Dental implants – the long road to a long-lasting beautiful smile

When investing in your appearance, whether its a gym membership, cosmetic surgery or even dentistry, we at Clapham South Dental Centre know that you want that investment to be worthwhile. You will also want it to last for as long as possible and with dental implant surgery, your overall oral health and smile aesthetics is our top priority by giving you a new healthy set of teeth that can last 20 years to a lifetime.dental implants-clapham

What are implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post or screw that is surgically fitted into and fuses with the bone of the jaw or skull to support a false tooth like a crown, bridge, or denture. This fusion that occurs with modern dental implants in Clapham is called osseointegration and is a natural biological process, titanium is something that bones love to attach to as they grow so it is the best material dentists can use for this procedure.

What is the process?

The process from beginning to end is a long one but well worth it, dental implants in Clapham may first require that a decayed or broken tooth be removed; the socket where the root fits into the jaw must be empty and cleaned out before the implant cant be placed.

The tooth extraction and the implant procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so you will not feel anything and after the extraction is complete, your dentist will decide if you will need a bone graft to ensure a solid base is present which is necessary for the implant to fit into. If the bone graft turns out to be a long procedure, you may need to wait 2-6 months for the area to heal properly before the actual implant surgery but if there’s enough bone, to begin with, your dentist can place the implants immediately.

By using specialised equipment, your dentist will place the titanium implant into the bone of your jaw or skull after which the gum is stitched up. Then you are sent home to heal before your next appointment but not before a temporary denture is placed in the gap to ensure your smile still looks good during the healing process. Depending on the quality of your bone, healing time can take 2-6 months, but the process will make the implant strong enough to fit a false tooth to without risking damage.

Benefits

When our natural teeth are missing or have to be taken out because of decay, there is nothing left for the jawbone to hang onto therefore there is nothing to encourage new bone growth; your body can sense this and it simply begins to dissolve away. This is a natural part of ageing but results in the rapid deterioration of the facial structure making you look much older than you actually are as your lips and teeth seem to fold in, wrinkles develop around the mouth and even your chin shape changes but with dental implants in Clapham at the right time, you can take years off your smile by reforming the original structure.

Types of invisible braces in Clapham

As the name suggests, invisible braces in Clapham can offer orthodontic treatment that is virtually unnoticeable, giving you the confidence to smile throughout treatment as your tooth alignment is discreetly fixed. We at Clapham South Dental Centre are dedicated to giving you options when it comes to orthodontics and allowing you the freedom to make an informed decision about what you would prefer to choose for your oral care, during a consultation with one of our dentists. Receiving good, professional orthodontic treatment can change your oral health dramatically which in turn can have a good effect on your overall health.invisible-braces-clapham

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents, and treats facial and dental irregularities like crooked teeth or a bad bite. An extra two to three years of study are required for dentists in the area of orthodontics, where they learn how to safely move teeth and the jaw into proper alignment, guide facial development and ensure healthy growth in the jaw.

The types of problems that an orthodontic specialist would treat are called malocclusions. These may be inherited malocclusions and include jaw growth problems, missing teeth, extra teeth, crowded teeth, and spacing problems. However, there may be habits in early childhood that have nothing to do with genetics that can cause malocclusions like thumb sucking, using a pacifier after the age of 3, and extended bottle feeding. Also, injuries at any age may form malocclusions and might need to be treated with orthodontics.

It is often untreated problems in youth that make people seek invisible braces in Clapham during adulthood, due to the fact that they are far less noticeable than traditional braces.

Your options

Cfast – is a simple, gentle, and minimally invasive treatment that can fix issues of spacing, crookedness or overcrowding with the top and bottom 6 teeth. This treatment can also level and round out the arches, giving adults a smile that is more to their liking. The key benefit of this treatment is that the brackets and wires that are secured to the teeth are tooth coloured and thus far less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They also act a lot faster with treatment being completed within 3-6 months, thus being more gentle on the pocket as well as your mouth.

Incognito braces – or lingual braces are fitted behind the teeth and so are virtually unnoticeable during treatment. They may feel strange at first, but you will quickly get used to them, this is the new generation of braces that are straightening all kinds of crooked smiles with great success the world over, offering you complete discretion as you go about living your life.

