your mind as you browse through numerous skin enhancement procedures. This guide will target all the crucial points you need to know while opting for dermal fillers . Why Should You Get Dermal Fillers? Dermal fillers are used to smoothen out wrinkles and lines on the face, make lips look plumper, and give a healthy contour to the face. As you age, the subcutaneous fat in your face shrinks, and the skin starts to become taut and stretched out. Due to this, wrinkles and crow’s feet become more apparent, and the face looks hollow. How Do Dermal Fillers Solve This? Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the cheeks or lips to add volume and suppleness. They are effective for these common cosmetic conditions and can subtly add great rejuvenation value to your face: Plumping up thin lips Filling acne scars Making the skin even and smooth Defining cheek contours Smoothen out creases and wrinkles Fixing under-eye shadows by reducing hollowness Checking early signs of aging Dermal fillers are a simple solution for healthy and sleek-looking skin. You can not only fix superficial skin deformities but give your face an overall makeover with the right type of dermal fillers. Types of Dermal fillers You will come across these terms frequently while searching the cosmetic surgery market for dermal fillers. Here’s what you should know about the most common kids of dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers These are prepared from a naturally occurring gel in the body. Since the body reabsorbs the filler eventually, the effect of an HA procedure typically lasts up to 12 months. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers This type of semi-permanent filler locally stimulates your body’s collagen production, and the skin naturally smoothes out soon after a poly-L-lactic acid filler. This gel is also slowly absorbed by the body, but at a much slower rate than HA. You can expect the results to last at least 2-2.5 years. Autologous fat injections (fat grafting) This procedure involves taking fat from the thigh or hips via liposuction and injecting it into the face’s hollow parts. This procedure takes longer than other types of dermal fillers, and you will generally require 2-3 sittings with your cosmetologist. Fat grafting has the most prolonged effect and is regarded in the plastic surgery community as the most permanent type of dermal filler. What Is The Procedure? Most types of dermal fillers are injected into the face through a minimally invasive procedure. If you opt for an HA filler, it is mixed with a mild anesthetic agent, lidocaine, that minimises any pain or discomfort during treatment. In case you are dissatisfied with the effect after the treatment, it is also possible to hasten the gel’s absorption and undo the procedure. Poly-L-lactic acid fillers are also injected with mild numbing agents. However, it is more complicated to undo the treatment. This is because it takes the face’s collagen development a few weeks to increase after the gel is deposited under the skin. Specify your requirements to your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist clearly. They will determine the most feasible type and amount of dermal fillers suitable for your facial and dermal conditions. You will require at least two sittings for the treatment. The consultation phase is crucial for deciding the course of the procedure. You can book a free online consultation with the cosmetology experts at Natural Smiles and for a professional opinion on the best dermal filler options for you. Is It A Common Procedure? Countless celebrities swear by dermal fillers for their flawless and glowing skin. Some notable names who regularly endorse the procedure are Kylie Jenner, Katie Perry, and Kim Kardashian. Dermal fillers are commonplace and widely used by young and middle-aged people alike to preserve their youthful appearance. How Much Does It Cost? According to the NHS, dermal fillers can cost anywhere upwards of £200. The cost depends on the procedure’s complexity, the area covered by fillers, and the type of injections used. Is It Permanent? The longevity of the fillers depends entirely on the type of gel or substance injected. Short-term fillers: HA dermal fillers have immediate effects and last between 6-12 months from the injection. Semi-permanent fillers: Poly-L-lactic acid and Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers have a longer visible effect. However, they also take a few weeks to take effect since the body has to work to produce more fat at the point of injection. The volumisation lasts typically up to two years. Permanent fillers: The fat grafting procedure improves the firmness of the skin for many years. You can opt for minute retouching after 4-5 years, depending on the aging of the skin.   What Should You Take Care Of When Getting Dermal Fillers? The entire procedure is simple and takes under an hour to perform. However, you should be aware of these possible side effects and risks of injecting dermal fillers in your face: Swelling or bruising Temporary redness on the skin Lumpy appearance – this usually goes down in a few days after the procedure Infection – this is caused if the procedure is performed under unhygienic conditions or with unsterilised needles Scarring or movement of the filler in extreme cases Always ensure that your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist explains all potential side effects and risks of the procedure to you. You should take a call on choosing the treatment only after knowing all the pros and cons involved. Dermal fillers are a common cosmetic procedure that can easily improve the appearance and health of your face. Some kinds (like the HA type) are also reversible, so you have great flexibility in the treatment’s duration and effects. So go ahead and get the soft, bouncy skin you’ve always wanted.

Teeth Whitening Cost in UK & FAQs About Teeth Whitening Prices

A great smile speaks volumes, and white teeth are a veritable attraction. I can’t disagree, slightly off-white teeth or yellowed teeth sometimes are a put-off. If you are to follow an expert’s opinion, I’d suggest you go for teeth whitening . You’d likely find yourself stuck in the loop of professional teeth whitening procedure and teeth whitening kit to be used at home. Well, if the price is what’s stopping you from choosing the professional procedure, then I might as well tell you that it’s pretty much affordable. Of course, the home kit is even more economical but not that effective. Let’s put your curiosities to rest, and answer all the FAQs that you can think of about teeth whitening. Is teeth whitening costly? The answer is no. It’s not costly, but of course, the cost depends on the budget you have. Home whitening kits can start as low as £10 and as high as £200. It’s up to you what you choose. But yes, the costlier the kit, the better the result. In general, home teeth whitening kits haven’t been able to deliver better results. In my experience, it often turns out that the treatment works for a couple of months, and then things are back to square one. This is not what we want, right? Why invest peanuts and get nothing, when you can invest cashews and get something close to permanent. The former could be achieved if you opt for a professional teeth whitening treatment . It can cost you as low as £150 and as high as £2000. It all depends on the type of staining you have on your teeth, and the kind of treatment it will require. Here’s a list of approximate prices that people these days are paying for this treatment: Home Whitening Kits: £10 – £150 Professional Bleaching Treatments: £150 – £700 Laser Whitening Treatments: £500 – £1500 Is whitening safe or will I have damaged teeth? The British Dental Association says, “teeth whitening is perfectly safe if carried out by a registered dental professional,” as noted by bsdht.org.uk. There could be mishaps if you try the procedures at home, or an untrained professional performs it on you. So, I’d suggest that if you have decided to get that beautiful smile, better get it correctly. Not just in the UK, but almost everywhere in the world, teeth whitening procedures have been gaining the spotlight lately. It is primarily because of celebrity culture and reality shows. White teeth are in, and you don’t have to be left out. You can choose professionals like naturalsmiles.co.uk or many others in the country to get it done right, once and for all. How long will teeth whitening last? That’s a vital question, yes. The answer is simple; it will last as long as you want it to last. Don’t frown; the idea is that you have to take good dental care post the treatment . Honestly, I have seen whitening treatments last for years and some treatments lasting for one year or two. What I found was that consumption of caffeine, wine, alcohol, and smoking had a more significant impact on the treatment, negatively. But I can’t ask you to stop drinking your favorite coffee every morning. So, I’d instead suggest that you get re-treatments after every 6 months – 1 year. It’ll cost you a little less than the initial treatment but will keep your dazzling smile forever . How does professional teeth whitening procedure work? First thing first, you have to choose the type of bleaching agent when you visit a professional dentist . If you need a slight change, you can opt for a lower level of bleaching agent. And if you want a drastic change, then choose a strong one. After just one whitening session, you can find your teeth 7 times whiter. It’s pretty great. There are two main types of teeth whitening procedures that professionals undertake: a.    Teeth Whitening Gels A dentist can decide the amount of peroxide to put into the gel, according to your teeth’s requirements. The percentage can range between 15% to 43%. The procedure will begin with the dentist applying a fine layer of gel on your teeth and leaving it for 20 – 25 minutes. After suctioning off the previous layer, the dentist will repeat the process. This is done for better results. Since there’s a gel shielding your gums, there are fewer chances of you getting any sensitivity or damage post the treatment. Nevertheless, the dentist will apply double layers of a sensitivity treatment gel. It would help prevent any chances of sensitivity afterward. I advise the dentists to apply an extra layer on the stained areas of the teeth. That helps eliminate any chances of discoloration further. There are some shortcomings to this method. Sometimes, I see people coming back with sensitivity issues, which need follow-up sessions. Another issue is that the dentist provides a kit for you to touch up at home. Most people fail to use it correctly and end up messing it. b.  Laser Teeth Whitening Treatment The procedure will begin similar to the previous one. The dentist will apply the hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. And then, the dentist will aim a special light to your teeth that will begin the whitening process. The procedure takes less than an hour, and your teeth will immediately become 6-7 shades lighter. The best part is that the process is entirely pain-free, unlike most procedures undertaken by dentists. There’s no harm to the teeth noted by experts, and it can remove the most stubborn stains. Plus, there are no side-effects of laser treatment. The only con is that this process is the costliest method of teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening: Before and After Results

