Clapham South Dental Centre | Dental Blog - Clapham South Dental Centre

Improving your smile with Invisalign in Clapham

Invisalign in Clapham is a viable treatment option for those who want to improve the look of their smile. This treatment uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into a better position, it is convenient and achieves brilliant results. Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile, this could be for a number of different reasons. Many people’s smiles are simply not straight and look uneven. The proportion of your teeth and your smile’s width can also be an issue. Gaps between the teeth can be another problem that people become unhappy about. The overall appearance of the face as a result of the structure of the mouth is also something that people can be unsatisfied with. The colour of teeth alongside gum health is something that people also consider. Invisalign can be used to improve many of these areas and so, can have a positive impact on your self-esteem concerning your appearance. invisalign-clapham

What is the procedure?

If you decide that Invisalign in Clapham could be the correct dental work option for you then there are a series of steps involved in the procedure. The first step determines your suitability, unfortunately, not everyone can benefit from this process and it is important that we determine your suitability early on in the process. We will use the Case Assessment to determine this, which uses a set of photos. The second step is taken once it has been determined that you are suitable for the treatment, this involves preparation work. This is done through x-rays, scans, and impressions of the teeth. Using the information collected we will create a digital treatment plan. This allows us to show you what your end results could look like. The third step involves the aligners. You will be instructed on the order to wear this series of aligners. You will be expected to change out the aligner every 1-2 weeks. You can wear your aligners all day, however, they are removable which allows you to maintain a high level of oral hygiene as well as enjoying your usual diet. The final step involves being invited back to the practice every 4-6 weeks. We will monitor your progress and keep you up to date with the correct aligners. At the end of the treatment, you will need to wear a retainer in order to maintain your smile.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

If you decide that Invisalign in Clapham is the correct choice for you, there are a series of benefits that you could gain. With the use of this treatment, you can reduce your risk of gum disease. Issues with bite can also be corrected, this includes open, over and cross bites. Issues with overcrowded teeth can also be alleviated. This treatment is fast and relatively painless. Many patients are happy with the convenient and comfortable nature of this treatment. This treatment is mostly invisible to other people, so you can undergo the treatment without others knowing you are. The aligners are removable allowing you to properly clean them at the same time as not having to alter your diet. The main benefit of this treatment is the self-confidence it gives you.

Do you have missing teeth? Get dental implants in Clapham!

Dental Implants in Clapham are a viable option for those who seek to replace lost teeth. This treatment can be used to improve the overall look and structure of the mouth, missing teeth can be replaced, improving the look of your smile. This treatment is classed as restorative dentistry. The implant is placed at the jaw bone and crowns can then be built up on top. These crowns can fit perfectly as they can be moulded to match your other teeth. This is also true of the colour of the new crowns, these crowns come in natural-looking shades so the appearance of your smile can be uninterrupted. They also act as functional teeth and so can help you gain back the full usage of your mouth. These implants can be long-lasting providing that they are well looked after. This includes keeping up with regular brushing and flossing. Regularly attending dental check-up appointments can also help with the long-lasting nature of these implants. dental-implants-clapham

What is the procedure?

Dental Implants in Clapham follows a carefully planned procedure to allow the most effective results. If you choose to have an implant fitted you will need to participate in a consultation, where you will receive an individual treatment plan. This treatment is specific to you and the procedure that you will undergo. Your dentist will answer any questions that you may have and outline any costs and the expected time taken for the procedure. On the second appointment, you will be fitted with the implant, provided that you have enough bone. Time is then needed for your bone to fuse with the new implant, this process can take around six months. When you return after these 6 months the final crown, bridge or denture is used to complete the work. If you do not have enough bone for the process to take place, artificial bone can be used – however, this does lengthen the time the procedure takes.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Dental Implants in Clapham can offer you many different benefits. The replaced teeth act like natural teeth and so you can gain function of your mouth again. Your remaining teeth are not damaged during the process and there is no pressure, making it an accessible option. These implants can also offer other benefits besides just convenience. The overall appearance of the mouth is improved, by looking and feeling just like your own teeth. Because the overall structure of the mouth will be improved your speech and level of comfort can be improved. You can also find that eating becomes easier with the improved structure of the mouth. Oral health can be improved as teeth and gums can become easier to clean. This treatment option can be durable for many different patients. Many of our patients have been very happy with the results of this treatment. They have reported feeling much better about themselves and their smile following the treatment as their self-esteem had been boosted as a result of a better appearance for their smile.

