Dental hygiene and preventive dental care in Wimbledon

Proper oral care is really important to the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is critical to maintaining optimal oral health and avoiding tooth decay and long-term gum disease. Poor oral health, on the other hand, can actually have a direct impact on your overall health with known links to diabetes and heart disease. Gum disease is also the number one cause of tooth loss in Great Britain. Even if the connection between oral health and general health problems is not valid, oral diseases can be unattractive, painful and cost you a lot of money.

At Wimbledon Dental Care in Wimbledon, we offer not only a range of aesthetic and restorative dental treatments, but oral health advice, and a range of treatments and services that will help you keep dental problems at bay. Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common oral diseases in the developed world and we are here to help you treat them and prevent them, if possible.

Dental Hygiene in Wimbledon Whereas tooth decay is usually the result of poor dental hygiene, gum disease can affect a wider range of patients including pregnant women and people suffering from diabetes. Because it is not painful during its initial stage, it is really difficult to spot the symptoms without the help of your dentist. Sometimes, gum disease is characterised by swollen, sore or infected gums, and possible bleeding during brushing. If left untreated, it can lead to severe gum issues and even tooth loss. Our dentists are trained to look for the early signs of gum disease and advise you of preventive treatment.

Having your teeth cleaned professionally is one of the best treatments for gum disease. Our dental hygienists will scale and polish your teeth, removing any plaque build-up even from below the gum line. Polishing will smooth out your teeth and prevent plaque from sticking to them.

With regular cleanings and good oral maintenance, we can almost always prevent plaque build-up and related diseases like tooth decay and gum disease. It may be a cliché, but prevention is always better than cure. Call in, phone us or send an email to book an appointment today.

What are veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells that are commonly made out of a durable material like porcelain. They are placed over the top of existing teeth in order to change something about them. This could be the size, shape or colour.

If you have a gap in your teeth that you would like to close, for example, veneers can be useful for this. They could save you having orthodontic treatment to correct the issue. If the gap is small enough, a veneer can be fitted that is slightly larger than the tooth next to it. This extends the reach of the tooth to cover the gap.

We offer veneers in Wimbledon at Wimbledon Dental Centre for a range of issues. You need to have healthy teeth in order to have veneers, as each one is supported by the tooth underneath. Come for a check-up and consultation with us and we can check your suitability and make recommendations.

How are they fitted?

Veneers are held in place by a very hard dental cement. Once they are in position, they cannot be removed.

The first step in fitting is to remove a thin area of enamel from your tooth. This allows the veneer to sit flush with the other teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of the area so that a dental technician can shape any veneers that you need and return them to the practice. At you next appointment, the veneer will be slotted into place using the adhesive. It can be moved around to get the position exactly right before a special light is shone on the area to harden the cement. The dentist will finish off by removing any excess material.

How do you look after them?

Once they are in place, your veneers can be treated like normal teeth. They are designed to last around 5–10 years.

You need a diligent dental hygiene routine to care for your teeth. You can still get tooth decay in teeth that have veneers fitted. If they start to deteriorate, it can affect the longevity of your dental enhancements.

Veneers will not discolour over time so you can enjoy a bright smile for as long as you have them. This is why some people consider getting a full set of veneers for an attractive uniformity.

Zoom teeth whitening

Coming from the US, Zoom teeth whitening is the latest method to whiten your teeth. Using the power of lasers, Zoom teeth whitening can lighten your teeth by eight to 10 shades, with less sensitivity than other teeth bleaching methods. And all this can be achieved in just one 60-minute session.

teeth-whitening-in-wimbledon The Zoom whitening system is a scientifically advanced tooth whitening procedure which is only administered by qualified dentists, such as Wimbledon Dental Care in Wimbledon. It is safe, effective and very fast. In less than an hour your teeth will become dramatically whiter. It will remove discolouration caused by staining substances such as coffee, tobacco and red wine.

A British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD) survey revealed that “women are more inclined to believe a nice smile indicates a warm personality, whilst men consider it begets more success in life”. Either way, a whiter smile achieved through Zoom teeth whitening has the power to create a great first impression, which can unlock many possibilities in both the social and professional areas of your life. After a Zoom teeth whitening session, you’ll leave a more attractive and confident you.

The procedure

The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. The dentist then applies the Zoom whitening gel, which was designed to be used with a specially designed laser. The Zoom light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration.

Before you go home you will receive a special Zoom whitening touch up kit to take home. The kit includes trays that are custom-made and whitening gel. You dentist will explain how to use the kit to keep your teeth white longer.

How long does it last?

On average, Zoom teeth whitening will last for around one year. By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, dentists such as Wimbledon Dental Care in Wimbledon, would recommend flossing, brushing twice daily and occasional refreshing with the Zoom night time gel and custom-made trays.

Make those teeth as beautiful as they are healthy

Do you know how good smiling is for you? When you suppress your smile, you are also suppressing the release of natural feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and beta-endorphin. You are also suppressing nature’s greatest icebreaker, because people are hard-wired to respond to a genuine with smile with warmth, friendliness and a desire to help.

