Cosmetic Dentistry – Page 3

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.

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!

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!

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!!

How to Floss Properly.

How to floss properly

Most people are aware of dental advice regarding brushing their teeth, mouthwash and so forth. Many people also chew sugar free gum between snacks and meals in order to freshen their breath and reduce plaque. However people often neglect flossing as a way of removing those awkward bits that get between the teeth and can cause long term damage. Knowing how to floss properly can allow you to get rid of those awkward bits and maintain a brighter looking, more confident smile!

Why is flossing beneficial?

Flossing is beneficial for the following reasons-

• It can reach below the gumline and between teeth, something that regular brushing may not be able to clean (or at least it is often more difficult, even with electric toothbrushes).
• It reduces the plaque that in the long term can result in tooth decay and gum disease
• It helps remove unsightly bits from between your teeth, not a good look if you’re trying to get a big job or you are going to the parent’s meeting!

What is the difference between the different types of floss?

There are two main types of floss- Nylon (also known as multifilament) and PTFE( monofilament floss). Nylon floss comes in waxed and unwaxed varieties and is made of numerous strands of nylon material. By contrast PTFE is made of a single strand.

The major difference is that because nylon is made of multiple strands there is more of a risk of it breaking up. While PTFE is more expensive than nylon it is less likely to break while using it. With both varieties if you use them properly you ought to be able to floss without the strands breaking.

How can I floss more effectively?

You need to use around 18 inches of floss to use it properly. Wind it around your middle finger, allowing for a little extra floss to work with. You then hold it tightly between your index fingers and thumbs, taking care to slide it slowly and carefully between the teeth.

Remember that you do not need to force the floss in order to get the best results. Gentle up and down motions will remove bits while at the same time reducing the risk of damage to teeth and gums.

Also why it may sound obvious make sure that you use clean bits of floss as you go along the teeth. As ever with oral care you need to take your time and try not to rush it. While you may read this and think “Well that’s easy enough” try to remember that when you’re getting ready in the morning!

As with a lot of oral health techniques knowing how to floss properly is a matter of having the right equipment and knowing how to use it safely. There are various videos and guides online that can help this but don’t be afraid to talk to your dentist if you want more advice on effective flossing.

The Benefits of a Good Dentist.

The benefits of a good dentist

It is fair to say that a lot of people do not look forward to going to the dentist. Sadly it often has an association with pain and displeasure. But it does not have to be like that. It is worth remembering the benefits of a good dentist. They can put at your ease and explain their various treatments, demystifying the process and generally making the experience more comfortable.

What are the benefits of a good dentist?

A good dentist should be able to offer the following-

• Recognised and certified qualifications
• The option of a consultation
• Care and patience
• Spot early signs of certain medical conditions such as mouth cancer
• Should be willing to answer any questions
• Be honest about any potential complications that can arise from dental treatment

Should I do a search for them online?

It’s a good idea to compare dentists online. This is especially true with cosmetic dentistry as this requires a certain set of skills. As well as the technical ability there is also a degree of artistic ability required, so look out for cosmetic dentists who have an artistic background. Looking online is also an effective way of getting feedback from other clients.

How do I know if they’re good?

One of the most basic ways is to check their certification. They ought to have the right qualifications and be happy to discuss their background. This can often be done during a one on one consultation prior to any treatment and this consultation should not come with any obligations.

Remember if you are getting a specific procedure such as porcelain veneers then it is recommended that you ask specifically about their qualification and training to perform this type of procedure. If in doubt get a second opinion!

Aside from qualifications it is also worth noting if they are approachable and willing to discuss treatments with you. Being a professional is about more than just the capability of performing procedures but also being willing to relax people prior to any treatment and explaining any subsequent aftercare that may be necessary.

Is location a factor?

Location is another consideration. While you want the best care if it is difficult to get to an appointment this can result in further delays. Ideally you want to reduce stress as much as possible so try to find a dentist who is reasonably close to you.

What about guarantees?

Some procedures such as dental implants may also come with guarantees based on a certain length of time. However it is important to remember that these guarantees are often dependent on following advice from your dentist.

In short the benefits of a good dentist are peace of mind and effective treatment. By choosing the right dentist you can be sure that you will get both.

Making a Beautiful Smile.

