Dental Blog - Orpington Dental Care

Want to know more about teeth whitening? Four of your FAQs answered by Orpington Dental

It is a situation many people are familiar with; going on to social media to see photos posted from that day out with friends, to then notice how yellow their teeth look!

In modern society, it is fairly difficult to avoid enamel staining, even if you have a healthy diet and brush each day. Many fruit juices and commonly consumed drinks like coffee and tea are high in acids, which can stain the teeth, no matter how much you brush!

So, while you could vow to never consume coffee or fruit juice again, there is an easier solution to dental staining.

At Orpington Dental, our cosmetic team can offer all of our patients teeth whitening in Orpington, to remove deeply set stains from their tooth enamel in as little as 2 weeks! Using a mixture of tooth whitening in the surgery and techniques at home, we can gently remove stains from the enamel, without causing additional sensitivity or discomfort during the procedure.

Have some questions about how we manage that? Of course, you do! Here are some of your most commonly asked questions about teeth whitening in Orpington answered.

How long will the whitening last?

As much as we would like it to, dental whitening doesn’t last forever.

At Orpington Dental, once our dentist has whitened your teeth, we will provide you with a ‘top-up’ gel, so you can keep the whiteness of your teeth for as long as possible. However, if you consume a lot of fruit juice, coffee or tea, then the effects of the whitening could begin to fade in as little as one month.

I have fillings – can I have my teeth whitened?

Studies have found that whitening products used by dentists do not cause damage to either metal or composite fillings.

However, one issue with undertaking teeth whitening in Orpington if you have multiple tooth coloured fillings is that the composite will not lighten along with the teeth, creating an uneven look.

In this instance, our team will discuss with you alternative options to tooth whitening, such as refitting of fillings to match the new shade of your teeth or porcelain veneers.

How do you remove the stains without brushing?

Many people assume that deeply set stains are removed by dentists through excessive scrubbing; this would not only be uncomfortable for you but it would also be ineffectual.

In whitening today, oxidising gels are applied to the surface of the teeth, which remove deep-set stains without causing damage to the enamel or discomfort.

This process can lighten your teeth by up to 16 shades and can be completed in as little as one hour.

I have sensitive teeth – can I have my teeth whitened?

While it is possible to whiten sensitive teeth, our dental team does not recommend it.

If your sensitivity is caused by microscopic holes in your enamel, our whitening gels will inevitably seep into these cavities and hit the nerve of your tooth, causing you discomfort. A sensible alternative in this situation to traditional whitening is to have porcelain veneers fitted.

Are you worried about your dental hygiene?

Lots of people will put off going to see their dental practitioner for a check-up because it is time consuming or inconvenient, too expensive or too nerve-racking. When you put off attending your check-ups you are neglecting your teeth and risk losing them to decay and gum disease.

If you are worrying about your dental hygiene in Orpington then book an appointment to see one of our dental professionals. They will be able to fully assess the condition of your teeth and inform you if you require a scale and polish or if you need to be wary of gingivitis. At Orpington Dental we want you to leave our clinic with a healthy, fresh feeling mouth and strong teeth.

What is a scale and polish?

If you want to improve your dental hygiene in Orpington then having your hygienist carry out a scale and polish is a good place to start. Sometimes plaque can build up in certain areas of your mouth that are hard to reach when you are brushing, and this plaque can harden. Once the plaque has hardened it can thrive off the bacteria that is naturally found in your mouth, and this can lead to things such as gingivitis if it is left untreated.

Your hygienist will use special tools to remove this plaque to make sure that the enamel of your teeth remains undamaged. They will also clean the rest of your mouth, ensuring that there is no plaque build-up within the pockets of your gums, as this can cause the tissue that holds your teeth in place to become weaker over time. This is what damages your gums and prevents them from being able to hold your teeth in place.

Are there any symptoms of bad oral health?

Things such as gingivitis and gum disease do not always come with symptoms. They may be present for months before you eventually notice or until your dental practitioner informs you that you need to improve your dental hygiene in Orpington. Visiting your dental practice regularly will allow your dentist to spot any underlying problems that you have, but there are a few other telltale symptoms that you can look out for too.

If you have red or swollen gums then this is a common sign that something is wrong. Your gums should be a pale pink in colour, and they should not bleed when you brush your teeth either. Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth is a sign of gingivitis and gum disease, and it is recommended that you book an appointment with your practitioner as soon as possible to find out what is going on in your mouth.

