Dental Implants

The differences between dental procedures such as the bridge or crown and the implant are its integration with the jaw. It is a substantial treatment, taking between 4-6 months to complete. Here at the Dental? ?Center, we have been performing dental implants in Clapham? ?since 2011.  dental-implants-clapham

What is an implant

There are three components to our dental implants in Clapham; the titanium implant, placed below the gum line which is osseointegrated into the jaw bone, the connector that sits at the gumline, and the prosthetic itself, which may be an individual tooth similar to a crown, or a bridge. A complete set of implants can be used to anchor a whole set of dentures.

The titanium implant

Since the ’50s, titanium has been the standard surgical metal due to an effect called osseointegration. When a piece of titanium is placed next to or in living bone, new bone growth occurs at the interface of the metal. This new bone is so closely associated with the titanium that it is glued or fused into place. This takes time and the delay between fitting the implants and them being fully osseointegrated is the biggest factor in determining the length of the treatment.

The connector

The earliest implants did not have connectors, forcing the patient to avoid solid food as the implants ‘set’. The next generation of locking connectors allowed the patient to have their implants set below the gum line, with very little risk that they would disturb them. When the prosthetic was attached it would permanently be locked in place. If a prosthetic became damaged or needed to be replaced the whole implant would have to be extracted.

The modern connectors we use with our dental implants in Clapham are non-locking, so that in the event a prosthetic needs to be replaced, it can be taken off of the implant and a new one fitted without the implant being extracted.

The prosthetic

The prosthetic is highly variable depending on the patients’ needs. Five implants can be used to immobilize a set of dentures, fixing them to the jaw and eliminating rubbing. Or an implant can be used as the artificial root for a single prosthetic tooth.

Maintaining implants

After setting, the maintenance of implants is very similar to that of natural teeth, check-ups every 6 months are still recommended along with normal brushing and dental hygiene. This is one of the biggest attractions for patients who seek out dental implants in Clapham, as they are the closest replacement available to natural teeth. With colour and translucency matching goes unnoticed.

Counter indications

If you have a blood clotting condition, low bone density, severe gum disease or receding gums, implants may not be right for you. But you should talk to our dentist to find out what your options are, as special arrangements can be made or a referral to a specialist.

For further information, you can contact us at info@dentist-clapham.co.uk or call on 0208 673 3250. We are located at 15 Balham Hill, SW12 9DY.

Fear not. Invisible braces in Clapham do exist!

Whether you are a teenager or an adult, sometimes the thought of having visible braces creates a feeling of dread. After all, vanity does play a big part in our everyday lives and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Luckily, for those who want a discreet method of perfecting their smile, invisible braces in Clapham may be the way forward. The transparent braces allow us to perfect beautiful smiles under the radar.  invisible-braces-in-clapham

If invisible braces exist why are the metal versions still commonly used?

The traditional wired brace, sometimes referred to as train-tracks, is still used today as it is more suited to severe alignment issues and continues to have many benefits. Invisible braces on the other hand, whilst perhaps preferred by the majority of people due to their inconspicuous look, do have limitations and are best suited to mild to moderate alignment cases. This particular treatment also works best on the front six to eight teeth rather than the molars further back. A consultation for invisible braces in Clapham will always happen so that we can find the most suitable treatment for your individual needs and discuss all the options available.

Are these particular braces fixed or removable and how does this affect your cleaning routine?

When we talk about invisible braces in Clapham we are referring to a selection of braces rather than one specific type. For instance, the brand Invisalign has created transparent removable braces where as Incognito and Cfast braces are fixed to your teeth. When using Invisalign braces it is advised that you remove the braces before eating and to brush and floss before placing the braces back into your mouth. This ensures that your braces remain clean and hygienic along with keeping your mouth nice and clean. However this does not mean that fixed braces are unhygienic! Not at all. It means that we recommend rinsing out any food debris first, followed by your usual brush and floss, ensuring that you are meticulous and get behind the wires and brackets as well. Staying hygienic is paramount with any treatment offered.

So how do we learn which treatment is best for you?

When you begin your discussion about the realignment and the perfecting of your beautiful smile, we will look at all the possible options. In order to determine which treatment will suit you best, we not only take a physical look but also take a series of photos to study. If invisible braces are the way forward for you, we will discuss both removable and fixed braces. We realise that confidence can sometimes be hindered by a crooked smile and will always work with you to ensure you feel comfortable with the treatment. During the consultation we will answer any queries you may have and talk you through the process so that we cover all the information. As with all dental treatments, minimal discomfort is expected during the realignment process, but if we can ensure you are completely comfortable with all aspects of the process we will!

