Cosmetic dentistry explored: How to get your dream smile
Cosmetic dentistry offers a wealth of ways to create the smile of your dreams. Aura Dental in St John’s Wood offers a full range of cosmetic treatments, so no matter what you dislike about your current smile, our team can help you to improve it.
Almost half of the adult population in the UK is unhappy with the way their smile looks, and the most common complaint is discoloured teeth. Cosmetic dentistry has several treatments on offer designed to brighten up your smile, so if the current colour of your teeth is getting you down, why not come into our St John’s Wood practice for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist?
Treating tooth discolouration successfully depends on identifying the nature and cause. It may surprise you to learn that the most common cause of stained teeth is dental plaque; 64% of us have visible plaque, and as well as being unsightly this is damaging to your dental health, potentially leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
A hygiene appointment at our St John’s Wood clinic can rectify this problem. As well as cleaning your teeth professionally, your hygienist will help you to modify your home brushing and flossing techniques to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
For everyday stains – such as those caused by coffee or smoking – teeth whitening can help. This is the most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry and is both safe and effective when delivered by a dentist. It involves the use of special bleaching gel to gently remove common tooth stains.
Permanent stains can be improved by using porcelain veneers, which are thin shells placed over the surfaces of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers also work well in cases of minor spacing or alignment issues, and for chipped front teeth. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry choice at our St John’s Wood clinic.
Larger issues with tooth alignment can also be helped by cosmetic dentistry. We offer both discreet braces and clear, removable aligners at our St John’s Wood dental practice. These will move your teeth to a better position without being immediately obvious.
How dental implants can end your denture woes and give you back your life
By choosing dental implants, you could choose to end your denture worries for good. Aura Dental in North West London offers a range of implant treatments, designed to replace anything from one to all of your natural teeth with unrivalled functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Whilst modern dentures are more natural than their predecessors in terms of both appearance and function, nevertheless a lot of denture-wearers still experience issues with loose false teeth. This is at least in part caused by resorbtion (shrinkage) of the jaw bone, which can also be accompanied by gum recession.
Bone resorbtion happens when several or all of the natural tooth roots are missing from one or both jaws. As well as making your dentures loose, it can make future placement of dental implants more complex (although still achievable) and can even lead to changes in the entire structure of your face.
If you currently have ill-fitting dentures, you are probably well aware of the problems they can cause. These include:
- Difficulty eating solid foods, thus difficulty getting good nutrition
- Alteration of your speech
- Restrictions on your social life and increased anxiety caused by a fear your teeth might fall out.
At Aura Dental in North West London we can alleviate all of these problems with dental implants.
North West London dental implants for denture wearers
Dental implants are titanium tooth roots placed directly in contact with your jaw bone. Your North West London implant dentist can place your implants under local anaesthetic, oral or intravenous sedation, depending on your requirements.
In most cases, for denture wearers, between four and six dental implants per jaw is enough to support a full denture. We do also use implant-retained bridges at our North West London clinic; your dentist will talk you through your options during your dental implants consultation.
Dental implants require a few months to heal and integrate with your jaw before a permanent denture/bridge is attached. You should be able to wear your old dentures during healing, so won’t be left toothless, although you should avoid wearing them for the first couple of days.
The best braces and aligners for secret teeth straightening
In 2016, braces do not have to mean metal, and orthodontic treatment need not always involve a fixed brace at all. Aura Dental in North West London offers a number of discreet ways to straighten your teeth, whether you require rapid cosmetic correction or more extensive treatment. We welcome new patients for consultations.
Crooked teeth are one of the most common complaints heard by a cosmetic dentist, and at our North West London clinic we understand that having teeth out of alignment can cause you to be embarrassed about your smile, hiding it away in public. But we also understand that many adults will balk at the thought of traditional metal braces, with their glaringly obvious nature and often lengthy treatment times.
That’s why we are proud to offer more discreet treatment options, because we believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile of which they can be proud. When you come for an orthodontic consultation at Aura Dental in North West London your dentist will perform a thorough clinical examination before recommending the best course of treatment.
