Dental Blog - Clapham South Dental Centre

Let Clapham South Dental Centre really give you something to smile about!

Clapham South Dental Centre is a fully integrated dental practice and a whole lot more. With a dedicated team of highly trained and expert dentists all practicing in one facility we are able to offer dental excellence across a wide spectrum of dental treatments, ensuring amazing patient outcomes, day in day out.

Clapham South Dental Centre offer an integrated and team focused method of dentistry, with a high degree of patient care intermingled within the very fabric and ethos of the practice. From the outset we strongly advocate preventive dentistry as the front line defence for healthy teeth, and we cater for patients both young and old with first class routine and general dentistry. More than this, we offer orthodontic treatment.

I was born with crooked teeth what can I do

We are not all born with a perfect smile and flawlessly straight teeth, in fact few of us are. When it comes to creating a beautiful smile it is important that our teeth are in alignment and in the right position to start with The standard, and in fact until recently, the only solution for this was fixed braces. We all know these metal braces, the ones with adjustable wires and fixings, which need continual dental visits in order to achieve the desired results, and let’s face it, are not the most pleasant accessory. Recent advances in orthodontics have provided several options which make the whole process not only a lot more discreet, but a whole lot more convenient and easier to manage. To start with, clear braces in Clapham provide the same end result, but are much less visible. Clear braces in Clapham have grown in popularity in recent times and our patients feel a lot more comfortable wearing them. Invisalign, for one, represents a truly revolutionary leap in orthodontics offering clear braces in Clapham which are custom made aligners, barely visible and removable for brushing and eating. You will need a number of Invisalign tooth aligners on your journey to straight teeth and a fabulous smile, with the average treatment time being between 6 to18 months. On initial consultation your specialist dentist will take a mould of your teeth which is then fed into a computer which will generate a virtual reality model of your teeth Your dentist can then use their expertise to design a series of custom made teeth aligners made especially for you. This method has been the preferred solution to obtaining a fabulous smile for many A-Listers and celebrities for many years. Other types of clear braces are otherwise known as ceramic braces. These braces can provide the precise results of traditional braces, but are constructed so as to have either transparent or tooth coloured brackets. This makes them unobtrusive to the casual observer and their performance is extremely efficient.

Will it cost a fortune to have clear braces?

It has now become more affordable and available to you now. We offer convenient and easy interest free finance, allowing you to spread the cost of your treatments with easy monthly payments. Why not get in touch today and see how Clapham South Dental Centre can put you on the road to a fabulous smile?

Can you identify the key differences between Invisalign and traditional dental braces?

Since its appearance on the dental scene, this barely detectable thermoplastic aligner tray, that offers the huge advantage of being easily removed from the mouth by the patient themselves, has changed the face of teeth correcting dental treatments. At Clapham South Dental Centre we have seen a stratospheric rise in enquiries about Invisalign in Clapham, from adult patients in particular, who now have the hope to straighten their teeth without having to feel awkward about wearing braces. We find it useful for patients to know what separates these relatively new dental appliances from their more traditional older cousins – the fixed metal braces.

3 Significant ways that sets clear plastic aligners apart

There are a number of technological advancements that sets Invisalign in Clapham apart from more common place dental appliances. These critical differences impact the way these removable aligners work, influencing the cost factor and the duration of teeth straightening treatment. Some of these ways are as follows:

Materials used

The materials used in the manufacture of Invisalign in Clapham are unique and contribute to the effectiveness of the dental appliance’s positive reputation for shifting teeth into the correct position, while eliminating the common challenges of more orthodox treatment methods (easier and quicker to clean mouth, reduced discomfort, no adjustments need to be made).

A sequence of trays as opposed to one set of braces

Instead of wearing one set of braces throughout treatment, patients are expected to wear a succession of plastic trays that are custom made for each patient. Each set is responsible for making slight adjustments to obtain the desired result which is why there is no need for a dental practitioner to make manual adjustments.

