Invest in your dental hygiene with a professional clean

Are you looking to improve your oral health and invest in your dental hygiene Orpington? Here at Orpington Dental, we welcome new and existing patients to our practice and look forward to assisting you with all your oral healthcare needs.

We have a dental hygiene Orpington practitioner who will be able to assist with removing any plaque build-up present on your teeth through a professional clean. This process is commonly referred to as scaling and polishing in dental terms and plays a vital role in maintaining good levels of oral health.

Did you know that dental hygiene Orpington also forms part of treating gum disease and even bad breath? If you or a loved one has a bridge or even a form of orthodontics that requires specific hygiene methods our dental hygienist will be able to assist.

Regular check-ups and screenings will help lower your risk of gum disease

We encourage patients to understand the importance of dental hygiene as it can help to prevent the occurrence of gingivitis and signs of other well-known periodontal diseases and infections. These conditions may present themselves in the form of bad breath or even cause loss of teeth if left untreated. Visible teeth staining may also point to signs of an infection.

The good news is that thanks to regular check-ups and routine cleaning you can dramatically reduce the risk of infection so you can maintain good levels of oral health.

What is the role of a dental hygienist and what can they do to help my teeth and gums?

For those patients who would like to find out more about the role of a dental hygienist and the key role they play in dentistry overall, it involves preventive work. A dental hygienist will set out to determine whether there are any signs of infection regardless of how small or noticeable they are, so that the infection can be treated and banished as soon as possible. It’s an efficient way to prevent minor infections from developing into something more sinister with the risk of introducing pain and discomfort.

Our dental hygienist will simply assess your teeth and gums and evaluate the overall condition of your mouth to diagnose any possible dental issues. They are also able to assist with providing a professional clean to help remove any stubborn plaque or tartar on your teeth.

Protect your teeth and gums with the help of a dental hygienist

We encourage patients never to ignore any signs of infection or disease, as leaving the condition to worsen may result in further discomfort and pain as well as the risk of having long-term damage.

Did you know a dental hygienist is also able to offer advice and treatment for smoking cessation? Patients that smoke may experience bad breath, stained teeth, shrinking gums and even mouth sores as a result of the effects of the tobacco. Smoking may negatively impact the overall health and wellbeing of your gums and teeth. As a dental professional, our friendly practitioner is able to assist by offering you information and support on how to successfully lower your use of tobacco products.

Give yourself a treat with Orpington Dental

There are many reasons why teeth can become stained. If you smoke, take certain medications, drink caffeine or red wine, then your teeth may not be looking like those in a smile from a magazine. Poor oral hygiene can be another contributory factor and any combination of reasons may be leaving you feeling fed up with the appearance of your teeth. At Orpington Dental, we can help to make you feel fabulous when you smile. Come and see us to find out more about tooth whitening Orpington, and to get yourself on the road to having real pearly whites!

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What is tooth whitening?

You may have heard about tooth whitening before and seen advertisements for products that are available beyond the dental practice. It is only safe to receive these treatments from a dentist and tooth whitening Orpington is on offer with us at the surgery. At our practice, we treat all of our patients as individuals and will give you a personalised service. For whitening treatment, this means offering you a selection of products that can be delivered in our practice or provided as a home whitening kit. Whichever route you decide to go on will be up to you, based on the information we will provide, so that you can make an informed decision.

Teeth whitening uses a safe bleaching agent that dentists approve for use by patients, which sets us apart from some other products on the market. Depending on your original tooth colour, the product will lighten and brighten your tooth to a shade that is right for the appearance of your teeth.

How do I do it?

If you opt for a home whitening kit, we will provide custom-made trays to fit your mouth precisely. You will then take these trays home, fill them with the bleaching agent and wear the trays while you sleep for a couple of weeks. It couldn’t be easier and you won’t know much about it as you will be fast asleep and getting a great smile while you are catching up on your beauty hours.