Everyone’s smile is precious, and so is yours. And today, it’s as easy to get pearl-white teeth as it is to buy groceries. Teeth whitening procedures are completely safe and effective if you get them from a professional. Thanks to the BDA, the UK has been evaporated by fake professionals, and only authorized dental practitioners such as Natural Smiles can perform it. Let’s see what happens inside the dentist’s office once you decide to get the teeth whitening procedure. What happens before the treatment? Since teeth whitening involves teeth bleaching, you should be aware that no magical transformation will happen. What will really happen is that the color of your teeth will get 5-6 shades lighter. So, if the color is yellow, it is likely to become close to off-white. If it’s off-white, it is expected to become close to white. On your first consultation, most dentists will: Check if you are 18+. Dentists don’t usually conduct this procedure on children. Check that your gums and teeth are healthy enough to bear the bleaching process that’s a vital part of the treatment. Ensure that you know what shade you can expect your teeth to be post-treatment. For this, the dentist will show you a chart comprising different shades of teeth. Give you a tentative period by which the procedure will be done. It depends on the treatment. It can take an hour to 3-4 weeks. Is it right for you? Before you make up your mind, you should be extremely sure if it’s right for you or not. Here are a few points that I suggest my clients keep in mind before they sign up for the treatment: Be sure that your teeth are healthy. It would be best if you were not pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s not clear yet if bleaching products can or cannot harm the baby or the mother. However, your teeth can wait. So, please don’t risk it. If you have a crown or bridge, be aware that the treatment will not change their color. In such cases, I often try to apply a particular amount of bleach that would eventually match the color of the bridge or crown. Make up your mind to make a few sacrifices for the best results after the treatment. What happens during the treatment? Let’s first talk about the commonly-used method of teeth whitening – Home Teeth Whitening Kit. The vital ingredient that the dentists use to whiten the teeth is ‘hydrogen peroxide’. According to the new law, passed in 2012, those practitioners who are on dental registers, can use a concentration of 6% hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening. This process takes place in the course of 1-2 weeks, most of which happens at your home. Here’s how the treatment will be undertaken, step by step: Your dentist will take the impression of your upper and lower sets of teeth in the first sitting. It will be used to create a mouthguard. Next, the dentist will provide you with a bleaching gel such as the Enlighten Whitening tray. S/he will brief you about the gel and how to use it. The gel would ideally have 5-6% of hydrogen peroxide that will give you the desired outcome. You have to use the mouthguard before applying the gel at home. The gel needs to be applied for a period that will be specified by the dentist over a period of 2-4 weeks. S/he may ask you to keep the gel on for 6-8 hours at a time if you are in a hush to finish the treatment. I would suggest that you go with regular treatment, and not hush things. For the final part of the treatment, you’ll have to consult the dentist once again. It will be a 1-hour session, wherein the dentist will use the same tray and an in-office gel. Another type of treatment that you can opt for is Laser Teeth Whitening Treatment. This treatment will be done, more or less, within a span of 1-2 hours at the dental clinic . However, you’ll be given a home-tray to take care of your whitened teeth afterward. Here are the steps that dentists follow for this treatment: On the first consultation, the dentist will first check if laser treatment can be done on your teeth. They’ll also ask you the shade you expect. Once that is done, they’ll prepare your tray and ask you to wait for some time. When the tray is ready, the dentist will apply a whitening solution across your teeth. Next, s/he will throw a special blue light from a machine on your teeth. This light activates the solution. The process will be repeated four times, giving 15 minutes to each time. But be ready for a 2-hours appointment. It won’t be done within an hour. Once the process is finished, your practitioner will provide you with the tray kit and instruct you on how to use it. Here’s a Pro-tip: It’ll be overwhelming to see whitened teeth at the clinic, but do listen to your dentist’s instructions carefully. The instructions written on the kits are not usually useful. How do I maintain my bright smile? That’s a big question. Your teeth are white, and your confidence is back . Now how do you keep it? Well, here’s some expert advice to keep your pearl-white teeth intact for a long time: Cut down on sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes for at least 2-3 months. Keep visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and polishing. Floss and brush your teeth twice a day. Try using a neutral mouthwash before going to bed to ensure that no nasty stuff stays inside all night. Lastly, teeth whitening treatment isn’t a permanent solution. You’ll have to take care of your teeth and practice good dental hygiene to sustain it. The treatment can last up to 3 years if properly taken care of.

