Five Things You May Not Know About Dental Implants

1. Dental implants can last a lifetime

If properly looked after, dental implants can last a lifetime. This makes them an excellent investment. Dental implants must be cared for in the same way as normal, healthy teeth by daily brushing, flossing and attending regular check-ups. “Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and possibly for your lifetime.” Association of Dental Implantology, UK.

2. Teeth implants prevent bone loss

Natural teeth are embedded in the jawbone, which is stimulated by chewing and biting. When you lose teeth, the jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation and begins to shrink (resorb). This can eventually result in wrinkled lips and a sunken mouth and face. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves and stimulates bone growth – therefore maintaining your facial profile.

3. Implants do not damage or alter adjacent teeth

Healthy adjacent teeth are not affected by dental implant treatment. Other alternatives, such as a fixed bridge, often require the shaving down of teeth on one or both sides of the gap, in order to anchor the bridge. That means damaging healthy teeth to restore those that are missing. Dental implants are placed in the spot where you lost your original tooth, without impacting on healthy teeth. They also prevent adjacent teeth from moving or drifting into the space left by the missing tooth.

4. Tooth implants are made from titanium which is biocompatible

There are three parts to a tooth implant - the titanium post which is placed in the jaw, the abutment (the connector) and the replacement tooth (the crown). The section replacing the tooth root is a small titanium screw. Titanium is a light-weight metal, accepted by the human body and which fuses (osseointegrates) well with the jawbone. It is the metal of choice for artificial joints and many medical procedures.

5. Toothless people can have dental implants

In the past, the loss of all teeth inevitably meant wearing full dentures, which over time can become loose and uncomfortable. Toothless (edentulous) patients can now choose from a range of implant treatment to secure their replacement teeth. For example, a conventional denture can be held in place by at least two dental implants (implant-retained denture). An entire arch (the whole upper set or the whole lower set of teeth) can be replaced using an implant-supported, permanently fixed, full arch bridge. It is held secure by four, six or eight tooth implants. You may be suitable for ‘Same Day Teeth’, a fixed replacement for dentures, providing an immediate solution within 24 hours or less.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Please contact us if you would like to book a dental implant consultation. We will be happy to give you more information so you can decide if dental implants are right for you.

This article was originally published on click4teeth, the national patient website for implant dentistry of which Dr Greg Theodorou is a member.

Five Ways Dental Implants Can Help Increase Comfort

1. Dental implants are fixed and secure

If you are missing one or more teeth, you might choose partial or complete dentures to replace them. Conventional dentures rest on the gums and hook around remaining teeth. Suction, adhesive and the muscles in your tongue and cheeks play a part in holding your dentures in place. When the mouth and gums become tired, dentures can rock and move. This makes them uncomfortable to wear.

The bone beneath a denture plate can shrink (resorb) because it is not being stimulated and chewing pressure transferred from the plate on to the gums can reduce blood supply. If your jawbone has shrunk significantly, the denture may become loose and adhesive may be the only way to help retain it. Irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.

If you currently wear loose-fitting dentures, they can be replaced with implant-supported teeth. The options include dentures retained or supported by implants, a full arch bridge or individual implants. The replacement teeth are connected to tiny titanium posts which act like the root of the tooth. The posts, which have a thread pattern and a tapered shape, fuse with the jawbone with no need for clasps or messy adhesives. Dental implants stimulate bone growth and help prevent the deterioration of your jaw, keeping your teeth stable and comfortable.

2. Teeth implants help restore full chewing power

You can lose the ability to bite and chew certain foods if you have failing or missing teeth. Depending on where the gaps are in your mouth, consuming meat may be a problem because it involves a lot of chewing with the back teeth. Biting into an apple may be painful or not possible, if you have failing or missing teeth at the front. You may find you do not chew well enough and what is swallowed is difficult to digest.

