Dental Blog - Bromley Dental Practice -

Your most important accessory

How often do you read the fashion blogs and magazines and marvel at the cost of a handbag? Is it really worth spending hundreds of pounds on something to cart your stuff around in that will go out of fashion in no time? Perhaps a better use of your money would be investing a smile that you will use day in, day out for the rest of your life? It doesn’t really matter how gorgeous your handbag is if you dare not smile, and nothing is more attractive than looking happy. So, step away from the handbag department and get yourself to the cosmetic dentist in Bromley instead.

Here at Bromley Dental Practice, we offer a wide range of treatments with our cosmetic dentist in Bromley. You may already know what you want to get fixed, or you may just be unhappy with your smile and need some help in finding ways to make it look lovely.

Our cosmetic dentist in Bromley is trained in the art of smile design, because it is an art. There’s a lot to know about the ratio between the teeth and the gums and the size of the mouth to be able to create a smile that really works and makes the wearer look naturally lovely. It’s a subtle art but get it wrong and a smile can miss the mark and become a thing of comedy or even horror. Just think of those too big veneers that celebs have shocked us with.

Can we fix it? Yes, we can!

Whether your teeth are out of alignment in some way, or have become stained or damaged with chips, cracks and worn edges, or you have unsightly gaps or your gums come too far down your teeth, we can transform them.

You can either a simple, single treatment such as tooth whitening, or a veneer, or you can go for the smile makeover. For this we have an in-depth consultation with you and draw up a treatment plan to work on your smile as a whole. Most of our treatments will last for years, much longer than that expensive handbag.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Dental implants in Bromley – your questions answered

If you lose one or more teeth, you will be pleased to know that you have another option besides dentures and bridges – dental implants. These small titanium posts have gained popularity over the years and have grown to be a favourite among patients and dentists alike.

At Bromley Dental Practice, we have been using dental implants in Bromley successfully for many years. Our dentists offer customised implant solutions to patients who wish to restore one, many or all of their missing teeth. Implants look and feel better than conventional dentures and bridges and since they are embedded into the jawbone they also function just like real teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are screw-shaped titanium plugs, which are surgically positioned into the jawbone. Once in place, they are left to heal for a specific period of time (this is different from patient to patient) and once the healing period has passed, they are mounted with replacement teeth such as crowns or multi-teeth restorations (i.e. dentures, bridges).

Why choose Bromley Dental Practice?

At Bromley Dental Practice, we are committed to providing high-quality, affordable implant treatments to patients of all ages. Our experienced dentists are well-trained in the latest implant techniques and are here to help you decide which treatment is right for you. Each patient is different and we strive to offer the best possible results for a complete smile makeover with dental implants in Bromley.

Are dental implants safe?

Dental implants are completely safe, mainly because they are attached to the jawbone like tooth roots. As you wouldn’t expect your tooth roots to suddenly move out of place, so it is the case with dental implants. Moreover, dental implants can last for many years with proper care and this adds to their safety.

I have only one missing tooth. Can I still have dental implants?

Dental implants are very versatile and there are many restoration options for patients missing one, several or all of their natural teeth. If you are missing one tooth you are likely to be fitted with a single crown depending on your individual case. If you are missing several teeth you can opt for an implant-supported bridge or dentures.

Bromley Dental Practice

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The cost benefits of dental implants in Bromley

If you are in your 40s, this can be a time when some of your teeth can start to fail. It may just be one or two, perhaps because you grind them at night and they are crumbling away. Whatever the reason, you are now at a crossroads and must decide how to replace those teeth.

At Bromley Dental Practice, we are great believers in finding the best method for each person’s circumstances, and that includes their budget. People tend to think of dental implants in Bromley as being the expensive option for tooth replacement, but if you are in your 40s, they could work out to be the best value.

