FAQs

Airflow is a handy clean and polish tool, but it can also be a great alternative to more expensive whitening treatments for patients with surface discolouration. However, Airflow cannot replace your regular appointments to the hygienist as in some cases scaling may be involved in order to remove any hardened plaque from the teeth prior to the Airflow treatment.

Treatment with Airflow is very effective and results can be lasting. However, this depends entirely on your diet, lifestyle and oral hygiene routine. If you consume tea, coffee, red wine and highly-pigmented foods and beverages on a daily basis, then you can expect the staining to return over a few months. If you rarely consume staining foods and drinks and you brush and floss your teeth diligently, then your teeth may remain bright for up to a year following treatment with Airflow.

Everyone has different oral health needs and risk levels which determine how often they should have a check-up. Talk with your dentist about how often your child needs a check-up.

Generally a baby who is given a dummy will at some point stop using it, normally at an early age, and not resort to anything else. Never dip a dummy in anything sweet before giving it to your baby. These contain harmful sugars and acids, which will attack your baby's newly formed teeth and cause decay. A baby who is not given a dummy will often suck their thumb. From a dental point of view, thumbs are a far worse problem than dummies. Unlike a dummy, the thumb cannot be taken away and thumb sucking often carries on into older childhood. Thumb sucking can have marked detrimental effects on the position of teeth, which will then need correction with braces at the appropriate age (generally 11-14 yrs).

The recommended age to start using fluoridated toothpaste on children is three. Until then, clean your child's teeth with water and soft-bristled toothbrush. Once your child has reached the age of three, parents should supervise the brushing and allow them to use no more than pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Flossing removes the food particles and plaque that gets lodged between teeth. Starting around four years old, gently begin flossing your children's teeth. Most kids can start flossing for themselves around eight years old, but be careful to monitor their flossing habits for the first few years to build a solid foundation of good dental hygiene.

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Call our clinic immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

If an accident has happened with enough force to damage a tooth, be aware that your child could have other injuries as well. Check them over to see if they're hurt anywhere else. Be especially alert for the possibility of a head injury. If you think they've been hurt, call your GP or take your child to A&E to get checked out.

If your child has a toothache, give them some paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain. Versions are available for children, and it's important to follow the correct dose as recommended in the manufacturer's instructions.

You can look in your child's mouth with a torch and see if there is a hole in their tooth, but don't apply anything to it. If they can rinse their mouth with warm water, this will help to clean it.

If you can find the bit of tooth that's broken off, save it in a glass of milk. Take this with you when you go to the dentist.

You can give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they are in pain. Use a version for children and follow the correct dosage instructions on the packet.

A cold compress on your child's face helps to keep the swelling down, but don't use ice as this can cause a burn.

Dental bonding is a great cosmetic choice when it comes to fixing teeth that have any chips, cracks or decay. It can also improve the look of teeth when they are misshapen, too long or too short.

Dental bonding can easily last up to 10 years with proper dental care. Touch ups are often available if and when needed.

No, teeth bonding is not visible to others as it utilises special materials that can be colored to match the exact shade of someone's teeth.

No, composite bonding and porcelain veneers are two different things. Composite bonding uses a special type of bonding that is directly applied to the tooth and then hardened using a special light. Porcelain veneers are made using super thin pieces of porcelain that are placed over the front teeth and acts like a cover in order to restore the tooth.

No. In fact, the entire composite bonding procedure only takes an average of 45 minutes to complete one tooth.

Patients are encouraged to keep practicing the good oral hygiene habits that can support the composite bonding's ability to last for as long as possible. A few things to keep in mind that could possibly cause damage to the tooth after the composite bonding has been placed on it include biting one's fingernails, chewing on hard objects like ice and eating hard foods like nuts.

Metals - Metal crowns are often made of base-metal alloys, gold alloys, and other alloys. Compared to other crowns, metal crowns require less tooth removal for installation and the wear on surrounding teeth is minimal. In terms of wear, metal crowns last the longest as they don't necessarily wear down and they can withstand chewing/biting forces. However, the major drawback associated with them is their metallic color.

Porcelain (Fused to Metal) - Porcelain fused to metal crowns have the ability to be color matched with your teeth. Unfortunately, more wear occurs to opposing teeth in comparison to resin or metal crowns and the porcelain can chip off over time. They can look like normal teeth, but the underlying crown can show a dark line near the gums. Many use these crowns for back or front teeth.

All Ceramic/All Porcelain - These crowns have a much more natural color match in comparison to other crown types. These crowns are an excellent choice for front teeth.

Milled or Zirconia Crowns - These crowns are often constructed digitally with hardware and software to be produced in a dental laboratory. These can be produced in one visit and eliminate the need for a temporary crown.

Emax Crowns - are prepared from lithium disilicate, which is a glass ceramic and possesses excellent strength. Thus, Emax crowns are less likely to crack or fracture during clinical usage.

A traditional bridge consist of one or more pontics (fake teeth) and are held in place by dental crowns. These dental crowns are also called abutments, and they are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to your missing tooth.

Traditional bridges can be used when you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap created by your missing tooth. Bridges are even strong enough to replace molars. The downside of traditional bridges is that your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent teeth by removing their enamel to make room for the crowns that will be cemented on top. Since enamel doesn't grow back, these teeth will always need to be protected with crowns, even if you later choose a different type of bridge.

Cantilever bridges are very similar to traditional bridges, but the pontic is supported by an abutment on only one side, rather than on both sides. So if there's only one natural tooth next to the gap, a bridge can still be secured.

Like traditional bridges, your dentist will need to prepare the adjacent tooth to support the bridge by removing its enamel. Because these restorations are only supported on one side, they may act as a lever in some cases which may lead to complications like fractured teeth or loosened crowns.

Maryland bridges are considered a conservative alternative to traditional bridges. These bridges consist of a pontic that is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework. This framework is bonded onto the backs of the two teeth adjacent to the missing tooth. Since this type of bridge isn't held in place by crowns, the adjacent teeth don't need to be filed.

While Maryland bridges are more conservative than traditional bridges, they do have their downsides. The strength of the bridge is limited by the strength of the resin that holds it in place, so it may not stay in place in areas of the mouth where the teeth are subjected to a lot of biting force, like the molars. The framework may also get in the way of your gums or your bite.

When shaping up a tooth for a crown or bridge, local anaesthetic will be administered meaning a pain free visit.

A lost crown or bridge can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air. If you lose a crown, put it in a safe place and make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can.

Don't wait too long. What is left of the tooth will not be as strong as your crown. It could be damaged more without the crown to protect it.

When the permanent dental crown has been placed and the numbing effect of the anaesthetic has worn off, patients should be able to eat any foods as normal. However, it is best to avoid sticky foods in the first 24 hours following the procedure to cement the crown to the abutment tooth.

Preparing a tooth for a crown usually requires two visits to the dentist — the first step involves examining and preparing the tooth, the second visit involves placement of the permanent crown.

At the first visit in preparation for a crown, your dentist may take a few X-rays to check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may first be performed.

Before the process of making a crown begins, your dentist will anesthetise (numb) the tooth and the gum tissue around the tooth. Next, the tooth receiving the crown is filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used (for instance, all-metal crowns are thinner and require less tooth structure removal than all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal ones). If, on the other hand, a large area of the tooth is missing (due to decay or damage) your dentist will use filling material to "build up" the tooth to support the crown.

After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will use a paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite.

The impressions are sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured. The crown is usually returned to the clinic in two weeks. If the crown is made of porcelain, your dentist will also select the shade that most closely matches the color of the neighboring teeth. During this first visit your dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made. Temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic and are held in place using temporary cement.

