Author: Clapham South Dental Centre

FAQs about dental implants answered

When you have missing teeth, it is often more than a simple aesthetic issue. Depending on the teeth that are missing, you may find it harder to bite into and chew food effectively, which can lead to secondary complications such as indigestion, acid reflux or even malabsorption of food. None of these is good! dental-implants-clapham

Many people in the past have opted to alleviate the issues caused by missing teeth with dentures or fitted bridges. However, in 2022, there is an additional restorative option that is becoming more popular in dental surgeries around the world: oral implants.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to meet with adult patients who have missing teeth and want to discuss the possibility of having dental implants Clapham fitted. This procedure is more straightforward than most people think and can leave you with a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off. You’ll also be able to eat tougher foods again; what’s not to like about that?

But before you book your appointment with our team, you are likely to have a few questions about dental implants Clapham, so in this article, we answer five questions frequently asked by our patients about oral implants.

How do they work?

Your dental implants Clapham will be affixed to your jaw via surgery. Our team will initially need to take an x-ray of your jaw to assess its suitability; if it is thick and healthy, implantation will likely be successful. We will numb the area and then make some incisions. Then, fitting the implant, we will close the gum around it to secure it in place. The implant will be made of titanium, which is biologically inert and can fuse with the surrounding bone. Once this process is completed, the implant will act as a stable base for prosthetic teeth to be attached.

Is the fitting uncomfortable?

Not at all! Our team will ensure that the implant site and your mouth are numbed before we begin surgery. Once you are at home afterwards and the surgery is completed, it is advisable to use over-the-counter pain relievers to mitigate the discomfort you will feel, which should be no worse than that of a dental extraction. If you notice that the pain is more significant than this or gradually getting worse, then you need to see our team to have an assessment completed as you may have an infection.

Can anyone have oral implants fitted?

Not everybody can have oral implants. As mentioned earlier, you need to have a healthy and strong jawbone, which can be an issue if you have had teeth missing for many years or you have osteoporosis. Furthermore, your mouth should be free of decayed teeth and gum disease, and you must be 18 years or older to have implants fitted.

How long do they take to fuse?

On average, oral implants take between 3 to 6 months to fuse, but this may vary based on age and general health. After 12 months, if our team finds that the implant has not fused, we will need to remove it and consider other restorative options.

Are they worth the money?

If they are cared for correctly, oral implants can easily last for 20 years or more. And compared to the secondary complications that can arise due to missing teeth, such as a higher incidence of tooth decay, gum disease or even orthodontic concerns, oral implants are actually not that expensive.

The Damon System; FAQs about these invisible braces answered

When it comes to straightening your teeth as an adult, you have likely heard about Invisalign aligners. Clear, easy to remove and easier to fit around a busy adult schedule, these aligners have taken the orthodontic world by storm and have allowed many people to get the straighter teeth that they want. invisible-braces-clapham

But what happens if your dental misalignment is a bit too severe for Invisalign but not severe enough to warrant the use of a fixed metal brace? This is where the Damon System comes in.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we can offer a range of invisible braces Clapham, which includes the Damon System and, of course, Invisalign. If you have a more complicated case of dental misalignment that is not so severe as to warrant a fixed brace, we will likely recommend a clear brace such as the Damon System to straighten your smile in as short a period as possible.

So, how do these invisible braces Clapham work, and are they more difficult to use than Invisalign? Read on for some of the answers to the questions we receive frequently.

How long does it take for the Damon System to work?

Like most braces, these invisible braces Clapham will vary in how long they take to work based on how severe the misalignment is. However, on average, Damon System braces can usually straighten a smile in as little as 6 to 8 months.

They can also be used as part of a step-down process. So if you have had traditional orthodontic braces fitted and the more complex aspects of the realignment are completed, we may decide to switch to the Damon System for the final touches to the orthodontic realignment, which will typically be shorter than 6 to 8 months.

Do the braces need to be tightened?