With invisible braces in Clapham you can fix any malocclusions whilst continuing with your life, as usual, smiling for photos, eating your regular foods without having to remove any appliances, and speaking publicly without feeling self-conscious. The confidence boost that having a straight pleasing smile will bring you is worth these easy treatments, after which you can get your teeth professionally cleaned and whitened for that extra boost in radiance.

Considering treatment with clear braces? Five health issues these braces can reverse without inconvenience

If your dentist mentions the word orthodontics or brace to you, you may feel your heart skip a beat. Especially if you are an adult.clear-braces-clapham

One of the most efficacious of all dental treatments, orthodontic braces are used to straighten crooked teeth and can even help to realign misalignments in the upper and lower jaws, making them fit together properly. Of course, this is advantageous to rectifying many secondary issues such as tooth grinding, decay and gum disease, but let’s face it, metal braces are far from a fetching look.

In modern dentistry, there are many options for adults who want a straighter smile, but don’t want to resort to heavy, metal braces. Indeed, dentists and orthodontists are now able to reverse more complex cases using clear braces, meaning that you can straighten your teeth without impacting on your confidence.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team of cosmetic dentists has seen first hand what clear braces in Clapham can accomplish. From correcting gaps, to minimising protrusions, both clear and invisible braces are becoming more commonplace in adult orthodontics, meaning you don’t have to worry about hiding your smile during treatment. Brilliant!

But what are some of the other dental and general issues that invisible and clear braces in Clapham can reverse? Read on to find out!

Crooked teeth

Many people have crooked teeth and, while this is usually just a cosmetic issue, it can lead to underconfidence and may increase the risk of injury around the oral area.

Clear braces in Clapham can reverse every kind of crooked smile, allowing you to smile with confidence!

Bite issues

Commonly divided into three subcategories, bite issues typically involve under, over and crossbites. SImply put, these are common dental issues where the teeth on the upper and lower jaw do not align correctly, causing the teeth at the front of the mouth to sit further forward or back than is desirable.

Braces like Invisalign and the Damon System which we offer at Clapham South Dental Centre can reverse all of these issues, but it is worth noting that in some severe cases, we may recommend the use of an orthodontic brace first.

Speech impediments

If you have an overbite, gaps in your teeth or other protrusions, it is likely that you may have a speech impediment.

As alignment of the teeth impacts on how your tongue moves, any misalignment will impact on speech and, once these misalignments are corrected, your speech impediment is likely to disappear.

Digestive issues

A lack of alignment can cause issues with the chewing and grinding of food, leading to complications like acid reflux and heartburn. Once you have completed treatment with your invisible braces, your sore tummy will probably vanish too!

Headaches and migraines

Teeth that do not sit correctly are more prone to grinding, which can tighten muscles in the face and neck, leading to headaches and even migraines. If you suffer from these issues often, talk to our team about treatment with an invisible brace.

What can Invisalign in Clapham do for me?

Have you been wanting to get your crooked teeth seen to for a while, but life just got in the way and now you’re a young adult with a smile you’re embarrassed about? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one, millions of young working professionals missed the boat in their youth when it came to getting their teeth straightened. With Invisalign in Clapham these problems are easily resolved, because we at Clapham South Dental Centre understand that fixing teeth, with little to no visible indication that it’s happening, is very important to those feeling the pressure of living in an image-focused world.invisalign-clapham

Straightening your teeth

Traditional braces are a daunting prospect for adults and most would not even consider it an option, because it takes too long and is rather unsightly, we understand. With social media picking up each and every smile, and recognising your face, you don’t want to be tagged sporting a metal grin like a prepubescent primary school child. This is where Invisalign in Clapham shines, the secret is in the name, it’s invisible and it aligns your teeth to a pleasing aesthetic and greater overall dental health, it truly is that simple and the best part is it can take less than a year.

Having straighter teeth can ensure correct cleaning, it makes brushing and flossing much easier when your teeth aren’t crooked or overlapping, as the build-up of plaque and bacteria is diminished and reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. The long term results of having straight teeth are beneficial not only for health, but the potential for success; having an aesthetically pleasing smile can give an immediate boost in confidence.

