Dental Blog - Clapham South Dental Centre

Looking for facial aesthetic work? Come to Clapham South Dental Centre

When one thinks of anti ageing treatments, one traditionally thinks of such treatments taking place in a spa or a hospital. Years ago, such settings were the only place you could receive such treatments, but there were drawbacks to undergoing procedures in these settings; travel costs to and from spas could be financially taxing enough, without adding the cost of these treatments on top.

Botox in Clapham Also, it was difficult to be able to identify how qualified the person performing these treatments was, so many people became nervous at the prospect of undertaking any type of cosmetic facial work, out of fear of it going wrong.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, our dentists can offer our patients popular cosmetic options, like Botox in Clapham along with other treatments like dermal fillers.

Going to the dentist for facial aesthetics?

As unusual as it may sound, many dental surgeries are offering patients a range of different anti ageing treatments and can provide them at a more affordable price than a spa or private hospital. Payment options for treatments like Botox in Clapham can be spread over several months with Clapham South Dental Centre, meaning all you have to worry about is flaunting your new look.

As dentists are trained to work with and identify different facial muscles, they are the ideal medical experts to conduct minimal cosmetic procedures. When you come for a treatment like Botox in Clapham, our dental team will be able to allay any concerns you have and will be able to address any questions you may want answered about the procedure.

Botox treatments

During a cosmetic Botox procedure, Botox is injected into the desired muscle groups, often in areas like the forehead or corners of the eye. The Botox paralyses the nerve function to the muscle, meaning it becomes significantly harder to move the muscle.

As the muscles are not used, the wrinkles will appear softer and will fade. As Botox is a temporary solution to the appearance of wrinkles, you may require regular ‘top up’ treatments to keep the appearance of your wrinkles to a minimum. As this procedure typically lasts between 3 to 6 months, if you undertake it several times, the appearance of the wrinkles will reduce with each treatment.

Botox provides an immediate improvement to the appearance of deep-set wrinkles with the full effect noticeable up to 7 days after it has been performed. The procedure takes up to 45 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of work you wish to undergo.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers plump the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and each filler contains non animal derived hyaluronic acid, which is naturally lost in the skin as we age.

After the fillers have been injected under the skin, the effect is immediate and can last between 6-12 months. It is a non-surgical, painless procedure that can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and frown lines, along with wrinkles on the chin, cheeks, lips and nasolabial lines.

Been advised to undergo invisible brace treatment in Clapham? What you need to know and what you can expect

When you are told by your dentist that you may be suitable for invisible brace treatment, you may feel a mixture of both relief and confusion.

In the media today, invisible braces are very rarely spoken about, creating an air of mystery around this orthodontic treatment option. Many people are concerned that these types of braces will not be able to straighten their teeth and therefore avoid this treatment altogether. Others are worried that these braces are too expensive.

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we offer invisible braces in Clapham to a wide array of patients, to correct common dental issues, for an extremely affordable price.

What are invisible braces?

As the name suggests, invisible braces are more discreet than traditional metal ones; they are made from a clear, flexible plastic and are therefore invisible to the naked eye. Unlike the traditional metal based braces, our invisible braces in Clapham are easy to maintain and are usually removable.

The invisible braces in Clapham that we offer our patients are designed to help correct mild to moderate misalignment issues, to help correct overcrowding or erratic spacing of teeth.

How do they work?

Although these types of braces are used to treat many different dental conditions, the underlying method behind their targeted approach is generally the same, regardless of the condition.

Unlike metal braces that pull teeth into the desired position, invisible braces gently push your teeth into their new position. Many types of invisible brace employ the use of both computer technology and multiple different clear aligners to achieve the final rearrangement, so the entire procedure is more planned, and each step of the realignment process is more predictable.

Benefits of invisible braces

Apart from the obvious benefit of these aligners being invisible and therefore more discreet, there are other benefits reported by the wearers of invisible braces.

Comfortable

Metal braces often protrude, causing them to rub against the inner cheeks. This can cause discomfort while sleeping and can make day to day activities like talking more difficult. As invisible braces are made from a thin, flexible plastic, they fit snugly over the teeth and are softer against the inner cheeks.