Fully functional restorations

Firstly, let’s be clear – in terms of giving you restorations that mimic your natural teeth as closely as possible, dental implants do this far better than dentures or fixed bridges can. This is because only dental implants replace the root of the tooth. Dentures rely on adherence to the gums for their stability, and bridges are fixed to neighbouring teeth. What this means is that dental implants, which actually integrate with the jawbone, give you back 100% of your chewing power. You can eat what you like. Nothing is off limits.

A long-term solution

The other great thing about dental implants is how long they last. It is also important that your dentist uses a world-leading brand of implants. At Bromley Dental Practice, we use Straumann implants, which have an excellent record and high success rate.

You also need to take good care of your implants, and then you can expect them to last for 15 years, and maybe even for the rest of your life.

Compare that to the lifetime of dentures and bridges, both of which have to be replaced every 7-10 years. If you are in your 40s, you could be looking at having to replace them four or five times. Couple the costs with the pluses of what you can eat, and it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing dental implants in Bromley.

Drop into the surgery today and find out more about this stable and durable method of tooth restoration.

Bromley Dental Practice

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Cutting the hassle in half

If you are thinking that your teeth could do with an upgrade but don’t have the time to spend hours in the dentist’s chair during several appointments, then you need to come to Bromley Dental Practice to see the cosmetic dentist in Bromley.

Here at our practice, we have a Cerec machine that can save you time, money and hassle. The Cerec machine makes veneers, inlays, onlays, and crowns while you are sitting in the dental chair.

Normally, your cosmetic dentist in Bromley will need you to come for at least two appointments if you need inlays, crowns or veneers. During the first appointment, your teeth are prepared and impressions are taken. These are sent off to a laboratory where your porcelain restorations are made by dental technicians. This can take as much as two weeks. In the meantime, you have to wear temporary restorations. They don’t look as natural as your permanent ones will, so there’s added self-consciousness for a couple of weeks, and sometimes they fall out, and you have to go back to the cosmetic dentist in Bromley to get them put back on, all the while waiting for your permanent restorations to come back from the lab.

With Cerec, we can prepare your teeth, make the restorations and fit them all in one appointment. That’s one less appointment you have to fit into your busy schedule, one less journey, one less shot of local anaesthetic your body has to flush out afterwards, and no walking around in less than lifelike temporary restorations. Cerec helps make your life so much simpler.

Why do you need restorations?

Crowns cover the whole tooth and are a way of giving teeth that are starting to crumble, but still have a healthy root, a new lease of life. They fit over the whole tooth and strengthen it.

Inlays are used when decay has left a particularly large area to fill. The porcelain seals the cavity and strengthens the crown.

Veneers are fixed over the front of the teeth to hide imperfections such as chips, cracks and stains that whitening can’t remove.

Bromley Dental Practice

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Different Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth

Having sensitive teeth is among the conditions that most people consider as the most frustrating to deal with, because they hit just the right balance of pain and insignificance. The sharp jolt of pain from drinking anything cold is certainly a concern. As sensitive teeth do not cause or are indicative of any serious dental damage, there have been few efforts to address the condition long term.

The most reliable products that manufacturers have been able to come up with are desensitizing toothpastes, and though they all look the same to people, there is actually a bit of variety to them. Learning these different kinds and the way these work will help patients with sensitive teeth choose the product that is best for their unique conditions.

The Marketers Toothpaste

The most common desensitising toothpaste is the potassium base, or potassium nitrate toothpastes. These have a potassium base. Manufacturers prefer this type to market the most because it can work despite acid erosion, and other abrasive events that happen to teeth every day.

The way potassium bases work is that the potassium ions depolarise nerve endings that become exposed during the course of a patient’s diet. This essentially stops the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. The only downside to potassium bases is because of their durability against external factors, it takes longer for patients to feel its maximum effect.

Going Au Natural

The next type of desensitising toothpaste is a calcium base, also known as Pro-Argin Technology. Most dentists recommend this type, because it uses specific ratios of arginine and calcium to mimic the remineralising properties of saliva to plug open pores in the dentin.