The other option is to have a treatment in our practice. We offer Power Whitening, which involves having a barrier applied to your gums to prevent the agent damaging them. We then put the gel on your teeth and shine a light onto them. Within just one hour, your teeth should look a few shades lighter and brighter, which is perfect if you have a special occasion to attend and want the results more quickly.

Can I choose either treatment?

Tooth whitening Orpington is appropriate for many patients and we will be able to advise you about the best route for your teeth; this will depend on the type of staining that you have, for example. By booking in for an initial consultation, we can examine your mouth thoroughly and discuss the options with you, answering any questions you may have. Together, we can find the treatment plan that is right for you. So, why not treat yourself to a fresh smile?

Consider Invisalign as your first choice in invisible orthodontics

For those patients who are considering having their teeth straightened and would like to have this completed in a shorter period of time, we highly recommend considering Invisalign Orpington.

Fast becoming a popular choice when it comes to invisible orthodontic solutions, Invisalign Orpington provides a great dental solution to help straighten crooked or misaligned teeth.

We’re delighted to be able to offer this treatment here at Orpington Dental and look forward to assisting you on your smile transformation journey to a healthy, happy smile.

Visit Orpington Dental for your oral healthcare needs

We look forward to having you visit us at our practice conveniently located in the high street. We have proudly served the community for over two decades and look forward to assisting you with a range of general and cosmetic dental treatments. We offer everything from routine check-ups to invisible orthodontics, teeth whitening services and sparkling veneers.

If you’re hoping to have your teeth straightened and would like to pursue a removable option, Invisalign may be suitable for you. It has become quite popular amongst our adult patients who wish to find a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. The technology behind Invisalign is advanced and enables the patient to experience a shorter treatment so you can enjoy the incredible results in a brief period of time.

Some of the dental issues that these clear aligners are able to correct include an overbite or underbite in patients, as well as gaps, overcrowding of teeth and misalignment.

Invisalign aligners offer many advantages to patients

Did you know that Invisalign aligners are easier to clean than traditional metal braces? Patients will no longer need to worry about eating out with friends and family as the Invisalign aligner trays are easy to remove and can be quickly cleaned following a meal. Simply brush them with toothpaste using warm water before placing them back into your mouth and enjoy minimal disruption to your social life.

Invisalign aligners also entail fewer visits to the dentist so you can enjoy minimal disruption to your schedule. Traditional braces require adjustments and regular check-ups at the dentist, whereas Invisalign repositions teeth and continues with the alignment process without the need for adjustments or tightening.

Patients can also look forward to a comfortable fit with the Invisalign trays, as each set is customised to the individual specifications of the patient. This ensures the trays are comfortable to wear and offer minimal discomfort in the process.

Did you know that having straighter teeth equates to having healthier teeth? Once your teeth are aligned correctly it helps prevent any gaps forming which enable food particles to get trapped and plaque to build up in your mouth. Trapped plaque over time transforms into decay and will affect the overall health of your mouth and gums. Thanks to Invisalign patients can look forward to having straighter teeth and those gaps will close resulting in less risk of plaque build-up.

If you are looking to transform your teeth so you can smile with confidence our friendly team, here at our practice, are on hand to help you with any queries you may have and can help determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign Orpington aligners. Simply reach out to our friendly receptionist who will be happy to arrange an appointment for you at our practice.

Everything you need to know about dental implants

If you’ve found this article, it is likely that you don’t know much about dental implants Orpington. You might have some basic knowledge, but you’re unsure if they are the right treatment for you, or if you even qualify for them. Here at Orpington Dental, we believe in helping everyone to the best of our ability. No matter how many teeth you’re missing or the reasons behind why, our implants can get you on the path to the smile you deserve!

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In this short article, we’d like to introduce you to dental implants Orpington and explain the treatment process, how they work and all the benefits you have to look forward to.

Do I need them?

