Author: Aura Dental
Heard some bad rumours about dental implants? The truth about oral implants by Aura Dental
When you decide to undertake a cosmetic procedure, it is likely that the first thing you will do is look online for stories about the procedure; this can be a very bad idea!
Like typing cold symptoms into a search engine and being told you have a deadly disease, searching for stories about cosmetic procedures online can create a very biased sample to base your decision on. You will probably encounter one or two lurid stories of the treatment going wrong, and only being human we can tend to focus on the negative press rather than the huge positives that are reaped from these procedures.
And of course, when looking for the truth about cosmetic dental procedures, the internet can be a biased platform to begin with, in its structure. In this article, our team at Aura Dental have combined their years of clinical experience to provide you with the truth to the myths surrounding one type of procedure; oral implants.
When you come to Aura Dental to have dental implants in St John’s Wood, our team will discuss the procedure with you fully and ensure you are completely informed before the treatment starts. We will walk you through each of the stages and provide you with honest answers along the way, to ensure that you get the gorgeous smile you deserve.
But what are some of the myths and truths behind dental implants in St John’s Wood? Read on to find out!
Myth- Oral implants look false
Truth- This is an odd myth, as in our experience at Aura Dental, all of the dental implants in St John’s Wood that we have fitted look completely natural.
We aim to match your prosthetic teeth to any natural teeth you have in your mouth based on colour, shape, and size; if you have no natural teeth in your mouth, then we may be able to create a new set using photographs of your previous smile.
Myth- Having them fitted is painful
Truth– We agree that the process may indeed sound uncomfortable, but in reality, many of our patients have told us that the sensation is no different to a dental extraction and so, you should be able to manage this with over the counter painkillers.
The discomfort should fade by itself in about a week; if it doesn’t or it gets worse, book an urgent appointment with our team as soon as possible.
Myth- They are too pricey for the average person
Truth– If we look at the cost of oral implants as one payment, then yes, they appear to be prohibitively expensive for some people.
However, at Aura Dental, we may be able to offer you a dental plan or financing option, to help break down the price into monthly payments.
Myth- They don’t last very long
Truth– If you do not look after your oral implants, then it is likely that they will not last a long time; smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and poor oral hygiene can negatively impact the longevity of implants.
However, if they are correctly maintained, oral implants can last up to 40 years! Now that has to be positive!
Curious about Invisalign braces? The treatment process explained by Aura Dental
There are many myths surrounding dentistry as a whole; root canals cause more damage than good, fillings will inevitably fall out and, once you are over the age of 7, there is no point in trying to undertake orthodontic treatment.
In this article, we will focus on the last of these myths.
Surprisingly, thanks to modern advances in dental technology and training, more adults than ever are able to undertake orthodontic treatments, so age is no longer a factor in getting that straighter, more symmetrical smile.
When you come to Aura Dental for orthodontic work as an adult, our team will be able to offer you a variety of braces in St John’s Wood, including clear and invisible aligners. Designed solely to correct cosmetic issues with your teeth, these options work at an accelerated rate when compared to traditional orthodontic versions, meaning you can get that straighter smile sooner. Brilliant!
But, what is the process involved in undertaking these braces in St John’s Wood? Is it any different from the traditional metal alternatives? Read on to learn more.
Initial consultation
When you come to Aura Dental for a straighter smile as an adult, our team will offer you an initial consultation.
At this meeting, our dentists will assess your suitability for Invisalign cosmetic braces in St John’s Wood and will answer any questions you may have. If deemed suitable, we will take a 3-D scan of your mouth, to allow for a more accurate prediction of how your teeth will need to move during the treatment.
The fitting
When our team receives your custom-made Invisalign aligner, we will arrange a meeting with you for the initial fitting.
At this stage, we will discuss with you the predicted length of time that you will need to wear each aligner for, and will instruct you on how to keep the aligners in good shape, alongside how to clean them correctly.
