Could Invisalign braces be what you have been waiting for?
Whether you have overlapping, crooked teeth or several gaps between them, getting braces in St John’s Wood could resolve your issues and straighten your smile. Many people are not aware of the different types of appliances that are now available. Adults sometimes avoid getting treatment because they feel too old or too self-conscious. We believe that it is never too late to improve your smile, and there are new types of appliances available that are more suitable for the adult lifestyle.
At Aura Dental we offer Invisalign, a type of appliance that is discreet and convenient as well as efficient when it comes to perfecting your smile. Modern dentistry has allowed treatments to become more advanced, and Invisalign reflects this. If you want to find out more about how Invisalign could help you then book a consultation at our practice and speak to one of our highly trained professionals. They will be able to answer any questions that arise and fully explain the ins and outs of the treatment, including aftercare.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an almost invisible appliance that works by gradually moving your teeth into new straighter positions. The aligners are made of a strong, durable plastic and they fit comfortably over the top of your teeth. If you want to get braces in St John’s Wood, the first step is booking a consultation appointment. At this appointment you will have images of your teeth taken. From this, your custom-made aligners will be produced, as 3D computer technology is able to show how your teeth will move at each stage and what shape your aligners will need to be.
The aligners are removable, which not only means that it is easy to keep them clean, but you can eat and brush your teeth with ease as well. You need to wear your aligners for at least twenty-two hours each day, so this means keeping them in at night too.
How does it work?
Invisalign braces in St John’s Wood works by slowly moving your teeth into new positions. You will receive several sets of aligners, and you will be expected to wear each set for around two weeks. How many sets you have in total will depend on how much your teeth need to move, but our dental practitioners will be able to inform you of this early on.
You will need to ensure that you use the aligners in the right order as you do not need to come to our practice every time you are moving on to a new set. You will be expected to visit us for check-up appointments every six to eight weeks. This is so we can make sure that the treatment is working properly and that you are not experiencing any problems.
After you have worn your final set of aligners your teeth will be in their straightened position. More often than not, you will be given a retainer to wear for a minimum of six months after you have finished your treatment, but some patients will need to wear their retainers for the rest of their life so that their teeth do not return to their original positions.
Are you thinking about getting dental implants?
If you are left feeling low every time you look in the mirror because you are missing teeth, then dental implants in St John’s Wood may be able to relieve you of your stress. At Aura Dental we think that everybody deserves to have a complete smile that they are proud of, and whether you are missing one tooth or several, we are there to support you and get your smile back to how it should be.
An implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into your jawbone. From here, our dental practitioners will be able to attach the desired appliance, boosting the aesthetics of your smile instantly. This treatment offers a more permanent solution to replacing your teeth. Patients with removable dentures often choose to upgrade to this more permanent option, as it gives you the opportunity to feel like you have your original teeth back once again.
What problems can this treatment resolve?
Getting dental implants in St John’s Wood can solve most of our patients’ missing teeth quandaries, whether you need just the one replacing or several. A lot of people lose a singular tooth within their lifetime, and this can knock your confidence dramatically. Having a simple tooth implant will enable you to have a crown fitted, completely closing the gap that was once there and restoring your smile to its former glory.
Other patients may be experiencing more severe issues. Some people will not have any teeth at all, but with this treatment you can have a full set of teeth that look and feel exactly like your original ones. If you are having every tooth replaced, you will not necessarily need to have an implant per tooth. One will be capable of supporting at least two artificial teeth, but this is something that your dentist will be able to discuss with you at your consultation appointment.
If you are missing a few teeth in a row this could not only affect your smile but your ability to chew as well. This can make eating in public extremely difficult, and some people will refuse to do so. This can have an impact on your social life without you even realising it. However, having a partial denture fitted to your implants will restore the confidence and strength that you once had, and you will not have to worry about having to chew on the other side anymore.
How long will your replacement teeth last?
If you are getting dental implants in St John’s Wood, then they could potentially last you for the rest of your life. Generally, it is said that they last up to twenty years if you take care of them properly, but this will vary between patients. It is important to take care of your artificial teeth to prevent decay and gum disease from occurring too. These can both cause more extensive problems, especially when gone unnoticed or left untreated.
