Why is Dental Hygiene important?

Oral hygiene was being practised as early about 3500 BC using a Babylonian chew stick and roughly made stickers to pick food out from between the teeth. The first recorded toothbrush was made from a carved stick with bristles from pigs’ hairs in China, around 600 AD. Then sometime in 1400 AD this was later refined into a bone handle with pigs hairs as bristles. In the 1700s a British prisoner is credited with designing the manual toothbrush that we are familiar with today. So even centuries ago, we realised the importance of oral hygiene and the consequences of not taking necessary care. We at dental hygiene in Wimbledon take oral hygiene extremely seriously and with the incredible advances made in equipment development we are able to provide the latest and most effective service to our patients.

When should I start my regime

Like body exercise taking care of our entire mouth must become a daily routine that we carry through throughout our entire lives. This effort will result in prevention of cavities, freshening of breath, retaining the whiteness of teeth and defending against gum disease. Oral hygiene is a team effort by the patient, the dentist, the hygienist, the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. If however the patient does not stick to the regime the whole team will have to work harder to try and keep the mouth healthy. It is therefore important to educate children so that they know and understand why they must develop a complete daily routine.

What must I include in my daily routine

It is not necessary to make things complicated and the simpler, the better. For a start, try to floss after every meal and at least twice further in between. Flossing does prevent tartar building up and while you may experience bleeding initially don’t be alarmed as your gums will become used to the routine. Brush your teeth at least after every meal and in the morning and the evening before retiring. The recommended way to hold your toothbrush is as if you were holding a pencil, try not to brush too quickly or aggressively and always brush in a circular motion. A lot of bacteria also forms on the tongue for this reason it is important to gently scrub the tongue because these bacteria are a major cause of bad breath. It is also very important not to keep your toothbrush for too long and patients should change either your toothbrush or brush heads regularly, after around two to three months is the suggested period. As an added precaution it is a good idea to also use a good mouthwash to rinse around the house for a minimum of thirty seconds. This will aid flossing and brushing by reaching those areas of the mouth that are difficult to get to by flossing and brushing. This entire routine takes a few minutes each time and combined with a twice yearly dental visit for parents and their children can reduce early and permanent tooth loss and the complications that could arise from poor oral hygiene.

Protecting your mouth will result in overall wellness

Our mouths are the portals through which we provide sustenance and liquid refreshment to our entire bodies. It therefore makes sense to ensure that our mouths are healthy so that all that passes through is fresh and healthy. We at dental hygiene in Wimbledon are part of your team in the struggle to maintain oral hygiene and defeat tooth and gum disease.

What are Veneers?

Dentists have been using veneers since the 1930s for the protection of teeth and to improve the aesthetics of the mouth. They are wafer-thin, individually tailored shells, that are permanently attached to the front of your teeth and coloured to match your teeth or according to personal preference. Veneers in Wimbledon are ideal for your unique dental issues. They are designed to resolve chips and cracks, gaps between teeth, damaged enamel, misalignment of the teeth and discolouration.

Why should I have Veneers?

Your smile is the first feature that most people notice when they meet you. Each smile is unique and special in its own way, but knowing that your smile is beautiful and looks great can boost your confidence and help you in all aspects of your life. Whether it is the social aspect or the professional part of your life, a perfect smile has a positive impact in many different ways. Speak to us at Wimbledon Dental Care to book your veneers in Wimbledon, and invite that positivity into your life too.

Teeth staining is an extremely common issue that we all face from time to time. Discolouration can occur as a result of many different factors. These include different foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, cola, wines and even certain fruits and vegetables.

Smoking is a major cause of discolouration, poor dental hygiene, some dental materials and also medication can lead to staining. Finally aging and genetics are an unavoidable cause of discolouration too. Although teeth staining can be bleached, this is only a temporary procedure. If you are looking for a permanent solution, veneers in wimbledon can whiten your smile without having to worry about discolouration as veneers are mainly stain resistant and therefore will not need to be whitened. In case of a chipped or cracked tooth, you may need only one veneer or may decide to have a set of veneers to help enhance your smile by providing symmetry and optimally aligning the remaining teeth. Veneers are also used in the treatment of damaged enamel. Enamel is the thin outer covering of your teeth. Although it is the hardest tissue in the human body, enamel can be damaged by many different factors, including over-brushing, consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks and also by your own stomach acid in acid reflux disease. Enamel damage is known as enamel abrasion or enamel erosion and veneers in Wimbledon can be a perfect treatment for this issue.