You may notice that as soon as you place the aligner over your teeth, it feels slightly tight; this is normal and part of the realignment process. If your aligners are too loose, then our team may need to make adjustments.
Wearing
Our dentists can advise you on how long you will need to wear Invisalign for each day to obtain the desired results, but as a general rule, it is likely that you will need to wear them for up to 22 hours each day.
You will also need to take them out to eat food and brush your teeth. Before putting them back in, we recommend that you brush your teeth, to avoid pressing plaque against your enamel.
Aftercare
Once your teeth are straightened, our team will usually recommend that you wear a retainer for a set time.
This is to prevent your teeth from moving back into their original position. It is likely that you will need to wear a retainer for less time than the original aligner, so, don’t worry! You will be retainer free in no time!
Considering having dental implants fitted? Four key health benefits of this procedure
When one thinks of a cosmetic procedure, one typically imagines a procedure designed solely to alter someone’s appearance, hopefully for the better. While this is true of many cosmetic treatments that are performed on the skin and other parts of the body, in dentistry, many procedures also offer health benefits. So, while you may be in two minds about approaching your dentist for a cosmetic procedure, it is likely that your health will benefit in some way too.
One of the most beneficial procedures for both your physical and mental well-being in the field of cosmetic dentistry is that of oral implants; designed to imitate your natural teeth, implants can fill gaps in your smile and bite, with the strength of your natural teeth.
When you decide to undertake dental implants in St John’s Wood, our team of cosmetic dentists at Aura Dental will guide you through every step of the procedure. From the initial fitting to aftercare, our dentists will make sure that your implants last as long as possible, allowing you to smile with complete confidence.
But, what are the health benefits of having dental implants in St John’s Wood? Read on to find out more!
Better digestion
Our teeth are the first part of the digestive system and, like most systems, if part of it is missing, the system cannot usually operate correctly.
While it may seem harmless to miss a few teeth, it prevents the correct grinding and chewing of food; so when the food reaches the stomach, it is usually comprised of larger chunks, meaning that the stomach has to produce extra acid for digestion. Dental implants in St John’s Wood allow you to break down food into smaller chunks and reduce the chance of developing any gastrointestinal issues.
Reduction of headaches
Missing teeth can cause us to grind our jaws together as we sleep.
Excessive grinding of teeth has been linked to a higher prevalence of headaches, migraines and even tensing of the back and shoulder muscles.
As implants ensure that all of your teeth should fit together correctly, this will prevent grinding and thus, reduce headaches.
Lowered risk of periodontal disease
Gum disease is more prevalent in people who have missing teeth. This is because, in the most basic terms, the plaque and bacteria have easier access to the gums, as there are no teeth to block them.
Implants reduce the risk of gum disease, as bacteria cannot get underneath them to attack the gum line and, as they fill all the gaps in your mouth, it is harder for bacteria to get to the gums.
Improved nutrition
It is a sad fact that people who have lost a few teeth or even wear dentures often avoid harder foods.
The issue is that many foods that are good for us, like fruits and vegetables, are harder to bite into; if you have implants fitted, you will be able to bite into the toughest foods with ease, creating a healthier and more varied diet.
Did you hear you were unsuitable for Invisalign? The Invisalign varieties we can offer at Aura Dental
Did you know that there are different types of invisible braces? And, within certain brand names, there are a variety of different treatments?
Variety is the spice of life and at Aura Dental, we are proud of the wide range of adult orthodontics that we can offer our patients; we have helped numerous patients obtain a straighter smile with invisible or clear brace systems and, if you want a straighter smile as an adult, come to us!
But, thanks to advances in dental technology, large, metal braces are now not the only option for young children either. If your child has a mild or moderate misalignment, we are now able to treat this too, without fitting the traditional orthodontic brace.
So, if you or your child wants a straighter smile, come to Aura Dental for treatment with one of the braces from Invisalign in St.John’s Wood. Our dedicated and friendly dental team will help you to select the perfect braces for yourself or your child, ensuring that you get that straighter smile in no time at all.
