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Curious to learn more about invisible braces? Common Invisalign FAQs answered

When you are looking for a way to straighten your teeth as an adult, you may think that the only option open to you is a metal or orthodontic brace.

Luckily as orthodontic technologies have advanced, braces and aligners have been designed to be more visually discrete, thus making them more appealing to adults and teenagers. And of course, as 3-D printing technologies have advanced, these once expensive aligners have dropped in price and are more affordable for everyday people.

At Bromley Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our patients invisible aligners. One of our more popular aligners is Invisalign in Bromley, which as the name suggests, is invisible and able to move your teeth with the precision and speed of a regular brace. Perfect!

Have some questions about Invisalign in Bromley? Read on for the answers to common FAQs.

How does the aligner work?

Invisalign in Bromley works via its custom-fitted design and in part due to its material.

As part of the fitting, our team will take a scan of your teeth and with computer software, we will plan how your teeth will move.

And so, when the aligner is in your mouth, its shape and flexible but firm material push your teeth into the desired position without the need for wires or tightening.

Are there food restrictions?

No there aren’t!

As you can remove this aligner to eat food, you won’t need to avoid foods like corn on the cob and can continue to eat a healthy diet. Just make sure that once you have finished eating before you put the aligners back into your mouth that you give your teeth a quick scrub with a toothbrush to remove any debris.

Can I take them out whenever I want?

Technically, you can but we will usually advise against it.

For an invisible aligner to be effective, you need to wear it for 22 hours per day and while you can take them out to eat, you will need to put them back in afterwards.

Failure to do so can result in a longer treatment time and potential reversion of your teeth to their former positions. So, keep the aligners in your mouth for the time spans set down by our team!

How long will I need to wear them?

To see a change in your smile, per day you will need to wear them for at least 22 hours.

However, the length of your treatment can only be determined by our team following an assessment and will vary based on the severity of your misalignment. Get in touch for more information about personalised time frames.

How do I keep them clean and functional?

Just rinse them daily under a cold tap and gently brush any debris away with a toothbrush. Do not use hot water, as it can cause the plastic to warp. To keep your aligners in good shape, keep them in the carry case supplied when they are not in your mouth.

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.

Have you read that dental implants fall out? 5 myths about implants debunked by Bromley Dental

When you have a missing tooth, you may have looked into having it fixed or restored in some way.

Of course, the regular options involving fitted bridges or even dentures if you have multiple teeth missing can be appealing and may have been the first options that sprung to your mind.

However, fitted bridges can put additional pressure onto the teeth they are attached to and, as you may have heard, dentures can move and wiggle, causing sore spots and ulcers to form along your gums. Oh, dear!

Luckily, in the last 10 years, a new restorative procedure has arisen and now, you may want to consider oral implants as a restorative treatment.

Our team at Bromley Dental Practice has helped many patients to restore their smiles using dental implants in Bromley and now, we can help you too! Affixed to your jaw, these prosthetic teeth will not move, allowing you to bite into food with full strength and chew without concerns relating to movement. They also look just like your natural teeth too! What more could you want from a restorative procedure?

But you may have heard some myths about dental implants in Bromley and here, our team debunk the most common 5 that we hear. Enjoy!

Implants are for young people

If you are in good health and have a high level of oral hygiene, then there is no upper age limit on our dental implants in Bromley!

In fact, to have the regular endosteal variety fitted, you need to have a strong jaw and healthy gum tissue. If you have these and don’t have any degenerative bone disorders, then it’s highly likely that you will be suitable for implants.

Getting implants is uncomfortable

No, it isn’t.

Firstly, our team at Bromley Dental will ensure that the area around where the implant is to be fitted is numbed before beginning the process, so you won’t feel a thing.

Secondly, although we cannot specify on any individuals discomfort levels, we have been told that once the numbing agents have worn off, the sensation is similar to an extraction and as such, it should be controllable with over the counter pain relief.

The surgery is risky

As there is no general anaesthetic involved, the risks associated with this surgery are minimal.

