Looking To Achieve A Stunning Smile? 

For many of us, our smile is considered one of our best facial features. But not all of us may feel the same way about our teeth. If you have noticed some imperfections, have some dental concerns such as crooked or crowded teeth or have a gap you would like to close, you may want to consider investing in orthodontic treatment to help you achieve the smile you desire.

The Benefits Of Having Orthodontic Treatment 

There are many benefits that come with straightening teeth. Crooked or crowded teeth can make proper dental care more difficult to achieve as you would be unable to brush and/or floss in between your teeth properly. By straightening your teeth, you will find it easier to clean and maintain, ensuring that your teeth remain healthier for longer.

Failure to clean your teeth thoroughly can increase the chances of bacteria build-up and plaque, which can lead to gum disease. You may not realise it, but having crooked and/or crowded teeth can also affect your speech, which is why you may notice that your speech improves and becomes clearer once you straighten your teeth.

You may not realise it, but having issues with your bite (for example, an overbite or an underbite) can have an impact on your digestion. This is because you may not be able to bite and chew your food properly, which can lead to further issues such as indigestion and bloating.

Another benefit of having orthodontic treatment is the boost in confidence that it gives. If you have been unhappy with your teeth for a number of years, you will find that correcting any dental issues you may have  a positive effect on your self confidence.

What Orthodontic Treatment Options Are Available For Me? 

So you have decided to go ahead and straighten your teeth, but you are now unsure of what treatment to go for. Thanks to the advancements in dental technology, there are now more orthodontic treatment options than ever before that can help you on your journey to achieving straighter teeth and a better smile.

Alongside the popular fixed orthodontic treatment known as traditional metal braces, other teeth-straightening options include lingual braces, clear braces and Invisalign. Invisalign London is a popular choice, particularly with adults looking to straighten their teeth as they are practically invisible. Treatment with Invisalign is also favoured amongst adult patients as they are removable, meaning that you can take off the aligners to eat and drink as normal and maintain your oral care regime.

If you decide to go for Invisalign, you will also have the option to have the aligners sent to your house, making them a flexible treatment option as you will not always be required to physically go to the dental clinic. Instead, there is an app available for all patients, which allows you to upload your progress throughout your treatment. With the app, you can also speak with dental professionals and seek advice should you have any issues with the treatment.

The Importance Of Dental Websites For Successful Marketing

A good dental website is very important in helping you to become and remain a successful dental practice in your area.

Traditional dental marketing has been replaced by digital dental marketing techniques in these last few decades and to remain in keeping with current trends it is also important that you shift to digital marketing to ensure that you continue to attract new patients for your dental practice.

Dental websites are the key to digital marketing and to make sure that your website is successful you need to invest time and effort into maintaining and updating your website on a regular basis so that it continues to draw attention and find patients to address their dental needs with you.

Most practices have a dental website so it is important that yours is active so that you are not missing out on patients to your competitors.

Tips For A Good Website

The techniques involved in successfully marketing your dental practice online are changing all the time and as a dentist, you will find that you are not able to provide as much time and effort for looking after your website because you have other priorities such as looking after your patients’ dental needs.

You need a dedicated member of staff for your dental marketing or you need to speak to an award-winning digital dental marketing team that specialises in dental websites.

This will help to make sure that your website is working to its maximum potential and help patients to distinguish you from the other dental practices in your area.

The role of your dental website is to market the treatments and procedures that you have to provide, tell patients about you and your team and the dental practice itself and educate them on the importance of looking after their oral health so that they visit the dentist on a regular basis.

If your website can successfully do this then you will boost the success of your dental practice.

When prospective patients visit your website they need to find information on the treatments and procedures which you are able to offer at your practice. They need to be informed of any unique selling points that help differentiate you from the other dental practices in your area.

You also want your patients to be able to familiarise themselves with you and your dental practice so it is important that there is plenty of information on the website with regards to you and your team, and pictures and videos of the dental practice itself.

