The building blocks for a beautiful smile
Cosmetic dentistry is everywhere. There’s barely a celebrity on TV with wonky teeth anymore, and you don’t see so many people under 30 who don’t have beautifully, aligned straight teeth. That’s quite a pressure and it can be easy to think that your dentist here at Leamington Spa Dental Practice will be eager to cover you in veneers, cosmetic bonding and braces.
But the truth is, we aren’t going to do any of that if your teeth are not in tip-top condition. It would be a waste of your money and time and would lead to all sorts of problems further down the line.
That’s why we pay as much attention to our routine dentistry in Leamington Spa as we do to our cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to making sure that you are diligent in your oral health care routine at home.
The check-up
Routine dentistry starts with the check-up. At least twice a year, we carefully examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues and neck. We are checking for early signs of decay, gum disease and mouth cancer, none of which you will be aware of until they are pretty advanced, because it’s only then that they start to hurt. You may need more frequent check-ups if you are a smoker, have diabetes or are pregnant, all of which tend to increase your chances of gum disease.
Fillings
If you have decay, we will remove it and fill the resulting cavity. We use white fillings for everything but kids’ NHS fillings. This is because we don’t need to remove as much healthy tooth material for a white filling, so your tooth is stronger, plus we can recreate the chewing surfaces of your original teeth. If the cavity is very large, we make porcelain pieces called inlays and onlays to place on top.
Crowns
These entirely cover a damaged tooth, or one with a lot of discolouration. We prefer this to removing the teeth if the root is still good.
Root canal treatment
Removing infections from the root of the tooth, and then sealing it over, lets you hang onto your tooth for longer.
Restore your smile with white fillings in Leamington Spa
White fillings are widely used in cosmetic dentistry to restore the form and function of decayed, chipped or cracked teeth. They are made of composite materials which offer strength and function at the same time.
At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, white fillings are our method of choice when it comes to tooth decay restoration. Unlike metal fillings that simply fill in the decay, white fillings frame the affected tooth and enable it to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.
What should I expect?
Shortly before the treatment begins, your dentist will numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area in your mouth with a local anaesthetic. This way, you will feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. Once the anaesthesia has settled in, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove all of the damaged and decayed parts of the tooth. They will then clean the tooth thoroughly.
After removing the decayed tooth portions, the white filling will be placed in layers to fill out the holes. Each layer will be hardened will a special light, to make sure that the material sets properly.
Who can have white fillings?
If you want to restore a decayed or damaged tooth and you do not want to use metal fillings, white fillings can provide you with an effective dental restoration, which looks and feels very natural. You will not have to worry about dark-coloured spots in your mouth, as the composite blends in with the rest of your teeth for a natural appearance.
Benefits of white fillings
Overall, white fillings are more natural-looking compared to metal fillings and can be colour-adjusted to fit the shade of your natural teeth. Moreover, white fillings require less preparation than metal fillings and less of the healthy tooth enamel will be removed during this process. Last but not least, white fillings are not as sensitive to extreme temperatures and do not shrink or expand because of temperature changes.
Contact us
If you want to learn more about white fillings and their benefits, please contact us today and we will book a consultation appointment for you.
Facial rejuvenation, get to know your old self again
Facial rejuvenation is becoming an increasingly popular way to soften wrinkles and folds without permanent cosmetic surgery. At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, we have two treatments that can work together or separately to smooth and fill out spots where age is getting the better of your face.
Facial Rejuvenation in Leamington Spa, You may think it odd that we offer this service, but actually, dentists are becoming first-choice for facial rejuvenation, because of the years we have spent studying and working with facial anatomy. Not many beauticians can boast a medical grade understanding of how the muscles, nerves, tendons, organs and skin of the head, face, mouth and neck work together.
When you choose us for facial rejuvenation in Leamington Spa, you are choosing professionals to create a naturally younger-looking face.
