Author Archives: Wimbledon Dental Care

Teeth whitening; FAQs answered

When it comes to resolving cosmetic dental issues, our team sees similar complaints from many of our patients time and time again.

A key issue that keeps recurring with our patients’ smiles is that they feel their teeth and their smile simply isn’t white enough. And as many people work jobs which require them to look their best, having a discoloured smile can cause an array of problems.

At Wimbledon Dental Care, we are happy to offer teeth whitening Wimbledon to our patients and have the latest tools and equipment to ensure that any whitening procedure you want to undertake with us is quick and comfortable. So you can enjoy that whiter smile for longer.

However, before many patients book an appointment for teeth whitening Wimbledon, they have a few burning questions that need to be answered. In the following article, our team answers 5 of the most common queries that we receive about whitening.

What are the advantages of dental whitening?

Of course, a key advantage of teeth whitening Wimbledon is that it, well, whitens your teeth!

And as mentioned earlier, many people are self-conscious when it comes to showing off their smiles in photographs or at work if they have discoloured teeth.

Not only do whiter teeth boost your confidence, but they also look healthier and as they are typically smoothed during the whitening process, it can actually act as a deterrent for plaque accumulation.

Is it uncomfortable?

If you have sensitive teeth, you may have concerns that having any kind of dental whitening will heighten this issue.

However, the whitening gels that we use at our practice have built-in anti-sensitivity agents, so when you are undertaking bleach-based whitening (which is commonly used in most treatments), you should not experience any issues with oral sensitivity becoming worse.

How long does it take?

If our team decides that you are a good candidate for bleach-based whitening treatment then the entire process will likely take 14 days to complete.

This will involve 2 trips to see our team; one at the beginning and one at the end, and in the interim, you will be required to use whitening trays and a weaker form of the surgery whitening gel at home.

How often can I have whitening performed?

Generally, our team will perform dental whitening once every six months. But if you have concerns that the results are not lasting as long as you would like, our team will be more than happy to offer advice on how to keep your teeth as white as possible for as long as needed.

However, over-application of dental whitening can result in issues with enamel thickness so our team will aim to minimise this issue where possible.

How long do the results last?

The results of dental whitening vary in how long they last, depending on how dedicated you are to maintaining the results of the treatment at home. They will also vary based on your lifestyle choices; for instance, if you smoke, it is unlikely that your dental whitening will last longer than 6 months.

Is cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon right for me?

Have you spent a lot of your life wishing, wanting and waiting to find a stunning, convenient fix for your smile? Are your teeth overcrowded? Or crooked? Or maybe you chipped a tooth as a child but never found the time to have it corrected. Finding cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon could be the chance for you to attend to your smile’s needs.

What are the options for teeth straightening?

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could fix your smile in just six months? And even better – what if the braces weren’t noticeably visible or uncomfortable? Cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon can achieve this. We are an accredited provider of Six Month Smiles, the most popular quick-change brace system. With this fantastic system, it takes just a few months to correct misalignment, gapped teeth, twisting or overcrowding.

Traditional brace systems would focus on moving all the teeth and even molars; this process can be a very long one, with many people having to wear braces for years. Six Month Smile is designed to just focus on the ‘social six’, which are the front and most visible teeth. This makes the whole process much quicker, usually taking a maximum of six months to correct your smile.

If you wanted to go completely invisible, you could always opt for Invisalign braces. What makes these so fantastic is that not only are they invisible trays, but they are also removable and won’t cause you any discomfort or inconvenience. They are also very quick, with patients seeing results after six months.

I just want to brighten and whiten my smile

We are living in a digital world, and it’s hard to be camera-ready if you’re hiding behind a dull smile. Teeth whitening is the quickest, easiest way to take you from camera-shy to smiling brightly. We choose to use Zoom whitening, a really simple system designed for super smiles. You have two options: one treatment at the surgery followed by one top up at home or doing the whole treatment at home – whatever works for you. After the treatment, your teeth will be shiny for up to two years, depending on how well you care for your teeth post-treatment – this includes the foods and drinks you consume. We would recommend a top-up treatment every six months, or you could come to the surgery for a boost after 18 months.