Your website should encourage patients to consider their dental health, find out about the different treatments and procedures that you are offering, hear what patients want to find out more about and give them more information on these topics and issues so that they revisit the website or they contact you to find out more.

Speak to your digital dental marketing team today and learn more about creating and maintaining a successful dental website for your dental practice.

Why Are Smile-Enhancing Treatments So Popular?

Findings from a Harris Poll have indicated that aesthetic dental treatments have outstripped other non-surgical treatments in demand by image-conscious consumers. The survey revealed that 43 per cent of the adults interviewed admitted to desiring to improve the look of their teeth by consulting with a cosmetic dentist in Bromley for teeth brightening procedures, teeth straightening, or treatment plans for veneers.

Respondents cited various reasons for their appearance-enhancing goals with 43 per cent wanting to boost self-esteem and confidence, 35 per cent wanting to look as good on the outside as they felt within, 22 per cent wanting to combat ageing and another 22 per cent wanting to look younger.

While the end goal of all cosmetic dental treatments is primarily focussed on contributing to a confidence-inspiring sunny smile, they have an equally important secondary goal (from a patient’s perspective) – that of aiding and abetting a healthy mouth. And a healthy mouth, according to the Oral Health Foundation, is a prized personal asset.

Factors That Contribute To The Popularity Of Cosmetic Dentistry

The factors that have encouraged the rise in demand for cosmetic dentistry are not all down to the pressures of society to appear confident or look good. The dental industry has evolved over the years to introduce new and better technologies, and affordable and faster treatment plans. Cosmetic dentistry no longer falls within the realms of only the rich and famous.

The desire to look good for special occasions marks one of the most common reasons for opting for a cosmetic dental treatment. Weddings, anniversary celebrations, holidays, red carpet occasions, birthdays and even the job interview are all worthy occasions that call for the best-looking smile.

People who need to restore missing teeth, repair broken teeth, or who need to strengthen the integrity of the dental arches also add to the demand for cosmetic dentistry.    

The wish to make a positive first impression is another contributing factor. Whether it is to secure a job or impress a potential romantic partner or find acceptance within a social group. Seeing that making a good first impression is so highly significant, it is quite understandable why any endeavours to create it are so remarkably strong.

It is a universal truth that confidence breeds success and for that all-importance confidence, it helps if one is deemed to be attractive. There cannot be physical attractiveness without a beautiful smile and thus another reason for the spike in cosmetic dental treatments.

The video call has certainly played its fair share in the need for cosmetic dental treatments. The convenience of the video call has cemented its place in the array of modern communication tools. This is made obvious by the plethora of video-calling apps available today, from Zoom, Skype, Google Duo to Whatsapp video calls. Distant face-to-face communication has been so delightfully convenient. We use video calls for learning instruction, business conferences, virtual team meetings and to keep in touch with friends and family.

The rise in patients seeking cosmetic dental treatments does not come from just the younger generation. Having good-looking teeth is also a way to hold on longer to a youthful appearance, which is why many older patients have opted to brighten their teeth or hide imperfections with veneers.

Gain straighter teeth with Invisalign St Albans

Those living with misaligned or crooked teeth are very aware of the daily hardship and discomfort they may have to live with, leading them to live with poor oral health and hygiene in many cases. The simple task of brushing the teeth to keep them clean can become hard work in the mind of a person living with misaligned teeth, as they may find it difficult to move a toothbrush around the mouth, gums, and teeth making it hard to clean all areas of the mouth evenly.

Many adults who are living in the UK with crooked teeth find that they wish they could make a change and have perfectly aligned teeth but believe wrongly that they are too old to receive tooth alignment treatment, as we tend to believe that these types of treatments are only offered to teenaged children. However, in more recent years there have been efforts to create tooth alignment treatments that are suitable for adults.

Invisalign St Albans, is a modern solution that aims to offer adults the tooth alignment treatment they desire, whilst being discrete. The developers of this treatment also guarantee that patients will gain the great results that they should be able to get from any treatments they receive.