Bad breath is another symptom of bad oral health, especially when it does not go away after brushing your teeth and using mouthwash. Having a furry tongue, receding gums or sensitive gums and teeth can all be signs of deteriorating oral hygiene too. In some cases your teeth can even start to become wobbly, as your gums become weaker and no longer hold your teeth as firmly in their places.

Polishing up on tooth whitening in Orpington

Care, catered for you

tooth-whitening-orpington Here at Orpington Dental, we are a private dental clinic which applies a great deal of focus on ensuring that the services we provide are moulded around the needs of those who seek them. Rather than simply opting for the one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry, which has sadly become all too popular in numerous practices across the country, here at Orpington Dental, we take the time to connect with each of our patients on an individual level. We’ve found that by doing so, a vastly more formative and beneficial patient-practitioner relationship can flourish. We enjoy getting to know our patients, and giving them the smiles they deserve, through a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry options. Anyone who is seeking tooth whitening in Orpington, need look no further than our in-house team of expert cosmetic dentistry specialists to aid them on their dental journey.

Brightening up your day

Here at Orpington Dental, we understand the inherent social pressures that some people may feel due to having stained or discoloured teeth. Whether it has arisen through smoking, drinking tea, coffee or red wine, or from taking certain medications, we empathise with those who suffer from stained or discoloured teeth, and as such, provide a full range of tooth whitening in Orpington treatments to combat this. At Orpington Dental, we provide two specific methodologies of tooth whitening, which are catered around the requirements presented to us by each of our patients. These treatments are Power Whitening and Home Whitening, and both are explained in great detail prior to undertaking either of them, in order to allow patients to make an informed decision that will meet their expectations.

Power whitening

The first method of tooth whitening in Orpington that we offer is power whitening. This is carried out within our practice in Orpington, and is massively popular due to its almost instantaneous effect on the whiteness of a patient’s teeth. Those who opt for this method of treatment can expect to find years worth of detrimental staining eradicated from their teeth the very same day they seek treatment through us. The process of undertaking power whitening initially consists of a custom made mould being created of the contours of each patient’s teeth. A peroxide based whitening agent is then placed within this retainer, and inserted over the patient’s teeth. Thereafter, a specialist UV dental light is shone on the retainer, which activates the bleaching agent within the gel. After just one hour, the peroxide bleaching agent will have eradicated all the superficial stains on the patient’s teeth, and provided them with a brighter and healthier looking smile.

Home comforts

The other method of teeth whitening procedure we offer here at Orpington Dental, is home whitening. Unlike power whitening, the results of this form of treatment are not instantaneous. However, this is a vastly popular method of tooth whitening as it affords users the ability to undertake the process from the comfort of their own homes. The basis of the home whitening process initially consists of a custom made light-weight plastic retainer being created of each patient’s teeth. Thereafter, the patient can take this retainer home, and apply a thin layer of a peroxide-based whitening gel to the inside of it and then wear it for a few hours a day. Over the course of around two weeks, the bleaching agent within the gel will break down any superficial stains or damage to their teeth, resulting in them having a whiter and healthier appearing smile.

What is a mouth cancer screening and how can I try to prevent mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer, and occurs when a tumour develops in the lining of the mouth. Mouth cancer can occur in a variety of places within the mouth, such as the cheeks, the tongue, as well as the roof of the mouth (commonly known as the palate). Tumours can also be found within the glands of the mouth, (that essentially produce saliva), as well as the tonsils and pharynx (part of the throat connecting the mouth to your windpipe).

Mouth Cancer Screening in Orpington A mouth cancer screening is essentially an examination undergone by one of our dental healthcare professionals, in order to attempt to spot the stages of mouth cancer early ( a form of preventative dentistry). During a mouth cancer screening, certain areas of the mouth will be assessed and analysed.

There are a variety of steps our patients can take in order to prevent mouth cancer from occurring. One lifestyle choice you can make is to limit the amount of alcohol you consume (for example, not consuming more than the recommended weekly amount). Smoking can also be a huge factor in reducing the chances of oral cancer from occuring. One other lifestyle factor, which can greatly affect your chances of developing mouth cancer, is your diet; consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and oils (also known as a Mediterranean diet) can help to prevent cancer.

What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

One obvious signs of oral cancer can be mouth ulcers, which may be sore and last for several weeks without going away (like normal mouth ulcers). Lumps within the mouth may also be a symptom; these are typically unexplained and do not go away. Lumps within the neck, looseness of teeth, as well as a strange feeling within the lips, are also symptoms.