North West London braces and aligners
There are two types of orthodontic appliance available at Aura Dental in North West London: fixed braces, and removable aligners. Each system has its merits and is more suitable for different types of orthodontic correction. Your dentist will talk you through all the relevant treatment options to suit your needs, and will help you to make an informed choice.
Treatments include:
Six Month Smiles
This popular system of cosmetic braces is designed to work quickly and discreetly on the front teeth in your smile line. Comprised of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires, Six Month Smiles braces are very discreet.
Inman Aligner
Designed for rapid correction of protruding front teeth and adult relapse, this single removable aligner should be worn for 16-20 hours a day. Treatment takes from six to 18 weeks, making it the fastest-acting orthodontic option at our North West London clinic.
Invisalign
This system of clear aligners can correct more extensive orthodontic issues. You can remove the aligners for short periods, for example to brush your teeth.
Dentists for all the family: caring for teeth in patients of all ages
At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood we have a unique collection of dentists and dental professionals who welcome patients of all ages. Good oral health care is important for all the family, and different age groups often have specific care needs.
Here, we look at how the dentists at our St John’s Wood practice can help various groups, by looking at the common health concerns they may experience, and what we can do to help. . .
Children
Finding a good dentist for your child is important, as it has been shown that dental anxiety can often develop from a negative experience during childhood. Whilst it may be true that some dentists aren’t great at working with children, this is definitely not the case at Aura Dental.
The dentists at our St John’s Wood practice are highly experienced in working with young patients, and will ensure that your little ones feel safe and secure at all times during examinations and treatment.
Dental hygiene advice, such as the importance of brushing your teeth properly, will be delivered in an age-appropriate, fun and educational manner. Our St John’s Wood practice also offers preventative treatment for children, including fluoride varnish and fissure sealant.
Teenagers
The teenage years are exciting but can also be emotional, with social pressures, exams, and decisions about the future. At our St John’s Wood clinic our dentists will work with teens to ensure their oral health remains in good condition as they move towards adulthood.
Problems such as eating disorders (which affect both boys and girls) can lead to enamel erosion, while exam stress can cause night-time tooth clenching. Early intervention can help in both of these situations, and dentists can play an important role in spotting such conditions early.
Our St John’s Wood clinic also offers a full range of orthodontic treatments, including discreet appliances for self-conscious teens.
Pregnant patients
Large increases in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing gum disease. Enamel erosion can also be a problem for pregnant women because of morning sickness. Our St John’s Wood dentists can help combat these problems.
Dental implants: common questions and answers
If you have lost one or more teeth, dental implants may already be on your radar. They are a popular and permanent tooth replacement option and at North West London clinic Aura Dental, we can use them to replace one, some, or all of your natural teeth.
Dental implants might initially seem more expensive than other tooth replacements – think traditional dentures or bridges. However, at our North West London dental practice we believe that by choosing implants you are choosing to invest in you smile, and indeed in your future health and well-being.
We understand that choosing treatment with dental implants is a big decision, and you are likely to have many questions. Below are some common questions and answers on the subject of implants; if you still have any queries or concerns, get in touch with our North West London dental practice and we will be happy to help you.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants replace the roots of any teeth you have lost. Small titanium screws that your dentist places in direct contact with your jaw bone in a small surgical procedure, they will anchor your new teeth firmly in place. At Aura Dental in North West London, we offer either a single implant with a crown attached, or multiple implants with a bridge attached.
Surgery? Does it hurt? And do I need to take time off work?
Implant placement won’t hurt at all – we offer local anaesthetic or sedation at our North West London clinic. Any post-operative discomfort or swelling is usually managed by over-the-counter painkillers. Many people return to work the very next day.
How long will my dental implants last?
Implants are designed as a permanent solution to tooth loss. With good aftercare and regular visits to the dentist and hygienist, your implants and the teeth attached should last for many years to come.
Can I have new teeth right away?
Dental implants need time to mesh with your jaw bone – a process called osseointegration. This takes a few months and will ensure your teeth have firm support. Temporary teeth are sometimes fitted during the healing period.
