Archives for July, 2008

Smile Confidently with Veneers from Dental Clinics in London W1

July 19th, 2008

What Veneers Can Do For You

For people who suffer from chipped, cracked, or largely filled teeth, veneers are a good resort to restoring the strength and right colour of their teeth. Veneers are also applied on teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Other people also opt to use veneers for aesthetic purposes as one can choose from a range of veneer shades that would perfectly match the rest of their set of teeth. Veneers can be made of porcelain or ceramic, and they have to be bonded to your teeth. Application of veneers involves several preparatory and actual application procedures, and you may have to visit your dentist two to three times for the veneer to be completed.

When Is a Veneer Needed?

A veneer is needed when you want to improve the colour, position, and feel of your teeth. Thin veneers often solve the problems of chipped teeth, but not largely chipped corners, and cracked discoloured ones as well. Also, instead of opting for retainers or braces to close in thin gaps between the teeth, lots of people in London W1 resort to veneer coatings as they can be enough to fill the gap if it is very thin. That way, instead of waiting for the brace to make an effect for long periods of time, the veneer will do the work more quickly, easily, and less expensively.

Veneers are much better options especially if you are concerned with the aesthetic condition of your teeth. Some people lose much confidence when their teeth are not perfect like discolouration, gaps, crookedness, and cracks; but with veneers, these problems can easily be covered and you can have beautiful teeth in no time. You can always get advise from people you know or search the Internet for good dental clinics in London W1. Focus always on the ones who are known to work well with what you need, which in these case are veneers. There are plenty of dental clinics in  London W1 that can readily apply veneers on your teeth.

Knowing Your Teeth-Whitening Options in West London

July 19th, 2008

Are you worrying about your teeth turning yellow or getting discoloured? Before you start considering what teeth-whitening procedure would be appropriate for you, it helps to know the causes of having yellow teeth in the first place. There is quite a number of these causes but the most common include aging, accidents, medicines, and of course don’t forget what you eat and drink does a lot to your teeth-and its colour.Now that you know what has caused your teeth to turn yellow or to get darker, your dentist will now be able to identify the best procedure that you must follow to resolve this problem. And in west London, you are given a wide selection of teeth-whitening choices for you to pick from. Listed below are the three most common teeth-whitening procedures:

Teeth Whitening in Clinics

Dental clinics abound in west London where you can avail of teeth whitening procedures from a professional dentist. Although the most expensive among your teeth-whitening options, in-office teeth whitening will give you your much-need significant teeth color change in a short period of time. This option involves the dentist having to apply a high concentration of peroxide gel to the teeth and leaving it or 15 to 20 minutes depending on the degree of discolouration of the teeth.

Teeth Whitening with Professionally Prescribed Kits

Compared to getting your teeth whitened at the dentist’s clinic, doing it yourself at home can save you a lot of money. After getting an impression of your teeth, your dentist will prescribe a teeth-whitening kit of peroxide gel. This peroxide gel kit is of lower concentration compared to the solution used at the clinics and will normally come with easy-to-follow instructions on how to use and apply.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

As the name suggests, this procedure will involve the use of store-bough teeth-whitening kits that will include a bleaching gel that should be applied to the teeth. Application may be done with the use of whitening strips, applicators, or teeth trays. Unfortunately, this process is not popularly favoured upon because it only whitens the front teeth instead of the entire smile.

Teeth Whitening at Home

There are many teeth-whitening solutions that can be found in our homes. Of course, the most common and the most effective of which is the use of the baking soda. Others have also proven that table salt, oranges, and lemon juice are likewise effective teeth whiteners.

It should go without saying that the practice of good oral hygiene should be first and foremost when it comes to maintaining our pearly whites. Brushing every after meal and regular flossing should never be taken for granted. Teeth-whitening options should not be a problem when you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Cerec Technology and Cosmetic Dentistry in London

July 19th, 2008

London is one of the cities in the world where models and performers are seen everywhere. Proximity to theatres and fashion centres exposes the local populace to good-looking models, artists and actors. We see them smiling while strolling around the shopping areas and may think that only a celebrity can own a smile like that.

The notion that only celebrities can have pearly white teeth and fabulous smile is no longer accurate. Recent progress in dental research has brought cosmetic dentistry closer to ordinary people. Nowadays, the smile of one’s dreams has become more available.One particularly innovative aspect of cosmetic dentistry is the Cerec technology. Cerec is the company that pioneered this innovation, and it is a genuinely efficient way to save time for the dentist and the patient. With this technology, damaged teeth can be restored in just one visit using a computer application and high tech equipment. In summary, a design is made using the graphic detail obtained from the computer impression and the resulting product is constructed and can be installed immediately. This innovation can create porcelain fillings, veneers and crowns while the patient waits. There is no need for a temporary crown and a second appointment, making the whole process convenient for patients who live busy lives.

