Does Invisalign work as well as traditional braces? A comparison

Achieving a beautifully aligned smile is a desire shared by many and advancements in dental technology have provided patients with multiple options to achieve this goal. One popular alternative to traditional braces is Invisalign Orpington. At Orpington Dental, we often receive questions about the effectiveness of clear aligners compared to more traditional braces. So let’s explore the similarities and differences between the two orthodontic treatments and provide insight into their suitability for various dental concerns. 

How do clear aligners and braces work?

Invisalign Orpington and braces both aim to gradually shift teeth into their proper alignment through the application of controlled force. Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and bands to exert pressure on the teeth, while clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth.

Both treatments have proven to be effective in addressing a variety of orthodontic issues. However, there are important differences between the options that may influence their suitability for individual patients.

Aesthetics and comfort provide some clear advantages of aligners

One of the most significant advantages of clear aligners over traditional braces is their discreet appearance. The transparent plastic trays are virtually invisible, allowing patients to undergo orthodontic treatment without the self-consciousness often associated with metal braces. Clear aligners are also typically more comfortable than braces, as they do not have any brackets or wires that can cause irritation to the cheeks and lips.

Treatment flexibility and oral hygiene, where aligners take the lead

Clear aligners offer greater flexibility in terms of lifestyle and diet, as they can be removed during meals, allowing patients to enjoy a broader range of foods without the worry of damaging their orthodontic appliances. This removability also facilitates easier oral hygiene, as patients can brush and floss their teeth without the interference of brackets and wires.

However, it’s essential to note that the effectiveness of clear aligners relies heavily on the patient’s compliance with wearing the trays for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Failure to adhere to this guideline may compromise the treatment’s success.

Where braces reign supreme – addressing complex orthodontic issues

While clear aligners can treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including overcrowding, gaps, and mild to moderate bite issues, they may not be the ideal solution for more complex cases. Traditional braces, with their greater ability to control tooth movement, are often better suited for treating severe malocclusions, significant rotations, or large tooth movements.

Determining the right orthodontic treatment for you

Deciding between clear aligners and traditional braces ultimately depends on multiple factors, including the complexity of your orthodontic issue, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle and budget. At our dental surgery, we are dedicated to helping you make an informed decision by conducting a thorough assessment of your dental needs and discussing your goals and concerns.

Embracing the power of orthodontic treatment for a beautiful smile

Both clear aligners like Invisalign Orpington and traditional braces have their unique advantages and limitations, but both can help you achieve a beautifully aligned smile. By understanding the key differences between these treatments and consulting with our dental professionals, you can determine the most suitable option for your individual needs. To learn more about clear aligners, braces, and other orthodontic solutions, contact us today at Orpington Dental and schedule a consultation.

The impact of dental implants on our dental clinic

At Orpington Dental, we have seen first-hand how dental implants Orpington have revolutionised the field of dentistry. Implants have become an increasingly viable choice for patients who want to replace missing teeth or improve the functionality of their existing teeth.

The first thing that comes to mind when we think about oral implants is their remarkable ability to replace missing teeth. Patients who have suffered from tooth loss due to injury or decay can now restore their smile with implants that look and function like natural teeth. Implants are a great alternative to dentures, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to maintain.

In addition to their cosmetic benefits, implants have also changed the way we approach dental treatments. With implants, we can now perform more complex procedures, such as full mouth reconstructions, with greater ease and precision. Implants provide a solid foundation for restorative materials, such as crowns and bridges, and can even be used to anchor orthodontic appliances, such as braces and aligners.

Dental implants Orpington have become a cornerstone of our practice, and we have seen first-hand how they have improved the lives of our patients. From restoring their smiles to improving their overall oral health, implants have become an indispensable tool in our arsenal of dental treatments.

At our clinic we have a team of highly skilled and experienced dentists who specialise in implant treatments. We use the latest techniques to give our patients the best possible outcomes.