At the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, a local anaesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.

Just as with about everything else, porcelain crowns eventually wear out. In general, dental crowns typically last between 5 and 15 years. It is possible for porcelain crowns to last longer. In extreme cases, crowns can last upward of two to three decades. Patients should generally expect at least half a decade of utility out of their crowns.

Once this five-year window passes, it is perfectly possible for a replacement to be necessary. Alternatively, if a patient takes proper care and we complete the placement of the crown, a patient can enjoy multiple decades of use or even longer.

Yes. Damon braces are suitable for all ages and a popular choice among adult patients who want precise results from a discreet brace.

Unfortunately we can't provide a definitive answer to this question without seeing you for a consultation. In most cases treatment is completed in around 12 months. Damon braces have been designed to straighten teeth faster than traditional fixed braces and for some patients treatment can take just six months.

It might take you a few days to get used to your fixed brace and your teeth may feel a little tender just after your brace is fitted and after adjustments. Damon braces, however, use very light titanium wires to gently move teeth, so any discomfort is minimal.

Yes, although you will need to spend a little extra time brushing to make sure you clean carefully around your brace. When we fit your brace we'll give you advice on how to clean your teeth as well as the best tools for the job.

To avoid breaking your brace and slowing down your treatment, it's important to be a little careful about what you eat. In most cases it's just a case of cutting things up, but avoid anything hard or chewy that could damage your brace. You should also avoid foods and drinks that could stain your teeth, otherwise when your brace comes off you could be left with lighter patches where your brackets have been.

1. A detailed analysis of your oral health history to determine any risk factors that you might have.
2. A thorough examination of the outside of your mouth, head and neck by observation and touch.
3. A thorough internal examination of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks and under your tongue.
4. A handheld scanning device may also be used to examine any lumps or lesions that you might have.
5. Any inconclusive findings will be referred to a specialist consultant.

Whilst most patients will experience nothing more than minimal discomfort, it is important to remember that dental implant treatment is a minor surgical procedure and can be different for every patient.

Generally speaking, the biggest risk for dental implants is posed by gum disease, which over time can cause damage to the gums and bone. To ensure that this is does not pose any problem, we will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth for any signs of gum disease before your implant treatment begins and treat if required so you can be sure of success.

Dental Implants are made of medical grade Titanium, a highly biocompatible material that integrates well within the body. Titanium allergies are rare but please discuss with the dentist if you believe you are allergic.

Provided a sufficient quantity of jaw bone is available, there is basically no reason not to have a dental implant. If periodontitis is present, which is an inflammation caused by bacteria and associated with recession of the gums, this should be treated first. If the amount of jaw bone is not sufficient, we can compensate for this with the help of modern bone grafting techniques.

Illnesses such as diabetes or severe general diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases or increased tendency to bleeding) do not exclude implanting artificial tooth roots either, however you must ensure you inform us about these.

There is only a minimum age in as far as the growth of bones should have been fully completed by the time the implant is inserted. In most cases this is achieved when patients reach adulthood at the age of 21.

As the treatment is low-risk, in principle it can also be carried out without any problem at an advanced age. Accordingly, there is no maximum age limit.

Unlike bridges, partials, and dentures, which may require replacement several times throughout your life, dental implants are designed as a long-term solution to tooth replacement. Because dental implants sit inside your jawbone instead of merely resting on top of it, they prevent the resorption (deterioration) of bone normally associated with tooth loss or removal and preserve your natural smile.

Another benefit of dental implants over other methods is that they are not reliant on healthy neighboring teeth for support. Where bridges and partials require the filing and placement of hooks on remaining teeth, dental implants exist as individual entities in your mouth - each one with a strong foundation in your jaw – providing superior chewing power and aesthetic appearance without compromising the long-term health of adjacent teeth.

Implants are manufactured using titanium in most cases. Titanium is especially well-known from the field of earrings for its compatibility with the body. The metal is light and corrosion-resistant, as well as temperature-resistant. Thanks to its stability and longevity, it is used in many areas of medicine (e. g. in joint prostheses). The titanium oxide coating enables the solid growth of bones onto implants, and with this, the fixed integration of artificial implants into the human body. Rejection by the body and allergic reactions to titanium are very rare.

With a documented success rate exceeding 95%, dental implant treatment is one of the most successful procedures in the medical-dental field. In very rare instances, existing bone may not fully bond to the implants, however, in cases where this has occurred and new implants have been subsequently placed, the success rate is even higher.

While the perception of pain is very subjective based on the individual, most patients say that the discomfort experienced is much less than expected and is similar to that of having a tooth extraction.

Most patients can return to their everyday life again the day after their procedure and only rarely need to take painkillers. The cheek will probably still be a little swollen and the gums a little sensitive, but normally there will not be any further bleeding.

With careful oral hygiene, the gums and the implant bed remain healthy and your implants can last an entire lifetime.

Cleaning is the secret to the long life of dental implants. You can clean your teeth without any complications using a toothbrush or electric toothbrush and toothpaste. The interdental gaps and the transitions to the gums are important when cleaning the teeth. You can prevent germs from settling which could attack the implant using dental floss or small interdental brushes. Professional tooth cleaning as well as special cleaning of the implant is advisable, too, and this should be carried out in the dental practice between two and four times annually, depending on the formation of dental tartar. With the correct oral hygiene implants can last your entire lifetime.

In some cases, patients can qualify for Immediate Implant procedures. In these instances, replacement teeth can be received on the very same day as the dental implants are placed, though a significant amount of treatment planning occurs prior to then.

In most patients, treatment times typically range from several weeks to several months. The length of time all depends on the quality of bone the patient possesses, into which the implants will be placed. If bone loss has occurred, necessitating bone augmentation procedures, six to nine months are generally required for total treatment time.

If you had a removable dental prosthesis beforehand, you can usually continue to use it in the interim. In other cases, we will provide you with a temporary prosthesis. There are high-quality alternatives to long-term 'temporaries', which can even be secured onto your implants, and only appear slightly different to your subsequent prosthesis and natural teeth.

If teeth, and consequently the natural chewing load in the jaw, have been missing for lengthy periods, the bone gradually recedes. This is similar to a muscle wasting away when it is not used. Certain germs can also destroy bones. In such cases we speak of periodontitis, better known as periodontosis – an inflammatory disease of the periodontium (or tooth bed). If the bone substance has been weakened to such an extent or is so thin that an implant can no longer find any purchase, then bone grafts are advisable. In this procedure, the bone tissue is restored as gently as possible using the patient's own bone or bone replacement material. Often we use a mixture of both. The graft material is deposited directly onto the bones and is gradually converted by the body into resilient bone substance. In this way, the width or height of the bone can be increased.

Sinus lift or sinus graft is a surgical procedure needed to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw bone by lifting the sinus membrane and placing a bone graft. It is also called a sinus augmentation, because it adds/augments bone between the jaw and the sinuses, which can be found on either side of the nose.

Some people need to undergo sinus lift or sinus graft when they lose teeth and the loss results in the collapse of the vacant tooth sockets. This collapse begins a series of bone losses which will result in the impossibility of replacing a missing tooth through dental implants. A sinus lift/graft will provide a firm bone foundation needed to support dental implants.

Dentures are custom made to suit you – making them incredibly comfortable and natural looking.

At the beginning of the denture process, there is an impression and trying period. Your teeth will be positioned in wax so you and your dentist can see what your dentures will look like. This is a great chance to discuss the appearance and make modifications, so you'll be happy with the end result.

