Author: Clapham South Dental Centre

Addressing tooth loss with dental implants

Thanks to advances in dental technology it is easier than ever to replace missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth or you have undergone a tooth extraction, then you can rest assured there are excellent treatment options available to regain a fully functioning mouth. Tooth loss occurs as a result of many different reasons. Lots of people avoid visiting the dentist as a result of dental anxiety or dental phobia and develop dental issues which become irreversible and result in tooth loss. Others find that poor oral hygiene, lifestyle choices such as smoking and drug abuse, or an unhealthy diet full of sweets and fizzy drinks result in irreversible tooth decay and a tooth falls out or they need to undergo a tooth extraction. It is also common to lose your teeth as a result of a sports injury or an accident and finally people may find that their teeth become weaker in old age resulting in missing teeth. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth then contact us today at Clapham South Dental Centre and book an appointment as soon as possible to replace your missing teeth and help prevent further complications or further tooth loss. Tooth loss can weaken your remaining healthy teeth, affect the alignment of your teeth and cause bone decay. The quicker you address your missing teeth the greater chance of successful tooth replacement and dental-implants-claphammaintaining the health of your remaining teeth.

What are dental implants and how do they work?

Dental implants Clapham are a highly successful method of addressing missing teeth. Dental implants Clapham have become increasingly popular over the last few decades. They are a permanent solution for tooth replacement. Dental implants Clapham are small titanium components and they are used to replace the root of your missing tooth. The implant works by being inserted into the bone socket where your tooth once was. This is an invasive procedure and your dentist will carry out a full examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone to make sure that it is suitable for you before proceeding with the surgery. A small hole is drilled into the bone socket so that the implant can be placed into the bone. The titanium initiates a process which is known as osseointegration and causes osteoblasts to form around the implant, securing it permanently into place.This is a natural healing process and depending on your body’s ability to mend it can take between 3 to 6 months for the implant to become a permanent fixture of your mouth.

Once the implant has been successfully integrated into your jaw you are ready to replace your missing teeth. You may choose to replace your teeth with crowns or a set of dentures and this will depend on the number of teeth that you are replacing and your personal preferences. Implant retained dentures are a highly popular option which was not available for previous generations. Dentures are now more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and have a more natural feeling than ever before. Speak to us at the centre to find out more about dental implants Clapham and the advantages that they bring to our patients.

Invisalign, our invisible braces in Clapham

Invisible braces Clapham are an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontic braces for those who want to undergo teeth straightening without drawing further attention to their mouths. There are different types of invisible braces Clapham depending on your dental requirements and your personal preferences. Here at Clapham South Dental Centre we recommend that if you have a complex orthodontic condition then you need to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment, at least to begin with, to help correct the misalignment of your teeth. Invisible braces Clapham are better suited to addressing mild or moderate misalignment of the teeth. Speak to one of our highly experienced dentists and we can put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you that will be designed to address the misalignment of your teeth with your personal preferences in mind.invisible-braces-clapham

Invisalign – invisible braces

Here at the practice we are proud to present Invisalign aligners to help correct any unevenness of your teeth and create a neatly aligned smile for you. Invisalign is a globally renowned teeth straightening system and has been used to correct over 12 million smiles across the world since 1999. It continues to be the treatment of choice amongst teenagers and adults who are embarrassed by traditional orthodontic braces and are looking for a discreet treatment option.

Invisalign aligners are clear and almost invisible when worn in the mouth. They are manufactured using advanced digital technology for precision and accuracy. They are comfortable to wear and highly convenient to use. You will undergo an intraoral scan which creates a 3-dimensional digital image of your mouth. The Invisalign software will manipulate this image and put together a treatment plan for you. This will also be used to create the aligners.

How do Invisalign aligners work?

