Author: Aura Dental

Keep smiling with Invisalign in St John’s Wood

Thanks to modern orthodontics, a straighter smile is easier to attain now than ever, but not everyone is thrilled about the idea of wearing conventional braces.

invisalign-st-johns-woodWant to correct your smile without having to wear unattractive metal on your teeth? We always recommend Invisalign in St John’s Wood to our shy patients who do not wish to draw attention to themselves or for adults who think wearing metal braces at their age is inappropriate.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

We are Aura Dental, a reputable dental practice located in the heart of London. We offer a wide range of procedures to treat various problems, but we are particularly enthused about Invisalign in St John’s Wood, a groundbreaking treatment in the field of orthodontics.

What makes Invisalign in St John’s Wood different from traditional straightening aids?

Invisalign or invisible braces comprise of transparent custom-fitted braces that can be removed to eat and brush your teeth.

The device is appealing because it is virtually unnoticeable in your mouth, so you can wear it in public, to work and around friends without anybody knowing.

How can these invisible braces work without a functional wiring system?

Standard methods of straightening teeth use archwires, ligatures and metal brackets to pull your teeth into place. The same amount of pressure is placed on your teeth at once and your teeth slowly move into position over a period of one to two years or longer.

On the other hand with Invisalign, your teeth are moved incrementally using multiple aligner trays which must be replaced every two weeks for the treatment to be effective.

Advanced technology is also used to monitor your progress, right from the start of your journey with us. We use Clincheck, a 3D imaging technology which shows us whether your teeth are moving correctly and also gives us – and you – an accurate prediction of how your teeth should look post-treatment.

By knowing what the results will be of your treatment, you are more likely to stay motivated and remain disciplined in consistently wearing your aligner for eighteen months to two years.

What are some benefits of Invisalign?

Apart from being invisible, and an efficient straightening aid, there are other advantages of becoming an Invisalign user. For one thing, you will not have to worry about ulcers and mouth sores developing, as can happen when metal braces rub against the skin, which can be uncomfortable and painful.

The smooth plastic of Invisalign aligner trays will not result in you nursing unpleasant mouth injuries.

The detachable nature of invisible braces means you can take them out whenever you want to, but it is better to keep them in for twenty-two hours per day. You can remove the device before you brush your teeth, allowing for you to remove bacteria and leftover food in those hard-to-reach spaces.

In this way, your oral health is not compromised by your straightening aid. The same cannot be said for metal braces, which make cleaning teeth more of a challenge where plaque easily accumulates if you are not careful.

It is never too late and you are never too old to have your teeth straightened. Interested? Call us today at Aura Dental.

The difference between dental implants and dentures

When looking at your options, you may have been given several choices regarding replacing your teeth and are perhaps confused about the terminology that is frequently going around.

We wanted to take this opportunity to offer some insight into what options are available and why some treatment plans are recommended to you over others. It is good practice to always be informed of all of the available options that you have, so that you can make an informed decision as to what you believe is the right course of action for you to take.

dental-implantsBy highlighting the advantages and potential risks of every different treatment, our dentists at Aura Dental are gifting to you their many years of experience and training so that you can make the best possible decision.

Sometimes, you can feel cornered and confused, unable to take an option that seems right for you due to cost or other factors. By speaking with our compassionate, friendly and non judgemental staff, we can work through these concerns and reach an understanding whereby you are happy and at peace with your decision.

Dental implants in St. John’s Wood can be expensive. This is because they are not often covered by insurance or the NHS and therefore need to be paid for out of your pocket. We have considerate and favourable finance plans that allow you to achieve the health goals that are important to you. We will be happy to go through these with you when you come in to speak with us.

Dentures are an affordable option, but come with some drawbacks that might leave you feeling like your quality of life has been diminished. You may find eating certain foods to be difficult, if not impossible and over time you can lose confidence in your ability to laugh and talk without losing your teeth.

Thankfully, you can rectify this concern with dental implants in St. John’s Wood. The all-on-four treatment system enables you to securely attach your dentures onto four titanium rods placed strategically around your mouth for optimal support and comfort.

These titanium rods fuse with your jawbone and create a very long lasting and strong support system for your dentures to be attached to. They can be clipped into place and removed again for cleaning at your own convenience.

Dental implants in St. John’s Wood can give you back your confidence in your smile whilst maintaining jawbone health and strength. We strongly believe that for those people who do not want to feel inhibited by their smile but rather liberated by it, they should look into this procedure in depth to see if it is right for them.

How long does the treatment take?