If you are worrying about the condition of the appliance that you have had fitted, then relax, as it is easy to replace your crown, bridge or denture without affecting your implant at all. Thorough teeth cleaning and regular check-ups will help you to keep your replacement teeth in good condition, and our dental practitioners will be able to recognise if you are developing any problems. Addressing any issues as soon as they arise will ensure that your condition does not get worse and reduce the length of time it takes to deal with the problem.
Braces are not just for crooked teeth
When people think of braces in St John’s Wood they often think of a non-removable metal appliance that is fixed onto the surface of your teeth, purely in an attempt to straighten them. At Aura Dental we have a vast range of appliances available that can not only straighten your teeth but resolve several other dental predicaments too. We can align your jaw, close your gaps, and even straighten your teeth with appliances that are barely noticeable.
If you are unsatisfied with the condition that your teeth are in or frustrated with not having a straight smile, it is a good idea to book a consultation appointment with one of our professionals. They will be able to inform you about all the options that are available to you, and suggest which methods are most suited to your lifestyle and situation.
What types of problems can we solve?
Braces in St John’s Wood can correct most of your orthodontic problems these days. Some of our patients have crooked, overlapping teeth that need to be pulled back into straighter positions. Occasionally these issues can be caused by overcrowding, and a tooth may need to be taken out before the straightening process begins. This is to make sure that your teeth have enough room to move into their new positions without causing further damage to your mouth.
Having gaps between your teeth can leave you feeling more than just unsatisfied. If you have gaps between your front teeth this can leave you feeling self-conscious when you smile, and at Aura Dental we think that everybody is entitled to smile with confidence. It is easy to close these gaps, giving you a more solid, fuller smile to show off.
Sometimes patients will need to have their jaw realigned. This involves wearing a different type of appliance that pushes or pulls your jaw into its correct position. This treatment is sometimes required before you undergo a more generic straightening procedure to make sure that the jaw is in the right place.
Invisalign
Getting braces in St John’s Wood is becoming more popular amongst adults since the introduction of Invisalign. This is an almost invisible appliance that you must wear for twenty-two hours of the day. Easily removable, it fits snugly over your teeth as a retainer would, but you will be given multiple sets of aligners that need to be worn in a specific order. They work by gradually straightening your teeth a little bit more each time you wear a new set.
Unlike other types of appliances, it is easily removable, enabling you to brush your teeth with ease and keep your aligners clean too. Eating is made easier with this method of teeth straightening, as all you need to do is pop your aligners out before lunch. Just make sure that you do not forget to put them back in afterwards.
How long this type of treatment takes will depend upon the condition of your teeth and how many sets of aligners you must wear. Each set must be worn for around two weeks at a time, but this can vary from patient to patient. When you have worn your final set of aligners your teeth will be completely straight, but you will need to wear a retainer for at least six months after your treatment has been completed to ensure that your teeth do not return to their former crooked positions.
Taking care of your implant: cleaning and brushing techniques to make your prosthesis last
So you have a new dental implant in St John’s Wood and the new tooth has given you a new lease on life and a full smile. But how do you keep it healthy, durable and white?
Implants might be better than natural teeth in specific ways, in that they are stronger and immune to cavities. However, make no mistake, they do need to be looked after in similar ways to a natural tooth if you want the implant to last you the rest of your life.
So how should you look after your shiny, new pearly white? Are there extra steps that you should add to your cleaning regimen? Learn everything you should know in the Aura Dental’s guide to long-lasting dental implants in St John’s Wood.
How to clean your implants
- Brushing
Your cleaning habits will not change much; there are no special solutions that you will need to incorporate into your cleaning routine, but you do need to pay special attention to your new tooth.
Clean your implant, like the rest of your teeth, twice a day, and after you eat. Make sure to brush all points of the tooth using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head to reach the tiny crevices in your mouth.
Follow up brushing with flossing. Both activities should be performed slowly and gently. When it comes to choosing your floss, opt for one that is unwaxed. If you are not sure how to use floss, ask us, but the best way to remember is to picture a shoe shiner cleaning shoes. Try to copy that motion – the movement should feel natural. If you think that you are forcing the floss between your teeth, you are probably damaging your gums.