What is Invisalign? – Complete Guide

Like the rest of the medical field, dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past 40 years. In orthodontics – the treatment of the irregular alignment of teeth – there have been several innovations. A good smile is important. It builds rapport and allows us to navigate through this world. For nearly a century the traditional way to correct misaligned and crooked teeth, underbite, overbite had been to wear quite ugly-looking braces. With brackets, ligature, archwire, coil, and hooks, it looked as if there was a scrap metal yard in your mouth. Even dentists agreed that it was annoying to wear one of these contraptions for over a year, especially during middle and high school years when our sense of self-esteem gets fine-tuned. Recent developments have brought forth Invisalign, an aligner system made from clear and comfortable plastic and an effective alternative to traditional teeth straightening treatment with braces. What is Invisalign? It is a clear plastic aligner which, in a way similar to braces , pushes teeth as required to line up perfectly. It is like a boxer’s mouth guard but far less bulky and can be slipped on and off in an instant. Being transparent, it is nearly invisible from a few feet away. Its greatness lies in the simplicity of design. In fact, most patients refuse to believe at first that something so unobtrusive could achieve the same results as braces and push back a bucktooth. However, the plastic used for Invisalign is not the kind you would find in Tupperware, but thermoplastic made using Smart Track medical-grade polyurethane. Advantages of Invisalign A beautiful smile can win over anyone. Invisalign is the easiest, affordable, and least painful way to sport a perfect set of pearly whites. Unless someone is standing quite close, they won’t notice that you have aligners on your teeth. It boosts your self-confidence and expands your social circle. Invisalign is easy to remove . Just like dentures, they come out with a gentle tug. This makes it easy to wash and maintain them. Invisalign is a far gentler option than metal braces. They are easy on your teeth. Metal braces can cause pain after every visit to the dentist . Invisalign is practically painless. Metal braces need readjustment every month. With Invisalign, this frequency is half, i.e. once every couple of months or less. Braces make it hard to brush your teeth. Plaque forms and can cause gum disease. You are free of such worry when using Invisalign. Do They Have No Disadvantages? There is no perfect medical treatment. There is even a small disadvantage to having aspirin for headaches – your liver enzymes are elevated. Invisalign has a few limitations that we must disclose. Teeth have a root that is inside the gum and jaw. The root is far longer than the visible crown. Invisalign does not shift teeth from the root. Only braces have the power to move the root. Invisalign does not work well in cases that have serious malformations. It works perfectly in mild to moderate cases. Teeth fixed with braces do not move back to misalignment. Invisalign does not fix the root problem. After a decade, further treatment may be needed. Invisalign can be removed easily. This is convenient for the patient but inconvenient for treatment. Steady pressure for several months is needed to move teeth. If the patient is careless, as most teenagers are, the treatment does not have the desired effect. Braces have a lot of moving parts, literally. They can be customized for every single tooth. Invisalign is more of a blunt effort. Though it is made to order, it cannot micromanage the oral occlusion. Are You a Good Candidate for Invisalign? You could probably answer it yourself after reading the following. 1. There is no major dental occlusion Your case is relatively straightforward, and a few teeth are slightly out of line. If your smile reveals that the lower jaw has major rework needed with large gaps that are noticeable from afar, you probably won’t benefit from Invisalign . 2. You are determined to fix your teeth You have to be committed to wearing Invisalign for at least 20 hours a day. If you are careless or make excuses often, count out Invisalign and go for braces since you cannot remove them even if you want without severely hurting yourself. 3. You maintain good oral hygiene. Invisalign can trap food particles in the minute pocket between the plastic and the teeth. If you do not brush daily and clean the aligner, this debris will cause a cavity. You have to be sure that you do not treat one dental problem and while causing another. In addition to the above, you must have strong adult teeth and be able to care for your aligners, take them out and snap them back. How is It Prescribed? First, you need a consultation. Natural Smiles offers the best Invisalign consultation at very affordable prices. The dentist will investigate your mouth and the level of occlusion. Following examination, a scan of your mouth is done. The 3D image generated helps to create a custom pair of aligners for you. The dentist would also tell you approximately how many months the treatment would last. It is usually from six months to a year, and up to a dozen sets of Invisalign aligners might be needed. Every month you would be required to use a new set of aligners as your teeth gradually straighten. This would require a routine visit. At first, you might feel a slight soreness. But after a few weeks, your jaws would get used to the constant pressure being put upon them. Regardless of the inconvenience, you must not remove Invisalign every few hours. If you have severe pain, consult your dental service provider at the earliest. Is Invisalign Superior to Braces? Unless you have severely malformed teeth, Invisalign is the best solution. It has been around for two decades, and millions have benefited from its use. To date, no one has complained of severe issues or side effects. There are no metal wires and springs and Invisalign can in a short time gift you a perfect smile with the least inconvenience.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Always smile, but smile right. Your smile is the most beautiful part of your beauty. And it would be best if you did not let a misaligned tooth interfere with your beauty. Well, one of the popular ways to fix your misaligned tooth or set of teeth is to get braces . But what types? How much would it cost? Here’s a guide to answering all FAQs about braces. Types of Braces Surprisingly, something as simple as braces can be of different types. But there are significant differences between different varieties. Here’s a list of some of the most common types of braces . Metal Braces These are the most commonly used braces because they are readily available in the UK. But also because the metal braces are available at a budget-friendly price. They are also highly reliable and most effective. Though metal braces are a more preferred option, it’s not one that people like. At NaturalSmiles , we have seen people hating on their metal braces more than once. The four-six months-long period with these ugly-looking braces is harsh on them. However, over time, the design of these braces has improved. Expected Price: Metal Braces can cost you somewhere between £1,500 – £3,000 if you’re getting them fitted at private dental care. Lingual Braces Lingual braces look similar to metal braces, but they are placed on the inside of your teeth. A great advantage of going for lingual braces is that you won’t have to worry about looking weird when you smile. No one will know you have braces. Everything has its pros and cons. While the pros are many, lingual braces have some cons as well. It’s hard to clean your teeth properly when lingual braces are covering them. Besides, they can feel uncomfortable for the first month and need fixing more than once. Expected Price: Lingual Braces can cost you somewhere between £2,000 – £10,000 if you’re getting them fitted at private dental care . Ceramic Braces Ceramic Braces are similar to Metal Braces, but with a vital difference. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored. They wouldn’t be as visible on your teeth as the metal braces, and if you go for an expensive one, the wire may also be less visible. While these braces work as effectively as the metal ones, they require a thorough cleaning at regular intervals. If you don’t clean them nicely, they’ll become discolored and look ugly. Expected Price: If you are buying the ceramic braces from private dental care, you will have to fork out around £2,000 – £6,000. Invisalign Braces Nowadays, Invisalign braces are in. Most people go for these. They are entirely distinct from the common types of braces. These are a set of plastic aligners that are customized as per your teeth. The dentist takes the size of your upper and lower sets of teeth and then gets a custom-made aligner made for you from the laboratory. The best part about Invisalign braces is that you can remove it, from time to time. And the USP of the Invisalign is that it allows you to eat and drink comfortably. The down point of the Invisalign braces is that they cost a hefty amount. Besides, you can’t see the results within six months. It will help if you put them on for several months to get the desired effect. Expected Price: Invisalign Braces usually cost somewhere between £1,500 – £5,550 when you’re getting them from private dental care in the UK. Clear Braces Clear braces are another type of braces that is similar to metal braces. They are bonded to your teeth for a particular period, with rubber bands between them. Thanks to the transparent material, these braces are not as visible as the metal ones. They keep your aesthetics intact while maintaining the conventional way of aligning teeth. However, clear braces are more expensive as compared to metal braces. Expected Price: Clear braces can cost you somewhere between £3,500 – £4,500 if you’re getting them fitted at a private dental clinic in the UK. Smart Bracket Braces As its name suggests, the Smart Bracket Braces smartly adjust to your teeth with the help of the tiny microchip that regulates their operation. They look similar to the metal braces, but they move without causing any friction or damaging your teeth in any manner. Another plus point of getting the smart bracket braces is, you won’t have to keep them on for longer. Since they cost you extra, they treat you quickly. Expected Price: If you’re getting Smart Bracket Braces fitted by a private dentist in the UK, you’ll have to pay somewhere between £2,000 – £3,000. Damon Braces Damon braces are also called self-ligating braces. They are a subtle version of metal braces. However, unlike the metal braces, the Damon braces are sought after. I’ve seen patients requesting to get Damon braces because they are quite clear in colour and have a unique sliding mechanism. The best part is that once you get the Damon braces bonded to your teeth, you won’t have to revisit your dentist for rearrangement or readjustment. Expected Price: If you’re getting a standard version of the Damon braces that looks similar to metal braces, you’ll have to fork out around £1,700 – £3,000. And if you are getting a clearer version of the Damon braces, then you might have to pay somewhere around £3,500 – £4,500. The idea is, if you are ready to keep the braces bonded to your teeth for long, you can go for the metal or clear ones. But if you want them to align your teeth perfectly within a few months, then be ready to shell out some fortune on smart bracket braces or Damon braces.

How Long do Crowns Last on Front Teeth?