Implants have become an integral part of our clinic, and we are constantly exploring new ways to incorporate them into our practice. In the following sections, we explore in more detail the impact that implants have had on our clinic and how they have changed the way we approach dental treatments.

Improved patient outcomes

One of the most significant impacts that implants have had on our clinic is the improved outcomes that we are able to achieve for our patients. Implants provide a more stable and durable foundation for restorative materials, such as crowns and bridges, which means that our patients can enjoy a more comfortable and functional bite. In addition, implants have been shown to promote bone growth, which helps to prevent bone loss and preserve the natural shape of the jawline.

Increased treatment options

Another major impact that implants have had on our clinic is the increased treatment options that we are able to offer our patients. Providing our patients with a more comprehensive range of treatments, tailored to their individual needs.

Enhanced patient experience

Finally, implants have improved the overall patient experience at our clinic. Unlike dentures, which can be uncomfortable and need frequent adjustments, implants provide a permanent and low-maintenance solution for patients. With implants, our patients can enjoy the freedom and confidence that comes with a natural-looking and functional smile.

In conclusion, dental implants Orpington have had a profound impact on our dental clinic, from improving patient outcomes to expanding our range of treatment options. If you are considering oral implants, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and determine whether implants are right for you.

The Art of Achieving a Brighter Smile: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Treating Dental Staining at Our Clinic

As dental care professionals at our clinic, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve the brightest and healthiest smiles possible with teeth whitening Orpington. One common issue that many of our patient’s face is dental staining; staining can detract from the appearance of their teeth and lead to decreased self-confidence. In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and treating dental staining, as well as aiming to share tips on how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

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The Causes of Dental Staining and How to Identify the Different Types

Dental staining is the discolouration of teeth that can be caused by a variety of factors, including the consumption of certain foods and drinks, tobacco use, ageing, certain medications, and the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Understanding the causes of dental staining is the first step towards overcoming it.

There are two main types of dental staining: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic staining occurs on the surface of the teeth and is caused by external factors such as food and drink, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Intrinsic staining, on the other hand, occurs within the tooth and can be caused by ageing, certain medications, and injury to the tooth.

Effective Treatments for Dental Staining: Options for Extrinsic and Intrinsic Staining

The good news is that there are several effective treatments available for dental staining. For extrinsic staining, a simple teeth cleaning or teeth whitening Orpington can often remove the discolouration. For intrinsic staining, more advanced treatments such as bonding, veneers, or crowns may be necessary. Our clinic offers a range of whitening options, including in-office treatments and take-home kits, to suit the needs and budget of each individual patient.

Preventing Dental Staining: Tips for Maintaining a Bright and Healthy Smile

Preventing dental staining is the best way to maintain a bright and healthy smile. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

  1. Brush and floss regularly: Regular brushing and flossing can help to remove surface stains and plaque before they have a chance to set in.
  2. Avoid or limit consumption of staining foods and drinks: Foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries can cause staining. Try to limit your consumption of these items or use a straw to limit their contact with your teeth.
  3. Quit smoking: Not only is smoking harmful to your health, but it can also cause significant staining to your teeth.
  4. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can help to rinse your mouth and remove surface stains.
  5. Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help to prevent staining and keep your smile looking its best.

Conclusion: Achieving a Brighter Smile with the Help of Our Clinic

At our clinic, we are committed to helping our patients achieve the brightest and healthiest smiles possible. With the right information, treatments, and preventive measures, it is possible to overcome dental staining with teeth whitening Orpington and achieve the confident and radiant smile you deserve. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Together, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

The differences between power teeth whitening and home whitening

As a local dental clinic, we at Orpington Dental understand the importance of maintaining a bright, white smile. With so many teeth whitening Orpington options available, it can be difficult to know how to proceed or which one is right for you. In this post, we will discuss the differences between power whitening and home whitening to help you determine which option is right for your needs.