Looking for invisible braces in Clapham?

Invisible braces in Clapham is an option for patients who want to improve the look of their smile. Here at Clapham South Dental Centre, we believe everyone should be happy with their smile. These braces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they can be removable appliances or fixed. The main benefit of this treatment is that it is invisible to others, therefore you don’t have to tell anyone else that you are undergoing treatment. Many patients are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smile, this can be for a multitude of reasons which this treatment plan can be used to remedy. This treatment can move your teeth into a more desirable position. This can have a significant impact on not only the appearance of your smile but also impact on other areas of your overall health. In this article, we will run through the procedure of this treatment before discussing the fantastic benefits that you could be exposed to if you decide to go ahead with this treatment. invisible-braces-clapham

What is the procedure of this treatment?

If you choose to go through with this treatment option of invisible braces in Clapham then you can expect to have a straighter, healthier smile. Many patients are happy with the results of this treatment and have been happy with the specific set of braces that can be removed. This means that the braces do not have to be fixed allowing the teeth to be moved into the correct position without having to cut certain items out of your diet. The braces work by gently forcing the teeth into a different position. This treatment is limited to mild to moderate issues with the teeth and can be limited to the front of the mouth. It becomes increasingly important to have a good level of oral hygiene when having this treatment. You will need to brush your teeth and gums between meals and ensure that your mouth is clean before putting removable braces back in.

What are the benefits?

Invisible braces in Clapham can be a good choice for many different patients of a variety of ages. As the braces are invisible it removes a stigma around dental work using braces. Many people can feel self conscious about using braces to correct the look of their smile, using invisible braces can be an alternative to traditional braces as others will not notice that you are undergoing the treatment. Having your teeth moved into a better position can help reduce the risk of gum disease and chipping of the teeth. Having teeth moved into a better position can also promote better digestion. Your teeth being well aligned would make it easier to cut up food and so allow for easier digestion. This just goes to show that this dental treatment can have a multitude of benefits that are not only limited to the mouth. One of the main benefits associated with this treatment is that it can improve the self-confidence of the user. If you think that you could benefit from this treatment, we can begin to work together to improve the look of your smile.

Been told you aren’t suited for Invisalign? Five reasons to try Damon braces today!

When you decide to undertake a brace as an adult, it can feel more than a bit intimidating.

clear-braces-clapham On the one hand, you are paying for a treatment that may affect your outward appearance for a while, but on the other hand, you have had enough of putting up with your crooked smile.

Luckily, when you choose an adult orthodontic treatment, you will be happy to know that the majority of options are either clear aligners or invisible braces. Specifically designed to be discreet and easy to maintain, these options fit easily around your life and don’t require excessive numbers of dental trips. Perfect!

At Clapham South Dental, our dental team is proud of our range of adult orthodontic options, which includes clear braces in Clapham like the Damon system. Designed for misalignments that require a bit more work than an invisible brace can handle, these braces can help correct a more complex dental situation in less time than you might think!

But what are the advantages of clear braces in Clapham? Is the Damon system suitable for you? Read on to find out!

Better results

As the old saying goes: ‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating.’

While we could focus on how these clear braces in Clapham work, you are probably more concerned about the final result; we don’t blame you!

The Damon system has an exceptionally high success rate long term (5 years post-treatment), over 97% of patients who have used these braces are happy with how their teeth look and have experienced no unwanted movement. If someone told you that there was a 97% chance you could win the lottery, we bet you would buy a ticket!