Removable vs fixed

The design of the plastic aligner trays makes it possible for these trays to be quickly removed from the mouth and reinserted. Patients have this choice to enable them to eat all types of foods and take the challenge out of keeping the teeth and gums clean and healthy. For these plastic trays to work their optimal best they need to be kept in the mouth for a minimum number of hours. Our dental practitioners suggest that this is between 20 and 22 hours, leaving a very small window for them to be removed.

Like traditional orthodontic appliances, there are rules that have to be adhered to. These include:

Avoid chewing gum while wearing the trays.
Avoid smoking while wearing the trays as these can be prone to staining.
Do clean your teeth and gums before reinserting aligner trays.
Do take careful care of the trays as they can be damaged.

The cost of removable aligners varies as each patient’s case is judged according to your individual needs, the nature of your problem and your desired objective. To know the exact cost of your treatment, book a consultation at Clapham South Dental Centre today. Our dental practitioners will determine the best course of dental action for you.

Facial areas that can be improved by Botox injections

Have you heard of facial injections but not quite sure what it does or why it is used? At Clapham South Dental Centre, our dental practitioners are qualified to administer these facial injections that are aimed at offering patients a more youthful appearance. Tell-Tale signs such as wrinkles have become the scourge of facial aesthetics for the same reasons that greying hair has to be dyed – these are the most common visible signs of ageing.

Botox in Clapham is derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A, to produce a therapeutic treatment that influences muscle activity. This type of aesthetic treatment is administered in small doses and it is best for patients to choose a skilled and experienced practitioner to administer the injections. This is critical to avoid any complications from occurring. At first the treatment was used mainly for treating conditions such as eye spasms and misalignment of the eye, but now has become widely used in cosmetic applications.

Common facial areas where anti-ageing injectable fillers are used

Area between the eyebrows

In the glabella area – the area between the eyebrows, is where the corrugators muscles, also called vestigial muscles, can be found. Once these muscles played an important role in presenting a scowling appearance (this type of body language was useful in instilling fear in the enemy). This function has now become obsolete in the modern era.

Forehead

The appearance of horizontal lines and vertical wrinkles are commonly found in the middle section of the forehead. Injectable fillers effectively smoothen out these issues.

Other injection sites also include:

Outer area of the brow
Lateral Orbital Lines also referred to as Crow’s feet area
Dimpled or rumpled chins (chin dents)
Perioral Lines alternatively known as Smoker’s Lines
Bunny lines or otherwise the lines alongside the nose
Muscles located around the mouth
The neck although only in select patients
Certain areas in the body where sweat glands are located: palms, under arms and backs of knees and soles of the feet.

Benefits of Botox in Clapham

Facial injectable fillers have become a go-to anti-ageing product due to a number of highly sought after benefits that they offer patients. These skin-enhancing benefits include:

Minimizing the appearance of wrinkles (eyes and lips)
Improving the appearance of fine lines
Eliminating distracting horizontal lines
Elevate eyebrows to augment facial symmetry
Used to lower the upper lip to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile
Reduce the need for a neck lift by moderating vertical bands found in the neck area
Smooth out dimpled chins
Reduce excessive sweating

Think Botox in Clapham can benefit you? Book a consultation at Clapham South Dental Centre and one of our dental practitioners will be happy to carry out an evaluation and determine where the best injection site is to give you the results you want. Our dental practitioners are very familiar with administering injections in the facial area, and together with our sound knowledge of facial muscles, our dentists are best placed to carry out safe and effective injectable filler procedures. Call today to schedule your appointment.

Top reasons to choose Cfast braces

Whether you need to enhance your smile for personal reasons or improve your prospects professionally, one of the new dental appliances in the market – Cfast – focuses on producing desired results relatively quickly. For many patients, the time it takes for this type of dental appliance to work is six months. Many adult patients consider a short treatment duration a critical factor. At Clapham South Dental Centre we know how important fast effective results are to our patients which is why we offer a wide choice in teeth straightening treatments – both traditional and newer dental appliances – for more sensational smiles. As part of our range of invisible braces in Clapham we offer the Cfast treatment method..

