Dental Blog - Orpington Dental Care

Replace your teeth the modern way

Stereotypical images can take a long time to die away, and one that hangs on longer than it needs to is that of the old person with a set of dentures that don’t really fit in their mouths, but when they take them out, they look sunken-faced. This image of old age is on the way out, thanks to dental implants in Orpington.

It’s not that there is no such thing as dentures anymore, it’s just that dental implants in Orpington from Orpington Dental Care are people’s first choice for replacing teeth these days, and small wonder.

Dental Implants in Orpington Dental implants have been around since the 1980s, so they are way past their experimental stage and are now very much part of mainstream dentistry, so much so that people now losing their teeth see them as a first choice rather than something to aspire to that only the elite can have.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that restores full functionality to the mouth. This means that they can chew as well as your original teeth, and allow you to speak clearly and use your smile as freely as you used to. All of these important functions are compromised in some way by the other two replacement options: dentures and fixed bridges.

Strong roots

The big advantage implants have is that they are fixed into the jawbone, replacing the root of the tooth as well as the crown. Dentures and bridges only replace the crown. This means that they cannot keep the jawbone in a strong healthy condition. Without something in it telling it it’s still in use, the jawbone quickly starts to dissolve itself and becomes noticeably smaller. If you have lost all your teeth, it will shrink all over. If not, it will shrink only in the places you have lost teeth. Either way, it will affect how you look. If you wear dentures, it is this shrinkage that causes them to become loose and ineffective in a relatively short space of time.

But with dental implants in Orpington, you can continue to eat, speak and smile as before. Come in for a consultation to find out more.

Getting that perfect, straight smile with braces in Orpington

If you have dreamt of having that perfect smile shown on TV and film, you’ll be happy to know it’s easier than ever to achieve. Thanks to advances in technology, straightening your teeth can be faster and less conspicuous than in the past.

Here at Orpington Dental Care in Orpington, braces have evolved far beyond the days of metal ‘train track’ braces. You can now straighten your teeth without anyone even being able to notice you’re undergoing any treatment at all.

These new types of treatment are considered more cosmetic as they can’t achieve the dramatic adjustments that traditional braces can.

Six Month Smiles

A new treatment that can have your teeth looking better in just six months is Six Month Smiles. These braces work on the same principle as traditional braces.

The first way these braces differ from traditional braces in Orpington is that they are made from tooth-coloured and clear materials, making them much less conspicuous than metal braces. This is a great improvement on older types of braces, the appearance of which may put many adults off straightening their teeth.

The next difference is in the design and function of Six Month Smiles. Six Month Smiles focuses on the ‘social six’. These are the teeth that are visible when you smile.

Because the treatment deals with these teeth only, the treatment time is greatly reduced to between four and nine months. This treatment is popular on makeover shows on TV due to its fast-acting nature and transformative power.

Invisalign

Invisalign treatment is a more modern treatment that has less in common with traditional braces. Instead of the usual metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic tooth aligners that snap on over your teeth.

These aligners are almost completely invisible when in use and are completely removable, allowing for easy cleaning and maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene.

It’s important to remember that while both of these treatments are considered cosmetic, there are numerous health benefits to having straighter teeth.

With these new treatments, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t seek treatment and make the most of your beautiful, natural teeth.

Having dental implants in Orpington

If you have lost one or all of your teeth, we have a solution for you at Orpington Dental Care. In Orpington, dental implants can replace any number of missing teeth permanently.

Implants are considered the closest thing to growing a new natural tooth in place of your missing one. This is because implants act as a substitute for a natural tooth root.

Dental implants can even support existing dentures, making them much more usable and adding a whole new realm of practicality to often troublesome dentures.

Dental implant procedure

Getting dental implants requires a minor surgical procedure. During this procedure, a titanium screw is inserted into the patient’s jaw. To allow this screw to be attached firmly, a small hole will need to be drilled into the patient’s jawbone.

The aim is for the screw to have as much contact with the natural bone as possible. This will allow the bone to integrate with the screw more easily, creating a stable anchor for whichever attachment is appropriate to complete the patient’s smile.