- The toothpaste
The paste you use is vital because a highly abrasive brand can damage your new tooth. Avoid brands that offer additional whitening, because these tend to be highly abrasive.
Most shop-bought pastes are safe to use, but if you are not sure, ask our dentist for recommendations.
- Mouthwash
The mouthwash should be like your paste, mild on your new tooth, but still effective in removing harmful microbes.
- Regular dental visits
While checking your dental implant in St John’s Wood, your dentist can also ensure your mouth is healthy.
The implant should be checked after it is fully healed, but with that, you should be making dental appointments every six months anyway. Any issues with the implant can be identified and easily treated then.
- Watch what you eat
Implants might not be vulnerable to decay, but failing to clean them properly can lead to plaque accumulation.
This build-up might not impact the tooth but will affect your gums, leaving them susceptible to diseases, such as gingivitis.
Aside from thorough cleaning, you should also try and curb your intake of sugar. There are germs in plaque that use this sugar to create toxins that attack your surrounding teeth and gums, leaving them in a weaker state.
Implants are a life-changer, but they do need special attention. Treat them well, and they will not let you down.
Can I afford dental implants?
Ask any dentist if the cost of dental implants in St John’s Wood is worth it and they will respond positively without hesitation.
You can look forward to many happy years with a tooth implant, and if you look after it correctly, you will not ever need to replace it.
That said, the initial cost of having an implant inserted can be considered a large sum that you cannot afford right now.
Our practice knows that not everyone has the money right now to pay for implants in full, and we are not alone in this thinking.
If you know that dental implants in St John’s Wood are right for you, here are ways to finance the procedure in ways that are forgiving on your wallet.
Talk to your insurance company
In all likelihood, your insurer will only cover a margin of the expenses and only if sufficient proof is provided that the implant is medically necessary.
That said, every penny helps in the long run.
If you trust your local dentist see if they have multiple payment plans
Knowing today’s economy, paying for these significant procedures to the full amount is not just daunting but impossible, especially when the amount is excessive.
We know this, and your dentist also does. Most practices are generally quite flexible when it comes to paying monthly debits.
If you have looked over your finances and have concluded that you cannot afford implants now and in the foreseeable future, we can recommend other restorative devices that will serve you well.
With us, you can choose from a multitude of payment plans, spanning from one year to five years, with interest included.
Shop around
Do not settle with a dentist but find someone who is not just affordable but competent and experienced with implant procedures.
You should know that not only dentists but also oral surgeons and periodontists are qualified to perform implant surgery who could offer better dental work at potentially better prices.
At the same time, you should not limit your search to the dental practices in your area; look further and you might a dentist offering the same services, with the same competencies at a fraction of the cost. This might be especially true if you start looking for dentists in the suburb who might be cheaper than city tooth doctors because of their geographic location.
Practices who have recently opened their doors might offer discounts on specific procedures to attract and retain patients. You should also approach dental schools and ask them to recommend graduates who have shown promise while working alongside and being mentored by more experienced dentists.
Before anything, though, be sure to investigate and read past reviews if there are any. You do not want to be the victim of substandard dental work and left with a cheap implant.
Dental tourism
Dental tourism is a relatively new concept that sees people have procedures done in overseas countries.
The treatments can be cheaper but do not compromise on quality, and after recovery, you can explore a new country.
Take care and do research – you do not want to be in an unfamiliar environment in pain as the result of botched dental work.
Do you want dental implants in St John’s Wood but cannot afford the cost right now? There are options available to you that can make implants a reality for you.
Dental implants: what you should know before making your decision
Tooth loss in adults is not uncommon. In your lifetime, you are more than likely going to lose one or more teeth, especially as you age. Reasons for missing a few pearly whites are numerous but typically result from serious tooth decay, gum disease or accidents that precipitate an extraction.
So, you were not able to preserve your natural tooth, but there are several restoration devices available to you that will replace your tooth. In time, you and others might not be able to discern your prosthesis from its neighbours.