As a dentist, I can say that the progress in dentistry is geared towards improving the quality of a patient’s life. As shown in the Cerec procedure, cosmetic dentistry aims to highlight a person’s smile, and this will entail changing the colour, the shape and the over-all appearance of a person’s teeth.

Overcoming Fear of a London Dentist

July 19th, 2008

Do you believe that dentists are one of the most feared people on earth? In fact, a horror movie was made involving dentists as their primary scare source. And it is because of these kinds of attention that people develop an odontophobia or a phobia of dentists.As a dentist based in London, I wouldn’t like my patient trembling with fear every time they visit me. I have often noticed people coming only to visit a dentist when they need immediate dental care, such as for an aching tooth. But for prophylactic reasons or just to go for a regular check up, they won’t volunteer their time.

Oftentimes, their first impression of a dentist is someone who wields a syringe and a pair of pliers, ready to extract that tooth out. And because of the pain that goes with it, pain is automatically associated with dentists. So as they grow older, that fear of dentists grows because they fear the pain that they may experience.

Based on an article I have read just recently, experts suggest that children should be brought to the dentist as early as they are able to sit on a chair by themselves. They need to be acquainted with what a dentist looks like and does. They need to be comfortable with their dentist so they will not develop a trauma from their first experience with them. And sooner or later, going to the dentist will be an event that they will look forward to, instead of dreading that day.

Londoners, Spinach and Interdental teeth Cleaning

July 19th, 2008

Ever walk around the streets of London with a piece of spinach stuck between your teeth? Rather embarrassing, isn’t it. And as funny as that may sound, in terms of dental hygiene it’s a prime example, a euphemism if you want, of the way in which things can go wrong if left unattended.

The subject here is of course interdental teeth cleaning, or in layman’s terms: cleaning between your teeth. And, even though it is one of the major causes of gum disease, tooth decay and gingivitis, it’s one of those dental hygiene practices that remain neglected by a vast majority of the general population. Rather ironic, wouldn’t you say?

So, what happens to things stuck between your teeth? Quite simply put, the plaque already on your teeth has bacteria that convert food particles into acids which in turn has the ability to dissolve proteins, calcium and enamel (all of which form part of that brilliant white smile). Now, the rather sad thing is that statistics from both London and the whole of the United Kingdom indicate that about 60%-75% of all adults suffer from some form of gum disease which can be attributed to incorrect dental hygiene. And if this is not enough to grab your attention, then all you need to do is look at a couple of images that show the results of prolonged neglect of interdental teeth cleaning. They are shocking!

That being said, you’ll agree that those twice a year recommended dentist visits are there for a reason. Additionally you might want to consider what methods you employ to clean your teeth and in between them. Do you floss? Do you use interdental toothbrushes or dental sticks? These things are all available in just about any off-licence and supermarket throughout London and the United Kingdom and are there to not only protect your teeth, but your whole mouth.

Gum disease putting London W1 at risk

July 19th, 2008

As I took a stroll down the one of the streets in London W1, I just couldn’t help but wonder about the condition of the gums of the people I meet. I really can’t help it. I am a dentist anyway. Well, so far a lot of people were at definite risk for heart disease so, I assumed, there may also be a problem with their gums. Others looked healthy enough, so they probably cleaned their gums and teeth regularly.Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the importance of taking of their teeth. I am not only referring to London but to all parts of the world as well. In fact, based on surveys conducted about the proper oral hygiene, only 15% brush their teeth only once a day and consider this enough for them. Among those who brush their teeth, a staggering 29% clean their teeth for less than a minute. This kind of practice increases their risk for having gum disease, and other major heart, kidney, or lung disease.

People in London should be made aware of what the consequences of not taking proper care of their teeth. I wonder how this can be done but I guess, with a little imagination and the right instruction on how to care for the oral cavity and its structures, not only limited to teeth, much can be achieved. But something should definitely be done about it. I feel it my personal responsibility to make sure everyone has clean teeth and healthy gums. I hope that they do cooperate.

Teeth whitening in central London-show off those pearly whites

July 19th, 2008

What is one of the most attractive features of a person? For me, I always first notice their smile; that wide grin that shows off their pearly whites. And when someone is quite reluctant to give you a big grin, then those pearly whites may not be the same white anymore.A treatment popular, not only in central London, but around the world is the whitening of teeth. People tend to be concerned about the color of their teeth, to the point of being self conscious about it. And so they try different ways and means to make it a bit lighter for a longer period of time.