Invisalign aligners are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack created exclusively for Invisalign. They work as a series. The aligners are shaped to put pressure in the correct place to move your teeth and have a small space for the teeth to move into. Each aligner can move the teeth by approximately 2.5mm to 3mm. Once the teeth have moved into their new position, that aligner is then redundant as it cannot apply anymore pressure to the teeth and you move on to the next aligner in the series.

Treatment times

Treatment times vary according to your individual dental requirements, some patients notice a difference within 3 months, whilst those with significant misalignment issues will have to undergo the treatment for longer. The average treatment time with Invisalign ranges between 12 to 18 months. The Invisalign software will calculate the treatment time and work out how many aligners you will need.

If you adhere to the treatment plan, by wearing the aligners for 1 to 2 weeks at a time, for at least 22 hours of the day, then you will achieve the predicted results in the timeframe prescribed for you. With regular check-ups our dentist will be able to make sure that the process is coming along successfully and that your teeth remain clean and healthy during the procedure.

Clear braces; FAQs about Invisalign answered

In 2022, there is no longer a reason for you to hide your smile if you have misaligned teeth. There are now options for people of all ages to straighten their teeth without drawing the unwanted attention that can occur alongside the use of standard fitted braces. clear-braces-clapham

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may be suitable to have treatment with an invisible aligner like Invisalign.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud of the range of clear braces Clapham that we can offer to our patients, which includes Invisalign and the Damon System. We will always work with patients to ensure that they get the straighter smiles that they want and deserve and provide them with tips on how to manage retainers and other tools that accompany orthodontic treatment.

Concerning Invisalign, you may have some questions about these clear braces Clapham. In this article, we answer 5 common FAQs that we receive about these aligners.

How does Invisalign work?

First, a member of our team will assess your suitability and then scan your mouth with an intraoral scanner to obtain a clear image of your teeth. Using computer software, your teeth are then moved digitally as they would be with these clear braces Clapham to get them to the final desired location. Once we are satisfied, we will then put each part of the digital movement into print, creating 3D aligners, which will have to be worn to straighten your teeth.

Can anyone benefit from these aligners?

It is an unfortunate reality that not everybody can benefit from wearing Invisalign. If you have a complicated or extreme protrusion or misalignment with your molar teeth, then it is likely that you will benefit from the use of a fixed brace more than from using Invisalign. But there is no upper age limit on this treatment, so if you have a misalignment later in life and you have good oral health, you will likely be suitable for it.

How often do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?

For this treatment to work, you will need to wear the aligners every single day for a minimum of 22 hours per day or as directed by our team.

Can I have cheat days?

No, for this treatment to work, you cannot have cheat days. This can cause the process to stop altogether or even cause your teeth to revert to their previous positions.

If you are uncertain that you will be able to adhere to the 22 hours of wear time each day, please talk to our team, and we will discuss other options that may benefit you.

Will I need a retainer?

Yes, irrespective of the type of orthodontic tool that has been used to correct your teeth, you will need to wear a retainer. This is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous positions once the aligners are off, which can occur very quickly. So keep the retainers on until our team tells you that you can reduce their usage.

Reasons to straighten your teeth with Invisalign

There are many reasons why someone may not want to undertake orthodontic realignment in adult life. It is assumed by many people that having their teeth straightened as an adult would involve the use of a fitted or metal brace. Today in dental care, this treatment is only reserved for severe cases.

invisalign-clapham

Now, there is a way for you to get the straight smile that you want via the use of invisible or clear aligners.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud to offer invisible or clear aligners to our suitable patients in the form of Invisalign Clapham. This aligner is one of our most popular options and can be used with ease and discretion to ensure that you get the smile you want without drawing unwanted stares from colleagues or family members.

But why else should you consider using Invisalign Clapham to straighten your teeth? Read on to find out!

It’s quick

The standard treatment timeline for Invisalign Clapham is between 3 and 6 months if the patient has a mild to moderate misalignment; this is significantly faster than a standard fitted brace for an adult patient, which can take up to 3 years to produce the desired results.