Joe, a 56-year-old product manager, went to see Dr Sarab Oberai of the Ashford Village Dental Practice after losing seven teeth in his upper jaw. Dr Oberai advised Joe to consider having a total of five teeth implants. Treatment would involve four implants placed at the back of his mouth, two each side to support two three-unit bridges. The fifth implant would replace his central incisor. Joe is glad he had dental implant treatment. The implants have restored his ability to eat what he wants. He comments, “I ate peanuts for the first time in years recently. I can eat normally. I’m not afraid of biting into an apple. Implants have given me confidence.”

3. Dental implants protect your healthy teeth

If you have a gap from a missing tooth, adjacent teeth may begin to move or drift into the space. Tooth movement can negatively affect your bite – a condition called malocclusion. Teeth out of their normal position can also be harder to clean and, therefore, more at risk from decay and gum disease. Tooth implants can prevent your remaining teeth from shifting into an empty space left by a missing tooth. Implants offer support by filling the gaps, providing a solid structure and reducing the load on remaining teeth.

If you opt for a conventional fixed bridge to replace missing teeth, it will require an anchor to secure it. This involves the shaving down of teeth on one or both sides of the gap to prepare them for the supporting crowns. Preparation will remove a considerable amount of tooth structure and results in the healthy teeth being damaged. These teeth can then become more susceptible to decay. A bridge may also put more force on the adjacent teeth. Dental implants are usually placed in the spot where you lost your original tooth and don’t impact on existing teeth.

4. Tooth implants feel and function like natural teeth

If you wear a removable denture, you probably have to choose what you eat with care. Foods such as nuts, berries and seeds are best avoided. Small bits can get under the plate, making dentures painful and unstable. Sticky foods, like peanut butter, chewy meat, hard fruit and vegetables such as apples, carrots and corn-on-the-cob can also be a problem. Denture wearers have to avoid biting at the front of their mouth, as this can cause the dentures to become unstable. Wobbly dentures can make the gum line sore as they move around. Implant-supported restorations don’t shift and slip. They can help you regain the ability to eat your favourite foods with comfort and without a second thought. Dental implants are fixed in place and fuse naturally with your jaw, so you can bite, chew and eat with as much confidence as having natural teeth.

David, a patient of Dr Alan Carter, Dentistry No.3, Dunfermline, disliked having to wear a partial denture after losing two teeth at the front. Food would become trapped behind the denture plate. David had two linked teeth fitted to two implants and has no regrets about having had the treatment. He concludes, “Implants have helped me to eat, bite and chew without hesitation. Previously the plate would have moved. I don’t think twice about eating anything and putting pressure on the implants.”

5. The fitting of dental implants is easier than you think

Many patients are surprised at how straightforward dental implant placement can be and how they experience very little discomfort during treatment. Technological advances and detailed preparation means that implant placement is a relatively minor surgical procedure. Patients have reported that having dental implants placed can be far less inconvenient than having a tooth removed or root canal treatment.

Dental implant treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. Patients are normally awake throughout the procedure. If you are a nervous patient, your dentist might offer sedation to relax you. This helps you to be in a deep, but conscious, state of relaxation. The procedure is generally easier and more comfortable than most people imagine. It is one event in a very well planned, organised process.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Please contact us if you would like to book a dental implant consultation. We will be happy to give you more information so you can decide if dental implants are right for you.

This article was originally published on click4teeth, the national patient website for implant dentistry of which Dr Greg Theodorou is a member.

Five Ways That Dental Implants Can Help Increase Confidence

1. Dental implants help to regain a healthy smile

A failing tooth, a gap, a bridge or denture which is visible or loose, can make people feel self-conscious, embarrassed and reluctant to smile properly. Dental implants can help restore self-esteem because they look and feel like natural teeth. Implants are permanent replacements for failing or missing tooth roots. Titanium posts recreate the root of the tooth and support new teeth, such as single crowns, multiple tooth bridges and full dentures. Teeth implants give you a second chance to enjoy a healthy, confident smile.

2. Teeth implants can keep you looking younger

When you lose your teeth, the jawbone no longer receives the necessary stimulation from chewing and biting. The width and height of the bone can gradually decrease (resorb) after the loss of a tooth. Bone resorption shrinks the jaw contours, which can lead to wrinkled lips and a sunken mouth and face. Dental implants are the only tooth restoration method that can help to preserve and reinvigorate bone growth by fusing (osseointegrating) with the jaw. Implants become part of your anatomy when they anchor with your jawbone, helping to maintain your facial profile.