Could dental veneers be the solution for me?

Sometimes, when considering cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon, it may be that you’re experiencing more than one problem with your teeth. When your teeth are stained, cracked, or chipped beyond repair, veneers could be the quick solution for you. Alternatively, it may be that you’ve broken a front tooth and need a really quick solution. A veneer is a super-thin porcelain shell that can be custom-made to fit your teeth. This procedure is very long-lasting and also has a natural finish.

Whatever your cosmetic dentistry needs may be, we will have an affordable plan for you. Please arrange your next appointment with us.

Dental Aesthetics- White Fillings

White fillings Wimbledon are more popular than ever becoming a mainstay of the clinic’s workload at least when it comes to restorative care! Let’s find out more about how they are done and why?

Traditional fillings or the ones that come to mind most rapidly are silver white metal amalgam fillings. They have a very long history in dentistry but are far from the first; they themselves are actually replacements to gold fillings. This is both an attempt to have a cheaper fully functioning, more hard-wearing long lasting filing that would require significantly less maintenance.

Metal amalgam as a health risk?

There has been some controversy around silver metal amalgam but in normal temperatures and conditions (short of being inside a furnace!) amalgam fillings are stable and safe. But this has not altered many patients wanting to change them for newer resin-based fillings. Unless they are loose or decay has set in underneath them, there is unlikely to be any medical need to disturb them. But newer resin-based fillings do look far more natural and can be blended in with the surrounding tooth in a way that has never been possible with silver amalgam. So they should be considered an aesthetic cosmetic choice rather than a medical need.

UV cured resins

What has made such realistic and hard-wearing white fillings Wimbledon possible has been the ever-growing use of UV cured resins in dentistry. They have several excellent properties both as an excellent adhesive holding traditional prosthetics in place but also as a material that can be built with itself, by curing the resin in layers to form much larger structures. These can then be sculpted with drills and buffed and polished like normal enamel into their final forms.

Resins find themselves being implemented in a wide range of restorations, from subtle chips all the way up to in situ resin crowns, where an entire compromised tooth is coated in multiple resin layers; somewhere between the two is composite fillings. So the next time you see the distinctive blue light of a UV lamp shining in somebody’s mouth at a dental surgery, you’ll know why and don’t be too surprised if in the not too distant future you find yourself making use of UV resin technologies in a dental procedure.

Thermal expansion

When it comes to prosthetics, size and shape have always been critical; too loose and a prosthetic would rattle, too tight and it would cause pain- this is true in dentistry. But people’s mouths experience a greater range of temperatures as opposed to most of their highly regulated bodies, jumping into the high 90’s with hot coffee or down into the – 5 with ice cream. This creates a change of thermal expansion; when a material that fits perfectly at body temperature wishes to expand at higher temperatures but as it is surrounded by a tooth, it simply cannot expand without applying pressure to the enamel and dentine which it is embedded in. But white fillings Wimbledon are formed of long polymers with little-to-no thermal expansion rather than silvers and golds.

Understanding why the use of white fillings Wimbledon may be a good idea

Many of us spend a great deal of time trying to keep our teeth looking white by using specialised toothpaste and techniques to achieve the look we desire. Once we get that pearly white look that we require some of us may examine our teeth just to be disappointed to find there are still dark looking areas within our teeth that are caused by the tooth fillings some of us have.

Tooth filling may be necessary but can often appear unsightly when we look into our mouths, however, this can be resolved. By offering white fillings, Wimbledon, we can help those who are looking to change the look of their dark filling, which means they can finally achieve the look of perfectly white teeth they have been looking for.

