Month: February 2013

Cosmetic dentist Essex

Cosmetic dentist in Essex

You should never underestimate the power of a smile. It can help build trust, start conversations and make people feel comfortable. In turn this can make you feel confident and this positive feeling can feed into your daily life. And a good cosmetic dentist in Essex can help with this.

What is a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry is described as “a branch of dentistry that deals with the appearance of teeth”. On the basic level this makes the profession sound superficial, as if it purely deals with the aesthetic quality of the teeth.

Cosmetic dentists also deal with the oral health aspect as well. After all if you don’t look after your teeth this will harm the aesthetic qualities of your teeth. In case you’re not aware various things can affect the visual quality of your teeth-

Accidents
Poor oral hygiene
Stains caused by food and drink
Stains caused by persistent smoking

How does cosmetic dentistry benefit me?

The problem is that when people hear the word “cosmetic” they associate it with something frivolous or unnecessary. This is not necessarily the case. Someone who looks in the mirror and sees a missing tooth can often feel awkward in social situations. Getting an implant can allow you to get a complete smile again and feel better.

What kind of treatments are available?

Braces- These straighten teeth. People often think of “train track” metal in their mouth but recent developments in the technology have meant they are much less conspicuous than earlier models.
Dentures- As with braces models of these have become more advanced allowing for a more natural look.
Veneers- Porcelain and resin veneers improve the look of teeth.
Implants- Using an implant allows you to replace a tooth. It can be cleaned just like regular teeth.
Whitening- Again this is something that can be misunderstood. Handled properly this can look very natural and improve a smile without a blatantly obvious bleached look.

How do I make sure I get a good one?

It is very simple- talk to them! A good one will be happy to discuss their training and qualifications. Ideally they should also be interested in you and how their skills can contribute to improving your oral health and the aesthetic qualities of your teeth.

It is also a good idea to ask for testimonials so you can talk with people who have used their services and see if they are satisfied with the work they had done.

In short a good cosmetic dentist in Essex can make a big difference to the quality and health of your smile and it is worth getting in touch now to see what they can do for you!

Call us on 01375481000 to schedule a FREE Consultation with Dr J Basrai and his team.

 

 

 

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin

Restylane For Lips

New Restylane for Lips.

Lips have always been the centre point of a face and can create an immediate life changing Impact on first impression. The views of the perfect lips has changed overt time from Angelina Jolie to Cheryl Cole as they often frame the perfect smile as well.
Restylane have now created two new products with the increasing demand to be individual for either men or women. New times, new Demands and new Products – Restylane Lip Volume and Restylane Lip Refresh.

Both these products will create natural Looking results which can be used entirely separately or together.

Restylane Lip Volume

This product is stronger than Restylane but softer than the Perlane to create enhanced volume either on the outer periphery border of the lip which is called the Vermillion border of the lip or the body of the lip.
It also contains a local anaesthetic called Lidocaine which is also present in dental injections to make the whole procedure much more comfortable.
Restylane Lip Volume is suitable for a man and woman who would like natural looking balanced lips with visible volume enhancement.

Restylane Lip Refresh

This restores the hydrobalance and revitalises the lips to give them a more youthful look. Its an excellent product for any sex who would like to take care of their lips by obtaining a touch of instant refreshment.

Both these products are now available in our dental office by calling 01375481000 by Dr J Basrai and his dental associates.

 

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

What is cosmetic dentistry?

It is a simple question but one that is worth asking- what exactly is cosmetic dentistry? The name implies something frivolous or unnecessary. However the results of this service are potentially life changing.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

A cosmetic dentist can be several things-

A medical professional- A cosmetic dentist can still offer the benefits to overall oral health that a regular dentist can offer. While they may specialise in making your teeth look good the basics that keep them looking good do not get overlooked.
An artist- A lot of cosmetic dentists often have an interest in art as well. This often helps when constructing veneers or whitening teeth. It is about creating something that looks good but is also fit for purpose.
A part of a team- A lot of services will require a number of specialists. Therefore a cosmetic dentist may at times be a designer, an architect and a consultant as well as someone making sure your teeth are healthy.

Isn’t this a bit superficial?

It can be tempting to think in these simple terms. We are often encouraged to view the world in terms of “It’s what’s inside that counts.” While this is certainly true and we should all strive to be better people in emotional terms looks can affect confidence and can prevent people achieving things they want to.

Take a simple example- you have a big job interview coming up. You want to create a good impression. You could have the best qualifications in the world, the relevant experience and be their ideal candidate. However if you come to the interview dressed in tracksuit bottoms with yellow teeth and bad breath it is unlikely you will get the job.