3. Implants help you to eat where and what you like

Going out for a meal can be awkward and embarrassing for people with missing or loose teeth, dentures or bridgework. Depending on where they are in your mouth, gaps and failing teeth can restrict your ability to eat certain foods. If you wear a denture or bridge, there is always the risk of it becoming loose or breaking. Dental implants are strong, stable and function like natural teeth. They help to restore full chewing power, allowing you to enjoy all your favourite foods. Having dental implants can help you to eat with confidence in public.

4. Dental implants don’t move or restrict your speech

If you wear ill-fitting dentures, simply talking might cause them to move. This can result in you mumbling or slurring your speech. Dental implants are fixed and allow you to speak clearly without the worry that teeth might slip. If you have gaps in your mouth, you may make embarrassing whistling sounds and even spit when you talk. Pronouncing some words may also be difficult if you have lost certain teeth. Replacing missing natural teeth with implants enables you to speak normally, and eliminates the worry that your teeth might let you down in social situations.

5. Long-lasting implant confidence

Keeping your natural teeth for life is ideal. But when tooth loss occurs, dental implants can give you back the ability to eat, speak and smile with renewed self-confidence and peace of mind. Teeth implants also have long-term health benefits. If implants are well cared for, and the bone they are fitted to is sufficient, strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years. ‘Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and possibly for your lifetime.’ (Association of Dental Implantology, UK)

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Please contact us if you would like to book a dental implant consultation. We will be happy to give you more information so you can decide if dental implants are right for you.

This article was originally published on click4teeth, the national patient website for implant dentistry of which Dr Greg Theodorou is a member.

The Ten Things Everyone With Missing Teeth Should Know About Dental Implants

1. Dental implants look and feel natural

Many patients report that they cannot tell any difference between their dental implants and natural teeth.

2. You can eat anything you want

Tooth implants enable people to eat, speak and laugh normally. Teeth supported by dental implants don’t move around. They are as solid and reliable as natural teeth.

3. Dental implants are worth the money

The Oral Health Foundation says that “Over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option.”

4. Dental implants are the only treatment that replace tooth roots

All other dental treatments only replace the tooth, not the tooth root. Over the longer term a missing tooth root can lead to bone loss, movement of adjacent teeth and changes in face shape.

5. No damage to other teeth

Unlike a conventional bridge, replacement teeth supported by dental implants do not damage any remaining healthy teeth.

6. Implant teeth last a lifetime

With good oral hygiene, dental implants can be expected to last a lifetime. This makes them an excellent investment.

7. Securing loose dentures

Dentures supported with implants don’t move around in the mouth, or put pressure on the gums. Implants can be used with both fixed and removable dentures.

8. Preventing bone loss

Bone beneath a denture shrinks because it is not being used and chewing pressure reduces blood supply. Dental implants replace lost tooth roots and do not press on the gums. This means they can help to prevent bone loss in the jaw. 

9. You don’t need a referral from your own dentist

You can get dental implants from any of the clinics listed on www.click4teeth.com.  Find the dentist closest to you and contact them directly through the website.

10. You can get finance to help spread the cost

Many dentists offer finance packages to help with the cost of dental implants.

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

Please contact us if you would like to book a dental implant consultation. We will be happy to give you more information so you can decide if dental implants are right for you.

This article was originally published on click4teeth, the national patient website for implant dentistry of which Dr Greg Theodorou is a member.

Invisalign and iTero

iTero Invisalign

Visualize how your teeth may look after Invisalign treatment. Seeing the “end result” can take the guesswork out of your decision and put you on the path to the smile you’ve always wanted.

FAST

• View 3D scans onscreen with your dentist immediately

• Faster delivery times of your Invisalign® treatment plan

ACCURATE

• Allows for a precise fit of crowns, bridges, implants, and Invisalign clear aligners and retainers

• Eliminates the need to retake impressions

COMFORTABLE

• Breathe and swallow as you normally would

• No unpleasant taste or smell

So what can you expect?