The implant usually takes two to six months to heal and integrate into the jawbone. Once the implant is strong and stable it can last the patient a lifetime.

Multiple missing teeth?

In Orpington, dental implants can replace a single missing tooth by the addition of a crown to the implant. This crown is custom-made to fit your smile perfectly so that no one can tell it’s not a real tooth.

If you have lost multiple teeth then a dental implant can support what is known as a bridge. Bridges bridge the gap between missing teeth. One single dental implant can support anything up to three false teeth in a row.

Another great application of dental implants is the stabilisation of dentures. If you have been a denture user for a long time or if you are new to the world of dentures, dental implants can be used to attach dentures firmly in your mouth.

This means you can do away with denture adhesives for the rest of your life and get more chewing power out of your dentures. This versatility and permanence make dental implants a preferable treatment for missing teeth.

Why mouth cancer screening is important

Your overall health is affected by your oral health, which is why it is really important to visit your dentist regularly for dental check-ups. While cavities, plaque, and gum disease are common problems that you might experience if you are not careful with your oral health, you also run the risk of developing oral cancer. Oral cancer tends to be painless and many patients overlook the symptoms. However, if detected early, oral cancer is curable with a significantly improved recovery rate over later detections.

Mouth Cancer Screening in Orpington At Orpington Dental Care, we urge our patients to visit the dental practice for a mouth cancer screening as soon as they notice something wrong with their mouth or throat. Ideally, the screening should be performed at least once a year or more frequently if you are at higher risk of developing oral cancer. The screening process is painless and very quick.

Who can get oral cancer?

Though generally, people who smoke or drink excessively are at higher risk of developing oral cancer, anyone can be at risk. New findings also suggest that while most oral cancers are diagnosed in people aged 45 and over, younger patients are also at risk due to complications caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted disease.

What are the warning signs?

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in or around the mouth including the tongue, lips, cheeks, palates, sinuses and the throat. The signs and symptoms of oral cancer typically mean it is already developed and you are running out of time to treat it effectively. These include white patches in your mouth, bleeding that is not related to gum disease, swelling, lumps, bumps, spots and sores on the face and the neck that do not heal. Your dentist will examine your face, mouth and throat thoroughly and determine whether any of these symptoms are related to oral cancer. Sometimes the issue can be something entirely unrelated, and sometimes it can be oral cancer. However, any of these symptoms warrant a visit to the dentist to request a mouth cancer screening.

By making it a point to visit your dentist regularly, you make it easier for oral cancer and other dental problems to be identified and treated at an early stage.

Visible smiles with invisible braces in Orpington

You may enjoy excellent oral health, but this does not mean that you cannot wish for more. When it comes to our overall appearance, you smile is really important. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, your desire to straighten your teeth and beautify your smile, is understandable.

At Orpington Dental Care, we appreciate that while many adults would like to have their teeth straightened, they are often too embarrassed to wear metal braces. Luckily, modern dentistry has come a long way, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly and efficiently with invisible braces in Orpington.

Six Month Smiles

Although not completely invisible like some other types of braces, Six Month Smiles braces are far more discreet than metal braces. The treatment consists of tooth-coloured brackets and wires that exercise gentle pressure on your teeth, helping them to reach their correct position in six months or less. This effective and safe cosmetic treatment fits around your lifestyle, and help you avoid wearing visible metal braces for years, or experiencing invasive teeth straightening procedures. Six Month Smiles braces in Orpington are comfortable, short-term and affordable.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an innovative teeth straightening method that helps straighten your teeth without the need for metal braces. Your treatment will start with a consultation with one of our dentists, who will examine your teeth and discuss your smile goals. They will then create a 3D model of your teeth that will show where your teeth are at the start of the process and map out the journey to the prescribed position. Once you have reviewed the plan with your dentist, we will create your custom-made aligners.

You will wear each aligner for two weeks, before moving on to the next in your series of aligners. As each is slightly different from the last one, they will move your teeth gradually into their final position. During treatment, you will visit us from time to time so we can monitor your progress and provide you with your next set of aligners.