Single crowns are the most common restorative procedure. And well, about 2.3 million implant-supported crowns are used every year. Now, that statistic does second the popularity of crowns. Dental crowns have long been a solution to cover up damaged, chipped, broken, misshapen and discolored teeth. They can be teeth-colored, made in gold, silver, or metal. And these caps help restore the functionality of the damaged teeth. While also enhancing the form. You can get crowns if you have broken or damaged teeth. Or even if you are looking to uplift the visual appeal of your misshapen or discolored teeth. Sometimes crowns are also used as a replacement for porcelain veneers . That’s because the latter are more expensive. Other than being an economical solution, dental crowns are also easy to get used to. Many people often get so comfortable with their crowns that they forget that they even exist. But, like everything else, they don’t stay the same forever. And a failing crown on your front teeth isn’t the best addition to your smile, you see. It is especially so when you have crowns on your front teeth. Which brings us to… How Long Do Crowns Last on Front Teeth? In most cases, crowns on your front teeth last somewhere around 15 years. But that’s not an absolute figure. Quality front teeth crowns can also last for as long as thirty years. Or beyond. Even for a lifetime. It also depends on the material used for making the crown. Porcelain fused material and porcelain crowns last for 5 to 15 years. Metal crowns last for 20+ years. Gold and zirconia crowns last for a lifetime. Experts also believe that crowns on the front teeth last longer than crowns at the back. Plus, when you get a crown for your front teeth, the chances of failure are incredibly slim. Porcelain, gold, or metal – the common materials used to make crowns – do not decay on their own. However, that shouldn’t make you complacent with care. How long will your crowns last on front teeth ultimately depends on – YOU. How you take care of your teeth and the crown being the most important determinant. Also, your lifestyle choices affect the wear and tear that your crown goes through. Certain habits can accelerate the process of wear and tear. And cause your crowns to fail even before their full lifetime. Do not use your teeth with crowns to replace the following objects – Bottle and packaging openers (No, please don’t try to look smart in front of your buddies.) Nail cutter (Bitting fingernails is also not good for your gut. There are better ways to deal with anxiety!) Here are a few other things that you shouldn’t be doing – If you are free, bored or even nervous, chewing on the back of a pen shouldn’t be your go-to activity. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or candy. Other than being disastrous to your crowns, this is also harmful to your natural teeth too. Do not grind or clench your teeth. Grinding and clenching push the tip of the crown towards the base. Thus, causing cracks and chips on your crown. If you suffer from bruxism and unconsciously grind or clench your teeth, mouthguards can help. Custom mouthguards help protect not just your crowns but also your natural teeth. Sportspersons and those with an active lifestyle should also use mouthguards. This protects dental crowns from accident-related trauma. Okay, enough of the don’ts. Here is what you can (read: should) do. Making Your Crowns Last Longer Your crown should be made while maintaining the highest quality standards. Fitted to perfection. And taken care of. If you can ensure these three things, it isn’t impossible to make it last a lifetime. At Natural Smiles , we take care of the first two aspects for you. The third peg of the process is what you need to do. And here is what you need to do to make your crowns last longer – Brush twice a day Floss every day. Pay special attention to the crown region where your teeth and gum meet. Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash once each day Visit us for regular dental checkups. Taking these simple steps will increase the longevity of your crown. But such a situation may arise when you would need a crown replacement Broken or damaged crowns can cause dental cavities. This can even warrant a root canal if a timely replacement isn’t carried out. During regular checkups, the dentist attending to your needs would be able to identify if you need a crown replacement. And it is always nice to know when you’d be needing a replacement. Be on the lookout for certain signs, and you’ll know when it is time for a replacement. Signs that Show you Need a Crown Replacement Deterioration in cosmetic appearance. This is the most easily identifiable signs that you need dental crown replacement. If your crown doesn’t look like the nearby teeth, it is time you get it replaced. Trouble while eating food. If you feel pain near the crown, visit a dentist at the earliest. Jaw pain can also be a sign of your crown needing replacement. The chances of bacterial accumulation are higher on the gum where the crown is place. Any issues related to your gum, especially a receding gumline should be looked at by a professional Aged crowns might also need replacement. If your crown is broken or you feel pressure on our nerves, it is a good idea to get your crown replaced. Dental crowns on the front teeth are a great way to get the required function and form. These tooth-shaped caps have a long lifespan and also offer ease of use. The cost of the procedure depends on your particular situation, the material used for the crown, and the number of crowns installed. Also, most insurance providers cover crown replacement if the crown is five years or older. Generally, 50 to 60% of the replacement cost is born by the insurance provider. However, you might have to check with your insurer as to what reasons for replacement they cover. Before taking any decision, schedule your appointment with the the smile specialists at Natural Smiles and get the right guidance and oral care.

Invisalign Lite Invisible Braces: A Guide to Costs and Treatment

Austin Powers, the spy action comedy of the ‘90s created a furor of sorts by showing the seemingly ugly teeth of a British spy. Unfortunately, even today the plight of declining dental health in the UK clamors for attention and care. Here are some mind-boggling numbers to draw light on the condition of dental health in the UK: The NHS (National Health Service) recommends that British citizens should visit their dentist at least once a year. However, more than 33% of British people have not gone to the dentist in the last couple of years. In a recent study, almost 40% of Brits are unhappy with their teeth. More than three million British nationals experience oral pain More than 2/3rd British people experience plaque. Problems like alignment issues and crooked teeth are the common causes of complicated dental issues like: Chewing disorder and indigestion Tooth decay Gingivitis Periodontitis Speech problems Confidence and self-esteem issues. If you are looking for a cost-effective, discreet, and easy solution to minor dental alignment issues, all you need is Invisalign Lite. What is Invisalign Lite? Invisalign Lite like its parent product Invisalign. It is a clear aligner system that is used to solve minor dental problems in a time span of just six to seven months. The Invisalign Lite uses a fixed number of removable as well as almost invisible aligner trays to solve a wide range of dental issues. These discreet aligner trays are changed every couple of weeks. The aligner trays work gradually to correct your teeth position and alignment. And voila, before you or your co-workers realize it, you have a beautiful, confident smile to show off. Effectiveness of Invisalign Lite The transparent Invisalign Lite aligner trays are usually recommended for mild cases of dental alignment issues. These include problems like: Tiny spaces between teeth Minor overcrowding Crooked front teeth Misalignment between upper and lower teeth Wrongly positioned teeth. Invisalign Lite treatment is not suitable for patients with complex dental problems. They are not recommended for people suffering from moderate to severe misalignment issues. If you are confused about the right treatment plan to solve your dental troubles, contact the the dental experts at Natural Smiles for money-saving and efficient dental solutions. Understanding the Invisalign Lite Treatment Process The working of the Invisalign Lite is quite similar to the Invisalign Full treatment . It completely does away with conventional, metal track wire braces . The treatment commences with a detailed dental examination where your dentist confirms if you are eligible for an Invisalign Lite treatment. Your dentist will plan your treatment based on x-rays, digital scans, oral scans, and dental impressions to create a personalized dental plan. They use 3-D technology to make aligners that fit perfectly to your teeth. These clear aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth to their correct position. The trays can be easily removed during the day for eating or drinking. Dentists recommend that the trays should be worn for at least 22 hours for satisfactory results. Usually, about 10 to 14 aligner trays are used throughout the process. Each aligner tray needs to be replaced at an interval of two to three weeks. You may need a follow-up appointment with your doctor after a couple of months so that they can keep a check on the treatment. Typical Invisalign Lite treatment duration is approximately six to eight months. Do I need Invisalign Full or Invisalign Lite? Both the Invisalign Full as well as the Invisalign Lite are very helpful in solving dental alignment problems. Here’s a quick understanding of the difference between Invisalign Full and Invisalign Lite: Grade of Correction: An Invisalign Full treatment is recommended for patients suffering from moderate cases of dental problems. The Invisalign Lite uses a limited number of aligner trays up to a maximum of 14, so it can be recommended for people with mild dental alignment problems. A number of aligner trays used: An Invisalign Full treatment may use an unlimited number of aligner trays if required to sort your crooked teeth. An Invisalign Lite treatment uses 10 to 14 aligner trays. Duration of Dental Treatment: An Invisalign Full treatment may often need additional aligners for optimal results and a typical treatment may last approximately 12-18 months. On the other hand, an Invisalign Lite treatment is limited to a duration of six to eight months only. Cost: The cost of the Invisalign Lite is substantially lesser than the Invisalign Full treatment cost. Benefits of Invisalign Lite Invisalign has brought about a pragmatic change to cosmetic dental treatments. These almost invisible aligner trays offer several benefits to users: Comfort: Invisalign Lite uses advanced 3D- technology to create the aligner trays. The trays are customized to fit each person and are very comfortable to wear. Painless: Invisalign Lite treatment is almost painless and involves no surgery. It is ideal for elderly people or patients with other health problems. Transparent: Invisalign Lite aligner trays are completely transparent. They are almost invisible when worn inside the mouth. As a result, they are ideal for seniors, young adults, and people who are self-conscious about their appearance. No food restrictions: The Invisalign Lite trays can be removed easily while eating or drinking. Users can enjoy hard food or drinks that stain without worrying about damaging the aligner trays. Zero maintenance: The Invisalign trays are not prone to damage easily. They do not require frequent visits to the dentist and are very convenient for people with busy schedules. Short treatment: The Invisalign Lite treatment extends for a maximum of six to eight months. Within a short span of time, the discrete trays help to solve mild dental alignment problems that would otherwise have needed a long and complicated dental process. Cost-effective: The Invisalign Lite is a cost-effective and economical solution that helps prevent the onset of complex dental issues. How much does an Invisalign Lite Treatment cost? If you are shying away from Invisalign Lite treatment due to its high cost, let’s do some myth-busting for you. A private dental fitting of a traditional metal brace in the UK costs approximately £2000 to £4000. Believe it or not, you can get the many benefits of Invisalign Lite at almost the same price. Yes, the approximate cost of Invisalign Lite in the UK is £2000 to £3850. Contact our team of experts to book a consultation today. Your perfect smile is just a phone call away.