Please note:

All dental procedures/ treatments carry a potential risk. Therefore please contact your local dental team for more information about any of the procedures mentioned in this article.

Clear braces in Clapham for teens

The best time to straighten teeth is in the early teenage years when the teeth and bones are still growing. This is because it is easier to guide them in the right direction than it is to pull them into place once they’ve set, other than the physiology, having braces as a teen isn’t nearly as difficult or embarrassing as having them as an adult and it can be seen as a right of passage for high school juniors to sport braces. But with new technologies coming out every other year, if your child so wished, they can get clear braces in Clapham to have a more discreet orthodontic experience and with the payments plans available at Clapham South Dental Care, you can fit it into your family budget easily.clear-braces-clapham

Types of clear braces

Clear braces in Clapham is a pretty broad term and we have a list of options available to your teen starting at £125/month, so that you can give them something from this list that they can be comfortable with for a few months before they reveal their gorgeous new smile:

Cfast – this is a system that focuses on the social six teeth, which means that the front top and bottom 6 teeth are the ones that get adjusted instead of all the teeth in the mouth, this system does not promise to correct major orthodontic problems but can quickly adjust the teeth people see when your teen smiles. By fixing tooth-coloured nickel brackets to these 12 teeth and feeding a wire through the special mounts, we are able to pull the teeth into position through the tension placed on the wire.

Damon – the Damon system is similar to Cfast in that it uses clear or tooth coloured brackets and wires to adjust teeth except that these brackets can be fitted to all the teeth if needs be to correct any orthodontic issue as well as malocclusions. This is the system that is closest to traditional braces but it is more discrete and works much faster, meaning your budget won’t need to stretch for too long.

Incognito – also known as lingual braces is a system similar to Damon but instead of being fitted to the front of the teeth, brackets are secured to the back of the teeth yet still perform their job really well, this is the most ‘invisible’ braces system available to teens as people will not see the braces at all.

While there are may be many types of removable clear braces in Clapham, none work as well or are more popular than the clear aligner system that Invisalign offers:

Invisalign uses the most advanced 3D imaging technology to create custom clear aligners that gently push the teeth into position in a matter of months. The clear aligners are completely removable which make them ideal to fit into even the most sporty teens lifestyle. One of the major benefits of a clear aligner system is that you don’t have to make constant trips to the dentist to get them adjusted, you just need to ensure that your child can pop in the next aligner in the series every 1-2 weeks and they’re ready to go.

Invisalign for moms in Clapham

If you’re a mom of young children then you know that regular visits to the dentist for old school orthodontics are out of the question. At Clapham South Dental Care we totally understand this, but we also understand that if you do want to straighten your teeth for whatever reason, you want to be able to do it quickly and quietly and without the risk of cuts if you get bashed in the mouth by your toddler. With Invisalign in Clapham, all this and more is possible and the best part is, your treatment can be controlled by you at home after your initial appointment, so you won’t need to come in regularly for changes.invisalign-in-clapham

How does Invisalign work?

At a consultation appointment for Invisalign, you will be able to discuss with your dentist your smile goals and what exactly you hope to gain from orthodontic treatment. We will take photos and X-rays of your teeth to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment. Once this has been confirmed we can take a completely painless 3D scan of your mouth and teeth, the information gathered by this technology is uploaded into a computer where a 3D model is created of your smile. We can use this model to create a simulation of how your teeth will shift over time and show you what the results will be before treatment even begins.

Once you are happy with the plan we create for your orthodontic care we send this information off to a lab which then creates your first set of clear aligners. These aligners will be sent to you in a pack and you will need to change them yourself.

The benefits for busy moms

At home control – we know that you barely have enough time for yourself during the day when you’re taking care of small children, let alone make regular trips to the dentist and this is the beauty of Invisalign. Once your 3D scan has been taken and your custom aligners are created we will send them to you in a neatly packaged box with instructions on how and when to wear them. Usually, aligners need to be changed every 1-2 weeks as your teeth shift into place so it’s handy to have the next aligner nearby.

Safer than other appliances – a miss thrown building block or an unintentional toddler punch to the face happens more often than we would care to admit, but imagine how much worse it would be if you had a set of sharp metal tracks glued to your teeth. With Invisalign in Clapham, your teeth will remain smooth and metal-free so that playtime won’t end up in you needing stitches.

Removable – your oral care is important to us and we want you to be able to take care of your teeth easily without having to worry about cleaning in the little places between wires and brackets. With removable aligners, it’s easy to both eat the foods you love and keep your teeth properly clean.