Looking after yourself is not self obsessive or vain. It shows that you care and projects a positive image. This in turn can then allow you to show off what you want the world to see.

Won’t you simply try and flog the most expensive service?

Any decent cosmetic dentist will make the effort to find out about their client and give them the service that is appropriate to their individual needs. Everyone is different and therefore some services may not be suited to their personal requirements. For example if you have a child under the age of 9 certain brands of braces are not appropriate.

This is why we offer free consultations. This allows us to talk with you about what you want and what we can do to help you achieve that.

In short cosmetic dentistry is about more than keeping teeth looking good. It is about long term oral health and increasing self confidence. Book an appointment with us today to see what we can do for you! Just call 01375481000 and you will be surprised what we can do for you!

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin

Foods that are good for your Teeth

Foods that are good for your teeth

You probably don’t need a dentist to tell you that eating a lot of sweets, drinking a lot of fizzy drinks and consuming sugar is bad for your teeth. However what you may not realise is that there are foods out there that are good for your teeth. Below are a few to add to your shopping list for that special smile diet!

What should I be looking for?

Keep an eye out for foods and drinks that are rich in antioxidants. These natural compounds help to reduce plaque formation and thereby reduce bad breath. Green tea is a good example as some brands also have fluoride in them, helping to further reduce plaque build up.

Is it true that dairy foods are good for teeth?

Some people actively avoid dairy due to reports that it can increase acne and is often associated with an unhealthy diet. While it is true if you are lactose intolerant you ought to avoid it dairy foods such as skimmed milk and low fat yoghurt can help to reduce tooth decay. Furthermore they often tend to work well as filling snacks, keeping you away from the more harmful sugar fix!

Fruit naturally contains sugar. Does this mean it is bad for my teeth?

Simply put…no. While it is true that sugars in fruit juices can be bad for your teeth if you have whole, raw and natural fruits as part of your diet this will reduce the risk of gum disease forming as Vitamin C prevents the gums from becoming tender.

Can I really clean my teeth with vegetables?

This is true…sort of. Obviously you still need to brush your teeth and maintain oral health. However vegetables such as sweet potato and carrots contain a lot of Vitamin A and this contributes to the formation of tooth enamel. If you eat raw vegetables such as celery it massages gums and makes the teeth cleaner, as well as producing the saliva that breaks down the nasty cavity creating bacteria.

What about drink?

You have probably read about the benefits of drinking eight glasses of water a day and how it can keep your skin looking healthy and so forth. What you may not know is that drinking water also helps to clear out particles on the teeth and clean out your mouth. It is also a relatively simple thing to do- a glass of water with each meal equates to three glasses, a bottle with exercise and a couple before bedtime and there you have it!

Should I talk to my dentist about my diet?

Please do! Your dentist can help advise you on the right kind of foods to keep your teeth clean and maintain good overall health. In short, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get the most from your appointment!

Call us on 01375481000 to schedule a FREE Consultation Now!

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin

Surprising Foods that are Bad for your Teeth.

Surprising foods that are bad for your teeth

It is fairly safe to say that if you ate cake and sweets for breakfast, lunch and dinner your teeth would take a pretty hefty whack. Likewise if you only drank full sugar fizzy drinks this would not do your oral health too much good. However there are some surprising foods that are bad for your teeth and it is worth being aware of this when planning your weekly shop!

Is it true that dried fruit is bad for your teeth?

In small quantities dried fruit can be a useful alternative to high sugar snacks, especially when combined with unsalted nuts. However you need to ensure you do not eat too many as they can be high in sugar. Furthermore they can cling to your teeth and this can cause damage, so if you do snack on them take extra care when you floss!

I know that fruit juices with sugar are bad. However I drink unsweetened. That’s got to be okay, right?

Unfortunately not! The acidic nature of the juice means it can cause damage to the teeth. There is also the fact that fruits contain natural sugars in them even without sugar being added during the manufacturing process. Always read the label!

If you do want to have juice in the morning a good idea is to dilute it with water and to drink it through a straw. Make sure your children do this as well!

Should I be worried about what’s in my kid’s cereal?

This is another case of carefully reading the label. Starch in the cereal mixes with the enzymes in saliva and this contributes to tooth erosion. Try to restrict your kids to having smaller portions of the cereal and including as part of breakfast rather than the only thing they have for breakfast (also a good idea as it will fill them up more and reduce the urge for sugary snacks!)

Another alternative is to make porridge and top with a little bit of sugar or honey as you can control the amount of sugar and make sure they get the nutrients as well.

I don’t like sweets. Surely crisps aren’t bad for your teeth?