The Cfast treatment method

The six front teeth located on the upper and lower dental arch is commonly referred to as the ‘smile zone’ as these teeth (when correctly aligned) form the basis of what is considered a brilliant smile. The Cfast dental appliance is designed to work on this smile zone, straightening teeth in a rapid manner. These front teeth are known to be easier and quicker to shift into alignment as they have a single root and comparatively thinner bone structure than other bones found in the mouth. It is this factor that largely influences the dental appliance’s speedy efforts.

Convenient and fast, this type of invisible braces in Clapham work best for patients with teeth alignment problems such as slight overcrowding, small sized gaps in the dental arch and toothy grins.

Benefits of Cfast dental axppliances

There are many reasons, apart from the quick results they provide, that patients choose Cfast. Other benefits that promote this type of dental appliance with patients include:

This dental appliance is non-invasive and discreet as the dental brackets are made of clear material and tooth coloured metal wires. Patients find their confidence levels soar knowing they are taking care of their oral health without having to wear distracting and embarrassing dental appliances.
There is less likelihood of patients developing speech impediments or experiencing difficulties in eating.
Due to the shorter treatment times, cost becomes more affordable.
Comfort. As only the front teeth are affected during treatment and the force needed to shift them into the required position is minimal, wearing these types of invisible braces in Clapham are found to be generally more comfortable than other types of orthodontic appliances.
Simple and straightforward. The dental devices are attached to the teeth so there is no need to stress about them going missing or changing them.

Patients should bear in mind that Cfast, like other orthodontic devices, need to be cleaned religiously in addition to cleaning teeth and gums. Seeing that Cfast can only be used for a limited number of oral alignment problems, the dental appliance may not be suitable for every patient. To determine your suitability, your situation will need to be assessed by one of our dental practitioners at Clapham South Dental Centre. Call us today to arrange a consultation.

Here’s how to determine if you are a suitable candidate for clear braces in Clapham

While there is certainly a wider range of orthodontic braces to choose from nowadays, we at Clapham South Dental Centre like to make our patients aware that not all treatments types may be suitable for every patient. One of the clear braces in Clapham treatment types most frequently asked about at our dental clinic is Invisalign. The ease of use, comfort and discreteness of this dental device are the top factors for the treatment’s popularity.

Crooked smiles Invisalign can fix

One of the major factors in determining a patient’s suitability for this type of clear braces in Clapham is the severity of your crooked smile. The dental device is used for a myriad range of teeth and bite issues, but may not be suitable if these issues are severe or complex. Generally, the following dental conditions can be treated:

Spaces between teeth

Gaps between teeth are a cause for concern as food can easily become trapped in them and lead to other dental issues like tender gums and advanced gum disease.

A crowded mouth

Overcrowding does not leave sufficient space in the dental arches to accommodate teeth comfortably. This is worrying for a number of reasons. Firstly teeth and gums become more difficult to clean and as a result, a patient can quite easily accumulate plaque build-up. Other reasons include teeth becoming encouraged to overlap or forced out of position.

Overbite

This is a common malocclusion condition where the upper dental arch overlaps the lower arch. Patients usually experience jaw pain due to teeth putting undue pressure on the jaw.

Underbite

Another bite issue that causes difficulty in chewing and speaking is the underbite. An underbite is defined as the front teeth in the lower dental arch jutting out in front of the front upper teeth.

Crossbite

Patients with a crossbite find that their upper teeth are sitting in the unusual position of inside the lower arch as opposed to the outside of the lower teeth. The damage caused by this condition include chipped teeth, gum recession and bone loss.

Open bite

When you close your mouth, it is normal for the teeth on the upper and lower arches to touch. Sometimes this does not happen and this is referred to as an open bite. The condition can present chewing difficulties when biting into hard and crunchy food types.