The difference

The fillings we all know are made from silver amalgam, this makes them extremely hard-wearing and should mean that any fillings we have will last a lifetime. However, there are cases where the filling may have to be replaced due to further decay and damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices by a patient.

While the silver amalgam filling has been widely used by dentists over hundreds of years, they do not address the issue of wanting white teeth that some of us desire. This is where white fillings, Wimbledon can help, giving the patient that clean white look they desire for their teeth.

Made from a white composite resin these new fillings have one major advantage over the usual amalgam filling, as they maintain a natural look to the teeth once in place. These new fillings have also been proven to be just as strong and hard-wearing as the silver fillings that have been used in dental treatments for a long time. By using high-quality composite filling made by Heraeus Venus and TPH Spectra we can promise our patients a solution that meets their needs that is strong enough to last.

Recommended usage

These fillings are best used in smaller cavities, for larger cavities we suggest that a patient considers inlays or onlays. Made from tooth-coloured porcelain and made to fit the tooth they are applied to, these inlays or onlays are a lot like having a small crown placed onto the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are considered to be durable and can withstand the stresses of use while providing the look of white teeth that any patient is looking for.

Gaining white teeth

We all desire to look our best all the times we venture outside of our homes, as we want to be seen in a positive light by others around us. For some people, the clothes they wear create the image they wish to project, for others it is the make-up they wear and then there are those who believe having the smile they desire projects the image they wish to portray. We would recommend that these are the people who may wish to investigate the advantages of white fillings, Wimbledon.

Wimbledon Dental Care provides the highest quality care alongside a welcoming, friendly approach. We always have our patient’s welfare at the heart of everything we do.

Zoom teeth whitening; a guide

Do you want to whiten your teeth and have tried every toothpaste on the market with little effect?

At Wimbledon Dental Care, our team can help with teeth whitening Wimbledon and may be able to offer you treatment with the Zoom whitening kit, which can lighten your teeth up to 16 shades! Brilliant!

Below is a brief guide about Zoom teeth whitening Wimbledon. Enjoy!

Is whitening right for you?

There are many reasons why people seek out teeth whitening Wimbledon.

Of course, the main one is for aesthetic reasons; having yellow teeth can have a large impact on self-esteem and so, many people approach our team at Wimbledon Dental Care to have their teeth whitened to improve their confidence with their smiles.

But, there can be complications; if you have sensitive teeth, you may have read somewhere that having your teeth professionally whitened can cause this issue to worsen. This can be true if the bleach you are using is too strong and if you are having your teeth whitened by someone who is not professionally trained.

When you come to Wimbledon Dental Care, our team of dentists will take the utmost care to ensure that any whitening procedure you undertake will not worsen any underlying sensitivity.

The consultation

Before you can have your teeth whitened by our team, we will need to conduct an assessment of your teeth and overall oral health.

During this, we will make note of existing dental work, such as crowns, veneers and fillings and then discuss with you if Zoom whitening is right for you. If you have had extensive work performed on your teeth, such as veneers, these will not respond to this type of whitening and so, we will need to look into other methods of whitening your teeth.

Procedure

If we decide that the Zoom whitening treatment is right for you, we may first invite you in for tooth cleaning sessions before the whitening procedure. This is to remove any stubborn plaque or stains and to ensure that the procedure yields the best results possible.

We will cover your lips and gums and will then apply the hydrogen peroxide gel to the desired teeth. This will remain on your teeth for around 15 minutes while a light (which activates the gel) is aimed at your teeth. Depending on the level of whitening you want, this gel may be applied to the same teeth up to 3 times, meaning that the entire procedure will take around 45 minutes in length.

Once our team and you are happy with how the treatment has worked, we may apply a fluoride gel to your teeth, which will reduce any sensitivity that may occur.

Maintenance

Once you have had your teeth whitened, you will undoubtedly want to keep the results going.

To help with this, our team will be able to make custom-fitted whitening trays, which will allow you to retouch the whitening procedure at home on your own time.

