Author: Clapham South Dental Centre

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-claphamYou 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-claphamYes, 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-claphamHowever, 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.

Decided Invisalign braces are for you? The 5 clear benefits of choosing this aligner

When you are looking to straighten your smile, the idea of braces can feel slightly off-putting.

While many people automatically envision large, metal aligners when they hear the word brace, in modern dentistry, there are many alternatives available.

invisible-braces-claphamOf course, many dental patients are only aware of metal braces and therefore, there is a natural caution related to any other type of orthodontic procedure; do clear braces work? What are the benefits? And, more importantly, how are they different from regular braces?

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we know all about clear and invisible braces in Clapham and can suggest the perfect aligner for you from our wide range of options.

Designed to help you get that straighter smile in minimal time, many cosmetic braces are perfectly suited to adult life and will ensure that there is no undue attention drawn to your smile; the only people who will know are you and us!

But what are the other advantages of invisible braces in Clapham? Read on to discover the top 5!

Better hygiene

When many people think of braces, they remember that one child in school who had to attend multiple hygienist visits to make sure his teeth didn’t deteriorate.

While this is still standard practice for orthodontic braces, with invisible braces in Clapham, many patients find that their oral hygiene improves.

As brands like Invisalign require you to brush your teeth after each meal (before you put the aligner back into your mouth), you will be reducing plaque and bacteria accumulation. This will reduce the likelihood of you developing tooth decay or gum disease.

Removable

Another benefit of Invisalign? It is fully removable.

Provided you wear the aligner for up to 22 hours each day, you will be able to remove it to brush your teeth, consume food and if you are playing sports.

The advantage? No food stuck to your gums, better oral hygiene and a lifestyle-friendly alternative. What more could you want in a brace?

Accelerated treatment

Of course, many patients who undertake Invisalign are amazed at how quickly the brace realigns their teeth.

Designed to straighten misalignments, correct spacing or overcrowding, Invisalign treatment is often completed in 6 months or less, meaning that your dream smile could be less than a year away; compared to orthodontic braces which can take up to 2 years, it is a win-win situation!

Comfort

At Clapham South Dental Centre, many of our patients worry that Invisalign will be uncomfortable; after all, there has to be a catch somewhere!

After the first tray is placed over your teeth, you may notice a tight feeling. This is completely normal and should not be painful. If you notice a high level of discomfort while wearing Invisalign, please call our team immediately, so we can assess the cause.

Exceptional results

And finally, once the treatment is over, your newly aligned teeth will last a lifetime!

Provided that you wear the retainer post-completion, your new smile will be yours to keep! Fantastic!

Want a straighter smile as an adult? 5 reasons to choose clear braces with Clapham South Dental

When one undertakes orthodontic treatment as an adult, you are more aware than you would have been as a child that there are long-term advantages to this procedure.

clear-braces-claphamAfter all, if you are choosing to wear a brace as an adult, it is likely that you have had enough of the health and social issues that your misaligned smile creates. Therefore, orthodontic treatment is going to boost your confidence, while also giving you a smile that is easier to look after.

At Clapham South Dental, we have extensive experience working with adults who wish to have their teeth straightened. We are able to provide a myriad of treatment options, including clear braces in Clapham, and can provide you with a step-by-step guide to how your brace is going to change your smile. We will also offer you personalised maintenance tips to keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest during the procedure.

But are there any other advantages to having clear braces in Clapham as an adult?

Improved oral hygiene

A co-occurrence that we see regularly as dentists is that people who wear fixed aligners are likely to suffer from poorer health.

As braces are placed on the front of the teeth, soft foods like breads, pasta and rice can get stuck in them, making oral health harder to maintain. So, it is naturally assumed that when one wears any kind of aligner, they will have to attend hygienist appointments to keep their teeth clean. But, with our clear braces in Clapham, you are able to remove them, and so maintaining a high level of oral hygiene is easier than you would think!

Renewed confidence

Another impressive benefit of invisible aligners is the confidence boost that the wearer experiences. As they are designed to be discreet, you can go about your day without attracting unwanted stares from strangers. You can smile away without being concerned about how your teeth look; brilliant!