Reduction in treatment time

Of course, the adult world is very short on time.

With work, children and other commitments, we know you don’t have the free time to be going backward and forwards to see our dentist for months and months.

If you are suitable, the Damon clear brace requires minimal check-ups with our team and uses a different technique for realigning your teeth. There is no excess adjusting or tightening required from our team, so you are free to get on with your life. Brilliant!

Applicable to complex cases

While other aligners like Invisalign are great, they often fall short when it comes to more complex dental issues.

If you have a more severe misalignment or orthodontic issue, the Damon system is more equipped to correct it, meaning a better long term outcome for your smile!

Comfortable

As mentioned earlier, this brace does not use force (tightening) to achieve its results and therefore, it is more comfortable for everyday wear.

While there may be some initial adjustment after it has been fitted, during the treatment, it should not create any discomfort. If it does, call us immediately for an assessment!

Enhanced facial aesthetics

If you have misaligned teeth, it is likely your facial appearance may be affected too.

Using the Damon clear brace will straighten your teeth and improve the aesthetics of your face.

Have you heard of the health benefits of Invisalign braces? The top four from Clapham South Dental Centre

There are many issues to be had with teeth that are misaligned; they are harder to brush, they get food stuck in them easily and, of course, they impact on your smile and confidence. invisalign-braces-clapham

Even if you have had crooked teeth all your life, it can feel like a huge step to approach a dentist to do something about it; after all, cosmetic dental options are new to many people and of course, what is new may be considered with trepidation.

But before you decide that any cosmetic dental work is purely, well, cosmetic, there are many health benefits to be had too. Unlike other cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, realigning your teeth can have great benefits for your health too.

At Clapham South Dental, our team is able to offer our suitable patients a range of adult orthodontic options, including Invisalign in Clapham. This world-famous brace is removable, fast-acting and is perfect to fit around your busy adult life. It can help correct a variety of orthodontic issues, such as crowding, protrusions, and even overbites! Perfect!

But are there any health benefits of undertaking treatment with Invisalign in Clapham? Read on to find out!

No more headaches!

It has been known for a while in dentistry that if you have misaligned teeth, you are more likely to suffer from both headaches and migraines. Inconvenient to say the least!

The reason for this is simple; teeth that do not fit together well are more prone to being ground together as we sleep. This, in turn, causes tired, sore muscles in the jaw, which impacts on the neck and head. Ergo, you will have a headache when you wake up.

As Invisalign in Clapham realigns your teeth, the nocturnal grinding will reduce and with it, so will the headaches and migraines. Perfect!

Better digestion

We have already mentioned that teeth that do not sit together are more likely to grind against each other in an uncomfortable fashion; this also occurs when we chew food.

However, a set of misaligned teeth are not able to grind and chew food correctly, meaning that once it is swallowed, our bodies find it harder to absorb the nutrients. We also have more issues with digestion, like heartburn, acid reflux and bloating.

Realigning your teeth with an invisible brace prevents incorrect chewing and enables for more comfortable and effective digestion of food.

Improved oral hygiene

Crooked, gapped and crowded teeth are harder to clean effectively.

Teeth that are not clean are more prone to both gum disease and tooth decay, simply because pockets of bacteria in the mouth are missed.

Straightening your smile will reduce your risk of both oral decay and periodontal disease, meaning your mouth will look great and be healthier too.

Temporomandibular joint disorder

A fairly rare disorder that can be helped and partially corrected with an invisible brace is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

This disorder causes pain, clicking and even bone erosion in the jaw and is caused by misalignment of the teeth or excessive crowding.

These are just a few reasons to consider Invisalign at our practice.

Forgot to ask a question at your oral implant fitting? Top 5 FAQs answered by Clapham South Dental

So, you did it.