Making a better smile

It is easy to forget that one of the major benefits in going to a dentist is that they can improve your smile. Whether it is your regularly scheduled deep clean, a bleaching or porcelain veneers there are a lot of things that a dentist can do to make a better smile.

Why is this important?

Smiling is an outward sign of confidence. Being able to smile often then makes people around you feel more at ease and this in turn increases self confidence.

Furthermore having clean teeth, fresh breath and so forth are signs of good oral health.

What can I do to improve my smile?

It is not just the dentist who looks after your teeth! There are various things you can do to reduce stains on teeth, keep them clean and maintain the quality of your smile.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and as thoroughly as possible. Avoid brushing too hard but do it for at least two minutes. This will allow you to keep your teeth clean.
Cut down on fruit juices and sugary snacks- These can cause damage to your teeth. With kids encourage them to use straws and dilute juices with water to reduce damage to their developing teeth.
Quit smoking- Amongst other health problems (including an increased risk of mouth cancer) smoking causes discolouration of the teeth.
Cut down on coffee and red wine as these can also cause discolouration.
Chew sugar free whitening gum after snacks and meals.

What can my dentist do?

A dentist can improve your smile with various treatments including (but not limited to)

Deep cleans (often this will be part of your regular half yearly appointment)
Dentures
Braces
Porcelain veneers
Whitening

It is worth remembering that not all dentists can do these procedures so it is vital to check this before you book an appointment.
How can I be sure the dentist is qualified for a cosmetic procedure?

During an initial consultation a dentist ought to be willing to discuss their professional background and allow you to look into their qualifications. As well as academic qualifications there is also the importance of how they act towards you.

Ideally they should also have testimonials from previous clients or some form of reference that you can check. In some respects it is also an instinct- a professional ought to make you feel comfortable before a procedure and any consultation should not come with feelings of obligation.

What can I do to keep my smile looking good?

Looking after your teeth is just one aspect of a good smile. For example if you have a job interview coming up maintaining eye contact and smiling will often show someone who is confident. This often has the psychological effect of boosting your own confidence (a kind of “virtuous circle”)

In terms of cosmetic procedures a dentist ought to explain any aftercare procedures. For example with some adult braces there may be a period where you can’t eat harder solid foods.

With the right dentist you can be sure of a good smile! Call us on 01375481000 for a FREE Consultation!

Tips on Porcelain Veneers.

Tips for getting porcelain veneers

Cosmetic dentistry is a mixture of professional health care and artistry. It requires both careful precision and a certain degree of creative flair. This is why when you are looking for tips for getting porcelain veneers you need to remember you want someone who can get them put in safely but also ensure they make them look good in the process!

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers may also be called dental veneers or possibly dental porcelain laminates. In simple terms they are a kind of shell-like coating placed over the front of the teeth in order to make them look more presentable and add a bit of lustre to your smile!

Why porcelain?

Porcelain tends to be more effective for veneers because the way it is stained is closer to the look of teeth than other materials. They are also thinner and this means less of your tooth needs to be removed in order to have them put in your mouth.

What are they used for?

Porcelain veneers can be used to-

Fix discoloured teeth
Replace teeth that have been worn down
Replaced chipped or broken teeth
Reshape uneven or oddly shaped teeth
Close gaps between teeth

How do I get a porcelain veneer?

Porcelain veneers may not necessarily be suitable for everyone. A consultant with a certified dental practitioner is strongly recommended to ensure you get appropriate veneers to suit your dental condition. Part of this consultation may include X-rays or dental impressions to see if veneers are suitable.

Once this has been done the dentist then removes half a millimetre of enamel in order to create a model of the veneer. After around two weeks the veneer should be ready for bonding (some people with severe problems can get temporary veneers while waiting to get their permanent ones back from the dental laboratory that makes them).

During the bonding process the dentist will carefully check to ensure that it fits properly before “cementing” it in place. A follow up may be necessary to ensure that the veneer has been properly installed in the mouth.
How long do veneers last?

Veneers should last between five to ten years, although can last longer if they are properly looked after. After the five to ten year period you can get replacements.

Do they need special cleaning?

Veneers do not require any specialist cleaning and can be treated in much the same way as your teeth. However you may want to cut down on anything that could stain them such as coffee and red wine.

Call us on 01375481000 to schedule a FREE Consultation with Dr J Basrai Now!

