Happier and Healthier Smiles with Invisalign and Six Months Smiles

Crooked teeth can diminish your appearance and can also detract from the health of your mouth as they have gaps in which plaque can accumulate. Crooked teeth can also drift, due to lack of stability. If you are tired of wondering how you look when you smile or feeling self-conscious when you talk, then you might like to consider braces. St John’s Wood is home to Aura Dental, where we offer a range of discreet braces so that you can benefit from straighter teeth without the inconvenience or unsightly appearance of metal braces.

A more discreet option

invisalignMost adults do not want to have to worry about whether people can see their braces while they have their teeth straightened. Luckily, you no longer have to, as modern methods are faster, more comfortable and less obtrusive than ever before. We offer braces in St John’s Wood that give you the smile you dream of without affecting your everyday life. The Invisalign system uses a series of almost invisible clear plastic trays, which are individually made to fit your mouth. They are changed every two weeks and removeable for eating and cleaning. The Inman aligner is also clear, but contains nickel titanium coil springs and bows. These create gentle forces that guide your teeth into the correct position. The aligners are removeable, but if you wear them for 16-20 hours per day, you can expect to have a great new smile in 6-18 weeks.

georgeGeorge Angelidakis

Dentist

George was born in Greece and qualified as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 2011. After graduating, he gained experience working as the Dental Officer of the Greek Military Dental Clinic in the demanding Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry Departments.

To master his skills and knowledge in Aesthetic Dentistry, George moved to New York City and completed a full time Advanced Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Dentistry at the renowned New York University.

He is a certified Invisalign, Inman Aligner and Cfast Clear Braces provider.

Using his combined knowledge and a comprehensive approach, he has gained an excellent reputation in “Designing Enhanced Smiles” for those inspired to change their look or cosmetic dental appearance.

Six Month SmileGet the results you want, fast.

Another popular option for patients who have had braces in St John’s Wood is the Six Month Smiles technique, which uses very discreet clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires. It works on the front six teeth, which are the ones most visible when you smile. Although it cannot correct serious misalignments, it works rapidly to improve your appearance. CFast braces also act quickly and can improve the alignment of the front teeth in the top and bottom jaws as well as rounding out the arches, in as little as six months.

Jose CerqueiraJose Cerqueira Marinho Da Silva

Dentist

Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry in 2011 after initially completing a degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Manchester in 2006.

He has undertaken extensive postgraduate training including a world renowned one year cosmetic dentistry & aesthetic restorative dentistry course and is a certified practitioner in Invisalign, Six-Month Smiles (clear braces), Inman Aligner and Fastbraces®. He also prides himself in providing facial rejuvenation procedures to his patients including botox and dermal fillers.

Invest in your smile and oral health and talk to us today about having braces in St John’s Wood.

Dental implants can improve your appearance, self-esteem and quality of life.

Are missing teeth creating problems?

Missing teeth can diminish your confidence, and can make you feel self-conscious in social situations, due to their effect on your appearance. They can also affect your speech and restrict the range of foods you can eat. Removeable dentures can be unsatisfactory, and people worry about them coming loose or about discomfort where they rub. If you would like to live your life without thinking about denture glue, how your smile looks and what food you can eat, then you could consider having dental implants. St John’s Wood is the home of Aura Dental and we are proud of our experience of fitting implants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLBUEKccyrA

What should I expect?

The first stage of having dental implants in St John’s Wood is a consultation during which we find out what you would like to achieve. We also check your underlying oral health and take detailed information including photographs, accurate measurements, scans and x-rays. The implants are small metal screws that are placed into the jaw during a minor operation. When they are secure, they form a base for single replacement teeth, a bridge or fixed denture. They do require the same high levels of care that natural teeth do but, if looked after properly, are a stable, lasting solution to missing teeth.

georgeGeorge Angelidakis

Dentist

George was born in Greece and qualified as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 2011. After graduating, he gained experience working as the Dental Officer of the Greek Military Dental Clinic in the demanding Oral Surgery and Restorative Dentistry Departments.

To master his skills and knowledge in Aesthetic Dentistry, George moved to New York City and completed a full time Advanced Postgraduate Program in Aesthetic Dentistry at the renowned New York University.