The psychology of straight teeth

According to a study done by the Kelton Research for Alignment Technology (2012), the confidence in one’s self when having a straight and pleasing smile is incontrovertible, but it is also beneficial to how others feel about you. They noted that a person with straight teeth is perceived as someone who is able to get more dates, is smarter and has more professional success than those with crooked teeth. This is of course not necessarily true, but it is how people perceive one another on a biological level and first impressions are important.

The process

Invisalign in Clapham requires a visit to your dentist who will take a 3D digital scan of your teeth and a computer will work out how your teeth will shift and align over time. A laboratory then creates invisible customised aligners that will fit over your teeth to move them in small increments over time, these aligners will be changed every 1-2 weeks in the comfort of your home, with a visit to your dentist every 6-8 weeks to check up on how things are going.

This treatment can address moderate alignment issues and bite problems whether it be overbite, crossbite, or underbite. There are different types of aligners for different problems and your dentist will be able to advise you on the best option for your situation.

How long is the entire procedure for dental implants in Clapham?

Getting dental implants in Clapham is a lengthy procedure, but absolutely necessary if you are missing a tooth. However, that doesn’t mean that you will be living with an unsightly gap for months on end while you wait for your body to do its part of the treatment. There are various ways we at Clapham South Dental Centre can save your image and help you remain confident, while you wait for the treatment to be complete.

dental-implants-claphamThe procedure explained

Implants are often the best dental restoration option if you have lost one or more teeth, the procedure is approved by the FDA and involves surgery and recovery time. Once you have been to a consultation and are approved for surgery, your dentist will remove any bits of damaged tooth that remain or in some cases, if a tooth needs to first be removed because it’s damage is irreparable, they will perform that surgery first.

Once the area is properly cleaned, a bone grafting procedure may need to take place, if it is necessary, in order to create the correct space in which to anchor the implant, once this part of the jaw has been properly prepared then the titanium implant is set in place. Titanium is used as it is an alloy that is least likely to be rejected by the body, in some cases a special coating is used to encourage bone growth.

The area over the newly placed implant is covered for protection and a temporary crown or denture is set in place in the gap to match your other teeth, while you wait for your body to heal. This temporary covering may be secured to other teeth without damaging them, ensuring that your day to day life is not affected by a gap.

Why it takes a while

The surgery for dental implants in Clapham only takes a couple of hours, but then it is up to your body to do the rest of the work. This regeneration takes time depending on each person, as your jawbone needs to grow around the implant to secure it in place, as it would a regular tooth. This bone growing process is called osseointegration and depending on the age and health of each person’s bones the time it takes may vary.

Once this healing time is complete, your dentist may need to place an abutment to the implant, this is the piece that the final crown will be secured to. It involves a small surgery where the gum is reopened and the abutment is attached.

The final result

Your dental implants in Clapham will finally be complete when a permanent false tooth, crown or bridge of teeth is attached to the implant. These will be custom created to match your other teeth in size, shape, and colour and look as believable as real teeth, as the porcelain used in their creation mimic a natural tooth’s translucent appearance. By practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining these new teeth is as simple as maintaining your own, the implants are designed to last almost a lifetime and may very well do so for you.

Wondering if invisible braces are for you? Five facts about the Damon System at Clapham South Dental Centre

When anybody hears the word brace, the first thing that springs to mind is an image of the traditional metal or orthodontic brace. And of course, if they hear the word brace while in the dental chair, panic often follows!

invisible-braces-claphamMany people understandably do not want to undertake any treatment that is likely to impact on how they look, eat or feel about themselves, and so many people are not overly eager to start treatment with any kind of aligner.

Luckily, thanks to modern dentistry, there are now multiple braces that offer both discretion and effectiveness, known colloquially as invisible or clear braces. With many of these braces also offering lifestyle-friendly options, such as being removable and easy to clean, it is easy to see why so many people are eager to try them!