One of the best tips for getting porcelain veneers is to find a dentist who has experience and is certified in installing porcelain veneers. Book now for a consultation to see if these are best suited for your needs.

Signs of Mouth Cancer

Signs of mouth cancer

There are a lot of reasons why you need to get a regular appointment with your dentist. Aside from keeping your teeth and gums in the best possible condition they can also look out for potential health problems. One of these is mouth cancer. Knowing the signs of mouth cancer can ensure that you get the treatment you need as soon as possible.

What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer (also referred to as oral cancer which basically means the same thing!) is a form of cancer that can occur in various parts of the mouth-

• The surface of the tongue
• Inner cheek
• Gums
• Roof of the mouth
• Floor of the mouth
• Tonsils
• Saliva glands

Who can get mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer usually affects people over the age of 40. It tends to affect men more than women. People who persistently smoke or drink heavily are at greater risk of getting mouth cancer.

What are the signs?

Look out for the following symptoms-

• Red and white patches on the lining of the mouth and/or the tongue
• Mouth ulcers or sores that do not heal or go away even after gels or other treatments are applied
• Persistent swelling in the mouth (in this case persistent means it stays for more than three weeks).
• Lumps on the skin or lining of the mouth
• The skin or lining of the mouth becomes thicker
• It hurts when you swallow
• Persistent pain on your tongue or in the neck
• Hoarse voice and throat pain that doesn’t go away

These symptoms alone may not be signs of mouth cancer. If you are concerned it is important to talk to a dentist. They will often check via a biopsy (checking sample tissue for cancer cells), endoscope (using a scope to check the throat directly) or imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.

How is mouth cancer treated?

There are various ways that mouth cancer can be treated-

• Surgical removal of mouth tumours
• Mouth reconstruction (may be necessary after surgery)
• Radiotherapy (A common cancer treatment using X rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells)

If mouth cancer is detected early enough radiotherapy may be the only required treatment. It can’t be emphasised enough that early detection can prevent extensive damage being done which is why regular dental checkups are essential.

In short even if you detect the signs of mouth cancer you need to remain calm. This is something that can be treated and with the right professional service can result in minimal pain. Remember prevention is better than cure so stay alert and trust your dentist!

Call us on 01375481000 to schedule a consultation ASAP!

Same Day Dentistry in Essex

Same Day Dentistry Comes To Essex!

Remember when you had to wait a week before you had to pick up your holiday photos? Or how about when you have to wait for ages to get those new glasses or pick up your prescription? For a lot of people going to the dentist is something they want to spend as little time doing as possible. As Same Day Dentistry comes to Essex, your teeth can get properly looked after in as short a time as possible!

How does same day dentistry work?

Recent changes in dental procedures have allowed for increased efficiency. For example dental implants used to require 6 to 10 implants, making the procedure take longer and requiring more visits to the dentist. More recently dentists have been using installation techniques that only require 4 installed implants placed at a 30 to 45 degree angle, allowing people to go to the dentist and get their implants installed on the same day without loss of quality care and service.

Surely speeding up procedures reduces their quality?

This is not true. For example recently developed same day dental implant techniques have an over 90 per cent success rate so you can be confident that you will still get efficient service and effective treatment.

I get nervous going to the dentist. Will you help me?

Same day service does not mean skimping on the basics. A good dental surgery will ensure that you get the service you need. Talking with the dentist and their team will reassure you that they are people and they will do all they can to relax you prior to the treatment.

Is this a one size fits all treatment?

There is the fear that this could result in uniform treatments or cutting corners. A quality dentist will not do this. Prior consultations are thorough and a certified dentist will always check to ensure that you are getting the appropriate treatment to ensure you get the best care for your teeth!

It is also worth remembering that the technology used for dental procedures has improved. This means that while it may take less time the quality will be maintained for the simple fact that the equipment and techniques used are more efficient, thus reducing the time taken to complete procedures while not compromising quality.

How can I be sure this is right for me?

Before any procedure begins it is worth discussing your treatment with your dentist. They can look at your personal circumstances, oral health and so forth in order to decide whether or not a procedure is appropriate and ensure you get the right treatment you need, regardless of how long it takes.

In short by going to the right dentist you could go in at nine in the morning and be out ready to get back to your daily routine by 2pm. Get in touch now to find out what your cosmetic dentist can do for you!

Call us on 01375481000 to schedule a consultation!