Many patients notice that once they get dentures, noticeable facial lines are softened, giving them a more youthful look.

Adjusting to dentures takes time and patience, but you'll get used to them before you know it. We will be happy to help you work through any challenges and explain the best ways to get used to eating and chewing with your new dentures.

Dentures may feel strange at first. They may seem too big. This is normal. Once your facial muscles adapt, your dentures should feel very comfortable. Some people adjust to dentures in a week, while others take a little longer.

Always clean your dentures over a basin of water or a towel to avoid breakage if you drop them. Hold them gently between your thumb and fingers, and clean them using a denture cleaner or soap. Use only lukewarm water and avoid using harsh pastes. You should clean your dentures after every meal.

There may be slight differences at first. Don't be alarmed. Once your mouth is accustomed to the change, this should lessen. Reading aloud is an excellent exercise for helping to restore normal speech quickly.

​Every case is different. We will let you know what's right for you. There are special precautions to take with your dentures when they are not being used.

Yes, in most instances, the stitches are placed at the time of surgery, simply to assist with initial control of bleeding and clot formation. This is especially true with wisdom tooth extractions.

You'll usually have your tooth (or teeth) removed under a local anaesthetic. This completely blocks pain from your gums, although you'll still feel pressure. You'll stay awake during the procedure so you'll be aware of what's happening. If you're very anxious about having your tooth removed, it might be possible to have a sedative, which relieves anxiety, makes you feel sleepy and helps you to relax.

It may take you anything from a day to a few days to recover enough to return to your normal routine and go back to work. But most people can go back to their normal activities, including work, the next day. Only if you have a more difficult surgical extraction, will it take a few days to recover. See how you feel and follow your dentist's advice.

Your gum may bleed for a few minutes after you have your tooth taken out. Your dentist will give you a piece of soft padding to bite on to stop the bleeding and you'll be able to go home once it's stopped.

Your mouth may feel sore once the anaesthetic wears off and if you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Some people find that their pain is worse about three days after the procedure, but then settles down again within a week to 10 days. This is completely normal. If you're in severe pain and it gets worse, contact your dentist. They'll check that nothing else is causing it, such as an infection.

"Dry Socket" is the name for a painful inflammatory process involving the bone of a tooth socket, usually three to four days after a tooth extraction. The technical name for such a condition is Acute Alveolar Osteitis. The word acute means painful, the word alveolar refers to the spongy bone surrounding the tooth root, and the word osteitis literally means, "bone inflammation".

The treatment for dry socket involves irrigating the area with sterile saline and/or chlorhexidine – a commonly used oral antibacterial rinse. Then your oral surgeon will pack or protect the area with a sterile medicated dressing that may need to be changed several times during treatment. This step will result in almost immediate pain relief and allow the healing process to begin again.

You will be instructed to continue your pain and antibiotic medications in addition to a prescription to help alleviate any swelling. You should also keep the area clean by following your dentist's instructions.

How soon you can start eating or drinking after your tooth extraction can depend on extent of your surgery. Your surgeon can provide you with specific guidelines. Most recommendations allow starting liquids within a few hours of the surgery, along with soft foods that require little if any chewing -- such as ice cream or pudding. The use of a straw should be avoided when drinking liquids, since the suction this creates can dislodge the blood clot that covers your wound. This can lead to more pain and bleeding, and will delay healing. It's also important to avoid hot liquids in the initial days after surgery, as the heat also loosen the clot, and can also increase blood flow and bleeding from your wound.

Simple tooth extractions occur when a tooth is visible in the mouth. In other words, the tooth has already erupted from the gumline.

Surgical tooth extractions are required when a tooth has not erupted from the gumline, or has not fully erupted, making it harder to access. Surgical tooth extractions will begin with an incision, which allows for easier access to the tooth needing extraction.

Wisdom teeth are normally only extracted if they are problematic. Your dentist will make a decision based on examination, symptoms and potential issues that could occur.

Caries is the most common cause of toothache. It is the decay of tooth enamel caused by the acidic action of plaque. Dental plaque is composed of bacteria, saliva, food debris and other substances. The bacteria metabolises the sugars, transforming them into corrosive acids. The acids corrode the tooth enamel, and lead to decay.

A dental filling is a substance that is added to the surface of a tooth and then cured until it hardens in place. The substance settles into the pits and fissures of the tooth, closing up any holes or cracks. Fillings are commonly made of metal amalgam, composite, or cast gold material. In some cases, dentists use porcelain or glass ionomer material to make the tooth and the filling match more closely.

If you have a cavity, it's highly likely that you will need a filling in the near future. After all traces of decay are cleaned, the filling will cover up and stabilise the tooth so that it is stronger. If you have noticed that one of your teeth has chips cracks or have become painful, that may also indicate that you may need a filling. The dental filling material can be applied to all surfaces of a tooth to strengthen and repair it.

No, having a filling shouldn't hurt. At the beginning of any dental procedure you will be offered a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the teeth to be treated. Sometimes, smaller cracks and chips require no anaesthetic as it is the surface being repaired.

One of the most common reasons you may experience pain after a dental filling may be because the dental filling itself could be too high. While your dentist does their best to get the filling height right the first time, you may notice that as you start to move your jaw, speak, and chew, the filling may not quite feel right. Contact your dentist about having the filling smoothed or reshaped.

White fillings that are made of composite will harden instantly under the blue light used by your dentist. This hardening will allow you to eat and drink immediately after the procedure. In order to avoid biting your cheek, tongue, or lips, you will probably want to wait until the local anaesthetic wears off before trying to eat.

Composite fillings are made of a durable material and are designed to last many years. However, eventually over time your filling will need to be replaced. The best way to extend the life of your dental restorations is to visit your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene.

At Aura Dental you can put as little as £0 down as a finance deposit or up to 50% of your treatment total. The larger the deposit, the lower the monthly repayments are.

Yes, you must be a resident in the UK for a minimum of 12 months.

You must be in permanent paid employment or retired and receiving a pension, or be a houseperson with a partner in permanent paid employment or be self employed. Permanent paid employment is classed as an occupation where the customer is working more than 16 hours per week. This also includes someone who is in receipt of a permanent pension or personal benefit eg. an Invalidity or incapacity benefit.

Although you can't change the amount of your fixed monthly payment, you can make overpayments whenever you want and even settle your loan early with no additional charges, which will reduce the length of your loan term.

There is no charge if you wish to settle early. Simply contact Hitachi to get a settlement figure.

If they receive a payment which is more than your normal monthly payment, Hitachi will treat the surplus amount as a partial early settlement unless you tell them otherwise. Your monthly payments will remain the same but they will reduce your last payment and/or the duration of the agreement by adjusting the number of payments, depending on the amount you repay.

If your loan is referred it means Hitachi needs to make some additional checks against your application. They will contact you to let you know if they need any further information.

If your loan has been declined and you're unhappy with Hitachi's decision, you can email them on [email protected] - replies to emails will be sent by post within 7-10 working days.

At Aura Dental we also offer private payment plans in clinic, please speak to a member of our reception team to discuss.

If you've been declined, you can apply again, however, we would recommend waiting at least 3 months or until your circumstances have changed before you do so. This is because making several applications close together could have a negative effect on your credit score, and could make it harder for you to get accepted in the future.

Your finance agreement is separate to your treatment at Aura Dental therefore the agreement date does not need to match your treatment length. If your treatment is 6 months you can still spread this over 60 months to make it affordable.

Any treatment can be spread on finance to make this more affordable. The minimum treatment value for finance is £1000.

Once a treatment value and repayment period has been decided, our reception team will be able to email a link to your private email. This link will contain the next steps from Hitachi so that you can process an application in the comfort of your own home.