You will be awake for the entire procedure and, of course, the environment it is performed in will be completely sterilized.

They will fall out

It is highly unlikely that your implants will fall out.

However, if after a few weeks post-fitting you notice a sensation of movement related to your implants, contact our team for an urgent assessment. Early intervention may make the difference between you keeping or losing an implant.

Implants are too expensive for general people to afford

At Bromley Dental, we know money doesn’t grow on trees.

And as such, we are able to offer suitable patients financing options, which can help break down the finished cost of any cosmetic procedure into affordable, monthly instalments.

Bromley Dental Practice

Just got Invisalign and finding it difficult? 5 survival tips from Bromley Dental

Are you fed up with having misaligned teeth, but don’t want the hassle of a regular brace?

While clear and invisible aligners now rule the adult orthodontic market and there are plenty of articles available to help new users adapt to wearing them. After all, any new appliance will require some getting used to. In order to ensure that you stick with the prescribed regime and to get the best results, we can offer some advice.

At Bromley Dental, we are proud to be able to offer our patients Invisalign in Bromley. A remarkable aligner that can straighten your teeth with discretion, it is the orthodontic appliance of choice for many teenagers and adults alike, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to adapt to it!

What are some of our tips for getting the most out of Invisalign in Bromley? Read on to find out!

Dental wax

Firstly, when you first begin wearing Invisalign in Bromley, the durable plastic is going to feel sharp in your mouth, especially against your inner cheeks and tongue.

While this will subside eventually, it may be worth asking our team for some dental wax to place on the sharp spots. Dental wax acts as a cushion and will protect your softer areas against the rubbing of the hard metal.

Travel toothbrush

As mentioned, invisible aligners are removable and we advise that you take them out when you eat. But, in order to prevent food debris and bacteria from being pressed against your teeth (which can lead to decay and gum disease), we recommend purchasing a travel toothbrush, to give your teeth a quick scrub before putting the aligners back into your mouth.

Carry cases

All removable aligners come with carry cases and we advise you to use them.

The cases will prevent the aligners from becoming damaged, stained or even lost, so when they aren’t in your mouth, make sure they are in your case.

Timing

Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day, so keep an eye on the time when you take them out to see the most benefit. This will involve living by the clock and, although most people have smartphones, it is worth setting timers or alarms to ensure the aligners get the required time in your mouth. Failure to adhere to the time limits set down by our team may result in your orthodontic realignment taking longer, or even a relapsing of the teeth to their former positions.

Pain relief

Many users of invisible braces are surprised by how tight they feel when they are put in. As we know, this tightness is required for them to be effective but it can be uncomfortable during those first few days when you wear each new aligner.

To ensure you are able to manage the pressure, invest in some over the counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen. Of course, if you are concerned about the level of discomfort you are experiencing, talk to our team promptly.

Bromley Dental Practice

Here’s why you need dental implants in Bromley

For those of you with missing teeth, replacing them with one of the options available will be recommended to you by your dentist, in order to ensure that your emotional and physical health and wellbeing are supported.

It isn’t only your smile that benefits from a fully functional smile, but your general health too, as you are more inclined to eat better food and chew it for longer, so that you can properly digest food of good nutritional value to enhance your wellbeing.

There are advantages of all of the tooth replacement options available to you and your dentist is likely to recommend the best possible solution for you at any given time. For example, many people will discover that dental implants in Bromley will be the best option to replace one or some of their missing teeth, because of the long lasting and durable results that this treatment provides.

However, some individuals, who have health conditions such as gum disease, diabetes or bone conditions or who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy may need to have such conditions under control, or wait until the effects of their treatment have gone from their body, before they can undergo the minor surgical procedure required for this treatment.

In these cases, a bridge or dentures are often suitable choices and, in addition, are more affordable options which can be a factor of consideration as well.

Why would an implant be preferable?

As previously mentioned, many dentists will recommend dental implants in Bromley first and foremost to their patients, because of the advantages this style of tooth replacement has over other choices.