Better hygiene

As invisible braces are removable, they can be removed when you need to brush your teeth. Therefore, they do not cause any issues in your oral hygiene routine and do not increase the likelihood of cavities or decay. Also, when undergoing invisible brace treatment, you will not need to undergo additional consultations with a hygienist, as you will not require a specialised cleaning routine to keep your mouth healthy.

Shorter treatment

The average treatment time for invisible braces is between six and nine months, making the overall treatment time significantly shorter.

While there are many benefits to invisible braces, they are not suitable for all patients. If you have severe alignment issues you are not likely to benefit from invisible braces.

Different types of clear braces treatments at Clapham South Dental Centre

If you have been told by your orthodontist that you require brace treatment, it can feel quite distressing, as images of large, metal braces are the standard image people carry around for this type of orthodontic treatment.

Clear Braces in Clapham However, while metal braces are still used in dental practices, there are many other types of braces that are becoming commonplace in dentistry, that can offer more precise and delicate alternatives to the traditional metal brace.

One of the braces we are able to offer our patients at Clapham South Dental Centre is the clear brace. If your dentist thinks you are a suitable candidate for clear braces in Clapham, you may be puzzled as to how this type of brace will work or may have other questions about this treatment.

What are clear braces?

Not to be confused with invisible braces, clear braces come in two separate types; removable and non-removable. The set of clear braces in Clapham you will be fitted with will depend on factors such as the extent of misalignment, the overall condition of your teeth and the final result you and your dentist want to gain from your treatment with them.

We use different types of clear braces in Clapham, which include those requested most by patients.

Clear ceramic braces

although this type of braces is called a ‘clear’ brace, it actually isn’t made from a clear material. The brackets that are attached to the teeth are made from a colour matched ceramic material, that holds the moveable wire to the front of your teeth. Due to the colour matched nature of the ceramics to your teeth, this creates the illusion of a clear brace. The moveable wire adapts as the teeth in your mouth move throughout your treatment, so it is a more discreet and more comfortable option than metal braces.

Clear bracket braces

similar in design to the ceramic braces, the clear bracket brace is comprised of both a clear plastic bracing and a thin wire. Depending on the treatment you will undertake with this, your dentist may be able to varnish the wire with a white colour, to minimise the outward appearance of this brace.

Once again, the wire in this brace is designed to move as your teeth realign and is described as being very comfortable.

Benefits of clear braces

Although they are not removable, clear braces have the advantage of being minimalist and can provide patients with a strong alignment option for their teeth.

As they are attached via small brackets to the teeth, the impact on the hygiene of the teeth is minimal, and discomfort experienced when using clear braces is also minimal. If you experience excessive amounts of pain when wearing your clear braces, please see your dentist as soon as possible, to ensure that the brackets are placed in the correct position on your teeth.

Want to know if clear braces are for you? Contact our team at Clapham South Dental Centre for more information.

Worried you are too old to straighten your teeth? Invisalign in Clapham is the answer!

During your teenage years, you may have been offered cosmetic dental work and refused, due to being worried about having heavy, metal braces put in and the impact on your social life. As an adult, you may already regret that decision and might be worried that you are too old for any kind of cosmetic dentistry, however that would be a misconception.

The good news is that no matter what your age, no one is too old to improve their teeth and with Invisalign in Clapham, we can help you get that perfect smile.

What is Invisalign?

Unlike traditional metal braces that pull your teeth into position, Invisalign uses clear and thin mouthguards to gently push your teeth into the desired place over time. They are custom-made to fit over your teeth and designed to softly move your teeth, minimising discomfort.

Invisalign is best suited for customers who have mild or moderate levels of misalignment, so may not be suitable for everyone.

However, we have many different types of Invisalign, specifically designed for different levels of realignment issues. For example, if you have less complex alignment problems, you may be fitted with Invisalign Lite.

Is it expensive?

Invisalign in Clapham has the added advantage of being broken down into monthly payments, so you can spread the cost.