12 months at 0% APR
24 months at 7.9% APR
36 months at 7.9% APR
48 months at 7.9% APR
60 months at 7.9% APR

As with any legal contact, you have a 14 day cooling off period after your application has been accepted. This means that you have 14 days to cancel the agreement if you change your mind. With this in mind, we would not be able to start any treatment until this cooling period has finished in case this is cancelled.

Once the cooling off period has finished, the direct debit will come out a month after. For example, if your cooling off period finished on the 25th March 2019, your first direct debit would come out on the 25th April 2019.

The sealant material can last for several years. Your dentist and dental hygienist will however check that the seal is intact at each visit and. If not some teeth may need to have it reapplied so that no decay can form beneath the sealant.

It is important that you keep the areas around your fixed retainers clean. We recommend using an interdental brush or orthodontic dental floss to clean between your front teeth and underneath your fixed retainers. We also advise you to see your dentist or hygienist regularly for a professional clean.

Your fixed retainers can stay in place indefinitely and with proper care will last for many years. Take care when eating to avoid putting excessive force on your fixed retainers. If they do become detached please make an appointment to see us as soon as possible. In the meantime wear your removable retainers during the day as well as at night.

The bonded retainer may become loose from time to time as the "glue" it is stuck on with can wear away. You usually become aware that the wire is loose, because the wire will begin to feel rough against your tongue. Occasionally, you may not feel any roughness with your tongue, but only notice some movement of your teeth.

You must contact your Aura immediately if this occurs. Do not wait till your next appointment. You should consider this as an emergency and an appointment should be arranged for you to see your dentist as soon as possible. While waiting to see your dentist you should wear the removable retainer that you will have been given after your braces were removed. This should be worn day and night as this will stop your teeth moving until you are seen by your dentist.

As per our cancellation policy, cancelling or rescheduling of an appointment with less than 48 hours notice usually means that we are unable to re-allocate the time to other patients. In the event of a late cancellation, the practice reserves the right to retain the appointment deposit. Please view our full cancellation policy, here.

At the time of booking, patients will be asked to pay a £50 appointment deposit to secure their appointment. The appointment deposit will be deducted from your final invoice, leaving any outstanding amount payable upon completion of your treatment. For patients booking further treatment after a check up or hygiene visit, the appointment deposit will be carried over to the next appointment.

Early cavities and conditions are only noticable at your regular check-up. A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it's best to deal with problems early, or, sometimes prevent them altogether.

Aura Dental accept all Debit cards, cash and credit cards, however, American Express is not accepted.

In the first instance always call us in clinic on 0207 722 0040 and we will advise and schedule an emergency appointment if necessary. If the practice is closed, please consult our Dental Emergencies page for advise. Alternatively, please call 111.

Being scared of the dentist is very common and at Aura Dental we take great pride in helping nervous and anxious patients overcome their fears. Our surroundings are designed with peace in mind and we will take all appointments at your pace. For procedures, anaestetics are available and we have TV and music in our surgeries to distract you.

Dental x-rays are a common diagnostic procedure that is considered extremely safe. Digital dental x-rays have very low doses of radiation, producing just a fraction of what you are exposed to in other imaging procedures. If you're worried about whether you need dental x-rays, please speak to your Dentist.

When your child's first milk teeth appear you should schedule their first visit to our clinic. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist. The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practise for the future. However, if you have concerns ahead of their first milk teeth developing, please call to schedule a visit

Starting a dental hygiene routine for your child is extremely important as the habits will take them through their life. It's important for correct brushing techniques to be started when the first milk teeth come through, however, the regular visits to the hygienest should start around 7. The age varies on development so please speak with your dentist first.

Although not a medical risk, the excess gum growth can affect the formation of the smile, making the face appear lop-sided or having a skewed expression. Sometimes this condition is called a "gummy smile". This can affect how the person feels about themselves, their self-esteem and mental health, and also how others respond. Gum Contouring reshapes the gums to allow a natural looking smile that builds confidence and is appealing to others.

If there is less gum tissue causing receding gums, then the root of the tooth can become exposed causing over-sensitivity and pain in the mouth. Gum surgery can treat this and allows you to feel much more comfortable.

Excess gum tissue covering the teeth can result from hereditary or health conditions, and also from certain medications used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension.

After our dentists provides you with a local anaesthetic to numb the gums, a laser is used to painlessly reshape the gums by trimming away the excess gum tissue and sealing the blood vessels for comfortable and quicker healing. The procedure can take between twenty to thirty minutes. Sometimes patients have excess bone growth that also needs removal treatment before the gums can be reshaped. The bone removal is quite a straight forward procedure and either crowns or veneers can be fitted afterwards to give a brighter look to your teeth when you smile.

In gum surgery, the tissue may be grafted from the palate to build and reshape the gums that are receded. In some cases, veneers are also used to give you natural looking teeth with a beautiful smile that appeals to others.

Our dentists will give you a local anaesthetic so that you feel no pain during the procedure. Usually the laser seals the blood vessels to limit bleeding and to promote healthy painless healing. The dentist may suggest painkillers for a few days if some discomfort is felt, but generally healing is quick and patients soon enjoy the beauty of their new look.

Gum contouring can give you a greater feeling of oral comfort and confidence knowing that you do not have the "gummy smile" appearance, allowing you to attract the best response from others. The procedure is painless because local anaesthetic is administered by our dentists. Prior to the contouring, your general oral health is evaluated so that any signs of gum disease can be treated first. If gums are receding, they can be built up so that you do not feel the sensitivity or pain from exposed teeth roots. Not only is your overall dental wellbeing looked after, but you can feel better about yourself and your interactions with others.

As long as the teeth bones are also trimmed when needed, so that not too much gum is removed to expose the teeth roots, then the procedure and healing should be straight forward. Other risks may depend on your overall health and wellbeing, so it is vital to share your medical history and about the medications you take with our team.

Your gums may feel sensitive for a few days, so it is best to rinse gently with warm salt water and to be careful when flossing. Do proceed to gently brush your teeth as recommended for optimum oral hygiene.

The best way to prevent gum disease is firstly by attending regular appointments with your Dentist and Hygienist. Secondly, prevention requires maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine at home. Plaque is the main cause of gum disease and this can be manually removed using a toothbrush and appropriate interdental aids.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround each tooth and help to keep it in position. There are two types of periodontal disease:

1. Gingivitis - this occurs when plaque and bacteria build up in areas of the mouth that have been missed when brushing. It causes the gums to become swollen and look red in appearance. Bleeding gums is often a sign of this condition. At this early stage there is no loss of the structures that hold the teeth in position and is therefore reversible with good oral hygiene techniques. If poor oral hygiene continues thus has potential to progress onto Periodontitis which is irreversible (see below)
2. Periodontitis - this is the more serious form of gum disease. The longer bacteria remains on the teeth and gums the more harmful they become. The more harmful bacteria can lead to permanent loss of fibres and bone that hold the teeth in place. If left untreated this can lead to mobile teeth or tooth loss. Hygiene treatment can help to prevent progression of this disease.

Periodontal treatment includes:

1. History taking such as medical history, smoking status and oral hygiene routine - this information is taken to determine if there are any risk factors involved in gum disease that can be changed to help stabilise the disease
2. Examination - this includes assessing the gums and levels of plaque, calculus (often called tartar) in the mouth as well as oral cancer screening
3. Removal of plaque, calculus and staining and polish
4. Tailored oral hygiene advice which is specific to your needs
5. If you have Periodontitis then more in depth charting will need to be completed prior to treatment starting. Treatment may need to be completed over a number of appointments which will be discussed at your first appointment. After treatment has been completed you will need to be seen 3 months later where the in depth charting will be taken again and compared with the first chart. This will help determine your future treatment needs.
6. Local anaesthetic can be use when required with your consent

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in most toothpastes to help prevent tooth decay. It can also be found in mouthwashes but the concentration of fluoride is lower compared to toothpastes. Therefore, these two products should be used at different times of the day.