Nothing To See Here

The common barrier to most people receiving tooth alignment treatment in their teenage years revolved around the way that alignment treatments of the past looked once in place, Invisalign directly addresses the issue of how alignment treatment looks. The aim is to give patients a discrete treatment that will not be seen by other people, all the time the patient can be confident that they are receiving the treatment they desire and it will result in them having straighter teeth.

This aligner is created from two-layer of strong, durable, and clear plastic, giving it the ability to disappear once in place in the patient’s mouth. This aligner fits over the teeth, rather than around the teeth like the metal and wire braces that most people hear about when they are younger.

Preparing Properly Before Starting Treatment

Just with any medical treatment, it is important for any patient to take the time to prepare properly, this may begin with a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist. It must be recognised that tooth alignment treatment can increase the risks posed by common dental issues, such as tooth decay, plaque build-up, or gum disease, for this reason, it is vital that a patient tries to increase the standards within their oral health and hygiene via brushing and flossing.

Any patient who is considering being treated with Invisalign must also have a full oral examination to have their needs fully assessed, this will help to create the custom aligners that will be used in the individual’s treatment.

Treatment will normally last between twelve and eighteen months, it will also make use of a series of aligners that are changed every two weeks, and each plays its own role in the alignment treatment. By the end of the treatment, the patient will have the perfectly aligned teeth they are looking for and a far higher standard of oral health.

Dental Implants Hertfordshire: Fill The Gaps In Your Smile With A Natural-Looking And Functioning Replacement

Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety; they can also cause further complications with any remaining teeth that are left more exposed to bacteria when they are not surrounded by other natural teeth. For many people, the thought of lost teeth is quite embarrassing and they want a solution which is as subtle as possible, especially when natural teeth may be missing for other reasons than poor oral hygiene, such as accidents, illnesses or certain medications. Thankfully, there is another way that teeth may be replaced that doesn’t involve embarrassing moments. We have a solution which will mean you won’t find yourself paranoid when chewing on especially tough food. Dental implants Hertfordshire offer a reliable solution that is arguably the next best thing to having your natural teeth and will be able to help you smile again.

What Are Dental Implants?

Imagine having replacement teeth that are firmly fixed into your mouth in the same way that your natural teeth are. Your natural teeth are attached by their roots to the jawbone and that’s what dental implants do. Small metal screws are attached to the jawbone and the body’s tissues fuse with them, making the fit secure. To these screws, replacement teeth can be attached, whether it’s crowns, dentures or bridges depending on how many you need to replace. They can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a whole set. The result is then a natural-looking smile that functions naturally too; there shouldn’t be any wobbles when you’re warbling on the karaoke or loosening when you are living your life in whatever way works for you!

Do Dental Implants Require Major Surgery?

Dental implants do not require major surgery. You should only require local anaesthesia to have them fitted. During the initial appointment when the screws are fitted, you will have temporary replacement teeth attached to the screws. After some time when the tissue has healed around the screws, you will then need to return for another appointment to have the permanent replacement teeth attached. If you look after your implants properly, they could last you a lifetime – all you need to do to care for them is brush and floss regularly!

Anything Else I Need To Know About Implants?

Aside from implants being comfortable, they should feel like your normal teeth and are reliable and aesthetically pleasing; they could also make you look younger! Sometimes, when people have missing teeth, their faces can lose structure due to the gaps in their smiles. As such, the face can look drawn and this can be ageing. Once your teeth have been replaced using dental implants, you could well find that your face looks more youthful and fresh as the structure is restored, smoothing the skin across your new teeth.

If you want to find out more about dental implants, simply book in for that initial consultation and find out whether dental implants could work for you. Getting your smile sorted could be the most natural thing in the world for you to do.

How To Prepare For Invisalign Luton

Clear braces have become the best means of teeth straightening for many. This is because they are an orthodontic treatment that is invisible to others; which means that the usual concern about feeling self-conscious about wearing braces is no longer an issue. The time required is usually less than what is needed for more traditional forms of braces; and patients often find that discomfort is minimal. For those who have decided to opt for Invisalign Luton, here is a guide on how to prepare for treatment.