Power whitening

Power whitening, also known as in-clinic whitening, is a professional whitening treatment that can be performed by our dentist here at Orpington Dental. The procedure usually takes about an hour to complete and is done in the clinic. During the procedure, a special gel is applied to the teeth, and a powerful light is used to activate it, allowing it to penetrate the tooth enamel and break down stains.

One of the main advantages of power whitening is that it can produce fast and dramatic results. Many patients see noticeable improvements in the colour of their teeth after just one treatment. Additionally, power whitening is a highly controlled procedure, which means that the dental professional can carefully monitor the whitening process to ensure that it does not cause any damage to the tooth enamel or gums.

Home whitening

Home whitening, also known as take-home whitening, is a whitening treatment that can be performed at home using a custom whitening tray and gel. Unlike power whitening, home whitening is done gradually over a period of time, usually a couple of weeks.

One of the main advantages of home whitening is that it is a more convenient option for many patients. Because the treatment can be done at home, patients can whiten their teeth on their own schedule. Additionally, since the treatment is gradual, it can be less harsh on the teeth and gums.

Another advantage of home whitening is that it is typically more affordable than power whitening, which makes it popular.

Which one is right for you?

Both power whitening and home whitening can be effective options for whitening your teeth. The best teeth whitening Orpington for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

If you are looking for fast and dramatic results, power whitening may be the option for you. However, if you want a more convenient and gradual whitening process, home whitening may be the better choice. Additionally, if you are working with a tight budget, home whitening may be more affordable.

In conclusion, both power whitening and home whitening can be effective whitening options. If you are not sure which option is right for you, we recommend consulting with our dental team to determine the best course of action.

At Orpington Dental, our dental team can provide both power whitening and home whitening options to our patients and is here to help you achieve the smile that you deserve. Feel free to reach out to our team to set up a consultation to determine which teeth whitening Orpington option is the right fit for your needs.

How dental hygiene saves teeth

In the same way that more lives have been saved by plumbers than doctors, dental hygiene Orpington has saved more teeth than our dentist. Let’s find out how!

You’re probably aware of the daily routines of oral hygiene, but why are they important? What do they actually do? How does oral hygiene relate to oral health and decay?

Mouth biome

The human mouth is a surprisingly busy multi-ecosystem biome; for the bacteria that live inside your mouth, it is their whole world. To them, the tongue surface is a jungle of taste buds beneath a layer of salivary mucus. The edge of an incisor is a windswept cliff, and the crevices between each tooth are sheltered sanctuaries for proliferation and prosperity.

Decay

The decaying process starts when anaerobically respiring bacteria find a safe haven next to the enamel, and as they digest sugars, they release lactic acid as a waste product. In isolated areas with a limited flow of saliva, lactic acid can build up. When the acid reaches critical concentrations, it chemically affects the crystallised calcium that makes up the outer surface of the tooth, reducing it to a soluble compound that can be washed away by the saliva. This creates a dent in the surface of the tooth, giving better shelter to the bacteria. As this process repeats itself, the colonies that form over multiple generations bore deeper into the tooth.

Gum disease

Gum disease occurs as bacteria begin to enter the gum tissue itself. The outer skin of the gum is very porous, and when bacteria begin to grow in the gum tissue, the immune response is triggered, which calls white blood cells into the area to manage the infection. Once inflamed, the tissue will have a greater blood flow making it darker, and because of the porous nature of the gums, minor bleeding can occur.

If the infection is not cleared up with proper dental hygiene Orpington, the constant inflammation and continuous duel between multiplying bacteria and white blood cells will cause tissue damage, making the gum sore and spongy as the connective proteins between the cells are broken down. This can cause the entire gum to recede, eventually exposing the teeth roots and leaving them without the necessary support required. The teeth may then become loose and eventually fall out, even if the roots themselves do not experience decay.