What can I expect from a mouth cancer screening?

During your mouth screening with us, you may either have some expectations or have no idea what to expect. Essentially, the process is simple, and relatively quick, however it is important, and should be undergone twice a year.

Your mouth screening will be extremely shorter than you expect, and you will be assessed using a hand held device to check for any lumps or lesions you may have. Using this hand held device will check for any potential risk factors, which means a correct treatment can be diagnosed by us as quickly as possible.

Why is it important for me to see the dentist?

Mouth cancer is extremely dangerous; this is why it is important to visit us regularly for check-ups, and if you have anything you view as a concern (such as a small lump or ulcer) then it is recommended that you see us straight away. It is vital for our patients to learn how to detect the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer early, in order to ensure the health of your mouth, and decrease the risk of developing cancer.

Clear braces in Orpington

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

Clear Braces in Orpington In recent years, many adult patients are opting to correct their teeth by orthodontic treatment such as braces. Commonly made out of metal braces and a wire, these braces are fixed onto your teeth and the wire gently guides your teeth into the desired position. A successful treatment, fixed braces have many benefits. As they are fixed, they provide excellent control of your teeth and you can rest assured that your teeth are moving due to the brackets and the wires. They are also usually tightened by your dentist every few appointments, which provides further reassurance that your teeth are moving gradually. Made from metal, fixed braces are also strong and durable so they are not likely to break and will not show any sign of discolouration due to any food or drink consumption.

There are also other orthodontic treatments available for our patients who would rather not have fixed metal braces. If you are one of these individuals and are looking for another option, why not consider clear braces in Orpington?

Clear braces

Clear braces and clear aligners are now a popular choice especially for adults as they are less noticeable when compared to the traditional fixed braces. Clear braces are similar to metal braces, however the brackets are clear. They also do an efficient job in straightening crooked or crowded teeth. An example of this type of orthodontic treatment is an appliance called the Damon brace. Damon braces are unobtrusive and discreet in straightening patients’ teeth, they are stain resistant, so the braces will remain discreet throughout treatment.

If you still have doubts about fixed braces and would prefer to have a treatment which requires more flexibility, Orpington Dental Practice offers clear braces in Orpington known as Invisalign.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign braces provide our patients with the option to straighten their teeth without the need to invest in fixed braces. Known to sometimes have a shorter treatment time in comparison to fixed braces, Invisalgn treatment uses clear plastic aligners which are customised for each of our patients by obtaining a 3D scan of their teeth and mouth. Our patients are then required to change these customised aligners, usually every two weeks, in order to move the teeth gradually into their desired position. This is a favourable option for our patients who may want to straighten their teeth, but still want to have the flexibility to remove the aligners for special occasions such as weddings. Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can take out the aligners to eat, which means you can maintain a good oral hygiene regime by cleaning and flossing your teeth regularly. However it is important that patients remember to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day to ensure the best results.

So if you are ever considering a treatment such as clear braces in Orpington, our practice will be able to offer you an effective treatment in correcting your teeth and improving your smile.

Porcelain Veneers in Orpington

Unhappy with your smile? Suffering from tooth decay or experiencing crooked teeth and want to do something about it? Based in the peaceful town of Orpington? Why not take a trip down to Orpington Dental and explore the available options we have for you.

Porcelain Veneers in Orpington If you currently have chipped teeth or stains that are irreversible, we have treatments available which can help to restore your smile to what it once was. One option which can correct these tooth deficiencies are porcelain veneers. in Orpington.

These are wafer-thin porcelain shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. A versatile option, these tooth coloured pieces of porcelain can be bonded to a single tooth or a number of teeth. You can even have the bonding over a whole set, which is known as a smile makeover. The shape of these caps can be adjusted to make your teeth longer or closer together.

Before the procedure, you will have an appointment at our practice in Orpington where we will discuss the best options for your teeth. Typically X-rays will be taken to evaluate the health of your teeth and identify any signs of gum disease or tooth decay. In order for you to have veneers, we will have to be sure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to have your treatment.

If we give you the go ahead, you will have a follow up appointment with us in which one of our dental professionals will remove some of the enamel of your teeth using a grinding tool. This is nothing to worry about as only about half a millimetre of your tooth is trimmed in order for us to take an impression of your teeth. The impressions are then sent off so that your veneers can be created.