Accelerated treatment

It was once stated in dentistry that if you had not undertaken orthodontic treatment by the age of 15, it would be too late for any real change to occur in the alignment of your teeth. And, if by some miracle you were suited for traditional braces; you would be wearing them for an extended period.

Luckily, in modern dentistry, all of the adult-targeted braces and aligners offer an accelerated treatment time, so you can usually get your perfectly aligned smile in under a year.

Comfort

No need to worry about excessive pressure or metal rubbing against your inner cheek.

Invisible braces are usually made from clear plastic that is fitted over your teeth like a glove. Due to the inbuilt system that pushes your teeth into their new position, there is no discomfort or pressure to worry about!

Easily-removable

Most cosmetic braces are removable, offering you the freedom to choose when you wear them. Just make sure you wear them for the required treatment time.

‘Invisalign is painful’ The truth behind the myths surrounding this brace by Clapham South Dental

If you are an adult or teenager who wants to improve the straightness of your smile, you may feel a bit stuck.

invisalign-claphamYou have, of course, heard about these new cosmetic braces which promise to straighten your smile within six months but you have also read that they may not be suitable for your unique clinical situation.

As dentistry has changed over the years, dental teams are becoming less reliant on traditional orthodontic methods, and have begun to explore more discreet and fast-acting alternatives to help as many people as possible get the smile that they deserve.

So, what’s the truth?

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our dentists will help you choose your most appropriate aligner, to get you that straighter smile that we feel everyone deserves. One of our most popular methods of helping our patients involves treatment with Invisalign in Clapham, a simple but effective brace that can change both your smile and your confidence!

But isn’t Invisalign in Clapham the brace that can only help moderate misalignments? Read on to find out the facts behind the myths that surround this talked about brace.

Myth 1- Invisible braces are painful

While pain is a subjective experience, our dental team at Clapham South has never been told by our patients that Invisalign in Clapham is painful.

It is true that you can expect a degree of pressure while your teeth move due to this brace but in comparison to the pressure that is caused by traditional, orthodontic braces, this will be minimal. Also, as invisible braces do not have metal wires or brackets, there will be no discomfort associated with the aligner rubbing against the inside of your mouth.

Myth 2- Invisible braces can only help minor misalignment issues

When they first hit the dental market, invisible braces had a limited range of action.

Today, however, our dentists are able to treat more complicated cases of misalignment and protrusion, resulting in you getting a straighter smile with less hassle.

Myth 3- I will have to change my diet to use this brace

As this brace is removable, you will not have to alter your diet or dental hygiene in any way.

Of course, to ensure that your teeth stay in top condition and avoid staining throughout treatment, always make sure that this brace is clean and that you brush your teeth after every meal or snack, to prevent plaque being pushed against your teeth and gums.

Myth 4- The results of this brace don’t last

If you adhere to the aftercare of this brace (typically a retainer), the results of this brace can last the rest of your life!

If you become worried that your teeth are reverting to their former positions, come in and see our team as soon as possible.

Myth 5- The same brace is available online and it is cheaper

To undertake correct treatment with any cosmetic brace, you need to see a trained dentist and should avoid purchasing aligners off of the internet whether it appears to be cheaper or not.

Want oral implants but put off by hearsay? The top 5 myths debunked by Clapham South Dental

You are likely to have heard the buzz about oral implants.

A long term solution to missing teeth, implants have taken the cosmetic dental world by storm, with more dental patients than ever having them fitted. And it is easy to see why.

dental-implants-claphamLong-lasting, hardy, natural appearance combined with a stronger bite, what else could you want in a dental prosthesis?

However, like most things that are new, it is likely that you have also read some tall tales about oral implants, which have deterred you from approaching your dentist about them.

If you want to have implants fitted but are worried about these myths, come to us. Our team at Clapham South Dental can set the record straight in relation to dental implants in Clapham, ensuring that you are well informed about this procedure and feel comfortable having implants fitted.

But what are some of the more persistent myths surrounding dental implants in Clapham? Read on to find out.

Oral implants are really painful

It is easy to see where this myth came from.

Rest assured that when you come to us for dental implants in Clapham, you will be completely numbed before we begin fitting the implants into your jaw bone.

While pain is subjective, many patients have compared the sensation to a dental extraction; therefore, any discomfort should be easily managed with over the counter painkillers. If you become concerned about the amount of pain you are experiencing, you should contact us as soon as you can.