But what are the different types of Invisalign in St John’s Wood? Read on to find out!
Express
Suitable for adults and teenagers who have issues with spacing or crowding, the Express aligner is also perfect for those who have had minor relapsing of teeth alignment since completing other types of orthodontic treatment.
Usually requiring fewer aligners than traditional Invisalign in St John’s Wood, Express treatment usually consists of about 10 aligners in maximum, allowing almost all treatments to be completed within about 6 months.
However, akin to the traditional option, this brace will still need to be worn for up to 22 hours each day and will require a 3-D scan to be undertaken before treatment begins.
Lite
Similar to the Express brace, the Lite alternative is a good choice for patients who present with minor misalignment issues.
Typically, these include slight overcrowding, minor gaps between teeth, incorrectly positioned teeth, as well as poor alignment between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are together.
Again, this treatment is usually completed in around 6 months and the aligner must be worn for up to 22 hours per day, with each aligner being changed every 14 days.
Like the Express aligner, this treatment is also suited to both adults and teenagers.
Comprehensive
As the name suggests, this aligner is more advanced than the previous two.
Useful for patients who require more aligners than the Lite and Express treatments offer, the Comprehensive package typically involves over 14 braces and is designed to treat more moderate to severe malocclusions.
Taking over 7 months, this brace can correct more extreme spacing, crowding and misalignment of teeth on the upper and lower jaws.
First
Exclusively for children, the First aligner system can treat a broader range of conditions, even dental arch expansion to make room for adult teeth.
If your child has lost all their baby teeth and appears to be developing a misalignment or protrusion, this aligner may be a suitable alternative to orthodontic braces.
Tired of your delicate prosthesis? Switch to dental implants in St John’s Wood
Losing teeth is common. In this day and age, replacing them is easier than ever before. But how do you go about choosing the right device?
The last twenty or so years have seen the development of dental implants in St John’s Wood as an alternative to more conventional models.
Our experienced team at Aura Dental are massive advocates of this groundbreaking method of treatment, as long as you are the right candidate for them.
So what is the fuss about dental implants in St John’s Wood and how straightforward is the procedure for getting them? In this article, we will provide you with everything you should know about dental implants in St John’s Wood.
When should I consider tooth implants?
Have you lost multiple teeth over the years, or are your set fast deteriorating? Maybe you have lost a few teeth unexpectedly in an accident?
Whatever your circumstance, you should consider implants as an option for replacement.
What benefits do implants have over other tooth replacement options?
Are you pondering which device to use or wondering whether you should make the change from conventional dentures to implants?
Knowing the advantages of implants will make the selection process easier, and the pros of this device outweigh the cons.
One of its better-known qualities include the fact that implants look and function like real teeth, so much so that you may be unable to differentiate between an implant and real teeth.
Its other attractive features are that the device is designed to be long-lasting, which takes away the inconvenience of having to replace them with a new set in the future.
Generally, the user experience is more positive than negative because not only is the device comfortable, but it is entirely stable. This means you do not have to suffer the repercussions and possible embarrassment of the contraption falling out at the worst moments.
Additionally, you will experience a more natural biting and chewing capacity, allowing you to enjoy food without limitations and speak freely without your device getting in the way.
What are the pitfalls?
Taking into account the device’s many features, it may not surprise you that tooth implants are more expensive.
However, considering it is a life-changing investment, more people are considering dental implants in St John’s Wood and some individuals travel overseas to undergo the same procedure at a cheaper cost.
While not necessarily a shortcoming of implants, many people hesitate at the lengthy recovery periods and the numerous steps one has to take before they can boast new teeth. However, if you are not after a quick and immediate fix, but a long-term resolution, then implants are worth the long wait.
What can I do if I am not a suitable candidate for implants?