Using cosmetic dentistry to lighten your teeth
Cosmetic dentistry offers a huge number of ways to alter and improve the appearance of your smile. At Aura Dental in North London one of the most commonly-heard requests from patients is to have lighter, brighter, or whiter teeth. Thanks to our extensive cosmetic dentistry menu, we are confident that we will find the perfect teeth lightening option to suit your needs.
Whilst the most common cause of stained teeth is bad dental hygiene practices that allow unsightly brown plaque to coat the teeth, there are numerous other reasons that smiles don’t look as bright as they could.
If you are currently struggling with your dental hygiene, come in for an appointment with the hygienist at our North London clinic. As well as professionally cleaning your teeth to eliminate all traces of plaque, your hygienist will help you to develop a more effective home routine to help keep your teeth plaque-free for good. This can be particularly beneficial if you have special cleaning requirements, such as if you are wearing a fixed brace and need to know how to clean around it properly.
For other cases of tooth discolouration, our cosmetic dentistry team can help. The solution will depend on the cause of the problem, so your North London cosmetic dentist will complete a thorough clinical examination before recommending treatment.
Teeth whitening
The most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening is good for removing everyday stains such as those caused by tea, coffee, or cigarettes from the teeth. It involves using special dental bleaching gel to get rid of stains, and must only be carried out by a dentist.
Porcelain veneers
Veneers are a popular choice at our North London clinic for patients with permanently discoloured teeth, as well as those looking for a complete smile makeover. Thin porcelain shells are placed over the surfaces of the teeth to improve their appearance.
Replacing metal fillings or crowns
If you have old metal or discoloured crowns or metal amalgam fillings, your dentist can safely remove them and replace them with tooth-coloured alternatives.
With a cosmetic dentistry consultation, a brighter, whiter smile is just a few appointments away.
The benefits of braces as an adult
Treatment with braces can benefit people of all ages. North London clinic Aura Dental offers a number of discreet brace solutions, as well as clear aligners, to correct a wide range of orthodontic problems. If you are interested in improving the alignment of your teeth, why not come in for a consultation to learn more about how we could help you?
While treatment with braces is seen as standard for children and teenagers these days, a lot of adults are also taking an interest in teeth straightening treatment. As more people begin to realise the true value of a beautiful smile, so the demand for adult orthodontics is growing.
What’s more, in terms of treatment for teenagers, the criteria for braces on the NHS is very strict, and waiting lists are very long. The teenage years can be a sensitive time and young people can be very image-conscious, so at our North London clinic we also offer options for those who don’t qualify for NHS orthodontics, as well as those who do but either don’t want to wear metal braces or would like to start their treatment as quickly as possible.
Whatever your age, there are more benefits to teeth straightening than just a beautiful smile. Improperly aligned teeth are harder to keep clean, which can increase your risk of dental decay or gum disease developing.
If you are interested in straightening your teeth with braces or aligners, the options at Aura Dental in North London include:
Six Month Smiles
These barely-visible cosmetic braces are designed for rapid mild to moderate correction of issues affecting the teeth that show when you smile. Comprising clear and tooth-coloured parts, the average treatment time is just half a year.
Inman Aligner
This single aligner is excellent for treating cases of adult relapse, as well as for correcting protruding front teeth, helping to protect them from accidental damage. It’s the fastest orthodontic treatment at Aura Dental in North London, acting in between six and 18 weeks.
Invisalign
A popular system of clear aligners, Invisalign can be used to correct a wide range of concerns. This system is removable at home.
Using dental implants to replace lost or failing teeth
Thanks to dental implants, more people than ever before are enjoying a second chance at a healthy jaw of teeth. At Aura Dental in North London we offer two implant treatment options for patients with missing teeth: a single implant with a crown attached, or a series of implants with a bridge attached.
The first option is suitable for patients who have lost one tooth (or more than one tooth in different locations in the mouth) whilst the second option works for patients who have lost either several adjacent teeth, or all the teeth in one jaw. However many teeth you have lost, we invite you to join us at our North London dental practice for a consultation about dental implants.
