Author: Orpington Dental Care

Straight talk about braces in Orpington

According to the British Orthodontic Society, only 25% of adults have naturally straight teeth, this means that three-quarters of all adults would benefit from having their teeth straightened to some degree. For many of us, the appearance of our teeth is enough to make us self-conscious and find that even family photographs can be a source of embarrassment, something that we avoid wherever possible. The problem is that for many of us, the image of braces that we are familiar with is of the rather ugly and obtrusive train-track style worn by many teenagers.

Braces in OrpingtonTimes have changed and technology has brought a number of exciting improvements to the world of braces. Orpington Dental Care offers a range of products for patients of all ages, and demand is continuing to increase as more people can see the benefits of having straighter teeth. One of the greatest improvements to the fixed-wire type of brace is that modern fixed braces are now considerably smaller and less obtrusive than they were. In addition there are now tooth-coloured brackets and wires, as well as removable clear aligners of different types suited to every orthodontic need.

Braces for grown-ups

In many cases, your orthodontic needs as an adult are quite different from those of your children. When children have braces, the dentist will usually work on all of the teeth to correct their alignment. For many adults, it is often only necessary to straighten your front teeth. There are two advantages when you only have your front teeth straightened: firstly the procedure is much quicker, in some cases it can take as little as six months. In fact one of the treatments is called Six Month Smiles. The second advantage is that these types of adult braces are very discreet and very few people will notice that you are wearing them.

If you had orthodontic treatment when you were younger, you may have experienced some relapse in the position of your teeth unless you have had a permanent retainer fitted. In this case we can use an Inman aligner to re-adjust your front teeth before fitting a permanent retainer. If you’re thinking about braces in Orpington come and find out what we can do for you here at Orpington Dental Care.

Closing the gap with dental implants in Orpington

Dental implants are the most modern form of tooth replacement, although they have been in use since the early 1960s. Before dental implants were invented, dentures and bridges were your only alternatives when it came to restoring the appearance of your teeth, neither of which are entirely satisfactory when it comes to restoring the function of your teeth. Dental implants can restore both the appearance and the function of your teeth which is why they are now widely regarded as the gold-standard of tooth replacement.

Dental Implants in OrpingtonDental implants are widely regarded by dentists as the most reliable long-term method of restoring individual teeth as well as allowing them to fix bridges of up to three teeth without having to grind down the adjoining teeth to allow them to fit crowns to hold the bridge in place. This is beneficial to your long-term dental health as you are able to retain more of your own teeth in an undamaged state. Here at our practice in Orpington, dental implants are proving popular with many patients who have lost teeth, especially when we explain about the overall benefits of dental implants.

So what are the benefits of dental implants?

From the point of view of our patients, dental implants offer a number of beneficial effects. One of the most important of these is that they restore the function of your teeth, not just in your mouth, but in your jaw as well. Unlike bridges and dentures which sit on your gums, the titanium screw which is fixed into your jaw helps to maintain the structure of your jawbone. Without the natural stimulation on your jaw from the biting and chewing process, the bone begins to shrink. This is why people who have lost all their teeth develop a distinctive look over time as their lips and teeth are no-longer supported by the teeth and jaws.

The other benefit of dental implants is that once fully integrated the tooth or teeth will be secure and reliable, allowing you to eat, speak and even laugh with perfect confidence that your teeth will stay in your mouth. If you would like to find out more about the benefits of dental implants in Orpington, book your appointment today.

Invisalign: straighten your teeth without braces in Orpington

Teeth straightening is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well. As an adult, you may have missed on metal braces when you were younger or you may have developed crooked or misaligned teeth after your childhood. Either way, you can now straighten your teeth without having to wear metal braces, with Invisalign. This innovative treatment provides an easy, quick, safe and effective way to straighten your teeth without putting your life on hold.

At Orpington Dental in Orpington, Invisalign is a great choice for patients who are searching for a more discreet teeth straightening option. However, Invisalign doesn’t make the best choice for correcting all types of misalignment. Our experienced dentists will examine your teeth and help you decide whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

Invisalign Braces in OrpingtonUnderstanding Invisalign

Invisalign straightens your teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners, which are custom-made with the aid of 3D technology specifically for your teeth. As you replace each aligner with the next one in the series every two weeks, your teeth will move gradually towards their final position. Unlike regular braces that require frequent appointments for adjustments, Invisalign will not have a major impact on your schedule and lifestyle.

