Dental Blog - Garden View Dental Care

What are clear braces?

Braces are a form of orthodontics that aim to straighten one’s teeth. Patients who opt for braces are usually advised to do so by their orthodontist at a young age, however older patients may also decide to straighten their teeth if they lack confidence, and usually prefer a more subtle alternative. Clear braces are therefore more popular with those individuals who are older and wish to improve their smile discreetly. Clear braces can be used as a cosmetic alternative to the traditional metal ‘train track’ braces. Clear braces are similar to the colour of your teeth and therefore give a more natural looking appearance, whilst maintaining tooth alignment. Despite common misconceptions, clear braces are no less effective than traditional braces. They can even straighten teeth more rapidly than traditional braces, as discussed later on. Clear braces consist of either a ceramic or porcelain material that can blend with the colour of the teeth. However they can also be made from a material similar to that of plastic.

Why may clear braces in Beaconsfield be an alternative to traditional braces?

At our practice in Beaconsfield we use modern technology in order to shorten our patients’ treatment time period. Although individual cases may vary, clear braces are able to straighten teeth even faster than traditional braces, starting from as little as a six-month treatment period. Clear braces offer a more comfortable experience, as they use less force than traditional wire braces, as well as using a more modern form of wire technology.

We pride ourselves in ensuring the most rapid and comfortable form of treatment for our patients.

How do clear braces in Beaconsfield actually work?

Braces work by applying pressure on the teeth in order to move them in a specific direction, brackets are then applied to the front of the teeth. Clear braces are different in the way that they are able to straighten teeth discreetly and are even able to be removed periodically in order to work around you and your lifestyle.

What are the benefits of getting clear braces in Beaconsfield?

Having clear braces as a form of orthodontic treatment is a way to straighten teeth and therefore increase your confidence. Having braces can change the appearance of your face, and clear braces eliminate the insecurity some patients may feel whilst being treated with traditional braces. Having invisible braces is a way of making a long-term investment in your dental and oral health, straighter teeth are healthier teeth and more importantly lead to a healthier mindset.

Why choose us at Garden View for your clear braces?

All of our dental professionals at our surgery adhere to the standards for dental professionals. Our team consists of individuals with a variety of professional experience, we and our warm, welcoming, friendly staff pride ourselves on offering treatments at our patients’ comfort and convenience. We offer a variety of dental as well as cosmetic treatments and we aim to reduce the anxiety of our more nervous patients by allowing them to discover a positive outlook towards orthodontics.

When should I visit the dentist in Buckinghamshire?

A lot of us tend to think that we only need to head over to a dental practice when we believe that there is something wrong with our smile. Perhaps we have a niggling sore tooth, red sore gums or we want some cosmetic work done to improve the appearance of our smile and let us feel better about ourselves. Although it is recommended to have frequent check ups, if we are otherwise healthy, is there a need to go?

Dentist in Buckinghamshire Regular dental checkups however are absolutely essential in order to maintain good oral hygiene, regardless whether you have healthy strong teeth or not. Making sure that your teeth are professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar and to inspect them for signs of early decay can ensure that your healthy smile can remain with you for life.

Your dentist in Buckinghamshire uses some of the finest equipment and technology so that they can identify potential issues before they become a concern. By using high magnification and lightning systems, preventive care is much more effective than it was several years ago.

Professionals are able to take high resolution digital scans of teeth which provides a highly detailed image for a dentist in Buckinghamshire to benefit from.This coupled with other technological advances us to be able to identify early signs of decay whereas before it was quite impossible. We are able to take this chance to act quickly so that we can delay the onset of decay and potentially save you time and money by hopefully saving your tooth.

So by visiting us once every 6 months or so to ensure that your smile is the best it can be, we are able to have your teeth cleaned, talk to you about any concerns you may have and ensure that your teeth remain healthy for life.

Why else would I visit you?

You may wish to visit us for other reasons besides the traditional check up. Such reasons include having a professional whitening or to discuss another treatment that you are interested in having.

