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.

There are several brands of clear aligners that the team at Walkerston Dental in Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland use. They are able to treat a vast majority of issues that patients feel that they have when it comes to the alignment and positioning of their teeth.

A dentist in Mackay is able to use one of these methods to align the teeth in a more appealing manner, not only to improve the confidence of their patients, but also to improve their oral health as well.

Teeth are known to be one of the initial physical attractions in relationships. Having straight, white teeth is appealing to most people and can improve social and working relationships as a confident smile can go a long way in a first impression.

In saying this, it is important to know that dentists practice a non-judgmental approach when it comes to their patients. Everybody comes in their own shape and size and this is respected. By understanding that their patients have smile desires and goals that they wish to achieve, dentists work hard in helping their patients to achieve these goals.

What are these clear aligners?

They are a non-invasive, removable and barely distinguishable treatment that will slowly straighten out teeth over the course of a year, more or less. Each patient has different complications with their teeth and therefore the treatment varies between each person. A dentist will go through a patient’s individual treatment plan after they have expressed an interest in having this treatment for themselves.

Every 2 weeks patients will wear a new set of aligners that gradually move teeth into their desired position. There is a little discomfort in the beginning as the teeth adjust to the new position, but it is not unbearable and the feeling soon becomes unnoticed.

It is exciting for a patient to see the process from beginning to end with this treatment, by following the changes as teeth move into a healthier position that will make them easier to clean and care for.

The aligners themselves are clear and fit over a person’s teeth snugly. This means that they are hardly seen when they are worn, which needs to be for a minimum of 22 hours each day in order to have the best results.

Patients are able to remove them during meal times and when they are brushing their teeth. This is extremely convenient for someone who does not want to have their alignment treatment interfere with their day to day life. They do not have to stop eating foods that they enjoy nor do they need to adhere to tricky cleaning routines in order to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

By visiting their dentist every 6 weeks, the dentist can monitor the changes in order to ensure that the treatment process is going as planned.

This is also a great time for patients to check in with their dentist to get questions answered or any concerns regarding the procedure alleviated.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Recent dental reports are finding that only half of Australians are following the recommended guidelines of brushing teeth twice a day. This is contributing to the high levels of decay that is being found across numerous reports and is a growing concern for healthcare professionals nationwide.

One such consequence of poor oral hygiene standards is the increased prevalence of tooth and gum disease. These oral diseases can lead to long-lasting physical and psychological damage. As further research is making more obvious, the health of the mouth is linked to the health of the entire human body.

As tooth loss can cause an impairment of chewing and swallowing, in turn, this can affect nutrition. Poor nutrition can lead to a host of health issues including diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Gum disease has also been linked to heart conditions and strokes.

Aside from this, having poor oral health can have a negative impact on a person’s psychological well-being by causing self-esteem and confidence issues. This may mean that a person may not perform as well as they could in the workplace, school or social situations.

Spa Dental Sydney CBD in Sydney CBD has made it their mission to not only tackle this increasing trend of dental disease but also to alleviate the symptoms and damage that has already been done.

Although preventive measures are the best method in maintaining a healthy smile, it is important to be non-judgmental and to deal with any situation in hand. One procedure that is finding its way into many people’s lives is the very popular dental implant.

What is a dental implant?

For those who have lost a tooth, many teeth or have an entire set of dentures, there is a procedure available that will be able to improve the health of the mouth and in turn allow the patient to comfortably eat the foods they have been avoiding, with ease. This results in nutritional standards to be raised, allowing the effect of better overall health.

This procedure mimics the natural tooth structure by replacing not just the visible part of the tooth, but the tooth root as well. This provides stability across the entire jawline and prevents the recession of the jawbone which is a natural occurrence when it is no longer stimulated by the existence of a tooth.

These stable and long-lasting structures give people a chance to have a complete set of permanent teeth again, as they can be non-removable should that be a patient’s preference.

By discussing their options with their dental care professionals, patients are able to gain insight into this procedure so that they can make an informed decision as to the benefits and risks associated with having this procedure done.

There is no upper age limit in having tooth implants and there are very few cases in which a person is not viable for such a procedure. Should there be any pre-existing gum disease, a patient may need to get this under control before this treatment commences in order for efficient healing and less risk of complications and infection.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Stronghold of the medical community

Since as far back as the early 19th century, Harley Street in the center of London has been synonymous with the highest possible standards of excellence in the fields of medicine and cosmetic dentistry. Harley Street began to gain its reputation as the epicenter of cutting-edge innovation in the practice of medicine around 1816, when its large Victorian townhouses appealed to medical practitioners as it allowed them to house both their practices and lodgings in the same space. One of the more notable practitioners to reside on Harley Street in its early days was Florence Nightingale, who lived and worked in the area around 1854. Today Harley Street still upholds its standing reputation as the place to go for top-tier quality medical and dental work, with numerous practices across a range of fields. For those seeking dental implants on Harley Street, there are some of the most highly renowned practitioners in the city who are perfectly suited to meet the needs of any patient.

Treatment catered to you

One such dental practitioner operating out of Harley Street is the Harley Street Dental Clinic. For over twenty years the trained professional in-house team of dentists, dental hygienists and receptionists have been working tirelessly to provide both local residents and beyond with a patient-centered, bespoke dental service like no other. It is their belief that each patient presents an entirely new set of challenges and obstacles, and that – just as no two sets of teeth are identical – no two treatments ought to be exactly the same. Rather, treatment at Harley Street Dental Clinic is tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of the individual patient – rather than adopting the one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry which has become all too popular across the county.

Putting the pieces together

The installation of dental implants is one particularly popular cosmetic dental procedure which is on offer at Harley Street Dental Clinic. Implants are only generally opted for in instances where teeth have been lost or damaged beyond repair – and act as a prosthetic solution to large and unsightly gaps in patients’ teeth. The process of installing dental implants at the Harley Street Dental Clinic generally begins with a consultation between the patient and a practitioner of their choosing, with whom they share trust and a good rapport. During this consultation, the dentist would discuss the process of installing dental implants, and why they are the patient’s best form of treatment. Only once the patient feels comfortable with the undertaking, would the process begin. Installing dental implants initially consists of drilling a small hole into the space in the patient’s gum where the missing tooth or teeth would be. Then a titanium screw is inserted into the hole and left to heal. After a brief healing period, during which time the titanium fuses with the bone in the patient’s gum, a replica tooth (or denture) constructed from plastic or porcelain is then fixed into the screw and thus the gap is filled with a virtually indistinguishable, good-as-new tooth. Treatment of this nature can be massively beneficial in booting the self-esteem and confidence of those seeking it as implants afford them the ability to once again smile to their fullest potential, without having to be embarrassed over exposing large, unsightly gaps in their mouth.

A lot of people believe that braces are a rite of passage for teenagers with a misaligned bite, and having not had this experience during their youthful years, have missed their chance at a straight and beautiful smile.

However, there are several options designed with the adult lifestyle in mind that can provide straight teeth in as little as a few weeks. There is more involved in getting braces than just providing oneself with straighter teeth as well. There are many hidden health benefits that come with the process of straightening teeth as well as the end result.

Orthodontics in Weybridge can provide their patients with a range of teeth straightening options. After an initial consultation, a dentist will offer their recommendation as well as several alternative options all coupled with their advantages and potential risks.

Patients are free to make an informed decision about what treatment they believe will be best suited to their lifestyle and which will provide them with the best results.

What can having braces do for overall health?

Misaligned teeth can wear down faster than teeth that are correctly aligned. In some areas teeth will not meet in the correct place making it impossible to chew. This can cause difficulty in eating and avoidance in certain foods.

By having braces, people can experience having a more youthful appearance. Teeth slowly drift towards the tongue as one ages, causing crowding and overlapping. By widening the palate and straightening the teeth, the mouth will lift upwards and a smile will appear fuller in the mouth.

Straighter teeth can reduce plaque build-up as areas of crossing and overlapping are harder to reach when brushing – and food generally does not wash away in crooked teeth when drinking water as it does in perfectly aligned teeth.

Other benefits not often thought about when a person is straightening their teeth is the overall health benefits associated with their diet change while they are receiving their treatment. Traditional braces consist of brackets that are attached to the teeth and wires that connect these brackets. Certain foods should be avoided as they can get stuck in the wires and build upon the brackets, causing bad breath among more serious complications.

Removable devices allow patients to take out their aligners whilst they are eating and brushing their teeth. It is important to have these aligners in for a minimum of 22 hours every day so that patients can expect the best possible results.

In order to minimize bad breath and to keep their teeth healthy, it is necessary to brush their teeth after eating before putting their aligners back in. This potentially means that many people avoid the 4 pm snack due to the ritual of taking out their aligners and brushing their teeth in order to do so.

Diet has a considerable impact on the state of a person’s oral and overall health and by looking at braces in a positive light in helping to improve one’s diet, teeth straightening can be an opportunity to improve one’s overall health as well.

The unique procedure allowing patients to obtain a whole new set of teeth that permanently stay in the mouth, eliminating those embarrassing situations that may occur or uncomfortable dentures slipping and rubbing, is fast becoming a popular option for those who are suitable.