If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth, you have probably been introduced to other choices of tooth replacement. These include crowns, bridges and dentures, but they are not your only options! There are many reasons why you might have lost your teeth. Maybe you were in an accident, experienced an injury or suffered from some other trauma. You might also have lost your teeth due to your age, lifestyle habits or other dental problems such as gum disease, but dental implants Orpington don’t care about the reason, just about getting that bright smile back for you and giving you back the confidence you need. That’s right, we understand that losing your teeth can impact every aspect of your life. If you’re smiling less due to feeling self-conscious, there is a chance that the impression you make on people might not be as positive as you need it to be. Smiling can make someone happier and have an overall positive effect on every part of your life, from your personal relationships, to social engagements and even work.

The process

If you’ve just lost one tooth, the process is considerably straightforward. You’ll first be brought in for a wellness check-up, where we will discuss your dental history at length and thoroughly examine your gums, jaws and teeth to make sure it is safe to go ahead with the installation. The metal screw will be drilled into your jaw, acting like the root for your artificial tooth. This method of installation will also allow for maximum stability and sturdiness. The screw will fuse with your bone and become a natural part of your jaw before the artificial tooth is placed on top.

When you are missing multiple teeth, you might already have a denture in place. By changing this to an implant, you are able to replace multiple missing teeth with just one screw installed in your jaw. Although it depends on how well and fast the healing process can take place, as well as how healthy your gums and jaw are, it is possible to have your artificial teeth or ‘abutment’ placed on the same day as the metal screw.

The benefits

There are many benefits to our implants, but the most popular one is how much they look like real teeth. We’ll match the shape and shade of the artificial tooth to the healthy teeth surrounding it, meaning that you can smile with confidence knowing that nobody is aware of your implants.

In the same way, the implants are made to work and act exactly like your real teeth. You’ll have to take care of them as you would your other teeth, meaning that over time, you might even forget that they aren’t real yourself! Finally, having the implants installed can support your facial structure and stimulate new bone and tissue growth, in the areas where they might have deteriorated from the lack of tooth.

Natural-looking teeth with white fillings, Orpington

Everybody would love to go through life without the need to receive common dental treatments that are used to repair or rebuild the teeth, here, we at Orpington Dental are referring to the use of fillings. The main issue many of us have with fillings is the way they look once they have been inserted into the mouth, as the commonly used fillings have a metallic look to them that many of us consider unsightly.

You may be someone who has several fillings throughout your mouth, who wishes they could be replaced with something that allows the teeth to appear more natural. You might be someone who has a desire to achieve clean looking, white teeth, but you see your metallic fillings as a barrier to gaining the teeth you desire.

The good news is that for those who want to make a change that will help them achieve the white teeth they are seeking you can now have your metallic-looking fillings replaced by our dentist with white fillings, Orpington. These fillings will help to recreate the natural look of your teeth and make them appear clean and white once again.

Your fillings should look the way you want them to

Just because you have had to have a small amount of restoration work carried out on your teeth in the form of having them filled, it does not have to mean that you need to live with an image of your teeth that you are not one hundred per cent happy to own. White fillings, Orpington, could change this for you and give you teeth that you find attractive when you look at them in a mirror.

The process needed to create the look of your teeth you are seeking is relatively simple and is almost the same as the one used to apply your original fillings, only this time we are removing the metallic looking filling instead of part of your tooth.

Then the new white looking filling is inserted by our dental professional, giving you back the natural look to your teeth that you once had and loved.

Just as strong

While this new form of filling may appear to be more cosmetic in nature, you can be assured that they are just as strong as the fillings you may have received in the past. With the correct care, these fillings will last you an entire lifetime and stay looking clean and white, just keep them clean using regular brushing and flossing, the way you should do with the rest of your teeth.

Making you feel more confident

The human mind is an extremely delicate thing, and it does not take much to knock it, making someone lose confidence in their own self-image. One of the common issues that causes someone to suffer from low self-esteem is the look of their mouth due to the look of their teeth.