"The mouth is a mirror of the body" so improving oral health can help to improve general health. Dental hygiene helps to maintain a healthy mouth and maintain confidence.

Some of the benefits include:

1. Removal of plaque, calculus and staining
2. Increase patients' confidence
3. Tailored oral hygiene advice to ensure the products being used are suitable for you. Your Hygienist can adapt your technique where necessary to make brushing more effective
4. Regular oral cancer screening
5. Diet advice

Some patients can experience some sensitivity during their appointment. If this is the case then let your Hygienist know so that can help to reduce this sensitivity and make the appointment more comfortable for you.

Yes, there are no implications to eating and drinking after your appointment.

The recall period for patients is set depending on their dental needs and will be advised by the Hygienist at the end of your appointment. Generally, appointments are on a 3-month or 6-month basis.

An electric toothbrush is one aid that can help to improve your oral hygiene and maintain healthy gums if used correctly.

Not necessarily as the manual removal of plaque e.g. with a toothbrush and interdental brushes is much more effective. Your Hygienist/Dentist will recommend a mouthwash if they think it is necessary for you to use one.

If you prefer to use a mouthwash any alcohol-free, fluoride mouthwash such as Fluoriguard can be used at a different time to brushing. If you have been recommended a specific mouthwash by a Hygienist/Dentist then continue to follow the advice given.

• History taking such as checking your medical history and asking about your concerns
• Check outside and inside the mouth (check soft and hard tissues e.g. lymph nodes and lips for any anomalies)
• Check gum health by completing a Basic Periodontal Examination
• Check your oral hygiene
• Complete scaling using an Ultrasonic Scaler (with water and vibrations) and hand scalers (no water)
• Polish
• Give each patient personalised oral hygiene instructions
• Answer any questions you may have.

The aligner is partly made up of specially designed nickel titanium alloy springs. These are in charge of providing some force to the aligner bows that gently oppose each other and pushing the teeth into the desired position in the process. The force that is generated by the aligner bows works over a large range of movement which is the key factor that makes the Inman Aligner work as quickly as it does.

Impressions of your teeth will be taken so that your Inman Aligner can be created at the lab. Once fitted by the dentist, you must wear your aligner for around 16-20 hours per day. You will have regular check ups at 2-3 week intervals.

It is ideal for those suffering misalignment of the front teeth. This can be due to; crowding, protrusion, rotations or cross-bites.

Inman aligners are great for correcting teeth of those people who stopped wearing their retainer after previously having braces They can be a stand-alone treatment or used with other cosmetic services such as whitening, veneers or bonding.

With any orthodontic treatment there will be a little discomfort to begin with. This is due to the big change that your mouth has to deal with. Not only the fact that the teeth are moving but also that there is something new sat around your teeth. Generally, any discomfort alleviates after a few days.

It is possible that your speech is affected for short amount of time until your are used to wearing the Inman Aligner. It is just a case of getting used to wearing the aligner.

This is something that you need to take notice of. The aligner will only work effectively if you wear it for the amount of time that your dentist gives you in your treatment plan. In most cases this will be for around 20 hours per day. If you choose to wear it for less than the allotted time then your treatment may stall and take longer than you had anticipated. You don't need to and shouldn't wear your Inman Aligner for 24 hours a day. You should always remove it when eating. Also remember to brush your teeth before replacing the Aligner back into your mouth. If you are attending a special event or are having a photograph taken then you are fine to remove the aligner as long as it is not out for more then a few hours.

The most suitable candidates for Inman Aligner are those who have mild to moderate crowding or protrusion of the front teeth. it is difficult to say for sure in general terms who will be an ideal candidate. You will only find out for your individual case if you visit your local Inman Aligner provider for a consultation.

An onlay is very similar to an inlay as it is created from porcelain, however, the onlay is used to replace the entire cusps of the tooth instead of fitting into a hole of a cusp like the inlay does. The onlay replaces the entire top of the tooth with a beautiful porcelain finish. These are often used when a crown is a little more than the tooth needs for repair. An onlay allows more of the natural tooth to be salvaged during the repair process.

A crown is a cap for your tooth and is best suited for restoring teeth with extensive decay. An onlay is a more conservative treatment that's better suited to a tooth with less decay because it covers a portion of the tooth.

Both inlays and onlays are pre-formed in a lab before being bonded to the damaged or decayed tooth.

The difference of use depends on the amount of tooth structure that has been lost to wear or decay. Your dentist will help you decide which is most appropriate for you.

An inlay fits within the grooves that are within the cusps of your teeth. An onlay, the larger of the two, fits within the grooves but wraps up and over the cusps covering more of the tooth's surface.

An onlay is used when the damage is more extensive and the restoration covers the entire chewing surface including one or more tooth cusps.

The procedure to place an inlay or onlay is basically the same and both requires two dental visits.

The first dental visit will involve the preparation of the tooth which includes the removal of the decayed or damaged portion. Because the procedure is conservative, the dentist will only remove as little tooth structure as possible to restore your tooth.

The area is numbed by a local anaesthetic before being removed by a drill, dental laser or air-abrasion device.

After the decay and damage has been removed a mold of the tooth is taken and sent to the dental lab.

The permanent restoration involves the cleaning of the tooth to prepare for the new inlay or onlay. The inlay or onlay will be placed to ensure a correct fit before it is bonded to the tooth.

Inlays can be made of composite material, gold or porcelain. Porcelain is a popular choice because it can be closely matched to the shade of the tooth and is naturally translucent. Porcelain is also the preferred material when the broken or decayed part of the tooth is too large for a composite (white) filling. Bonded onto the remaining tooth structure, porcelain is stronger than composite material but still provides excellent aesthetics that are preferable to conventional silver fillings.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are highly durable and last much longer than conventional fillings. With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays will last a long time, but as with most dental restorations, they may someday require replacement.

When a tooth is too damaged to support a traditional filling but not damaged enough for a dental crown, you end up somewhere in the middle:

• Capping a damaged tooth unnecessarily with a dental crown removes more tooth structure than needed
• On the other hand, a large dental filling can weaken the remaining structure of the tooth, causing the tooth to break, crack or eventually need a root canal treatment

Inlays and onlays are often used in place of traditional dental fillings to treat tooth decay or similar structural damage.

Whereas dental fillings are molded into place within the mouth during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are fabricated indirectly in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth by the dentist.

No, the placement of inlays and onlays is generally pain-free. Our dentists make sure that you are pain-free and comfortable in their chairs before beginning. If you were to feel any pain during the procedure, the dentist would immediately stop and give you more anesthetic.

The first step with any orthodontic treatment is a consultation and at Aura Dental we offer complementary consultations for Invisalign. On the consultation you find out if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you, and if not, we are happy to discuss other alternatives to help you begin your journey to a straighter, more beautiful smile.

The specific duration of your treatment is typically dependent on the complexity of your case. For example, more severe overcrowding can take a longer time to correct than teeth affected by minor gaps or misalignments. Whilst every patient has unique concerns, the average duration of treatment for many adults is generally 9-12 months or less. Most individuals begin to see a noticeable change after four to six weeks of wearing their aligners. An estimatation of your specific treatment time will be discussed during your consultation.