We welcome you to speak to us about any ideas or concerns that you have so that we are together on the same page regarding your dental desires. You would be surprised to find a vast range of options available to you which can meet any budget.

Finance options are always available as we simply seek to provide you with the best results possible for your smile. You should not feel constricted by your budget for the sake of the health and appearance of your teeth.

A combination of different cosmetic treatment options may suit you which needs to have a detailed plan put in place in order to be successful. Planning is one of the key factors during any treatment and we ensure that we take the time to talk you through the process so that we can adjust where we can be flexible with your timetable and wishes for the final result.

How our emergency dentist in Buckinghamshire can benefit you

Here at Garden View in Buckinghamshire, we are committed to providing the highest level of quality, professionalism and care within dentistry – in a calming and comforting environment. Our friendly, welcoming and approachable close-knit family team of dental professionals will help ease any pre-dentist worries. If they don’t manage however, then the idyllic surroundings and our fabled garden view from the practice will surely calm anyone. We’ve been serving the local Buckinghamshire community for over twenty years now, and like to feel we are a staple in the social tapestry of the area. We feel that by being an ever-present entity in the local community, and making an active effort to know our patients personally, the barriers of conventional dentistry can be lifted and a far more positive experience can come to pass. Treatment here at Garden View is only carried out by a practitioner in whom the patient trusts and with whom they share a good rapport. Treatment only begins once the patient feels comfortable with the procedure they are undertaking.

Clearly ingenious

One treatment which is particularly popular here is the installation of clear braces. These are an alternative method of discreet orthodontics, largely favoured over conventional fused metal ‘train-track’ braces which have a largely detrimental impact on their user’s outward appearance and can affect their self-esteem as a result. Treatment of this sort is largely popular with adults and young professionals who may wish to undertake essential orthodontic realignment, without attracting any unwanted attention from peers or colleagues. The basis of the treatment is largely similar to the installation of conventional metal braces, however the brackets and wires used are constructed from a see-through plastic alloy rather than metal – and as such they are far less noticeable when worn. Another advantage of this method of discreet orthodontics over conventional braces is that treatment generally lasts for less time, which is again a positive for young adults and teenagers who may wish to quickly achieve a straight smile in a way which does not draw any unwanted attention.

Emergency care

Another service which we offer here at Garden View is an emergency dentist in Buckinghamshire for instances where teeth have been chipped, lost or damaged. If you have lost or damaged a tooth in any way, it is imperative that you seek treatment from an emergency dentist as quickly as possible. The sooner treatment is sought after injury the higher the chances that teeth can be restored easily – depending on the severity of the injury. When seeking emergency treatment here with us at Garden View, an initial examination will be taken to establish the extent of the damage and how best to combat it. An x-ray may then be carried out to assess the level of structural damage (if any) and an anaesthetic may be administered if the patient is in severe discomfort. The damaged area of the patient’s mouth would then be sterilised to minimise the risk of infection or further damage to the surrounding teeth, and in severe cases the tooth may have to be extracted. Seeking immediate dental care in the case of an injury with the emergency dentist in Buckinghamshire can have a massively positive benefit to a patient’s dental health, as well as minimising the extent of the damage and the risk of it spreading.

Hope for all with dentists in Buckinghamshire

Here at Garden View, for over thirty years we have been committed to being the dentists in Buckinghamshire who provide a bespoke, tailored dentist service like no other. We understand that your smile is one of the most important attributes you have, and that an attractive smile can help establish strong business and social relationships, as well as project an aura of confidence and success – which can be essential in getting you where you want to be. Dentists in Buckinghamshire believe that treatment should not stop with healing the mouth, but by making the patient feel calm and relaxed, a truly different, more fulfilling dental experience may come about. It is our philosophy that each patient is unique, and as such no two courses of treatment are the exact same. The dentists in Buckinghamshire cater their procedures and methodologies to fit the needs of the individual, rather than opting for the one-size-fits-all ethos which is commonplace in all too many practices across the country. Treatment from us here at Garden View is only carried out by a practitioner whom the patient trusts and fully respects and only begins after informative, friendly consultations have been carried out that inform the patient on the basics of each procedure and what they can hope to expect.