Oral implants look really fake

False teeth or prosthetics don’t have to look false and with the improvements in dental technology, it is not a very difficult thing to achieve.

The prosthetic teeth fitted to an implant will have been colour, shape, and size-matched to any remaining natural teeth that you have. Simply put, any teeth you have attached to an implant will not look fake. If you have no remaining natural teeth, if you have any old photographs of your smile, show them to our dental team and we will try our hardest to give you that smile back!

Oral implants are too pricey

The price tag affixed to oral implants can leave many dental patients feeling dizzy.

However, at Clapham South Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our oral implant patients an affordable payment plan to help spread the cost of treatment.

Oral implants require a lot of extra care

Aside from an initial set of follow-up appointments to check for infection, oral implants can be treated the same as natural teeth. Just brush, floss and attend dental check-ups twice a year!

Oral implants cause infections in your jaw

Yikes, what an off-putting myth!

Oral implants, if fitted by a qualified and experienced implant dentist, should not cause any infections in your jaw or elsewhere. If you are concerned about an infection post-fitting, contact a member of our team immediately.

Need a cosmetic brace with more flexibility? 5 FAQs about the Damon System at Clapham South Dental

The role of dentistry in many people’s lives is changing.

What was once a biannual visit fraught with anxiety and lectures has evolved into a more friendly, warmer atmosphere that can offer patients much more than a simple check-up.

invisible-braces-claphamMore and more adult patients are approaching their dentist for cosmetic procedures and, due to dental surgeries offering more affordable and flexible treatment plans, these once high-end treatments are now in the reach of more patients than ever before.

At Clapham South Dental, we are exceedingly proud of our cosmetic dental team and the smiles that we have helped to create. If you have a naturally misaligned smile in need of some straightening, our team can offer you invisible braces in Clapham; specifically, the Invisalign aligner and Damon system, depending on your unique presentation and requirements.

While you have probably heard about the Invisalign aligner, the Damon system is a lesser-known group of invisible braces in Clapham, which can offer you a more targeted treatment plan for straightening your smile.

Read on to find out more!

How long will I need the treatment for?

While our other invisible braces in Clapham offer a fast treatment, the Damon System may take a bit longer than Invisalign.

On average, this brace is worn for between ten to twenty months. While it is not as fast as Invisalign or some other cosmetic braces, it is specialised to resolve more complicated cases of misalignment.

Will it be uncomfortable?

Of course, as with most braces that offer faster treatment deadlines, patients become concerned about excessive force being used to achieve this.

However, the Damon System does not rely on an excessive force being put on your teeth and jaw; instead, the brackets are designed to apply low levels of friction to your teeth. Therefore, while you are wearing this brace, there may be some discomfort but it will be minimal and manageable.

Will this brace be expensive?

At Clapham South Dental, we know how much of an impact cost can have when searching for an adult orthodontic treatment.

Although cosmetic aligners appear fairly expensive, our dental surgery is able to offer our patients options to spread the cost; depending on your suitability, we may be able to offer you a flexible payment plan or low-cost financing options.

Does this brace need adjusting or tightening?

Differing from other cosmetic braces, the Damon System will require adjusting and tightening.

As mentioned previously, this is beneficial if you have a more complex clinical presentation and provides a faster solution to your misalignments.

Do the results last?

Yes, they do.

After you have completed treatment with the Damon System, our team will provide you with a custom-fitted retainer, to prevent your teeth from relapsing into their previous positions.

Provided that you wear your retainer for the required time-span post-treatment, your straighter, healthier-looking smile will last for years to come.

Worried about your teeth relapsing? Contact a member of our team today.

Want straighter teeth without the hassle? Four reasons to try clear braces with Clapham South Dental Centre

As an adult, life can be tough. Especially when you are faced with cosmetic decisions.

Many people wrongly assume that cosmetic procedures equate to vanity when in actuality, cosmetic treatments relate to higher levels of happiness, pride and most of all, higher confidence levels. The same is true for cosmetic dentistry.

clear-braces-claphamAs cosmetic options become more affordable and accessible for everyday people, more and more people are turning to their dental surgeries to give their smiles a boost. If you have a less than perfectly aligned smile, you may think that there is no cosmetic option that can help you achieve that perfectly straight, white smile.