The initial consultation you will receive with one of our dentists is totally free. During this initial consultation, we will scan your teeth and plan the best course of treatment for you.

Other benefits of Invisalign

Even with all these benefits, there are more to consider when choosing to undertake Invisalign treatment.

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign allows you to consume any food you wish without having to worry about damaging your braces.

Along with straightening your teeth, Invisalign braces also correct and strengthen your bite. Feel free to bite into that well-done steak without worrying about pieces getting stuck between your teeth!

Compared to metal braces, Invisalign actively promotes long-term oral health too. When wearing traditional braces, the traditional design is prone to allowing plaque and deposits to build up. This can not only damage your teeth, but can also be bad news for your gums. Gum disease may develop due to misaligned or overcrowded teeth and having braces with a problematic design will not reduce this issue.

Invisalign, due to the simplicity and flexibility of the design is easier to move your brush around and due to its transparent appearance, allows you to identify potential problem areas quicker. Indeed, even the fitted version of the design is easier to navigate around and obviously, if you have a removable type, then the benefits compared to fitted metal braces are obvious.

Invisalign in Clapham offers an affordable, advanced solution to straightening your teeth, without compromising on appearance or ease of usage.

Our dental team will be happy to discuss the best type of Invisalign brace to straighten your teeth.

A dentist that offers Botox? Your guide to Botox in Clapham

Botox was once considered a treatment that you could only receive at a dermatologist’s office. Now, many health care professionals are recognising the benefits of Botox across several different medical fields. Everything from treating migraines to helping resolve pain associated with jaw disorders, Botox is making a steady leeway into different fields of medicine.

What is Botox?

Botox is a protein produced by a bacterium. In medical fields, it is a drug used to treat certain muscular disorders and is also used to manage long standing conditions such as migraines and temporomandibular disorder.

Cosmetically, it is used to remove facial lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralysing facial muscles.

Botox procedures at the dentist

It may seem like an unusual place to receive such treatment, but receiving Botox in Clapham, at our dental practice is growing in popularity. Clapham South Dental Centre already offers many cosmetic treatments to patients in relation to their teeth, now we also offer Botox to improve the overall appearance of their face.

In fact, many of our customers use the opportunity of having cosmetic dental work completed to undergo Botox as a way of vastly improving their self-confidence.

How does Botox work? Is it safe?

Depending on which area of your face you want to improve the appearance of, the Botox will be injected directly into your skin, targeting specific muscles.

The muscle’s ability to move is reduced, allowing the skin to relax and the wrinkles to appear lighter and less defined. This entire process is very quick and can be completed in under 15 minutes depending on which facial areas you are having treated.

Botox in Clapham is extremely safe. Our team of dentists have been trained to administer the procedure correctly and can advise you on aftercare post injection. Clinically, Botox has been found to be harmless and there are millions of successful studies around the world to confirm this.

Long term treatment

Before you undergo this procedure, you may have some questions for our staff regarding the efficiency of Botox treatments.

How long will it last? Will it need to be repeated? Are my facial muscles damaged?

The good news is, no, your facial muscles aren’t damaged, they are temporarily paralysed and if you do not desire to have the procedure repeated, they will eventually return to normal.

That brings us to the next question. Yes, you will need to have it repeated if you want to continue to minimise the appearance of your wrinkles. The procedure will not change regardless of how many times you have it repeated, but may vary in length if you wish to have different muscle groups targeted.

Nothing lasts forever and the average Botox treatment lasts between 3-6 months, depending on which muscle groups have been injected. Over time, your muscles will once again be able to move and so, your wrinkles will gradually reappear.

Call us today for more information about our Botox treatment options.

Invisible braces in Clapham- Are they as good as metal ones?

The notion of braces being invisible may initially sound absurd.

However, with more personalised dental technology and more experienced dental professionals, invisible braces in Clapham South Dental Centre are becoming more popular and more affordable for everyone!

Invisible braces

Similar to clear braces, our invisible braces in Clapham are hard to spot with the naked eye, so you can actually open your mouth to smile without fear of embarrassment while undergoing realignment treatments. They can either be fixed or removable and come in different shapes in order to fit your mouth correctly. Two of the main brands we use in our Clapham practice are Invisalign and Damon.