This treatment will last several decades if successful and some 98% of implants are, in fact, positive experiences for patients. This means that both younger and older individuals at our surgery can get almost a lifetime of use out of the treatment without needing to reinvest, making it for some a more cost-effective option than other less durable options.

The material used in the implant is titanium, which bonds to bone over time, allowing it to be the durable and long-lasting solution that it is. In addition to this, because your dental implants in Bromley replace the tooth root rather than just the visible part of the tooth, you are able to avoid the natural degradation of your jawbone which occurs when you use other tooth replacement options or opt for none at all.

Unfortunately, when your jawbone is no longer stimulated by natural teeth or with an appropriate replacement, then it will naturally recede over time, causing premature ageing and the destabilisation of surrounding teeth.

Dentures and other tooth replacement options that sit on top of the gums cannot provide the right kind of stimulation to encourage cell growth in the jawbone and therefore the bone will degrade, dentures will begin to slip and slide around in the mouth and surrounding teeth will be compromised over time. Only with an implant are you able to enjoy a healthy and robust smile again after you have lost one or more of your natural teeth. So if you think this is a good treatment option for yourself, we would be happy to help you to a fully restored smile.

Bromley Dental Practice

A beautiful smile with Invisalign in Bromley

If you’re looking to perfect your smile or even some more serious malocclusion issues that you might have with your bite, then using a teeth straightening device such as Invisalign in Bromley is perhaps the most convenient solution for teenagers and adults alike.

This clear, plastic aligner simply fits over teeth and is worn for at least 22 hours each day for a number of weeks, before you change it to the next aligner which will be a slight adjustment from the previous one. Over the course of several months, your teeth will be gently pushed into their correct alignment and you can begin to enjoy that beautiful smile that you have always dreamed of having.

It is important to understand the advantages and any potential pitfalls that you might experience should you choose this treatment option to straighten your teeth, so by examining some of the features of Invisalign in Bromley and discussing your situation with your dentist, you will be able to make a more informed choice regarding your health and your lifestyle choices.

Many working adults find that wearing traditional braces can have a severe impact on their self- esteem and professional outlook. There may be some bias within the community where in some roles professionals need to look their best, but in many cases the biggest issue lies in a person’s self-esteem.

For someone to feel confident throughout their teeth-straightening journey, their device needs to be discreet and convenient. Invisalign in Bromley provides both of these features and as such, is a popular option for most.

Why is this treatment so convenient?

Having clear aligners works for you in many ways. There are no restrictions as to what you are allowed to eat because you simply remove them during meal times. It is important to brush and floss your teeth before you replace them to ensure a healthy smile, but you are free to do this as often as you wish to, whilst ensuring that you keep wearing your aligners for the prescribed 22 hours each day.

Rather than needing to visit your dentist every few weeks for an adjustment, you can set up an agreement with your oral healthcare professional that ensures this treatment plan works for you. We can monitor your progress remotely and you can simply pick up any new aligners that you need in bulk, allowing you more free time for yourself.

We are available for you whenever you need any questions answered and to alleviate any concerns that you might have and we do suggest that you make an appointment with us every few months, so that we can be sure that the treatment process is going as planned.

At the end of your treatment, expect to wear a retainer for some time, this will hold your newly aligned teeth in place. Your ligaments need to relax into this position otherwise they will snap back and your investment in time and money may unfortunately be lost.

Your dentist will talk you through your expected treatment plan and subsequent time frame when you begin your teeth-straightening experience.

Bromley Dental Practice

Are dental implants the right choice?

Dental implants are a popular option these days, but are they right for everyone? For anyone who is considering this treatment, there are a range of factors to consider. Here, we explore what implants actually are; address any concerns about discomfort; and discuss what our patients can expect when opting for dental implants here in our Bromley practice.

What are dental implants?