Invisalign clear aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are FDA-approved and contain no BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin, clear, and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible.

During Invisalign treatment, the current set of aligner trays are switched out for a new set in the series approximately every two weeks. The subtle differences in these aligners places strategic pressure on the teeth in order to move them. Because of this force, many patients experience tenderness. Some individuals may feel this sensation while they are wearing the trays, while others may only experience it when they take the aligners in or out.

Because Invisalign is completely metal-free, there is a reduced risk for irritated lips and cheeks. However, some Invisalign trays may have a rough edge, which could potentially aggravate the oral soft tissues. If you notice this, it is important to bring it to your doctor's attention right away. Generally, a few simple adjustments can make your aligner trays much more sleek and comfortable.

One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign treatment is that patients can simply remove the trays whenever they eat or drink. This allows individuals to still eat all of their favorite foods without worry. Even so, there may be times when softer foods are more comfortable, particularly if the trays have just been switched out, typically, this tenderness is short-lived.

Patients can also potentially minimise this discomfort by switching to their new aligners before bedtime. By doing so, your teeth and the supporting tissues will have several hours to become accustomed to the new fit whislt you are sleeping.

Retainers play a very important role in the results of any orthodontic treatment. Retainers are the device that keep your teeth set in their new position and prevent them from shifting back to their old positions, known as a relapse. Once your teeth are in the right position and the work of the aligners is complete, retainers do the job of keeping your teeth in that new correct position.

Dental work like crowns, veneers, bridges and Dental Implants would not keep you from having Invisalign treatment. Due to the customisable treatment plan with your Invisalign Dentist, certain teeth can be avoided and pressure minimised on those teeth.

Any orthodontic treatment is more about the dental conditions that the patient has than the age of the patient. Theorectically, a person as young as 11 or 12 can start Invisalign treatment provided they meet the criteria. Invisalign have also created an Invisalign first range for 6-10 years of age, used for an introduction to orthodontics and to correct issues before they require the need for traditional fixed orthodontics.

Unlike traditional braces-wearers, your Invisalign aligners are removable, so you are able to eat whatever foods you want without worrying about lettuce getting stuck in your brackets, a pizza crust tearing a wire out of place, or chocolate cake nesting in between all the metalware. However, if you are a grazer and snack throughout the day, remember, if the aligners are not in, they are not working.

We strongly advise against using toothpaste to clean your Invisalign aligners. While toothpaste works great for your teeth, its abrasive ingredients can discolor your aligners and actually damage them. Instead, consider using these tips when cleaning your Invisalign aligners:

• Don't use soaps that are colored or scented. Soaps could stain your aligners and give them an unpleasant taste when you put them back inside your mouth.
• Do use a retainer or denture cleaner! Soaking your aligners in these solutions can clean most of the bacteria that may build-up.
• You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean your aligners. Create a solution with one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Then, let your aligners soak for about 30 minutes.
• Another great option for keeping your aligners clean is using vinegar. Once again, create a solution with one-part vinegar, one-part water. Put your aligners in the solution while you're eating, then rinse under water and put them back inside your mouth. You may taste a slight sense of vinegar at first, but it won't last long.

Most importantly, establish a cleaning routine with your Invisalign aligners. Getting into a daily routine of cleaning your aligners early on in your treatment process will make it easier to maintain a healthy smile in the long-run. Keeping your teeth and aligners in pristine condition during your Invisalign treatment process will result in straight, clean teeth and a glowing smile!

The general rule is to wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20-22 hours every day. This gives you 2-4 hours to eat, brush your teeth, floss, drink and do other similar activities. The primary goal of your aligners is to put constant pressure on your teeth that slowly moves them into place. If you keep your aligners out of your mouth for more than a couple of hours each day, your teeth won't move as much, which means you may have to wear the aligners for a longer duration than expected initially.

When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.

Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.

No, chewing gum is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and make a big mess.

The aligners on their own can straighten minor alignment issues. However, sometimes extra attachments are needed to treat specific issues. The attachments are small, tooth-coloured adhesive dots. These are made of dental bonding, and are placed at specific locations on the teeth to provide extra grip for the aligners. These attachments ensure that the force of the aligner is focused in the right spot, applying the ideal amount of pressure. These attachments may also be used to secure elastic bands.

As the attachments are placed directly on the teeth, you will have to be extra careful when brushing and flossing to make sure no debris gets stuck around the attachments. These attachments will also make your aligners fit more snugly, so they can become more difficult to take off and put back on. Even though there are some unpleasant aspects to Invisalign attachments, they do create a more effective treatment than you would have otherwise.

If your mouth doesn't naturally have enough space there is a safe and predictable method that can create more space. Interproximal reduction or IPR is commonly used in orthodontic treatments to create extra space so the teeth can move into the desired position without having healthy ones extracted.

The process involves smoothing the sides of your teeth very slightly to create space so you can get the very best results from your aligners. Your dentist will use a polishing strip to polish away a tiny amount of enamel from between the teeth, creating a space that is barely noticeable unless you look very closely. This means there is no friction between the teeth and makes space for them to align.

If you suffer from crooked teeth, spacing issues (gaps between your teeth) or bite problems, then you could most likely benefit from the adept knowledge of an orthodontist.

An orthodontist has pursued further specialist study in the field of orthodontics. This is in the form of a three year master's degree in addition to the five-year undergraduate Bachelor of Dentistry.

No, that is the role of your general dentist. For all oral hygiene-related issues, your first point of call should be your dentist as your teeth need to be in optimum health before you can embark on orthodontic treatment.

No, orthodontic treatment doesn't hurt. Patients will likely experience mild discomfort when their appliance is first fitted and again when the appliance is tightened, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief.

Part of the treatment process is retention. Retainers (removable plastic appliances) are given to be worn on a part time basis once your teeth have been straightened and after your appliance has been removed. If you wear your retainers as instructed it is unlikely you'll need treatment later in life.

However if you have noticed your teeth have moved you could always consider having another course of treatment which will be as effective as it is is a child or teenager.

For children when in permanent dentition/ adult teeth. There are certain situations when the jaw alignment needs to be addressed at an early age to eliminate the need for future surgical correction of the jaw discrepancy. Use of functional or removable braces are some examples.

As an adult as soon as you wish given the gums and teeth are healthy.

The habit would have to stopped prior to the start of any course of treatment as it is casing or worsening the misalignment of the bite. However please don't let this stop you from visiting an orthodontist as they have very effective advice to help your child in their habit cessation.

There are risks involved with any treatment we consider and orthodontic treatment is not immune from this. However the biggest risk with braces is getting marks on the surface of the teeth (white spots) and cavities which is due to poor tooth brushing and gum care during the course of treatment. If teeth and gums are kept healthy and clean during the course of orthodontic treatment, this risk will be eliminated. 

Some braces (lingual and removable braces in children) can effect speak and signing but this is transitionally and resolves after the first few weeks.

Yes. Clear braces use the same technology as traditional metal braces of the bracket and archwire system. The only difference is the parts are made from a clear material, which gives them that discreet look.

There would be a period of adjustment to the appliances and certain food (chewy and crunchy) would have to be avoided as they can damage braces. We will give you full advice and support when you have your braces put on.

Ideally and if braces are cared for as advised this should and would not happen. However if this does occur we advise you to let us know and our orthodontist can make an earlier appointment to repair this.

We would do everything we can to avoid extraction but because each patient is different we make this decision on a case-by-case basis.

The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment. Typically treatment can last between 6 to 24 months. During your consultation, we will provide you with more detailed information.