With the desire of expanding his knowledge and skills in Dentistry even further, George completed a prestigious Master of Science (MSc) program in Implantology and Dental Surgery in Germany. Continuing his training in Implant Dentistry at the highest level, he has also attended the postgraduate program of the International team for Implantology (ITI) at the reputable Harvard and Tufts Universities in Boston, United States.

What are the advantages?

When you choose dental implants in St John’s Wood, you will benefit from having fully functioning teeth again. This not only improves how you look, it also means that your mouth works properly so you can eat a full range of food again. A further benefit is improved structure of the tissues of your jaw. This is because dental implants act in the same way as natural tooth roots. So, when you bite and chew, the pressure exerted stimulates the bone and blood vessels of the jaw. This strengthens them and prevents the reabsorption and degeneration that can happen when there are gaps or other tooth replacements, such as dentures, are used. Having dental implants in St John’s Wood is a lasting investment in your health and appearance.

We look forward to discussing how we can help you with dental implants in St John’s Wood.

Straight up, the low down on braces in St John’s Wood

If you could change one thing about your smile, what would it be? Let me guess. Straighter teeth? This is the answer that most people give.

The reason for this is that most people do not naturally have straight teeth. That didn’t used to matter as much as it does these days. It’s a chicken and egg situation, which came first, the improvements in braces or the societal emphasis on straight teeth?

We may never know, but the good news is that whichever it is, At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, braces come in a choice of systems, and there’s one on offer that’s perfect for you.

Your options

Braces in St John’s WoodLet’s take a quick look at what each system has to offer:

Invisalign – If you’d rather not wear brackets and wires, you can opt for these invisible aligners. These are custom-made, tight-fitting plastic trays that slip over your teeth like a mouth guard, only they are so thin you can hardly see them. You wear a series of them, each for 2 weeks. Each one gradually shifts your teeth towards their desired position. The other big plus with aligners is that they are removable, making it easier to eat and to keep your teeth and straightening equipment free from food.

Six Month Smiles – This is a fixed bracket and wire system, with the added plus of using clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires that are barely visible. As the name suggests, this braces system can realign teeth in an average of 6 months.

Cfast – This is another system that uses barely noticeable clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires fixed to the front surface of the teeth. Cfast is designed to make simple corrections to the front 6 teeth on the upper and lower jaws. These are the teeth that get seen in most day to day situations. They are known as the ‘social six’.

Inman Aligner – This braces system is designed to realign the front teeth only. It is a removable appliance so that you can take it out for eating and cleaning. Worn as prescribed, it can straighten up your teeth in only 6 to 18 weeks.

To find out about braces in St John’s Wood, why not pop in for a consultation?

Who is suitable for dental implants?

In St John’s Wood, dental implants have become an increasingly popular option for patients who have lost one or more teeth and need effective restoration of their smiles and oral health. Dental implants are suitable for most adults who have good general oral health. They are however not suitable for children.

If you have dental implant treatment, it is important to realise that bad habits, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can increase the number of problems associated with the healing of your dental implants. Some dentists will decline to place dental implants if smoking cannot be reduced or given even up altogether.

Dental Implants in St John's WoodWhen you come to see us at Aura Dental to discuss your dental implants in St John’s Wood, we will need to be aware of any ongoing dental problems you have. The cause of these problems will need to be thoroughly examined before any treatment can occur. If you have a history of gum disease or diabetes, then you may have a higher likelihood of encountering problems with your dental implants. Reduced jawbone density can also make your dental implants in St John’s Wood more complicated, but it is still possible with the help of additional treatments.

Bone graft or sinus lift

If your jawbone density is low, you may require an additional procedure that is available here at Aura Dental. This can come in the form of a bone graft or a sinus lift. This helps rebuild the jawbone so it is strong enough to hold your dental implants.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants hold your teeth in place to an extent only matched by natural teeth. The implant is a titanium screw that is directly placed into your jawbone. It fuses with your bone over a period of time – this process can take up to 6 months to complete. Then permanent new teeth will be attached to abutments on top of your implants. These can come in the form of a single crown, a bridge or even dentures.

The benefits

Once your dental implant treatment is complete you can enjoy a full range of foods again, smile with confidence and rest assured that your oral health is improved.

Braces: which system is right for you?