Cleaning in the clinic

Not all dental hygiene Orpington can be performed at home. Once tartar has built up, the calcified and hardened plaque cannot be removed at home. This is where a scale-and-polish comes in, being the primary tool of our hygienist; beyond their general guidance and education, a scale-and-polish is their primary weapon in saving teeth. Tartar acts as a stronghold for bacteria in the mouth. Its rough texture and many crevices allow bacteria to grow, safe from brushing and mouthwashes. Once the tartar is removed, the teeth are far harder to attack as there is simply no perch for bacteria to establish themselves on.

Are you looking for a dazzling smile with tooth whitening?

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons. Whether you have poor oral hygiene or you’ve been drinking caffeine or red wine, your teeth may not be able to look gleaming with brushing and flossing alone. Smoking and certain medications can also be causes of staining and it is likely that you will be searching for a solution that enables you to have a healthy looking smile again. At Orpington Dental, we have two teeth whitening treatments Zoom! and Enlighten. For tooth whitening Orpington, the options are all here with us for home whitening or practice-based treatment. We understand that having a beautiful smile can really improve people’s self-esteem, so we want all of our patients who have teeth whitening to feel fabulous! There are always reasons that you can put things off until tomorrow, but why should you wait to get the smile that you’ve been dreaming of?

Enlighten

The home whitening treatment that we offer is Enlighten, which is the only brand of tooth whitening Orpington treatment that guarantees a Vita shade B1. To get this treatment started, we will need to take impressions of your mouth. We use these to have trays custom-made for you. Once you receive these, you will take them home to wear at night. You will need to put the Enlighten whitening gel into the trays, before placing them into your mouth for the night. You will be required to wear these for a couple of weeks and then you should have your fantastic new enlightened smile!

Zoom!

Zoom! whitening is session based in our practice. When you have your whitening treatment with us, you will have a protective layer placed on to your lips and gums. We then apply a special gel to your teeth and shine a lamp on to your teeth. This activates the bleaching process and lightens and brightens your teeth by a few shades. This is an excellent treatment for patients who require quick results, perhaps because they have a special event to attend, such as a wedding. While the results will vary depending on your original shade, there is no denying that your teeth are going to look healthier for it.

Why choose us?

At Orpington Dental, we have been serving our community for over 20 years. We have built our reputation and our tooth whitening Orpington is just one of the treatments we have on offer. The fact is that no matter what your dental requirements, we should be able to treat you, so you won’t need to worry about going anywhere else. We provide general dentistry, preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, emergency treatments, and solutions for missing teeth. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your treatment is always as comfortable as possible and our aim is to treat every patient as the individual that they are. We look forward to meeting you to discuss your requirements and devising a treatment plan that is tailored to suit you and to ensure that you have the dazzling smile you deserve.

Mouth cancer in Orpington

Mouth cancer in Orpington can be detected in its earliest stages with regular dental check-ups. At Orpington Dental, we conduct checks for mouth cancer and any signs of any other issues as a matter of course when our patients come in for the once over, as well as giving advice on treatment options that can help get them back to full oral health. This guide explores the signs of possible oral cancer, the causes and risk factors and how patients can reduce the chances of this occurring.

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer in Orpington is an umbrella term for cancer that is found in the areas in and around the mouth. The areas affected can include the lips, tongue, gums, the inside of the cheeks, under the tongue and the roof of the mouth. Symptoms of concern that require further investigation include white or red patches that make the tissue look different to the rest of the mouth.

What symptoms should patients be aware of?

Mouth cancer in Orpington is characterised by sore parts of the lips or inside the mouth that are resistant to healing and the presence of white or red patches. Loose teeth and lumps or bumps in the mouth can also indicate that there is an issue as can pain or discomfort in the mouth or even in the ears. Struggling to swallow can also be evidence that there is an issue that needs to be examined.

What should the patient do if they have any of these signs or symptoms?