Your next appointment will then be when we receive your porcelain veneers. At this point we will dentist will look at the shape and colouration to ensure they are perfect for you. If this is the case, dental cement will then be used to bind these caps onto your teeth. This typically should not last any longer than two hours.

Benefits of porcelain

Porcelain veneers in Orpington, out of all the materials available for bonding, have the most natural look and its durability means that they can last between ten to twenty years without staining. They are also less likely to break so you do not need to worry too much about them ever chipping although it is advised to eat harder foods with the back teeth as opposed to the front.

How to maintain your new smile

In order to get the best out of your treatment, we advise taking certain precautions which can assist you in making sure you get as much lifespan out of them as possible. For example, if you are someone that clenches or grinds your teeth, it would be beneficial for you to invest in a retainer. If you are an avid sports player it is also advised for you to wear a mouthguard to avoid any injuries. You must also avoid using your teeth to open packages and remember to maintain a good oral hygiene regime. So if you are thinking of porcelain veneers in Orpington contact us today.

What do dental hygienists do? Dental hygiene services in Orpington

In the field of preventative dentistry, there are many professionals that the average patient can identify. General dentists for check-ups, orthodontists for braces, dental nurses for preparation work and a soothing presence when you are in the dental chair if you are nervous.

Dental Hygiene in Orpington However, few of our customers at Orpington Dental realise that dental hygienists frequently work alongside dentists and other professionals to keep your teeth in their top condition and that hygienists also play an important role in maintaining your overall oral health and dental hygiene in Orpington.

The importance of a dental hygienist

Dental hygiene in Orpington is far more than simple brushing of your teeth.

At our dental office in Orpington, our hygienist and dentist frequently work together to meet the needs of each customer and provide a targeted and personalised approach to improve every patient’s oral health.

Hygienists can also offer advice to individual patients and other dental professionals on care plans relating to braces or implants.

What do dental hygienists do?

Dental hygiene in Orpington acts as both a preventative and cosmetic treatment, so dental hygienists perform oral maintenance tasks such as removal of plaque, allowing the other members of the dental team to focus on tasks such as fillings, crowns etc.

However, there are many other important tasks that they are qualified to perform.

Scaling and polishing- This involves an ultrasound vibration that loosens plaque and areas of tartar. Once these have been loosened, a cooling mist washes away the debris and then your teeth will be polished by air abrasion. This prevents gum disease, tooth decay and leaves you with an improved overall dental appearance.

Topical fluoride application- an interesting preventative method, topical fluoride gels are used in both adults and children to prevent cavities. If your hygienist identifies the start of a cavity in your mouth, an application of a topical gel can seal the area and prevent decay. These can also be used across multiple teeth if an individual is at a higher risk of getting cavities, such as people with diabetes.

Periodontal therapy– we have already mentioned the common type of periodontal therapy in a scale and polish, but there are other techniques that a hygienist can perform to minimise or reverse gum diseases.

If you have lost gum tissue, it is important to ensure that the root of your tooth is protected, and a gum graft is a popular way to achieve this. Your hygienist will remove an area of healthy gum from another area in your mouth and relocate it to where it is needed. When there is loss of gum tissue throughout your mouth, laboratory processed gum tissue will be used instead.

This list highlights just a few of the procedures that our team of dental hygienists at Orpington Dental Surgery can perform. We aim to make sure that when undergoing any treatment, you are comfortable and treated professionally.

Interested in some hygienist treatment? Call us today for a consultation.

What Are The Basics Of Dental Hygiene?

We here at Orpington Dental Care know that taking care of your oral health is an important factor in maintaining good health. Our mouths are often a window to our health as a whole, making it crucial to maintain good hygiene and have regular visits to the dentist.

Studies are increasingly beginning to connect diseases, such as diabetes, to dental disease. Due to this, it’s important that the dental care you partake in at home is to a high standard and becomes a part of your daily routine. We care about dental hygiene in Orpington, so we have compiled some tips to help you keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth is the most basic, and essential, thing you can do to maintain a healthy mouth. Our mouths go through a lot, so it’s vital that we brush our teeth twice a day (in the morning and before bed) to keep our mouths clean and to fight against plaque. When brushing your teeth, be sure to focus on the gum line as this is where plaque tends to accumulate. Using a fluoride toothpaste can also assist in strengthening the surface of the tooth to protect it from decay.

Floss regularly

Flossing is less spoken about than brushing your teeth, and toothbrush adverts will often claim to clean in between your teeth too, but flossing is the best way to combat plaque building up in those hard to reach places. Flossing can help prevent bad breath and gum disease.

