Dental Blog - Clapham South Dental Centre

Why patients are asking about Invisalign in Clapham

We all have something about our smile we don’t like, whether that’s staining, chips, cracks or crooked teeth, there’s always something we want to improve about those pearly whites. One treatment our patients are using to straighten up their smiles is the use of invisible braces.

Here are a few reasons why our patients are coming in for Invisalign in Clapham.

Brief outline

For those that are not familiar with this type of treatment, here is a brief outline of what it involves. This procedure is essentially the fitting of a mouth brace that you swap over with other braces over time, each one slightly altered to the movement of your teeth. Through a gentle application of pressure this apparatus will slowly realign your crooked teeth to a more natural and agreeable position in your mouth.

What to expect

The process of being fitted for Invisalign in Clapham is relatively quick and comfortable, which is a big selling point to a lot of patients who are not particularly keen on treatments involving invasive dental procedures. Once you’ve booked an appointment at our practice, your dentist will discuss the steps that will be involved, then using high tech scanning equipment they will create a series of 3D images of your mouth.

With this computer-generated picture your dentist will be able to map out how your teeth will be moved and how your straightened smile will look at that the end of the procedure. At Clapham South Dental Centre, we will do our best to give you that perfectly straight smile that you deserve.

Advantages to clear braces

If you’re still undecided about Invisalign in Clapham here are a few benefits to the treatment that might change your mind.

To start with, the braces are made from a see-through material which renders them invisible. This helps eliminate any feelings of low self-confidence at having to wear orthodontic gear out in public. Secondly, the braces are removable and easy to clean. Just use a small amount of aligner cleaning solution and then use a toothbrush to lightly scrub this over the brace once every other day.

Treatment tips

After you have the braces fitted here are a few facts to keep in mind to make sure your treatment goes off without a hitch.

First, when you’re removing the braces to clean them try to not take too long. The braces need to stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day, leaving them out for too long could negatively impact your realignment. Also, there is probably going to be some mild discomfort as pressure is being placed on your teeth. We recommend you buy some over-the-counter pain relief to address this when and if you need to.

Finally, if the guard is removed from your mouth we recommend you keep it in a hard bodied container to ensure it remains sterile and to prevent any accidental damage.

These are just a few interesting facts about our invisible brace’s treatment. Hopefully this has helped clear a few things about it. If you’re looking to improve your smile and straighten up a few of those crooked teeth contact the practice and book your next appointment now.

Ease off some wrinkles with Botox in Clapham

We all want to look our best as we look older, but sadly there’s no stopping Father Time as we all start to get little wrinkles here and there. Although there’s no physical way to stop the ageing process, there are options to limit its effects aesthetically. One particular treatment patients try is Botox.

Here’s a brief outline of why we’re seeing more people coming in for Botox in Clapham and why you might want to consider it.

What is it?

Everyone at some point has heard of this treatment, whether it’s in movies, TV or following the tweets of a celebrity, it’s a fairly common practice. But, for those that have never heard of it the procedure involves using a series of injected chemicals to remedy a number of facial issues.

Although it’s mostly used to reduce wrinkles, it can also be used by your dentist to treat bruxism, problems with the lip line, clenching, hypertrophy and a range of other dental diseases. Because of this it’s becoming a fairly common choice of treatment at a number of practices.

What does the treatment involve?

When you first come in for a procedure our talented Clapham South Dental Centre team will take you through everything you need to know about your treatment. We will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. After explaining how the treatment will work and what’s to be expected you will then have a series of injections put into your facial muscles.

These chemicals will then attach to the nerve endings that control these parts of your face and over a few days the signals to these areas that cause muscle contractions will be blocked. Since it’s the motor neurons that are blocked you still will be able to feel the area. These signals will continue to be blocked for around four months or so, at which point you may need to come back in for a top-up.

Advice after treatment

After you have left your appointment for Botox in Clapham here are a couple bits of advice we have for you. The most important is that there is a small chance the chemicals can spread through your body, the signs of this are urinary incontinence, problems with breathing, swallowing and muscle weakness. If any of these signs appear then you need to contact medical help immediately before your symptoms worsen.

There is also a chance you could build up an immunity to the substance, this can happen if you receive too many repeat high doses. If this is the case, you may be offered a different form of treatment to achieve the same kind of results. So, try to get used to the injections to make it a little easier on yourself.

Hopefully this has helped clear up a few facts about this treatment. If you think you might qualify for it or are interested in seeing if it’s worth your time, then try asking your dentist on your next appointment at our practice.