To learn more about discreet braces in Orpington or book an appointment with one of your dentists, contact us today.

Is your smile missing something?

Missing teeth may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance as well as causing difficulties with eating or speaking. Gaps can also lead to your face sagging as you are missing the teeth that would naturally support your cheeks and lips. Another issue with losing teeth is that the remaining teeth lose stability which has long-term implications for the health of your mouth. If you need restorative work but have previously dismissed the idea of dentures then you may be interested in dental implants. Orpington is the home of Orpington Dental Care where we have given patients a new lease of life with this effective technique.

What happens when I have dental implants in Orpington?

Dental implants are titanium screws which are inserted into the jaw during a minor surgical procedure. The tissues of the jaw mesh around the implants, holding them firmly in place. The implants can then be used as a base for a single replacement tooth, several teeth or a full set. If you need multiple restorations, you do not necessarily need a lot of implants. We can usually fit a bridge of up to four replacement teeth on just one implant. We are so confident about dental implants that we guarantee them for life as long as you are prepared to keep up a good standard of care. Dental implants in Orpington are a permanent, stable solution which look great.

What are the advantages?

The most immediately obvious benefit is that your smile is restored to its former glory. Your replacement teeth are made to match the tone and appearance of any existing teeth so the result is very natural. For our patients in Orpington, dental implants have also allowed them to enjoy their favourite foods again and speak without worrying about dentures falling out or their voice sounding strange. A further advantage is that implants help to strengthen your jaw. This is because they stimulate the bones and blood vessels in this area in the same way as natural tooth roots. This prevents the shrinkage of tissues where there are gaps or someone wears removeable dentures.

Give your smile and oral health a new start and see how having dental implants in Orpington can help you.

Straighter teeth and happier smiles

Crooked teeth can diminish the attractiveness of your smile and undermine your confidence. What some people are not aware of is that teeth that are misaligned, crowded or have large gaps can also cause other problems. Having teeth in the wrong position can affect how you eat and speak as well as your overall dental health. Excessive spacing between the teeth can undermine their stability and uneven teeth are harder to clean as there are more places in which plaque can accumulate. This can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and discomfort if left unresolved. At Orpington Dental Care, we fit braces in Orpington to realign your teeth, enhance your smile, and improve your dental health.

Braces in Orpington for adults

Usually, braces are fitted 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, it is never too late for straighter teeth, even if you are an adult who missed out on braces as a child or have had treatment in the past which has relapsed. Fixed braces are a good choice for younger patients as they are simple to live with but adults may have different requirements. Advances in technology mean that we are now able to offer our patients in Orpington braces that are discreet and faster than before.

Modern techniques

We are pleased to offer braces in Orpington that fit into your lifestyle. Invisalign is a system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners which are changed every two weeks to gently guide your teeth into place. The aligners are almost invisible and very comfortable as they are made from smooth plastic. They are removeable for eating and cleaning so are simple to use and do not interfere with everyday life. If you prefer fixed braces then clear ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured wires can help to minimise their visual impact. These are used in the Six Month Smiles technique which really can be as rapid as the name suggests.

Having braces in Orpington has benefitted so many of our patients and we would like you to share their experiences.

A clearer way to straight teeth

There have been some amazing steps forward in dental treatments and techniques in the last 20 or so years, nowhere more so than in the area of braces.

It started in the 1980s, when film stars, models and royals suddenly started having super bright, sparkling, white smiles. If you watch movies from the 1970s and before, hardly anyone has perfect teeth.

Now you can have lovely teeth too, and the best treatment to start with is clear braces at Orpington Dental Care in Orpington.

Clear Braces in Orpington Clear braces are great for sorting out overcrowded, gappy or crooked teeth. These problems are mild compared with problems with the bite, but they still make people so self-conscious that they cover up their smiles with their hands, or refuse to have their photo taken.

We offer two forms of clear braces in Orpington.