Porcelain Veneers

The materials used in the formation of veneers have evolved over the years with advances in dental science and technology. Since the 1980’s dentists have been using porcelain to create veneers. Porcelain veneers have been found to show excellent aesthetic results and predictable longevity of the treatment. It requires a few trips to the dentist, and involves slight reshaping of the tooth so that the veneer can be attached perfectly without changing the size of your teeth but rest assured the dentist will ensure your comfort at all times. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant and have the same light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, and will therefore camouflage with your existing teeth if that is what you are interested in or enhance and improve your mouth altogether, according to your personal requirements. Speak to us today at Wimbledon Dental Care to find out why veneers could be the perfect option for you.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is especially designed for you to use when you want your smile to appear brighter and whiter. People may want to consider this service to alter their appearance of their smile. A smile is often the feature that patients wish to alter and with our help you can transform your smile for the better. This treatment is considered a quick and comfortable change to a person’s smile. Many people may want to consider this service for an important event such as a wedding, a job interview or a special holiday. If this service appears to be one that you would like to try, then you should read on. This article will run through how teeth whitening works, how long the process takes and what your next movements should be.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening Wimbledon uses the brand of Zoom which has proven to be 100% effective to brighten a smile. This treatment is safe and gentle, it can brighten your smile without causing you discomfort. The products used work both on the surface and inside the teeth to offer the best results. The treatment can be used at home or in the office. Many patients opt in for the one session surgery service, which can be topped up at home. You will first be invited for a consultation. Following this we can make custom trays which will be used in your appointment. These trays will fit snugly over your teeth and will be used to change the brightness of your skin. Your dentist will work with you to determine what shade you will be aiming for. You should read on to see how long the process takes.

How long does the process take?

The process of Teeth whitening Wimbledon can take up until an hour to complete. After we have completed the treatment you will be shown how to complete the top up process at home. The top up treatment takes just three days and can be done from the comfort of your own home. The process can allow you to take advantage of your dazzling results for about two years. The results can depend on the nature of staining and the lifestyle led by the individual. To maintain the brighten we recommend that you use the top up kit every six months or so. The option to come into the office for a Zoom boost after about 18 months is also available to you. You should read on to the next section to see what you should do next.

What should I do next?

If you want to consider Teeth whitening Wimbledon to transform your smile then you could consider getting in touch with us here at Wimbledon Dental Care. We understand how damaging a discolored smile could be to your self confidence. We can help reverse the signs of discolouring from issues such as coffee, red wine or smoking. We can get to the root of the discolouring of your smile and help you harness a brighter and whiter one. You should be assured that the process is comfortable and we take great care for patients from the very start. You can arrange an appointment through the website or by calling us directly.

Why you should consider cosmetic dentistry

Choosing cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon treatments available at Wimbledon Dental Care can help patients achieve a number of objectives, such as increased self-confidence and a pleasing flawless smile to make a positive first impression in social and professional situations.

We have found that patients who invest in cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon are more likely to want to protect that investment and their newly improved smile, and in so doing, take a greater interest in their oral health. To safeguard any aesthetic dental treatment, we advise patients to ensure they follow all oral-care maintenance instructions that include brushing (twice daily), flossing and routine check-ups within a dental practice.

Four dental problems aesthetic dental treatments can correct

Dental practitioners rely on the diverse array of cosmetic dentistry Wimbledon treatments to correct many of the teeth-related issues patients have that detract from a pleasing dental appearance. Dental issues specific to creating a less-than perfect smile that can be fixed with suitable aesthetic dental treatments include many common problems.