Invisalign Results: After Invisalign Treatment

Dental treatment of crooked teeth has changed by leaps and bounds after the introduction of Invisalign aligners . No longer do you need to wear hefty braces with levers and springs that make your mouth look like a metal scrapyard. Just a pair of clear, almost invisible plastic braces would provide you with the same effect and straighten out your teeth in a few short months. Why Is Invisalign Better? Invisalign is made from transparent thermoplastic. The braces are custom manufactured for every patient. Your dentist would generate 3D models from scanning , and a unique tool would carve out your own pair of aligners. It is not magic but the miracle of modern technology. However, to obtain the best effect in the shortest possible time span, you have to be careful about how you use it. Your dentist would, of course, provide a detailed summary and instructions. We provide you with step by step guidance that would help you achieve the best long-term results. The intended task of Invisalign is to correct your bite and make your teeth straight . Understanding the aftercare is important and essential. Tips for Wearing Invisalign – Proper Use Guide Wear at least 20 hours daily You have to wear the Invisalign aligners as per the doctor’s instructions. Usually, dentists recommend that you wear it for about 22 hours daily. Please understand that the moment you take them out of your mouth, the treatment stops. Therefore do not take them out unless absolutely needed. It needs great commitment on your part. At first, the aligners feel foreign, and there is a tendency to take them out repeatedly. If your child is wearing the aligners, you have to keep an eye open. After all, there is an investment of time, energy, and finances in the treatment, and all of it would be wasted if the aligners are not where they should be. There might be mild discomfort at the beginning It is normal to feel mild pain for about a week. Of course, there is not supposed to be any pain at all after a week. It is the same discomfort you feel when you first wear eyeglasses. Something foreign in the body or on our skin feels strange at first. Ignore it, and soon you would be used to having Invisalign in your mouth . Watch what you eat During the break-in period, do not try out chewy foods such as roasted meat. Stay with food that is soft and pliable for a week while the aligners settle inside your mouth. Your pack could come with Invisalign chewies. Use them to get a better fit. You might remove them while eating Do not eat a large meal with the retainers in your mouth. It is not that the retainers cannot handle chewing pressure, but debris gets caught in the gap between aligners and teeth. This can cause cavity and periodontal problems. If you feel awkward about taking them out of your mouth when you are with friends, it is safe to eat snacks with the aligners in place. As long as prolonged periods of chewing does not happen, there is no cause for concern at all. No hot beverages Do not drink hot beverages such as cocoa or coffee with the aligners in place. Heat causes Invisalign to expand slightly and can destroy its careful fit. Unless the aligners fit perfectly, there is little chance of it correcting your teeth misalignment. The aligners are not supposed to become loose with use. They should always snap on and off. If that does not happen, visit your dental care provider immediately. Clean them without fail Clean the Invisalign aligners daily. Rinse them with warm water at least once a day. Cleaning the aligners makes them accomplish more and also allows you to brush your teeth carefully. Moreover, not cleaning would cause them to become stained over time. The effect is not pleasant, and your smile would suffer. Do not throw the old pair away Do not dispose of old aligners as soon as you get a new pair. If your current pair is lost or damaged, you could use the old pair for a short while till a replacement is fabricated. There is no cause for concern if you lose your pair. Your dentist has the images as a software file and would recreate a pair easily. Keep your spirits up Do not check yourself in the mirror daily for improvement. The change that happens is not visible. The teeth have to move a fraction of a millimeter over six months. It is best to take a self-portrait using a camera once every month. By the third month, the change would be visible. Looking at the mirror daily would set you up for disappointment, and sooner or later, you would neglect to wear the aligners. Get regular checkups Visit the dentist regularly. Every four to six weeks, your tray would be changed slightly. At the same time, the dentist would assess how your teeth have moved into place. It is important that you take these visits seriously and do not skip them. What Happens if You Do Not Follow Guidance? The first phase of the treatment ends when the dentist provides you or your child with a pair of clear braces. There is nothing more a medical professional can do in the next few weeks when another pair becomes due. But this intervening period is of great essence. You would be doing a treatment that makes the teeth move. If you do not take responsibility, the following can happen – Teeth move but incompletely. Some may move more than others. The teeth return back to their crooked position to some extent. Pain in the jaw due to misaligned bite. Having to wear bulky metal braces for smile improvement. Improve Dental Aesthetics Without Hassle At Natural Smiles , you get Invisalign treatment at affordable prices. With the help of the latest technology, any malformation in your teeth is treated easily and painlessly. If your teeth do not require severe adjustment, you do not need braces. Invisalign satisfies the requirements of most patients. There has never been an issue with side effects. If you are committed to the course of treatment, your dental problems would be resolved within a few short months. It is a gentle and easy option for treating dental occlusion that has been chosen by millions worldwide

How Much Would Six Months Smile Cost You?