So what option best suits your way of life? We always suggest dental implants in St John’s Wood to our patients as a cost-effective method of replacing teeth.
Our highly capable and experienced implant dentist at Aura Dental knows what is most appropriate for you and your needs. Come to us for a consultation and to start the process of restoring your smile.
Can I live without a tooth?
You might ask, ‘what harm is caused from missing a tooth?’, especially when the now empty space is to the back of your jaw and out of sight.
But by not replacing that back molar, you are putting yourself at risk, and the longer you put off finding a solution to your tooth loss, the harder and more expensive treatment becomes.
But why?
When you lose a tooth, your neighbouring ones overcompensate in its absence. They shift position in attempting to cover the site, which eventually results in their weakening and becoming unstable. In the end, instead of missing just one, you might have a couple of gaps between your teeth that are more noticeable than ever.
Your jaw must be exercised to prevent it from weakening and going brittle. In a healthy mouth, your teeth stimulate your jawbone by pressing down onto it when you chew.
With teeth missing, specific areas of your jaws shrink because they are not properly used, a process that is called bone resorption. When this happens, your facial structure changes entirely to the point where you look much older than you are.
What is a dental implant in St John’s Wood?
An implant comprises of three parts: a small titanium pin, an abutment and an artificial crown.
The pin is the artificial part of the tooth that is hidden out of sight under layers of tissue and bone. We insert the piece in your jawbone in a simple procedure using a low-powered drill.
The thought of us drilling into your bone might seem daunting, but rest assured, with anaesthesia, you will experience minimal discomfort.
This piece of metal might appear to be seemingly insignificant, but its role in your mouth is not. Eventually, in time, it acts as the artificial root to your new tooth, holding it firmly in place while you chew, talk, sleep and basically carry on with your life.
What benefits does it offer me that other restoration devices cannot?
Have you been wearing dentures for years but have started noticing small problems with it? Do you find the device slipping out of place at the wrong time?
Earlier, we discussed what happens to the jaw when it is not utilised correctly. Even while using dentures, you are still at risk because the device does not exercise the missing tooth at the root. The same cannot be said for dental implants, which do. Saying that, not only do implants stimulate the jaw, they even help to revive bone that has been lost from years wearing a less effective prosthesis.
Dental implants in St John’s Wood do not only look good but are beneficial in many ways!
Living with braces; how to make the most of your treatment
If you have been told by your dentist that you need braces in St John’s Wood, be positive about it. Having metal fixed to your teeth might not be ideal, but the results they yield will change your life and the way you smile forever.
If you are unhappy about needing braces in St John’s Wood, read our self-help guide to getting braces and this will change your outlook.
I will look silly, especially because I’m an adult
Traditional braces in St John’s Wood look very different from the way they used to in the past; they are lighter on the teeth and are no longer bulky and cumbersome.
Despite there being less of a stigma attached to braces, people still think braces look childish and worry about what people might think, especially friends and work colleagues.
If you find yourself thinking like this, consider that you are improving your appearance for the better, with the end result being straight teeth.
If you find that regular metal braces are too flashy, there are ways to make them less noticeable. For one, avoid picking elastic bands that are orange, yellow, red, blue, or any bright colour that draws attention. Neutral greys might work best in ensuring that your braces are as discreet as possible.
There are alternatives to traditional methods of straightening teeth
People who dread the idea of needing orthodontic treatment do not know that there is more than one option available to them.
If you cannot stand the idea of having to wear metal, there may be other devices that suit your lifestyle better, all the while realigning your teeth to their desired position.
These options include Invisalign or invisible braces, lingual braces or ceramic braces.
Invisalign is by far our most popular treatment for straightening teeth, especially among self-conscious teenagers and adults. Their popularity stems from the fact that this brace has no resemblance to the traditional aid, because no metal is used, and the clear plastic it is constructed from is practically invisible to the unknowing and untrained eye.
Another key feature of invisible braces which people love is that they are detachable. Grown tired of wearing your aligner? Take it out for a few minutes to allow your teeth some breathing room. That said, remember that while you can take it out whenever you feel like it, you should aim to keep the device in your mouth for 22 hours every day.