If someone can boost their self-esteem and feel better about their self-image by having a cosmetic treatment such as white fillings, Orpington, then they should be encouraged to gain these benefits if they possibly can. If you are one of these people, then the only person you should consider is yourself, as having a treatment such as this really is only about your happiness.

If you have always been self-conscious about your smile and feel like your teeth could be improved, there are dental treatments that are available to help.

Trust teeth whitening in Orpington for a noticeably brighter smile

Brighten up your life

Smile, and the whole world smiles with you. This is something that we believe here at Orpington Dental, although we also understand that some may need teeth whitening Orpington as they may find smiling and exposing their teeth to be embarrassing due to having visible marks, stains or yellowed enamel.

Having dental staining is not uncommon in the slightest, and our highly proficient team of cosmetic professionals can help treat anyone who needs it.

What is cosmetic whitening?

Increasing numbers of patients of all ages are getting in touch with us at Orpington Dental to discuss their options for teeth whitening Orpington.

Of all the cosmetic dental treatments that we offer, teeth whitening is by far one of our most popular because of its non-invasive nature and the fact that visible results can be achieved in just one sitting, depending on the type of teeth whitening a patient chooses.

By using a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel and a custom-made dental retainer, we can visibly brighten the shade of your enamel (outermost layer of the tooth) either within our practice in one sitting or from home through one of our at-home kits.

What can cosmetic whitening help with?

There are a great number of causes for dental staining, which is why the first thing we do here at Orpington Dental is work out the type of staining that each patient has so that we can determine which form of teeth whitening Orpington is suitable for them.

Intrinsic staining is when the inside of your tooth has become faded or grey – either through dental trauma, certain medications or ageing – and typically requires more extensive dental treatments to solve than cosmetic whitenings such as veneers or crowns.

Extrinsic staining is the most common form of dental staining, which occurs when the outermost layer of your teeth are stained, yellowed or discoloured. As this form of staining only primarily affects the visible layer of the tooth, they are far easier to treat through traditional cosmetic whitening means.

Extrinsic stains can be caused by long-term lifestyle choices or habits such as smoking or favouring dark-coloured drinks like red wine, cola or black coffees or teas. Additionally, ageing can also cause your enamel to become duller or yellow in colour.

How can I get teeth whitening?

Getting teeth-whitening treatment from us at Orpington Dental is a quick and easy process that begins with a consultation appointment to allow us to assess the type of staining you have. When treating extrinsic stains, we can offer patients two options – power whitening and home whitening.

Power whitening is a great option for patients who seek immediate results as it can achieve a visibly brighter smile in just an hour. We carry out the whitening process at our practice, using a protective gum shield, a whitening gel and a UV lamp to speed up the whitening.

Home whitening involves making a custom-fitting gum shield for patients to take home with them and placing a whitening gel into the shield periodically over two weeks or more for gradually building results.

Going the extra mile and focussing on your dental hygiene Orpington

The twice daily regime

From being a toddler through to being an adult in later years, the oral hygiene routine should continue to take place. Whilst our parents and guardians introduce us to the task, as time develops and we mature, our oral hygiene process becomes a solo responsibility. Although this is a natural development within our lives, are you certain that your oral hygiene regime is on top form? Or has it declined over the years as the daily chore goes on and on?

As life gets busier or our minds wander, the minimum three minute clean with a manual toothbrush may become two or one minute, with a quick rinse of mouthwash. The plaque surrounding the teeth and gums is not shifted away as effectively as it once was and tooth decay along with gingivitis can soon set in. Although at first a little yellowing around the teeth or a little blood within the spit may seem inconsequential, over time the damage can become more severe and lead to oral health problems such as tooth loss.

Luckily, our dental team has your best interests at heart and your dental hygiene Orpington is never far from our minds. Regular check-up appointments with our dentist are one thing but how about a regular check on your dental hygiene Orpington?