Six Month Smiles

One cosmetic dental procedure which is available from us at Garden View is the installation of discreet dental aligners such as our ‘Six Month Smiles’ campaign. These are offered as a cosmetic alignment alternative to traditional orthodontics, and are largely favoured by teenagers and young adults over traditional fused metal ‘train-track’ braces – which are often uncomfortable and have a largely detrimental impact on the outward appearance of the patient. Our ‘Six Month Smiles’ braces are a revolutionary alternative that is constructed from a plastic alloy which has been colour matched to the pigments of the surrounding teeth, so that when worn it is virtually indistinguishable from them. Treatment through this method of dental alignment is far faster than convention methods, and patients can expect to enjoy the full extent of the results in as little as six months (as the name suggests). Upon completing treatment, patients are provided with a custom fitted dental retainer which is removable and to be worn overnight or at a time convenient to the patient. Patients who receive treatment of this sort can find their self-confidence and esteem greatly boosted as it affords them the ability to undergo essential dental realignment, without attracting any unwanted attention from peers or colleagues.

Filling the gaps

Another form of treatment available here at Garden View is the procedure of dental implants. These are only generally opted for in instances when teeth have been lost or damaged beyond repair, and act as a prosthetic solution to large and unsightly spaces in a patient’s mouth. The process of installing a dental implant initially consists of drilling a small hole into the patient’s gum – in the space where the missing tooth (or teeth) would be. Then a tantrum screw is inserted into the hole and left to heal. After a brief period, during which time the titanium fuses with the bone of the patient’s gum, a replica tooth constructed form porcelain or plastic is then screwed into place. Thus the gap is bridged with a tooth which blends in with the rest of their teeth and the patient’s smile is restored.

Five oral care tips to observe when using clear braces in Beaconsfield

The availability of discreet teeth correcting instruments makes a compelling argument for older patients requiring an effective treatment for fixing misaligned teeth and crowded teeth issues. This is without having to suffer the stigma that is usually attached to wearing traditional dental braces. Dental braces, such as the clear ceramic type designed to match the natural colour of your teeth, are relatively less conspicuous than grey metal braces. While you may prefer braces to be out of sight or difficult to notice, we prefer that they should definitely not be out of mind. At our dental clinic we advise our patients wearing braces to take extra special care to adhere to our recommended dental care regimen.

Dental care rules to follow when wearing braces

If you are considering going the tooth-coloured braces route then knowing the care routine to follow at home is your best bet to achieve the desired outcome while protecting the health of your teeth and gums. For clear braces in Beaconsfield our dentists at Garden View Dental Care have years of experience providing comprehensive consultations to ensure our patients receive the best braces treatment for their needs.

Being disciplined with your oral hygiene is important, as wearing braces requires you to pay extra attention to dental care to avoid staining teeth and to ensure the braces perform their functions effectively for best results. While wearing braces your braces-related care should include the following guidelines to keep your treatment on track:

Cut out certain foods

You will want to stay away from very chewy foods as well as eliminate hard and sticky foods from your diet. Hard and sticky foods pose risks to the structural integrity of the braces as these have been known to damage the wires and brackets. Examples of these food types include: popcorn, nuts, crunchy treats, dried fruit, toffee and caramel. Sugary foods are also best avoided. The less sugar consumed, the less the chance of you developing cavities in your teeth.

Adopt new ways of eating

Another way to avoid damaging dental braces is to cut up certain foods like apples and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Regular damage caused to braces may end up extending treatment time.

Protect your braces

Wearing a protective mouth guard is vital if you participate in contact sports so make sure you ask your dentist to fit you with one to protect braces and teeth.