We will also offer dietary advice; foods and drinks that are high in tannins (such as tea, coffee and wine) can cause any whitening effects to lessen, as can the consumption of tobacco. So, if you need some help on how to keep your teeth gleaming white, talk to our team!

Children’s teeth; how we protect them

When it comes to looking after children’s teeth Wimbledon, our team at Wimbledon Dental Care knows that there is more to it than simply having your child attend checkups every 6 months. So, let’s have a look at how our team looks after preadolescent teeth!

Why are children’s teeth different?

Any parent or dentist will tell you that children’s teeth are often visibly whiter than adult ones. And, whilst this is enviable, such baby teeth are also weaker than adult teeth; they have thinner enamel and are more prone to issues, such as tooth decay and even gum disease.

Whilst it can seem that children’s teeth Wimbledon are not as important as adult teeth due to them being temporary, this is not the case, and delaying treatment with these gnashers can lead to some rather serious complications later on in life.

So how do we as a team prevent this?

Education

Children love sweets; you know it and so do we! And, as such, our dentists will educate them on the importance of keeping their teeth and gums healthy and show them how to properly brush their teeth while also discussing the dangers of sugar with them.

We always try to make the process as enjoyable as possible as kids learn better when they have fun. Our team will always be friendly and approachable, aiming to break down the stereotypical image of the scary dental team, making your child feel as comfortable as possible in our surgery. This will make sure that their dental health can remain in good condition throughout the rest of their life; no parent would want their child to grow up being scared of the dentist!

Similarly, if you have any questions on how you can help keep your child’s teeth healthy, feel free to ask our team!

Sealants

You may have heard of fluoride sealants, and yes, we do use them on children’s teeth Wimbledon, especially if there are signs of acid damage.

As we mentioned earlier, a child’s teeth would have thinner enamel than adult teeth, making them more likely to succumb to decay and damage. By applying fluoride sealants to your child’s teeth, we can prevent tooth decay, thus helping to keep their teeth in good shape and maintain their overall oral health.

Orthodontic work

You may know that every child needs to visit a dentist so that their tendency to suffer from a dental misalignment later in life can be assessed. In the UK, this is usually recommended by the time a child hits 7 years of age.

Now while it may not seem as important as other aspects of protecting your child’s teeth, like sealants, orthodontic work can be a boon for your child’s oral health as it can prevent the accumulation of plaque and make it easier for your child to care for their teeth. Furthermore, having your child’s teeth assessed for alignment issues can prevent secondary speech complications and will help them to feel better about themselves later in their adult life.

Recognising the importance of looking after children’s teeth

Forming good habits early

At Wimbledon Dental Care, we firmly believe that the more you know about good oral care and dental habits, the healthier your smile will be.

This is why we put such an emphasis on children’s teeth Wimbledon. Studies have found that the earlier a child experiences dental care of any kind – be it a simple checkup or preventive measures – the higher the likelihood of them establishing good oral habits that they will retain throughout their lives.

We understand that, for some children, a visit to the dentists can bring on varying degrees of anxiety or stress – which is why we always do everything possible to make sure that every child feels comfortable and relaxed whilst in our practice.

Prevention is the best medicine

Bad oral habits are difficult to break as they are often established during childhood. Luckily, however, the opposite is also true as any child who learns the importance of dental hygiene from an early age is far more likely to carry these habits into adulthood.

When treating children’s teeth Wimbledon, we always try to focus on prevention through several safe treatments such as fluoride applications or fissure sealants.

What is a fluoride application?

Fluoride applications are a form of preventive treatment for children’s teeth Wimbledon whereby our practitioners apply a pale yellow, fruity-tasting fluoride varnish to the front and back of your child’s teeth. Using a soft brush, our practitioners will ensure that every tooth has an additional layer of the thin and quick-setting fluoride solution. This will act as a protective barrier for plaque and, when used in combination with regular brushing, give your child’s teeth better protection against cavities.