Avoiding the odour to your breath

One of the more common and noticeable signs of a declining dental hygiene Orpington regime is the odour which can begin to present itself. Whether it be from years of bad habits such as smoking and drinking, a single meal filled with too much garlic or onion, or the result of a quick brush on a daily basis rather than a full clean. Having bad breath can begin to impact your life quite significantly and is easily avoided with a good oral hygiene process in place.

Putting your dental education into action

When visiting our dental hygienist, which in most cases will have been recommended or referred by our dentist, you will be putting your oral health into safe hands. Not only will time be spent cleaning and removing the build-up of plaque around the teeth, but an education will begin to ensure that you are giving your oral health the best care possible.

So, what is meant by a dental education?

Whilst we do not want every patient to gain a degree in how to keep their oral hygiene at the highest level, understanding the effectiveness of certain brushing techniques, what products to use or not use and which toothbrushes are most effective will be covered. As sonic and electronic toothbrushes come into play it helps our dental hygienist to teach you about when too much pressure is applied to the teeth, or how circular motions are more beneficial than left to right scrubbing. Whilst it all may seem a little mundane, the teeth, mouth and gums which go through a rigorous process everyday will reap the benefits and your oral health will continue to be maintained to the highest level.

How much do you know about cosmetic dentistry?

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth you may be looking for a solution, but could be unsure of the best treatments for your current dental issues. You’ll be happy to know that with the help of an experienced dental team like ours at Orpington Dental, we will be able to offer you the best dental treatments in cosmetic dentistry in order for you to achieve your desired outcome. So if you are based in Orpington and would like further information as to what we can offer you as a patient, you are more than welcome to visit our surgery..

Why you should choose us

Providing exceptional dental treatments and services to our patients for over 20 years, at our practice our main focus is to help our patients on their journey to achieving a healthy mouth, whether through specific dental treatments or routine dental appointments. Led by our principal dentist Helen Loubser, our practice comprises an experienced team of dentists, hygienists, dental nurses and receptionists who all work together cohesively to ensure that your experience with us from start to finish is a positive one. 

Cosmetic dentistry at Orpington Dental

Cosmetic dentistry is the area of dentistry which focuses on using dental treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. We offer a variety of cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers, white fillings, inlays and onlays. However, if you are concerned about the whiteness of your teeth, or have noticed that your teeth are stained and want to remove this discolouration, you may want to consider tooth whitening Orpington.

Your journey to a brighter smile

Tooth whitening Orpington is the perfect solution for those who would like to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. At our dental practice, we offer two types of tooth whitening Orpington to our patients.

The first option is power whitening. Power whitening is a popular choice for those who would like instant results in preparation for an important event such as a wedding or a photo shoot and requires you to have your teeth whitened at our practice. For this procedure, a barrier will be placed on your gum and lips for protection and a gel applied on your teeth. Our dentist will then position a lamp over your teeth. The lamp activates the bleaching process and you will notice after an hour your teeth will look a few shades brighter.

If you would like to whiten your teeth more gradually over a period of time, you may want to try home whitening. For this process, we will provide you with custom-made plastic mouth trays that will be designed to fit comfortably over your teeth. We will also provide you with a whitening gel that you will be required to apply inside the tray. Once you wear the trays the gel will transfer onto your teeth. You can wear the trays overnight whilst you sleep or for a few hours during the day and you should start to see results after two weeks of wearing them.

Screening- early mouth cancer prevention

Yes, the 6-month dental check up can be tedious at best but did you know that along with the checking teeth, we also perform a cancer screening as a routine part of our checkups? So, we are fighting mouth cancer Orpington everyday.

Symptoms to be aware of

Swelling or lumps with no obvious cause in either your neck or mouth, red or white patches or a change in texture are well-known signs of mouth cancer Orpington. It is also possible that there would be no visible growth at all, then the appearance of sudden ulcers that do not respond to treatment within 3 weeks. A pain, tension or discomfort in the throat or mouth, a persistent tickly cough which is unproductive are all symptoms to be aware of.