Restoring your confidence with dental implants in Clapham

Gaps in your smile or loose, ill-fitting dentures can do a lot of damage to your confidence, so much so that low self-esteem can even lead to depression, all because you are afraid to smile and laugh in public. For those with a normal and complete set of teeth this may seem silly, but at Clapham South Dental Care we understand how those of you with missing teeth must be feeling. However, this doesn’t have to be a life sentence, especially for those of you who have endured dentures for a long time. With dental implants in Clapham, we can restore your smile in order for you to lead a healthy and happy life to its fullest potential, never having to hide your laughter behind your hand but rather join in with all the joys your family and friends bring.dental-implants-in-clapham

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is implanted into the bone of the jaw. An abutment is connected to the implant and a false tooth or row of false teeth are connected to the abutment. Dental implants in Clapham serve two functions:

1 – Support false teeth.

2 – Support the bone structure of the jaw. Once a tooth or multiple teeth come out, the bone that they are anchored to no longer serves a purpose so the body begins to dissolve it. By securing a titanium implant in the tooth’s place we are able to ensure that the bone not only remains in place but is encouraged to grow back due to the nature of titanium, combined with the human bone matter.

What types of implants are there?

All dental implants in Clapham are more or less exactly the same, the difference is that they can serve a multitude of functions:

Single – A single dental implant can be used to support and replace a single missing tooth.

Multiple – Two dental implants can be used to support a bridge of teeth should a few teeth in a row be missing.

All on 4 – This is a procedure that is used to support an entire set of dentures on only 4 implants (2 at the top and 2 at the bottom) by fixing dentures into place. Those wearing them can be more confident about their life without having to worry about their teeth falling out at an embarrassing moment.

What is involved during surgery?

Once you have been cleared for dental implant surgery we will numb the areas of the face that need to be worked on. It is important to note for nervous patients that this surgery can be performed under sedation, so that you can get through it without any anxiety. Once the area is numb we will cut open the gum so that we can drill a hole into the bone big enough for the implant to be screwed in. Once the implant is in, we will close it up again and send you home for 6 months in order for the healing and fusing process to be complete, but don’t worry, you will be provided with a temporary crown or denture for that time.

After 6 months an abutment will be fitted to the dental implants in Clapham upon which a false tooth or set of false teeth can be fixed and then your treatment is complete.

Types of invisible braces in Clapham

It’s the 21st century which means people want options and they want it now! We understand this, which is why at Clapham South Dental Care we have a range of discrete orthodontics for you to choose from and a quick turn around when it comes to applying them to your teeth. With invisible braces in Clapham, you can have either a removable or fixed appliance which means that you can choose something that best suits your lifestyle and with 12 months zero-interest payment plans available this can suit your pocket as well, so don’t hold back on improving your smile because you are afraid of how you will look. Clear orthodontics has taken away the need for traditional metal braces thanks to new and improved technologies coming from all over the world.

Types of invisible braces

invisible-braces- in-clapham

Options for fixed invisible braces in Clapham have people seeing new straight smiles a lot sooner than with the old traditional braces. Having a fixed appliance means you don’t need to worry about remembering to keep them in or losing them.

Cfast – this is a system that focuses on the social six teeth, which means that the front top and bottom 6 teeth are the ones that get adjusted instead of all the teeth in the mouth, this system does not promise to correct major orthodontic problems but can quickly adjust the teeth that people see when you smile. By fixing tooth-coloured nickel brackets to these 12 teeth and feeding a wire through the special mounts, we are able to pull the teeth into position through the tension placed on the wire.

Damon – the Damon system is similar to Cfast in that it uses clear or tooth coloured brackets and wires to adjust teeth except that these brackets can be fitted to all the teeth if needs be to correct any orthodontic issue as well as malocclusions. This is the system that is closest to traditional braces but it is more discrete and works much faster.

Incognito – also known as lingual braces, this is a system similar to Damon but instead of being fitted to the front of the teeth, brackets are secured to the back of the teeth and still perform their job really well, this is the most ‘invisible’ system available to you as people will not see the braces at all.

While there may be many types of removable invisible braces in Clapham, none work as well or are more popular than the clear aligner system that Invisalign offers.

Invisalign uses the most advanced 3D imaging technology to create custom clear aligners that gently push your teeth into position in a matter of months. The clear aligners are completely removable which make them ideal to fit into even the most active of lifestyles. One of the major benefits of a clear aligner system is that you don’t have to make constant trips to the dentist to get them adjusted, you just pop in the next aligner in your series every 1-2 weeks and you’re ready to go.