They are obviously discreet but what other benefits do they offer over traditional metal ones?

Clearer speech

Anyone who has had thick metal braces can tell you that the way you speak changes. This is not only due to having something new stuck to your teeth, but metal braces may cause damage to your gums and lips, exacerbating any speech issues you may already be having.

Of course, this can knock your confidence and is not the best start in your journey to getting straighter teeth. Invisible braces are thinner and so will not impact on your speech patterns. They are made from a softer, flexible material so any potential damage to your lips or gums is minimal.

Comfort

Invisible braces are thinner and as such, they do not take up as much room in your mouth. They are softer, so they will not cause unpleasant rubbing, ulcers or sore spots.

Traditional metal braces are chunky, and even daily life can become difficult when adjusting to them. Many people report finding it difficult to sleep on their sides, as the pressure of the pillow pushes the inner cheek against hard metal. Hardly ideal for a good night’s sleep!

Eat what you want!

If you have had metal braces fitted at any time in your life, chances are you were told to avoid hard or sticky foods, as both could cause damage to your braces’ structure.

Regardless of whether your invisible braces are fitted or removable, you can eat exactly as you used to before. It is extremely difficult to damage them, and they are flexible. So you can go ahead and order that corn on the cob!

Hygiene

Dental hygiene is always important, but with metal braces it is generally harder to look after your teeth effectively. You have to be aware of areas where plaque can build up on your teeth and spend extra time ensuring that they are clear of any deposits. Many people with metal braces report excess calcium and plaque build-up, which can lead to staining or cavities.

Due to their transparency and potential removability, maintaining correct dental hygiene is a lot easier for invisible braces. You don’t have to check for build-ups or deposits, just brush, floss and gargle as usual.

Keep smiling with clear braces in Clapham

Uneven or crooked teeth can be a problem, not only for your confidence but also for your bite. When trying to straighten crooked teeth, dentists will often recommend having braces fitted.

Of course, the first image that jumps to mind are the traditional ‘metal braces’, which can cause confidence issues with your smile. These do tend to be a little obvious.

Clear Braces in Clapham Luckily, dentistry has evolved and now, there are a range of different braces available to help realign your smile. With technologies becoming more available to a wider range of people, you may be thinking about trying a less visible approach to teeth straightening.

What are clear braces?

The hint is in the title. Clear braces are almost invisible to the naked eye and come in two different types, removable and fitted.

Fitted braces are attached to your teeth, just as traditional braces would be, whereas removable ones are custom made to fit in your mouth. One of our clear braces in Clapham are a brand called Invisalign, which aims to straighten your teeth with maximum comfort.

Clear braces are used to correct moderate to mild alignment issues and therefore may not be suitable for everyone.

Will wearing them hurt?

We have all heard that braces are sometimes uncomfortable for some people, especially just after having them fitted or tightened. This discomfort is because traditional braces are working to straighten severely misaligned teeth, so they have to pull them with a fair bit of force to gain the desired effect.

Our removable brand of clear braces in Clapham, Invisalign, does not pull teeth but rather pushes them with ease in to their correct position by using pressure points, fitted within the brace. This is achieved gradually, so should not create any discomfort at all.

Do clear braces work?

Generally, the simple answer is yes.

If a member of our dental team feels you are a good candidate for clear braces, then you will certainly see an improvement in your teeth’s alignment over the first few months of wearing them.

Remember, that clear braces are only used to straighten mild to moderately misaligned teeth, so may not be suitable for you straight away. If your dentist feels that you need pre-treatment before getting clear braces, you may have to initially have traditional braces fitted. But don’t worry, this is temporary, and you will soon be wearing those clear ones!

As with all dental fittings, our team at Clapham South Dental Centre want to make the experience as pleasant as possible for you. If after you have had you clear braces fitted, you are in severe discomfort, we advise you to contact us straight away. However, it is worth noting that a mild amount of discomfort should be anticipated after having them fitted and our dental staff can advise you on how to manage this temporary side effect.