Misaligned teeth can be troublesome, not just for your looks but also for your dental health. Besides, having badly-aligned teeth can sometimes lower your confidence levels while smiling. So, why not get them treated? After all, your smile is your most beautiful aspect. The Six Months Smile treatment is an orthodontic treatment that helps realign your teeth and give you a straighter and beautiful smile The main purpose of the treatment is to correct the alignment of the front teeth. It’s similar to how braces work. However, with the Six months smile treatment, dentists try to use the tooth-colored material that doesn’t make your smile ugly like the usual braces. It’s a different concept but not something that’ll cost you a fortune. Don’t worry, the six months smile treatment would cost you reasonably. Here, check how much. How Much Would Six Months Smile Cost? You can get a six months smile treatment at an affordable price from a trusted dental care clinic. You’d be happy to know that the cost of this life-changing treatment ranges between £2500 to £3800 dental clinic in the UK . However, the prices depend upon each individual’s case. It is NOT suitable for anyone under the ages of 18. If you are getting both upper and lower teeth aligned through this treatment, you might have to fork out more. Contrarily, if you are getting only one set of teeth aligned, it would cost you comparatively lesser. Within the quoted price, your dentist will provide you with everything; from your orthodontic treatment to all adjustment-related visits. You won’t have to pay anything extra. All X-rays, fixed/ removable retainers, follow-up visits, and more will be covered in one consolidated price. Who Is Ideal For Six Month Smile Treatment If you are an adult of 16 years or older, you are absolutely ideal for the six months treatment. However, we would advise teenagers aged below 16 and children to not opt for this treatment. What All Can Be Treated With Six Months Smile You can get the six months smile treatment if you are facing any of these cosmetic dental issues: Extrusions Rotations Intrusions Tipping Misaligned teeth Diastemas and spacing in the front teeth Overlapping teeth and crowding A piece of friendly advice, don’t Google these issues and sign up for the treatment. Consult a professional dentist and let him/her examine your dental issues and further suggest the right solution. How Does Six Months Smile Work? Six Months Smile treatment works similar to regular braces. The first step to getting the treatment started is to consult with trusted dental care in the UK and seek advice. One such notable dental care clinic is Natural Smiles , where dentists give effective advice to the patients after carefully examining their teeth and the type of misalignment. Six months smile is not just convenient for you but also for your dentist. It’s comparatively easier to fix it than braces. When you sign up for the six months smile treatment, your dentist will take an impression of your lower and upper sets of teeth. The impression will be sent to the laboratory, where a custom tray will be prepared for you. The process takes 1-2 days in total. So, after you give the impression of your teeth, you’ll be given a second appointment. On your second appointment, the dentist will use your custom tray to fix the six months smile braces on your teeth. The braces must be fixed correctly in the first attempt itself. Though trusted dentists are well-versed with the procedure, you might have to revisit your dentist once a month for readjustment. The treatment usually takes six months to show effective results. However, every individual’s teeth are different. Therefore, your treatment can take less or more than six months as well. How To Clean My Teeth During The Treatment? Yes, that’s an important question. To answer you, we, at Natural Smiles, often advise our patients to clean their teeth thoroughly when they have their six months smile braces on. You can request your dentist to teach you how to clean your teeth properly during the treatment. Check the below-mentioned steps for an effective technique to brush teeth properly during the six months smile treatment.: Rinse your mouth with water carefully until all food particles are dislodged. Start brushing the gum line, first upper then lower, at an approximate 45-degree angle. Start brushing the teeth after this, by angling the bristles of the brush downwards to reach every corner around the brackets. While brushing, keep repositioning the bristles to reach the underside of the wire and the bracket. Finally, rinse with water, and you are good to go. What Next? You’ve learned how to brush your teeth properly while the six months brackets are on. And your six months are on the verge of ending. Your excitement levels must be rising at a speed greater than the lightning’s speed. So, now what next? Well, now, you should go to the retainers. It’s generally advised that after any orthodontic treatment, the patient should get retainers to help the treatment sustain. You’ll revisit your dentist after your treatment period ends, and get the bracket removed carefully. Your dentist will then replace the bracket with the retainers to keep your newly- straightened teeth intact and adjust in their new space. You can choose from two types of retainers: A permanently bonded retainer. It will be attached at the back of your teeth. A removable retainer, which will be temporarily adjusted to your teeth. Though it’s the patient’s choice, we’d suggest that you let your dentist decide which retainer would work best for you. Smile rightly! Smile brightly!

Centre of Excellence for Teeth Whitening – Natural Smiles

If you’ve been prey to tooth plaque or have witnessed a tint of lemonish color staining your teeth, you’ll agree that the teeth whitening treatment is a blessing in the domain of dentistry. There are so many people out there paying bundles for whiter and brighter teeth . And surprisingly, it’s helping them too. Because your smile makes you not just attractive but also approachable. And thus, a bright and shiny smile is absolutely important for you. So, what is teeth whitening exactly? Be tuned in to know all about teeth whitening. What Is Teeth Whitening? Teeth whitening procedure involves teeth bleaching that makes them lighter and whiter. But don’t fall prey to false promises. The procedure can only lighten the present colour of your teeth by several shades. At Natural Smiles , we strive to make teeth whitening as effective and promising as we can. However, our dentists don’t promise you miraculously white teeth. We promise you that your teeth would lighten gradually and effectively, but not magically. When Do You Need Teeth Whitening Dentist? You might have noticed while brushing, a light layer of yellowish plaque on your teeth. It occurs because of excessive consumption of tea, coffee, alcohol, or cigarettes. We are not asking you to stop drinking tea or coffee, but to keep your teeth white, you must have some control over the number of cups you consume each day. And if that does not work for you, then you can always sign up for the teeth whitening treatment. It will help remove the stains from your teeth and brighten your teeth by making them a few shades lighter. Make sure that your teeth whitening treatment is carried out by a professional dentist only, which will help avoid any side-effects. Don’t get lured by unregistered salons or dental care units; your teeth are your most precious asset, and you should be very careful with them. Here at Natural Smiles, we have well-trained and qualified dentists, who conduct the teeth whitening procedure with precision and ensure that the patient is completely satisfied by the end of it. They suggest you about your oral health and make you comfortable with the treatment before actually conducting it on your teeth. What To Ask The Dentist Before Signing Up for Teeth Whitening? If you are reading this, you are already on your way to sign up for teeth whitening. However, you must always consult a trusted dentist before you get the treatment. Don’t feel shy asking any number of questions from your dentist because you deserve to know what treatment will be conducted on your teeth and what results in you can expect. At Natural Smiles, we ensure that our dentists make the patients aware of the expected results prior to the treatment. You must ask the dentist about the side-effects, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth, , or any other risks that may be involved with regards to teeth whitening. What’s The Procedure? At Natural Smiles, we have a well-structured procedure of teeth whitening. Here is a step-by-step description of how we conduct this procedure: Firstly we will book your consultation with our dentist . The consultation will take half an hour or one hour, and will help you decide what kind of treatment you need. The dentist will examine your teeth and suggest the level of teeth whitening you will require. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and prepare a mouthguard of it. You will be given a bleaching gel and the mouthguard for home so that you can regularly apply the gel for a certain period. You must do this for 2-4 weeks before the results start to show. Some whitening gels are highly effective, and when left on the teeth for more than 8 hours a day, they shorten your treatment time to only 1 week. However, this depends on the type of gel your dentist provides you. After the completion of the treatment, you will be required to re-visit the doctor and get it checked. Another slightly faster method conducted by our dentists is power whitening. Here’s how it’s done: A trained dentist will conduct a one-hour-long session which will include bleaching your teeth with a bleaching gel and an activator light. Using the bleaching gel will help lift stains from your teeth, and the activator light will help make your teeth up to 7 shades lighter. In only one whitening session, you’ll notice a drastic change in the color of your teeth. Are There Any Risks Involved? Every treatment has its own pros and cons. Of course, the pros mainly include the successful completion and sustenance of the treatment. It’s the cons that one worries about. Teeth whitening dentists, at Natural Smiles, advise the patients to take special care of their gums and teeth after the treatment. This is because gums tend to get highly sensitive whenever any type of treatment is conducted on the teeth. When chemicals are applied to the teeth, there are high chances that you will notice a certain level of sensitivity for the next few weeks. It will prevail even more if you already have sensitive teeth. Sometimes, gums tend to give out a burning sensation right after the completion of the treatment. This happens because some chemicals don’t suit your gums. However, there’s a solution to everything. At our dental care, we ensure that our patients leave the clinic only when they are completely satisfied and comfortable post the treatment. We suggest they use a special toothpaste to combat the sensitivity issue. Besides, we suggest the correct ways to brush their teeth to keep them white for long. It’s vital for you to know that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. You will be required to make certain changes to your food and beverage consumption to sustain it.