Dentistry has benefitted hugely from research and development in many areas over the past 2 or 3 decades, making it possible for all of us to have the smile we have always wanted. One area of dentistry that may have advanced more than any other is that of teeth straightening, where the focus is on creating aligned teeth and bite. Time was, if you wanted braces in St John’s Wood, you’d undergo 2 or 3 years of heavy duty metal brackets and wires that could cut into your cheeks and make your teeth ache, as well as restrict your diet and impair your speech. No wonder no one but adolescents was seen in them, what person with freedom of choice would put themselves through that.

Braces in St John’s WoodHowever, these days, there are many kinds of braces on offer, each designed to tackle a different problem and to blend with different lifestyle needs. At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, braces come in several forms to give you the freedom of choice, although we will recommend a system to best suit your needs.

Invisalign

This system uses clear aligners that look like transparent gum shields. The aligners are changed every 2 weeks. You can remove them to clean your teeth and eat, but you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day for them to align your teeth on schedule. Their smooth plastic means no cut cheeks or mouth sores, and it is so thin that no one can see you are wearing them.

Inman Aligner

This aligner is a cross between invisible and metal braces. It relies on coil springs that power 2 metal aligner bows that gently oppose each other, guiding the teeth into their new positions. This system is often quicker than Invisalign, taking between 6 and 16 weeks. Also, only one appliance is required for the entire treatment, making it more affordable. The Inman Aligner is designed to move the front teeth only.

Six Month Smiles

This uses tooth-coloured brackets and wires to move the front 6 social teeth, the ones you see when you smile. Treatments are completed in as little as 6 months.

To find out more about braces in St John’s Wood, why not pop in for a consultation?

Dreading the dentist and desperate for dental implants?

Do you break out in a sweat at the prospect of lying back in the dentist’s chair, gazing up at the ceiling and seeing those purple-gloved hands plunging over your mouth? Does the whine of even a benign polisher make you feel anxious? Never fear, you are not alone. Being scared of the dentist, dentophobia, is not only real, it’s a phobia that affects between 7–13% of the population.

If dentophobia has stopped you coming to the dentist for years, you may now be in danger of losing, or have already lost, some teeth, and want to have them replaced with dental implants in St John’s Wood.

Dental Implants in St John's WoodThere are different triggers for dentophobia. Maybe it’s the sight of a needle, the fear of being told off by an authority figure, or the dreaded sight and sound of the dentist’s drill. Maybe it’s the thought of experiencing pain, the idea of not being able to feel your face, or the worry of the anaesthetic not working properly. Or perhaps it’s just the  plain fear of finding yourself having to pay a large and unexpected bill.

Getting dental implants with us

Here in St John’s Wood, dental implants have been transforming lives, but having them fitted means you have to undergo oral surgery to place titanium posts with internal screws into the jawbone. It means the dentist’s chair and the drill. It also means being able to eat what you like for the rest of your life, once the artificial teeth have been permanently attached to these implants.

The idea of this may be too much for you, but the good news is that although in St John’s Wood, dental implants are normally fitted under local anaesthetic, at Aura Dental we have been specially trained to offer scared and anxious patients the right environment and care in which to be able to relax and enjoy a positive dental experience.

You can opt for sedation, either oral or intravenous, along with the local anaesthetic. You will then be able to fully relax during your treatment. If you go for intravenous sedation you may not even be able to remember most of it. Whichever you choose, we will take care of you and make sure that you too have a transformed life with dental implants.

First impressions count

If you are a fan of the many talent shows on TV, you will know how much first impressions count. Remember when Susan Boyle came onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage back in 2009? Everyone wrote her off before she’d even opened her mouth to reveal she had the voice of several angels. She went on to become a major star, and to have quite a visual makeover, but even so her looks have deprived her of being taken seriously by many.

Visual information, collected almost subconsciously, can permanently influence our opinion of another person, especially in situations such as dating and job interviews. If we don’t smile, people can easily assume that we are miserable or unfriendly, whereas the real reason may be because we are ashamed of our wonky teeth.

Braces in St John’s WoodOf course, by the time we are adults, many of us are unwilling to have visible teeth straightening devices that will attract unwanted attention. This is why we offer clear braces in St John’s Wood at Aura Dental.

The clear braces revolution

Invisalign is an innovative kind of braces in St John’s Wood. Instead of the usual brackets, bands and wires, it uses clear plastic trays, rather like mouth guards, that push rather than pull your teeth into alignment.