Think you are a candidate for clear braces? Contact us today for more information about clear braces.

Considering getting Invisalign in Clapham?

Here at Clapham South Dental centre, we’ve been providing the local residents of Clapham and beyond with a patient centred, bespoke dental care like no other. We believe that the individual needs and requirements of each patient should be at the forefront of everything we do – rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach which is common place in numerous other practices across the country. We are an NHS and privately funded practice, and as such offer a wide array of both cosmetic and NHS covered dental work, that is suited to the specific needs of each of our patients – from whichever walk of life they may come from. Here at Clapham, patients have the ability to choose which gender they would like their practitioner to be, and treatment only takes place after lengthy informal consultations which detail the different prices available and the option best suited to the patient’s needs.

Hidden wonders

Discreet orthodontic treatments are a widely popular range of cosmetic dental procedures we offer. These are a cosmetic form of orthodontics that discreetly align a patient’s teeth through various methods, such as Invisalign in Clapham. Invisalign is a removable plastic retainer that, when worn, utilises built in pressure points to gradually align the patient’s teeth to their correct specifications – established during consultations with a practitioner of their choosing prior to beginning treatment. Constructed from a patented SmartTrack plastic – chosen for its uniquely durable yet malleable qualities – the custom fitted retainer is created in house here at Clapham South Dental, then given to the patient to be worn at a time convenient to them. Invisalign in Clapham has gained rising popularity in recent years over conventional fused ‘train-track’ braces which are both uncomfortable and have a largely detrimental effect on a patient’s outward appearance when worn. Invisalign, when worn is virtually undetectable. This affords teenagers and young adults the ability to undertake essential dental alignment without attracting any unwanted attention from peers or colleagues. Clear braces in Clapham are another form of cosmetic discreet orthodontics we offer which is similar to conventional fused braces, however is constructed from see through plastic alloy that is far less detectable than the conventional metals typically used. Invisible braces are again similar to conventional fused ‘train-track’ braces, however they are created using white sockets that are colour matched to the pigment of the patient’s surrounding teeth, and as such are virtually invisible during treatment.

Forever young

Another procedure we offer here at Clapham South Dental which is not a form of dental care, but rather a method of facial rejuvenation treatment is the administration of Botox injections. Botox utilises a botulinum toxin that targets the tiny facial muscles that cause wrinkles and brow lines and freezes them – resulting in the patient’s face appearing smoother and more youthful. The process of undertaking Botox injections in Clapham is only carried out by a trusted and qualified practitioner and is a relatively simple process that only takes about fifteen minutes before the results come into effect. The results of Botox treatment last around 3-6 months, depending on the extent of treatment and can massively boost a patient’s self- confidence and esteem as well as providing them with a newly restored youthful vitality.

What can I expect from Invisalign and Botox in Clapham?

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we are committed to providing residents of Clapham with a degree of professionalism and care within dentistry like no other. We believe that the specific requirements of each patient are unique, and the treatment ought to reflect this – rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach which is common practice across numerous other dentists across the country. At Clapham South Dental Centre, patients have the ability to choose which gender they prefer to be seen by, and treatment is carried out by a dentist whom the patients trust wholeheartedly and share a good rapport with. As we are both an NHS and private clinic, we offer a wide array of both NHS backed and private cosmetic procedures which are suited to the needs and requirements of each patient.

Clearly clever

Discreet orthodontic treatments at Clapham South Dental are very popular. These are a cosmetic alternative to contemporary orthodontics such as typical fused ‘train-track’ braces which are often uncomfortable and have a largely detrimental effect on the outward appearance of the user. Invisalign in Clapham South Dental is one such form of discreet orthodontics which, unlike conventional methods, is removable and as such can be worn at a time that is convenient to the patients. Constructed from a patented SmartTrack see through plastic – chosen for its uniquely durable yet malleable qualities – the Invisalign aligner, when worn, gradually aligns the patient’s teeth to their correct position. This is established during consultations with a practitioner of the patient’s choosing prior to being treatment. Another method of discreet orthodontics we offer here at Clapham South Dental are Invisible braces. These are similar to conventional, fused orthodontics in that they are fixed to the front of a patient’s teeth – however, instead of using metal brackets, a white plastic is used that is colour matched to the patient’s surrounding teeth and thus makes them far less visible when worn. Clear braces are a similar form of treatment available, this utilises a clear plastic alloy rather than metal, so when worn the brace is virtually undetectable. Treatments of this nature can have a massively positive effect on a patient’s self-confidence as it affords them the ability to undertake essential dental alignment, without attracting any unwanted scrutiny from peers or colleagues.