Unfortunately, not everyone is a suitable match for implants. This may be because you have deficient bone in your jaw or possess unhealthy gums. However, while these issues may cause delays to getting implants, you can still have them. In the event of bone deficiency; you may need bone grafts, or undergo an intensive cleaning if you have inflamed gums.
Modern braces in St John’s Wood improve the user experience
First impressions are everything and can mean the difference between making friends or not, or landing that dream job. Do your crooked teeth hold you back to the point where you smile less and are dubbed “unapproachable”?
Fortunately, the advent of modern orthodontics has allowed people with crooked teeth to realign them with a broad spectrum of straightening aids.
Since their early introduction to society, braces in St John’s Wood are responsible for many smile transformations.
If you want to fix your teeth but worry about wearing braces in St John’s Wood, visit our practice Aura Dental, and prepare to have your misconceptions about orthodontic devices blown out of the water.
There is more choice
People against the idea of wearing braces might picture archetypal braces in St John’s Wood, which has completely transformed over the years.
Upgrades have been made to orthodontic devices, making them sleeker, more subtle, and comfortable. There are also several types of braces from which to choose, depending on the nature of your dental issue and your preference.
In this day and age there is less stigma to wearing braces, however, many still regard straightening devices as geared toward children and teenagers.
With this in mind, a key feature of orthodontic devices currently on the market is discretion.
What types of braces are effective but subtle?
If you need braces but want to maintain a professional image at work, there are a couple of devices that may work around your lifestyle.
Invisalign
Invisalign has revolutionised teeth-straightening by replacing metal wires and ligatures of yesteryear with smooth, plastic aligner trays that straighten your teeth in a similar timeframe.
The Invisalign experience is described as, for the most part, pleasant and comfortable with few, if any, complications involved.
Invisalign works around your lifestyle, meaning you will not have to make any adjustments to your cleaning regimen, or avoid specific foods, because you wear braces.
Because the device comprises transparent aligners, people will not know that you are wearing them, which makes it ideal for wearing in public spaces such as work, university, hanging out with friends, or going on dates.
Lingual Braces
Invisalign may not be the most suitable aid for you if your dental issue is unique or severe. Fortunately, there are other devices available to you that are as hidden, one of them being lingual braces.
Lingual which means near or towards the tongue, which is where your braces sit. Behind your teeth and in front of your tongue. By placing the fixed metal here, it is hidden from plain sight.
This straightening device is highly effective because it is customised to fit the shape of your mouth.
Damon
If you do not mind wearing metal but are looking for something more functional than conventional orthodontic devices, you may find what you are looking for in Damon.
Damon straightening aids replace ligatures with slide mechanism, which makes adjusting your braces in St John’s Wood more convenient and less time consuming. And as long as you avoid brightly coloured bands, your device is less noticeable.
Learn more about the tooth-saving procedure: dental implants in St John’s Wood
Have you lost one or multiple teeth lately due to mouth trauma or as a result of years of neglect? While exploring your options for replacing your teeth, or tooth, add dental implants in St John’s Wood.
Losing teeth and not replacing them won’t just affect your confidence but your general lifestyle. Book a consultation with our experienced dental practitioner at Aura Dental to chat about dental implants in St John’s Wood.
Why should I choose dental implants in St John’s Wood?
Many people are dissuaded from using tooth implants because they cost more than dentures and bridges. While they are valued at a higher price, you must take into account what you are paying for.
So, what are implants? To answer this question, we must look at the anatomy of a tooth. Every tooth in your mouth has a root, which is part of the tooth below your gums, and the crown, which is the visible part.
Dental implants are tiny screws that replace your missing tooth at the root, which are inserted into your bone. Over time, we connect an abutment to the metal post and a prosthesis to the abutment.
What is the process of getting tooth implants?
Obtaining implants is a lengthy process that takes up to six months. There are two minor surgical procedures and a hefty recovery involved. However, if you are looking for a quick fix, implants are not for you.