Depending on whether you need to have some treatments performed initially to ready your jawbone for the insertion of the titanium rods, this treatment can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. However, ‘same day teeth’ is a common term used for this treatment because you can have the four rods inserted and a temporary denture plate placed into position on a single day, giving you a brand new smile in a single appointment.

A lot of this time is given to allowing correct fusion between the implant and bone, and this is monitored over several months to ensure that everything is going to plan.

Endless options of braces are now available

Gone are the days where traditional braces in St. John’s Wood were the only teeth straightening devices available to both teenagers and adults who were looking to correct their smile and enjoy a healthier mouth.

bracesNow, thanks to the continual advances in technology, we are able to provide you with a range of options that can meet your expectations and blend in with your lifestyle choices to match. We understand that many people are hesitant to bring about this positive change in their lives, because of the potential effect that the journey will have on their working or social lives.

In response to this, we have produced a number of braces in St. John’s Wood that are fast acting, clear, removable or even invisible, meaning that if any concerns are overwhelming your decision to improve the health and appearance of your smile, then we may have a solution for you.

What are the benefits of straight teeth?

When you have committed to beginning your journey to a healthier mouth with braces in St. John’s Wood, or if you are still considering the advantages and potential disadvantages that you are faced with, it is good to know why having straight teeth is so important.

Crooked teeth are not only unconsciously judged by others in society, leading people to believe you are less trustworthy, successful and intelligent, but they can also stunt your confidence in yourself.

Aside from social conditioning, an incorrect bite and crooked teeth can cause biting and chewing issues, impair speech, leave you more susceptible to injury during a fall or an accident and can even cause bad breath.

Bad bacteria can build up in hard to reach places between tight spaces and where teeth crossover. This bacteria is one of the leading causes of bad breath and can also accelerate enamel erosion and cause cavities. By straightening your teeth, you are giving yourself and your dentist a better chance at maintaining an appropriate level of oral hygiene.

What kinds of devices are available?

Traditional models consisting of wires and brackets are still in frequent use, although they have been modified to be more efficient, meaning that the average length of time that you may need to wear them has been reduced.

More modern removable devices are extensively used and work to great effect on those who have mild to moderate misalignments. Also 3D scanning technology has allowed clear, removable devices to be easier than ever to create and we are able to show you how your teeth will transform using visual aids.

These 3D scans can digitally pinpoint the correct positioning of each tooth and calculate when  the optimal time to move each tooth is by certain degrees, to provide the best results in the shortest amount of time.

It is just one of the ways that technology is advancing and improving the methods that dentists have traditionally used to alter your smile for the better.

It is an immensely exciting time to be able to enhance your smile quickly and effectively. By speaking with one of our team members today about what options are available to you, you can see for yourself the diverse range of treatment plans that we have on offer.

What is the dental implant process?

The procedure for dental implants in St. John’s Wood consists of several steps which result in a fully functional and extremely natural looking smile that you can enjoy for a very long time. This almost permanent procedure is able to last many patients practically a lifetime given that they maintain appropriate care of their oral health.

Dental Implants in St Johns WoodIf you are interested in dental implants in St. John’s Wood and would like to speak with a dentist at Aura Dental about how they can improve your life, then we warmly urge you to get in touch so that we can begin the journey towards a healthier and happier you.

If you have lost a tooth, several teeth or have just heard of denture stabilisation using dental implants in St John’s Wood, then this treatment can be tailor made to suit your individual needs and desires. We are able to create a single crown, a bridge or attach dentures to these titanium rods in any way that is best suited for your smile, to provide maximum comfort with minimal healing time.

It really depends on your personal situation and what your smile goals are as to how we will proceed together. The beauty of this treatment is that there are many avenues that we can take to ensure the best possible chances of success and your satisfaction.

Take me through the process

At an initial consultation, we will determine whether you are suitable for this treatment plan. Your medical history and your current state of health will be taken into account, as those with underlying medical and dental conditions may need to control these before continuing with the procedure.

We will then take a series of scans to establish whether you have sufficient bone density in your jawbone to be able to support the titanium rod. If you have worn dentures for an extended period of time and have found that they have begun to slip and frequently fall out, you may be experiencing a natural loss of bone in the jaw.

We are able to insert a small piece of human, animal or synthetic bone into your jaw for an implant to be attached to. If you do not have sufficient bone density to immediately undergo the implant treatment, you can rest assured knowing that we are able to perform this bone graft to set you on your way.

The minor surgical procedure that takes place for the implant involves a small titanium rod to be placed directly into the jawbone. Here it fuses with bone and surrounding tissue to create a permanent and stable site for your crown, bridge or denture to be firmly secured to.

After a period of time to allow your body to heal, we can create a natural looking tooth or teeth that can be permanently placed onto the titanium rod to give you back your smile again.