Every 4 to 8 weeks for the regular adjustment of the braces.

Absolutely. Please keep your regular appointments with your general dentist as your orthodontist will be looking after the alignment of your teeth and bite, while your dentist will be looking after the health of your teeth and gums.

For as long as you would want to keep them in their new position, on a part-time basis.

Lingual braces offer excellent control over tooth movement, and many celebrities choose them for their remarkably discreet appearance. Using the bracket and archwire system of traditional fixed braces, lingual braces are fitted to the inside of your teeth so no-one can see them.

Lingual braces work in the same way as metal braces do, to move your teeth into their desired position. But because they sit inside your teeth, they are harder to clean. They can also be more uncomfortable at first and regular adjustments will take longer and are more difficult than metal braces, but they are a great option for adults who want discreet orthodontic treatment.

Lingual braces aren't appropriate for everyone, particularly patients who have extreme orthodontic problems. They can also be harder to clean and adjust. However, rest assured that before your treatment begins we'll talk everything through with you and make sure you've made the best choice for you as an individual.

If you suffer from crooked teeth, spacing issues (gaps between your teeth) or bite problems, then you could most likely benefit from the adept knowledge of an orthodontist.

An orthodontist has pursued further specialist study in the field of orthodontics. This is in the form of a three year master's degree in addition to the five-year undergraduate Bachelor of Dentistry.

No, that is the role of your general dentist. For all oral hygiene-related issues, your first point of call should be your dentist as your teeth need to be in optimum health before you can embark on orthodontic treatment.

No, orthodontic treatment doesn't hurt. Patients will likely experience mild discomfort when their appliance is first fitted and again when the appliance is tightened, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief.

Yes. There is no age limit for an orthodontic treatment.

Part of the treatment process is retention. Retainers (removable plastic appliances) are given to be worn on a part time basis once your teeth have been straightened and after your appliance has been removed. If you wear your retainers as instructed it is unlikely you'll need treatment later in life.

However if you have noticed your teeth have moved you could always consider having another course of treatment which will be as effective as it is is a child or teenager.

For children when in permanent dentition/ adult teeth. There are certain situations when the jaw alignment needs to be addressed at an early age to eliminate the need for future surgical correction of the jaw discrepancy. Use of functional or removable braces are some examples.

As an adult as soon as you wish given the gums and teeth are healthy.

The habit would have to stopped prior to the start of any course of treatment as it is casing or worsening the misalignment of the bite. However please don't let this stop you from visiting an orthodontist as they have very effective advice to help your child in their habit cessation.

There are risks involved with any treatment we consider and orthodontic treatment is not immune from this. However the biggest risk with braces is getting marks on the surface of the teeth (white spots) and cavities which is due to poor tooth brushing and gum care during the course of treatment. If teeth and gums are kept healthy and clean during the course of orthodontic treatment, this risk will be eliminated. 

Some braces (lingual and removable braces in children) can effect speak and signing but this is transitionally and resolves after the first few weeks.

Yes. Clear braces use the same technology as traditional metal braces of the bracket and archwire system. The only difference is the parts are made from a clear material, which gives them that discreet look.

There would be a period of adjustment to the appliances and certain food (chewy and crunchy) would have to be avoided as they can damage braces. We will give you full advice and support when you have your braces put on.

Ideally and if braces are cared for as advised this should and would not happen. However if this does occur we advise you to let us know and our orthodontist can make an earlier appointment to repair this.

We would do everything we can to avoid extraction but because each patient is different we make this decision on a case-by-case basis.

The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the treatment. Typically treatment can last between 6 to 24 months. During your consultation, we will provide you with more detailed information.

Every 4 to 8 weeks for the regular adjustment of the braces.

Absolutely. Please keep your regular appointments with your general dentist as your orthodontist will be looking after the alignment of your teeth and bite, while your dentist will be looking after the health of your teeth and gums.

For as long as you would want to keep them in their new position, on a part-time basis.

Your retainers will need to be worn every night after your treatment is completed. Gradually you will be able to reduce the wear of your removable retainers to 3 or so nights a week- more is better and you can't wear them too much! Without wearing them regularly, your teeth will move to some extent which is disappointing.

There is no convenient time to stop wearing removable retainers. If you decide to stop (even after several years) or leave them out for a while, your teeth are guaranteed to move over time. Fixed (wire) retainers are helpful but they can come off without you realising. They only hold the front teeth and in some cases this is just not enough because the collapse of the back teeth affects the front ones.

Your retainers need to be replaced regularly (like a pair of shoes) because of wear and tear which will make them lose tightness. Likewise, wearing tight, ill-fitting retainers will harm your teeth. Your retainers may need to be replaced more often if you are a grinder or clench your teeth during night.

New moulds are required for new retainers and you will need to book an appointment. If your teeth have moved then mould will be taken on the current arrangement of your teeth. Payment will be taken on the impression appointment.

Broken removable retainers need to be replaced. Whilst you are waiting to come and see us, try to wear your broken retainer if it is possible. Fixed retainers may come unstuck and it may be possible to repair them. If they are dangling in your mouth or stopping you wearing your removable retainers, pull them off with your fingers with a firm pressure or ask a dentist to cut the offending part off. Please wear your removable retainer every night and call us for advice on repair or replacement.

The retainer itself may be damaged and may need to be replaced or you may not be wearing it sufficiently and the teeth will have moved out of line. If you have not been wearing your retainers enough and they are not too uncomfortable (but feel tight), wear them full time (night and day) for a few days to improve the fit.

The retainer itself may be damaged and may need to be replaced or you may not be wearing it as advised and the teeth will have moved considerably out of line. If you have not worn them enough and they do not fit, it may be too late to correct the problem. Please call us for advice on your options if you are concerned about the straightness of your teeth.

Root canal treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity damages the tooth's root. The root becomes infected or inflamed.

There are multiple reasons why teeth can become inflamed or infected. The most common reason is decay that extends too far into the tooth. If a cavity is too deep, the bacteria in the cavity can produce damage to the pulp causing it to become inflamed. If the decay progresses far enough, bacteria can actually enter into the pulp and cause an infection. This is commonly called an abscess. In addition to cavities, cracks in teeth and trauma to teeth can cause inflammation and infection.

No. With advances today in anaesthesia and treatment, root canal therapy should be painless.

There is nothing better than a natural tooth. If there is enough tooth structure remaining for your dentist to restore it to proper function, then a root canal is the best treatment option.

The majority of root canals are completed in a single visit. However, there are cases that require multiple visits in order to disinfect the root canal space and complete the treatment.

Provided the patient takes proper care of the tooth following root canal treatment, including appropriate restorative work by their general dentist and good oral hygiene, a root canal should last a lifetime.

A root canal appointment is very similar in nature to a normal restorative procedure like a crown or a filling. While each patient will still be numb at the end of the procedure, there is no reason why they should not be able to resume their normal daily activities. However, please abstain from eating until the anaesthetic has worn off in order to avoid biting your tongue or cheeks.

Every person is different, so treatment lengths vary from person to person. Most of the treatments will be completed within a four to nine month period, but on average the treatments take six months.

Six Month Smiles® braces are more discreet that traditional braces. The braces and wires are tooth-coloured, to ensure they blend in and are barely visible. If you book a consultation at Aura Dental we can show you photos of what they look like on teeth.

Many people think that the accelerated treatment means simply 'tightening' regular braces to get the teeth moving, but this is not true. Six Month Smiles® braces use low force to move teeth more comfortably and focus on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite.

You will need to be seen every 4 weeks for your adjustment appointments. These are usually 30 minutes long but may vary depending on what needs to be done at each appointment. It is important that you keep these appointments or you will delay your treatment.