The most important message here is that patients should not panic if they notice any of these issues. It is possible that they are not indicative of mouth cancer and have been caused by other conditions such as gum disease or infections.

Secondly, if there is cancer present, then spotting it early and getting help as soon as possible allows the patient the best possible chance of a full and speedy recovery. Therefore, making an appointment with us for a full examination helps to get the full picture and get started on any treatment that is needed.

What causes mouth cancer?

All cancers are the result of DNA within our cells changing and mutating into a state that is undesirable for good health. Abnormal cells cause lumps or tumours which can then grow and spread. Most oral cancer cases are squamous cell carcinomas, mutations of the thinner cells within the mouth and lips.

What are the risk factors and how can we prevent it?

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. It is never too late to reduce the risk of mouth cancer by stopping smoking. Patients can get advice from us and their doctors on how best to beat the smoking habit. Drinking too much alcohol can also raise the risk of mouth cancer. Therefore, it is best to drink no more than one drink per day or even eliminate the consumption of alcohol altogether. Sun exposure is also a factor, so it is a good idea to ensure that the lips are well protected from the sun.

Clear Braces And Cleaning – All You Need To Know

Ok, so what’s the standout feature of clear braces Orpington?  Yeah, you got it – they’re basically invisible. And how do we keep them looking invisible you ask? CLEANING. Cleaning your clear braces has just become as important as cleaning your teeth. Fact. And while we’re on the subject, did you know that now you have braces, cleaning your teeth just became even more important too? Nope? Well, it sure did. Fear not though, we at Orpington dental have all the top tips and how-to’s on cleaning your teeth and cleaning your braces.

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Cleaning Your Clear Braces Orpington

First up let’s take a moment to understand why cleaning these beautiful braces is so super important. I’m sure you can imagine that just because they come clear doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. Bugs and bacteria all very quickly accumulate on the surface of your brand new braces and quickly stick together, harden and become something we call… ‘tartar’. This substance will whiten and sit on your braces making them not so clear anymore and for this reason, we want to get rid of it!

How Do We Do This?

It’s actually super simple! Just clean them. Your clear braces Orpington don’t need anything too fancy to clean them, just a soft bristle brush like your toothbrush and either some clear soap or white toothpaste. It’s important to avoid anything with colours as it can stain the surface of the aligners and cause discolouration – NOT IDEAL.

If you want to take your cleaning to the next level then you can easily invest in cleaning crystals or cleaning solutions. You don’t need to break the bank with this. There are actually some super affordable options available online or in chemists, even a simple denture solution can help give back aligners that glorious window clean shine you’re after.

Cleaning Your Teeth

You might be asking, why is cleaning my teeth suddenly even more important now I have braces? Well, the more attention you pay to your oral hygiene, the easier it will be to maintain the clarity of your braces.

Besides, clear braces are totally removable and will never get in the way of your oral hygiene. Don’t let your hard work go to waste, keep your teeth looking healthy and your braces looking clear! Brushing twice a day should be standard, and we believe flossing is an absolute must. If you want to incorporate other oral hygiene practices into your daily life then you’re more than welcome to. Tongue scraping is growing in popularity again, along with oil pulling. Both of these if done safely and correctly can help guard against bacteria build-ups.

CHECKUPS

Coming in to see us for your checkups is one of the most important things you can do, we have all the brains and tools needed to spot problems before they happen. So get booked in today!

Porcelain veneers Orpington: how to make your smile look like new

If you’ve had chipped or cracked teeth, stained teeth or crossed teeth, then a treatment you may like to consider is porcelain veneers Orpington here at Orpington Dental. There are a couple of types of veneers: porcelain and composite bonding. Neither require major surgery and can help your teeth to look improved, giving you a smile you can be proud of.