• FREE Digital Scan (Worth £250)

• FREE Consultation (Worth £100)

For more information or to book your FREE consultation, call 0118 944 9444 today!

Alternatively, get in touch with us via email info@wdental.co.uk.

Top Five Reasons to Choose Invisalign

If you're looking at braces vs Invisalign to straighten your teeth, or your kid’s teeth, you may have a lot of questions. Which is more effective? Which is more affordable? Ultimately, you want the treatment that will do the job, even if its slightly more expensive. You don’t want to have to fix your teeth again in the long run! So, do you choose braces or Invisalign?

Getting Straight to the Basics

Braces consist of metal brackets being glued to your teeth, which are tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. Nowadays, you can get brackets to more closely match your enamel colour which makes them look discrete, or you can choose coloured, and go all out and make a fashion statement with your mouth!

Invisalign, on the other hand is designed to be invisible. Aligner trays made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic are worn over your teeth to subtly and gently move your teeth. Your specialist will use x-rays, pictures, and impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth to configure your aligner trays accordingly.

Top Five Reasons to Choose Invisalign

More Aesthetically Pleasing

The most obvious benefit of Invisalign clear braces is that they offer you the most aesthetically pleasing way to straighten your teeth. With traditional metal-wire braces you walk around letting other people know that you are in the process of straightening your teeth. Everyone can see your wire braces and this can easily lead to some embarrassing and uncomfortable moments. Metal wires in traditional braces can be the decisive factor in an adult’s decision to straighten their teeth. Who would want to walk into a business meeting and try to give a presentation with a mouth full of metal? With Invisalign clear braces you can straighten your teeth and no one will even have to know.

More Comfortable

Invisalign clear braces are made with soft plastic trays which are much more comfortable to wear than traditional metal-wire braces. Wire braces have a tendency to snag in the mouth and tear the soft tissues in the cheeks and lips which can be very uncomfortable and painful. Traditional braces can also be painful in the way that they straighten the teeth. Metal braces work by applying pressure to the teeth to gradually shift them into place. Invisalign, however, uses a series of plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into place, requiring less pressure in the trays than wire braces.

Easier To Keep Clean

Traditional wire braces are wired into the patient’s mouth. Therefore, they cannot be removed and must be cleaned around. This can cause inadequate cleaning of the teeth which may lead to poor oral hygiene. The inability to clean the metal braces can also be uncomfortable for the patient. With Invisalign clear braces you can clean your trays and your own teeth for a clean mouth feeling without any hassle, just as if you weren’t undergoing treatment at all.

No Food Restrictions

With traditional metal braces, you have to restrict your diet so that you don’t chew any foods that may harm or get stuck in the metal. Gum and similar sticky foods are not allowed with traditional braces because they can permanently get stuck to the apparatus. Hard to chew foods are also usually restricted because they can damage the metal wires. With Invisalign you can remove the plastic trays while you eat, so there’s no fear that you may damage the trays or that you may get anything stuck to the trays. You can straighten your teeth without having to worry about not eating the foods you love.

Faster Results

Invisalign system’s results are faster than traditional metal braces. Metal braces can take an average of almost 36 months for the treatment to get done. And that’s not even the longest that braces may take. Some metal braces can even take up to eight years to straighten your teeth! With Invisalign the treatment takes just about one year at least and eighteen months at the most. Invisalign clear braces are approximately eighteen times faster at the longest treatment length.

Teeth Whitening - Your Questions Answered

Why choose teeth whitening?

• Your teeth will naturally darken with age.
• The effects of teeth whitening can last for several years.
• The procedure is entirely safe for you, your teeth, and your gums.
• Teeth can be lightened to the shade of your choice – either a subtle or more intense whiteness.
• Whitening toothpastes don’t contain the same ingredients that our procedures use – so they can’t restore the natural colour of your teeth.
• Teeth whitening will only whiten your teeth, if you already have crowns or fillings these will remain unchanged. Sometimes these can be changed after treatment and matched to your new brighter smile.