Benefits of Invisalign

Unlike traditional braces that use metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic and fit snugly over your teeth and gums. They are transparent therefore no one will notice that you are undergoing treatment. You can carry on with your normal activities and professional commitments without having to worry about what people will think of your teeth straightening.

Secondly, Invisalign clear braces are removable. Although you have to wear them at least 22 hours per day for effective treatment, you can take them out for eating as well as for brushing and flossing your teeth.

While it’s true that your properly aligned teeth will give you more reasons to keep smiling, teeth straightening is also important for your oral and overall health. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and healthy. This way, you can avoid gum disease, jaw problems and sleep apnoea.

Explore your options

To find out if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, contact our practice and schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team.

Transform your smile

Are you sick of looking in the mirror and disliking the smile in the reflection? Have you had years of hiding your teeth? Well that time is up, we at Orpington Dental Care are here to help. Here in Orpington, braces are no longer a word that evokes fear of pain and an unsightly smile. We offer Invisalign braces to enhance not just your smile but your confidence.

What are Invisalign braces?

Invisalign is an innovative new technique designed to take away the discomfort of traditional braces. It is a system designed to realign teeth to give you the A-List celebrity smile you have been craving. Our braces are completely clear so no-one even needs to know you are wearing them. Imagine a life free of unappealing fixed braces. We have taken steps to provide Invisalign braces at an affordable price, so more adults can look forward to straighter teeth.

How do they work?invisalign-braces-orpington

Our qualified dentists will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made series of aligners that snugly fit over your teeth. With Invisalign braces in Orpington, we will even be able to show you what your teeth will look like after your treatment is complete, thanks to 3D imaging technology.

Invisalign aligners gradually reposition your teeth over a period of between 6 to 18 months. Times vary depending on how diligently you wear your aligners and how much shifting your teeth need.

The aligners are removable so there is no need to worry about having them in for your big night out, they can be removed and replaced in seconds. As well all these benefits Invisalign braces in Orpington are also currently the most hygienic and comfortable braces available. To clean your teeth, simply take them off.

Invisalign offers you freedom you just do not get from other braces. Orpington Dental Care can even offer you treatment to fit your budget, meaning not only are Invisalign braces almost invisible but they are affordable too.

So, why wait, contact Orpington Dental Care today and speak to one our friendly team members for your initial consultation with our highly trained and experienced dentists.

Is your smile missing something?

Losing your teeth can be make eating and speaking difficult and can also have a negative impact on how you feel about yourself. If you feel self-conscious in social situations or find yourself hiding your smile, then you know how missing teeth can affect your confidence. You may have considered dentures, bridges or crowns, but worried that they would be uncomfortable or hard to get used to. At Orpington Dental Care, we are proud to offer dental implants in Orpington, which offer a stable, long-term solution to the problem of missing teeth.

Dental Implants in OrpingtonHow do implants work?

Dental implants are small metal screws that are placed into the jaw during a minor operation. Over time, the bones and blood vessels mesh around the implants and stabilise them. They can then be used as a base for crowns, bridges or dentures. If the structure of the jaw is sound, your replacement teeth can be fitted the same day. Otherwise you may have to wait for a short time while the implants become stable. For our patients in Orpington, dental implants offer a flexible solution as they can be used to replace single or multiple teeth. One implant can support a bridge of up to four teeth or more implants can provide a secure base for a whole set of dentures.

What are the benefits?

Apart from restoring your smile, having dental implants in Orpington will enable you to eat your favourite foods again without difficulty. This improves quality of life but also contributes to enhanced nutrition and better overall health. They also avoid any of the difficulties associated with removeable dentures, such as poor fitting, inconvenient cleaning regimes, discomfort or problems speaking. The implants behave in the same way as the roots of natural teeth, which means that they help to keep the jaw healthy. If you have dentures, the jaw is not stimulated in the same way, causing the tissues to shrink back.