Stained teeth

It is not always easy to avoid stained or discoloured teeth, as there are numerous causes that can contribute to this problem. Some of these causes are the natural progression of time or ageing, the types of foods and beverages one consumes or an underlying oral health problem. A qualified dental practitioner is best placed to determine the exact cause of discoloured teeth and to suggest the most suitable form of treatment. Most often, patients wanting to resolve this issue will be asked to consider professional teeth whitening or veneers if there are other aesthetic improvements that also need to be made.

Chipped teeth

Chipped teeth can be a frustrating cosmetic issue to experience, they also have concerning consequences for the health of the teeth – chips in enamel can pave the way for harmful germs and bacteria to enter the more vulnerable layers of the tooth’s inner structure. Issues that deal with chips or cracks in teeth can be quite easily fixed with veneers.

Crooked teeth

Wonky teeth pose not just an aesthetic concern that affects one’s ability to smile confidently, but depending on the extent of the problem, can have serious repercussions for optimal mouth function. To correct minor crooked teeth issues, dentists can provide veneer treatments. If crooked teeth hinder mouth function then the patient may have to consider orthodontic treatment.

Missing teeth

Gaps in teeth are another problem that has a negative impact on a patient’s oral health in more than one way, including the aesthetics and functioning of a smile. A patient may lose the confidence to smile and engage with others and in addition to this, may experience difficulties in eating and speaking. Dental implants are becoming the standard treatment to replace missing teeth and restore full mouth functionality, creating a winning smile.

Patients may well wonder at the need to invest in cosmetic dentistry, but we at Wimbledon Dental Care would like patients to consider the value of these aesthetic improvements and how they can enhance the quality of life that can be experienced, as well as improve mouth function and oral health. Seen in this light, there is more reason to consider cosmetic dental treatments. Give us a call when you are ready to take the next step to invest in yourself and your oral health.

Are Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon right for your smile?

Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon is deemed a revolutionary orthodontic dental treatment within the walls of our Wimbledon dental clinic. Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon is deemed as ‘cosmetic’ and essentially strives to straighten and greatly improve both the appearance of our patients’ smiles, and their general self-esteem within as little as just six months. Many individuals may have heard of this popular and modern alternative to traditional orthodontic dental care, however they may still be unsure of what exactly to expect from the dental treatment process.

What to expect from the treatment process at our Wimbledon Dental Care surgery

Much like any other dental procedure, every single Six Month Smiles treatment process starts with an introductory initial consultation, but what should patients expect from this initial session? During this relaxed and stress-free appointment, our new (and pre-registered) patients can expect to discuss all of the potential treatment options for their individual dental case, whilst tending to any queries or concerns they may hold regarding their treatment. In addition to having a general discussion regarding treatment, our patients can also expect to be talked through each stage of the process (starting with initial hassle-free impressions) in addition to the expected time frame, and costs of their particular and completely customised procedure.

So what happens next?

Once the patient and a member of our dental healthcare professional team has decided that Six Month Smiles are the perfect treatment option for their smile, the procedure can commence. Six Month Smiles are considered by our team as the modern and flexible alternative to traditional braces, and could be perfect for individuals who are suffering from crooked, front protruding, or even generally misaligned teeth, who do not wish to receive a lengthy orthodontic treatment plan.

Did you know?

At our Wimbledon dental practice, we are proud to be an accredited Six Month Smiles provider, which essentially means we boast many years of experience when administering this particular treatment, in addition to embracing the very latest advancements within dental technology, therefore ensuring our patients achieve the best possible results, every time. But what are the benefits of receiving this particular dental treatment?

What are the benefits of receiving Six Month Smiles at our Wimbledon surgery?

Six Month Smiles Wimbledon not only allows our busiest of patients to achieve their dream smiles within a fraction of the time of conventional metal braces, however they also possess subtlety too. The tooth coloured metal brackets and wires blend seamlessly into the natural colouring of the patient’s teeth, therefore looking extremely subtle within the mouth. In addition, these appliances are also far more comfortable for our patients. When attempting to compare this particular appliance to more traditional metal braces; these particular metal brackets and wires use a much milder, and therefore more gentle amount of pressure when moving, and encourage the teeth into the patient’s desired dental position, therefore making for a far more comfortable dental treatment overall.

Could Six Month Smiles work for your smile?