Patients will feel relief more instantaneously, as it emulates the natural process of the mouth. The big disadvantage to using this kind of toothpaste, though, is that patients are limited to using it at times when they do not expect to eat or drink. Calcium bases are vulnerable to acid erosion and abrasive chewing.

Choosing the right type of toothpaste is an important decision, so consult your dentist regarding the kind of dental products that suit for your teeth. Contact us, so we may answer any questions you might have on dental health.

Bromley Dental Practice

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Why Do Gums Recede?

Have you noticed your gums look as if they might be pulling away from your teeth recently? Or perhaps your teeth look longer than before? Gum recession is where the gum tissue surrounding the tooth begins to wear away or pull back, exposing more of the crown of the tooth or even the tooth roots. When it occurs, it’s possible for pockets or gaps to form in between the tooth and the gum tissue which makes it very easy for bacteria to build up. Even worse, these pockets can be quite tricky to clean as it is nearly impossible to get your toothbrush right into them.

Dentist Bromley The main problem with gum recession is that it can affect the stability of your teeth because bacteria in the gum pockets will gradually eat away at the gum tissue as well as the supporting tissues and bone holding your teeth in position. If you do have gum recession or think your teeth look longer than before, it is worth contacting Dr Zaki Bashir for a proper checkup. Gum recession isn’t something you should ever ignore and it’s a great idea to book an appointment with your Bromley dentist as soon as you can. But why do gums recede? In fact it can be due to a number of different factors which include:

Periodontitis which is a bacterial infection that destroys the gum tissue. This is the main reason for gum recession.
Genetics as some people are more susceptible towards gum disease, while others will simply have thinner gum tissue that is more easily worn away or destroyed by disease.
Brushing your teeth tooaggressivelyor using the wrong technique or a brush with hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel and will wear away your gums.
Poor home dental care as improper brushing and flossing makes it easy for plaque to build up on your teeth and this substance soon hardens into calculus or tartar. This can only be removed through booking a professional dental cleaning at Bromley Dental Practice. It is important to have regular professional cleanings to help prevent tartar build-up and subsequent gum recession.
Hormonal changes, as women’s hormone levels can fluctuate at certain points during their lifetime. Changes in hormonal levels can raise sensitivity towards disease causing bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease.
Smoking, as people who smoke are more likely to have sticky plaque that is difficult to remove and which can cause gum disease and gum recession.
Bruxism or clenching and grinding your teeth will put a lot of force on your teeth and gums and can cause the gums to recede.
Oral piercings can rub against the gums, wearing away gum tissue which is relatively delicate.

Treating gum recession can be quite straightforward provided you catch it early enough. Your dentist in Bromley can deep clean your gums through a process called scaling and root planing which removes the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth and tooth roots surfaces. This treatment can be very effective, and if necessary you can be prescribed antibiotics to help get rid of any remaining bacteria. If your gum recession cannot be treated through deep cleaning then you may need surgical treatment to try to repair some of the damage to your gums.

Bromley Dental Practice

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Is That Glass of Fruit Juice Really Healthy for You And Your Family?

At the moment a 150ml glass of fruit juice can be counted towards your five a day but just recently the British Dental Health Foundation has advised that fruit juices are detrimental to dental health. It’s been discovered that many fruit juices aimed at children have at least 6 teaspoons of sugar and often come in cartons larger than the recommended portion size. In addition, many people are opting to drink fruit smoothies as they are marketed as being healthy due to the considerable fruit content. Unfortunately these also contain very high levels of sugar, as well as acid from the fruit and can do considerable damage to teeth.

Dentist Bromley Even though fruit juices can be a good way to consume more fruit, the high levels of acid and sugar often mean they can be bad for your dental health, particularly if you like to sip them over a long period of time. Smoothies tend to be a lot thicker and are prone to sticking to the teeth which enables sugar to come into contact with teeth for longer periods of time. Every time you have a fruit smoothie your teeth will be softened by acid in your mouth for up to an hour afterwards.