So, you can undertake treatment with this aligner in the run-up to a wedding, graduation or another ceremony for which you want your smile to look its best.

It’s discreet

As the name suggests, invisible aligners are the closest you will get to having a truly invisible orthodontic treatment. The aligner itself is made from clear plastic and will be custom-fitted to slot over your teeth, so no one will notice that you are wearing it.

It is also easy to clean the invisible aligners so there should not be an issue with staining. You simply rinse them under a cold water tap and remove any food or staining using a soft-bristled toothbrush.

It’s easy to use

The aligner itself is incredibly simple to use, but for it to work effectively, you need to wear it for a minimum of 22 hours per day or as advised by our team. You have to wear each aligner in order; this will ensure that your teeth are straightened correctly. There is also an app that accompanies the aligner, which you can use to explore any queries that you may have about your daily use. Or, you can simply contact our team for more advice.

It’s comfortable

This aligner is renowned for being more comfortable to wear as it does not rub against your inner cheeks or tongue. However, it is worth noting that the aligners are designed to move your teeth, so some pressure during wear is to be expected and can be mitigated with over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol.

It’s removable

Another big bonus of this aligner is that it is removable, so it will not restrict the food you eat. You can take the aligner out before you give talks or simply whenever you wish to remove it! Just be sure to keep it in for the required 22 hours a day.

Advantages of having dental implants Clapham

When you are an adult who has missing teeth, it can feel very embarrassing, especially if you work in a role where you are required to engage with people on a daily basis. It may also prevent you from feeling confident about your smile, which is something nobody should have to experience! dental-implants-clapham

Luckily, restorative dentistry has come a long way in the last 10 years, and now, you can have oral implants fitted, which will resolve the gap and allow you to feel confident in yourself.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to see patients and discuss the possibilities of them having dental implants Clapham fitted. This is a relatively straightforward procedure that our team is trained in performing and will leave you with a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off. Great stuff!

Are there any other advantages of having dental implants Clapham fitted? Read on to find out!

Improved bite strength

If you have missing teeth, chances are that you have been offered a bridge or denture in the past. However, many people who have these restoratives fitted notice that they are not able to bite into food with the same strength as they would with their regular, natural teeth. Dental implants Clapham allow you to bite into food with the same strength and precision that you would have with your natural teeth, as they are fitted to the jaw and can therefore offer superior bite strength.

Better oral health

Fewer gaps mean a lower chance of having or developing gum disease and cavities. If you have an area in your mouth where there is spacing, this is the perfect place for bacteria to hide and multiply, which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. As implants fill these gaps permanently, they prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria.

Better physical health

There have been numerous studies in the past linking incidents of high levels of plaque in the mouth and problematic physical health issues such as an increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and even cancer. As mentioned earlier, oral implants close gaps in your mouth that can act as a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria, so they will enhance your oral health in the long term.

Better aesthetics

The oral implants we offer can be matched by colour and shape to blend in seamlessly with your natural surrounding teeth so that you get a pleasing, natural-looking aesthetic. Alternatively, if you are opting for a full set of dentures, these can be any shade that you want. So, you can pull off that Hollywood smile if you want to!

Better longevity

With the correct aftercare (which is minimal), oral implants can last up to and over 15 years. While you may have concerns that this is an expensive treatment, dental implants can reduce the likelihood of you developing orthodontic complications from missing teeth. It will also reduce the chances of you needing to have fillings or crowns fitted and, of course, boost your self-esteem. So overall, it is a better option in the long term.

Advantages of wearing invisible braces as an adult

When you are an adult, it is easy to assume that having your teeth straightened is going to be linked to things like vanity or simply wanting to change the way you look. invisible-braces-clapham

And there is some truth in this. The majority of adult patients who undertake orthodontic treatment do so because they want to improve how their smiles look. However, this is not the be-all and end-all of the advantages of undertaking orthodontic care as an adult.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team has helped hundreds of patients in their adult years to get the smiles that they want using invisible braces Clapham, like Invisalign and the Damon System. These options are discreet and can offer an accelerated treatment timeline for patients who have mild to moderate misalignments.