Invisalign

Invisalign invisible aligners are a series of incrementally different, very thin, clear plastic trays. They are 3D printed to fit your measurements precisely and fit snugly over your teeth to gradually guide them into a new position. You will probably need between 12 and 48 aligners, wearing each one until the teeth have moved, which takes about two weeks, before the next Invisalign tray gently moves them on again. The great thing about Invisalign, and what makes it so popular, is that the aligners can be removed. You take them out to clean them, and also to eat, drink, or even attend important business or social occasions. However, you must wear them for at least 20 hours a day to stay on track with your treatment.

Six Month Smiles

This brand of clear braces uses clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires that are fixed to the teeth to gently move them into a straighter position. This system is aimed at moving the front six ‘social’ teeth, and not for bite correction, which is why the average treatment time is only six months. The fact that this system uses translucent brackets and tooth-coloured wire means people have to be looking carefully to spot them.

Why not come in for a free consultation to find out which system of clear braces will work for you?

Replacement teeth that stay in place

Losing your teeth affects your oral health as well as your appearance. The gaps in your smile may affect your confidence when socialising, but they can also be tricky to clean, allowing food particles and bacteria to build up to harmful levels. If you’ve lost several teeth, your jawbone may start to deteriorate, which can alter the underlying firmness of your face, leading to a sunken appearance. At our practice in Orpington, dental implants prevent these problems, and restore dental function, so you can enjoy biting and chewing your food, and smiling about it afterwards.

Integrated arrangements

The team at Orpington Dental Care will begin your treatment with an in-depth consultation. Taking the time to get to know you as a patient, we’ll learn about your dental history, and assess your teeth in detail, using contemporary imaging techniques to help create a thoroughly accurate treatment plan. We’ll also make sure your oral health is in good enough condition to accept the implants, and give you a written treatment plan, including costs.

Once you’re comfortable and ready at our practice in Orpington, dental implants, in the form of small titanium posts, will be placed into your jawbone in a minor surgical procedure. After a short period of healing, you’ll then return to us to have the replacement teeth securely attached to the posts.

Functional future

Because the material of the jawbone meshes with the implanted posts, in a process called osseointegration, your new teeth will have a very strong foundation, so you can use them just like your natural ones. They look smart and are easy to clean, so good oral hygiene is easy to achieve. And people who’ve had dental implants in Orpington can find it easier to pronounce certain words and phrases, enhancing their intelligibility and speaking confidence.

If you look after your implants properly, they will last you for the rest of your life. They are a long-term investment in your future oral health. So, whether you’ve lost several teeth to decay over the years, or just one tooth in a sporting injury, contact us today to get started on your journey towards dental implants in Orpington.

What are cosmetic braces?

Cosmetic braces in Orpington focus on correcting the cosmetic issues that can typically make our patients to feel unhappy about their smile. Braces at Orpington Dental Care focus on the teeth that show when you smile, but do not make significant changes to your bite.

These braces can have significantly reduced treatment times, using the best part of conventional braces in Orpington techniques, in a life-style friendly and cost-effective package for straight, white teeth.

Braces in Orpington Crooked and wonky teeth can make many of our patients feel self-conscious, reserved, or even ashamed about their appearance. In the past, it would have been hard to comprehend a braces treatment that would work in less than a year and didn’t necessitate complicated metal fixed brackets, wires and frequent trips to the dentist. Luckily, with recent advances in the dental field, revolutionary treatment is now available in the form of Six Month Smiles at Orpington Dental Care.

What is Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles braces in Orpington is an amazing dental technique for adults that uses the latest in modern materials to create your dream smile. It is a new approach to an age-old problem: How do adults straighten their teeth quickly and easily?

Six Month Smiles is an intensive dental treatment focused primarily on the front teeth that are most visible when you smile, known as the social six. The cost of Six Month Smiles is also tempting as the cost can be significantly less than other teeth straightening treatments, but can be less functional, as it is designed to concentrate on straightening the teeth purely in a way to improve your smile.

If you would like to find out more about the wonderful world of Six Month Smiles, there are many reviews available out there – you’ll easily be able to find that many people who are very happy with their results.

If Six Month Smiles braces in Orpington sound like the solution to your cosmetic dental issues, why not give us a call today and arrange your initial consultation today. Our dedicated and experienced staff are ready and waiting to help you get the smile of your dreams.

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