Will teeth whitening hurt?

It’s unlikely that you’ll experience any discomfort when having your teeth professionally whitened. Some people find their teeth and gums may become more sensitive during treatment, but using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth will reduce or stop this. In rare cases teeth may be very sensitive during treatment, but when the bleaching is stopped, the teeth soon recover to normal.

Is teeth whitening safe?

When performed by a registered dentist, teeth whitening is a safe procedure and the bleaching agent used is safe for teeth and gums. The dentist will check first to see if it suitable for you. This is simply a cosmetic treatment.

How can I make teeth whitening last longer?

Teeth whitening treatments can provide great results for up to three years. Good teeth brushing twice a day will help reduce the build up of stains. However, you might also want to use whitening toothpaste to help maintain the effect and prevent staining. Our dental hygienists can also remove stains and help you keep your new bright smile.

The Amazing Invisalign Outcome Simulator

Visualize how your teeth may look after Invisalign treatment. Seeing the “end result” can take the guesswork out of your decision and put you on the path to the smile you’ve always wanted.

Even under the best of conditions, traditional impressions can still be uncomfortable and unpleasant tasting. That’s why we’re proud to offer full digital impressions with the revolutionary iTero® Element™ Scanner.

Not only is a digital impression more comfortable, it’s also much more accurate. The scanner takes an incredibly detailed impression of your teeth and gums. Once the scan is complete, we will then have a 3D model of your mouth that can be used to create detailed crowns, bridges, implants, and Invisalign® clear aligners and retainers. This digital accuracy eliminates the need to retake impressions, keeping your time in the chair to an absolute minimum.

Watch the iTero Scanner video

Mouth Cancer Action Month

1ST NOVEMBER 2017 TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2017

Mouth Cancer Action Month is held in November every year and is supported by the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the British Dental Health Foundation. 

Mouth cancer causes more deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or melanomas.

• Around 60,000 people will be diagnosed with mouth cancer over the next decade.
• In the UK there were 7,700 cases of mouth, throat and head & neck cancers in 2011.
• Tobacco use is still considered the main cause of mouth cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, up to half of current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness – including mouth cancer.
• Drinking to excess can increase the risk of mouth cancer by four times. Those who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
• Mouth cancer is twice more common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease.
• Age is another factor, with people over the age of 40 more likely to be diagnosed, though more young people are now being affected than previously.
• Poor diet is linked to a third of all cancer cases.
• Experts suggest the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), transmitted through oral sex, could overtake tobacco and alcohol as the main risk factor within the coming decade.
• Cancers can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, and adjacent areas like the throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites in the head and neck area.

THE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL IS GREATLY IMPROVED IF THE CANCERS ARE DETECTED EARLY AND TREATED RAPIDLY.

Without early detection, it is estimated that over the next decade around 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with the disease and around 30,000 people will die. Worldwide, over 460,000 people are expected to die from mouth cancer each year by 2030.

Mouth cancer patients suffer greatly owing to disabilities such as facial deformity, loss of teeth and damage to the tongue and throat, with consequent difficulty in talking and eating in public places. Yet they do not receive the attention and support that other cancer sufferers do.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation is constantly campaigning for early detection and to raise awareness of the risks and signs and symptoms of Mouth Cancer.

W Dental Lead the Way in Modern Digital Dentistry

Dentistry has evolved significantly  over the last decade with the introduction of 'digital dentistry'. With the help of new technology teeth can be photographed in 3D  enabling more accurate diagnosis, while crown, veneers and inlay restorations can be created from start to finish in just one appointment.

W Dental Smile Studio have embraced the new technology enabling us to treat our patients with an even greater  level of care, accuracy and speed . We have invested in the following Digital Dentistry technology to assist us in delivering fantastic results for our patients.

CBCT 3D Scanner Machine

Our CBCT machine (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a real game changer us and is used for digital radiographic dental imagery. With this we can quickly obtain 3D and 2D x-ray images of your whole mouth or individual teeth which is vital for fast diagnosis and treatment planning.