And most patients are finding that they can indeed have this procedure, as there are many different treatments that give patients, who otherwise do not have the strength in their jaw required for the implantation to take hold and succeed, another chance.

High Dental Implants in Melbourne can offer an implant consultation so that patients can garner an understanding of what they might expect should they have some form of treatment. They can give options to those who have lost all of their teeth and have worn dentures for many years. Patients can be provided with numerous scans in order to identify how many stages their treatment plan will entail, and treatments can be applied to those who have only lost one or several teeth.

By looking at the advantages and disadvantages of dental implants, patients can make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for them.

What can be expected from an initial consultation?

The initial meeting with a dentist gives the patient the chance to raise any questions and concerns that they might have about the procedure, to gain the relevant information that they need in order to make a justified decision about whether or not they want to continue on with the treatment.

Patients may not have heard about this procedure before being suggested they have this treatment by their dentist, so it is important that they find out as much as possible to know what lifelong implications it may have.

During the first procedure, a full medical history and thorough examination of both outside the mouth and inside the mouth will be performed. This is to ensure full information on the health of the patient, to look at the condition of the jaw as well as the gums.

Scans and x-rays will probably be conducted as this is the most efficient way of determining the health of a person’s jaw and to see what relevant stages of treatment need to be conducted in order for the entire treatment to be a success and to go as smoothly as possible.

Digital scans also allow for dentists to accurately plot the location of the tooth implants so that there is the greatest likelihood of success and for them to be as comfortable as possible. Research is constantly allowing for dentists to continue to improve their services for their patients.

As the technology has improved over the years, it has become a very popular option for those looking for an easy and comfortable option in replacing their ill-fitting dentures or completing an entire set of teeth so that they can chew and speak comfortably.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Twenty years ago, braces were for awkward teenagers with acne, not adults trying to be taken seriously in the workplace. However, the ever-changing face of braces in St John’s Wood has made a beautiful smile possible at any age.

Chat to your local dentist if you are unsure of your choices. Expert orthodontists at St John’s Wood come with a wealth of knowledge and several years of experience.

Maintain a professional look while straightening your teeth with Invisalign

Many dental clients ask, ‘what is the most discreet straightening aid?’ Invisalign or invisible braces are not just discreet, they are practically invisible.

What are they and how do they work?

Invisible braces comprise of approximately 24 clear mouthguard type aligners that the wearer replaces every two weeks.

They are removable and made from transparent plastic, which means your current lifestyle will not be disrupted in any way.

No two pairs of aligners are the same shape, the intention of them is to pull your teeth, ever so slightly, into a new position.

How long will I have to wear them for?

The duration of treatment varies between patients but ranges between several months and two years.

Using top-of-the-range technology, such as an iTero scanner, your treatment plan is customised in detail.

On your first appointment, once it is decided that you are eligible for Invisalign, digital dental impressions are taken of your teeth using the scanner.

These impressions are efficient, accurate and produced at high speed, which allows an orthodontist to devise a treatment plan in half the time.

These findings also allow the experts to predict how your teeth will move incrementally during treatment, and provide you with a realistic expectation of how your teeth will look post-treatment.

Pros and cons of invisible braces

Discreet and removable

The discreet and removable are Invisalign’s key selling points. Imagine the freedom of socialising with friends, going on dates and interviews whilst wearing Invisalign’s aligners. Only you will know that you are wearing them.

No need to adapt your brushing routine and eating – your lifestyle remains virtually unchanged because you can take out the aligners whenever you need to.

Comfortable

You might experience some discomfort when you first start wearing the aligners, and for a while after replacing your trays every two weeks but that is the extent of your pain.

You can say goodbye to the idea of mouth sores caused by metal braces scraping with cheek tissue.

The need for discipline

Aligners are costly to replace if you lose them and not as useful if you do not wear them for most of the time. Their removable nature should not mean you take them out on a whim, but only when you absolutely have to.

Are there other alternatives similar to Invisalign?

If you are not a suitable candidate for Invisalign or would prefer to have a fixed orthodontic device, ceramic braces and lingual braces in St John’s Wood are worth considering.

Ceramic braces have brackets made from ceramic not metal, and with a minimal amount of wire in your mouth, the appearance of this straightening aid in your mouth is discreet.

Lingual braces are glued onto the back of the teeth and are practically out of sight.

Braces can be a costly endeavor, but a lifelong investment that contributes to your overall health.