As a result, the British Dental Health Foundation is supporting Action on Sugar’s recommendations to remove fruit juice from the current guidelines for getting plenty of fruit and vegetables every day. They feel recommending fruit juice sends the wrong message to parents and could ultimately result in higher levels of childhood tooth decay.

Parents often provide children with fruit juice in between meals in the belief that they are giving them something that is relatively healthy. However if you do want to give your child a fruit juice or enjoy one yourself then it is best to do so as part of a meal. In general it is better to stick to giving children water or milk to drink, and to encourage them to eat the whole fruit rather than just the juice.

If you or another family member dolike to drink a lot of fruit juice and have not been to a dentist in a while then now might be a great time to book that check-up. Dr Zaki Bashir can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and will carefully check each tooth for any early signs of cavities. This is a visual examination, although he may gently probe the surface of each tooth to check for any softness in your tooth enamel.

Sometimes it is possible to reverse the early effects of acid erosion with fluoride treatments, but if a cavity has already begun to develop then it is much easier and cheaper to get it filled as soon as possible. It’s quite likely your Bromley dentist will recommend white fillings to mend any cavities as these are strong, and once in place are nearly invisible. As well as being cheaper to fill, early treatment reduces the possibility of more extensive tooth infections that can be pretty uncomfortable and which may require more extensive treatment such as root canal therapy to put right.

Bromley Dental Practice

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Teeth Alignment: Should You Choose an Inman Aligner?

Do you want to correct your misaligned front teeth or relapse, but don’t prefer to undergo costly dental treatments? We have the right solution for you. The Inman Aligner is a revolutionary cosmetic dental appliance that adjusts teeth together, as if squeezing them. This treatment has been available for many years, but it’s been gaining attention only recently.

We’ve listed some information that you might find helpful when deciding whether this treatment is right for you.

How Does an Inman Aligner Look?

This dental appliance is made of Nickel Titanium coil springs with two aligner bows that sit on both sides of the teeth, which guide them to their new position. The inner aligner bows are available in different colours, like green and violet, while the front part is usually clear. The only visible part when you wear an Inman Aligner is a single wire on the front teeth. It’s similar to wearing retainers.

Can Inman Aligners Treat All Dental Conditions?

The Inman Aligner is a good choice for orthodontic relapse and dental conditions related to the upper and lower teeth, such as crossbites, crowding, rotations, and protrusion. It’s not an ideal treatment for all teeth, like correcting arches, though.

Are Inman Aligners an Affordable Choice?

As Inman Aligners move only a specific part of the teeth, it’s less costly than traditional and clear braces. In addition, our dentists have pre-programmed this treatment to minimise the number of dental visits. There’s no need to visit our clinic regularly unless prescribed.

What Happens When you Wear an Inman Aligner?

Depending on your pain tolerance, Inman Aligners might or might not hurt during the first few days of treatment. The discomfort will fade eventually, after taking aspirin, Tylenol, or any over-the-counter painkiller. In most cases, this dental appliance affects speech during the first to second week. As you get used to it, you’ll be able to speak normally again.

Inman aligners help patients adjust their teeth to achieve a beautiful smile. Contact us or visit our homepage to know more about the services we offer.

Bromley Dental Practice

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Reasons Why You Should Consider Tooth Straightening

Orthodontics is often thought of as producing results that only affect the appearance of teeth, so it is easy to dismiss this treatment as being merely cosmetic. But the truth is that orthodontics in Bromley can do far more than just give you a nicer and more attractive smile, even though this is still a very valid reason for considering braces.

Dentist Bromley One excellent reason for thinking about braces is for the effects on your oral health. Braces can be used to correct issues with overcrowded or overlapping teeth, or to close up spaces in between teeth. If you have any of these problems then you might have found it is often difficult to keep your teeth as clean as you’d like. Teeth that are tightly packed in can be very difficult to floss, and it can be the same problem if they overlap. If you have gaps in between your teeth then these can often trap food.

