The rise of cosmetic dentistry over the past decade reflects how a substantial number of Brits now view dental aesthetics as a priority. This increased interest in dental treatments can undoubtedly be attributed to contemporary generations embracing the social media culture that encourages users to project a picture-perfect image. Apps such as Twitter and Instagram see filtered images of everyday folk jostling for attention beside professional photos of celebrities with their gleaming dental implants and surgically enhanced smiles. Yet there has always been the presence of incredibly beautiful film stars and pop idols flashing their straight, white teeth at us mere mortals from magazines, cinema screens and the T.V., so what’s changed?

No need for a superstar budget

Although cosmetic treatments performed by regulated and certified professionals do attract a certain amount of expense, competition between cosmetic dentists means that patients can afford to shop around for the best deal for the dental services they require. Treatments such as teeth-whitening are relatively cheap when one is considering dental enhancement and if your teeth are already in good condition and merely stained or discolored, this could be the solution for you. There are different sorts of whitening treatments available, including lasering and bleaching, and these will incur varying costs. Although you can purchase home whitening kits, it is advisable to allow an approved dentist to do it to ensure the procedure is safe and for potentially longer-lasting effects.

An increase in the quality of products, materials, and tools

Not only have prices become more affordable over the years but the quality of products, such as dentures and braces, has improved. This means that patients could potentially improve their dental aesthetics with treatments from their own dentist via the NHS. Products such as veneers and implants are created using excellent quality materials and processes giving longer-lasting results. Dental technology is also constantly advancing and private practices may have access to technology and tools like 3D scanners as their budget is not confined like that of an NHS dental surgery.

Swayed by the allure of luxury

Many people dream of living like a celebrity, and dental cosmetics performed in a luxurious environment can allow patients to fulfill this ambition. Private practices want patients to be well aware of the exclusive atmosphere of their surgery and this is reflected in the individual attention given to each patient. This wish to be pampered and treated like a celebrity suggests yet another reason for the increase in cosmetic dental procedures. However, it is worth noting that many NHS dentists provide private services, so you could find yourself having private dental work performed in your usual dental surgery and even by the same dentist. Although the exclusivity of the environment may be lost if this occurs, you will have the assurance of being treated by a dentist with whom you are familiar.

There are several reasons that explain the increase in demand for cosmetic dental work, and with personal image becoming increasingly important, there is no doubt that this demand is set to increase further.

Whether it’s for a general check-up at the dentist or seeing an orthodontist for more specialized work, there is more choice than ever before. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed wondering about braces or veneers and various other kinds of treatments. How do people go about finding a good dentist that they can trust? Here is a handy guide for anyone looking to find a professional they can trust to take care of their teeth.

Check for accreditation

Any reputable dentist or orthodontist will be happy to demonstrate their accreditation. As well as being qualified to maintain tooth health and create improvements; some of the best are professionally trained to help patients who are nervous about having treatment.

Decide on NHS or private dental care

There are advantages to both kinds of care and treatment. Many people are now opting for private care in order to ensure they receive the luxury treatment they feel they deserve, particularly when it comes to adult braces or veneers.  The NHS does not cover cosmetic treatment,  so for those who are looking to improve their appearance with a brighter, straighter smile – private dental care is the best option.

Find out what others think

The best dentists usually have lots of happy patients. Talking to friends and family who have had dental work done is a great way to find a professional that can be trusted to do a great job. It’s also a great idea to look at reviews or testimonials online; which can be found on dental websites or elsewhere, such as NHS dentist reviews and ratings on the Care Quality Commission rating pages.

Consider the kind of treatment required

If general dental work is all that is needed, a dentist is the best choice. For people who are thinking of getting their teeth straightened, a consultation with an orthodontist is the solution. For those unsure of whether it’s braces or veneers they need, it’s well worth visiting a cosmetic dental expert.

Visit and have a consultation

One of the most important factors when it comes to getting a good dentist is a feeling of confidence and ease during the consultation and treatment process. It doesn’t matter how good the dentist is in a technical sense if the patient doesn’t feel comfortable and able to relax. It’s important to have an initial chat with the professional in mind to find out how they work; what steps treatment might involve; and most importantly, how much significance they place on making patients feel well cared for and able to ask questions.

A matter of careful consideration

Choosing a dentist must be done with care, after all, the condition of the teeth and mouth can have a dramatic impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem; and this can spill into many other areas of the life of the patient. It’s important to think about the kind of care required, whether to go for NHS or private treatment and to develop a good relationship with a provider that is both empathetic and professional.

You know that going to the dentist is essential to ensure optimal oral health and hygiene, but you might not be familiar with the types of oral practitioners who keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.

Which specialist do you go to have your teeth cleaned versus undergoing root canal surgery? You might find that a trip to the dental clinic involves more than one dental practitioner, depending on how complicated your problem is.

This article aims to provide you with all of the information on the different fields of dentistry so that you know what to expect when you need a specific treatment administered, as well as the necessary experience, skills, and qualifications your dentist in Soho must be equipped with.

4 Types of Dentist

1. General dentist

The local dentist you see every six months is your general dental practitioner. His or her responsibilities may include the following:

• Identifying gum issues, tooth decay and oral diseases with diagnostic x-ray photographs.
• Examining not only the teeth and gums but the head, neck, jaw and other areas of the face for early signs of serious bodily infections.
• Filling cavities
• Routine cleaning
• Referring patients to specialists for further dental care if needed.

Seven years of studying is required to practice as a general dentist; four years of undergraduate education, followed by three years at a dental school. A qualified dentist attains a DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree.

2. Oral hygienist

Not all dental practices have a hygienist. When one does, the general dental practitioner and oral hygienist work closely together.

While a dentist fills cavities, prescribes treatment, diagnoses infections and refers patients to specialized practitioners, a hygienist has his or her expertise in preventative dentistry.

• They administer deep cleans on people showing signs of gingivitis, gum disease in its early stages. The clean, also known as scaling and planing, prevents the advancement of periodontitis, which if left untreated, could lead to significant bone, tooth loss and consequently, a changed facial appearance.
• Provide you with information on adequate home care, which includes tips on brushing techniques, recommendations of fluoride toothpaste, and advice on how to improve your diet to better the state of your mouth, gums, and teeth. 

3. The pulp experts – an endodontist

The pulp is the inside tissue of a tooth made up of a complex system of nerves and blood vessels.

You might damage the pulp of your teeth in the event of an injury, and if it is left untreated, could result in the infection of the pulp, which can put your teeth in jeopardy.

The job of an endodontist, among other roles, is to curb infections and preserve teeth by performing root canal surgery. A root canal involves removing the infected pulp and filling the hole with a sealant to prevent re-infection. While the pulp is imperative for keeping a child’s growing teeth healthy and functioning its presence is not crucial in a fully-formed adult tooth. 

4. Boast a beautiful smile with an orthodontist

An orthodontist diagnoses malocclusions and misaligned teeth that could pose as a threat to prime dental health.

Depending on the nature of the above, this specialist will prescribe an orthodontic treatment and straightening aid that pulls teeth into place using wires, elastic bands, and brackets.

Developments in modern orthodontics have seen more people of all ages wearing braces to fix their teeth to optimize their quality of life.

The above article has described only some oral health providers and their responsibilities. If you are unsure of whom to go to for your particular teeth issue, chat to your dentist in Soho, who will either refer you to the right dental professional or treat the problem if they have the correct expertise.