Author: Aura Dental
Eat what you like and get straighter teeth
One of the problems with wearing fixed braces is eating. Food gets stuck between the brackets and your teeth and it can sometimes take a while to remove it. Sometimes people have to avoid particular foods for the duration of their treatment, which, if it goes on for a year or more, can be a real hassle. Not only do you find yourself limited in your choices when going out to eat, but it can make you seem difficult when visiting friends for dinner.
This is one of the reasons why people choosing braces in St John’s Wood often go for Invisalign at Aura Dental. Invisalign is not like the traditional bracket and wire systems that we tend to associate with getting our teeth straightened. This process is done using a series of aligners, which are like very thin clear plastic gumshields. They slip over the teeth and hug them so snugly that they are more or less invisible to the untrained eye.
What will it be like?
Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed when you eat. When you choose these braces in St John’s Wood, you have to take them out for every meal or snack, and indeed for every drink that is not plain water. This means that they cannot get in the way of your food, or increase your chances of decay by trapping food against your teeth.
You just take out the aligners, eat your food and then pop them back in again. You need to wear these aligners for at least 22 hours a day if you are to stay on schedule with your treatment with braces in St John’s Wood. The plus side of this that people have discovered is that it pretty much cuts out that kind of mindless snacking that it is so easy to indulge in at your workstation, as well as endless soft drinks or sugar-laden coffees. The result is a happy side effect of weight loss, even if you are able to eat whatever you like at official meal times.
If you think Invisalign would be the right option for braces in St John’s Wood for you, why not make an appointment for a free consultation at Aura Dental.
Keep the structure of your face
The trouble with losing your teeth is that after a while you lose your face as well. Have you ever noticed how people who have lost their teeth seem to also have strangely thin, pointy jaws and a collapsed look to their cheeks? It’s not just that they no longer have the teeth to hold their cheeks in place, it is that their faces have actually changed shape, with the lower part, the jaw, becoming much smaller than before.
At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, dental implants are the solution to the problem of a shrinking jawbone brought on by losing your teeth. This is because dental implants replace the whole of the tooth and not just the crown. Having the root replaced is the key to maintaining the structure of your lower face. This is because the hundreds of tiny clashes that the teeth make during the day transmit vibrations into the roots and these vibrations send a message to the jawbone that it is still in use. Without the stimulus of these vibrations, the bone cells do not renew themselves. Even worse, the bone actively dissolves itself. This happens very quickly and you can lose as much as 25% in a very short period of time.
How does it work?
In St John’s Wood, dental implants are tooth root replacements that are inserted by your Aura Dental dentist into channels drilled into the jawbone. This minor surgery takes place under local anaesthetic, but you can also have sedation if you feel anxious about undergoing this surgery.
It takes a good few weeks for the titanium implant to heal into the jawbone, but as it does, titanium’s unique properties make your jaw bone grow around and into the implant as it would with the real, natural tooth. Once this process is complete, the implant is rooted into the jawbone as firmly as if it was a real tooth. Once the custom-made porcelain crown has been fitted, your implant will send the signals that your jawbone needs to keep renewing itself, and will continue to maintain the integrity of your facial structure for the rest of your life.
If you want to find out more about dental implants in St John’s Wood, why not call to arrange a consultation?
Happier and Healthier Smiles with Invisalign and Six Months Smiles
Crooked teeth can diminish your appearance and can also detract from the health of your mouth as they have gaps in which plaque can accumulate. Crooked teeth can also drift, due to lack of stability. If you are tired of wondering how you look when you smile or feeling self-conscious when you talk, then you might like to consider braces. St John’s Wood is home to Aura Dental, where we offer a range of discreet braces so that you can benefit from straighter teeth without the inconvenience or unsightly appearance of metal braces.
A more discreet option
Most adults do not want to have to worry about whether people can see their braces while they have their teeth straightened. Luckily, you no longer have to, as modern methods are faster, more comfortable and less obtrusive than ever before. We offer braces in St John’s Wood that give you the smile you dream of without affecting your everyday life. The Invisalign system uses a series of almost invisible clear plastic trays, which are individually made to fit your mouth. They are changed every two weeks and removeable for eating and cleaning. The Inman aligner is also clear, but contains nickel titanium coil springs and bows. These create gentle forces that guide your teeth into the correct position. The aligners are removeable, but if you wear them for 16-20 hours per day, you can expect to have a great new smile in 6-18 weeks.
George Angelidakis
Dentist
George was born in Greece and qualified as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 2011. After graduating, he gained experience working as the Dental Officer of the Greek Military Dental Clinic in the demanding Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry Departments.