Six Month Smiles work for a large number of our patients, however we always ensure our patients receive a detailed debrief and informative introductory consultation to ensure they can make the right choice for their smile.

What are the benefits to having straighter teeth?

It may be surprising for some patients to hear that there are many varied reasons for having perfectly aligned teeth that go beyond purely cosmetic ones. Having straighter teeth Wimbledon serves a patient’s well-being in more ways than one, from improving dental health to preserving general physical and mental health. At our Wimbledon Dental Care clinic we received countless visits from patients invested in improving the look of their smiles with straighter teeth Wimbledon. We are absolutely thrilled to play our part in giving patients smiles they have always dreamed of. This delight is increased when patients gain so much more from their straighter teeth Wimbledon: enhanced oral health, boost in self-confidence to advantage of career-building opportunities and resumption of social engagements they were otherwise embarrassed to take part in. What are the other benefits of having perfectly-aligned teeth?

Straighter teeth are better for chewing and biting

Teeth that are in correct alignment perform chewing and biting capabilities much better and without pain or discomfort when doing so. These improved functions also aid in allowing patients to consume a diverse variety of foods they may otherwise have refrained from eating.

Next to this, is the benefit of improved digestion and the absorption of more nutrients. By biting and chewing foods thoroughly, a patient can speed up the digestive process, as the stomach does not have to compensate for poorly chewed food by working harder to process them.

At-home oral hygiene practices are easier to maintain

Patients will find that it is much easier and quicker to keep teeth and gums clean and food-free when they are in alignment. Crooked teeth are a problem to brush and floss because of spaces that are hard to reach.

Speaking patterns can be corrected

Patients may not be aware of this, but straight teeth play a critical role in clear speech. Protruding dental arches or an overcrowded mouth can hinder a patient’s ability to pronounce certain words correctly or clearly, which may affect their confidence to engage with others.

Removes stress on jawbone and eliminates resulting pain

The stress placed on jawbone and jaw joints from misaligned teeth and jaws can result in headaches and neck and facial pain. Seeking dental care to correct these issues provides relief from the discomfort and pain.

Teeth are less likely to fracture or break

Protruding teeth are not only unsightly, they also pose a structural risk. Should a patient fall or receive a knock in the mouth area, teeth that jut out forward are more likely to fracture, chip or break.

You get to smile more

It is quite common for patients with imperfect teeth to hide their smiles out of embarrassment. Smiling has long been associated with happiness and mental wellbeing, which is another great reason to invest in an aesthetically-pleasing smile.

Would you like your smile to make a great first impression? Maybe your desire for that promotion you’ve always avoided has deepened and you want to take the next step? An improved smile would do wonders for your confidence, so why not schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dental practitioners at Wimbledon Dental Care and find out what we can do for you and your smile.

What are the advantages to choosing crowns and bridges?

When it comes to prescribing suitable dental solutions such as crowns and bridges Wimbledon to solve damaged or missing teeth issues, we at Wimbledon Dental Care factor in your needs, goals and concerns.

Two teeth restoration treatments – crowns and bridges Wimbledon have long stood the test of time to prove themselves reliable tooth restoration solutions that give patients back the practicalities of a fully functioning mouth, as well as other desirables such as improved confidence when engaging with others. Many of our patients who have received crowns and bridges Wimbledon have seen their quality of living greatly improved. They are once again able to enjoy eating out with others, having more teeth allows them to enjoy all their much-loved foods and smiling wide infectious smiles triggers the happiness effect.

We take a closer look at some of the advantages of these tooth restoration solutions so you can best understand why they are still relied on by dental practitioners to serve patients’ needs.

Factors that promote dental crowns as a viable solution

Natural tooth-like appearance

Where possible the option to choose a tooth restoration solution that closely resembles the look of natural teeth will make for a better choice. And thanks to the availability of dental crowns the natural look is easily achieved.

A look at the design of dental crowns shows how this is possible – the crown or cap as it is also known fits securely over the tooth, hiding its imperfections. This design allows crowns to be used for a variety of dental issues including tooth discolouration and fractured teeth, as well as used to secure bridges and dentures.

Durable design

The durability of a dental crown promotes its favourability with dental practitioners and patients alike. Provided that they take good care of them, crowns save patients money by not having to be replaced every so often.