Composite bonding

If you have a small imperfection in one of your teeth, you may be offered composite bonding, which is a quick and effective way of improving the appearance of your teeth. We match the colour of the porcelain to the surrounding teeth, so that nobody else will realise that you have had this treatment and that your teeth aren’t completely natural. The composite bonding is attached to the tooth once the surface of the tooth has been prepared. It can be given in a single visit and you won’t need any recovery time after the treatment has been completed. There is no need to have a local anaesthetic and you shouldn’t feel any pain at all. If you are a nervous patient, we are happy to discuss this treatment in advance with you and take everything at your own pace.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers Orpington are used for more complex matters and for times when many teeth need treating. A porcelain veneer requires the surface of the teeth to be prepared and then the veneers are placed onto the front of your teeth, like a false nail. Once this has been added on, it can be used to change the size, shape and colour of your teeth and the results can be wonderful aesthetically when you are having so many teeth done. We typically advise that smile makeovers may include other treatments such as Invisalign which is used for realigning teeth, should this be required. Smile makeovers not only improve the appearance of your teeth, but they can also address health issues as well. For example, if you have crossed teeth, having them realigned can make it easier for you to brush and floss effectively. You may also have had speech difficulties or jaw pain, which could also be resolved once your teeth are realigned. So, it’s not just about you having a pretty face!

Initial consultation with us

If you would like to find out more about any of our treatments, including veneers, and maybe have a smile makeover, the first thing you will need to do is to contact us for an initial consultation. During this time, our professional team will welcome you and assess your smile, examining you and maybe taking x-rays, if required. This will help our dentist to find out which treatments may be suitable and they will discuss the options with you. During this time, you can ask about anything you are unsure of and take the time to come to a decision about the treatment plan that suits you best.

If you do opt for veneers, we look forward to helping you have a new healthy and attractive smile in the near future!

Dental implants and what to look out for

Dental implants over the last twenty years have come a really long way and have completely changed and evolved the way we look at tooth replacement procedures. That being said, we at Orpington Dental do understand that they can come with a few little concerns, so we want to walk you through the common issues with dental implants Orpington and how to treat them.

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All you need to know summary

Dental implants Orpington are a superior advanced solution to replacing damaged or lost teeth. In very simple terms your tooth’s root is removed and replaced with what is essentially a titanium screw. It is then this screw that is attached to your jawbone through the implantation process. The screw then acts as a root for the crown to be fitted on to.

This is a more long-term permanent solution to tooth loss than most other forms of replacement. It can improve your speech, chewing and self-confidence. Plus with the jawbone now being stimulated by the anchor again you will have more protection over losing further teeth in the future. Your jawbone will be strengthened through the stimulation of the proxy root.

Dental implants Orpington might not just be recommended by us here for tooth loss, but also if you are suffering from bad cracks in tooth enamel, broken teeth, injury, wear from grinding or cavities.

What’s the problem then?

So I’m sure you’re thinking that all sounds great, what’s the issue? And really in most cases there aren’t any issues, but here at Orpington Dental we pride ourselves on open, honest conversation and want all patients to have all the information before making a medical decision. 

Problems that can occur in dental implants include damage to blood vessels or tissue, damage to teeth, nerve damage, sinus issues and infections. We want to express that the process to getting your implants fitted is a long one and this is so that we can try and avoid any of the complications. We make sure we leave enough time between each stage of the implant fittings so as to give the body time to heal as it needs to.

Increased risk

When you come and have your initial consultation with us over the prospect of implants, it’s really important that you are completely honest about your current health situation. Any issues that could affect the process should be disclosed to us, as there are some things that can increase the risk of complications: radiation therapy, diabetes, chronic illness, smoking, poor oral health and some medications. It’s not to say that if you do have any of these that you can’t have implants, it’s that we may need to make changes to the treatment plan to suit. This is why honest conversation is so key.

How to keep your implants healthy

If taken care of, your dental implants could give you a life-long solution to tooth loss. Most failures or rejections are due to infection which are caused by poor oral hygiene, so it’s more important than ever that you’re keeping on top of oral health.