How to care for your invisible braces in Clapham

As cosmetic dentistry becomes more widely accepted, we have seen more and more patients coming in looking for help in straightening up their smile. One treatment we would recommend is the use of invisible braces to correct crooked teeth you might have.

Invisible Braces in Clapham Although it’s a popular procedure, it’s also quite a lengthy one with most patients taking around 12 months to finish. Throughout that time there are a lot of opportunities for something to go wrong, that’s why we’ve outlined a few things you can try at home to keep your brace looking its best.

Regular cleaning is a must

After being fitted with invisible braces in Clapham we really can’t stress enough how important it is that you regularly clean the appliance. A good scrubbing will help to cut down on any bacterial build up from general wear and tear, plus it can also aid in reducing staining.

Ideally you should be cleaning the appliance at least once every two days. To clean it we recommend mixing a small amount of bespoke cleaning solution, then take this mixture and lightly scrub it all over the brace with a toothbrush. Then just rinse it off afterwards and leave to dry.

Keep it safe

Although it may seem pretty obvious, keeping your brace in a safe place is one of the best things you can do. Normally we suggest with invisible braces in Clapham that you keep it in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day to ensure your alignment process goes off without a hitch, but if you have to remove it then keep it in a hard bodied container if you can.

Avoid placing it on surfaces around the home or in your pocket as this just allows dirt and bacteria to attach itself to the brace and that’s the last thing you want in your mouth. If you have to take it out, we recommend rinsing it, letting it dry and then placing it in a sealed hard bodied container to keep it sterile and to prevent it from getting damaged.

Is mouthwash safe to use?

Generally, mouthwash should be avoided if you can. This is because there are chemicals in different brands that could damage your brace if it’s exposed to them over time. Also, a colouring pigment is used in the majority of mouthwashes and this can sometimes stain your brace a lovely and very distracting colour if you’re not careful.

If you’re unsure where to start, try asking your dentist. Because at Clapham South Dental Care we will be able to provide you with great advice to make sure you’re making the best possible choice.

These are a couple of things you can try at home to keep your braces safe, clean and in good shape for as long as possible. If you’re interested in learning how else you can care for your brace or if you need a new one, then ask your dentist when you come in for your next appointment.

How clear braces in Clapham can help you cosmetically

With more and more of us using social media everyday the way we look starts to become ever increasingly important. We start to notice all the little flaws and imperfections that on the outside are small but inside cause a lot of anxiety and feelings of low self-confidence.

But there are options at your disposal for improving your image a little. One method is to make an appointment for clear braces in Clapham to give your smile a little boost.

What these braces are

As we mentioned above, these braces can help your smile. What we mean by that is, this treatment is primarily used by our patients to straighten up crooked or misaligned teeth.

We manage this by providing you with a custom fitting dental brace that you will need to wear for a short period. Then over time we will replace this with other aligners that will help to apply a gentle amount of pressure on your teeth to reposition them to a nicer looking angle or spot in your mouth. At Clapham South Dental Centre, we will make sure the fitting process is fast, pain-free and we’ll advise you on the best way to look after your brace when you leave.

The procedure

The process of being fitted for clear braces in Clapham is relatively quick, not particularly invasive and is pain-free. It involves your dentist using a sophisticated piece of scanning equipment to create a 3D image of your teeth that they will use to show how your teeth will be realigned in the future.

Then your dentist will provide you with the custom-made braces we mentioned previously which will realign your teeth. The entire treatment time can be fairly lengthy with most patients generally taking around 12 months to finish with positive results, so you need to be patient.

How we scan

Generally, when you come in for a scan you can expect one of two methods. Either your dentist will use blue LEDs to map out the topography of your teeth, or they will use a series of laser scans to collect measurements. Both are painless and tend to be fairly quick options for scanning.

Advice for wearing braces

After taking your aligners home there are a few practices you should pick up to make sure the treatment goes smoothly.

As an example, when removing the brace for brushing your teeth or eating, try to not keep it out for too long. Generally, you should be wearing it for at least 22 hours a day. Also, there is probably going to be some discomfort from the pressure being placed on your teeth, we recommend painkillers to counter this when it is appropriate.

You may remove the appliance very briefly if the discomfort is too much, but if you do then we suggest you place it in a hard container to keep it sterile and prevent accidental damage from occurring.

Hopefully some of this has helped clear up a few things about the braces. They’re a great way to realign those crooked teeth, so if you’re looking to straighten up that smile of yours then contact your dentist at our practice and see what we can do for you.