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team has helped many patients achieve their perfect smile through the use of invisible braces in Clapham and could help you too! Our cosmetic dentists are able to offer suitable patients treatments with either the world-famous Invisalign or Damon System, both designed to reverse specific and complex orthodontic issues. Perfect!

Of course, many people have heard of Invisalign braces, but what about the Damon System? Here, we discuss five facts about these invisible braces in Clapham, to give you a broader view of all adult based orthodontics.

They are more comfortable

If you have ever met a person wearing an orthodontic brace, you have probably heard them talk about discomfort. Understandably, such complaints can put a damper on any orthodontic procedure, but with the Damon System, comfort is something that is not in short supply!

Designed to minimise rubbing and pressure, these invisible braces in Clapham can offer you a more pleasant experience while wearing them, allowing you to get on with life pain-free. Brilliant!

They are fast

Treatment with traditional orthodontic braces can take upward of two years to complete and is often longer for adults. Thanks to the targeted approach of the Damon System, many patients are able to complete treatment in less time, with the average treatment being around twenty months, meaning that the entire process is faster and cheaper.

They are less inconvenient

Although this brace is fitted (attached to the teeth), it requires less maintenance than a regular brace, meaning fewer trips to the dentist to ensure it is working. It does not require tightening, meaning there will be less inconvenience overall during the course of the treatment.

They are aesthetically pleasing

While the Damon System is a fitted brace, it is designed to be visually discreet.

Indeed, the wires that go across the brackets are thinner than traditional ones and the brackets are either clear or enamel coloured, to minimise the overall appearance of the brace.

They are easy to fit

And finally, the Damon System is easier to initially fit than other braces, meaning you won’t be stuck in a dental chair for hours while our team tried to attach it. Perfect!

What are clear braces, and do I need them?

Clear Braces in Clapham could be a valid treatment option to consider if you are not happy with the appearance of your smile. In recent years there have been many advances in this area of dental treatment, which makes it easier than ever to improve your smile. This type of dental treatment is more accessible and affordable than ever. Here at Clapham South Dental Centre, we believe that everyone should have the access to sculpt their perfect smile. This form of dental treatment can come in a couple of different forms, fixed bracketed braces or removable aligners can be used to straighten the appearance of your teeth. Many of our patients have been impressed by the nature of this treatment being invisible. Clear brackets and wire braces are used on teeth in the same manner as traditional braces. Other forms of clear braces, such as Invisalign work in a different way, these series of clear aligners fit over the teeth.clear-braces-clapham

What is the procedure?

If you decide to go ahead with Clear Braces in Clapham, our team members here at Clapham South Dental Centre, will be more than happy to assist you. Different kinds of braces can work better for different people with different sets of dental needs. You will work with your dentist to discover what the best option is for you. Traditional braces pull teeth into the desired position, whereas Invisalign gently forces the teeth into their correct position. Other versions of clear braces, such as the Inman Aligner, use two aligner bows that gently move and guide teeth into their desired position. These different treatments all have a specific goal in relation to your teeth and your dentist will work with you to suggest the best course of treatment. It should be noted here that clear braces have a limited capacity, and therefore can only be used on mild to moderate cases. If your teeth require a different sort of treatment, your dentist will be more than happy to suggest this.

What are the benefits?

Clear Braces in Clapham can offer a series of benefits to their users. Many of our patients have reported that this treatment is relatively painless, some mild discomfort can be found with the added pressure but most people report that it is reasonably comfortable. There are many benefits to this treatment aside from just simply a straighter smile. Your smile can become more aesthetically pleasing. Your self-confidence can be boosted dramatically. A healthier smile can lead to a healthier mouth overall. Gum disease and the risk of damage to teeth can be reduced. Better digestion can also be promoted as the teeth have better functionality. During the process of this dental treatment, it is important to look after your oral health, this can be done through regular brushing, flossing and attending regular dental appointments. Your dentist will always be on hand to ensure that you are receiving the highest standard of care.

Improving your smile with Invisalign in Clapham

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

What is the procedure?

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

What are the benefits of this treatment?

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

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

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

What is the procedure?

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

What are the benefits of this treatment?

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

Looking for invisible braces in Clapham?

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

What is the procedure of this treatment?

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

What are the benefits?

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