You took the plunge and got oral implants fitted; good for you!

dental-implants-clapham Not only have you invested in a cosmetic option that will improve your smile, but oral implants have been linked to improved oral health, better digestion, and improved speech. What’s not to love about that?

As you leave your dental surgery post-fitting, you may have some questions that you either forgot to ask your dentist or have only just thought of. After all, you have undertaken a large procedure and, of course, you want to know how to keep the implants, your gums and your mouth healthy for the next few months, so you can have the prosthetic teeth fitted.

If you came to Clapham South Dental to have your dental implants in Clapham, then you chose an experienced dental team who can help you through the next few months with confidence and experience. Our team has fitted thousands of oral implants and are knowledgeable about the healing process and beyond.

But, what are some of the most frequent questions we are asked by our patients about dental implants in Clapham? Read on to find out!

Can I brush my teeth after the fitting?

This is a common question we are asked and, as odd as it may sound, our team will recommend that you do not brush the implant site until the stitches have healed.

While this may seem counterintuitive, brushing the area may cause additional inflammation and even cause the stitches to open, creating further complications.

If there are any natural teeth in your mouth, brush them as you normally would, but be very careful. To keep the implants and the surrounding site clean, gargle salt water as required. This will also speed up the healing and reduce the chance of infection.

Will it be painful?

You may experience some discomfort after having, but this should be minimal.

Sensations akin to those of having had extractions or root canals are common, along with some soreness of the gum. dental implants in Clapham

What should I look out for?

Keep an eye out for excessive inflammation and discolouration at the implant site. These are indicative of an infection. Look out for swelling to the face, jaw or neck, as these are also symptoms of an infection that requires urgent treatment.

If you are in an excessive amount of pain, call our team immediately.

Can I smoke or drink after they are fitted?

Once fitted, do not smoke any substances or drink alcohol for two weeks minimum.

To avoid discomfort, do not consume any hot liquids, such as soups or teas and avoid ice-based products too.

Is there any food I should avoid?

Once your implants are fitted, avoid eating spicy foods like curries; these will aggravate your gums and encourage inflammation.

Avoid eating hard foods, like fruits and raw veg, and eat lukewarm foods that are soft and easy to chew; additional pressure caused by hard foods may cause the implants to come loose or detach completely.

Heard the buzz about invisible braces? A brief introduction to our braces at Clapham South Dental

In the world of modern dentistry, it seems that what was once considered impossible is now possible.

invisible-braces-clapham In decades gone by, many dental patients wished that there were fixed, stable teeth that could replace lost ones and now, dental implants are used across the globe to do just that. In a similar vein, if you needed braces as an adult in the past, you had the choice of either large, metal ones or none at all; hardly a choice with great appeal!

As with the replacement of teeth, there is now a modern solution to correcting orthodontic issues in adults, in the form of clear braces and invisible aligners. With brand names like Invisalign, the Inman aligner, the Damon system and Six Month Smiles, you can now achieve a straighter smile as an adult, without resorting to heavy orthodontic treatments.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our dentists can offer suitable patients both clear and invisible braces in Clapham. We have used these aligners to help thousands of patients get a straighter, healthier smile and, with the different braces we can offer, you could get a straighter grin in as little as six months! How great is that?

Want to know a bit more about the clear and invisible braces in Clapham that our team can offer? Read on!

How do they work?

Firstly, you are probably curious to know how clear and invisible braces in Clapham work.

Let’s start with how our first brace, Invisalign, moves and realigns teeth.

Invisalign

Treatment with Invisalign consists of a set of clear, plastic trays, which are custom-fitted to your teeth and will need to be changed, on average, every two weeks.

But don’t worry! Our team at Clapham South won’t need to stick this aligner to your teeth; it is removable and once one tray is loose, you move on to the next one in the set. It’s that simple!

However, not all patients are suitable for Invisalign due to either their clinical presentation or their age; as this brace needs to be worn for a minimum of twenty-two hours a day to work, our team is reluctant to offer this treatment to younger patients who may not commit to this.