Missed out on braces as a kid? How Invisalign at Clapham South Dental Centre can help

Are you an adult with crooked teeth? Many adults with misaligned teeth regret refusing braces when they were younger and cringe at the idea of having traditional orthodontic braces fitted during adulthood. If you have a high-powered career or are very conscious of how you look, you are not going to choose to have braces fitted, regardless of how misaligned your teeth are.

Invisalign in Clapham Luckily, as dentistry has advanced, so have the treatment options for adults who want to have their teeth straightened. Many clear braces and aligners are available today which can help correct issues such as overcrowding, spaces between teeth and of course, misalignment issues.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud to be able to offer our patients Invisalign in Clapham, a customised, invisible realignment system that has proven results.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment, designed to correct mild to moderate misalignment issues with your teeth. The system behind Invisalign in Clapham uses both computer 3D modelling and a set of customised, clear aligners to straighten your teeth in an average time span of 6 months. Our dental team have used Invisalign in Clapham to help many adults of all ages straighten their smile and can explain this process to you in more detail if you are deemed suitable for treatment.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign in Clapham has the obvious advantage of being very discreet in its appearance, but there are many other benefits to undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Eating

after having orthodontic braces fitted, patients are advised to avoid certain foods as they may damage the metal on the braces. With Invisalign, as they are removable, you can take them out when you eat food and put them back in afterwards without issues.

Hygiene

in a similar vein, when patients are fitted with traditional metal orthodontic braces, many have to attend hygienist appointments alongside regular dental and orthodontic appointments. This is so the hygienist can clean the teeth, suggest ways to brush at home and can check for gum disease. With Invisalign, as they are removable, you simply take them out to brush, floss or use mouthwash and put them back in. They are better long term for maintaining high standards of oral hygiene and they are easier to clean than other types of aligners.

Comfort

traditional orthodontic braces can be uncomfortable after they are fitted; the metal can be difficult to sleep comfortably in, can be difficult to speak correctly with and it may constantly rub against your inner cheek during the day. Invisalign is designed to fit snugly over your teeth, so there is no protruding metal or pain associated with having your braces tightened or adjusted.

Remember, if your dentist believes you are suitable for treatment with Invisalign, you must be committed to wearing this aligner for at least 22 hours each day, or else you will not experience the full benefits that this treatment can offer you.

Looking for facial aesthetic work? Come to Clapham South Dental Centre

When one thinks of anti ageing treatments, one traditionally thinks of such treatments taking place in a spa or a hospital. Years ago, such settings were the only place you could receive such treatments, but there were drawbacks to undergoing procedures in these settings; travel costs to and from spas could be financially taxing enough, without adding the cost of these treatments on top.

Botox in Clapham Also, it was difficult to be able to identify how qualified the person performing these treatments was, so many people became nervous at the prospect of undertaking any type of cosmetic facial work, out of fear of it going wrong.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our dentists can offer our patients popular cosmetic options, like Botox in Clapham along with other treatments like dermal fillers.

Going to the dentist for facial aesthetics?

As unusual as it may sound, many dental surgeries are offering patients a range of different anti ageing treatments and can provide them at a more affordable price than a spa or private hospital. Payment options for treatments like Botox in Clapham can be spread over several months with Clapham South Dental Centre, meaning all you have to worry about is flaunting your new look.

As dentists are trained to work with and identify different facial muscles, they are the ideal medical experts to conduct minimal cosmetic procedures. When you come for a treatment like Botox in Clapham, our dental team will be able to allay any concerns you have and will be able to address any questions you may want answered about the procedure.

Botox treatments

During a cosmetic Botox procedure, Botox is injected into the desired muscle groups, often in areas like the forehead or corners of the eye. The Botox paralyses the nerve function to the muscle, meaning it becomes significantly harder to move the muscle.

As the muscles are not used, the wrinkles will appear softer and will fade. As Botox is a temporary solution to the appearance of wrinkles, you may require regular ‘top up’ treatments to keep the appearance of your wrinkles to a minimum. As this procedure typically lasts between 3 to 6 months, if you undertake it several times, the appearance of the wrinkles will reduce with each treatment.

Botox provides an immediate improvement to the appearance of deep-set wrinkles with the full effect noticeable up to 7 days after it has been performed. The procedure takes up to 45 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of work you wish to undergo.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers plump the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and each filler contains non animal derived hyaluronic acid, which is naturally lost in the skin as we age.

After the fillers have been injected under the skin, the effect is immediate and can last between 6-12 months. It is a non-surgical, painless procedure that can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and frown lines, along with wrinkles on the chin, cheeks, lips and nasolabial lines.

Been advised to undergo invisible brace treatment in Clapham? What you need to know and what you can expect

When you are told by your dentist that you may be suitable for invisible brace treatment, you may feel a mixture of both relief and confusion.