Bromley Dental Practice has a couple of different options for straightening teeth which are designed to remedy most common orthodontic problems. The first is called Clear Braces^TMand this uses clear plastic aligners or positioning trays to gently move your teeth from their present positions into a more desirable arrangement. This system is very popular as the trays are virtually invisible and can easily be removed for cleaning, as well as during eating and for brushing and flossing. It is suitable for most people over the age of fourteen who have strong and healthy teeth that will respond well to orthodontics.

The second option is to choose the Inman Aligner. This system is also removable, and is ideal if your teeth are generally in the correct positions and you don’t have any real problems with the way they bite together. This is because an Inman Aligner concentrates on moving your front teeth, using two very thin metal bars that fit in front of and behind your front teeth. The bars are powered by springs and gently squeeze your teeth into the correct positions so they are gradually pulled into the correct alignment. An Inman Aligner could be the perfect solution for moving crooked or slightly overlapping front teeth, or for pulling protrusive teeth back into place.

Removable braces can be much easier to cope with, as there will be no need to try to clean around fiddly wires and brackets which can be very time-consuming. Instead all you need to do is to take your brace out for eating, and you can then clean your teeth before replacing it. One thing to bear in mind is patient compliance, as you do need to remember to wear your braces for them to work and you must use them for the recommended number of hours each day which is usually whenever you are not eating or cleaning your teeth.

If you would like to know more about orthodontics and how it could help you, then it is best to book a consultation with your dentist in Bromley. Dr Zaki Bashir can examine the way your teeth bite together, before suggesting a suitable system to make the required changes. He will only recommend orthodontics if he is sure it will provide the desired results.

Bromley Dental Practice

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What is the Difference Between White Fillings and Inlays and Onlays?

If you have any signs of tooth decay then Dr Zaki Bashir is likely to recommend a filling, but there are several different types that can be used. This can seem confusing, as each is designed to have a slightly different purpose.

Dentist Bromley White fillings are made from a composite resin material that closely resembles your natural teeth. The material comes in many different shades, and even in different translucencies so once the filling is placed it should be virtually invisible. White fillings are commonly used to repair cavities in front teeth and to fill small to medium sized areas of decay in your back teeth. This material is pretty strong, but is not so suitable for filing larger areas of decay in back teeth as these are subjected to heavy chewing forces. In this case Dr Bashir is likely to recommend a different type of filling which is stronger. Once this is in place it will help restore strength to the tooth so you will be able to chew normally.

These larger filings are called inlays and onlays. An inlay replaces the central chewing surface of a back tooth, but an onlay will replace a larger area which includes the central chewing area plus one or more of the cusps. Tooth cusps are the raised points you can see on the edges closest to your cheeks and tongue.

Inlays and onlays can be made from gold or porcelain. In the past you might have been advised to have gold inlays or onlays as this material is very strong and hardwearing, but today’s modern porcelain can easily withstand the forces created during chewing and of course they look beautiful and are just about invisible.

White composite filings can be placed in a single appointment to Bromley Dental Practice, but inlays and onlays are slightly different. If they are made from gold then they will require at least two appointments to prepare the tooth and then to fit the restoration. This is because they have to be made in a dental laboratory. Porcelain inlays and onlays often have to be made in a laboratory, but we are able to fabricate them onsite with our CEREC machine. This is a milling machine that cuts the restoration out from a single block of coloured porcelain.

Dr Bashir will prepare your tooth before scanning it with a very small camera so there is no need to have any impressions. This information is fed into a computer and is used to create a design that is then sent to the milling machine. The porcelain block is preselected in a shade that closely matches your natural teeth, and is milled according to this design. Once it is completed it will be hand finished and polished before being fitted and cemented in your mouth. All this can be carried out in a relatively short space of time, while you wait in our comfortable surgery. You will be able to leave with your new inlay or onlay in place which is much better than having a temporary filing, and of course saves you from making another trip to our surgery.

Bromley Dental Practice

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