Similarly, if you have a severe misalignment or spacing, then you may be more suited to a traditional orthodontic brace.

Damon system

You may be wondering what the difference is between an invisible aligner and a clear brace.

Simply put, a clear brace is fitted to the teeth in the same way a traditional brace is and is not removable.

The Damon system uses a clear brace, which has clear or tooth coloured brackets and a metal wire to realign your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, it does not use force (tightening) to straighten your teeth, but uses a slide mechanism to allow your teeth to move more freely into the desired position. Due to this, our team may prefer to use the Damon system brace over Invisalign aligners if you have a more complex clinical presentation.

Been told you need clear braces? Your 5 top questions answered by Clapham South Dental Centre

If you are new to the area of cosmetic dentistry, it can feel a bit like trying to navigate a mountain without a map, especially when it comes to looking through the different types of cosmetic braces.

clear-braces-clapham You may assume that the words braces and cosmetic don’t belong together; how on earth can a brace be cosmetic? And how does it differ from a traditional brace? Can anyone have a cosmetic brace?

And then, you will inevitably come across the different brands of cosmetic aligners; Invisalign,

Damon and even Incognito. What’s the difference?

Not to worry; we can help!

If you are an adult who is yearning for a straighter smile, our team of cosmetic dentists at Clapham South Dental can offer you one of our invisible or clear braces in Clapham. Designed to give you that dream smile promptly, we will choose the perfect aligner for you, so all you have to do is sit back and smile.

But is there a difference between invisible and clear braces in Clapham? Read on to learn more about our most popular clear aligner, the Damon System.

Does the Damon System hurt?

Of course, nobody wants to undertake any kind of treatment that is going to hurt, even if they are clear braces in Clapham.

With traditional orthodontic braces, many patients experience a great deal of discomfort as their teeth are moved; this is due to the brace pulling the teeth into their new position. As the Damon System gently pushes your teeth throughout the duration of the treatment, there is minimal to no discomfort, meaning no brace tightening and no pressure.

What does the Damon System look like?

Designed to be visually discreet, the Damon system is made of a thin piece of metal wire placed across the front of the teeth and, usually, brackets that are either clear or tooth coloured.

Although this is not invisible, it is tough to spot and certainly offers more discretion than some orthodontic alternatives.

How long will I need to wear them for?

While the answer to this will be up to the discretion of a member of our team, it is likely that when you wear the Damon aligner, your treatment will be completed in around 6 months.

Alongside this, treatment with the Damon aligner involves fewer trips to our surgery, allowing you to get on with your busy life.

Is it as effective as regular braces?

The Damon System is extremely effective at treating dental issues and, while there may be some limitations to the conditions it can treat, there is no tooth removal, no tightening and it allows your teeth more room to move, without being too restrictive..

What conditions can it treat?

This aligner can treat complex cases of misalignment, excess spacing or crowding and protrusions.

If you have an over or underbite, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will decide if you are suited to this brand of aligner, depending on the severity and complexity of your orthodontic presentation.

Do Invisalign braces hurt? Your questions answered by Clapham South Dental Centre

There are many ways in the modern world to improve your appearance if you want to; you can buy new clothes, get a haircut and….get your teeth straightened? Really?

invisalign-clapham Yes, really, Unlike 20, or even 10 years ago, more adults than ever are benefiting from cosmetic and orthodontic procedures, through the use of invisible braces.

Made from a malleable and clear plastic, invisible braces are custom-fitted to slot over your teeth, straightening them painlessly and gradually, without drawing unwanted stares from strangers, colleagues or family members.

When you come to Clapham South Dental for invisible braces, like Invisalign in Clapham, our team can help you make your straighter smile a reality. Experienced at using the computer programs linked to these braces and thoroughly knowledgeable about required aftercare, our team will make sure that your new smile is something to, well, smile about!