In the media today, invisible braces are very rarely spoken about, creating an air of mystery around this orthodontic treatment option. Many people are concerned that these types of braces will not be able to straighten their teeth and therefore avoid this treatment altogether. Others are worried that these braces are too expensive.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we offer invisible braces in Clapham to a wide array of patients, to correct common dental issues, for an extremely affordable price.

What are invisible braces?

As the name suggests, invisible braces are more discreet than traditional metal ones; they are made from a clear, flexible plastic and are therefore invisible to the naked eye. Unlike the traditional metal based braces, our invisible braces in Clapham are easy to maintain and are usually removable.

The invisible braces in Clapham that we offer our patients are designed to help correct mild to moderate misalignment issues, to help correct overcrowding or erratic spacing of teeth.

How do they work?

Although these types of braces are used to treat many different dental conditions, the underlying method behind their targeted approach is generally the same, regardless of the condition.

Unlike metal braces that pull teeth into the desired position, invisible braces gently push your teeth into their new position. Many types of invisible brace employ the use of both computer technology and multiple different clear aligners to achieve the final rearrangement, so the entire procedure is more planned, and each step of the realignment process is more predictable.

Benefits of invisible braces

Apart from the obvious benefit of these aligners being invisible and therefore more discreet, there are other benefits reported by the wearers of invisible braces.

Comfortable

Metal braces often protrude, causing them to rub against the inner cheeks. This can cause discomfort while sleeping and can make day to day activities like talking more difficult. As invisible braces are made from a thin, flexible plastic, they fit snugly over the teeth and are softer against the inner cheeks.

Better hygiene

As invisible braces are removable, they can be removed when you need to brush your teeth. Therefore, they do not cause any issues in your oral hygiene routine and do not increase the likelihood of cavities or decay. Also, when undergoing invisible brace treatment, you will not need to undergo additional consultations with a hygienist, as you will not require a specialised cleaning routine to keep your mouth healthy.

Shorter treatment

The average treatment time for invisible braces is between six and nine months, making the overall treatment time significantly shorter.

While there are many benefits to invisible braces, they are not suitable for all patients. If you have severe alignment issues you are not likely to benefit from invisible braces.

Different types of clear braces treatments at Clapham South Dental Centre

If you have been told by your orthodontist that you require brace treatment, it can feel quite distressing, as images of large, metal braces are the standard image people carry around for this type of orthodontic treatment.

Clear Braces in Clapham However, while metal braces are still used in dental practices, there are many other types of braces that are becoming commonplace in dentistry, that can offer more precise and delicate alternatives to the traditional metal brace.

One of the braces we are able to offer our patients at Clapham South Dental Centre is the clear brace. If your dentist thinks you are a suitable candidate for clear braces in Clapham, you may be puzzled as to how this type of brace will work or may have other questions about this treatment.

What are clear braces?

Not to be confused with invisible braces, clear braces come in two separate types; removable and non-removable. The set of clear braces in Clapham you will be fitted with will depend on factors such as the extent of misalignment, the overall condition of your teeth and the final result you and your dentist want to gain from your treatment with them.

We use different types of clear braces in Clapham, which include those requested most by patients.

Clear ceramic braces

although this type of braces is called a ‘clear’ brace, it actually isn’t made from a clear material. The brackets that are attached to the teeth are made from a colour matched ceramic material, that holds the moveable wire to the front of your teeth. Due to the colour matched nature of the ceramics to your teeth, this creates the illusion of a clear brace. The moveable wire adapts as the teeth in your mouth move throughout your treatment, so it is a more discreet and more comfortable option than metal braces.

Clear bracket braces

similar in design to the ceramic braces, the clear bracket brace is comprised of both a clear plastic bracing and a thin wire. Depending on the treatment you will undertake with this, your dentist may be able to varnish the wire with a white colour, to minimise the outward appearance of this brace.

Once again, the wire in this brace is designed to move as your teeth realign and is described as being very comfortable.

Benefits of clear braces

Although they are not removable, clear braces have the advantage of being minimalist and can provide patients with a strong alignment option for their teeth.

As they are attached via small brackets to the teeth, the impact on the hygiene of the teeth is minimal, and discomfort experienced when using clear braces is also minimal. If you experience excessive amounts of pain when wearing your clear braces, please see your dentist as soon as possible, to ensure that the brackets are placed in the correct position on your teeth.

Want to know if clear braces are for you? Contact our team at Clapham South Dental Centre for more information.

Worried you are too old to straighten your teeth? Invisalign in Clapham is the answer!