Are there any other advantages to undertaking orthodontic treatment as an adult? Yes, there are! And in the following article, 5 key benefits of using invisible braces Clapham as an adult will be discussed.

No more bad breath

If your teeth are misaligned, you are at a higher risk of suffering from bad breath, also known as halitosis; this is because misaligned teeth are harder to brush. When teeth are not cleaned well enough, it can cause the buildup of bacteria and plaque, which can, in turn, create bad breath. By using invisible braces Clapham, these gaps and spaces between your teeth will be reduced, and you should notice that your breath smells cleaner for longer.

Reduced risk of oral health issues

There is another disadvantage to having misaligned teeth that you may not have considered, and that is the associated risk of cavities and gum disease. As mentioned earlier, misaligned teeth tend to form areas where bacteria and plaque can evade detection and removal by even the best toothbrushes. This can lead to an enhanced risk of you developing gum disease and tooth decay. By having your teeth straightened as an adult, you can prevent the likelihood of you needing to have restorative dental work performed.

Reduces risk of physical health issues

There is a link between excess levels of plaque in the mouth and heart disease, cancers and strokes. By having your teeth straightened, you make it easier to remove all of the plaque from your teeth and gums and reduce the chances of it seeping into your bloodstream, where it can be dangerous.

Boosts self-esteem

Of course, we could not get through this article without discussing how having straighter teeth will boost your self-esteem. Straighter teeth will allow you to smile with confidence, and you will likely notice that you start to feel more confident when talking to people at work or in general as you will no longer be hiding your teeth.

Better sleep!

Misaligned teeth can equate to worse sleep, as the molars will try to resolve the misalignment as your jaw relaxes when you are sleeping, which can cause muscle soreness, headaches and migraines over time. By having your teeth straightened, you may allow yourself to get a better night’s sleep.

Clear braces or invisible aligners?

Are you unsure about which orthodontic treatment might be the right one for you? clear-braces-clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud of our range of orthodontic options, including clear braces Clapham like the Damon System and even Invisalign aligners. So, if you are an adult who wants straighter teeth, contact our team for a consultation!

In this article, we compare the Damon System clear braces Clapham with Invisalign to help you weigh up which option may be the right for you.

Treatment time

The treatment time for both clear braces Clapham like the Damon System and Invisalign are faster than the standard treatment time for fitted braces. The Damon System can straighten your teeth in as little as 18 months, with Invisalign offering an average time of 3 to 6 months; however, this will depend on the issue being treated. So talk to our team for a more personalised breakdown.

Daily maintenance

The Damon System will require you to buy interdental brushes and an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth healthy and avoid the consumption of certain foods.

Invisible aligners have more simple maintenance. To keep them clean, you rinse them under a cold water tap, and if needed, you can remove stuck-on debris with a toothbrush. You will, however, need to brush your teeth after you consume food and before wearing the aligners; this will reduce the likelihood of tooth decay or gum disease developing.

Comfort

Both invisible aligners and the Damon System braces have a job to do; move your teeth. But they differ in how they achieve this.

The Damon System works in a very similar way to a standard brace. It is fixed, adjusted and tightened, thus moving your teeth into proper alignment over time. Invisible aligners achieve the same goal in smaller steps. They come in a set of 12-14, and each aligner gently moves your teeth closer to the final result over 2 weeks. This is more manageable relating to discomfort, but you may still need pain relievers.

If you have any excessive discomfort with any orthodontic tool, contact our team as soon as possible for an assessment.

Discretion

Both options offer discretion; however, the invisible aligners offer more simply because of the materials that they are made from.