Why is Natural Smiles Best for Cosmetic Dentistry?

40% of the British population is unhappy with their smile. And 48% of people in a survey said they had plans to undergo a cosmetic dental procedure in the near future. So, you aren’t alone in your pursuit of a better smile. And professionals claiming to be cosmetic dentistry experts can be found everywhere. However, a patient’s biggest concern is not ‘finding experts.’ But ‘finding the best experts.’ A quarter of those who underwent cosmetic dental procedures said they weren’t satisfied. And this dissatisfaction is not limited to visual results. Poorly performed dental procedures can cause pain and sensitivity. And also require corrective and restorative dentistry procedures later down the line. Now, we didn’t mean to scare you off. We just wanted to emphasize that it is essential to find the right team of dental experts. Yes, the right team of dental experts and not just the right dentist. Also, you need to make sure your treatment doesn’t make your bank balance dwindle. Yes, there is a lot that needs to be considered. But, when you schedule a free consultation with Natural Smiles, you’ll not have to worry about any of these things. Natural Smiles – The Best In Town Solution for Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Every other dentist will say that they are the best. But we don’t just say that. We have reasons to make you believe. And not just one or two, but four. Four reasons that prove that you can get the most beautiful smile with Natural Smiles 1. The Team That Makes Us Stand Strong It is not just one person who makes your experience at Natural Smiles memorable. Only one medical expert would be carrying out the cosmetic dentistry procedure. But the dental nurses and management staff also play a pivotal role in making your experience comfortable. Right from the time you get in touch with us, our reception staff, practice manager, and treatment coordinators make sure you are taken care of. Your questions are answered with a polite smile, and you are made to feel at ease. Bhavesh Waghela is the owner and principal dentist at Natural Smiles . And he is a Director of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD). And among the only few full members of the academy in East Midlands. SOURCE: https://bacd.com/board-member/bhavnish-waghela/ Even after graduating from Kings College London in 1995, he didn’t stop his pursuit of dental know-how. He underwent advanced training for Dental Implants. And continues to attend national and international sessions in the UK and the US. And he is not just an avid learner. But is also a part-time lecturer at the British Institute of Laser Dentistry (BILD). But, it is not just his academic expertise that makes him good at what he does. It is his passion for cosmetic dentistry and seeing people smile their best smiles that drives him forward. After your consultation is scheduled, Zenobia Wetherall will welcome you at our Corby office . And you’ll be further taken care of by Carol Boyd or Joanne Richardson at Corby and Leicester locations, respectively. Besides Bhavnish, we have onboard Dr. Gurmukh S Raja, a cosmetic dentist, and Karnika Desai, and Dr. Viran Patel, who are associate dentists. These experienced professionals, along with our qualified dental nurses Claire Wood, Paulina Wasilewski, and Jasdeep Sarena, make sure that you leave with happy and confident smiles. While we are certainly proud of our team, we are not alone in recognizing their expertise, dedication, and commitment to work… 2. Global Awards and Recognitions We received the Customer Service Award for two consecutive years in 2013 and 2014. And we were the finalists in several other prestigious award categories, including – Dentistry Awards 2008, 2009, and 2012 Private Dentistry Awards 2012 Best Team Northamptonshire Business Awards 2012 The British Indian Awards 2017 However, more than these awards and the recognition, the brightest jewel in our crown is our clients’ trust. 3. We Don’t Need Marketing – Our Former Clients Do That For Us We keep customer service at our top priority. And that’s how most of our business comes in the form of referrals. New clients come in and tell us that they heard about us from family or friends. And that’s when we are truly flattered. We know how people fear dentists. And we are more than aware of patient apprehensions. No matter what we tell you, it might not work. But here’s what Mrs. J. Gallagher has to say, “Makes coming to the dentist a pleasure. Will recommend you to everyone I know” Also, Mrs. K. Winters had this to say after her treatment, “… made me feel very relaxed, and my treatment very helpful and informative. Nice friendly team.” You can also watch some of our client testimonial videos by visiting here. Okay, so what’s the catch? How much do you charge for cosmetic dentistry procedures? Will it force me to break my bank? We can hear you asking those questions, but… 4. A Beautiful Smile Doesn’t Cost An Arm and A Leg With the Affordable Fees at Natural Smiles Don’t believe us? Here’s what Mr. D. Hunt had to say about the cost of treatment at Natural Smiles , “. Not as expensive as I was expecting. ‘A pleasant surprise.’ We have oral care and hygiene packages started at £55. Crown and bridges start at £485 for members. And you can get a full set of superior dentures starting at no more than £1200. You can also check out our fees right here and see how pocket-friendly it is to get a perfect smile at Natural Smiles. Your Free Consultation is Waiting for You Even after all has been said and done, we want you to believe what we are saying, not just because we said it. But because you have seen and experienced it on your own. And that is why we offer a free initial consultation . You can give us a call and set up a time for your free consultation. And we will make sure you get to experience the Natural Smiles way of gifting you that perfect smile. We have been labeled the best in cosmetic dentistry time and again by our former patients. And we are all set to make sure you say the same with our constant customer service, affordable prices, and expert treatment procedures performed by experienced professionals.