Other influential factors include:

A patient’s willpower or determination to commit to our dental practitioner’s guidelines on wearing Invisalign retainers.

Whilst the most commonly known fact about the device is that it is removable, many of our patients are surprised to find out that they are only allowed to remove them for a limited number of hours.

Age

The thermoplastic aligners are able to be fitted for older teenagers and adult patients.

Only a dental practitioner can evaluate a patient’s case accurately and determine their suitability for clear braces in Clapham. If you have one of the teeth or bite problems mentioned above and want to know if Invisalign can help you fix it, then please contact us at Clapham South Dental Centre.

Why patients are asking about Invisalign in Clapham

We all have something about our smile we don’t like, whether that’s staining, chips, cracks or crooked teeth, there’s always something we want to improve about those pearly whites. One treatment our patients are using to straighten up their smiles is the use of invisible braces.

Here are a few reasons why our patients are coming in for Invisalign in Clapham.

Brief outline

For those that are not familiar with this type of treatment, here is a brief outline of what it involves. This procedure is essentially the fitting of a mouth brace that you swap over with other braces over time, each one slightly altered to the movement of your teeth. Through a gentle application of pressure this apparatus will slowly realign your crooked teeth to a more natural and agreeable position in your mouth.

What to expect

The process of being fitted for Invisalign in Clapham is relatively quick and comfortable, which is a big selling point to a lot of patients who are not particularly keen on treatments involving invasive dental procedures. Once you’ve booked an appointment at our practice, your dentist will discuss the steps that will be involved, then using high tech scanning equipment they will create a series of 3D images of your mouth.

With this computer-generated picture your dentist will be able to map out how your teeth will be moved and how your straightened smile will look at that the end of the procedure. At Clapham South Dental Centre, we will do our best to give you that perfectly straight smile that you deserve.

Advantages to clear braces

If you’re still undecided about Invisalign in Clapham here are a few benefits to the treatment that might change your mind.

To start with, the braces are made from a see-through material which renders them invisible. This helps eliminate any feelings of low self-confidence at having to wear orthodontic gear out in public. Secondly, the braces are removable and easy to clean. Just use a small amount of aligner cleaning solution and then use a toothbrush to lightly scrub this over the brace once every other day.

Treatment tips

After you have the braces fitted here are a few facts to keep in mind to make sure your treatment goes off without a hitch.

First, when you’re removing the braces to clean them try to not take too long. The braces need to stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day, leaving them out for too long could negatively impact your realignment. Also, there is probably going to be some mild discomfort as pressure is being placed on your teeth. We recommend you buy some over-the-counter pain relief to address this when and if you need to.

Finally, if the guard is removed from your mouth we recommend you keep it in a hard bodied container to ensure it remains sterile and to prevent any accidental damage.

These are just a few interesting facts about our invisible brace’s treatment. Hopefully this has helped clear a few things about it. If you’re looking to improve your smile and straighten up a few of those crooked teeth contact the practice and book your next appointment now.

Ease off some wrinkles with Botox in Clapham

We all want to look our best as we look older, but sadly there’s no stopping Father Time as we all start to get little wrinkles here and there. Although there’s no physical way to stop the ageing process, there are options to limit its effects aesthetically. One particular treatment patients try is Botox.

Here’s a brief outline of why we’re seeing more people coming in for Botox in Clapham and why you might want to consider it.

What is it?

Everyone at some point has heard of this treatment, whether it’s in movies, TV or following the tweets of a celebrity, it’s a fairly common practice. But, for those that have never heard of it the procedure involves using a series of injected chemicals to remedy a number of facial issues.

Although it’s mostly used to reduce wrinkles, it can also be used by your dentist to treat bruxism, problems with the lip line, clenching, hypertrophy and a range of other dental diseases. Because of this it’s becoming a fairly common choice of treatment at a number of practices.

What does the treatment involve?

When you first come in for a procedure our talented Clapham South Dental Centre team will take you through everything you need to know about your treatment. We will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the entire process. After explaining how the treatment will work and what’s to be expected you will then have a series of injections put into your facial muscles.