This is a treatment for the resolution of a missing tooth or teeth. They are primarily composed of a titanium screw that is used as a substitute for the root of the tooth. Titanium is used because it is biocompatible, meaning that the body readily accepts this material. The metal becomes part of the patient’s surrounding healthy tissue over time; allowing the implant to function as naturally as possible.

Implants are often chosen as a good alternative to dentures, and can be the best option for patients who are looking for a long-term and durable solution to a missing tooth or teeth.

Does it hurt to get the procedure done?

Here at Bromley Dental Practice, we understand that our patients may feel a little nervous about getting implants fitted. We do everything we can to ensure that patients feel at ease about improving their smile; including keeping the patient informed about every step of the process; answering any questions; and addressing any concerns or worries.

Most patients can expect minimal discomfort getting dental implants in Bromley. We use a local anaesthetic to numb the mouth, which minimises any feeling at all during the procedure. After the anaesthetic has worn off, some people experience a little discomfort, though this should resolve in a relatively short time. Within a couple of weeks, most patients have recovered well and the area into which the implant was fitted has healed nicely.

What can the patient expect?

Those considering implants should make an appointment at Bromley Dental Practice to discuss their options. We’ll set up a comprehensive consultation to make sure that this is the right treatment. The dentist will listen to any concerns, and ask questions about any difficulties as well as finding out about the general oral health of the patient. We might give you some x-rays or scans to get a clearer picture of your mouth and jawline.

Having conducted all the necessary investigations, and ensuring that this is the correct treatment for the patient on an individual basis, we will then create a personalised plan of action. We’ll explain what will happen before treatment, what to expect during the implant fitting, and what the after care plan will be.

Plan of action for those considering dental implants

Here at Bromley Dental, we offer a wide range of treatment options. Patients should read about how we can help, then make an appointment with us to talk about the best way to improve their smile. We are here to help every patient feel confident about their smile, and happy to allay any concerns or questions so that everyone has the best possible experience.

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How can Invisalign improve the smile?

Many people have heard of Invisalign, but what is it and how can it benefit a smile and its general appearance? It’s a relatively new treatment, often touted as a great alternative to fixed braces. Both Invisalign and fixed braces are fitted with the same goal of straighter and uniform teeth. For those considering Invisalign in Bromley, we can advise on how this treatment may be of benefit in helping patients to achieve the goal of an improved smile; and on the suitability of this treatment for patients on an individual basis.

What is Invisalign?

This is a form of dental treatment that involves correcting crooked or uneven teeth to allow the patient to achieve a more uniform smile. Invisalign is based on the use of aligners which are made of soft transparent plastic. Because the aligners are clear, they are barely detectable when worn. This makes them a popular choice for those who wish to be discrete about the fact that they are having orthodontic treatment.

How do the aligners work?

If aligners are determined to be the most suitable form of treatment, we create clear plastic moulds that are perfectly shaped to fit the teeth of the individual patient. These are worn for most of the day, and should only be removed during meal times. The aligners create a gradual shift of the position of the teeth over time, which is facilitated by changing the mould every couple of weeks or so. In order for the treatment to be effective, the moulds must be worn for the majority of every 24-hour time period.

Do they hurt?

Because the position of the teeth is being altered, patients can expect to experience mild discomfort. This is especially true after the fitting of a new set of aligners. However, this usually resolves itself after a few days. Patients who have any concerns about this should talk to us here at Bromley Dental Practice, where we are happy to allay any worries and offer reassurance and advice on how to achieve the best possible outcome from treatment.

Is Invisalign suitable for everyone?

Orthodontic treatment using aligners is not necessarily the best option for every patient. There are a variety of factors that determine whether or not this is the most suitable treatment for the individual. The position of the teeth, the degree of unevenness, the condition of the teeth and gums, and the patient’s age are all used to help us decide on whether this solution or an alternative is best suited to the needs of the patient. Another important factor is whether or not the patient is committed to wearing the aligners for as much time as possible each day. If that is something that may be an issue, it might be worth exploring other alternatives.