Learn How To Clean Properly

Many people are surprised to discover that just using a toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day might not be enough to keep the teeth thoroughly clean. While this is important in general for good oral health, keeping the teeth and gums as clean as possible during treatment with Invisalign is even more vital.

This is because, if there is food debris left on the teeth after meals before the aligners are put back in, the result can be the formation of cavities and even some staining. Placing the trays over teeth that have bits of food remaining means that the food is pressed into the teeth; making it more likely than usual that there be dental issues.

Therefore, before starting treatment, it is important that patients learn how to brush the teeth as efficiently as possible. If there is any doubt about how to do this, it is best to consult with the dental professional.

Purchase A Travel Toothbrush

It is a good idea to buy a small travel toothbrush so that life can continue as normal. Patients do not have to stay at home all the time to be able to brush their teeth after each meal; they just need to ensure that they have the ability to do so while out and about. A travel toothbrush will make the whole process much easier.

Stick To The Water

It is important that the only beverage that is consumed whilst wearing clear braces is water. This is because the soft plastic from which they are made can become stained if the patient chooses other drinks. If the aligners become stained, they will no longer be invisible to others; which would negate one of the main benefits of this kind of braces. The teeth underneath could become stained too, which could cause a less than desirable result when the treatment is complete.

Get Some Dental Wax

Although invisible braces are one of the most comfortable ways to correct misaligned teeth, there is a small amount of discomfort to be expected. This is particularly true during the first few weeks of wearing the aligners. Dental wax can help to ease any parts of the mouth which are a little irritated by the introduction of this new hardware.

Use A Case

It is important to use the case that comes with the aligner trays when they are removed for eating. This ensures that the trays retain their shape and quality and makes it easier to find them when needed. The case also helps the patient to maintain cleanliness.

Understanding A Little Bit More About Aligners

As an adult, the idea of the traditional metal brace can be rather off putting and deter you from treatment. Luckily there are alternative options to the traditional brace and whilst the cosmetic appearance of treatment may have put you off previously, clear aligners such as Invisalign Chelsea have become a real game changer for most adults and may be able to help.

Are They All They’re Cracked Up To Be?

Whilst a straight set of teeth may seem like a dream, the process to get to that dream may be off putting. After all, as an adult it is hard to put aside the fear of standing out from the crowd if following a traditional method of metal braces. So why aligners?

Aligners are tailor-made to fit your specific dentition and to fit in easily with your daily life. Simple to clean with removal during your oral hygiene process and when you eat, minimal check-ups allowing your daily life to continue as normal with little interruption and an effective treatment which does the job without the world knowing about it. If you are looking into having your teeth straightened then transparent aligners are well worth looking into.

Minimal Discomfort

Some dental appliances used in the past to straighten teeth came with some side effects, of blisters around the gums, considerable aching due to the pulling in of the teeth and a dose of insecurity due to the appearance of the chunky, visible braces. Whilst the methods were highly effective, the process to get from A to B was not always the most pleasant and therefore going for aligners which are made from a thin plastic is definitely beneficial. The snug fit of the aligners, which are tailor-made to your own teeth, allow a comfortable fit with minimal discomfort both physically and emotionally.

A Long Term Treatment?

As with the traditional brace method, the length of time that the invisible aligners take depends entirely on the individual’s alignment problem, as well as their commitment to the treatment. Should a more complex tooth misalignment problem be apparent, the aligners may need to be worn for a longer period of time, but this is not always the case and therefore your dental team will always consult with you to ensure you have the correct information.

How To Preserve Treatment

Once you have successfully completed your treatment and your teeth are aligned into their new positioning there will need to be a final retainer created and worn. Whilst this will not be forever, this final transparent retainer will help protect your smile and prevent the teeth from shifting back into their original positions. The idea is therefore not to have multiple treatments throughout your life, but to have one and to preserve the hard work put in.