But, how does Invisalign in Clapham work; is there a trick that isn’t being mentioned? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and some of our other FAQs.

How do these invisible braces work?

Different from traditional braces that use force to move your teeth into their new position, Invisalign in Clapham uses a customised set of clear trays, to gently push your teeth into the desired location. Using a combination of shaped aligners and gently opposing metal coils, these braces work at an accelerated rate to move your teeth and are very comfortable to wear.

Using the 3D scan technology, our team will take an in-depth image of your mouth, to predict the shape that these aligners will need to be and how many you will require to get that straighter smile.

How long will I need to wear them for?

This will depend on your unique clinical situation.

However, on average, our team has found that the majority of those fitted with these braces wear them for around 6 months but, depending on the severity of your misalignment, spacing or crowding, you may complete the treatment in 3 months or even 12; it can be quite variable!

Will they hurt?

Once you put the first tray into your mouth, you may feel slight tightness or pressure on your teeth; this is completely normal and is part of the process.

Generally speaking, as invisible braces do not pull your teeth, there should be minimal (if any) discomfort when wearing the aligners.

Can I have them if I have crowns or bridges?

As crowns are bonded to your teeth, they should not be a factor in the use of invisible braces but, ultimately, our team will decide if they are likely to impact on the success of the brace.

As bridges are fixed in position, they will probably impinge on the effectiveness of the aligner and so, alternative treatments may be required.

What about the aftercare?

Once your teeth are straightened, our team will provide you with a retainer, to prevent your teeth from relapsing back into their old positions. That is the only aftercare required for this aligner; brilliant!

Curious about dental implants in Clapham? Three alternative types that our team may offer you

When looking for a way to restore your smile, you may feel that the only way to close the gaps is with dentures or bridges; after all, people have used these prosthetics since ancient Egypt, so they must be the best!

dental-implants-clapham However, if you are more interested in oral implants to restore your smile to its former glory, but have been told by your dentist that you are unsuitable for the traditional endosteal implants, it may seem that the only options left are bridges or dentures.

Not to worry! As implant dentistry has advanced, so have the different types of implants that cosmetic dentists can use and now, even if you have a weak jawbone or have less bone than necessary for the endosteal fittings, there are other options available to you.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team is experienced in using dental implants in Clapham and can offer you different types depending on your unique clinical situation. Ensuring that you are informed every step of the way, we can help you get your smile back to its former glory, with a permanent and natural-looking solution.

But what are the different types of dental implants in Clapham that you may be suitable for? Read on to find out.

Micro or mini-implants

Typically 1.8 to 3.3 mm wide and 10 mm in length, as the name suggests, micro or mini dental implants in Clapham are smaller versions of the traditional endosteal implant.

The micro implants that we typically use are made from two parts; the titanium post that has a ball on the end and a socket with a ring made of rubber, which attaches to the titanium post.

Suitable for dental patients who have either lost too much jawbone or do not want to undertake the lengthy and invasive surgeries that accompany endosteal implants, micro-implants can be fitted in one visit and will not require any sutures or stitches.

Zygomatic implants

Only used for those who need implants on their top jaw, zygomatic implants are about 3 times longer than traditional endosteal options.

Fitted to the zygoma or cheekbone, this implant is used if the dental patient has insufficient jawbone in their upper jaw and is also a more successful alternative to bone grafting procedures.

Placed diagonally into the cheekbone, these implants can hold a complete upper denture with ease, meaning there will be no rubbing or movement. Brilliant!

Subperiosteal implants

Typically made out of a light, metal framework, subperiosteal implants are used when the jaw bone has atrophied or has been extensively damaged.

Fitted under the gum line but placed on top of the jaw, these act as a root system for your new prosthetic teeth. Once in place, our team will then attach your new teeth to this framework, meaning there will be no drilling into your jaw, lengthy recovery time or extensive surgery.

Think oral implants might be for you? Contact our team at Clapham South Dental for more information about these restorative procedures.