Dental Bridges Cost in the UK

A recent study conducted on adults in England shows that more than a quarter of participants suffered from untreated tooth decay. Yet another study on 1,000 UK patients shows that 71% of participants have dental anxiety. Let us help you with that. Read on as we explain all you need to know about dental bridges, one of the most common solutions for replacing a lost tooth. What Is A Dental Bridge? Although increasingly traditional, dental bridges aren’t as popular as tooth extractions or root canals. A dental bridge is an artificial replacement for a missing tooth. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth (abutment teeth) act as anchors for holding the false tooth (pontic) in place. How Does A Dental Bridge Look? Your choice of bridge decides its exact look. Here’s the good news: it’s not hard to make a bridge look like a real tooth. With advancements in solutions and materials, your bridge can be the most natural-looking and seamless. When Should You Get A Dental Bridge? There can be many unfortunate incidents leading to a missing tooth. Some of them are: ● irreparable tooth damage due to accident or injury, ● extraction of a decayed tooth, and ● damage due to periodontal disease. If left empty, the hole from the missing tooth can shift the other teeth and bone. You needn’t fret, as a dental bridge is a cheap option to cover it. It is especially suitable for younger mouths, which are still shifting and growing. However, a dental bridge is a viable treatment option only if the teeth adjacent to the gap are healthy. Types of Dental Bridges Are you a prime candidate for this procedure? If yes, you should know the various options available. This will help you better appreciate your dentist’s recommendation. These are the types of dental bridges Traditional Bridge: These have been the most popular option. Dental crowns installed on teeth adjacent to the hole hold the pontic in place. This type of bridge is strong enough to replace even molars. One disadvantage is the need to secure the crowns by removing enamel from the natural teeth. Enamel doesn’t grow back. Hence, this decision would be a pretty permanent one. Cantilever Bridge: The difference here is that the pontic has support only from one side of the hole. Typically, these come into the picture when there are two or more missing teeth right next to each other. Understandably, this is less stable than a traditional bridge. The single-sided structure of support might lead to future issues, such as fractured teeth in the area, or a loosened abutment crown. Maryland Bridge: The pontic is supported by either a metal arm, or wings, or porcelain. This type of bridge is ideal for adolescents or younger people whose teeth are yet to grow further. It usually replaces front tooth gaps Materials Used For Dental Bridges Often, the chosen material is one that combines both aesthetics and strength. Most commonly used are ceramic, metal alloys, acrylic, gold, and porcelain. The dental professional, along with the lab technician, is best suited to make the final decision. Many people worry about the toxicity of the materials used for their bridges. While the metal in some bridges might cause autoimmunity problems or allergic reactions, most bridges are safe. The safest bet is the ceramic options. We at Natural Smiles encourage transparency. Freely discuss your concerns and options with your dentist. The Dental Bridge Procedure First things first, the health of the supporting teeth needs to be assessed. In case you have a tooth extraction scheduled before your bridge, it will take some time for the extraction site to heal. This can take up to 2-3 months. Once your dentist has decided on the type of bridge, you will proceed to bridge placement. In this, we prepare the abutment teeth for their crowns and remove a small part of their enamel. We then transfer the impressions of the teeth to the dental lab and the permanent bridge is subsequently crafted. You will get temporary protection for your prepared teeth in the meantime. If you got your missing tooth extracted years ago, your bridge can be prepared in as little as 2-4 weeks. Once the customized bridge is ready, it replaces the temporary bridge if it is the right fit for you. It gets cemented into place while you are under a local anesthetic. The bridge lasts several years. What Technology Do We Use? Our advanced technology helps us provide a less invasive procedure and high-quality treatment. We are also able to provide an early diagnosis and affordable care, along with accurate restorations. Natural Smiles uses CEREC technology to take digital impressions of teeth and precisely carve the ceramic. You can rest assured of a customized bridge. CEREC also reduces the number of visits by combining the entire process into one. Further, our study models ensure your risk of any possible human error through the treatment is all but eliminated. Advantages And Risks Following are the benefits of the procedure: ● You can get back to chewing and speaking properly. ● Dental bridges prevent the shifting of your remaining teeth. ● You are at no risk of bone loss due to the missing tooth. ● As the bridges are permanent, they stay fixed in place. ● They reduce your likelihood of developing jaw problems like TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder). ● They help you maintain the natural shape of your face and prevent dental decay. ● Dental bridges are affordable. ● The procedure is less invasive and quicker than some alternatives. There are a few risks associated with the procedure too, which we have mentioned below: ● If the bridge is poorly fitted, it can lead to issues with the abutment teeth, along with allowing bacteria and plaque to creep in. This would lead to the decay of your adjoining teeth. It is thus of prime importance that you get the procedure done from an experienced clinic. Fortunately, Natural Smiles has experts who perform every procedure with the utmost care and precision. ● In case the abutment teeth are not sufficiently strong for the procedure, they might collapse. The Cost Of Dental Bridges Our CEREC porcelain inlays start at £605 onwards, while a 3 unit bridge would cost you £1,900 onwards. This excludes the price of x-rays and preliminary study models. If you are a Natural Smiles member, you will get hefty discounts on all procedures. Have more questions? Book your free consultation right now!

How Much Does A Full Set Of Teeth Implants Cost?

Living with a set of broken, injured, or missing teeth is hard. Everything from functionality to basic comfort and aesthetics gets impacted. This is where opting for a full set of teeth implants can be a lifesaver. Dental implants work in two ways – they do away with the problem of painful loose teeth, and they support a new row of teeth molded precisely to your jaw. Why Should You Get A Full Set Of Teeth Implants? It is important to understand how dental implants work before you choose to undergo the procedure. Simply put, a dental implant is a screw drilled into the jawbone in place of the original tooth root. The titanium implant naturally fuses with the bone and provides a strong base for a false tooth placed on top . A dental implant, therefore, creates an immovable and robust platform to support a crown or denture. It shapes the teeth line, giving the mouth a complete facelift. A full set of teeth implants involves fixing dental implants throughout the upper and lower jaws. It is recommended to go for the procedure if you experience any of the following conditions: You have lost multiple teeth across your upper and lower jaws. Your teeth are weakened and can break or fall out. Your natural tooth roots are decayed and incapable of supporting the teeth. You wear dentures and are looking for a more permanent solution. Your current set of false teeth move while eating or speaking. Here is how getting a full set of teeth implants can alleviate your present dental affliction. Dental implants directly support the jawbone in the area where the tooth is lost or removed. They prevent excessive bone resorption or the breakdown of the bone tissue into the bloodstream. The ‘abutments’ or fixed implants hold false teeth in place. A common problem with regular dentures is they tend to be unstable and move in the mouth when you speak or smile. Not only can this look embarrassing, but unstable dentures put unnecessary strain on the gums and the jaw. Eating becomes a far more comfortable and less restrictive activity. With dental implants, you don’t have to give up your eating habits, as long as you are sufficiently careful. What Is The Procedure For Getting Dental Implants? Having a full set of teeth implants fixed in is a long-term process. Essentially, it involves the following stages: consultation, fixing the implants (abutments), healing and fusion with the bone, and fitting new false teeth. From the first to the final stage, it takes between three to six months. The procedure hinges upon a proper fusion of the abutments with the jawbone, which in turn depends on your body’s natural healing time. Consultation Opting for a full set of dental implants is a highly rewarding, although sensitive process. Consult with your dentist about the specifics of your case to determine its merits and demerits for you. Book a free consultation to know whether dental implants are right for you. Fixing the abutment Once your dentist gives the green light for the procedure, the next step is to get the screws fixed into the jaw. This involves drilling a small hole into the jawbone to receive the base of the implant and the abutment. In most cases of a full set of dental implants, four implants are used on the upper and lower jaw each. This procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, so you need not worry about any pain or discomfort. Healing and fusion stage Now your body naturally heals the tissues around the implants to permanently secure them into the bone. This usually takes a few months, and the healing period depends on your body’s receptiveness to the foreign implant. Once fused, the screws act as new roots where the crowns (dentures or dental bridges) can be fixed. Fixing the crowns The final stage is preparing and fixing a new set of teeth on top of the implants. Your dentist will take an impression of your jawbones to prepare the crowns or false teeth that fit exactly to the shape of your face. There will be a color and shape matching to ensure that the new teeth look perfect on you. The new crowns are then fixed into your implanted tooth roots into a single sitting. This procedure is also done under local anesthesia. Follow up Your dentist and the dental technician will give you a comprehensive set of guidelines on taking care of your new crowns . You can also opt for a follow-up appointment a few weeks after fixing the new teeth to ensure that the procedure has gone successfully. In just a few weeks, you can enjoy your new, fully-fixed, shining set of teeth. How Much Does A Full Set Of Teeth Implants Cost? Dental implants are a lifetime investment in your oral health and cosmetic perception. So although they are more expensive than a regular set of dentures, the implicit benefits of getting a full set of teeth implants can far outweigh the price. Dental implants are normally not covered under the NHS and need to be personally financed. The precise cost of the treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the following factors: Pre-existing conditions with teeth like decayed roots, fractured jawbone, broken teeth, etc. A number of implants required in your case. A number of sittings required for the fixing and follow-ups. Type of crowns required (for example, individual teeth, dental bridges, dentures, etc.) Unexpected response to the implants or new teeth. A single tooth implant costs around £2,500. Hence a full set of teeth implants can cost anywhere between £10,000 to £25,000. Check with your dentist about the details of the procedure and financing options available for the same. Dental implants are a revolutionary technology in dental health and have greatly benefited millions of patients worldwide. Go for the procedure, knowing that you are investing permanently into your own well-being.

Have a topic you'd like us to cover?

If there's something specific you'd like to read about, get in touch - we love writing about the questions our patients are actually asking. Just send us a message with your suggestion.

Ready to talk about your own dental care?

Book a consultation for:

  • Dental implants
  • Smile makeovers
  • Clear aligners
Book a free consultation

Book an appointment for:

  • Dental check-up
  • Hygiene appointment
  • Dental emergency
  • Teeth whitening
Book an appointment