It is recommended that children undergo a fluoride application at least twice a year to make sure their teeth are properly protected.

What is a fissure sealant?

Alongside fluoride applications, our dentist, who focuses on treating children, also regularly provides what is called a fissure sealant.

Along the surface of our teeth, there are numerous groves and pits known as fissures. Generally, the molars and premolars have more fissures compared to the teeth at the front of the mouth.

The fissures themselves are perfectly normal; however, what often happens is that bacteria can get lodged within them. This bacteria can potentially develop into plaque or tartar – both of which can harm your child’s dental health.

Therefore, undergoing fissure sealant treatment negates any risk of this happening as a thin layer of a dental sealant is applied evenly over your child’s teeth, filling any fissures and making their teeth smooth – which massively reduces the chance of any unwanted food or bacteria becoming lodged.

There have been numerous studies into the effectiveness of fissure sealant treatment for children, with one finding that children with fissure sealants had as many as 78% fewer cavities than those without.

If you are interested in getting this non-invasive and effective treatment for your child, then contact us at Wimbledon Dental Care today and book an appointment with one of our dentists.

How can we help sensitive teeth?

Here at Wimbledon Dental Care, we understand that having tooth sensitivity can be very uncomfortable while it also restricts certain foods from being enjoyable. This is why, as dentists, we make sure to address sensitivity and treat it the best way we can so that you can continue to enjoy your favourite foods and drinks again!

What are the causes?

Before we talk about the ways we can help with sensitive teeth Wimbledon, it is important to know the causes as this can help you prevent it from happening in the first place. However, if it does, we are always there to help!

Brushing your teeth too hard

You may be wondering why your teeth are so sensitive if you have a good oral hygiene routine and clean teeth. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth too hard can cause the enamel to get worn out. Enamel is the outer covering that protects your tooth so, if that gets thinner, your tooth will be more exposed and thus sensitive to high and low temperatures.

Grinding your teeth

Some of our patients have come in struggling with grinding their teeth at night and this too can erode the enamel and once again increase the sensitivity. Teeth grinding can also weaken the teeth, so it is important to contact us if you think this is happening to you.

Certain food and drinks

There are certain foods and drinks that can cause enamel erosion if they are consumed regularly. Food and drink that have a high sugar content are the most destructive to your enamel. This happens due to the bacteria in your mouth feeding on the sugar and producing acidic waste products that erode the teeth.

Chipped or damaged teeth

If you happen to have a damaged tooth, due to severe decay or breakage, this can expose the nerve endings inside the tooth and cause them to be overstimulated. It can also cause severe pain and irritation, putting your tooth at high risk of infection. So, it is recommended that you contact our practice if you are experiencing this.

What we can do

One of the ways we can treat your sensitivity is by applying fluoride to the sensitive areas. This can help reduce pain and strengthen your enamel. If your sensitivity is severe and is due to problems inside the tooth, we can give you a root canal treatment that cleans out the pulp of the tooth, getting rid of any bacteria. If the inside of your tooth is exposed, we can usually treat this by applying a bonding resin that protects the area, and this will help to reduce the sensitivity.

Having sensitive teeth Wimbledon can be painful when it comes to brushing and eating or drinking and our team of dentists understands this. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us, here at Wimbledon Dental Care. We will create a treatment plan that works for you while doing all we can to treat your sensitive teeth Wimbledon.

I wish my smile looked better

We all have many qualms with the way our smile looks. Over time teeth can become broken, weakened and fall victim to decay. This is not something that you need to put up with as solutions can be found in the form of crowns and bridges at our dental practice, Wimbledon Dental Care. You may want to consider the treatment options outlined in this article. We will take you through what a crown and bridge are, how they are fitted and how they function. We will also run you through how to properly care for your smile, once you have had one of these elements fitted.

What is a crown?

A crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to fix teeth that have been broken, teeth that over time have been weakened by decay or teeth that are in need of a very large filling. The crown is sculpted to fit over the remaining part of the tooth you are looking to repair. This makes the new tooth strong and helps the tooth appear similar to those around it. Special care is taken to make sure that this new tooth looks like those around it by being carefully coloured and matched to the remaining original teeth you have. This way, to other people your smile will look uninterrupted. Crowns and bridges Wimbledon could be a good remedy for those looking to improve the look of their smile by having some expertly matched crowns fixed. Crowns can also be used as a protective measure. For example, if you have had a root canal treatment you will need a crown to allow your teeth to be fit for purpose.

What is a bridge?

If you are considering crowns and bridges Wimbledon, but you need more extensive assistance then a bridge could be your solution. Bridges have a precious metal base making them stronger and with a solid structure, to allow your teeth to act as the teeth they are destined to be. If you do require a bridge to be incorporated into your smile, you can be assured that your teeth will look like real teeth, through the porcelain layer that is added to the base. A bridge can make your smile look complete and allow you to chew with ease. Some bridges can be incorporated into the dental implant treatment that we offer. This can be used when you have several teeth in the same area of your mouth that are missing. The dental implant itself is a screw that is fitted at the site of the jaw, the bridge will then be fixed on top of the implant. You should read on to the next section to see how to care for your new smile.

How do I care for my new smile?

Once you have had your crowns and bridges Wimbledon fitted then you will need to make sure that you take good care of your oral health. You need to keep up a thorough oral hygiene routine and make sure you attend your six-monthly check-ups. Our dentist will always be on hand to make certain that you understand how to use the best techniques to keep your smile happy and healthy. They will be available to answer any questions that you have and will always make you feel comfortable about the condition of your smile.

What are white fillings?

When we need a filling does it not make sense to match that filling to the rest of our mouth? For those asking this very same question, we have an alternative that is long-lasting and highly pleasing aesthetically to look at. The use of white composite resin, allows you to retain the appearance of your natural teeth. If you are considering white fillings Wimbledon then you can use this article to find out more about this specific treatment. This article will run through why we think you should consider this treatment, as well as how this treatment works. If you decide to come to Wimbledon Dental Care, then you are in the perfect place. We take good care of our patients to ensure that they are happy and healthy when it comes to their smiles. We are a team of dedicated healthcare professionals and we take pride in the work that we do. You should read on to discover more about your chosen dental treatment.

Should I get them?

These white fillings Wimbledon are a great alternative to other filling treatments such as silver or amalgam fillings. Some people, who already have metal fillings, wish to have their fillings replaced by white fillings. This is done on a case by case basis to keep patients safe and their smiles lasting. We recommend this treatment for those of you who require fillings, but are worried about how more traditional fillings will look in the mouth once the treatment has been completed. People who have had these treatments in the past have been impressed by how their smile looks once their treatment is complete. Very often they do not hesitate to recommend this treatment to others. We will work with you and your smile to determine whether this treatment could be the right one for you. If you think that this treatment sounds like a good idea for you, then you should consider reading on to the next section to see how this procedure works.

How does this procedure work?

This procedure has been designed for your comfort and to enable you to achieve excellent results. The technique we follow when using white fillings Wimbledon is specifically to allow us to make your teeth look and feel great. When carrying out this treatment, only the decaying part of the tooth is removed. We prefer to use this minimally invasive technique, because we want to retain as much as possible of the healthy enamel on your teeth. We use this treatment, in conjunction with some of our other treatments, to preserve the enamel because it is irreplaceable. White fillings are best suited to small and medium-sized cavities. For larger cavities, you may wish to consider inlays or onlays. These are designed to be like crowns, but smaller and fit exactly into your tooth. Inlays and onlays have been designed to be very durable, even when exposed to high levels of stress. They also look great. If you think that white fillings could be a good fit for you and your smile, then you should consider getting in touch with us here at Wimbledon Dental Care.

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