Finding the fountain of youth

One cosmetic, privately funded procedure which is offered here which is not a dental treatment, but rather a form of facial rejuvenation is the administration of Botox in Clapham. These are a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, used to appear more youthful and halt the visible signs of ageing such as frown lines and wrinkles. Botox injections utilise a botulinum toxin which – when injected directly into a patient’s facial muscles – targets the tiny nerve endings which cause expressions, and freezes them. This results in the patient’s face appearing smoother and more youthful, and the effects can last around three to six months, depending on the extent of the treatment. Undertaking Botox in Clapham injections is a quick and relatively simple process, and is only carried out by a qualified practitioner whom the patient trusts, and patients can expect to see the visible effect on their faces come about in just fifteen minutes after being injected. Treatment of this sort can have a largely positive effect on a patient’s self-esteem and confidence as it restores a youthful vitality that they may have thought was long since lost.

Creating Smiles in Clapham

At Clapham South Dental Centre, we pride ourselves on providing patients with the highest standard of professionalism and care across all aspects of dentistry. We welcome both private and NHS patients all year round, and offer a wide array of both cosmetic and NHS backed dental care across a number of procedures and methodologies to all ages and stages of life. One of the foundation stones here is our longstanding relationship, built on trust and understanding, as well as the good rapport that we share with the patients. Patients have the ability to choose the dental practitioner with whom they feel most at ease – and in the event of an emergency, they can be assured that they will receive the highest standard of dental care that same day.

Discreet orthodontics

One of the popular cosmetic treatments that we offer here is the installation of various forms of discreet orthodontic and dental alignment procedures, such as Invisalign, invisible braces in Clapham and clear braces. Invisalign is a non-invasive retainer method of dental alignment, which is largely favoured by teenagers and young adults over conventional methods of dental alignment such as typical ‘train-track’ fused braces. The process of installing Invisalign consists of a custom made mould being created from the patient’s teeth, using a malleable patented plastic called SmartTrack. Once made, the patient takes this mould home and when worn over the course of treatment -( which varies depending on the severity of the necessary realignment, although typically lasts about twelve months) – gradually aligns the patient’s teeth to the specifications set out by a practitioner of their choosing prior to beginning the process. The benefits of Invisalign over conventional orthodontic methods is that, when worn, the mouthguard is practically undetectable. Also the retainer is removable, and as such can be worn at a time convenient to the patient. This method of dental alignment is greatly popular as it allows patients to undergo essential alignment, without attracting any unwanted attention from peers or colleagues. Invisible braces in Clapham are another form of dental alignment that we offer. These are similar to conventional, fused ‘train-track’ braces in that they are fixed to the front of the patient’s teeth, however they are fused using clear or white ceramic plastic alloy rather than metal, and as such, are virtually undetectable to the untrained eye. This method of treatment is particularly effective for short-term realignment and can help vastly boost a patient’s self-esteem.

Facial rejuvenation

Another treatment we offer, which is not a dental procedure but rather a facial rejuvenation treatment, is the application of Botox injections. Botox works by injecting a botulinum toxin directly into the small facial muscles that cause expression lines and wrinkles, freezing the nerve endings within them, leaving patients looking more youthful and revitalised. The process of undertaking botox injections is a relatively simple and painless one, and patients can expect to see the results after just fifteen minutes – and enjoy them for around three to six months, depending on the extent of the treatment. Botox injections are only carried out by a qualified practitioner whom the patient trusts, and the results can vastly boost and restore their self- esteem returning a youthful bloom to the skin.