As these braces are fixed to the teeth, yes, they will need to be tightened and adjusted, but there are far fewer appointments than there would be with a traditional orthodontic brace. These appointments will be scheduled by our team every 6 to 10 weeks, making this process more hassle-free and not as intense as many people think it to be.

Of course, if you have any queries about wearing this fixed brace in between these appointments, feel free to contact our team.

Do they hurt more than Invisalign?

It is hard to state whether the Damon System brace is more uncomfortable than Invisalign; however, since it utilises a similar system as a traditional fixed brace, it will pull on your teeth and apply pressure in much the same way as a traditional orthodontic tool. So, it is highly likely that it may be a bit more uncomfortable than Invisalign. To mitigate this discomfort, please feel free to take over-the-counter pain relievers, but if the pain becomes excessive, please contact our team.

Can they treat more complex cases than Invisalign?

Yes, one of the clear benefits of using the Damon System is that it can treat more complex cases than Invisalign. So, if you have a protruding tooth or you need to have one of your teeth rotated, the Damon System is likely to be the most suitable option for you.

Are they expensive?

Our team at Clapham South Dental Centre are always happy to discuss financing options for orthodontic treatment with our patients. While the cost of the Damon System may seem excessive, we’re always happy to break it down into affordable monthly repayments, but the cost will vary based on your case.

Clear braces in Clapham

Clear braces Clapham are a modern and innovative way of addressing the misalignment issues of your teeth at your discretion. First introduced just over two decades ago, Invisalign is one of the most popular brands of clear braces Clapham and they have helped correct over 12 million smiles across the world. If you would like to correct the aesthetic anomalies which are affecting your teeth then find out about Invisalign, the highly successful clear braces Clapham, which continue to be the most popular choice amongst patients and dentists alike. clear-braces-clapham

In comparison to traditional orthodontic braces, clear braces Clapham are almost invisible in the mouth. You can correct the appearance of your teeth without anyone knowing that you are undergoing dental treatment. Invisalign clear braces are thermoplastic aligners which are individually manufactured to fit your mouth with accuracy and precision for comfort and excellent results. If you would like to find out more about Invisalign clear braces then you need to speak to us at Clapham South Dental Centre. We will begin by carrying out a case assessment. This means you will need to undergo an examination of your teeth and gums to make sure that there are no underlying problems that may be affecting your dental health. If so then these will need to be addressed first before you can use Invisalign.

How to use Invisalign for a neatly aligned smile

Once our dentist is happy that Invisalign is suitable for you, you will undergo a series of photographs, X-rays and a three-dimensional scan of your teeth which will help us put together a digital image of your mouth and show you how Invisalign could correct the issues that are affecting your teeth. If you are happy with the predicted results then the scans can be sent to the Invisalign laboratory where they will create a series of aligners for you, which are designed to help you achieve the desired end result.

Each aligner needs to be worn for at least 2 weeks and should be kept in the mouth for approximately 22 hours of the day. The aligners are only to be taken out at meal times when you can soak them in a cleaning solution. After you have finished eating or drinking you should brush your teeth and floss as usual and place the aligners back into your mouth again. They are highly convenient and they are comfortable to wear. Most patients report that within the first 24 hours they have adjusted to the sensation of wearing the aligners in their mouth.

At the centre we will ask you to visit us after changing every 3 or 4 aligners so we can make sure that the process is going along successfully. You will be able to ask any questions you may have and we will also make sure that your teeth are clean, free of plaque and tartar throughout the process. Once you have worked your way through the aligners you should achieve a neatly aligned smile and we will ask you to use a retainer to help you maintain your new smile. Visit us every 6 months and look after your oral health so that you can enjoy a beautiful healthy smile for life.