CEREC 3d system

With our in-surgery CEREC machine we create crown, veneers and inlay restorations that maybe needed for broken or cracked teeth in just one appointment. This hi-tech device will scan the area of the tooth where the restoration is required, taking accurate readings from which it will produce the restoration ready to be coloured and bonded. This means less drilling, injections and messy impressions.

What does digital dentistry mean for patients?

With  modern dental technology  we can combine a high-quality professional dental service with caring, reassuring, fast and more comfortable treatment. We aim to keep up with the ever-evolving world of digital dentistry to ensure we harness the very best procedures for our patients, this should make your visits to us an overall more pleasant experience and your treatment first class.

Teeth Whitening

A radiant smile for a confident you

It's the first thing people notice about you — and when you feel good about it, it shows. Teeth whitening gives you the radiant results you want with a variety of professional whitening options to fit your lifestyle. And when it comes to whitening, like with everything having to do with your smile, your dentist is your best resource. 

A white bright smile can be a confidence booster and a great way to get noticed. Depending on our everyday choices, we may not have the smile we always wanted. Wine, smoking, tea, soda and other foods and beverages can cause teeth staining.

What causes yellow teeth?

There are numerous types of teeth stains; some are genetic, environmental or pharmacological in nature. The most common are surface stains on the enamel or beneath the enamel in the dentin. Surface stains are caused by foods, beverages and lifestyle behaviors, like smoking. Over time, surface stains may penetrate the enamel and change the colour of the dentin, which darkens the overall appearance of the tooth due to the translucency of the enamel layer. When this occurs, the tooth often appears yellow.

What teeth whitening options are there?

There are many whitening options, from OTC toothpastes, rinses and strips, to professionally supervised solutions such as Zoom in-surgery and take-home whitening.

Is teeth whitening safe for my teeth?

The safest way to whiten your teeth is under the supervision of your dental professional who will assess your overall oral health, the health of your teeth and know the history of your teeth. For example, if your dental professional knows that you are prone to sensitivity, he or she may recommend a gentle formulation to ensure you get the results you are looking for with a treatment that you will enjoy.

About National Smile Month

National Smile Month is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health.

Together, with thousands of individuals and organisations, National Smile Month highlights three key messages, all of which go a long way in helping us develop and maintain a healthy mouth. They are:

Brush your teeth last thing at night and on at least one other occasion with a fluoride toothpaste.

Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.

Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

The aim of National Smile Month is to ultimately improve the UK’s oral health. Organised by oral health charity, the Oral Health Foundation, the campaign hopes to raise awareness of important health issues, and make a positive difference to the oral health of millions.

And this year, the campaign celebrates a very special landmark… it’s 40th Birthday!

With the help and enthusiasm of those who are passionate about health and wellbeing, National Smile Month 2016 hopes to see thousands of events and activities up and down the UK educate and engage local communities about the importance of a healthy mouth.

In 2016, the campaign will take place between 16 May and 16 June, and will encourage all dental and health professionals, schools, pharmacies, community groups, colleges and workplaces – in fact anyone with an interest in good oral healthcare, to join in and help us educate, motivate and communicate positive oral health messages and improves the quality of smiles all around the UK.

But National Smile Month isn’t just about education and stressing the importance of a healthy mouth – the key to the success of the campaign is that we have lots fun doing it!

Invisalign - Stories

Mikala's story

One of my teeth really stuck out and I was absolutely paranoid about it.  It was on my mind when speaking to somebody up close, when photographs were taken – I felt awful and wanted it fixed. But I thought I was too grown up for metal braces.

Vincent's story

I had a problem with my smile. My teeth overlapped and I was very unhappy about it. But I couldn’t imagine having braces bonded to my teeth.  I went to see an orthodontist and he recommended Invisalign. I was immediately happy with how transparent they were and how easy they were to use and remove.

Kirsty's story

I wanted to straighten my teeth. I didn’t like that they were crooked and overcrowded. As a result, I didn’t like my smile.