We have many years of experience in carrying out restorations for missing teeth in Orpington. Dental implants could give you a new lease of life and a beautiful new smile. Make an appointment with us today to discuss how we can help.

Straighter teeth mean happier smiles

Having crooked teeth is not just an aesthetic problem. If your teeth are misaligned, crowded or have large gaps then it can affect how you eat and speak as well as the overall health of your jaw. Excessive spacing between the teeth can undermine their stability and uneven teeth are generally harder to clean as there are more places for plaque to accumulate. This can cause gum inflammation, discomfort and eventually infection if left unresolved. At Orpington Dental Care, we fit braces in Orpington to realign your teeth, improve your appearance and enhance your health.

Braces in OrpingtonSolutions for all ages

Ideally, at our practice in Orpington, braces are fitted during childhood when there is still a mixture of baby and adult teeth. This means that the teeth can be realigned as the jaw is developing to avoid problems in the future. However, if you are an adult who has missed out on treatment then it is not too late. You may have considered corrective procedures but worried about traditional metal braces, which are often seen as uncomfortable, unsightly or inconvenient. Advances in technology mean that we are now able to offer our patients in Orpington braces which are more discreet, faster and more comfortable than before.

Modern techniques

We are pleased to offer braces in Orpington which fit into your lifestyle. Invisalign is a system which uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are changed every two weeks to gently guide your teeth into place. The aligners are almost invisible and very comfortable, as they are made to fit your mouth exactly. They are removeable for eating and cleaning so are simple and do not interfere with everyday life. We also use clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires, which are unobtrusive and work quickly to ensure that you get the results you want within months. In many cases, your new smile could be a reality within six months.

Having braces in Orpington has benefitted so many of our patients and we would like you to share their experiences. Give yourself the gift of a more attractive smile and a healthier mouth by contacting us today to discuss your options.

Making dental implants work for you – preparation and adaptation

Dental treatments can be as individual as you are. Although the general goal might be the same from patient to patient – replacing teeth for example – the way that this is achieved can vary.

With a procedure like dental implants, there is no way to tell exactly what course your treatment will take without consulting a dentist for advice.

Dental Implants in OrpingtonConsultation

When you have dental implants in Orpington with Orpington Dental, the first thing that will happen is a detailed consultation and examination. This is so that one of our team can check what you need. It may include x-rays of the teeth and jawbone to check for health and density.

You are asked a series of questions to determine whether any historical, medical or lifestyle factors are likely to affect your capacity to support implants. If there are any issues, your dentist will discuss them with you.

Preparation

There are two main procedures that might be used to prepare for dental implants, if required.

You may need to have the remains of old teeth removed in order to make way for your new set. Your dentist will also talk to you about any remaining teeth that look like they might deteriorate in the near future and cannot be saved in any other way. It could be easier to replace these at the same time as your others. Any healthy teeth will be unaffected and can stay where they are.

Dental implants are supported in your jawbone. They need a certain amount of height and thickness in order to be able to do the work you want them to do. If you do not have the necessary composition in your jaw, you can have material added to create it. This is achieved by means of a bone graft or sinus lift.

A bone graft is where material is taken from elsewhere in your body and applied to the area. This then knits with the existing bone. If you prefer, you may be able to consider a bone donor or animal source instead. This process extends the overall treatment time but makes dental implants accessible for many people who have deterioration in the jawbone.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants’ success rate may vary depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate around 98%. With proper care, dental implants in Orpington can last a lifetime.

Once you’ve received your new implants and you’ve healed completely, you’ll be able to take care of your implants just as if they’re real teeth. This means brushing and flossing daily and visiting Orpington Dental Care on a regular basis. Dental implants in Orpington are just like your natural teeth and sometimes they can be considered as better for many reasons, including the fact that dental implants cannot get cavities.

Dental Implants in OrpingtonAdvantages of dental implants

You will benefit from an improved and natural appearance. Since dental implants are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent, making them look and feel like your own teeth.

Compared to other dental procedures to replace teeth, dental implants are the most durable. With the right care, your dental implants could last a lifetime.