There are no more risks of root damage or other issues than those associated with traditional orthodontics.

As with any teeth-straightening treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the new position of your teeth.

As long as they are in good overall health there should be no problem with their getting a smile makeover.

Yes, there are smile makeover options for people who have crooked teeth.

It depends on the type of treatments the dental patient will need to improve their smile. Many smile makeovers can be done in just one dental appointment. When a dental patient is in need of a few different procedures then it may take two or three different dental appointments.

Yes. It is not only possible, it is a common practice for dental patients who want and/or need two or more dental procedures performed.

Yes. In fact, getting your teeth whitened in a dental practice provides much better results than over the counter teeth whitening options! This is why so many people are visiting their dentist to whiten their teeth nowadays compared to at home whitening options.

A mouthguard works by absorbing and spreading the force of a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth or losing a tooth; cuts to the lips, cheeks and tongue; broken jaws; concussion.

A custom made mouthguard will cost a lot less than many other essential items of sporting equipment. In preventing pain and disfigurement, it is a very worthwhile investment.

You are the best judge of that, but if you drink red wine, or smoke, or drink tea or coffee, or take meds or eat a whole host of other foods chances are your teeth will be discoloured. As teeth discolour gradually it may not be you who actually notices it. Or you may see an old photo of yourself and suddenly see the difference. If you have crowns or veneers that were matched to your own tooth colour and there is now a marked difference, then you will be able to gauge the level of discolouration.

Whitening toothpastes undoubtedly help, and will clean your teeth better than ordinary toothpastes. But what many people don't realise is that tooth enamel is layered, like skin. A toothpaste can only clean the top layer and cannot penetrate any deeper. If the discolouration has taken place over a long period of time, such as with smokers for example, the discolouration will be deep set through several layers of enamel. And no toothpaste is going to remove that.

There are many reasons for having your teeth whitened, and they're really all about personal choice. You could be suffering a crisis of confidence and be embarrassed to smile. You could have recently quit smoking and want to have your teeth restored to their former glory as an incentive not to start again. There might be a big event coming up such as a wedding or a major milestone. You might want to just treat yourself. The list goes on and on.

Yes and no. For obvious reasons dentists will not professionally whiten the teeth of women who are breast feeding, or children. At your initial consultation your dentist will do a full appraisal of your teeth to assess their suitability for whitening. The enamel will be fully examined and they will also check to see if you have receding gums or sensitivity. Depending on the results they will advise which whitening treatment is best suited to your needs… another reason why home whitening kits should be avoided.

"Absolutely! Your dentist will go through all the options open to you and assess the level of whitening needed to greatly enhance your smile while still looking perfectly natural. You will be amazed at how many shades are available when it comes to tooth whitening. And whether your teeth move up 3 shades or 12, you will be left with a beautiful smile that doesn't have people reaching for their sunglasses."

In a word… no. Home kits offer a quick fix. But you have no idea if your teeth are suitable for this kind of whitening and the results are short lasting. Repeated use of these kits to keep your teeth white may cause irreparable damage to both teeth and gums. The teeth whitening treatment you receive at your dentists is tailor made for your needs and gives long lasting results. It is a lot cheaper than it was a few years ago since the technology went mainstream.

Veneers can be made of either porcelain, composite or a newer material called Zirconia. Each material has its pros and cons and is used depending on what the patient wants and what is possible.

Porcelain has been the most used material and is still considered to be the one of the most durable materials. Most labs use a new kind of porcelain called lithium disilicate (branded as e-max) which is not only very strong but also gives excellent aesthetics.

Composite is a resin filled material, which is used as white filling material. Like any plastic/resin material it has always been prone to staining and discolouring with time. However over the last 10 years newer specialist materials for front teeth have been developed that, used and polished correctly, are very resistant to staining and discolouration.

Zirconia Veneers are the most recent veneer material to have been developed. Zirconia is incredibly strong and is the same material that is used to make artificial diamonds such as Swarowski diamonds. While it is very strong it currently lacks the translucency and depth of true porcelain. It is modified by a layer of porcelain to improve its appearance on the outside and where there are concerns about a persons heavy bite, tooth clenching or grinding the compromise in appearance is often acceptable. As zirconia continues to evolve newer translucent shades are beginning to show great promise.

Some of the outer enamel surface of the tooth will be removed, to ensure that the veneer can be bonded to the tooth . The amount of enamel to be removed is minimal and will be the thickness of the veneers to be fitted.

The tooth is prepared in two stages. The first stage will involve removing a small amount of enamel and taking an impression of the tooth. The impression is sent to the laboratory where they will reproduce a veneer to fit the tooth. In the interim, a temporary veneer will be placed on the tooth to protect it against sensitivity until your final veneer can be fitted. A visit to the laboratory may be necessary to make sure that the colour matches with adjoining teeth and a natural look is achieved. The second stage will involve placing the veneers on the required teeth with a bonding material.

With proper care and maintenance, your dental veneers can last for up to 20 years. They will eventually need to be replaced due to natural changes in your oral anatomy. Fortunately, this replacement process is as simple as the first time around.

The placement of porcelain veneers is typically a pain-free procedure. Dentists usually numb the tooth and the surrounding area with anesthesia before removing the dental enamel. In many cases, this amount of enamel is so small that patients do not require the use of anaesthesia.

If you're being treated by an experienced, trained and professional dentist, veneers won't damage your teeth. We'll need to examine and take x-rays of your teeth to fully assess their health. Only after thoroughly examining your teeth will we be able to tell you if you're eligible for veneers.

No, because porcelain is non-porous, it will not absorb the shades of what you eat and drink.

Once you receive your permanent veneers, you may want to avoid or limit these types of foods and actions:

Hard Foods : It's never a good idea to bite into hard sweets or biting close to the bone when eating foods like pork chops and chicken legs. Things like these can chip the porcelain.

Ice : Biting down on ice cubes can chip or break your veneers.

Using teeth like a tool : biting open a bag of crisps Avoid biting your nails or anything with exessive vertical force.

Dental veneers offer a simple way to change your smile and will last for years with proper care.

There have been numerous advancements with innovative technology and improved techniques that now mean that the bonding agents used to cement veneers to teeth are extremely strong. This means that it is unlikely that a veneer should come off or fall off after the final fitting of the teeth.

If a veneer is damaged, it usually cannot be repaired because it is made from a single piece of porcelain. Therefore, a new veneer will need to be created to keep your smile looking its best. You can prevent damage to the veneers by avoiding biting directly into hard or sticky items and protecting them with a mouthguard if you play sports or grind/clench your jaw.

Knowing the reasons why your veneers can break of fall off can help you decide how to approach the problem. If the veneer was old, for instance, it won't come as a surprise that it broke. But if you have a brand new veneer that comes off, it could have failed because of something you did (like biting on hard things), your best bet is to be more careful after having it fixed. Veneers shouldn't break too easily. But if you're exceptionally hard on your teeth, that will be a problem.

Vivera retainers are custom made for you with the same state-of-the-art technology used to make Invisalign aligners. Because the retainers are custom made from an impression or scan of your teeth, you will benefit from a precise fit and therefore more comfortable fit.

Vivera's proprietary material is 30% stronger*, which helps maintain your teeth in the desired position. It also reduces the risk of the retainer cracking or breaking, which means a more durable retainer that you can count on.

Vivera Retainers can last about 3 years if you keep them clean and protected.

The best way to clean your Vivera Retainer is to use gentle dish soap and lukewarm water, scrubbing with your fingers to remove any bacteria and saliva before it hardens.