Luckily, you are wrong!

At Clapham South Dental, we are able to offer cosmetic dental treatments to everyone! From a simple tooth whitening to clear braces in Clapham, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy, we can help you improve your smile!

But why should you consider clear braces in Clapham as an option for straightening your teeth?

No dietary restrictions

We all remember that one child at school who wore orthodontic braces who seemingly couldn’t eat anything sticky or sugary, for fear of it becoming stuck to their braces.

As any invisible aligner we fit for you at Clapham South Dental will typically be removable, there are no dietary restrictions, you can eat whatever you wish without worrying about repercussions.

No prolonged dental visits

As an adult, you are busy juggling work, family life, and other social commitments; you don’t have time on your schedule for anything long-winded!

When you have clear braces in Clapham fitted, you will need to see a member of our dental team every 6-8 weeks. During these visits, your aligners will not need adjusting, it is to ensure that your teeth are moving as predicted.

Easier to maintain

Remember how we mentioned being able to take out your brace when eating?

As long as you wear any invisible braces for up to 22 hours a day, you can remove them to eat, clean your teeth, play sports – whatever you want!

Also, as our clear aligners are usually made from durable but malleable plastic, they are easy to care for and require nothing more than a quick rinse under the tap to keep them clean! Now that’s convenient!

Comfortable to wear

After reading that you will need to wear any clear aligners for 22 hours a day, you will probably have worked out that that will inevitably include wearing them overnight.Not to worry!

Unlike traditional aligners that have bits of metal that can rub against your inner cheeks and tongue and cause irritation, our clear and invisible braces are custom-fitted to slot over your teeth like a glove. They are also extremely smooth and thin, so there is no bulkiness or protruding bits of metal to worry about as you put your head down for the night!

Contact our team today for more information about clear aligners and to book a consultation.

Call us today!

Redefine your smile with Invisalign in Clapham

Ask anyone what makes a smile beautiful, and many of the answers may reference ‘straight teeth’. Having perfectly aligned teeth is the dream of many, which can come true with Invisalign in Clapham.

Our practice, Clapham South Dental Centre are providers of this advanced aligner system that does the work of standard braces, but provides so much more with regards to the overall user experience.

invisalign-claphamWhat Invisalign in Clapham offers you

As the aligners we use comprise of clear plastic, Invisalign or invisible braces are practically undetectable to those who do not know that you wear a straightening aid, which is an appealing feature for many of our patients.

We also use 3D technology that helps us create a series of aligner trays that appropriately match the unique shape of your teeth and their position in your mouth. This means faster treatment time and accurate results predicted before your treatment has begun.

Name some of the benefits I can enjoy as an Invisalign user

Design and overall experience

We have made mention of one of Invisalign’s benefits, and that is its subtle look. The design of Invisalign in Clapham was created so as not to draw attention to its user.

Braces are effective, but the user’s journey is not all its cracked up to be, especially with regards to the way it looks and how it feels.

Invisalign has revolutionised this journey because it is incredibly user-friendly.

Fits around your lifestyle

Put off braces at the thought of never being able to take them off, even to eat or brush your teeth? Next to their invisible appearance, Invisalign users love the freedom of removing the device when they need to, the operative word being ‘need’. You should wear the device for 22 hours a day to maximise their effectiveness.

You can take them out to perform everyday activities, like eating and brushing your teeth. By wearing them, you will not have to worry about getting food stuck in your wires or tooth discolouration, which is unavoidable with metal braces.

You can have your progress carefully monitored.

Like with any device, there may come a time where you grow tired of wearing them.

During these times, when you feel like there isn’t any progress being made, we can show you how your treatment is going using our advanced technology.

Treatment times are generally shorter.

Using conventional straightening aids, you may be given an approximate treatment time, which may change. Generally, braces are worn for one to two years, which for some people, is far too long a time to wait.

For the most part, treatment times for invisible braces are shorter, spanning a couple of weeks to a few months or a year depending on the severity of your dental issue.

Are there any downfalls or limitations?

Invisalign may be limited in the malocclusions and alignment issues that it can address. For example, if you have a severe overbite, invisible braces may not be the most suitable device for you.

Revive your smile with clear aligners today!