How to get started in the process for a better smile

Here at Bromley Dental Practice, we offer all the support and information the patient might need to improve their smile. Make an appointment for a consultation with us to find out how Invisalign or any of our other treatments can help. We’ll be happy to explore all the options.

Bromley Dental Practice

Quick guide to Dental Implants treatments

As a modern dental clinic, we at Bromley Dental Practice focus on providing patients with a modern approach to high-quality dental care. One of the more impressive dental cosmetic treatments in our bouquet of dental solutions is Dental Implants in Bromley.

In our humble opinion, Dental Implants in Bromley has been a trailblazer in transforming the aesthetics and function of patients’ teeth. Simply put, the treatment uses artificial tooth roots that act as an anchor, holding the implant firmly in the jawbone. This reliable and versatile dental treatment option can be used to stunning effect to improve the appearance of teeth and works just as well to offer patients who have lost their natural teeth, a more stable and long-term solution to conventional missing teeth replacement options.

For patients wanting to fill in a missing tooth or multiple teeth but are put off by the traditional dental devices, here’s why we think you should get excited about Dental Implants in Bromley.

What to know about artificial tooth replacements

Unique construction

Taking a look at the way in which dental implants are structured, it is easy to see why this system has set the world of dentistry ablaze. There are two main components to artificial teeth implants that contribute to its success in delivering pleasing aesthetic results and function – an embedded metal screw-like root and the dental crown. These two components complement each other and give rise to a number of plus points that include: comfort, improved oral hygiene maintenance and confident bite function.

Qualifying criteria

One of the most frequent questions we hear from our patients at our dental practice is whether they are suitable for implant dentistry. Patient suitability is an important criteria, without it, the treatment is not guaranteed to be a success.

To determine suitability, we require patients to schedule a consultation appointment where our well-experienced implant dentists will thoroughly examine the patients’ mouths (x-rays may be needed) as well as oral and general health.

This step is critical for ensuring teeth, gums and jawbone are in optimal condition, and there is a greater chance of the implants being lost down the line. Patients may find that they will require additional dental care such as resolving gum issues or a bone graft to strengthen bone quality before being able to receive implantation.

Procedure

Provided that they don’t need extra treatment to resolve underlying conditions, patients will find that receiving artificial teeth implants, simple and straightforward. A surgical procedure is needed to implant the metal root into the jawbone. The patient will then have to wait for the healing period which will allow the metal root to fuse into the jawbone and become a natural part of the mouth. It is only once this has taken place and all looks well that our implant dentist will then place a dental crown on top.

For further information on the length of treatment and the implantation process, it is best to contact us at Bromley Dental Practice for a consultation. Each patient’s case is different and we will need to conduct an oral examination first to provide you with more precise information.

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How does Invisalign differ from conventional braces?

It is only natural to want to feel confident about your smile for which straight and healthy teeth are essential factors. Orthodontics is the branch of dental care that is dedicated to correcting teeth issues through the use of dental devices to move teeth and jaws into better alignment so that they look and function better.

Invisalign in Bromley has joined the bouquet of orthodontic tools available to dental practitioners and offers a more modern approach to straightening teeth. Many patients have caught onto the wonderful efficiency and convenience of Invisalign in Bromley and we at Bromley Dental Practice have never been more excited about helping patients to achieve better-looking smiles.

Patients will find that Invisalign in Bromley is a particular orthodontic alternative treatment solution that offers patients more reasons to smile.

What differentiates Invisalign from traditional braces?

Device construction

In the past patients were used to metal braces that consisted of wires and brackets that were permanently (for the duration of treatment) attached to teeth. Instead of wearing this highly visible metal device, patients on the Invisalign treatment plan get to wear aligner-like trays that are inserted onto teeth.

These aligner trays are made from medical grade, transparent plastic. Our dental practitioner will determine how many trays are required for the treatment to produce desired results and patients will then have to make sure they wear the trays as instructed by our dental practitioner.