These false teeth look and feel as real as your original teeth and you can bite and chew without concern. It is with this attention to detail that we have found our patients to be so satisfied with the final results. We are very pleased to be able to offer you this treatment and hope that it can change your life for the better.

When you need braces

Either you have finally found the motivation and desire to correct your misaligned teeth and bite, in order to have that confident and beautiful smile that you deserve, or you have been informed by your dentist that it is important at this stage in your life to wear a corrective aligner. Whatever your personal situation, you have begun a journey that many before you have undertaken and one that is full of positive growth, change and sometimes trying moments. We at our practice are very happy to support anyone ready to embark on this procedure.

Braces in St Johns WoodSome people are excited to bring about this chapter in their lives. Having Braces in St. John’s Wood means that after several months they will have a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile that can improve their confidence among numerous other health benefits.

Others may be apprehensive, disappointed or anxious about their impending journey. Fear of the unknown is completely natural and braces in St. John’s Wood unfortunately still hold a stigma that is entirely unwarranted in this modern age.

There are many options available that were not even thought of in previous decades. Invisible, removable aligners are now commonly used for mild to moderate misalignments and the speed with which all braces in St. John’s Wood are working is much faster than that of decades ago.

How is this possible?

Thanks to continual and progressive advancements in research and technology, dentists and researchers have been able to develop new and improved methods to streamline the teeth straightening process for those who simply need cosmetic alignments made to their teeth.

For those with more complex cases, traditional methods are still proving to be the most suitable method, however these styles too have experienced a makeover and are now available in many different materials and are more efficient.

One teeth straightening treatment has progressed in popularity so much that several sub-designs have been created to suit popular niches that are frequently presented in dental practices. We are of course talking about Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

These teeth straightening aligners are both clear and removable, which has targeted some of the biggest concerns that both teenagers and adults have when they are to begin their teeth straightening journey.

Most of us feel that we will be judged on our appearance whilst straightening our teeth, subjecting ourselves to potential workplace discrimination or bullying from our peers.

By wearing a clear, plastic tray that effectively works by pushing teeth into their correct position over time, rather than pulling them straight like traditional aligners do, nobody needs to know that you are straightening your teeth at all.

It is important that you follow the guidelines laid out to you by your dentist at Aura Dental strictly if you are wishing to see results. This means that even though you are given the freedom to remove your aligners at any time, if you do not wear them for a minimum of 20 hours every day, then they may not work as well as expected.

This freedom lets you eat the foods you love without having to worry about bits getting stuck in wires or having to follow a lengthy cleaning procedure. You are also free to remove your aligners for a photograph or for a sporting event, meaning that you are still in control of your life and how you want to live it.

Are plaque removal tools safe to use at home?

By Maya Samuel

You may have recently seen specialised plaque removal tools on sale for the general public to purchase on social media. These tools are known as scalers and are used by dental hygienists to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth during a hygiene visit. A hygienist will gently clean around your teeth and under your gum-line to ensure they are free from bacteria and calculus whilst giving you advice on how to maintain good oral health at home. Sometimes deeper cleaning is required where the hygienist will clean the root surfaces of your teeth.

The tools they use can be very sharp and if used improperly, can damage your teeth and gums and although widely available, they are not recommended by dental professionals for patients to use themselves at home. As these tools are sharp and gum tissue is very delicate, it is easy to cause trauma. Trauma can result in gum recession which in turn increases your risk of developing sensitivity and tooth decay as the root surface is softer than enamel. You may also cause trauma to other soft tissues such as your cheeks and tongue. Finally, you may cause damage to your enamel which is irreversible and as a result, stains will pick up faster. If you require deeper root surface cleaning, then this will be very difficult and dangerous to carry out on yourself.

Hygienists are required to undergo a minimum of 2 years’ worth of training at university to learn how to use these tools effectively and most importantly, safely. Removing plaque is extremely important in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, however there are other ways of doing this. Remembering to brush twice a day using the correct technique for a minimum of 2 minutes at a time. Ensuring you are using a soft toothbrush head, a fluoridated toothpaste and using some form of interdental aid e.g. floss or interdental brushes at least once a day to ensure optimal oral health.

If you are concerned about the presence of plaque in your mouth, please visit your dentist or hygienist to have a full mouth assessment and if necessary, treatment carried out by a qualified dental hygienist.

Getting dental implants is like getting your original teeth back

Many people panic when they lose a tooth because they feel that there is nothing that they can do about it. Some will go for years with a gap in their teeth, feeling frustrated or disheartened every time they open their mouth to smile. At Aura Dental we understand how upsetting it can be to lose a tooth and have a range of treatments on hand to restore your smile completely and leave you feeling confident and proud about it.