The protective nature of crowns

Seeing that dental caps fit securely over the tooth, there is less likelihood of the tooth being vulnerable to plaque. In addition to this, damaged teeth that have crowns placed over them are protected from further damage.

Factors that promote dental bridges as a viable solution

Versatile tooth restoration solution

For patients who have a greater number of missing teeth, a dental bridge may be a better solution to restore their oral health. Bridges can also be used to replace a missing single tooth.

Improves speech function

Next to enabling patients to bite and chew, a bridge can also aid in a patient speaking with confidence.

Solid structure

Structural integrity is a common concern for patients looking to tooth restoration solutions. The last thing they want is for their dental device to move about in their mouths, which is why the solid structure of dental bridges helps to avoid this concern.

For a dental team where the patient care is placed at the centre of a quality dental experience, look to Wimbledon Dental Care. Our patients can expect to receive dental care plans that are easily understood. We take great care to focus on patient involvement in choosing the best treatment plan that they are comfortable with and this philosophy, together with our commitment to delivering outstanding customer service, is what we believe sets us apart in the industry.

Could you benefit from crowns and bridges? The 4 different types from Wimbledon Dental Care

Many people are familiar with the term ‘bridge’ and the term ‘crown’ when it comes to dentistry.

But, with the invention of cosmetic options like the dental implant, fewer people are approaching their dental team to have a traditional bridge fitted. Or, with the invention of the implant-supported bridge, many patients are seeking this treatment, as a way of combining the two treatments.

However, there are many instances in which dental implants may not be suitable and so, it may be recommended that you have a bridge fitted instead. If you have a jawbone which is damaged or thin, or you have a history of issues such as recurring gum disease, it may be unwise to have an implant fitted. This is where the dental bridge comes in.

At Wimbledon Dental Care, our team sees many patients who have gaps in their teeth who are not suitable for dental implants. And so, we are proud to be able to offer them crowns and bridges in Wimbledon, as a more permanent way to conceal that gap. A more sturdy alternative to dentures, these prosthetics require no glue to hold them in place, and can be fitted easily by our team!

But did you know that there are different types of bridges? Here are 4 of the most common types of crowns and bridges in Wimbledon that our team can offer.

Traditional

Undoubtedly the most common bridge type, the traditional option involves a false tooth (or teeth) being held in place by dental crowns, which are cemented on to the surrounding natural teeth.

As you may have guessed, this option is only suitable for people who have natural teeth surrounding their gap and, as it is fitted or held in place by the crowns, you also need to have healthy teeth to support them.

Cantilever

If you do not have the required number of teeth to support traditional crowns and bridges in Wimbledon, then our team is likely to suggest a cantilever bridge.

Although this bridge is similar to the traditional one (as it is a false tooth or teeth held in place by a crown), it requires only 1 natural tooth to attach the crown to.

Maryland dental bridge

As mentioned before, a traditional bridge requires 2 teeth surrounding the gap to affix the supporting crown to.

With a Maryland dental bridge, our team will use either a metal or porcelain framework to affix the false teeth to the back of the surrounding teeth, with a bond holding the prosthetics in place. Like the traditional bridge, this is only suitable if you have 2 surrounding natural teeth.

Implant-supported bridge

Briefly mentioned in the introduction, an implant-supported bridge uses the strategic placing of dental implants instead of crowns and frames.

While this newer bridge fitting will require a more lengthy process to attach the implants to your jaw and then to place the bridge on the implants, it is considered the most stable of all the bridges and is therefore very popular.

Getting crowns and bridges in Wimbledon

Tooth restoration is a major part of dentistry and at Wimbledon Dental Care we aim to restore as many of your natural teeth as possible, rather than simply removing and replacing them. Crowns and bridges in Wimbledon offer the best solutions for all types of restoration and we are able to offer you a renewed and restored smile without invasive surgery that requires months of healing. These treatments not only take care of the aesthetics of your smile, but the function of the teeth as well, making them strong and able to perform as they should when it comes to eating and having the added benefit of restoring your confidence.

Crowns

When are they needed?