These chemicals will then attach to the nerve endings that control these parts of your face and over a few days the signals to these areas that cause muscle contractions will be blocked. Since it’s the motor neurons that are blocked you still will be able to feel the area. These signals will continue to be blocked for around four months or so, at which point you may need to come back in for a top-up.

Advice after treatment

After you have left your appointment for Botox in Clapham here are a couple bits of advice we have for you. The most important is that there is a small chance the chemicals can spread through your body, the signs of this are urinary incontinence, problems with breathing, swallowing and muscle weakness. If any of these signs appear then you need to contact medical help immediately before your symptoms worsen.

There is also a chance you could build up an immunity to the substance, this can happen if you receive too many repeat high doses. If this is the case, you may be offered a different form of treatment to achieve the same kind of results. So, try to get used to the injections to make it a little easier on yourself.

Hopefully this has helped clear up a few facts about this treatment. If you think you might qualify for it or are interested in seeing if it’s worth your time, then try asking your dentist on your next appointment at our practice.

How to care for your invisible braces in Clapham

As cosmetic dentistry becomes more widely accepted, we have seen more and more patients coming in looking for help in straightening up their smile. One treatment we would recommend is the use of invisible braces to correct crooked teeth you might have.

Invisible Braces in Clapham Although it’s a popular procedure, it’s also quite a lengthy one with most patients taking around 12 months to finish. Throughout that time there are a lot of opportunities for something to go wrong, that’s why we’ve outlined a few things you can try at home to keep your brace looking its best.

Regular cleaning is a must

After being fitted with invisible braces in Clapham we really can’t stress enough how important it is that you regularly clean the appliance. A good scrubbing will help to cut down on any bacterial build up from general wear and tear, plus it can also aid in reducing staining.

Ideally you should be cleaning the appliance at least once every two days. To clean it we recommend mixing a small amount of bespoke cleaning solution, then take this mixture and lightly scrub it all over the brace with a toothbrush. Then just rinse it off afterwards and leave to dry.

Keep it safe

Although it may seem pretty obvious, keeping your brace in a safe place is one of the best things you can do. Normally we suggest with invisible braces in Clapham that you keep it in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day to ensure your alignment process goes off without a hitch, but if you have to remove it then keep it in a hard bodied container if you can.

Avoid placing it on surfaces around the home or in your pocket as this just allows dirt and bacteria to attach itself to the brace and that’s the last thing you want in your mouth. If you have to take it out, we recommend rinsing it, letting it dry and then placing it in a sealed hard bodied container to keep it sterile and to prevent it from getting damaged.

Is mouthwash safe to use?

Generally, mouthwash should be avoided if you can. This is because there are chemicals in different brands that could damage your brace if it’s exposed to them over time. Also, a colouring pigment is used in the majority of mouthwashes and this can sometimes stain your brace a lovely and very distracting colour if you’re not careful.

If you’re unsure where to start, try asking your dentist. Because at Clapham South Dental Care we will be able to provide you with great advice to make sure you’re making the best possible choice.

These are a couple of things you can try at home to keep your braces safe, clean and in good shape for as long as possible. If you’re interested in learning how else you can care for your brace or if you need a new one, then ask your dentist when you come in for your next appointment.

How clear braces in Clapham can help you cosmetically

With more and more of us using social media everyday the way we look starts to become ever increasingly important. We start to notice all the little flaws and imperfections that on the outside are small but inside cause a lot of anxiety and feelings of low self-confidence.

But there are options at your disposal for improving your image a little. One method is to make an appointment for clear braces in Clapham to give your smile a little boost.

What these braces are

As we mentioned above, these braces can help your smile. What we mean by that is, this treatment is primarily used by our patients to straighten up crooked or misaligned teeth.