Keep teeth clean

While braces are highly effective in correcting a number of oral issues they do pose a challenge to keeping teeth clean. Food particles can be trapped in between the different components of braces, which is why extra effort is required when cleaning and flossing teeth every day. Ask your dentist for proper brushing and flossing techniques to clean underneath the wires and around brackets to avoid breaking them.

Give up bad habits

Certain bad habits like chewing on pens or biting your nails pose another danger to braces – the wires may bend or break.

Do you want to reclaim your smile but find wearing metal braces makes you too self-conscious? Garden View Dental Care dentists will help you recapture a confident smile and restore good oral health. Make us your preferred choice for clear braces in Beaconsfield.

How does a dentist in Buckinghamshire use a ‘scale and polish’ to prevent dental diseases?

Two very common procedures in the dental toolbox to avert tooth and gum diseases are scaling and polishing. Sometimes our patients need additional treatments (in addition to home care of brushing teeth twice a day) to remove stubborn plaque and tartar build-up.

Dentists in Buckinghamshire Why do plaque and tartar accumulate in teeth? The bacterial film found on teeth intermixes with the sugar converted from the foods you eat. This process places the teeth in a highly acidic environment. The risk of this acidic environment is the threat of damage to the tooth enamel and root and can also result in staining. This is why at Garden View Dental Care, we urge our patients to adhere to a comprehensive dental hygiene routine religiously. Our dentists in Buckinghamshire offer a number of preventative treatments to protect your smile.

When is scaling and polishing applicable?

The process of scaling is often compared to the act of stripping peeling paint off a wall. The goal behind this treatment process is to remove hardened dental plaque from teeth. The process is not only used on teeth but on roots as well, especially where evidence of periodontal pockets, (where bacteria have affected gums), are detected.

Scaling can leave teeth feeling rough which then requires the treatment of polishing to smooth the teeth. This process is also an opportune time a dental practitioner may use to apply fluoride to the teeth for additional protection.

The thorough dental cleaning process of scaling and polishing are suitable for patients of varying ages. A consultation with your dentist can confirm if your situation can best benefit from this deeper dental care. Our dentists in Buckinghamshire will carefully explain the process involved and take the time to address any concerns.

Extraordinary benefits of scaling and polishing

The accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth is a common natural occurrence. Regular brushing gets rid of a large proportion of bacteria but a professional clean remains the most effective method of getting rid of bacteria completely.

In addition to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, here are more reasons why we recommend a scale and polish to protect your dental health:

Detect potential problems before they become major problems

Before a dental practitioner undertakes to perform scaling and polishing, they will examine your teeth and gums to detect signs of dental–related problems from gum disease to oral cancer.

Eliminate bad breath

Bacteria build-up can release substances responsible for halitosis. Bad breath may also indicate a gum disease problem. Deep cleaning through scaling and polishing is an often recommended treatment to tackle this bad breath.

Good for your overall health

Scientific evidence has drawn a strong correlation between poor oral health, gum disease in particular, and certain serious life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Now looking after teeth and gum health by effectively removing tartar and plaque is also good for the heart.

Depending on your particular situation, more than one session of scaling and polishing may be required to completely get rid of stains, plaque and tartar build-up. To maintain healthy and bright smiles, regular dental check-ups are necessary to not only detect and prevent problems but to also keep teeth clean.

3 Major emergencies that require an emergency dentist in Buckinghamshire

Owing to the fact that there are a number of dental problems that patients experience, it can be a bit confusing to ascertain what exactly constitutes a dental emergency. The simplest definition of an emergency situation is one that requires immediate professional dental care to save adult teeth, stop blood loss or relieve severe pain.

An emergency dentist in Buckinghamshire offering urgent dental care services is best placed to provide you with the appropriate treatment for your needs. He or she has the necessary training, as well as the required diagnostic equipment at their disposal to get to the root of the matter, and can offer you effective treatment such as administering anaesthetics to ease your discomfort. The immediate problem for a dentist in an emergency such as in the case of painful infection is to alleviate any pain a patient may be experiencing and then offer suitable treatment such as draining the abscess by performing a root canal procedure.