Dental Implants in St Johns WoodMaking the decision to get dental implants in St John’s Wood will be amongst the wisest decisions you have ever made. Permanently fixed into your mouth, these replacement teeth will feel and look exactly like your original ones did. There is no need to worry about encountering embarrassing situations where your false teeth come loose or fall out, and you can eat and chew whatever you like when you go out for dinner. There are no restrictions when it comes to tooth implants, and they will make you look and feel years younger.

What treatments are available at our practice?

You will most likely know at your consultation appointment what kind of treatments you are going to need, to go alongside your dental implants in St John’s Wood. If you have a single tooth missing, then it is more than likely that a crown will be used to close the gap in your teeth and give you the appearance of having a full set of teeth again.

Sometimes a partial denture will be attached if you are missing a few teeth in a row. These are common when someone has had several teeth knocked out in an accident. A full denture is also available for those of our patients that need full sets of teeth replacing. Several of our patients decided to upgrade their removable dentures to this more permanent solution too.

Whilst you will need to have one implant fitted if you are having a crown, you may not need one per tooth if you are having a whole set of teeth replaced. Your dental practitioner will be able to discuss this with you at your initial consultation.

Taking care of your artificial teeth

It is vitally important that after you get your dental implants in St John’s Wood you take proper care of them. They can be cleaned and brushed the same as your original teeth were, as long as this was twice a day and thoroughly. The better care you take of your new teeth the longer they will last you. In some cases, this can be up to twenty years or even for the rest of your life.

Brushing your teeth properly will help prevent gum disease and other problems from occurring too, and it is important to do what you can to maintain a good level of general health. If your crowns, dentures or bridges become damaged or simply need replacing, this can be done easily without interfering with your implant. If you notice that one of your artificial teeth appears damaged, then it is recommended that you book an appointment to see one of our dental practitioners as soon as possible to prevent the situation from getting worse. We will be able to provide you with the correct treatment and explain exactly what has happened to your tooth or teeth.

Could Invisalign braces be what you have been waiting for?

Whether you have overlapping, crooked teeth or several gaps between them, getting braces in St John’s Wood could resolve your issues and straighten your smile. Many people are not aware of the different types of appliances that are now available. Adults sometimes avoid getting treatment because they feel too old or too self-conscious. We believe that it is never too late to improve your smile, and there are new types of appliances available that are more suitable for the adult lifestyle.

Braces in St Johns WoodAt Aura Dental we offer Invisalign, a type of appliance that is discreet and convenient as well as efficient when it comes to perfecting your smile. Modern dentistry has allowed treatments to become more advanced, and Invisalign reflects this. If you want to find out more about how Invisalign could help you then book a consultation at our practice and speak to one of our highly trained professionals. They will be able to answer any questions that arise and fully explain the ins and outs of the treatment, including aftercare.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an almost invisible appliance that works by gradually moving your teeth into new straighter positions. The aligners are made of a strong, durable plastic and they fit comfortably over the top of your teeth. If you want to get braces in St John’s Wood, the first step is booking a consultation appointment. At this appointment you will have images of your teeth taken. From this, your custom-made aligners will be produced, as 3D computer technology is able to show how your teeth will move at each stage and what shape your aligners will need to be.

The aligners are removable, which not only means that it is easy to keep them clean, but you can eat and brush your teeth with ease as well. You need to wear your aligners for at least twenty-two hours each day, so this means keeping them in at night too.

How does it work?

Invisalign braces in St John’s Wood works by slowly moving your teeth into new positions. You will receive several sets of aligners, and you will be expected to wear each set for around two weeks. How many sets you have in total will depend on how much your teeth need to move, but our dental practitioners will be able to inform you of this early on.

You will need to ensure that you use the aligners in the right order as you do not need to come to our practice every time you are moving on to a new set. You will be expected to visit us for check-up appointments every six to eight weeks. This is so we can make sure that the treatment is working properly and that you are not experiencing any problems.

After you have worn your final set of aligners your teeth will be in their straightened position. More often than not, you will be given a retainer to wear for a minimum of six months after you have finished your treatment, but some patients will need to wear their retainers for the rest of their life so that their teeth do not return to their original positions.

Are you thinking about getting dental implants?

If you are left feeling low every time you look in the mirror because you are missing teeth, then dental implants in St John’s Wood may be able to relieve you of your stress. At Aura Dental we think that everybody deserves to have a complete smile that they are proud of, and whether you are missing one tooth or several, we are there to support you and get your smile back to how it should be.