Sudden unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue is a symptom universal to cancers and should not be ignored. Across all cancers early detection and intervention significantly improves the outcome.

The screening process is extremely simple and it is based on observation and skill of the practitioner. If there are any suspicious growths or lumps we would need to further observe them under magnification. Cancerous growths share similar properties, such as the colourings and their borders. If anything that warrants further investigation is found, you’ll be advised to follow it up with your physician. This is not a diagnosis but more of a precaution.

Procedures are non-interactive and quick.There is no reason not to engage in screening and we have included it free in our checkups. We like to think we are giving you one less thing to worry about.

I have a sore in my mouth, a sore lump or growth. What should I do?

It can be scary when you find anything lump based or unusual in your mouth and it’s easy to bury your head in the sand and see it all as insignificant. Particularly if you’re in the high-risk group of smokers or overweight, it’s very important to attend a screening.

Cancer Research UK recommends yearly screening for smokers but there is no harm in having a bi-yearly screen as part of your check-up. So, if you have a sore in your mouth that isn’t going away or have noticed a lump, please contact us.

As part of community dentistry, we don’t only see mouth cancer Orpington, but we see our screening as part of the dental service and giving back to the community which has supported our clinic for so many decades. Incorporating screening into dental services has been relatively simple and we are proud to be leading the way among local surgeries, Hopefully, in the future, some screening will be seen as a normal and universal part of everybody’s 6-months dental check-up.

If you have any concerns about oral cancers please feel free to get in contact with our clinic. We would be happy to advise you further or book you in for a screening. You can also get more guidance from the Mouth Cancer Federation; this can be an excellent source of reliable information but should not be seen as an alternative to professional screening.

Clear braces – not just a cosmetic procedure

For many years teeth straightening has been considered a treatment for children, who were often seen with the metal ‘train track’ braces that they had to wear for months and months. Modern technology and science have given dentists new dental appliances which are far less obvious and a lot more comfortable to wear. Clear braces Orpington, at our practice, are the ideal treatment for both younger and older patients alike. Braces and aligners are not just cosmetic treatments and the general dental benefits of them are often overlooked. Misaligned teeth can cause earache, uneven wear of the teeth, and bacteria build-up resulting in gingivitis and tooth decay. An overbite or underbite means that a patient will have difficulty chewing and therefore digesting their food.

Bringing patients a twenty-first century solution

The whole process of using removable clear braces Orpington to straighten teeth is far less challenging for our patients, because of the sheer simplicity of the procedure. No wires, bands or metal are used as the aligners are made of a clear material which makes them far less visible than the metal braces. They are far more acceptable to our adult patients as they are a very discreet way of undergoing treatment due to the clear nature of the product. They can be easily removed to allow for easy eating and drinking. From an oral hygiene point of view because they can be removed this allows for normal teeth brushing and flossing. The way that they fit over the teeth like a gum shield is also less conspicuous than the traditional metal braces.

Not all patients are suitable

The important first step in any dental process is to consult your dentist to allow them to do a complete examination of your oral cavity which allows them to identify your condition. Once a proper assessment of your teeth, gums and jaw has been performed the best course of treatment can be discussed. Some conditions may require the use of a different dental appliance recommended by us to achieve the desired results.

Clear aligners how they work

Clear braces Orpington achieve their results by the patients wearing a series of aligners, each of which has a slightly different orientation, one by one they are designed to move the teeth in a specific direction. Each aligner will need to be worn continuously for at least twenty hours a day for a period of around three to four weeks before progressing to the next aligner. Our dentist at Orpington Dental will need to be consulted before each aligner can be fitted to ensure that the required movement has been achieved. Not all patients are the same and some treatments may take a little longer than others and may require a few adjustments and additions to get the results that are desired.

A smile for a new age

At the end of the treatment with our dentist a special retainer will be fitted by us to ensure that the teeth can settle and this will need to be worn for about three to four weeks. After that you will be able to smile at the world, showing off your straight teeth confidently.