This kind of braces in St John’s Wood has several advantages over wire and bracket braces.

Invisalign avoids the teenage look that is often associated with ‘train-track’ braces by the use of incredibly thin, clear plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth, and are hard for other people to spot. Importantly for many adults who have public-facing jobs, they do not interfere with speech.

Another big plus is that Invisalign trays are removable. This means no food stuck in brackets and wires that can takes ages to brush away, and therefore much less chance of tooth decay. You can eat whatever you like but it is important to only drink water when the aligner is in because you could stain the plastic.

Also, if you really need to, you can remove the aligner for a few hours for important business or social events. You must wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day if the treatment is to stay on schedule.

The miracle metal that can transform your life

Titanium is not just a multi-coloured metal used for making interesting jewellery. It is also used in dental implants. In St John’s Wood, at Aura Dental, these miniature miracles have been improving the lives of many patients who have lost teeth.

There are 4 reasons why titanium is the go-to metal for dental implants in St John’s Wood. Titanium is lightweight, very strong, and does not corrode after being inserted into the body.

Dental Implants in St John’s WoodBut along with being light, durable and strong, titanium has another property that makes it the stand-out choice for use in implants – its capacity to actually mesh with bone tissue. Titanium’s ability to do this makes it a very popular choice for dental implants, which need to be housed in strong, healthy bone tissue so that they can withstand the multi-directional strong forces associated with biting and chewing. When someone loses a tooth, the bone that once held the root very quickly starts to lose its density. Titanium implants actually encourage the jawbone to produce new bone tissue and blood vessels, and so help keep it strong and healthy for all the remaining natural teeth.

All about your jaw

If the jawbone is not healthy or the gum has receded, teeth can come loose in their sockets. In St John’s Wood, dental implants made of titanium help the jawbone to maintain a healthy size. It may be necessary to have preparatory bone grafting treatment before implants are fitted, if the jawbone has lost density. This may add several months to the treatment process, as time has to be allowed for the grafts to take and generate new bone tissue.

The procedure

In St John’s Wood, dental implants are fitted in 2 stages following an in-depth consultation and examination to make sure the jawbone can take, or can be made to take the implants. If they are, our dentists create new sockets in the jawbone and insert the titanium implants. This surgery is usually done under local anaesthetic, but sedation is also available if you are an anxious patient. After several weeks or possibly months of healing time, during which the titanium implants bond with the bone, artificial teeth, custom-made to blend with your natural teeth, can be fitted.

Ask George…about Invisalign

 

George Angelidakis, our resident Invisalign Specialist answers your questions about Invisalign.

Over the past month we asked our Invisalign patients what questions they wanted to have answered before deciding to get Invisalign. Here are the top 5 queries they raised…

1.How is Invisalign different from braces?

Invisalign is a removable device called an aligner, similar to a mouth guard but less bulky. It appears near invisible when in your mouth and after a few days getting used to it, you’ll hardly notice it. You can remove the aligner when you eat, brush your teeth and in extreme cases such as a significant event. Apart from these occasions, the aligners must be worn as directed to make sure your treatment is not prolonged.

Fixed braces require brackets to be bonded to each individual tooth using wires and rubber bands to move your teeth. A bit more care and attention is required for fixed braces to avoid breakages to brackets or wires (usually done while eating!), which will prolong your treatment. Also, fixed braces promote food packing (getting caught in crevasses around the bracket) during every meal and this can compromise or affect your oral hygiene. Clear, aesthetic braces are available today that can significantly improve aesthetics during the treatment, however, they are still more noticeable and bulkier than an Invisalign aligner.

There are certain cases where one or the other is more appropriate. We will assess your personal circumstances and advice on the best options for you.

A very happy patient wanting to show off her new smile:

2. What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Pros:

  • Nearly invisible
  • Can be removed while eating, brushing teeth and in extreme cases for significant events
  • Less likelihood of breakages and need for emergency visits
  • Ideal for those with busy schedules and frequent travel
  • Before and after result can be previewed via digital simulation
  • Oral Hygiene is kept ideal throughout the treatment as the aligners are removed during meals and you are able to floss and keep the interdental spaces clean.
  • Very safe, as the aligners apply mild pressure on the teeth to be moved.