Khadija’s story

I’d developed a complex about my teeth. My front teeth stuck out and my jaw was too small, which meant that I hated smiling. I looked into treatment options and decided Invisalign was the perfect choice for me. Because they’re nearly invisible, I was able to carry on living my life without being self-conscious – people didn’t even know I was wearing them.

Visit your hygienist regularly because prevention is always better than cure

Regular appointments with your hygienist will identify and prevent dental problems and keep your smile as healthy as possible.

Our hygienists specialise in preventive treatments typically focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. They are an integral part of the W Dental oral care programme – caring for you with specific, specialised oral care and advice.

Your hygienist works with your dentist to tailor your preventive treatments. Treatments and procedures can include taking digital x-rays, removing plaque and tartar, evaluating and treating gum disease, checking for soft tissue pathology, fluoride treatments, home care advice and oral health education, saliva assessment and whitening treatments.

Regular hygiene appointments can greatly reduce the need for future, dental treatments. Your appointment will be comfortable and enjoyable. We look forward to looking after you and seeing you smile.

World Oral Health Day - 20th March 2016

What is WOHD?

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated every year on 20 March. It is an international day to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene to looking after everyone old and young.

It is a day for people to have fun – that should be a day full of activities that make us laugh, sing and smile!

Why is WOHD Important?

Because 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime and many of them can be avoided with increased governmental, health association and society support and funding for prevention, detection and treatment programmes.

Getting straighter teeth is easier than ever before thanks to Invisalign aligners.

What Are Invisalign Aligners?

Put simply, this product is meant to mimic the results you get with braces, but without being visible—hence the name. They’re for people who want straight teeth without all the hardware showing. Over the past five years or so, they’ve steadily grown in popularity too.

Practically Invisible

Like we just mentioned, no one wants to advertise that they’re having dental work done. Most of us associate a certain stigma with being an adult and needing a product like braces, which we generally think is something to give up as teenagers.

Whether or not this is fair, with Invisalign aligners, you don’t have to worry that anyone is thinking it about you. They have see-through bodies that are made of a flexible form of plastic. Up close, people may be able to tell, but Invisalign aligners are so unobtrusive that it won’t be something you’ll get embarrassed about.

You Can Take Them Out

Invisalign aligners must be worn throughout the day for no less than 22 hours. However, you are permitted to take them out for the remaining two hours you have left, which is something of a great relief. With traditional braces, you never get a rest from them. Not only do they have to stay in, but you couldn’t take them out if you wanted to.

With Invisalign aligners, you’ll mostly just be taking them out so that you can eat, but it can still make a big difference and help ease the discomfort that usually comes from wearing dental hardware.

Effective

Make no mistake, despite the fact that Invisalign aligners definitely make life a lot easier for the wearer, they still do a great job of realigning teeth exactly as you’d want. While there are some types of dental problems they won’t be good for fixing, those of us who just want our teeth straightened or better aligned will not be disappointed by what this popular product can do.

Limitations

However, this is probably a good time to bring up these specific limitations. Invisalign aligners will not be much good at turning teeth back once they’ve reached a certain angle in your mouth. A dentist will be the final judge, but there are definitely some dental problems that only traditional braces can really address successfully.

Mouth Cancer Awareness Month

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Mouth cancer awareness month aims to open eyes and ears about this fast-growing health issue.

Cancer of the mouth claims more victims each year than cervical and testicular cancers combined – and outnumbers those killed on our roads.

Figures show diagnoses are up 40% in a decade. So, what is causing this epidemic and how can we mitigate the risk factors?

Well, nobody will be surprised to learn that smoking and drinking are crucial factors as is a diet that is not rich in vegetables and vitamins. Men over 50 are the biggest risk group but also those with missing teeth. The incidences related to sexually transmitted diseases is also on the rise.

More than 2,000 people in the UK die each year but early diagnosis could slash this figure. That's why Mouth Cancer awareness month in November is an ideal time to as your dentist for that all important check-up.