Addressing the aesthetic aspects of your teeth with Invisalign

More adults than ever before are thinking about correcting the aesthetic issues that are affecting their teeth. To meet these demands much research and development has been carried out in cosmetic dentistry and now there are many different options for straightening your teeth if this is what you desire. Most people suffer from a certain amount of dissatisfaction with their teeth, some more than others. If you have undergone orthodontic treatment when you were younger then you may find that as an adult some of your teeth start to become slightly crooked, unless you have a permanent retainer to maintain the alignment of them. invisalign-clapham

Whether you have undergone orthodontic treatment previously or this is the first time you have thought about realigning your teeth, speak to us at our practice. You can book a free assessment so that we can identify the factors which are affecting the appearance of your smile and let you know which dental treatments we believe could be suitable for you.

The popularity of Invisalign

Here, at Clapham South Dental Centre, Invisalign Clapham is the most popular method of addressing the aesthetic issues of our patients’ teeth. Invisalign Clapham is an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. It is ideal for adults who would like to improve their smile, but feel uncomfortable about traditional dental braces which are often highly visible when worn in the mouth. Invisalign Clapham is highly discreet, almost invisible in the mouth. You can address the factors that are affecting your smile without anyone knowing that you are undergoing dental treatment unless you want to tell them yourself.

Our dentists will carry out an assessment of your teeth and gums to make sure that Invisalign is appropriate and suitable for you. We offer the full range of dental treatments to help resolve any underlying problems and once our dentist is happy that you are ready for the procedure you will undergo an X-ray and a 3-dimensional scan and we will put together a video of your mouth and show you how Invisalign Clapham will move your teeth to create a neatly aligned smile.

The scan results are used to put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you. The results are also used to manufacture the aligners accurately, so that they fit your mouth comfortably and help you achieve the results that you are looking for. There are different treatment plans according to your dental requirements and your personal preferences. Invisalign Comprehensive is the standard treatment procedure, ideal for mild or moderate orthodontic cases such as crooked, wonky or overlapping teeth, protruding front teeth, or gaps in the teeth. It usually takes between 12 and 18 months to straighten your teeth.

Invisalign Lite is for those who have minor misalignment issues, ideal for those who have undergone orthodontic treatment previously. Invisalign Teen is designed especially for our younger patients and will help achieve a beautiful smile for life. Speak to one of our dentists at the dental centre today to find out more.

Addressing tooth loss with dental implants

Thanks to advances in dental technology it is easier than ever to replace missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth or you have undergone a tooth extraction, then you can rest assured there are excellent treatment options available to regain a fully functioning mouth. Tooth loss occurs as a result of many different reasons. Lots of people avoid visiting the dentist as a result of dental anxiety or dental phobia and develop dental issues which become irreversible and result in tooth loss. Others find that poor oral hygiene, lifestyle choices such as smoking and drug abuse, or an unhealthy diet full of sweets and fizzy drinks result in irreversible tooth decay and a tooth falls out or they need to undergo a tooth extraction. It is also common to lose your teeth as a result of a sports injury or an accident and finally people may find that their teeth become weaker in old age resulting in missing teeth. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth then contact us today at Clapham South Dental Centre and book an appointment as soon as possible to replace your missing teeth and help prevent further complications or further tooth loss. Tooth loss can weaken your remaining healthy teeth, affect the alignment of your teeth and cause bone decay. The quicker you address your missing teeth the greater chance of successful tooth replacement and dental-implants-claphammaintaining the health of your remaining teeth.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

Dental implants Clapham are a highly successful method of addressing missing teeth. Dental implants Clapham have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. They are a permanent solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants Clapham are small titanium components and they are used to replace the root of your missing tooth. The implant works by being inserted into the bone socket where your tooth once was. This is an invasive procedure and your dentist will carry out a full examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone to make sure that it is suitable for you before proceeding with the surgery. A small hole is drilled into the bone socket so that the implant can be placed into the bone. The titanium initiates a process which is known as osseointegration and causes osteoblasts to form around the implant, securing it permanently into place.This is a natural healing process and depending on your body’s ability to mend it can take between 3 to 6 months for the implant to become a permanent fixture of your mouth.