Dermal fillers
From about the age of 30, our bodies get increasingly bad at producing a vital chemical called hyaluronic acid. This natural acid is what forms bonds between skin cells. It also helps the cells retain moisture. These two things are what makes our skin look plump and glowing. As production of hyaluronic acid reduces, our skin starts to look faded and to hang on our bones, creating hollows. Using hyaluronic acid in dermal fillers means that we are simply replacing something that is now missing. Dermal fillers plump out areas such as the nasolabial folds that run between our noses and mouths, or the marionette lines that run down from our mouths. It is also very effective in plumping out the top lip, crow’s feet and hollows in the cheeks.
These treatments are can be administered in a few minutes. They last a few months, so you can try them out and then if you like the effect, continue with top-up treatments.
Brighten your smile with teeth whitening in Leamington Spa
Nowadays, there are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile. However, with so many options readily available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth whitening treatment is to visit a dentist and seek professional help.
At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, teeth whitening in Leamington is quick, effective and inexpensive. We use reputable brands that have been tested over the years with great results. Before you start, our experienced dentists will examine your teeth thoroughly and help you determine which method suits your individual needs.
What causes yellow teeth?
Tooth discolouration is a common phenomenon that occurs naturally when the outer surface of tooth enamel begins to deteriorate and becomes transparent, revealing the darker, yellower dentin underneath. However, yellow teeth may occur due to other reasons as well. Tea and coffee both contain tannins that can easily cause tooth discolouration, whereas highly pigmented foods and beverages such as soy sauce and tomato sauce can also stain your teeth over time. Finally, discoloured teeth are also caused by genetics or certain medications.
Enlighten teeth whitening
Here at Leamington Spa Dental Practice, we are delighted to offer our patients the Enlighten system. Treatment can be carried out at home or in the dental chair. For home whitening, you will need to put a small amount of gel in your customised trays and wear them overnight for two weeks. If you decide to have your teeth whitened at our dental practice, our dentist will paint the gel on your teeth and activate it with a special light. This procedure is very quick and offers immediate results. Both treatments are entirely safe and can whiten your teeth by several shades.
Pola teeth whitening
At our dental practice, we also use the Pola teeth whitening system. Just like Enlighten, Pola can be used either at home or in the dentist’s chair. Ongoing development has seen the Pola range grow, from its original launch, to accommodate for all patient and dentist needs.
Get in touch
To learn more about teeth whitening in Leamington Spa, contact us today.
Another sort of makeover
You’ve seen the beauty makeover, the clothing makeover, the personality makeover, the house makeover, but have you ever considered having a smile makeover?
At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, we love seeing how smile makeovers in Leamington Spa can transform people’s looks and their lives.
It’s no fun living with a dodgy smile. In fact, when the smile has got so dodgy that you can no longer use it, you are being deprived of one of your most important tools of non-verbal communication. This is what you use when you meet people for the first time. It’s what they use to form their first impressions of you with. That may not sound too awful, but in certain situations, such as job interviews, first dates, or meeting the in-laws for the first time, it could be a make or break situation.
Try it out next time you go out and about in Leamington Spa. Become aware of how often you would like to smile but don’t, or how often you cover your mouth with your hand. Another good thing to become aware of is how much you respond to other people’s smiles and what that feels like. Do you notice yourself warming to people and making positive judgments about them when they smile at you? Do you notice yourself making negative judgments about others when they don’t smile? Does it affect how you behave towards them? Try it on the bus.
Now that you have tuned into how much importance we subconsciously place on smiling, would you like to come in for a consultation for a smile makeover? We can take a good look at your teeth and gums and, using x-rays and photographs, we can show you which treatments can be used to bring out the full potential of your smile. Treatments might include veneers, composite bonding, whitening and even discreet braces.
So why not make your makeover for 2018 be for your smile. Think of all the wear you will get out of it! You’ll be using it day in, day out for the rest of your life. Work out the cost per wear on that!
Choosing the right dentist for you
With our modern daily lives, we must keep in mind that looking after our teeth is extremely important. When in the past looking after our teeth was just about keeping them functional for as long as possible, today we have the chance to make them look as good as possible.
While looking after our teeth is mostly down to ourselves, having a good relationship with your dentist is also important. Your dentist should be welcoming and make your experience as positive as possible.
The team at Leamington Spa Dental Practice can help you to feel as relaxed as possible. The dental experts are warm and welcoming, making looking after your oral health easier than ever.
Keeping you smiling
For matters of general dentistry, Leamington Spa has a great team who can spot any problems with your oral health before they develop into something more serious.
The dentists can help you save money, time and stress by keeping a professional eye on your teeth.
They can also advise you on how best to look after your teeth. Different people require different types of oral hygiene routines because of what we eat and habits we keep.
In most cases, people should brush at least twice a day. Some people may need to brush more if they smoke or have pre-existing dental problems. People with braces also need to take extra care to keep their teeth clean as braces can harbour lots of harmful bacteria.
Flossing at least once a day is also recommended.
Causes of tooth decay
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that live on our teeth and in our mouths. Many of these bacteria are harmless and some can even be helpful to the overall health of our mouths. The problem comes when certain bacteria feed on the sugars in our foods and produce acids. These acids can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Many dentists will advise using anti-bacterial mouthwash to supplement their regular oral hygiene routine. This helps to kill some of the harmful bacteria in our mouths.
If you have any queries about the best oral hygiene routine for you, stop by for a check-up.
Prevent oral cancer with mouth cancer screening in Leamington Spa
Oral cancer is a common type of cancer and can be divided into two categories – those occurring in the oral cavity and those occurring in the throat and the tonsils. Early detection may result in better treatment outcomes, therefore it is vital to visit the dentist for a mouth cancer screening examination at least once a year. Patients who are at higher risk should visit their dentist more frequently.
At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, our experienced dentists will examine your mouth and throat thoroughly and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. It takes less than two minutes to carry out a comprehensive mouth cancer screening and we are here to help you keep on top of your oral health. If you notice any weird symptoms it is always better to see the dentist, since oral cancer is treated more easily at an early stage.
What is involved in a mouth cancer screening examination?
During this oral examination, your dentist will observe your face and neck looking for swellings, skin abnormalities, moles and asymmetry. They will also look for any changes in the colour or texture of your lips and mouth. Your dentist will also touch the lymph nodes in your neck to look for any enlargement or abnormality. They will then examine the interior of your mouth including the cheeks and the tongue. Changes in colour, texture and symmetry may be indicative of oral cancer. Finally, your dentist will also inspect your palates. This systematic screening will help your dentist identify any signs possible related to oral cancer.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Research has identified a number of factors that increase the risk of developing oral cancers. Men are more likely to get oral cancer compared to women. Smokers and excessive alcohol drinkers older than 50 are also at risk of developing oral cancer. Finally, HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, has also been linked with oral cancer. However, there is a small percentage of patients who do not exhibit any of the above risk factors and still develop oral cancer. For this reason, regular dental check-ups that include an examination of the entire head and neck are vital.
New teeth in no time
One of the wonderful things about modern dentistry is how it can give people the smile they have always wanted, and restore what they once had but were robbed of over time. Even a mild imperfection, like a chip or one mildly misaligned tooth, can be enough to steal away your self-confidence and stop you smiling. And that’s not good because a good smile gets your body releasing serotonin, the feel-good chemical.
One of the quickest ways to get rid of imperfections is to cover them over, and with dentists at Leamington Spa Dental Practice in Leamington Spa, it can be done in almost no time with veneers.
Veneers explained
Veneers were first invented in 1920s Hollywood as a way to transform teeth for different movie roles. They weren’t great and usually fell out after a few takes. However, with the advent of dental porcelain in the 1950s, veneers started to come into their own.
Modern veneers are still made of porcelain, but they are so thin and tiny compared with veneers of even a couple of decades ago. On top of that, they are highly durable and can last for more than 10 years if you look after them – no more opening bottles with your teeth.
A good veneer is colour-matched to your natural teeth. If you want to go a few shades whiter, you need to do this before you get veneers as porcelain does not bleach. The veneer will be sized to fit your mouth and shaped to match your other teeth. If you take a look at celebrity veneers, you will see that there is such a thing as veneers that are too big. Better to go for smaller ones for a more natural look.
Veneers take two appointments and a couple of weeks to fit. In the first appointment, we will take impressions, carry out colour-matching, and prepare your teeth by removing a very thin layer of enamel so that your veneers will lie flush with your other teeth. Then, two weeks later, we can fit your veneers to your prepared teeth using dental adhesive. And that’s it. You are ready to smile at the world.
What kind of dental patient do you want your kids to be?
Children absorb information like sponges, taking in absolutely everything that goes on around them and storing it away for later reference, using it to create the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that will shape them for the rest of their lives.
That’s why being a parent is such a huge responsibility. It also why children’s dentistry has improved hugely over the last few decades. At Leamington Spa Dental Practice in Leamington Spa, children’s dentistry is shaping the dental patients of tomorrow, and we want all our young patients to grown into adults with great teeth who have no problem in visiting the dentist.
There’s even a good chance they will stay with us as their dental practice. There has been a practice on this site in Leamington Spa for 150 years and we already have families of several generations as our patients.
Getting your child ready
So that you can habituate your child to seeing the dentist, we recommend that you bring them in for an appointment as soon as their first teeth appear. In fact, you can bring your kids along to your own appointments when they are still babies. They can see that you are calm and relaxed when our friendly dentists treat you and this will go in, making it much less challenging the first time they get in the chair and have some big adult poke around inside their mouth.
It’s good to get your child into the habit of having a check-up every 6 months. Also, there are still high rates of tooth decay in the UK’s children, so it’s important that your children’s teeth are regularly checked.
Your children also need to see the hygienist a couple of times a year for a scale and polish to prevent plaque turning into tartar and damaging their teeth.
Another reason to make sure we see your child regularly from a young age is so that we can keep an eye on the development of their teeth and jaws. Early detection of misalignments of the teeth and bite means we and prepare for the right braces treatment at the right age.
Take years off your appearance with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers in Leamington Spa
Skin ageing is a natural and unavoidable process, but there are a number of factors in our busy modern lifestyles that can accelerate the natural ageing process. Wrinkles and lines are caused by the loss of elastic tissue between the skin and the muscles. Lifestyle, diet, genes, environmental conditions and personal habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, are other factors that contribute towards skin ageing.
At Leamington Spa Dental Practice, we want our patients to feel confident about their appearance. That’s why we offer anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers in Leamington Spa that are designed to smooth away lines, wrinkles and folds and to add volume to the lips. Both treatments are quick, safe and don’t require any surgery in order to be fulfilled.
Anti-wrinkle injections
By blocking impulses from the nerves to our tiny facial muscles, temporarily relaxing them so that they don’t move, injectable anti-wrinkle treatments soften the edges of these lines. While the untreated muscles function normally allowing facial expressions to be unaffected, the skin itself remains smooth and without folds. Anti-wrinkle injections are easy to administer and require less than 15 minutes in total. They are ideal for treating frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles and lines. The initial effects of the treatment start to be visible within 48-72 hours, but it can take up to 14 days to see the full effect of the treatment. Side effects are uncommon, though it is possible that some patients experience bruising or sensitivity.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are made of synthetic materials such as collagen and hyaluronic acid and are ideal for restoring lost volume and smoothing facial lines and wrinkles. Instead of temporary blocking movement muscles, dermal fillers actually fill out mouth grooves, forehead lines, frown furrows as well as lipstick lines and acne pits. They are also used for increasing volume in the lips. Only small quantities are required to help restore the fullness of your facial features, reduce wrinkles and lines and enhance facial contours. Results are instant and at the end of the treatment, your face will feel plumper and look younger and fresher.