During your teenage years, you may have been offered cosmetic dental work and refused, due to being worried about having heavy, metal braces put in and the impact on your social life. As an adult, you may already regret that decision and might be worried that you are too old for any kind of cosmetic dentistry, however that would be a misconception.

The good news is that no matter what your age, no one is too old to improve their teeth and with Invisalign in Clapham, we can help you get that perfect smile.

What is Invisalign?

Unlike traditional metal braces that pull your teeth into position, Invisalign uses clear and thin mouthguards to gently push your teeth into the desired place over time. They are custom-made to fit over your teeth and designed to softly move your teeth, minimising discomfort.

Invisalign is best suited for customers who have mild or moderate levels of misalignment, so may not be suitable for everyone.

However, we have many different types of Invisalign, specifically designed for different levels of realignment issues. For example, if you have less complex alignment problems, you may be fitted with Invisalign Lite.

Is it expensive?

Invisalign in Clapham has the added advantage of being broken down into monthly payments, so you can spread the cost.

The initial consultation you will receive with one of our dentists is totally free. During this initial consultation, we will scan your teeth and plan the best course of treatment for you.

Other benefits of Invisalign

Even with all these benefits, there are more to consider when choosing to undertake Invisalign treatment.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign allows you to consume any food you wish without having to worry about damaging your braces.

Along with straightening your teeth, Invisalign braces also correct and strengthen your bite. Feel free to bite into that well-done steak without worrying about pieces getting stuck between your teeth!

Compared to metal braces, Invisalign actively promotes long-term oral health too. When wearing traditional braces, the traditional design is prone to allowing plaque and deposits to build up. This can not only damage your teeth, but can also be bad news for your gums. Gum disease may develop due to misaligned or overcrowded teeth and having braces with a problematic design will not reduce this issue.

Invisalign, due to the simplicity and flexibility of the design is easier to move your brush around and due to its transparent appearance, allows you to identify potential problem areas quicker. Indeed, even the fitted version of the design is easier to navigate around and obviously, if you have a removable type, then the benefits compared to fitted metal braces are obvious.

Invisalign in Clapham offers an affordable, advanced solution to straightening your teeth, without compromising on appearance or ease of usage.

Our dental team will be happy to discuss the best type of Invisalign brace to straighten your teeth.

A dentist that offers Botox? Your guide to Botox in Clapham

Botox was once considered a treatment that you could only receive at a dermatologist’s office. Now, many health care professionals are recognising the benefits of Botox across several different medical fields. Everything from treating migraines to helping resolve pain associated with jaw disorders, Botox is making a steady leeway into different fields of medicine.

What is Botox?

Botox is a protein produced by a bacterium. In medical fields, it is a drug used to treat certain muscular disorders and is also used to manage long standing conditions such as migraines and temporomandibular disorder.

Cosmetically, it is used to remove facial lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralysing facial muscles.

Botox procedures at the dentist

It may seem like an unusual place to receive such treatment, but receiving Botox in Clapham, at our dental practice is growing in popularity. Clapham South Dental Centre already offers many cosmetic treatments to patients in relation to their teeth, now we also offer Botox to improve the overall appearance of their face.

In fact, many of our customers use the opportunity of having cosmetic dental work completed to undergo Botox as a way of vastly improving their self-confidence.

How does Botox work? Is it safe?

Depending on which area of your face you want to improve the appearance of, the Botox will be injected directly into your skin, targeting specific muscles.

The muscle’s ability to move is reduced, allowing the skin to relax and the wrinkles to appear lighter and less defined. This entire process is very quick and can be completed in under 15 minutes depending on which facial areas you are having treated.

Botox in Clapham is extremely safe. Our team of dentists have been trained to administer the procedure correctly and can advise you on aftercare post injection. Clinically, Botox has been found to be harmless and there are millions of successful studies around the world to confirm this.

Long term treatment

Before you undergo this procedure, you may have some questions for our staff regarding the efficiency of Botox treatments.

How long will it last? Will it need to be repeated? Are my facial muscles damaged?

The good news is, no, your facial muscles aren’t damaged, they are temporarily paralysed and if you do not desire to have the procedure repeated, they will eventually return to normal.

That brings us to the next question. Yes, you will need to have it repeated if you want to continue to minimise the appearance of your wrinkles. The procedure will not change regardless of how many times you have it repeated, but may vary in length if you wish to have different muscle groups targeted.

Nothing lasts forever and the average Botox treatment lasts between 3-6 months, depending on which muscle groups have been injected. Over time, your muscles will once again be able to move and so, your wrinkles will gradually reappear.

Call us today for more information about our Botox treatment options.