If for whatever reason, invisible braces can’t treat your dental issues or is not suitable for your needs, other aids are both effective in straightening teeth while remaining imperceptible. For one, lingual braces are a customised device comprising of wires, brackets and ligatures that are fixed to the back of the teeth instead of the front. Their position is out of plain sight entirely and will appeal to self-conscious braces wearers.
Ceramic braces are yet another example of an inconspicuous orthodontic device. In theory, ceramic braces are identical to regular braces, with the primary difference being that the brackets are made from tooth-coloured materials and not metal. Thus, the brackets blend in with your teeth and are barely noticeable.
Considering dental implants in St John’s Wood? Teeth in a Day might be for you!
Dental implants are a popular approach for restoring teeth and lost smiles, but regular implants are not suitable for everyone.
Wearing dentures for several years might have left you with a deficient jawbone, which means that unless you undergo bone graft surgeries to correct the issue, you will not be deemed healthy enough for single dental implants in St John’s Wood.
We do not have to tell you that with dental implants and bone transplants, the costs add up and treatment time doubles. If you want to sport natural looking teeth, you could be waiting 18 months to achieve that million-dollar smile you have been yearning for.
Save yourself the time and money with our Teeth in a Day implants in St John’s Wood at Aura Dental, if you have suffered from extreme tooth loss.
How is Teeth in a Day different from standard dental implants in St John’s Wood?
Teeth in a Day goes by many names but was first patented as All-on-4 dental implants, referring to the number of implants needed to restore a set of teeth.
What does this mean? An entire set of teeth on your top and bottom jaw are restored to their former glory using just four implants. Because these implants can be embedded in any bone available, the need for bone grafts is unnecessary.
Not only are Teeth in a Day time efficient, but they are also cost effective. The cost of a single dental implant is already high, and having to replace multiple teeth will cost you a pretty penny. By only having four implants, you are saving a lot of money.
Do I have to wait a while before flaunting my new teeth?
Teeth in a Day, it is in the name. If you are looking to stabilise your dentures with implants, you can look forward to a perfectly fitted artificial device in a single visit, where you will be supplied with temporary crowns until the implants have successfully integrated with your mouth. In this way, you can enjoy life without being held back by a loose denture.
How does the process work?
Our expert implant dentist drills a titanium screw into your available jaw, on top of which your crown, bridge or denture will eventually sit.
The screw fuses with the bone during osseointegration, which is when the body recognises the titanium metal as part of its organism, and not a foreign object that needs to be rejected.
The process will take a couple of months to complete, during which time, a new prosthesis that fits your mouth perfectly is made.
Who would be considered a suitable candidate?
People who have lost the majority of their teeth or if their teeth are rapidly deteriorating.
Getting these types of implants if you are only missing a few teeth is not recommended.
Will I face any restrictions with this new device?
If you take care of your new set of teeth, you can look forward to smiling broadly for the rest of your life.
No longer will you have to cover your mouth when you smile or laugh, no longer will you have to watch what you eat and no longer will you care whether your teeth look fake. Look forward to natural-looking teeth and a normal life where you can eat, talk and experience joy without feeling self-conscious.
Exploring your braces options in St John’s Wood
Are you considering braces in St John’s Wood? You will need to find the best straightening aid for your circumstances.
There are several options available, which might make choosing the right one a challenge. Our dentists at Aura Dental are happy to help you select an orthodontic device that is both 100% effective whilst complementing your lifestyle needs.
What do our team recommend? Invisalign in St John’s Wood and Damon braces are our best sellers. And the results speak for themselves: happy smiles all round.
What makes these products so popular? These straightening aids have changed people’s smiles for the better whilst also making oral hygiene easier.
Straighten your teeth the Invisalign way
Most people know a thing or two about Invisalign, but how do they really work?
Some might have their doubts because Invisalign in St John’s Wood does not resemble the use of conventional braces in some ways. For one thing, there are no wires, brackets or elastic bands, and secondly, they are not permanent. Invisalign is made up of sets of transparent aligners that can be removed at any time, a feature that many Invisalign users enjoy because it allows them greater freedom. They can eat what they like without worrying about breaking metal braces or staining teeth.