Once the implant has been successfully integrated into your jaw you are ready to replace your missing teeth. You may choose to replace your teeth with crowns or a set of dentures and this will depend on the number of teeth that you are replacing and your personal preferences. Implant retained dentures are a highly popular option which was not available for previous generations. Dentures are now more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and have a more natural feeling than ever before. Speak to us at the centre to find out more about dental implants Clapham and the advantages that they bring to our patients.

Invisalign, our invisible braces in Clapham

Invisible braces Clapham are an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontic braces for those who want to undergo teeth straightening without drawing further attention to their mouths. There are different types of invisible braces Clapham depending on your dental requirements and your personal preferences. Here at Clapham South Dental Centre we recommend that if you have a complex orthodontic condition then you need to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment, at least to begin with, to help correct the misalignment of your teeth. Invisible braces Clapham are better suited to addressing mild or moderate misalignment of the teeth. Speak to one of our highly experienced dentists and we can put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you that will be designed to address the misalignment of your teeth with your personal preferences in mind.invisible-braces-clapham

Invisalign – invisible braces

Here at the practice we are proud to present Invisalign aligners to help correct any unevenness of your teeth and create a neatly aligned smile for you. Invisalign is a globally renowned teeth straightening system and has been used to correct over 12 million smiles across the world since 1999. It continues to be the treatment of choice amongst teenagers and adults who are embarrassed by traditional orthodontic braces and are looking for a discreet treatment option.

Invisalign aligners are clear and almost invisible when worn in the mouth. They are manufactured using advanced digital technology for precision and accuracy. They are comfortable to wear and highly convenient to use. You will undergo an intraoral scan which creates a 3-dimensional digital image of your mouth. The Invisalign software will manipulate this image and put together a treatment plan for you. This will also be used to create the aligners.

How do Invisalign aligners work?

Invisalign aligners are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign. They work as a series. The aligners are shaped to put pressure in the correct place to move your teeth and have a small space for the teeth to move into. Each aligner can move the teeth by approximately 2.5mm to 3mm. Once the teeth have moved into their new position, that aligner is then redundant as it cannot apply anymore pressure to the teeth and you move on to the next aligner in the series.

Treatment times

Treatment times vary according to your individual dental requirements, some patients notice a difference within 3 months, whilst those with significant misalignment issues will have to undergo the treatment for longer. The average treatment time with Invisalign ranges between 12 to 18 months. The Invisalign software will calculate the treatment time and work out how many aligners you will need.

If you adhere to the treatment plan, by wearing the aligners for 1 to 2 weeks at a time, for at least 22 hours of the day, then you will achieve the predicted results in the timeframe prescribed for you. With regular check-ups our dentist will be able to make sure that the process is coming along successfully and that your teeth remain clean and healthy during the procedure.

Clear braces; FAQs about Invisalign answered

In 2022, there is no longer a reason for you to hide your smile if you have misaligned teeth. There are now options for people of all ages to straighten their teeth without drawing the unwanted attention that can occur alongside the use of standard fitted braces. clear-braces-clapham

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may be suitable to have treatment with an invisible aligner like Invisalign.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud of the range of clear braces Clapham that we can offer to our patients, which includes Invisalign and the Damon System. We will always work with patients to ensure that they get the straighter smiles that they want and deserve and provide them with tips on how to manage retainers and other tools that accompany orthodontic treatment.

Concerning Invisalign, you may have some questions about these clear braces Clapham. In this article, we answer 5 common FAQs that we receive about these aligners.

How does Invisalign work?

First, a member of our team will assess your suitability and then scan your mouth with an intraoral scanner to obtain a clear image of your teeth. Using computer software, your teeth are then moved digitally as they would be with these clear braces Clapham to get them to the final desired location. Once we are satisfied, we will then put each part of the digital movement into print, creating 3D aligners, which will have to be worn to straighten your teeth.