Most invisible aligners are made from clear plastic, which is malleable but also firm. They are slotted over your teeth, where they allow you to show off your smile without any obvious drawbacks. The Damon System, however, is a fixed brace. The brackets are usually clear or enamel-coloured, and the archwire is thinner. But, they may still be slightly noticeable.

However, when they are compared to a standard metal brace, the Damon System is more discreet.

Results

The results from both of these orthodontics tools can be life-changing.

You will have a straighter smile that will be whiter and easier to clean. But, in the short term, after the treatment is concluded, you will need to wear a retainer. This is the only way you can ensure that the results stick. A retainer will help to keep your teeth in their new positions. If you do not wear a retainer, you risk your teeth reverting to their previous positions, which can make the entire endeavour a waste of time and money.

FAQs about Invisalign answered by our team

Have you heard about invisible aligners? Are you looking for a way to straighten your teeth in your adult life without using a metal brace? invisalign-clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our team uses Invisalign Clapham to help our patients get the straighter smiles that they want, all while being discreet and easier to use than other orthodontic options

Here, our team answers some key questions that our patients have had relating to Invisalign Clapham. So, read on to learn more!

How do invisible aligners differ from braces?

Invisalign Clapham differs from braces in how it looks, how it works and how long it takes.

The aligners are made from clear plastic, so when they are placed in your mouth, they will be practically invisible. They work by differently shaped aligners (worn in a sequence) applying pressure to your teeth and gradually moving them into the desired positions. They will be made using images taken of your mouth using an intraoral scanner and can be custom-fitted to the shape of your teeth.

How long do aligners take to straighten teeth?

On average, invisible aligners take between 3 and 6 months to straighten teeth, but this will depend on the issue being corrected. This timeline may also vary if you do not wear the aligners as directed. They are removable, so it can be tempting to leave them out for extended periods of time. In order for them to be effective, you will need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day.

But during your initial consultation, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre will be able to give a clearer guide on how long your treatment will take.

Are the results as good as those obtained with fixed braces?

Yes, the results obtained using invisible aligners are indistinguishable from those achieved with a metal brace.

Just be sure to wear the retainers after your treatment has concluded. Not doing so can result in your teeth moving back to their former positions or the treatment slowing and stopping altogether.

Who is suitable for aligners?

If you have a mild to moderate misalignment, protrusion or spacing issue, then you will likely be suitable for treatment with invisible aligners.

However, our team will state that before undertaking invisible aligners, your oral health has to be in good condition; you cannot have tooth decay or gum disease. If you have either of these problems, they must be treated and resolved before any orthodontic care is performed.

Are aligners hard to care for?

No, aligners are actually remarkably easy to care for.

As they are removable, you can clean them by rinsing them under cold water. Simply use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any stuck-on debris. Do not rinse them in hot water; doing so can cause them to warp out of shape. You can also invest in a denture cleaner to soak the aligners in, or you can purchase a cleaner designed for use with invisible aligners and soak them as and when needed. This will keep them clean and minty fresh!

Advantages of dental implants

When you have missing teeth, you will likely have searched online for an option to conceal the gap and restore the bite strength lost by the missing tooth or teeth, especially if they are located near the front of your mouth. In your search, you would have inevitably come across oral implants. dental-implants-clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are always happy to meet with patients to discuss the possibility of concealing gaps with dental implants Clapham. These metal screws fuse to your jaw after surgery and allow us to attach any prosthetic to help you conceal gaps or improve your bite strength. Great!

So, what are some of the advantages of having dental implants Clapham fitted? Read on to find out.

They look natural

You may have heard that dental implants Clapham do not look natural, especially if they are fitted between two natural teeth; this is not the case. Our team will take great care to ensure that the crown or prosthetic blends in seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth, providing you with a healthy-looking smile. If you are having a set of dentures affixed to the oral implants, however, you can go full Hollywood if you want to, and we will be more than happy to create dentures in any shade of white that you wish!