A Costly Treatment

Due to the cosmetic aspects of the aligners these are considered to be more expensive than the traditional brace method which can be obtained via the NHS. That being said, many dental practices offer a variety of payment options allowing patients to spread the cost. If it is a treatment that will not only get you the results you are after but also have less impact on your life, then it is well worth the extra cost.

What Can A Dentist Do For Me?

Unfortunately, when you’re experiencing discomfort with your teeth or unhappy with how they look, you might not always make the time to see a dentist Harley Street. Maybe the pain is only minimal and you’re convinced it will clear up on its own, or maybe you don’t think there is anything you can do to feel more confident about your smile. There are plenty of services provided at dental practices to help get your mouth in the best possible shape.

Dental Hygiene And Sensitive Teeth

Two of the main causes of toothache are bad dental hygiene and sensitive teeth. Over time, as you go about your day and eat whatever you like, plaque may start to build on your teeth. Although it is important to brush and floss daily, it is just as important to have your teeth professionally cleaned in order to reach all the areas your brush can’t. Doing this will also keep you safe from gum disease and bad breath.

There is nothing worse than wanting to enjoy ice cream on a warm day and being stopped by a shooting pain in your teeth. The main cause of teeth sensitivity is enamel erosion, which is when the hard protective surfaces of the teeth are worn down. If you visit a dental clinic, it is likely that you will have a personalised plan set up for you to combat the erosion and sensitivity.

Dental Implants

If you’ve lost teeth, you might be reading this article hoping to find out an answer. The good news is, you don’t have to stay unhappy with your smile and there are lots of ways to regain your confidence. Dental implants are designed to work and look exactly like your real teeth. They are titanium screws that are placed tightly into your jaw, supporting the bone and tissue that is constantly moving and changing there. To the untrained eye, it is almost impossible to notice the artificial teeth. This is a dentistry service that keeps on giving after fitting, due to the fact that implants help support bone growth and structure, making sure your face never looks drawn and hollow.

Invisalign

If you’re unhappy with the alignment of your teeth, but are not really interested in traditional metal braces, this segment is for you. Invisalign are invisible aligners that straighten the teeth by moving them slowly and subtly into position. They are completely removable, meaning that you can clean your teeth with ease and do not have to change your diet to make the trays more comfortable. There is no metal in the braces, so you will face minimal discomfort and have no sharp edges in your gums. This is a fast and efficient way to get the smile you desire!

Teeth Whitening

So, now you have all your teeth, they’re completely straight; but there is something missing. You aren’t happy with the colour. How about trying some teeth whitening? You can whiten your teeth at a clinic or in the comfort of your own home, making this treatment completely accessible for everyone!

How Missing Teeth Increases Risk Of Nutritional Deficiencies

A person who does not meet the required daily intake of essential nutrients needed by the body for optimal functioning, is vulnerable to becoming malnourished. Malnutrition is a serious condition that has the potential to be life-threatening if not addressed.

There are numerous causes that can lead to a person becoming malnourished; one of them being missing teeth or teeth being in such a poor state as to make biting and chewing painful or difficult. The population group most likely to have teeth missing are the elderly; the group also who are at greater risk of malnutrition. Age UK puts the number of elderly persons (aged 65 and over) at 1 in 10 who are either nutrient deficient or are at risk of becoming so. When adult teeth falling out cannot be avoided, it is best to seek appropriate dental solutions to replace missing teeth, like dental implants Herefordshire which have become the go-to teeth replacement solution in the dental industry.

The Role Of Mastication In Nutrient Absorption

The key to efficient nutrient absorption begins in the mouth with the proper grinding down of food into tiny bits before being swallowed. Foods that are not chewed properly stay undigested in the gut for an extended period of time.

Not only does this mean missing out on available nutrients as the nutrients can only be absorbed once digested, but foods not processed properly opens up the possibility of bacteria breeding in the colon, resulting in a whole host of other undesirable ill-health consequences.