Stats from British dental Health Foundation

• Latest figures show that, there were 6,767 people diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK
• That’s 18 people every day – one person diagnosed every 77 minutes
• Mouth cancer cases have increased by a third in the last decade and it is one of few cancers that experts predict will continue to increase in the coming years
• Mouth cancer is ranked the 16th most common cancer in the UK
• The lifetime risk of developing mouth cancer is 1 in 84 for men and 1 in 160 for women
• Cancer of the tongue and oral cavity are the most common forms of mouth cancer, followed then by the throat.  Lip, neck and other mouth cancers make up the rest of cases
• Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women
• 86% of cases are diagnosed in those over 50
• Mouth cancer rates per population are significantly higher in Scotland compared with England, Northern Ireland and Wales
• Rates are much higher in white males, however those in Asian males are similar
• More than 90% of mouth cancers in men and 85% in women are linked to lifestyle and environmental factors

Risk factors

Two-thirds of cases are linked to smoking including secondary smoking.  A third is also associated with excess alcohol. Poor diet is also a factor but it must be stressed that this is due to vitamin deficiency not foods such as red meat and bacon butties. For those with missing teeth, the risk of cancer increases 60-fold. Mouth cancer is 70% more common in those whose family have a history of the disease. However early detection can result in survival outcomes of 90%

What can we do?

Awareness of the condition is critical, hence the launch of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. Typical signs can be so common that many people would not think of troubling their dentist or doctor. Ulcers, red and white blotches around the mouth, lengthy sore throats and lumps all need to be checked out if symptoms persist. If any of these conditions last for three weeks it is vital they are examined by a healthcare professional.  

1. Brush teeth and floss regularly
2. Do not smoke
3. Drink alcohol in moderation
4. Limit exposure to the sun
5. Eat cancer fighting foods
6. Take regular exercise
7. Self exam regularly
8. See your dentist every six months.

Dentistry For The Entire Family

At W Dental we also offer dentistry for the entire family – helping you and your children to maintain a healthy smile.

We believe that it is important for your entire family to have a high standard of dental care, regardless of age. We offer regular dental check-ups for children and adults. Children should have regular checks and preventative care to allow them to grow up with healthy mouths, and to ensure that they keep their teeth for life.

Hygiene appointments are also available, and we will give you advice such as following a healthy diet, the effective way to clean your teeth and maintain your teeth for life.

Every W Dental patient has a full examination at their annual check up. We also examine your teeth for signs of decay; look at the health of your gums and check your jaw joints. All adult patients are also checked for mouth cancer.

For clients who need restorative work, we offer a full range of dental services. These include tooth-coloured fillings, one-visit ceramic crowns, and strong, permanent replacements for missing teeth.

If you would like to know more about what W Dental can offer you and your family contact us on 0118 944 9444.  

Preventative Dentistry

At W Dental we place a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry – enabling you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

We recommend regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments, and we will give you advice on following a healthy diet and the best way of cleaning your teeth.

Our digital x-rays and intra-oral camera help us to spot potential problems at an early stage, so that we can treat them quickly, saving you time and expense. Our state-of-the-art equipment also includes a dental microscope to aid diagnosis and treatment.

For those clients who need restorative work, we offer a full range of dental services. These include tooth-coloured fillings, one-visit ceramic crowns, and strong, permanent replacements for missing teeth.

TMJ Disorder - Jaw Problems And Headaches

Teeth don’t always fit together properly, and when they don’t it can cause occlusal or bite problems. The list of symptoms which this can trigger is surprisingly long, and includes a stiff or tender jaw, pain or discomfort at the side of the face by the ears, clicking and popping of the jaw joints, pain behind the eyes, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.

You may find that you clench or grind your teeth, although most people who do aren’t aware of it. Sometimes this can be caused by anxiety, or you may do it when concentrating on a task. It can also happen when you are asleep and you wake up with a stiff jaw or tenderness when you bite.

 W Dental are experienced in treating a variety of bite-related problems. Our state-of-the-art T-scanner enables us to precisely analyse your bite. This enables us to quickly and simply identify the origin of headaches or pain and recommend a suitable course of treatment.

 If you would like to find out more about how we can help please call us on 0118 944 9444.