It can be tempted to see that those with a sweet tooth are the ones hurting their mouths while those who prefer savoury snacks are okay. Sadly the carbohydrates in crisps (especially the potato based ones) have a large amount of carbohydrates and this contributes to the formation of harmful bacteria that affects teeth.

It is important to remember that there is no harm in enjoying a treat every now and then. However it is worth consulting your dentist to find out more about the surprising foods that are bad for your teeth and finding more ways to help maintain a healthy smile as well as a healthy diet!

Call us on 01375481000 to schedule a FREE Consultation with our dental hygienist NOW!!

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin

Choosing the right Mouthwash!

Choosing the right mouthwash

There are a lot of things that people can use to keep their mouth clean. An effective toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and so forth can all make a difference. One thing that is commonly purchased is mouthwash. But how can you be sure that you have got the right one? Choosing the right mouthwash will not only keep your breath smelling nice but can also aid in reducing plaque build up and maintaining good oral health.

What are the main benefits of using mouthwash?

There are a number of benefits mainly-

Fresher breath that is better for you than mints and does not require putting gum in the bin
Reduced bacteria
Reduced risk of gum disease
Fluoride mouthwashes help reduce plaque and tartar build up

What difference does my choice of mouthwash make?

It can be overwhelming seeing the range of mouthwashes available. All of them make big claims on their effectiveness and it is not always easy to compare them.

The type you choose depends on the ingredients it contains. Fluoride mouthwashes strengthen the enamel of your teeth. However these are mainly recommended for people who suffer from conditions such as cavities and severe dryness of the mouth (also known as xerostomia)

For regular use the best kinds are anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis (gum disease). The main reason that these are effective is that they kill the bacteria that causes both bad breath and damage to the teeth.

Remember that some mouthwashes contain alcohol and therefore may not be suitable for children younger than six years old.

Is mouthwash a good substitute for flossing?

It is generally recommended that you use mouthwash alongside other oral health treatments such as flossing and regular brushing. Given that people often speed through brushing teeth it is a good idea to do this at points in the day when you are not brushing your teeth as an extra anti-bacterial boost to your oral health!


I’m still not sure what mouthwash is right for me. Can I ask my dentist?

If you look on the label to see if it is antiseptic or antibacterial this is often the good sign of a mouthwash that can do its job. It is also worth looking for stamps of approval from recognised authorities to show that this is more than just something to given your breath a freshen up!

However if you are still unsure it is well worth discussing choosing the right mouthwash with your dentist. They will know your oral health better than anyone and will be able to recommend the most suitable type for your individual needs.

Why dont you call our hygienist on 01375481000 to schedule a consultation.

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin

How to brush your Teeth Properly!

How to properly brush your teeth

There are a lot of things you can do to ensure good oral health. Regular flossing, using antibacterial mouthwash and reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks can all help to reduce tartar build up and maintain a healthy smile. Knowing how to properly brush your teeth is another important aspect that should not be overlooked.

But I’m an adult and I already know how to clean my teeth. How would this benefit me?

Like a lot of things in life there is a difference between knowing the theory and doing the practise. If you are in a rush you may not do as thorough a job brushing your teeth as you should. Remember that in order to brush your teeth effectively you need to do it for at least two minutes.

What can I do to make my brushing routine more effective? Do I need any special toothbrushes or toothpastes?

The right kind of toothbrush and toothpaste can make a difference. Ideally you want a soft-bristled toothbrush that you can comfortably put in your mouth at an angle. The toothpaste you use ought to be fluoride toothpaste for the most effective cleaning results.

How can I brush my teeth more effectively?

A common mistake is to hold the brush straight when brushing teeth. A slight angle will make for better cleaning. Remember that the best motion while brushing is back and forth. You should also avoid brushing too hard as this can cause gum irritation.

Don’t forget that it is not just the front of your teeth that require cleaning but also the back, gums and tongue as well!


Where should I store my toothbrush?

Remember to keep your toothbrush positioned upright, ideally in an open rather than closed container as this will reduce the risk of bacteria build up. It is also worth remembering to change your toothbrush once every three to four months or sooner if the bristles have become frayed.

How often should I brush my teeth and when?

It is generally suggested that you brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before you go to bed. However if you have a tendency to snack throughout the day you may wish to consider brushing more than twice a day.

It is also worth considering brushing your teeth before going out. As well as making your mouth a bit healthier it is also a good way of giving yourself an extra boost of self confidence!

If you have any concerns about whether or not you are brushing your teeth effectively remember that you can talk to your dentist about this so that you can get the most from your smile!

Come visit our hygienist by calling 01375481000 Now!

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedin