Author Archives: The Ivy Clinic

Benefits Of Dental Implants, Drawbacks, And Candidates

Benefits Of Dental Implants, Drawbacks, And Candidates

Tooth loss is a growing problem in the UK. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 75% of British adults have at least one tooth missing. If you also have one or more missing teeth that affect your speech, chewing efficiency and facial aesthetics, dental implants are your best option to replace them. 

But what are dental implants and what are their advantages over other tooth replacement options? You may ask! This blog contains everything you need to know about dental implants so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. So, read till the end to decide whether tooth implants are the right option for you. 

What Is A Tooth Implant?

According to the British Society of Oral Surgeons, an implant is a metallic, cylinder-shaped fixture inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. Dental implants serve as replacement tooth roots and provide a solid foundation for the artificial teeth once they get firmly anchored into the jawbone. Since dental implants are inserted into the jawbone like natural teeth, they provide a natural feel and appearance. This is why dental implants have become the most sought-after tooth replacement worldwide. 

Who Can Get Dental Implants?

Any individual who has lost one or more teeth is a candidate for dental implants. However, one must not have any underlying medical or dental condition – especially bone-related diseases – which may hamper implant healing. Your dentist will first treat any underlying issues, such as gum disease before they initiate the implant process. 

Moreover, one must have sufficient quality and thickness of jawbone available to support the implant firmly. But if that is not the case, there is no need to worry. Your dentist will replenish the deficient bone tissue through a procedure called bone grafting. In this procedure, your dentist will use natural or artificial bone and place it at the implant site to restore optimal bone density. 

So, virtually everyone with missing teeth is a candidate for dental implants. 

How Many Teeth Can One Implant Replace?

Whether you have lost a single, multiple, or all teeth, you can get them replaced with dental implants.  If you have a single missing tooth, your dentist will replace it with a porcelain or zirconia crown. If someone has lost multiple teeth, they will be replaced with implant-supported overdentures. Finally, if someone has lost all their teeth, they will receive a complete fixed bridge supported by 4 implants in each jaw. This process is called an all-on-4 prosthesis and is the most durable and functionally superior among all the tooth replacement options. 

Do I Need A Dental Implant After Extraction?

When a tooth is extracted, it should be replaced without delay. This is because even a single missing tooth can significantly affect one’s ability to chew and digest food optimally, besides causing aesthetic issues. More importantly, the neighbouring teeth gradually creep into the vacant space creating spaces among other teeth. Such a situation can create functional and aesthetic complications. Therefore, if a tooth is extracted, it should be replaced with a suitable option as soon as the surgical site heals. 

How Long After An Extraction Can I Get A Tooth Implant?

Traditionally, dentists wait for about 10 weeks before they insert an implant into the extraction site. This is to ensure that the dental surgery site heals optimally and that good-quality bone forms around the implant. However, in some cases, dentists may insert an implant immediately after extraction. This procedure is called immediate implant placement. 

Once the implant has been inserted into the jawbone, your dentist will wait for about 4 – 6 months to promote healthy bone formation around it, before placing a suitable prosthesis over it. This ensures that the implant becomes firmly anchored into the jawbone and provides support to its attached prosthesis. 

Does Getting A Dental Implant Hurt?

Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure. Therefore, to make sure that you remain pain-free, your dentist will administer local anaesthesia. when multiple implants have to be placed in a single sitting, your dentist may consider performing the dental implant procedure under conscious sedation or general anaesthesia. So, don’t worry; you won’t feel any pain during your implant surgery.

Are There Any Long-Term Problems With Dental Implants?

When placed by a competent and experienced dentist, dental implants don’t have many major drawbacks or complications. However, if optimal cross-infection control is not followed during the procedure it can lead to a condition called peri-implantitis, which may even result in implant failure. Another rare, long-term problem with dental implants is their loosening due to infection or overloading. 

How Successful Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are by far the most durable and aesthetically pleasing tooth replacement option available. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, tooth implants have a success rate of over 95%. Similarly, research shows that the 10-year survival rate of dental implants is greater than 90%. This means that more than 90% of dental implants will last longer than a decade if they are looked after properly.

Can Dental Implants Be Used To Replace Loose Teeth?

Not all loose teeth need to be replaced. Your dentist will first identify the underlying cause of the problem. For example, if a tooth is loose because of periodontal disease, they will perform professional teeth cleaning to restore optimal periodontal health. As a result, the tooth will anchor itself again in the socket.  

On the other hand, if the tooth is loose due to an irreversible issue,  your dentist will extract it and replace it with an implant-supported prosthesis. 

Are Dental Implant Teeth Permanent?

Dental implants are considered a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper oral hygiene and dietary care, you can expect your implants to last more than a decade. So, dental implants are the next best thing to one’s natural teeth. 

If you’re interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Teddington, you should consider the Ivy Clinic. We take pride in having state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly experienced dentists to ensure that you get the most out of your implant treatment. So, contact us to book an appointment

Cosmetic Dentist Teddington: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Cosmetic Dental Treatment?

Cosmetic Dentist Teddington

According to a recent study by the University College London researchers, over one-third of British people under 35 have had a cosmetic dental procedure in the last year, spending an average of £3,677 to improve their smile. This shows how popular cosmetic dental treatment is in the UK. 

Cosmetic dentistry has the power to transform blemished and unattractive smiles into picture-perfect, Hollywood smiles. If you have crooked, stained, or chipped teeth that make you feel self-conscious, you can also benefit from Cosmetic Dentistry Teddington. This guide will help you learn about various cosmetic dentistry procedures and how they can help you regain your self-confidence and smile. So, read till the end! 

What Kind Of Treatment Is Provided By The Cosmetic Dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who has undergone additional training and experience in treating problems related to dental and facial aesthetics. However, a cosmetic dentist is not just concerned about aesthetics; they will prepare a treatment plan for you so that both your smile, oral health, and dental function are optimised at the same time. 

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help In Achieving Perfect Teeth?

Undoubtedly, cosmetic dentistry has the power to completely transform smiles. Have you ever wondered how your favourite celebrities have such beautiful smiles? Is it because they are born with such picture-perfect teeth? Perhaps, but not all of them! So, what’s the secret behind their dazzling smiles? The secret is that they have such good cosmetic dentists. But here’s the good news! Cosmetic Dentistry is not just for celebrities and famous personalities. You too can benefit from it! 

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry, And Why Is It Important?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with rejuvenating blemished smiles and optimising dental function. Cosmetic dentistry Teddington is important for various reasons. First, cosmetic dentistry helps one enjoy a beautiful smile, making them appear approachable and confident. Secondly, cosmetic dentistry ensures that your teeth are fully functional, enabling you to eat and digest your food properly. This helps you enjoy good physical health and lead an active life. 

What Procedures Can A Cosmetic Dentist Perform?

Cosmetic dentists are trained to perform a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures that help uplift your facial aesthetics and oral health. Some of the commonly performed cosmetic dentistry Teddington procedures are:

Your cosmetic dentist Teddington will design a comprehensive treatment plan based on your cosmetic dental needs, which will detail all the procedures needed for your smile makeover. 

Is Cosmetic Dental Surgery Good For Teeth?

Cosmetic dentistry Teddington, performed by an experienced and qualified dentist not only boosts one’s smile and confidence but also optimises oral and physical health. On the other hand, if you go to a novice dentist to cut your costs, they may do more harm to your oral health than good. So yes, cosmetic dentistry is good for the teeth, provided it is performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. 

How To Choose The Best Cosmetic Dentist?

Here are some tips that will help you find the best cosmetic dentist in Teddington:

  • Make a list of all the cosmetic dental practices in Teddington and read their online patient reviews. You may also ask your colleagues or friends for opinions
  • Next, choose 2 -3 best dental practices that have the highest local ratings
  • Visit each practice and meet the dental team 
  • Enquire about the dentist’s qualifications, experience, and before-and-after photos of their treated cases. Also, enquire whether they accept your dental insurance plan or offer flexible payment solutions. 
  • Finally, go with a cosmetic dentistry practice that you feel the most comfortable with

What Are The Benefits Of A Cosmetic Dentist?

If you’re still wondering why you should consider cosmetic dentistry, here are some benefits of cosmetic dentistry Teddington treatment:

  • Improved smile and self-esteem 
  • Optimised oral health and dental function 
  • Improved oral health minimises the risk of common dental issues such as bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay
  • Improved physical health and body immunity due to optimal (chewing) function of the teeth  

Are Cosmetic Dental Procedures Safe?

One of the major concerns of prospective patients is whether cosmetic dentistry Teddington safe. The answer is that cosmetic dentistry is safe as long as a qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist performs it. Unfortunately, you will find numerous dental practices offering cosmetic dentistry services at unbelievably low rates. You should beware of them as they will most likely cut their costs by using inferior-quality materials that not only last short-term but also have significant health risks. But if you visit a qualified cosmetic dentist, then you have nothing to worry about.

If you are looking for the best cosmetic dentistry professional in Teddington, then The Ivy Clinic comes highly recommended. Our excellent patient reviews are a testimony to our commitment to providing the highest-quality dental health services to our patients in a comfortable environment. We also take pride in having state-of-the-art equipment and a team of highly trained dentists who will ensure that you enjoy the best aesthetic and functional outcome from your cosmetic dentistry Teddington treatment. So, what are you waiting for? So, contact us to book an appointment and let our amazing team of dentists give you the smile you genuinely deserve. We look forward to serving you! 

Gummy Smile Treatment – Get Rid Once And For All

Gummy Smile Treatment – Get Rid Once And For All

A beautiful smile can significantly boost one’s smile and self-confidence. A survey by Simplyhealth showed that over 13% of the responding British people suffered from low self-esteem due to their damaged teeth and flawed or gummy smiles. And it’s not just one’s teeth that can ruin a smile, the appearance and the size of the gums can also influence how attractive one’s smile is. It has been estimated that over 29% of the global population suffers from a gummy smile. 

If you have also been avoiding speaking and smiling in public due to a gummy smile, no need to worry; cosmetic dentistry can help you get rid of your aesthetic imperfections so that you can also enjoy a Hollywood smile. So, continue reading this blog to learn more about gummy smiles and their cosmetic treatment. 

Do Gummy Smiles Look Unattractive And Repulsive?

Any imperfection of one’s facial features – whether it is the teeth, the gums, or the lips – can negatively affect one’s smile. So, if someone has a gummy smile, it will certainly make them look unattractive. But there is no need to worry, as cosmetic dentistry can help fix gummy smiles into picture-perfect, rockstar smiles. 

Gummy Smiles: What Are My Treatment Options?

Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are various options available to treat a gummy smile. These are:

  • Crown Lengthening – according to the American Academy of Periodontology, this is a procedure in which your dentist will surgically remove excessive gum tissue to improve the exposure of the teeth. This way, the teeth appear longer and the balance between the tooth and gum height is restored. 
  • Botulinum Toxin – did you know that botulinum toxin can also be used for treating a gummy smile? A botox injection is effective in treating overactive lip muscles that cause overexposure of the gums. However, this treatment is temporary and only lasts for 3 – 6 months. So, regular treatment is needed for continued results. 
  • Orthodontic Treatment – if a GS is caused by the downward movement of the upper teeth or excessive growth of the upper jawbone, it may be managed with teeth straightening. Typically, dentists use fixed braces to correct such problems. 

Does Orthodontics Treatment Help In Gummy Smile?

Yes, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners is an effective method for treating a gummy smile. However, your dentist will suggest the best treatment option for you, such as crown lengthening, botox injection, or braces, depending on your individual treatment needs. Your dentist will first perform a detailed clinical examination to identify the underlying issue and then prepare a detailed treatment plan customised to your aesthetic and treatment needs. 

How Does Botox Fix A Gummy Smile?

As discussed earlier, botox is also an option for fixing a gummy smile. This is an effective option when the gummy smile occurs due to overactive lips. When Botox is injected, the lips are relaxed and the optimal appearance of the gums is restored. However, the only drawback with this treatment is that it needs to be redone after every 3 – 6 months.  

Do I Have A Chance To Change My Gummy Smile?

Of course! No matter how severe your gummy smile is or how badly it affects your facial aesthetics, you can get rid of it with cosmetic dentistry. So, don’t worry and take the leap! Visit your dentist today to begin your gummy smile treatment. Your dentist will first identify the underlying issue during a detailed clinical examination. Afterwards, they will suggest the best treatment option for you after preparing a customised treatment plan. 

Can Gum Treatments Improve The Appearance Of My Smile?

The appearance of your teeth and gums both can influence your smile and facial aesthetics. So, if someone has a gummy smile, it can negatively affect their smile and make them look unattractive. But the good news is that a gummy smile can be fixed. In most cases, gum treatments can completely resolve a gummy smile. For example, crown lengthening is a procedure that restores the optimal shape and length of the gums relative to the teeth and helps maximise one’s facial aesthetics. 

Is There A Way To Fix A Gummy Smile Cheaply?

There are various options available to fix a gummy smile. However, if you are looking for the most cost-effective method,  you may consider using a non-invasive treatment option such as Botox therapy. While this treatment option is effective, the only downside is that it is not permanent. The effect of botox lasts for about 3 – 6 months. So, regular treatments are needed to observe continued results. 

What Are The Best Ways To Minimize A ‘Gummy’ Smile?

A gummy smile can be fixed in various surgical and non-surgical ways. For example, if you’re considering a non-surgical treatment for your gummy smile, you should go with botox therapy. However, if you have a severe gummy smile, your dentist may recommend crown lengthening, gum contouring surgery, or orthodontic treatment. 

If you or a loved one needs a gummy smile treatment in London, The Ivy Clinic is your best option for a complete smile makeover. We boast a highly qualified and experienced dental team capable of fixing even the most complicated cosmetic dental problems. So, book an online consultation with us today to learn more about gummy smile treatment. We look forward to serving you at our New Cross office!

 

How To Find The Best Dentist In Teddington? The Ultimate Guide

Did you know that, according to the American Dental Association, our physical health and well-being are directly linked to our oral health? This means that it is equally essential to look after our dental hygiene as our physical health. But while regular brushing and flossing are excellent measures for maintaining good oral health, visiting the dentist regularly for checkups is equally essential. 

But how to find the best dentist in my area? You may ask. If you live in Teddington and you’re looking for a good dentist, this blog is for you. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about finding the best dentist near you. 

What Is The Best Way Of Finding A Good Dentist In My Area?

Finding the best dentist around you may be difficult but it’s not a difficult job. Let us tell you about the best way to go about it. In today’s world where people rely heavily on online reviews for buying consumer products, why shouldn’t one utilise online reviews of local dentists? For example, you could search for the online reviews of local dentists using websites such as Yelp and Google reviews. Online reviews provide a fairly reliable estimate of the quality of services provided by local dentists, and you can use them to shortlist 3 – 4 local dentists. 

How Can I Tell Which Dentist Is The Best?

Patient reviews, whether online, or based on feedback from existing patients, are an excellent way to judge whether a dentist provides high-quality services or not. So, if you’re searching for the best local dentist, you can search the internet for local dental practice reviews, or ask your friends or colleagues for recommendations. 

How Do I Choose A Good Dental Clinic?

An ideal dental practice is one that is either near your workplace, home, or kids’ schools, provides all your required dental services under one roof and more importantly, offers flexible payment plans for its patients. So, you should consider all these factors and choose one that fulfills all these requirements.

Is Finding A Good Dentist Not That Easy?

With so many dental practices springing up everywhere, it may often become difficult to choose the best. But this task can be made easy if you follow the tips given in this blog. You just need to do some homework and you can find the right dental practice for your family. 

What Do People Look For In Choosing A Dentist?

When looking for a family dental practice, people often consider the following factors:

  • Vicinity to one’s office, home, or children’s school
  • A well-qualified and experienced dentist  
  • Availability of all the required dental services under one roof
  • A gentle and friendly dental team 
  • Availability of flexible dental payment plans  

What Is A Good Way To Find A Dentist When New In Town?

If you’ve just moved into a new town, here’s what you can do to find a good dentist near you:

  • Search online for dental practices in your area. You may also ask your co-workers for recommendations. You can also check the register of the General Dental Council (GDC) UK for registered local dentists.
  • Based on this information, make a list of all these prospective practices 
  • Next, check the reviews of these practices and shortlist 3 – 4 with 5-star ratings
  • Finally, visit these practices and meet the dentist 

How Do I Find A Dentist For My Child?

If you’re looking for an orthodontist for your kid or simply a paediatric dental specialist, you should look for one who has obtained additional qualifications and experience in the required field. For example, if your child needs braces, you should look for an orthodontic specialist with 5-star online patient ratings. Similarly, if you’re looking for a kids’ dentist, you should look for one who has obtained specialised training in paediatric dentistry. 

Additionally, you should look for a dental practice that is close to your home or child’s school, so that they don’t have to take an entire day off. If the practice is nearby, your child will only miss a few hours of school instead of an entire day. 

What Is The Best Way To Find An Affordable Dentist?

When choosing a dentist for your family, one should always consider treatment quality and affordability. You may find numerous dental practices offering dental services at unbelievably low rates. Unfortunately, not all of these practices will offer high-quality services. So, what’s the best way? Search the top-rated dental practices in your area and shortlist a few of them. Next, visit these practices and check whether they offer flexible treatment plans. Select ones that have affordable treatment costs and allow you to pay for your treatment in easily manageable instalments. 

How Do I Choose The Right Dentist For Dental Implants?

An ideal implant dentist who has obtained 3 – 4 years of additional clinical training in the field of dental implantology. Why because tooth replacement with a dental implant requires surgical precision and careful treatment planning for success. Therefore, only a suitably qualified and experienced implant dentist can perform this task. 

What Are The Signs Of A High-Quality Dental Practice?

A high-quality dental practice has excellent online ratings and a long list of satisfied patients. A good dental practice also has several before-and-after pictures of their previous clients to show the quality of their treatment. 

If you’re looking for the best dental practice in Teddington, your best option is to visit Ivy Clinic, where we offer the best family dental treatment services in town. So, Contact us to book an appointment today. We look forward to serving you!