Can anyone benefit from these aligners?

It is an unfortunate reality that not everybody can benefit from wearing Invisalign. If you have a complicated or extreme protrusion or misalignment with your molar teeth, then it is likely that you will benefit from the use of a fixed brace more than from using Invisalign. But there is no upper age limit on this treatment, so if you have a misalignment later in life and you have good oral health, you will likely be suitable for it.

How often do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?

For this treatment to work, you will need to wear the aligners every single day for a minimum of 22 hours per day or as directed by our team.

Can I have cheat days?

No, for this treatment to work, you cannot have cheat days. This can cause the process to stop altogether or even cause your teeth to revert to their previous positions.

If you are uncertain that you will be able to adhere to the 22 hours of wear time each day, please talk to our team, and we will discuss other options that may benefit you.

Will I need a retainer?

Yes, irrespective of the type of orthodontic tool that has been used to correct your teeth, you will need to wear a retainer. This is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous positions once the aligners are off, which can occur very quickly. So keep the retainers on until our team tells you that you can reduce their usage.

Reasons to straighten your teeth with Invisalign

There are many reasons why someone may not want to undertake orthodontic realignment in adult life. It is assumed by many people that having their teeth straightened as an adult would involve the use of a fitted or metal brace. Today in dental care, this treatment is only reserved for severe cases.

invisalign-clapham

Now, there is a way for you to get the straight smile that you want via the use of invisible or clear aligners.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud to offer invisible or clear aligners to our suitable patients in the form of Invisalign Clapham. This aligner is one of our most popular options and can be used with ease and discretion to ensure that you get the smile you want without drawing unwanted stares from colleagues or family members.

But why else should you consider using Invisalign Clapham to straighten your teeth? Read on to find out!

It’s quick

The standard treatment timeline for Invisalign Clapham is between 3 and 6 months if the patient has a mild to moderate misalignment; this is significantly faster than a standard fitted brace for an adult patient, which can take up to 3 years to produce the desired results.

So, you can undertake treatment with this aligner in the run-up to a wedding, graduation or another ceremony for which you want your smile to look its best.

It’s discreet

As the name suggests, invisible aligners are the closest you will get to having a truly invisible orthodontic treatment. The aligner itself is made from clear plastic and will be custom-fitted to slot over your teeth, so no one will notice that you are wearing it.

It is also easy to clean the invisible aligners so there should not be an issue with staining. You simply rinse them under a cold water tap and remove any food or staining using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

It’s easy to use

The aligner itself is incredibly simple to use, but for it to work effectively, you need to wear it for a minimum of 22 hours per day or as advised by our team. You have to wear each aligner in order; this will ensure that your teeth are straightened correctly. There is also an app that accompanies the aligner, which you can use to explore any queries that you may have about your daily use. Or, you can simply contact our team for more advice.

It’s comfortable

This aligner is renowned for being more comfortable to wear as it does not rub against your inner cheeks or tongue. However, it is worth noting that the aligners are designed to move your teeth, so some pressure during wear is to be expected and can be mitigated with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol.

It’s removable

Another big bonus of this aligner is that it is removable, so it will not restrict the food you eat. You can take the aligner out before you give talks or simply whenever you wish to remove it! Just be sure to keep it in for the required 22 hours a day.

Advantages of having dental implants Clapham

When you are an adult who has missing teeth, it can feel very embarrassing, especially if you work in a role where you are required to engage with people on a daily basis. It may also prevent you from feeling confident about your smile, which is something nobody should have to experience! dental-implants-clapham

Luckily, restorative dentistry has come a long way in the last 10 years, and now, you can have oral implants fitted, which will resolve the gap and allow you to feel confident in yourself.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to see patients and discuss the possibilities of them having dental implants Clapham fitted. This is a relatively straightforward procedure that our team is trained in performing and will leave you with a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off. Great stuff!

Are there any other advantages of having dental implants Clapham fitted? Read on to find out!