How the aligners work

On the traditional braces treatment plan, a dentist is required to manually adjust the braces periodically to shift teeth. This is no longer required using the clear aligner system. The aligners are made from intuitive dental material. Each aligner is custom made to fit each patient, and each change in aligner gradually and comfortably moves teeth into the desired position.

What many patients find most remarkable about the aligner system is that they are easily removable. Thanks to this outstanding feature, patients no longer have to make personal sacrifices when receiving orthodontic treatment. Patients will find that:

There are no food restrictions as aligners are removed at mealtimes.

Oral hygiene is made easier as brushing and flossing can be done as normal. The aligners are cleaned separately using a dentist-approved product.

Seeing that the aligners are made of clear plastic material, they are barely distinguishable by others when worn.

The aligners are relatively more comfortable to wear as there are no metal parts poking into gums and cheeks.

A number of orthodontic issues can be resolved using the aligners from crooked teeth to malocclusions.

While there are many advantages to the aligners being removable, it is in the patient’s own interest to ensure that these are worn as instructed for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day.

While most patients know that straightening crooked teeth is effective in improving the look of smiles, there are lesser-known benefits to appreciate too. Correctly aligned teeth reduce the stress placed on teeth due to excessive wear and tear and contributes to improved overall health. Why not contact us at Bromley Dental Practice for high-quality orthodontics and exceptional dental care.

Bromley Dental Practice

Why choose dental implants to replace missing teeth?

Dental Implants in Bromley give patients a chance to, once again, attain a sense of normality. As a modern, permanent tooth replacement option, this highly popular dental solution offers a number of incredible benefits that are hard to achieve with more traditional options of replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. All of its plus points come from the way it is designed and how this helps improve teeth and gum health and overall function.

As a leading dental clinic that takes pride in delivering exceptional dental care, Bromley Dental Practice has well-qualified implant dentists to ensure our patients receive efficacious Dental Implants in Bromley to restore their dental healthy and visually aesthetic smiles.

Missing teeth create numerous challenges for the patient, so in order to avoid these problems dental practitioners encourage patients to opt for a suitable dental solution such as Dental Implants in Bromley that fits in with their goals. We’ll take you through some of the more prevalent reasons why this has become a favourite go-to missing teeth replacement solution.

Benefits of dental implants to help you achieve oral health

Bite and chew with confidence

Patients with missing teeth often complain that they are unable to enjoy the foods they once did due to reduced biting and chewing capabilities. As replacement tooth implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone with little chance of them falling out or moving, patients regain their ability to bite and chew with confidence, so are able to eat their much-loved foods once again.

Another related advantage of renewed confidence is with patients who would once be too embarrassed or afraid (due to traditional tooth replacement options falling out) to eat out in social settings. The fact that dental implants are reliably fixed in one place means patients can once again enjoy their social engagements.

Protect surrounding teeth and jaw

Patients don’t often realise the importance of replacing missing teeth – safeguarding the health of neighbouring teeth and gum and jawbone quality. A single gap left open by a tooth falling out can open the way for surrounding teeth to move out of position, which can then potentially create a whole host of other problems, including jawbone deterioration. The metal screw or rod that is inserted into the jawbone acts as the implant anchor and deters this from happening, securing the health of teeth, gums and jawbone.

In addition to this, patients with missing teeth tend to compensate for the loss by relying more on existing teeth to support eating and chewing function, which places additional pressure on these teeth. By seeking natural-looking tooth replacement implant treatment, this pressure can be effectively avoided and teeth are protected from further damage or tooth loss.

Easy to care for

Another highly sought after advantage of tooth replacement implants is that they offer fuss-free maintenance. The oral hygiene recommendation is very similar to that of natural teeth – daily brushing of teeth and flossing. Patients may be asked to use specially-formulated dental products to protect the aesthetic look of the crown or tooth cap.

Are you looking for a dental clinic staffed by caring and compassionate dental professionals with a hard to beat track record? Make Bromley Dental Practice your preferred choice in dental clinics that offers convenient opening hours (late night and lunch time appointments).

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