More options with clear braces in Clapham

With technology at the forefront of human augmentation, why would any adult still be opting for traditional braces as a solution for their orthodontic issues? There are so many options available to you nowadays that you don’t need to endure years of unsightly treatments that scar your confidence rather than improve it, you could have straight beautiful teeth in a matter of months and this can greatly improve your self-esteem as there is so much in your life that could possibly be affected by your smile. At Clapham South Dental Centre we offer two types of clear braces in Clapham to suit your needs, wallet and self-esteem.clear-braces-in-clapham

The two types

Today, people from different walks of life come together in a multicultural hub of experiences, but one thing remains universal and that is a friendly and beautiful smile, but what are your options nowadays with regards to orthodontics and clear braces in Clapham?

Removable – We offer a system called Invisalign which has taken the orthodontic world by storm and transformed 8 million smiles around the world as of February 2020! A removable system is ideal for active people partaking in contact sports or professionals who do public speaking and give presentations, removable appliances like these clear aligners allow you to eat as you normally would and clean your teeth normally too, making it the most convenient appliance on the market.

Fixed – the Damon system that we used as a fixed appliance offers clear braces in Clapham which work under the same principle as traditional braces but much quicker and are far less noticeable as the brackets that are secured to the teeth are clear or tooth coloured.

Both systems can take less than a year to get the results you’re looking for with many being complete in 6 months depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues in the first place. By changing your smile you can change the opinions that people may have of you particularly with first impressions.

The psychology behind a stunning set of teeth

While your teeth may work just fine to bite into and chew food, logically there should be no reason for their crookedness to be worrying you, but there is, in fact, a psychological reason why they are and that is natural selection. It is ingrained in humans to choose a mate that is ‘of the best stock’ the most attractive and healthy that we can find in order to continue our genes and people in society are constantly making unconscious observations about those around them; observations based on our base instincts in finding partners, people with good teeth automatically outrank those with seemingly ‘bad teeth.’ These perceptions that society makes based on our smiles are not something we can avoid, which is why so many people like you are looking to improve their features starting with their teeth. This psychology extends further than romantic relationships, it could affect our work and who prefers to work with you, trust you with important decisions and in pretty much all cases where a first impression is paramount.

There is nothing to lose when investing in orthodontics, you only stand to gain more beautiful teeth and a smile that makes a stronger impression with the Invisalign and Damon systems.

Fixing crooked teeth with Invisalign in Clapham

Have you recently or ever covered your mouth with your hand when smiling? Do you feel a lack of confidence because your teeth are crooked and you don’t want to spend years having uncomfortable and unsightly metal braces in your mouth? At Clapham South Dental Centre, we want to change that and help give you the smile you deserve so that you can smile at the world with a new and transformed set of teeth with Invisalign in Clapham

Why choose Invisalign?invisalign-in-clapham

Invisalign is the most advanced system when it comes to orthodontics which has been giving more and more people straighter smiles in less time than it takes for traditional braces to work and with less discomfort. Traditional braces use metal brackets, which are glued to the front of the teeth, which often cause cuts and mild scarring on the inside of the cheeks. A metal wire is threaded through these brackets and is set at a different tension each month in order to pull the teeth into position. This treatment can take up to three years and for many adults that is three years too many to be looking like a middle school teen.

With Invisalign in Clapham, you get all of the benefits of braces with far fewer issues than you would experience with traditional metal braces. Results have been seen in as little as 4 months while the average case usually takes under 9 months and the best part is, the treatment is just about invisible. Clear aligners are used to gently push the teeth into position over time and no one will even be aware that you are undergoing treatment, the pushing of the teeth is said to be much more gentle than the pulling with wires under tension and the ease of comfort makes life under treatment more enjoyable.

Because the system is removable, Invisalign aligners can fit into any lifestyle, whether it be corporate and professional or active and sporty. This also means you can take them out to enjoy whichever foods you would normally eat and you can ensure that they and your teeth are properly cleaned.

What does it fix?

Not only does Invisalign in Clapham fix overcrowded teeth but it can also fix any gaps you may have as well as correct malocclusions (problems with the bite) like an overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

How it works

With new and advanced 3D imaging technology, we will take a scan of your mouth, this is completely painless and not nearly as uncomfortable as using a mould to cast the shape of your teeth. This digital scan is imported onto a computer which shows a 3D model of your teeth and jaw, the computer also analyses this model to create a simulation of how your teeth will move over time and calculate how long treatment can be expected to take. This information is then sent to a lab where a set of custom clear aligners are created for you. You will receive the full set of aligners for the course of the treatment which you can change yourself at home every 1-2 weeks so there will be no need to constantly visit your dentist for adjustments.