Before the process can even begin, you must be deemed fit for the procedure, and unfortunately, not everyone is. To be considered a suitable candidate, you must have healthy gums and enough density and volume of bone in the area of your missing tooth.
You may need to undergo a root scale and panning if you have gingivitis, which is a disease of the gum, before your implant procedure can be administered.
If you have insufficient bone, you will need to undergo bone augmentation surgery, such as bone grafts which is the transplant of bone from other parts of your body to your mouth.
Undergoing surgeries like the one above can make implants possible. However, you will have to wait, and endure extensive recoveries, before you can flaunt your new tooth.
How do implants stay in your mouth?
Another reason why implants are popular is that they are firmly lodged into your bone and can only be removed by your dental practitioner.
The metal fuses with the surrounding tissue in a biological process called ‘osseointegration’. Osseointegration is the successful integration between bone and metal, which occurs because the body regards the metal (titanium), as part of the body.
Will you need to replace implants in the future?
With the proper care implants are a lifelong investment and because implants are securely lodged into your jaw, you will not have to worry about them slipping out at inopportune moments.
Subtly fix your crooked teeth with Invisalign in St John’s Wood
Straightening your teeth won’t just improve your confidence but has become crucial for obtaining excellent dental health and hygiene.
If you are on the fence about Invisalign in St John’s Wood and braces in general, knowing that straightening aids could fix your teeth issues permanently could be the push you need to begin your straightening journey today.
Visit our practice, Aura Dental, for a consultation and learn more about Invisalign in St John’s Wood, an invisible device that provides outstanding results.
Facts about Invisalign
Braces have been a wonderful invention that have created beautifully formed teeth for people not born with a desirable set of teeth.
That said, there are pitfalls to wearing braces, despite improvements being made to them since their inception.
Firstly, while the design of your wiring system on your braces is sleeker, it is still a noticeable device. Secondly, while you adjust to the wires that place pressure on your teeth with regular braces, they can cause you pain and discomfort. This can occur when you have your wires altered by your orthodontist during check-ups, or when wire rubs against your skin.
Invisalign in St John’s Wood is a nearly invisible device. Additionally, your treatment involves less pain. You may experience some discomfort at times, but cuts and abrasions will be a thing of the past because smooth plastic will cover your teeth.
Your journey to straighter teeth must not be regarded as a means to an end, but should be a generally comfortable and pleasant experience – which is something that you can expect from Invisalign in St John’s Wood.
How does Invisalign work?
The accuracy of invisible braces is, in part, thanks to the advanced technology we use in your treatment. Using 3-D digital imaging, we customise a treatment plan for you, which is highly accurate and closely fashions the results. This way, we can accurately show you how your teeth will look at the end of treatment.
During your check-ups, we will use our technology to monitor your progress closely. If ever you feel disheartened or unsure whether your teeth are improving, ask your dentist for a progress assessment.
On top of being able to track the gradual movement of your teeth, our high-tech scanners are advantageous for other reasons. Our scanners take thousands of images of your teeth per minute, removing the need for using moulding material to create your aligners.
Throughout your treatment, you will receive multiple aligner trays that are slightly different versions of each other, which will slowly pull your teeth into place.
What are the benefits of Invisalign in St John’s Wood?
One of the primary reasons people choose Invisalign is because the aligners you wear, which are made from high-quality plastic, are clear. This makes them invisible to the untrained eye.
Other surprising benefits include maintaining your current teeth-cleaning schedule and not having to worry about having spinach stuck in your teeth. Why? Because you can remove your brace when you need to.
When Should My Child Get Braces?
We have had a lot of enquiries recently from local parents in and around St Johns Wood asking about when and how to check whether their children are ready for braces.
Many parents realise their children have crooked or gappy teeth which will need braces at some point, but just not sure when the best time is to start the process.