To master his skills and knowledge in Aesthetic Dentistry, George moved to New York City and completed a full time Advanced Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Dentistry at the renowned New York University.
He is a certified Invisalign, Inman Aligner and Cfast Clear Braces provider.
Using his combined knowledge and a comprehensive approach, he has gained an excellent reputation in “Designing Enhanced Smiles” for those inspired to change their look or cosmetic dental appearance.
Get the results you want, fast.
Another popular option for patients who have had braces in St John’s Wood is the Six Month Smiles technique, which uses very discreet clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires. It works on the front six teeth, which are the ones most visible when you smile. Although it cannot correct serious misalignments, it works rapidly to improve your appearance. CFast braces also act quickly and can improve the alignment of the front teeth in the top and bottom jaws as well as rounding out the arches, in as little as six months.
Jose Cerqueira Marinho Da Silva
Dentist
Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry in 2011 after initially completing a degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Manchester in 2006.
He has undertaken extensive postgraduate training including a world renowned one year cosmetic dentistry & aesthetic restorative dentistry course and is a certified practitioner in Invisalign, Six-Month Smiles (clear braces), Inman Aligner and Fastbraces®. He also prides himself in providing facial rejuvenation procedures to his patients including botox and dermal fillers.
Invest in your smile and oral health and talk to us today about having braces in St John’s Wood.
Dental implants can improve your appearance, self-esteem and quality of life.
Are missing teeth creating problems?
Missing teeth can diminish your confidence, and can make you feel self-conscious in social situations, due to their effect on your appearance. They can also affect your speech and restrict the range of foods you can eat. Removeable dentures can be unsatisfactory, and people worry about them coming loose or about discomfort where they rub. If you would like to live your life without thinking about denture glue, how your smile looks and what food you can eat, then you could consider having dental implants. St John’s Wood is the home of Aura Dental and we are proud of our experience of fitting implants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLBUEKccyrA
What should I expect?
The first stage of having dental implants in St John’s Wood is a consultation during which we find out what you would like to achieve. We also check your underlying oral health and take detailed information including photographs, accurate measurements, scans and x-rays. The implants are small metal screws that are placed into the jaw during a minor operation. When they are secure, they form a base for single replacement teeth, a bridge or fixed denture. They do require the same high levels of care that natural teeth do but, if looked after properly, are a stable, lasting solution to missing teeth.
George Angelidakis
Dentist
George enjoys all aspects of dentistry with a special interest in Aesthetic Restorative Dentistry, Dental Implants, Cosmetic Clear Orthodontics and Facial Aesthetics, including Botox Anti-Wrinkle Injections and dermal fillers, to help his patients achieve a more youthful appearance and boost their self confidence.
He is a certified Invisalign, Inman Aligner and Cfast Clear Braces provider.
Using his combined knowledge and a comprehensive approach, he has gained an excellent reputation in “Designing Enhanced Smiles” for those inspired to change their look or cosmetic dental appearance.
Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, European Academy of Osseointegration and Faculty of General Dental Practice(UK).
Apart from Dentistry George enjoys traveling, watching movies and playing sports.
What are the advantages?
When you choose dental implants in St John’s Wood, you will benefit from having fully functioning teeth again. This not only improves how you look, it also means that your mouth works properly so you can eat a full range of food again. A further benefit is improved structure of the tissues of your jaw. This is because dental implants act in the same way as natural tooth roots. So, when you bite and chew, the pressure exerted stimulates the bone and blood vessels of the jaw. This strengthens them and prevents the reabsorption and degeneration that can happen when there are gaps or other tooth replacements, such as dentures, are used. Having dental implants in St John’s Wood is a lasting investment in your health and appearance.
We look forward to discussing how we can help you with dental implants in St John’s Wood.
Straight up, the low down on braces in St John’s Wood
If you could change one thing about your smile, what would it be? Let me guess. Straighter teeth? This is the answer that most people give.
The reason for this is that most people do not naturally have straight teeth. That didn’t used to matter as much as it does these days. It’s a chicken and egg situation, which came first, the improvements in braces or the societal emphasis on straight teeth?
We may never know, but the good news is that whichever it is, At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, braces come in a choice of systems, and there’s one on offer that’s perfect for you.
Your options
Let’s take a quick look at what each system has to offer:
Invisalign – If you’d rather not wear brackets and wires, you can opt for these invisible aligners. These are custom-made, tight-fitting plastic trays that slip over your teeth like a mouth guard, only they are so thin you can hardly see them. You wear a series of them, each for 2 weeks. Each one gradually shifts your teeth towards their desired position. The other big plus with aligners is that they are removable, making it easier to eat and to keep your teeth and straightening equipment free from food.