Bone Grafting for at dental implants in Clapham

In order to secure a set of dentures with dental implants in Clapham, we need to ensure that you have enough bone to do so from the get-go in order to have a successful surgery. However, if you have been wearing loose dentures for years, you may be at risk of having lost too much bone and will first require bone grafting before we can proceed with implants. At Clapham South Dental Centre, we want you to be able to enjoy everything that life has to offer, and we understand that a secure set of teeth will really help you with this which is why we will always ensure that you are a good candidate for implants before you undergo surgery.dental-implants-in-clapham

Assessment

At your consultation appointment, we will use a number of X-rays and scans to determine how much bone you have in your jaw and whether you are a good candidate to receive dental implants in Clapham immediately or not. However, if you are not a good candidate for the dental implant procedure right away it is not the end of the line but instead the very beginning; we can still help the process along with a bone grafting surgery that will help provide you with enough bone to stabilise implants.

Time consuming treatments

If you are willing to undergo a bone graft as well as dental implant surgery you need to first know and accept that it is going to be at least a year before you will be able to wear a securely fixed set of teeth. This is because each of these major surgeries has a long recovery period that needs to be adhered to if it is going to be successful.

The two surgeries

Bone graft – A bone graft surgery will be done in a hospital under general anaesthetic. We will first determine where the best area will be to implant new bone and then a piece of your own bone, that is either taken from the hip or chin, will be implanted into the upper jaw. When we use your own tissue to do this, your body is far less likely to reject it than some other foreign organic matter like an animal bone thus ensuring that the surgery is a success. In a case where we cannot take your own bone, we will use a synthetic substitute that is determined to work just as well. After the surgery, you will need to wait 6 months for your body to heal and regrow new bone.

Why is this surgery needed? The length of time you have gone without teeth has caused your jaw bone to dissolve substantially enough that it can no longer support the dental implants in Clapham implant.

Dental implants – after the 6 months is over, there will have been enough bone growth in your jaw so that we can perform the implant surgery; we insert titanium implants into the jaw which will support your dentures after they have had another 6 months to fuse with your new bone. We cannot secure a set of dentures to newly fitted implants as they are not stable enough to do so but we will let you use a temporary set of dentures during this waiting period. This way you can still eat and speak as usual until we are ready to fix them to the implants thus stabilizing them so they will not fall out.

Invisible braces in Clapham

If a crooked smile has been making you feel self-conscious for years you may think it unbelievable to be able to straighten it in just a few months but believe us when we say that invisible braces in Clapham can help you get there. We at Clapham South Dental Centre want to offer you and other adults like you who may have lost confidence over the years, due to crooked teeth, the opportunity to straighten any misalignments you may have with our revolutionary orthodontic systems so that you can get back to embracing life with confidence.invisible-braces-clapham

Two types of invisible braces

With new medical technologies offering people solutions to a host of medical issues, there is no reason to assume that orthodontics would be any different. In fact, the developments made in the industry in the last 2 decades or so has made it possible for more adults to fix their teeth discreetly with invisible braces in Clapham. With new technologies comes a wider range of options for people to chose from in order to get the most out of their orthodontics for their lifestyles.

Option 1 – Removable appliances

We offer a system called Invisalign which has taken the orthodontic world by storm and transformed 8 million smiles around the world as of February 2020! A removable system is ideal for active people partaking in contact sports or professionals who do public speaking and give presentations, removable appliances like these clear aligners allow you to eat as you normally would and clean your teeth normally too, making it the most convenient appliance on the market.

Main benefits: It’s invisible, as the name suggests Invisalign cannot be seen when worn which makes it the best option for those who are trying to maintain a professional appearance.

Drawbacks: it can be difficult to get into the habit of wearing a clear aligner and forgetting to put it back in after meals may be an issue for some, but with discipline, you can find a routine that works for you.

Option 2 – Fixed appliances

The Damon system is a fixed appliance which offers invisible braces in Clapham that work under the same principle as traditional braces but works much quicker and is far less noticeable as the brackets that are secured to the teeth are clear or tooth coloured.

Main benefits: Damon Clear braces are resistant to staining and do not use elastic ties, providing a superior aesthetic solution for you no matter your profession.

Drawbacks: It can be a little riskier to have braces when playing a full contacts sport, however, we can offer special mouth guards to protect both your mouth and the braces for these types of encounters.

Both systems can take less than a year to get the results you’re looking for with many being complete in 6 months depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues in the first place and neither of them leave any damage on your teeth so you can ensure that your investment is really worthwhile.