We manage this by providing you with a custom fitting dental brace that you will need to wear for a short period. Then over time we will replace this with other aligners that will help to apply a gentle amount of pressure on your teeth to reposition them to a nicer looking angle or spot in your mouth. At Clapham South Dental Centre, we will make sure the fitting process is fast, pain-free and we’ll advise you on the best way to look after your brace when you leave.

The procedure

The process of being fitted for clear braces in Clapham is relatively quick, not particularly invasive and is pain-free. It involves your dentist using a sophisticated piece of scanning equipment to create a 3D image of your teeth that they will use to show how your teeth will be realigned in the future.

Then your dentist will provide you with the custom-made braces we mentioned previously which will realign your teeth. The entire treatment time can be fairly lengthy with most patients generally taking around 12 months to finish with positive results, so you need to be patient.

How we scan

Generally, when you come in for a scan you can expect one of two methods. Either your dentist will use blue LEDs to map out the topography of your teeth, or they will use a series of laser scans to collect measurements. Both are painless and tend to be fairly quick options for scanning.

Advice for wearing braces

After taking your aligners home there are a few practices you should pick up to make sure the treatment goes smoothly.

As an example, when removing the brace for brushing your teeth or eating, try to not keep it out for too long. Generally, you should be wearing it for at least 22 hours a day. Also, there is probably going to be some discomfort from the pressure being placed on your teeth, we recommend painkillers to counter this when it is appropriate.

You may remove the appliance very briefly if the discomfort is too much, but if you do then we suggest you place it in a hard container to keep it sterile and prevent accidental damage from occurring.

Hopefully some of this has helped clear up a few things about the braces. They’re a great way to realign those crooked teeth, so if you’re looking to straighten up that smile of yours then contact your dentist at our practice and see what we can do for you.

Missed out on braces as a kid? How Invisalign at Clapham South Dental Centre can help

Are you an adult with crooked teeth? Many adults with misaligned teeth regret refusing braces when they were younger and cringe at the idea of having traditional orthodontic braces fitted during adulthood. If you have a high-powered career or are very conscious of how you look, you are not going to choose to have braces fitted, regardless of how misaligned your teeth are.

Invisalign in Clapham Luckily, as dentistry has advanced, so have the treatment options for adults who want to have their teeth straightened. Many clear braces and aligners are available today which can help correct issues such as overcrowding, spaces between teeth and of course, misalignment issues.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are proud to be able to offer our patients Invisalign in Clapham, a customised, invisible realignment system that has proven results.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment, designed to correct mild to moderate misalignment issues with your teeth. The system behind Invisalign in Clapham uses both computer 3D modelling and a set of customised, clear aligners to straighten your teeth in an average time span of 6 months. Our dental team have used Invisalign in Clapham to help many adults of all ages straighten their smile and can explain this process to you in more detail if you are deemed suitable for treatment.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign in Clapham has the obvious advantage of being very discreet in its appearance, but there are many other benefits to undergoing Invisalign treatment.

Eating

after having orthodontic braces fitted, patients are advised to avoid certain foods as they may damage the metal on the braces. With Invisalign, as they are removable, you can take them out when you eat food and put them back in afterwards without issues.

Hygiene

in a similar vein, when patients are fitted with traditional metal orthodontic braces, many have to attend hygienist appointments alongside regular dental and orthodontic appointments. This is so the hygienist can clean the teeth, suggest ways to brush at home and can check for gum disease. With Invisalign, as they are removable, you simply take them out to brush, floss or use mouthwash and put them back in. They are better long term for maintaining high standards of oral hygiene and they are easier to clean than other types of aligners.

Comfort

traditional orthodontic braces can be uncomfortable after they are fitted; the metal can be difficult to sleep comfortably in, can be difficult to speak correctly with and it may constantly rub against your inner cheek during the day. Invisalign is designed to fit snugly over your teeth, so there is no protruding metal or pain associated with having your braces tightened or adjusted.

Remember, if your dentist believes you are suitable for treatment with Invisalign, you must be committed to wearing this aligner for at least 22 hours each day, or else you will not experience the full benefits that this treatment can offer you.