Dental Implants in St Johns WoodAn implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into your jawbone. From here, our dental practitioners will be able to attach the desired appliance, boosting the aesthetics of your smile instantly. This treatment offers a more permanent solution to replacing your teeth. Patients with removable dentures often choose to upgrade to this more permanent option, as it gives you the opportunity to feel like you have your original teeth back once again.

What problems can this treatment resolve?

Getting dental implants in St John’s Wood can solve most of our patients’ missing teeth quandaries, whether you need just the one replacing or several. A lot of people lose a singular tooth within their lifetime, and this can knock your confidence dramatically. Having a simple tooth implant will enable you to have a crown fitted, completely closing the gap that was once there and restoring your smile to its former glory.

Other patients may be experiencing more severe issues. Some people will not have any teeth at all, but with this treatment you can have a full set of teeth that look and feel exactly like your original ones. If you are having every tooth replaced, you will not necessarily need to have an implant per tooth. One will be capable of supporting at least two artificial teeth, but this is something that your dentist will be able to discuss with you at your consultation appointment.

If you are missing a few teeth in a row this could not only affect your smile but your ability to chew as well. This can make eating in public extremely difficult, and some people will refuse to do so. This can have an impact on your social life without you even realising it. However, having a partial denture fitted to your implants will restore the confidence and strength that you once had, and you will not have to worry about having to chew on the other side anymore.

How long will your replacement teeth last?

If you are getting dental implants in St John’s Wood, then they could potentially last you for the rest of your life. Generally, it is said that they last up to twenty years if you take care of them properly, but this will vary between patients. It is important to take care of your artificial teeth to prevent decay and gum disease from occurring too. These can both cause more extensive problems, especially when gone unnoticed or left untreated.

If you are worrying about the condition of the appliance that you have had fitted, then relax, as it is easy to replace your crown, bridge or denture without affecting your implant at all. Thorough teeth cleaning and regular check-ups will help you to keep your replacement teeth in good condition, and our dental practitioners will be able to recognise if you are developing any problems. Addressing any issues as soon as they arise will ensure that your condition does not get worse and reduce the length of time it takes to deal with the problem.

Braces are not just for crooked teeth

When people think of braces in St John’s Wood they often think of a non-removable metal appliance that is fixed onto the surface of your teeth, purely in an attempt to straighten them. At Aura Dental we have a vast range of appliances available that can not only straighten your teeth but resolve several other dental predicaments too. We can align your jaw, close your gaps, and even straighten your teeth with appliances that are barely noticeable.

Braces in St Johns WoodIf you are unsatisfied with the condition that your teeth are in or frustrated with not having a straight smile, it is a good idea to book a consultation appointment with one of our professionals. They will be able to inform you about all the options that are available to you,  and suggest which methods are most suited to your lifestyle and situation.

What types of problems can we solve?

Braces in St John’s Wood can correct most of your orthodontic problems these days. Some of our patients have crooked, overlapping teeth that need to be pulled back into straighter positions. Occasionally these issues can be caused by overcrowding, and a tooth may need to be taken out before the straightening process begins. This is to make sure that your teeth have enough room to move into their new positions without causing further damage to your mouth.

Having gaps between your teeth can leave you feeling more than just unsatisfied. If you have gaps between your front teeth this can leave you feeling self-conscious when you smile, and at Aura Dental we think that everybody is entitled to smile with confidence. It is easy to close these gaps, giving you a more solid, fuller smile to show off.

Sometimes patients will need to have their jaw realigned. This involves wearing a different type of appliance that pushes or pulls your jaw into its correct position. This treatment is sometimes required before you undergo a more generic straightening procedure to make sure that the jaw is in the right place.

Invisalign

Getting braces in St John’s Wood is becoming more popular amongst adults since the introduction of Invisalign. This is an almost invisible appliance that you must wear for twenty-two hours of the day. Easily removable, it fits snugly over your teeth as a retainer would, but you will be given multiple sets of aligners that need to be worn in a specific order. They work by gradually straightening your teeth a little bit more each time you wear a new set.

Unlike other types of appliances, it is easily removable, enabling you to brush your teeth with ease and keep your aligners clean too. Eating is made easier with this method of teeth straightening, as all you need to do is pop your aligners out before lunch. Just make sure that you do not forget to put them back in afterwards.

How long this type of treatment takes will depend upon the condition of your teeth and how many sets of aligners you must wear. Each set must be worn for around two weeks at a time, but this can vary from patient to patient. When you have worn your final set of aligners your teeth will be completely straight, but you will need to wear a retainer for at least six months after your treatment has been completed to ensure that your teeth do not return to their former crooked positions.