Invisalign also yields more realistic results. What does this mean? At the start of treatment, a unique programme is drawn up for each of our patients that outlines the series of movements their teeth will make, which includes an accurate prediction of how the teeth look post-treatment. In this way, you will know how straight your pearly whites will be, leaving you no reason to feel disappointed by the outcome of using invisible braces.
Unlike metal braces that can be sore and uncomfortable at times, invisible braces are custom fabricated to fit your mouth, allowing for a better fit. You might feel a slight discomfort as your teeth adjust to the new position of the retainers, but for the most part, you can forget about your retainers and carry on normally. These braces work around your lifestyle, and not the other way round.
As we mentioned earlier, people enjoy the removable nature of Invisalign. You do not need to adjust your diet with Invisalign, nor do you need to update your teeth cleaning habits – just remember to clean your plates. Not only are dirty plates easily spotted by others, but they are also incredibly unhygienic as germs begin to accumulate.
How are Damon fixed braces different to conventional straightening methods?
To the untrained eye, Damon Braces, also called self-ligating braces, might seem identical to regular braces, but they have a key difference. This straightening aid removes the elastics of standard braces, using metal clips that fasten the wires to the brackets.
By using this groundbreaking clip system, the wearer can look forward to braces that are easier on the teeth, no more undue pressure and complications caused by tightly-woven elastic bands and archwires.
By simply clicking archwires into place, your orthodontic visits will be quick because making slight adjustments is straightforward and easy.
Damon brace users will also like the product’s sleek design: more discreet than conventional straightening methods with its smaller brackets and complete absence of elastic bands.
Braces are an investment for your teeth that you will not regret.
Missing teeth? Let us introduce you to the world of dental implants
Our teeth age, just as we do, which means certain dental complications arise. Tooth loss is widespread as we get older, and while it may be traumatic, false teeth can provide us with the smile we thought lost.
When replacing your missing teeth, you will probably have several questions and might be confused about which device matches your lifestyle.
When making your final decision, you have to put a spotlight on your circumstances. Have you lost one or multiple teeth? Can you afford the expense? Does insurance cover or partially cover the treatment that you are about to undergo?
If you are on the fence about getting dental implants in St John’s Wood, come and have a chat with one of the members of our team at Aura Dental. By explaining how dental implants work and discussing monthly payment plans, we can help you to get your old life back.
Under what circumstances should I consider getting dental implants in St John’s Wood?
You might be getting dental implants for one of several reasons. A traumatic mouth injury might have left you minus a few teeth, or years of neglect has resulted in rotting incisors that need to be extracted, leaving you with gaps between your teeth.
Dental implants are a popular choice for people who are left toothless, and with them, people can enjoy daily living unobstructed by their fake teeth. That said, there are some health criteria people need to pass before they can undergo implant procedures. Do they have enough bone in their jaw and strong, disease-free gums?
Can I expect fast results?
We understand people’s desperation to replace their teeth quickly, but dental implants are not a quick fix by any means.
Dental implants in St John’s Wood rely on osseointegration, a biological process used to integrate the titanium screw embedded into the bone with the jaw. Depending on how long a person takes to heal, the treatment duration usually spans over a couple of months.
Will my new tooth function like my old one?
The pleasure of a dental implant is that your old tooth is replaced at the root using a metal post. The metal post, which is drilled into your jawbone, is now your new tooth’s new root. It holds your artificial crown securely in place, leaving no chance of it dislodging at inopportune moments – something that you may experience using dentures.
The material of your new crown is exceptionally durable, which means you can enjoy eating whatever you like without giving a thought as to how hot, cold or hard food might impact your prosthesis.
In time, you might find it harder to differentiate your new teeth from its neighbours.
Can I afford dental implants?
When compared to alternative replacement option, implants are the more expensive choice. That said, consider what you are getting: a new tooth that, if looked after correctly, can last for a very long time. The same cannot be said about dentures and bridges, which will eventually need to be replaced with new ones after a few years.
If the initial cost is overwhelming, chat to us, and we can discuss possible treatment plans more suitable for your budget.
Dental implants could be your solution to a problem free dental life!