Dental implants in Orpington are fixed directly into your jaw and thanks to that, it’s much easier to eat and speak. With dentures, you have to learn to speak clearly without them slipping, but dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.

Individual implants allow easier access between teeth. You’ll be able to go back to brushing your teeth, and flossing without any problem, increasing your oral health.

Am I a candidate?

To know if you’re a candidate for dental implants, there are a few requirements you need to meet. Firstly, you need to have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implants. Arrange an appointment with one of our dentists at Orpington Dental Care and they will be able to give you a proper diagnosis, so you can consider the next step of your dental journey.

Also, if you suffer from any chronic disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, you’ll need to be evaluated by one of our dentists to see if you are a candidate for the procedure. If you are considering dental implants in Orpington, talk to one of our dentists to see if they are the right option for you.

Replace your missing teeth

Do you have trouble eating or worry about your appearance due to missing teeth? If you have lost one or more teeth, then you may be experiencing a limited diet or feel that your smile is not as radiant as you would like. At Orpington Dental Care, we can help with tooth replacements in Orpington. Dental implants offer a great alternative to other procedures, enhancing your appearance and giving you confidence in your teeth. This can improve your self-esteem as well as making it easier to eat, speak and live life to the full.

dental-implants-orpingtonHow do implants work?

For many of our patients in Orpington, dental implants have proved a secure solution to missing teeth. Following an initial consultation, small metal screws are placed into the jaw in a minor operation. If the bones in your mouth are in very good condition, then the next stage can take place immediately. Otherwise, we allow time for the implants to become established. In either scenario, the tissues of the jaw meshes around the implants, stabilising them so that they will stay firmly in place. Crowns, bridges and dentures are fixed to the implants for a lasting restoration.

Long-term benefits

Having fully functioning teeth again not only enhances your look, it also means that you can eat a full range of food again. This has a great impact on your nutrition, improving your health well into the future. A further benefit is improved structure in the tissues of your jaw. This is because dental implants act in the same way as natural tooth roots. So, when you bite and chew, the pressure exerted stimulates the bone and blood vessels of the jaw. This strengthens them and prevents their degeneration, which can happen when there are gaps or after years of using traditional dentures. Having dental implants in Orpington is a lasting investment in your health and appearance.

You do not need to restrict your life any longer. Talk to our dedicated team today to find out how dental implants in Orpington can help you. Relish your favourite foods again and enjoy your smile with a long-lasting solution to missing teeth.

Problems due to crooked teeth?

Do you have misaligned, crooked, crowded or overly spaced teeth? You may wish that your smile was straighter or even be experiencing problems with eating or speaking. If your top and bottom jaws are very out of place, you may have what is referred to as a bad bite. This can cause issues with your teeth and gums or the joints and muscles in your face. Some people clench their jaws or grind their teeth which can cause pain, problems with biting or chewing or headaches. At Orpington Dental Care, we can fit braces in Orpington to help you.

braces-in-orpingtonConsidering braces?

If you are looking for tooth realignment in Orpington, braces offer a range of solutions. Thanks to advances in techniques, you are no longer limited to unsightly metal’train track’ braces, which can be uncomfortable and time consuming. Clear plastic aligners, removable clear wire aligners or the use of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires mean that treatment is more discreet, comfortable and effective than ever before. If you are an adult who missed out on teeth straightening treatment as a child, it is not too late to experience the pleasure of having straighter teeth. Many procedures are very fast and you could have the smile of your dreams in as little as 6 months.

Long-term benefits

Having correctly placed teeth improves your appearance and can contribute to enhanced self-esteem, as you feel better and more confident about how you look. It can also improve the health of your mouth. Straighter teeth are easier to clean as there are fewer gaps for plaque to accumulate in. In addition, if your teeth are properly aligned, they are more stable. This decreases the chances of other teeth moving into the wrong place or even becoming loose. This ensures that you can use your teeth properly and enjoy a full range of food for a lifetime. Having braces in Orpington is a long-term investment in your health and wellbeing.

For our patients in Orpington, braces offer a great way to improve your oral health and the way you look. Do get in touch with our experienced team to discuss your options.