Improved bite strength

If you have missing teeth, chances are that you have been offered a bridge or denture in the past. However, many people who have these restoratives fitted notice that they are not able to bite into food with the same strength as they would with their regular, natural teeth. Dental implants Clapham allow you to bite into food with the same strength and precision that you would have with your natural teeth, as they are fitted to the jaw and can therefore offer superior bite strength.

Better oral health

Fewer gaps mean a lower chance of having or developing gum disease and cavities. If you have an area in your mouth where there is spacing, this is the perfect place for bacteria to hide and multiply, which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. As implants fill these gaps permanently, they prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria.

Better physical health

There have been numerous studies in the past linking incidents of high levels of plaque in the mouth and problematic physical health issues such as an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and even cancer. As mentioned earlier, oral implants close gaps in your mouth that can act as a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, so they will enhance your oral health in the long term.

Better aesthetics

The oral implants we offer can be matched by colour and shape to blend in seamlessly with your natural surrounding teeth so that you get a pleasing, natural-looking aesthetic. Alternatively, if you are opting for a full set of dentures, these can be any shade that you want. So, you can pull off that Hollywood smile if you want to!

Better longevity

With the correct aftercare (which is minimal), oral implants can last up to and over 15 years. While you may have concerns that this is an expensive treatment, dental implants can reduce the likelihood of you developing orthodontic complications from missing teeth. It will also reduce the chances of you needing to have fillings or crowns fitted and, of course, boost your self-esteem. So overall, it is a better option in the long term.

Advantages of wearing invisible braces as an adult

When you are an adult, it is easy to assume that having your teeth straightened is going to be linked to things like vanity or simply wanting to change the way you look. invisible-braces-clapham

And there is some truth in this. The majority of adult patients who undertake orthodontic treatment do so because they want to improve how their smiles look. However, this is not the be-all and end-all of the advantages of undertaking orthodontic care as an adult.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team has helped hundreds of patients in their adult years to get the smiles that they want using invisible braces Clapham, like Invisalign and the Damon System. These options are discreet and can offer an accelerated treatment timeline for patients who have mild to moderate misalignments.

Are there any other advantages to undertaking orthodontic treatment as an adult? Yes, there are! And in the following article, 5 key benefits of using invisible braces Clapham as an adult will be discussed.

No more bad breath

If your teeth are misaligned, you are at a higher risk of suffering from bad breath, also known as halitosis; this is because misaligned teeth are harder to brush. When teeth are not cleaned well enough, it can cause the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can, in turn, create bad breath. By using invisible braces Clapham, these gaps and spaces between your teeth will be reduced, and you should notice that your breath smells cleaner for longer.

Reduced risk of oral health issues

There is another disadvantage to having misaligned teeth that you may not have considered, and that is the associated risk of cavities and gum disease. As mentioned earlier, misaligned teeth tend to form areas where bacteria and plaque can evade detection and removal by even the best toothbrushes. This can lead to an enhanced risk of you developing gum disease and tooth decay. By having your teeth straightened as an adult, you can prevent the likelihood of you needing to have restorative dental work performed.

Reduces risk of physical health issues

There is a link between excess levels of plaque in the mouth and heart disease, cancers and strokes. By having your teeth straightened, you make it easier to remove all of the plaque from your teeth and gums and reduce the chances of it seeping into your bloodstream, where it can be dangerous.

Boosts self-esteem

Of course, we could not get through this article without discussing how having straighter teeth will boost your self-esteem. Straighter teeth will allow you to smile with confidence, and you will likely notice that you start to feel more confident when talking to people at work or in general as you will no longer be hiding your teeth.

Better sleep!

Misaligned teeth can equate to worse sleep, as the molars will try to resolve the misalignment as your jaw relaxes when you are sleeping, which can cause muscle soreness, headaches and migraines over time. By having your teeth straightened, you may allow yourself to get a better night’s sleep.