Usually kids or young teens have braces once all their adult teeth have come out. The dentist can then correct any misalignment/crowding, gaps or bite issues with teeth that the child will have for life. Advances in technology mean there are more options for orthodontic treatment beyond just the ‘train tracks’ (fixed braces) we used to all know and hate. These days, brackets on teeth can be discreet or even more flamboyant with coloured bands. There are also removable aligners which are very convenient for eating and cleaning your teeth, but require discipline to ensure they are being worn for enough time every day so as to not prolong the overall treatment.
Early orthodontic treatment has the aim of preventing issues with the teeth or mouth from developing as the child grows up. These can include misaligned bite and crowded/crooked baby or adult teeth. In some cases early intervention can help avoid or minimise more complex treatment later on.
So what are some of the signs to look out for that will tell you if your child’s teeth or bite are not quite right?
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Difficulties chewing or biting into food
- Often biting into their cheek or tongue
If you see any of these with your child, it would be best to take them in to see the dentist. The dentist will be able to assess your child’s teeth, bite and overall oral condition and then advise you on the best course of action.
It is always best to get kids into a regular check up and hygiene routine at an early age so the dentist can spot changes to your child’s mouth that may cause problems later down the line.
At Aura Dental, our dentists will guide you and your child through the entire orthodontic journey. If you are worried or unsure about your child’s teeth, book in for a check up and chat with the dentist to explore the options available.
Dr Korosh Majidi is our resident kids orthodontic dentist. Korosh has extensive experience in kids and teens orthodontic treatment and strongly believes in finding the least invasive course of action for child and young adult cases.
You can read more information about kids orthodontics at https://www.auradentallondon.co.uk/kids-orthodontics.html
DDS DipDCSc MFDS LDS (Eng 2016) MFGDP Pg(Ortho)
GDC No. 108283
What are the signs you may need dental implants in St John’s Wood?
When it comes to repairing the damage inflicted on your teeth by your diet, injury, overzealous or poorly maintained oral health routine, our team may recommend you try implants to give your smile a makeover.
Sadly some patients still miss out on this confidence boosting and smile strengthening procedure, so that is why we’ve come up with a short list of a few reasons you may be better off with dental implants in St John’s Wood.
What are they?
Here is a little background information on this unique treatment.
Implants are basically porcelain or ceramic teeth that are inserted beneath your gum line and into your jawbone using an artificial tooth root. They are held in place with a small, solid titanium screw that is sterilised beforehand, in order to limit the spread of any bacteria whilst you are healing after the treatment.
Over time the bone in the implantation site should start to heal back over the screw, to provide a stable and sturdy platform for the new tooth to rest on and stop it from becoming loose or dislodged.
Cracked, broken or damaged teeth
One of the most common situations within which our dental implants in St John’s Wood are used is when there are cracked or badly damaged teeth. This type of damage can happen for a number of reasons, but it tends to happen more often in those with a lot of sports related hobbies or physical activities, as they are more prone to accidental damage or injury.
At Aura Dental our team will provide a quick and long lasting repair for any damaged or cracked teeth with an implant that has been professionally shaped and shaded, to provide you with a natural looking replacement.
Gap filled smile
Having a gap in your smile can take quite a toll on your self-confidence and make you a little less eager to smile in photographs, so filling out those spaces with an implant would be our recommendation.
Weakening of the surrounding teeth
Having damaged or missing teeth can, over time, start to negatively impact the surrounding teeth. This is because when we bite our jaws exert a certain amount of force that is normally spread evenly throughout our mouth. However when there are gaps or spaces caused by damage that pressure can start to build and build, to the point where the surrounding teeth can start to crack, flatten or wear down from all this weight.
To counter this our dentists would insert an implant into your gum line to essentially even out your smile and lessen the pressure being placed on your existing teeth. It can also help to prevent your remaining teeth from becoming loose, as it pins them in just like the previous occupant of their new home used to.
These are just a few reasons that might indicate you should stop by the practice for an appointment for implants. If you would like to learn more about how this treatment can help restore your smile or to schedule your own fitting, then just get in touch with our team at the practice.