Why is a dentist recommended teeth whitening procedure necessary when there are over-the-counter (OTC) products available, is a valid question patients interested in cosmetic treatments have to consider. While there are numerous products available over the counter from whitening toothpaste to home kits comprising of paint-on whiteners and strips to choose from, these are at best able to remove superficial stains from teeth and often do not whiten teeth effectively. A cosmetic dentist in Barnsley, on the other hand, is best placed to provide patients with satisfactory megawatts smiles. Patients can receive an improvement of between five and ten shades lighter when receiving in-clinic teeth whitening treatment as directed by a professional dental practitioner.

Over time, teeth are prone to staining and discoloration due to the types of food and beverages that are consumed, the effects of certain medication and inadequate oral hygiene practices. Discoloration is also a part of the natural aging process when the inner part of teeth takes on a darker shade.

DIY teeth whitening vs dentist-recommended plan 

Active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are two main ingredients in teeth whitening products that are responsible for the bleached or whitening effect. What should be of interest to patients is their oral health safety when using products containing these ingredients. As there is some risk to their use in higher concentrations, at-home products contain only low levels that make them ineffective to produce aesthetically-pleasing results. Only a dental practitioner is allowed to administer higher concentration levels of hydrogen peroxide which is mainly the reason why professional teeth whitening produce comparatively better results.

A similar case can be made for LED light treatments. These are available in-office as well as used as take-home products. Whitening lamps available at a dental clinic are usually of very good quality in comparison to products that can be used at home which is why the results they produce are of a higher quality.

A great cause for concern when using in-home products is when patients extend application times or apply products more frequently than is advised, thereby damaging tooth enamel. For this and other reasons, cosmetic dentistry is best left in the hands of a qualified dentist.

Aftercare for professional teeth whitening

 Once patients have received in-clinic teeth whitening, two of the best ways to enjoy whiter teeth for longer is to avoid teeth-staining foods and drinks as well as not smoking. In addition to this, patients are also recommended to:

• Use a fluoride toothpaste to clean teeth twice every day with one of those times being brushing teeth before bed.
• Limit the consumption of sugary foods and beverages.
• For patients who can’t totally eliminate tea and coffee, rinse with water after consumption.
• Keep regular dental check-up appointments at a dental clinic. The dental practitioner can advise on how often these appointments should be made.

To achieve the desired level of tooth whiteness, a dentist has a number of safe and effective treatments to refer to. These include whitening gels, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns. Interested in learning more about these teeth whitening procedures or to schedule a consultation, call a dental clinic with the relevant experience in these dental services.

People who don’t feel happy with their smile can find it affects their confidence and self-esteem, both of which can have far-reaching effects in their personal and professional lives. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to simply accept that the teeth are not the way they should be; an experienced professional can present a range of options to ensure the best possible smile.

The treatment a patient can get very much depends on the issues they have with their teeth, gums and jaw. It may be that braces are the best option; or dental implants could be the solution. Whitening and veneers are also great ways to get a better smile. Each patient should be assessed on an individual basis to ascertain the most appropriate treatment.

Braces

Braces have come a long way from the metal structures administered to young people in days gone by. Firstly, they are no longer just for teenagers – getting the teeth straightened, closing gaps and resolving crowding is now available for people of all ages.

Braces can help to improve the aesthetic appeal of the teeth, which can have a big impact on how the patient feels about their smile. They also help people to maintain better oral hygiene, which means that their teeth can stay in better condition even as ageing occurs. This can allow the patient to maintain a younger appearance and feel more confident about how they look.

For those who might feel a little self-conscious about the idea of wearing braces, it is now possible to opt for Invisalign. This is a treatment that involves wearing ‘braces’ which are almost invisible, and which keeps discomfort at an absolute minimum.

Dental implants

Dental implants can be a great tool for getting a better smile. They can be used to replace one or more teeth that are in poor condition; and as a treatment for teeth that are misshapen or ground down.

Patients who wear dentures can find that the fact that they are not fixed can cause issues with appearance, including feeling self-conscious. Dental implants are a permanent solution to a better smile, and well worth considering if the dentist considers this an appropriate treatment.

Veneers

Veneers are a popular choice with those who wish to improve their smile. Thin pieces of porcelain that are moulded to your teeth, they can alleviate a multitude of issues to give the patient a great look and increased confidence.

Whitening

Discoloured, stained or yellow teeth can significantly reduce a person’s confidence regarding their smile. Professional whitening from an expert can be the answer, and can allow patients to feel much better about their appearance – and encourage better dental hygiene in the future in order to maintain the look.

Whatever the factors affecting confidence in the smile, people can find the solutions by visiting an experienced professional. Given the impact this can have in all areas of a person’s life, it is well worth exploring the options for improvement. A great smile makes people look younger and more attractive, so oral care should be a top priority.