Crowns can be used for many reasons, in some cases if a tooth has been weakened from decay and doesn’t need to be removed completely after a root canal is done, a crown may be placed over the top of the tooth in order to strengthen it, thus allowing the root to remain in place. Teeth that have been broken or cracked can be held securely together with a crown and teeth that have been severely worn down – by grinding perhaps – are able to be restored, with crowns, to their proper size and shape once more.

Teeth that have needed large fillings can sometimes lose their size due to having been ground down for the filling to be placed. These teeth can be capped off with a crown to restore their original shape and if there is a missing tooth, crowns can be used on either side of a full false tooth in order to create a bridge.

Bridges

When are they needed?

In the event that a tooth has to be removed, or is knocked out and cannot be placed back in, bridges can be used to replace that single missing tooth or, indeed, a row of missing teeth. As the name suggests, a bridge of teeth is created to fill a gap. These false teeth sit on top of the gum and not inside it, which is why special care needs to be taken when cleaning the teeth in order to avoid plaque build-up and bad breath. Crowns and bridges in Wimbledon are used together in order to restore the look of a smile and function of a dental arch, which is chiefly chewing food.

Convincing replicas

When getting crowns and bridges in Wimbledon you do not need to worry about your teeth looking fake, only the best dental porcelain is used in the creation of these custom teeth that are made to perfectly match the colour of your other teeth. This is as well as being customised to be the right size and fit so that they are comfortable as well as convincing. Porcelain is used to match the transparency of natural teeth and it is also very strong and will not stain, therefore it is able to restore the look of your smile in order to help you feel more confident about your appearance and raise your self-esteem.

How to best care for crowns and bridges

To protect the function and aesthetic value of crowns and bridges in Wimbledon, it is critical that a patient follow the recommended maintenance guidelines of their dental practitioner. This will serve an additional function of keeping surrounding gums and teeth in a healthy condition and ultimately protect the longevity of crowns and bridges in Wimbledon belonging to our patients.

Although crowns and bridges in Wimbledon are designed to offer a long service life, their actual lifespan will depend on a number of factors.

Some of the more important of these factors are the oral hygiene practices performed at home and the chewing pattern used by the patient. Professional quality dental care is equally important, which includes periodical dental appointments for check-ups (as determined by your dental practitioner). These dental check-ups are necessary in order to identify any red flags that threaten the health of the crowns and bridges. Here we also give guidance on caring for them.

Top at-home care tips for crowns and bridges

Daily oral hygiene practice

Most patients are already familiar with the number one best care method for the preservation of teeth that professional dental practitioners recommend – the twice daily practice of brushing teeth, with one of these times being before going to bed at the end of the day. A soft bristle toothbrush is generally recommended to be used around the crown. The brushing of teeth needs to be further supported by flossing, using dental floss to dislodge trapped food particles from in-between teeth and around and beneath the bridge pontic. Alternatively, patients can make use of an interdental toothbrush or any other dental product that would serve a similar function. Of course dental practitioners prefer patients to brush after each meal but if it is not convenient to do so, then simply rinsing the mouth is the next best thing.

Be careful of food choices for at least the first 24 hours after fitting

It would be best to stay away from chewy foods such as bagels or sweets like liquorice, and crunchy and hard foods like nuts, apples and uncooked carrots as these have the potential to damage dental prostheses.

Another important tip to bear in mind on the day the crown or bridge placement is carried out, is to remember to bite or chew using the side of the mouth that did not receive the crown or bridge. Once the critical first 24 hour period has passed then, unless otherwise instructed, it is considered safe to resume one’s normal eating behaviours.

Seek dental care for loose bridges or crowns that have fallen out

It may happen that a crown or bridge becomes loose and will need to be replaced by a dental practitioner. Timely intervention by the patient is crucial in this regard to protect the underlying tooth.

Be mindful of any swelling or sensitivity following the procedure

Temporary sensitivity in the exposure to hot and cold substances is deemed a normal experience following a procedure, but this should not last too long.

Should you be concerned about any worrying symptoms or have any particular question regarding maintenance of crowns and bridges, you should contact your dentist at our practice, Wimbledon Dental Care

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