Indisputable dental problems that necessitate calling your dentist

By and large major dental problems have the potential to be life threatening which is why there is great emphasis attached to seeking urgent treatment. Dental emergencies are classified according to three categories:

Facial trauma that results in injury to teeth or mouth

Facial trauma most often results from sports injuries, contact sports in particular, and accidents – examples include falling in the home and receiving a blow to the face – that affect adult teeth and supporting tissue. In order to save a knocked out adult tooth, it has to be replaced (receive dental treatment) within an hour. Tissue injuries such as puncture wounds or lacerations to the tongue and cheeks are also considered emergency dental problems.

Infection or swelling in the mouth

Swelling in the mouth is a strong indicator of an abscess or a bacterial gum infection. The risk of untreated abscess or infections is that they can spread to other parts of the body which is why they are considered dental emergencies. Another symptom of a tooth abscess is the sensation of pain when biting down.

Unmanageable or intense pain in the mouth area

If the persistent pain you are experiencing won’t go away or becomes progressively worse, it may be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Seeking treatment sooner will provide relief from intolerable pain and the source of the problem can be treated. Throbbing pain is often a symptom of tooth decay which is a serious issue.

If the situation does arise when you require an emergency dentist in Buckinghamshire, contact us at Garden View Dental Care without delay. Leaving serious dental problems untreated can impact your overall health and wellbeing. Ask our reception team for the relevant contact details available should an emergency arise outside normal dental practice hours.

Routine dental check-ups are most helpful in preventing dental emergencies such as infections in the mouth. These routine check-ups are recommended because they help to discover any potential problems such as the signs of tooth decay or gum disease and treatment can be offered to address these issues.

Do you suffer from dental phobia? How to find a dentist in Buckinghamshire for nervous patients

Why do you fear having your teeth checked or receiving dental treatment in general? You may be surprised that fear of pain is just one of the many reasons for patients avoiding the dental professional’s chair. Other common reasons include: having a previous unpleasant or difficult experience, hearing the sound of the drill, and the fear of needles. Your reason may even be embarrassment because you have avoided check-ups for a long time. Understanding the source of your fear is important to overcoming and conquering it, dental health problems discovered early can prevent complications that can affect your overall health. The next step is to find a suitable dentist in Buckinghamshire that has experience in treating nervous patients suffering from dental phobias.

How to find a dental practitioner good with anxious patients

Asking for referrals or recommendations from trusted close friends and family is a good way to find a dental practitioner who understands dental phobia and has the compassion to treat nervous patients appropriately. Talking about your phobia to people you trust will also help in two important ways: how they overcame their own fears can be a motivating factor that helps you address your own fears, and you may understand your fears better by gaining another perspective that you haven’t thought of.

If you find yourself short on recommendations, another suggested approach is to conduct research and read reviews left by patients on dental websites. Many dental practices have a web page dedicated to reviews – personal opinions of their patients’ experiences – that many people find helpful. Looking for a dentist in Buckinghamshire with reliable reviews? At Garden View Dental Care we offer a warm and friendly service and a pleasant environment where all of our patients are treated with respect and dignity.

What to look for when conducting your research

When browsing through a dental practitioner’s website, look out for the following clues:

Has the dentist treated anxious patients?

Have there been other nervous patients with similar concerns to yours? Were their experiences positive ones? Also look for any mention of the dental clinic’s approach to treating dental phobias such as special sedation techniques.

Are images of the team and environment provided?

For many nervous patients, looks and facial features of the prospective dental team can be helpful – it is only natural to want to avoid someone with features who reminds you of a prior bad experience. Some patients also prefer a particular gender or are comfortable with a practitioner of a certain age.

Call or visit the practice

Once you have the required information at hand, the next critical step is to make contact; this can be a phone call to the receptionist or a personal visit whichever feels most comfortable for you. Personal contact is important to ascertain how comfortable you feel seeking treatment there. Make a special mention of your phobias. The manner in which they answer your questions and the tone of their voice is a good indicator of how they will treat you.