They strengthen bite

A key issue that many people experience when they lose teeth at the front is a weakened bite, even if they are wearing dentures or bridges. Implants can be fitted securely to your jaw, and the prosthetics can be fitted to the implant; this allows you to bite into foods as if your teeth were natural, without needing to worry that they will move. Implants will also help with chewing, so you will no longer need to eliminate certain foods from your diet.

They prevent cavities and gum disease

If you have gaps in your smile, this is more than an aesthetic issue. These areas can be a great hiding place for plaque and bacteria, which, if left unchecked, can impact the surrounding natural teeth and even cause inflammation and gum disease. Having these areas filled with an oral implant prevents these hidden spots from falling victim to plaque and will, therefore, keep your mouth healthy.

They help you sleep

Nocturnal grinding is common, especially if you have missing molar teeth. Therefore, having oral implants fitted can prevent or lessen grinding and allow you to get the sleep you need. This is especially important if you frequently wake up with headaches, migraines or a stiff neck, as these are early symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder. This disorder can also be prevented or lessened with oral implants.

They have a long lifespan

Assuming that you correctly care for your oral implants, they should last for up to and over 15 years.

Luckily, correct care is not difficult. Your oral implants, when fitted with prosthetics, require treatment similar to your natural teeth. You will need to brush and floss them as you would twice a day and, of course, attend checkups with our team. Keep an eye out for signs of gum disease, as this can shorten the lifespan of the implants. Also, refrain from smoking or drinking excessively as this can also damage the implants.

Invisible braces; FAQs about The Damon System answered

It was once a bit stigmatised to seek out orthodontic care in your adult life. invisible-braces-clapham

It was associated with large, metal braces that were far from discreet and very expensive. However, as demand for adult orthodontic care has grown, so have the choices that dental surgeries can offer. Now, patients have access to treatments ranging from the standard brace to invisible aligners like Invisalign, with many orthodontic tools in-between.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are exceedingly proud of the range of orthodontic tools that we can offer to our patients, especially our range of invisible braces Clapham. We have an orthodontic tool for everyone and will ensure that when you come to us, you get the straighter smile that you want.

Here, our team answers key questions that we receive from patients about to undertake treatment with invisible braces Clapham; in this case, the Damon System. So, read on and enjoy!

How does the Damon System work?

The Damon System works in a similar way to a standard brace. These invisible braces Clapham have brackets that can be attached to the front of your teeth using dental cement. Our team will then adjust the position of the wire in your mouth to move the teeth. These are known as tightening sessions or adjustments.

The tension applied to the archwire by these tightening sessions then causes the teeth to move via pulling.

Are they discreet?

Yes, Damon System braces are discreet; they are not quite as discreet as invisible aligners, but few people will be able to spot that you are wearing them. As they are braces, they will be fixed to your teeth. However, unlike standard braces, the brackets (or the bits that attach the wire to the teeth) on the Damon System braces are not metal. With the Damon System, the braces are usually clear or enamel-coloured. It is also worth noting that the wires themselves are thinner than those on a standard brace, ensuring that you will have a brace with less of an aesthetic impact.

How long do they take?

This will depend entirely on the issues being corrected. However, the Damon System typically works faster than most standard fitted braces. On average, our patients who have used this system were required to wear it for between 6 and 12 months. Our team will be able to provide you with a more accurate timeline when you attend your initial appointment with us.

Are they expensive?

Many patients worry that undertaking orthodontic care in adult life will be expensive. However, at Clapham South Dental Centre, we know that it can be concerning trying to fund orthodontic care. So, we can offer you 0% financing options to help you pay for your dental treatments; this will ensure that you get the straighter smile that you want without putting undue pressure on your budget.

Will I need a retainer?

Yes, as is the way with all kinds of orthodontic care, after you have undertaken the Damon System, you will need to wear a retainer.

Remember, a retainer is not a brace; it is like a mouthguard that prevents your teeth from reverting to their previous positions. So, not wearing one can actually undo months of work and expense.