But before that, you have to realize the causes of the discoloration. The top culprit is cigarette and cigar smoking. The smoke as well as residue from the cigarette can cause stains to occur on the surface of the teeth. Even if you are not a smoker, as long as you can inhale the second hand smoke from them, your teeth are also at risk of developing yellowish stains on its surface. Other colored drinks and foods can also be the cause for the teeth to be discolored.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this: teeth whiteners. Some use those whiteners that they can buy in drugstores. Unfortunately, they do not work as effectively as those applied by dental professionals. They utilize several methods of bringing back your teeth to its original color. They do it by bleaching, either externally or internally. The most commonly used is bleaching the tooth’s surface, often through laser. Internal bleaching can be done with those who have undergone a root canal.

To get the top whitening results, it is best to use the services of a qualified dental health professional, including dental assistants, and dental hygienists who have been trained and licensed to do so. After treatment, you will definitely be proud to show off those pearly whites to everyone who cares to see.

Filling up the West London teeth potholes

July 19th, 2008

Londoners have a very efficient system in detecting and filling up potholes in their streets. Once the presence of a pothole is reported, a team will immediately fill it up to avoid future problems and accidents.This is very like our teeth, although no one can report the presence of holes except for your dentist and yourself. And once detected, it should at least be taken care of as soon as possible. Why? Well, a lot of people think that it is just a small hole and it does not interfere with how they eat. Unfortunately, small holes can be big holes plus the chance of bacteria getting inside and living in those crevices. When this happens, it can cause an infection in the area and lead to a terrible tooth ache, and eventually to the loss of your tooth.

One of the dental procedures often done by dentists involve filling up those potholes in your teeth. First, they clean the area thoroughly so as to not trap any foreign material inside the crevice after filling. They may also widen the crevice a bit more by scraping off decay with a burr. This is of course done with local anaesthetic unless the pain is tolerable. When everything is clean, they prepare a mixture of ingredients, which may include silver, copper, tin, and a very minimal amount of mercury. This is referred to as an amalgam filling which are often durable to grinding and chewing. Other fillings can be coloured to the natural shade of the tooth so as to not be quite noticeable. For worse cases, a crown may be fitted on the tooth.

So just like a pothole, these crevices on your teeth should be taken care of. This promotes a healthy oral cavity and great smile as well.

Qualified to treat teeth in London W1

July 19th, 2008

To be able to deserve the title of dentist, I had to go through an extensive process of testing and registering so as to be worthy of that title. There were a lot of documents to be submitted as well as forms to fill out but in the end, I got the coveted title of being a dentist.To belong to the roster of dental professionals means that you are qualified to tackle the responsibilities expected of one. And to be able to do so, you should have had the proper education and instruction from an established university in London and neighbouring countries, including sufficient practice and experience. These are all documented and presented to the UK qualifying body for approval.

To be a registered dental practitioner means that you know what you are doing and your patients can trust you with the condition of their teeth. They have undergone several tests to ensure that they are fit to be one. It is quite scary to entrust your oral cavity just to anyone.

As I prepared for these qualifying exams, I also had to look for a couple of volunteers who would agree to be test patients during the hands on portion of the test. There were several requirements that had to be met before I can choose the right patient such as the degree of decay, the area of the damage, and the condition of the nearby structures. Finding the perfect patient was critical to my passing and being a full fledged dentist. I guess you know what happened next…

Brace yourself in central London have your teeth straight

July 19th, 2008

Not all people are born with a great teeth alignment. Even people in central London are not spared. With genetics playing a big role in it, a lot of people are often seen with some crooked area in their teeth. Some people may have just a couple of teeth facing different directions and others may have their whole lower jaw needing a total makeover.What makes the teeth go various angles? It may be that the jaw hasn’t adapted to the size of the teeth yet. Or sometimes they have what you call malocclusion or a problem with how the teeth are positioned when a person bites. Losing baby teeth during the toddler years can sometimes lead to this condition. Even thumb sucking can cause problems with the teeth. And these are often corrected early, preferably when they are still young by specialized dentists called orthodontists.

How are misaligned teeth straightened? They use braces to correct it. It exerts pressure on the teeth to straighten them out. And braces have come a long way from what it is today. Before, people shun away from using braces because it really hurt to have one placed on the teeth as well as the need to wear a headgear to keep it in place. Furthermore, it cost much to get one installed. It was such a relief for them when they were finally removed, not because their teeth looked great but because their jaw stopped aching.

Nowadays, computer technology and titanium has made braces more tolerable. They are precisely placed on the tooth for maximum alignment with the least discomfort. It can even be made the same colour as the teeth or any colour you wish it to be. And since it still costs a bit expensive, it serves as a status symbol as well.