Overcoming dental phobia is far from easy, however, with the right mind-set and approach, it is possible to gain the upper hand. Understanding your anxiety and a willingness to conquer it will help you in taking it one step at a time. Equally important is finding a dental practitioner you feel comfortable with.

Is it possible to achieve straighter teeth in only 6 months?

Adult patients who are ready to take the plunge and look into their teeth straightening options, might benefit from Six Month Smiles. This innovative treatment with braces uses clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires to help patients reach their smile goals within 6 months – or less!

Clear braces in Beaconsfield have grown in popularity in recent years and are now widely available. At Garden View Dental Care, patients who are interested in clear braces treatment, should schedule an appointment with our experienced dental team. Not only will we examine your teeth, but we will also help you make an informed decision about your smile.

How do clear braces in Beaconsfield work?

The mechanism behind Six Month Smiles is really simple. These braces work just like regular braces, but instead of moving the roots of the teeth, they just focus on the crowns of the front teeth – the ‘visible 6’. This way patients can achieve a better smile in a significantly shorter amount of time compared to other teeth straightening treatments.

Are these braces painful?

A lot of patients mistakenly think that fast treatment means painful treatment – that is not the case with clear braces in Beaconsfield. The pressure put on the teeth by these braces is considerably milder compared to regular braces – more importantly, your dentist will not extract any teeth. With Six Month Smiles clear braces in Beaconsfield you can feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

Can I combine this treatment with cosmetic dentistry?

Six Month Smiles braces are quite versatile and can be combined with other cosmetic treatments to allow patients achieve a complete smile makeover. Some of these treatments can be performed while you are wearing the braces to allow maximum effectiveness and better time management.

Can everyone have Six Month Smiles clear braces in Beaconsfield?

Six Month Smiles braces are ideal for adults over 15 who wish to straighten their front teeth quickly and effectively. This is a viable option for moderately crooked, overlapped and spaced front teeth, but it cannot be used to treat severely misaligned teeth. To learn more about these braces and test your eligibility, contact us today.

Baby bottles and tooth decay

‘Baby bottle’ tooth decay has been linked to the long exposure of a child’s teeth to milk or other sugary liquids. This condition seems to affect children who use a baby bottle for many hours during the day. Sugary liquids stay in the mouth for a prolonged period of time, causing plaque and attacking the tooth enamel and the gums. Baby teeth are not permanent, but they need to stay strong and healthy in order allow the development of perfectly healthy adult teeth. Children with cavities and missing teeth are more likely to develop teeth alignment problems and other dental issues while growing up. Luckily, the consequences of ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay can be avoided with careful prevention.

dentist-in-Buckinghamshire At Garden View Dental Care, we firmly believe that the earlier your child visits the dentist in Buckinghamshire, the less likely they are to develop dental problems. To kick-start a good oral hygiene, visiting us will help any infants or small children who are struggling with ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay or cannot simply get rid of their baby bottle. Our dentist in Buckinghamshire will ensure that your child’s bite stays intact and that their teeth remain as clean and healthy as possible.

Is it easy to prevent tooth decay in babies?

Babies and young children rely on their parents for food and oral hygiene, therefore there are a few simple things that can be done even before a baby is born. Seeing your dentist in Buckinghamshire through your pregnancy is really important in order to avoid pregnancy-related oral health problems that can impact your unborn child.

Once the baby has arrived, it’s up to you to decide whether you will breastfeed or bottle-feed. Both options can cause ‘baby bottle’ tooth decay, therefore it is really important to take some good measures in order to keep the baby’s teeth and gum clean. For babies up to 12 months old, you can clean their teeth and gums after every meal with a soft cloth and start using a baby toothbrush once their first teeth appear.

Moreover, children should avoid going to bed with a bottle or a pacifier and should learn to drink from a regular cup as early on as possible.

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