The Benefits Of Chewing Food Properly

While nutrient absorption is a most desirable spin-off of chewing food properly, it is not the only advantage to be gained. Chewing serves other functions as well, including those now mentioned below.

It may come as a surprise but the longer one chews one’s food, the more satiated one may feel. Chewing facilitates the release of hormones responsible for communicating the feeling of fullness.

Breaking down larger pieces of food into smaller particles through chewing helps to alleviate the stress placed on the oesophagus reducing the risk of low energy, bloating, constipation, acidity and indigestion.

Taking longer to eat a meal may mean eating less which can have a positive impact on one’s weight goals. Finishing a meal too quickly can send the wrong signal to the brain, that one is still hungry and needs more food.

Chewing stimulates the production of saliva which contains enzymes that play a role in breaking down fats in food. Chewing for longer gives these enzymes more time to do their job to break down fat more effectively. In addition to this, an increased saliva production is useful in the prevention of dental diseases like cavities and gum disease. Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash by washing away bad bacteria in the mouth.

Opting for modern teeth replacement devices can prove to be life-changing. Not only would a missing teeth replacement solution help one eat a wider variety of foods, one can improve one’s ability to absorb nutrients more effectively which has a number of health-promoting benefits.

Why It Is Important To Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dental phobias have become a huge concern because the fears and anxieties linked to this phenomenon prevent patients suffering from it from seeking the professional dental care they need.

It is reported that as high as 53 per cent of the UK populace experience some level of dental fear with at least 17 per cent suffering from such acute fear of the dentist City of London to the extent that they refrain from seeking dental care they need. By neglecting to address their poor oral health issues, these patients put not only their dental health at risk but their overall physical and mental wellbeing too.

Dental fear or anxiety is the feelings of nervousness, anxiety or fear that arise when thinking about seeking dental care from a dental practitioner. These feelings range in intensity from slight unease (most commonly experienced) to severe anxiety. 

Far from being a trivial concern, dental fear has a few serious consequences to be aware of. It is to avoid these undesirable consequences that dentists urge anyone suffering from dental fear to come to terms with this condition and speak about it to their dental healthcare practitioner.

Before taking a look at what some of these far-reaching and long-term consequences are, it would be useful to understand what causes people to be afraid of the dental chair.

Causes Of Dental Anxiety

For the majority of dental anxiety sufferers, fear of visiting a dental clinic arises after a poor experience in the dental chair. These poor dental experiences can take place in childhood or when as an adult. Other patients suffer from unpleasant associations upon hearing the whine of the dental drill or seeing needles. Dental anxiety can also be caused by the embarrassment of the state of one’s mouth, feelings of powerlessness when in the dental chair and the invasiveness of dental treatments and procedures.

Identifying Dental Fear Symptoms

Patients exhibit dental fear in a multitude of ways. Symptoms vary and not every patient will experience the same number of symptoms. On this list are:

  • Nausea
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Rapid breathing
  • Not being able to sleep the night before
  • Dry mouth
  • Need to gag

Consequences Of Not Addressing Dental Fear

It goes without saying that failing to seek timely dental care when needed will greatly heighten the development of poor oral health issues and aggravate accompanying symptoms. Issues like cavities that can be quickly and easily treated can turn into major headaches when dentition is lost or gum disease is left to progress to advanced stages.

In addition to a whole host of dental problems, there is a great risk to physical health. The mouth-body connection has been well-documented to show how bad oral bacteria can leave the mouth and enter the deeper recesses of the body. The harmful microbes exist in plaque, which is responsible for contributing to inflammation. This is also linked to an array of other concerning medical conditions. Vital life organs such as the lungs and heart and brain. Some of the medical conditions that are impacted by poor oral hygiene include cardiovascular disease, cancer, pneumonia, diabetes and Mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.

Patients should know that there is help available to overcome their dental fears. Understanding their symptoms is a start and then finding a dental practitioner who accommodates the needs of patients suffering from dental anxiety.