The benefits of dental implants
Dental implants have several benefits when compared with traditional bridgework or dentures. One of the most important points to remember is that with implants, your dentist can permanently replace your teeth; with proper aftercare, implants and the restorations attached to them will last you many years.
Traditional dental bridges usually require crowns or wings to be placed on adjacent teeth for support, which can result in the loss of healthy tooth structure, and will put additional strain on these teeth. Implant-supported bridges require no work on surrounding teeth, meaning they stay strong and healthy.
Standard dentures have a habit of becoming loose, affecting your ability to eat and speak and also impacting negatively on your confidence. This is often caused by bone loss. Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth, which helps to prevent bone loss, and holds your teeth firmly in place. This means you can speak clearly, eat what you like, and smile with confidence.
North London dental implants
When you come into our North London clinic for an implant consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough clinical examination and will determine how many dental implants you will need. In most cases of multiple tooth replacement, you won’t need as many implants as teeth, because one dental implant can support several new teeth in bridge form.
Implants can be placed under local anaesthetic or sedation.
How an emergency dentist can get you out of pain
If you need an emergency dentist in North London, call Aura Dental on 020 7722 0040 right away. We are based in St John’s Wood, and will try to accommodate emergency patients on the same day whenever possible. The earlier you call us, the more chance there is that we will be able to fit you in on that day, so please get in touch as soon as possible after a dental emergency occurs.
There are many reasons you may require the services of an emergency dentist. Dental pain can come on suddenly and can be severe, making it hard to focus on anything else. When you come to our North London dental practice for an emergency appointment, your dentist’s first priority will be to get you out of pain. In many cases you will require further appointments to fully treat the source of your discomfort, but we will never leave a patient in pain.
What your North London emergency dentist may do
Treatment from an emergency dentist depends on the nature of your condition. Below are some common dental emergencies, along with what your North London emergency dentist may do. . .
Unbearable toothache
There are numerous causes of toothache, and your treatment will depend on the cause. Pain is the body’s indicator that something isn’t right, so you should always see a dentist for toothache. If it is unbearable it may require an emergency appointment.
Toothache may be caused by untreated decay or gum disease, a dental abscess, or problems with teeth erupting (in adults, this is usually the wisdom teeth). After getting you out of pain, your dentist will treat the underlying condition.
Broken teeth
Injuries to the face and head often result in broken teeth. Sometimes teeth are also broken by biting something very hard, or by using your teeth for something other than which they are intended (such as opening a bottle – which you should never do with your mouth). Depending on where the broken tooth is and how badly damaged it is, your North London dentist may repair it with a crown, a white filling, composite bonding, or a porcelain veneer.
A guide to dental implants
Dental implants are bionic tooth roots that your dentist can use to support permanent new teeth. At Aura Dental in North London, we offer two options for implant treatment: a single implant with a crown attached (£2300.00+) and a series of implants supporting an implant-retained bridge (£2750.00+).
There are many advantages to choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Because they are the only permanent way that a dentist can do this, implants should be seen not just as an investment in your smile, but also as an investment in your future. If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, we invite you to join us at our North London dental practice for a consultation with an implant dentist.
Whilst standard dentures and bridges replace the crowns of teeth, without anything to replace the tooth roots bone loss is a common consequence. This can result in sagging of the facial skin, a loss of shape around the lips, and difficulty in placing dental implants in the future. The gums have a tendency to recede, too.
Bone loss and gum recession are the primary reason that traditional dentures tend to get loose over the years. This can affect your ability to eat solid foods, to speak clearly, and can have a detrimental effect on your self-confidence.
At Aura Dental in North London, we can use dental implants to prevent these common denture worries. Because they are made from titanium, which supports bone growth, and because they are in direct contact with your jaw bone, implants actively prevent the issue of bone loss, ensuring that your new teeth will stay exactly where they should be.
Placement of dental implants involves minor oral surgery, carried out here at our North London dental practice. Most patients only require local anaesthetic for this operation. Your implants will heal and mesh with your jaw bone over the following couple of months, after which you will be called back to our North London practice so that your dentist can attach your permanent crown or bridge.