Snack to a minimum

You should be aiming to only eat three meals a day with minimal snacking in between. Snacking will lead to a build up of plaque in your mouth which can lead to tooth decay. Teeth need to have a period of recovery between attacks from the acid in our food.

Quit smoking

Providing dental hygiene in Orpington is one of our missions here at Orpington Dental Care and we are advocates for quitting smoking. By quitting smoking you can maintain your oral health and the health of your entire body. Research has linked smoking to being a cause of gum disease and toxins in tobacco smoke can make tartar more aggressive against our teeth. Quitting smoking can help to prevent serious oral diseases.

Have regular visits to the dentist and hygienist

By visiting your dentist you can have a check-up of your teeth and any teeth in need of fillings can be identified, as well as any risks being monitored. Your hygienist will be able to give your teeth a deeper clean and offer advice on the tools that are best suited to you, ensuring your home care is the best it can be.

Oral hygiene is an important part of everyone’s lives and we will be happy to lend a helping hand whenever you need. If you have any questions, or would like to book an appointment, then please do get in contact with us today.

Give yourself a smile worth noticing

Whatever your smile is like, people are going to notice it. That’s because human beings evolved to clock each other’s smile. When we meet someone for the first time, we check their smile for friendliness. A big open grin means friend. No grin, or a tight-lipped grimace means foe. This hard-wired noticing comes from prehistory and we still use it today. If you don’t have a big open grin, people might not think you are going to attack them and eat them for dinner, but they might think you are cold and unfriendly and they won’t try to get to know you.

Tooth Whitening in Orpington We also check each other’s smiles for health. Strong, white teeth mean good health. Dull, discoloured teeth indicate a chance of ill-health. They say, ‘Don’t come too close. You might catch something.’

Now that you know that, you can understand why tooth whitening is the world’s most popular cosmetic dental treatment. It’s quick, it’s non-invasive and you can even do it yourself at home.

At Orpington Dental Care in Orpington, we offer 2 types of whitening:

In-clinic

Get your whitening done in the clinic and it will only take about an hour. You just lie back in the chair while we protect your lips and gums with a plastic barrier before painting your teeth with a concentrated whitening gel that is activated by a UV light.

This is a great way to lift a smile for an important event.

At-home

For this, we make you a set of gel trays that fit you exactly, taken from impressions. Bespoke trays mean less chance of spillage. We give you a take-home kit. You put the less concentrated gel in the trays and then put them on over your teeth. Wear the trays for a short period every day and it will take a couple of weeks for your teeth to lighten by several shades.

Keep it up

Tooth whitening is not permanent. You can extend the life of your white teeth by avoiding the drinks and foods that stain, such as tea, coffee and red wine.

If you have gel trays, you can also buy more gel and give yourself a top-up treatment every few months.

Questions that people will not ask you

The idea of being constantly asked about their braces can put a lot of people off getting treatment. No one wants to have to deal with a barrage of stares and invasive questions on a daily basis. But surely there is a way to get teeth straightened that doesn’t mean having to also deal with other people’s curiosity?

Invisalign in Orpington Well there is at Orpington Dental in Orpington, where we fit Invisalign invisible braces for mild to moderate alignment issues.

In fact, to call Invisalign braces doesn’t really do them justice. They don’t have brackets and wires and they are not cemented onto your teeth. Instead, Invisalign clear aligners look more like very thin mouth guards. You put them on over your teeth and because the transparent plastic is only 0.3mm thick, they can’t be seen once they are in place.

Invisalign does its straightening by way of carefully placed pressure points inside each aligner. When you come for treatment with us at Orpington Dental, you will receive a series of aligners. You wear one after the other. Each aligner takes 7-10 days to move your teeth by pressing on them. Once the pressure wears off, you ditch that aligner and move onto the next in the series.

Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, meal times are as easy as ever. You can eat whatever you like. All you have to do is remember to clean your teeth thoroughly before you put your aligners back in. If you don’t, the pigments in the food may discolour the plastic, rendering your aligner visible.

Using Invisalign obviously takes a bit of discipline. Teeth move with sustained pressure. If the pressure is not sustained, the process of dissolving and rebuilding the bone around the tooth stops and it takes about 72 hours to get it going again. So, you must wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 20 hours a day if you are going to stick to your treatment schedule. On average, it takes about a year for this treatment.

We’d love to tell you more. Why not come in for a free consultation?

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