Six Month Smiles – This is a fixed bracket and wire system, with the added plus of using clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires that are barely visible. As the name suggests, this braces system can realign teeth in an average of 6 months.
Cfast – This is another system that uses barely noticeable clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires fixed to the front surface of the teeth. Cfast is designed to make simple corrections to the front 6 teeth on the upper and lower jaws. These are the teeth that get seen in most day to day situations. They are known as the ‘social six’.
Inman Aligner – This braces system is designed to realign the front teeth only. It is a removable appliance so that you can take it out for eating and cleaning. Worn as prescribed, it can straighten up your teeth in only 6 to 18 weeks.
To find out about braces in St John’s Wood, why not pop in for a consultation?
Who is suitable for dental implants?
In St John’s Wood, dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for patients who have lost one or more teeth and need effective restoration of their smiles and oral health. Dental implants are suitable for most adults who have good general oral health. They are however not suitable for children.
If you have dental implant treatment, it is important to realise that bad habits, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can increase the number of problems associated with the healing of your dental implants. Some dentists will decline to place dental implants if smoking cannot be reduced or given even up altogether.
When you come to see us at Aura Dental to discuss your dental implants in St John’s Wood, we will need to be aware of any ongoing dental problems you have. The cause of these problems will need to be thoroughly examined before any treatment can occur. If you have a history of gum disease or diabetes, then you may have a higher likelihood of encountering problems with your dental implants. Reduced jawbone density can also make your dental implants in St John’s Wood more complicated, but it is still possible with the help of additional treatments.
Bone graft or sinus lift
If your jawbone density is low, you may require an additional procedure that is available here at Aura Dental. This can come in the form of a bone graft or a sinus lift. This helps rebuild the jawbone so it is strong enough to hold your dental implants.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants hold your teeth in place to an extent only matched by natural teeth. The implant is a titanium screw that is directly placed into your jawbone. It fuses with your bone over a period of time – this process can take up to 6 months to complete. Then permanent new teeth will be attached to abutments on top of your implants. These can come in the form of a single crown, a bridge or even dentures.
The benefits
Once your dental implant treatment is complete you can enjoy a full range of foods again, smile with confidence and rest assured that your oral health is improved.
Braces: which system is right for you?
Dentistry has benefitted hugely from research and development in many areas over the past 2 or 3 decades, making it possible for all of us to have the smile we have always wanted. One area of dentistry that may have advanced more than any other is that of teeth straightening, where the focus is on creating aligned teeth and bite. Time was, if you wanted braces in St John’s Wood, you’d undergo 2 or 3 years of heavy duty metal brackets and wires that could cut into your cheeks and make your teeth ache, as well as restrict your diet and impair your speech. No wonder no one but adolescents was seen in them, what person with freedom of choice would put themselves through that.
However, these days, there are many kinds of braces on offer, each designed to tackle a different problem and to blend with different lifestyle needs. At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, braces come in several forms to give you the freedom of choice, although we will recommend a system to best suit your needs.
Invisalign
This system uses clear aligners that look like transparent gum shields. The aligners are changed every 2 weeks. You can remove them to clean your teeth and eat, but you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day for them to align your teeth on schedule. Their smooth plastic means no cut cheeks or mouth sores, and it is so thin that no one can see you are wearing them.
Inman Aligner
This aligner is a cross between invisible and metal braces. It relies on coil springs that power 2 metal aligner bows that gently oppose each other, guiding the teeth into their new positions. This system is often quicker than Invisalign, taking between 6 and 16 weeks. Also, only one appliance is required for the entire treatment, making it more affordable. The Inman Aligner is designed to move the front teeth only.
Six Month Smiles
This uses tooth-coloured brackets and wires to move the front 6 social teeth, the ones you see when you smile. Treatments are completed in as little as 6 months.
To find out more about braces in St John’s Wood, why not pop in for a consultation?
Dreading the dentist and desperate for dental implants?
Do you break out in a sweat at the prospect of lying back in the dentist’s chair, gazing up at the ceiling and seeing those purple-gloved hands plunging over your mouth? Does the whine of even a benign polisher make you feel anxious? Never fear, you are not alone. Being scared of the dentist, dentophobia, is not only real, it’s a phobia that affects between 7–13% of the population.
If dentophobia has stopped you coming to the dentist for years, you may now be in danger of losing, or have already lost, some teeth, and want to have them replaced with dental implants in St John’s Wood.