Cons:

  • Not suitable for all cases. Sometimes a fixed braces may be required
  • Requires self discipline to ensure aligners are worn at all times
  • Cost can be slightly higher than fixed braces depending on the complexity of the treatment

3. How does it work?

You will start by having a comprehensive check up with x-rays to ensure you are suitable for the treatment. If suitable, Invisalign will digitally model your teeth and using 3-D technology, simulate the movement of your teeth over a period of time. The appropriate number of Invisalign aligners will be determined and your dentist will advise you when each one needs to worn and for how long.

Each aligner will adjust your teeth to prepare for the next aligner. Every time you change your aligner, it will feel tighter at first, but you will subside after a few days as your teeth adjustment further.

Is it George or the patient who has just finished Invisalign treatment?:

4. How long does it take and how do I make sure my teeth don’t move when I’m finished? 

Very generally speaking, the treatment will usually last between 3 and 9 months. Discipline in wearing the aligners will determine the length of your Invisalign treatment. If you wear them 22-23 hours a day except for eating, drinking and brushing your teeth, your treatment should take the amount of time determined in your 3D simulation.

The state of your hygiene can also affect the length of your treatment. It is very important that you undergo regular hygiene cleans throughout your Invisalign treatment to avoid delays.

Good ongoing oral hygiene is also important after your treatment to prevent your teeth from moving again. Build up of plaque on your teeth can cause small movements, particularly in the first few months after your treatment has finished. You will need either a fixed retainer (a small wire stuck to the back of your teeth) and/or a removable retainer (much like the Invisalign aligner and worn at night usually) to prevent your teeth trying to move back to their original positions.

5. How much will it cost?

The final cost of your treatment depends on the complexity of your case. The simpler the case the lower the cost is likely to be. You should also take into account the need for regular hygiene cleans throughout your treatment.

At Aura Dental, Invisalign prices start from £1599 for simple cases. However adult Invisalign treatment will often fall between £2,500 and £5,000. The cost of your initial consultation (£75 plus x-rays) will be incorporated into this if you choose to proceed with the treatment. Hygiene cleans can be added on as directed (regular clean is £70; deep clean is £95).

We do appreciate that that these are not small amounts of money, but they are an investment in your smile, which you will be with you forever. There will be a low cost financing options that can help you spread the cost of your treatment over time.

If you are interested in Invisalign, come and see us at Aura Dental in St Johns Wood. Our Treatment Coordinator, Nadia can also answer your questions about treatment and financing options. Hope to see you soon!

W: www.auradentallondon.com | E: info@auradentallondon.com | T: 020 7722 0040

A smile to show off?

Do you feel comfortable smiling? Or do you avoid photographs and worry about interacting with others? Even if you care for your teeth well and have good dental health, you may wish that your appearance was more attractive. Chipped, broken, missing, misaligned or discoloured teeth can be uncomfortable and contribute to you feeling unhappy with how you look. This can really affect your quality of life, as it constantly undermines the enjoyment you feel and how you express yourself. At Aura Dental in St John’s Wood, cosmetic dentistry allows you to look and feel great.

Cosmetic Dentistry in St John’s WoodSolutions for brighter smiles

There is no need to suffer with discomfort or feelings of embarrassment or dissatisfaction any more. For many of our patients in St John’s Wood, cosmetic dentistry has proved life changing. This branch of dental care is the art of making your smile more attractive using a variety of techniques to repair damage, realign your teeth or improve their appearance. Some procedures can also improve your oral health as they make your teeth easier to clean, stronger or more stable. We are proud to offer a friendly, empathetic and highly skilled service so that you get the results you want in a way which suits you.

Cosmetic dentistry in St John’s Wood

Our team have helped many patients achieve the smile of their dreams with cosmetic dentistry in St John’s Wood. We offer a full range of options from teeth whitening and dental veneers to white fillings and braces. We can also discuss treatments such as dental implants, bridges, dentures or crowns with you. Modern techniques mean that treatment is faster, more comfortable and less obtrusive than ever before. For example, choosing clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces allows you to have straighter teeth without having to wear ugly train tracks for months. We can enhance the appearance, condition, colour and placement of your teeth for a beaming smile.

Give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile and see how cosmetic dentistry in St John’s Wood can help you. Get in touch with our experienced team today to discuss how changing your smile can change your life.