There are different triggers for dentophobia. Maybe it’s the sight of a needle, the fear of being told off by an authority figure, or the dreaded sight and sound of the dentist’s drill. Maybe it’s the thought of experiencing pain, the idea of not being able to feel your face, or the worry of the anaesthetic not working properly. Or perhaps it’s just the plain fear of finding yourself having to pay a large and unexpected bill.
Getting dental implants with us
Here in St John’s Wood, dental implants have been transforming lives, but having them fitted means you have to undergo oral surgery to place titanium posts with internal screws into the jawbone. It means the dentist’s chair and the drill. It also means being able to eat what you like for the rest of your life, once the artificial teeth have been permanently attached to these implants.
The idea of this may be too much for you, but the good news is that although in St John’s Wood, dental implants are normally fitted under local anaesthetic, at Aura Dental we have been specially trained to offer scared and anxious patients the right environment and care in which to be able to relax and enjoy a positive dental experience.
You can opt for sedation, either oral or intravenous, along with the local anaesthetic. You will then be able to fully relax during your treatment. If you go for intravenous sedation you may not even be able to remember most of it. Whichever you choose, we will take care of you and make sure that you too have a transformed life with dental implants.
First impressions count
If you are a fan of the many talent shows on TV, you will know how much first impressions count. Remember when Susan Boyle came onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage back in 2009? Everyone wrote her off before she’d even opened her mouth to reveal she had the voice of several angels. She went on to become a major star, and to have quite a visual makeover, but even so her looks have deprived her of being taken seriously by many.
Visual information, collected almost subconsciously, can permanently influence our opinion of another person, especially in situations such as dating and job interviews. If we don’t smile, people can easily assume that we are miserable or unfriendly, whereas the real reason may be because we are ashamed of our wonky teeth.
Of course, by the time we are adults, many of us are unwilling to have visible teeth straightening devices that will attract unwanted attention. This is why we offer clear braces in St John’s Wood at Aura Dental.
The clear braces revolution
Invisalign is an innovative kind of braces in St John’s Wood. Instead of the usual brackets, bands and wires, it uses clear plastic trays, rather like mouth guards, that push rather than pull your teeth into alignment.
This kind of braces in St John’s Wood has several advantages over wire and bracket braces.
Invisalign avoids the teenage look that is often associated with ‘train-track’ braces by the use of incredibly thin, clear plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth, and are hard for other people to spot. Importantly for many adults who have public-facing jobs, they do not interfere with speech.
Another big plus is that Invisalign trays are removable. This means no food stuck in brackets and wires that can takes ages to brush away, and therefore much less chance of tooth decay. You can eat whatever you like but it is important to only drink water when the aligner is in because you could stain the plastic.
Also, if you really need to, you can remove the aligner for a few hours for important business or social events. You must wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day if the treatment is to stay on schedule.
The miracle metal that can transform your life
Titanium is not just a multi-coloured metal used for making interesting jewellery. It is also used in dental implants. In St John’s Wood, at Aura Dental, these miniature miracles have been improving the lives of many patients who have lost teeth.
There are 4 reasons why titanium is the go-to metal for dental implants in St John’s Wood. Titanium is lightweight, very strong, and does not corrode after being inserted into the body.
But along with being light, durable and strong, titanium has another property that makes it the stand-out choice for use in implants – its capacity to actually mesh with bone tissue. Titanium’s ability to do this makes it a very popular choice for dental implants, which need to be housed in strong, healthy bone tissue so that they can withstand the multi-directional strong forces associated with biting and chewing. When someone loses a tooth, the bone that once held the root very quickly starts to lose its density. Titanium implants actually encourage the jawbone to produce new bone tissue and blood vessels, and so help keep it strong and healthy for all the remaining natural teeth.
All about your jaw
If the jawbone is not healthy or the gum has receded, teeth can come loose in their sockets. In St John’s Wood, dental implants made of titanium help the jawbone to maintain a healthy size. It may be necessary to have preparatory bone grafting treatment before implants are fitted, if the jawbone has lost density. This may add several months to the treatment process, as time has to be allowed for the grafts to take and generate new bone tissue.
The procedure
In St John’s Wood, dental implants are fitted in 2 stages following an in-depth consultation and examination to make sure the jawbone can take, or can be made to take the implants. If they are, our dentists create new sockets in the jawbone and insert the titanium implants. This surgery is usually done under local anaesthetic, but sedation is also available if you are an anxious patient. After several weeks or possibly months of healing time, during which the titanium implants bond with the bone, artificial teeth, custom-made to blend with your natural teeth, can be fitted.