Here at Wimbledon Dental Care, we want you to get the most out of your smile, with regards to wellbeing in all areas of your life, which is why we offer cosmetic dentistry.

cosmetic-dentistry There are several options for cosmetic dentistry, for subtle and extensive work, to help you get the smile you deserve. Let’s take a look at a couple of the treatments we offer here at Wimbledon Dental Care.

Porcelain veneers

These are great little miracles of dental technology for covering up cracks and chips, worn edges, little gaps and minor misalignments. Porcelain veneers are highly durable sheaths that fit over the front of your teeth, and are fixed in place using dental adhesive. In order to have veneers fitted, you need to have a thin layer of enamel removed from your natural tooth. This provides the rough surface needed to fix the veneer on to. It also makes sure that the veneer lies flush with your surrounding teeth. Veneers are custom-made to match the size, shape and colour of your surrounding teeth. You can have one veneer, or all of your teeth covered. The porcelain is very durable so, if you take care of your veneers, they can last for 10 years or longer.

White fillings

White fillings are increasingly being used in place of mercury amalgam fillings, both to fill new cavities, and to replace old fillings when they crack with age. Some people are also choosing to have all their amalgam fillings removed and replaced with white composite ones. With white fillings, you can throw back your head and laugh as loud as you like without anyone being party to your dental history, laid out in front of them in a glint of amalgam metal. Keep your cavities to yourself and enjoy a good laugh again.

If you would like to find out how cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile, why not pop in and see us for a chat? We are open on Saturday mornings as well as during the week.

Serving the community with the latest in dental care

Here at Wimbledon Dental Care, we have been serving the community for more than 60 years. For the last two decades, principal dentist Dr Kultej Sihra has been guiding us through the changing landscape of technological advances and patient care.

One way we aim to serve our patients is through using the latest dental technology to provide simple and effective ways to brighter smiles.

Straighter smiles

Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Do you hold back from smiling or laughing in social or professional situations because of the way your teeth look? If so, you aren’t alone. We know that many of our adult patients feel self-conscious about their smile and we are always looking for ways to help create happier, healthier smiles in Wimbledon. Six Month Smiles is one popular treatment that helps to align the front teeth quickly and easily.

Working on the ‘social six’ teeth that show when you smile, Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon are discreet braces made from tooth-coloured wires and brackets. This means they are almost invisible so have minimum impact on your social and professional life. The braces are custom-made from photos and impressions, so fit your teeth exactly.

As well as being more discreet and quicker than traditional metal braces, Six Month Smiles are also more comfortable, as they use a much milder force to move the teeth.

Is it right for me?

Come in for a consultation to see if Six Month Smiles in Wimbledon will work for you. It isn’t a suitable treatment for everyone, and if you need more extensive orthodontic work, we can refer you to a specialist.

The treatment takes between four and nine months, with results typically in six, hence the name. If you do go ahead with the treatment, you will need to come in to see us for a check-up every four to five weeks in case we need to adjust the braces.

After your Six Month Smiles treatment is complete, we can also offer you an optional mini smile makeover as a follow up – for example, teeth whitening and repair of any cracks or chips – to give you a smile you can feel truly confident in.

Is it really necessary to swap silver fillings for white fillings?

Do you have metal fillings? You may want to consider changing them for white fillings. If so, we can help you. At Wimbledon Dental Care we offer a range of treatments including swapping metal to white fillings. Wimbledon Dental Care is conveniently situated on The Broadway- perfect for anyone wanting to pop by for an appointment on their lunch break.

What are the disadvantages of silver metal fillings?

Risk of damage to your teeth

Metal expands and contracts depending on the temperature. By exposing your mouth to range of temperatures, for example while eating hot food or enjoying frozen ice-cream, your metal filling with also expand and contract. Over time there is a risk that the tooth will crack as a result.

Discolouration

As the years pass, there is a chance that the metal from your silver filling will turn the tooth slightly grey in colour.

Unattractive appearance

Due to silver fillings being so noticeable, it can lead to feelings of insecurity.

What are the benefits of white fillings?

Wimbledon is a bustling place for business and socialising; a smile can be everything. There are good reasons why you may want to consider white fillings.

Durability

White fillings are known for their strength and long-lasting wear. They should last for decades if looked after properly!

Good appearance

White fillings mould perfectly into the cavity of your tooth. The appearance of your smile will be brighter with white fillings.

Increased confidence

With fillings that blend in perfectly with your own teeth, you’ll feel happier to flash you smile, giving a boost to your self-esteem.

With so many reasons why, swapping out metal to white fillings in Wimbledon makes sense! If you have further enquiries, or you would like to book a consultation, then drop by and see us at Wimbledon Dental Care.

If you have been dreaming of an all-white smile, then you are in luck! This treatment is growing in popularity in Wimbledon. Metal to White fillings is a possibility that we provide, and our dentist is more than happy to explain more details of how this procedure works.

Have you dreamt of straighter teeth?

Do you look in the mirror and feel a sense of dismay or regret when you see that your teeth are not straight? Do you look on at celebrities with their straight teeth and wish this could be you? Well, we are here at Wimbledon Dental Care to help you attain the results that you dream of. More and more adults are turning to their dentist in the realisation that it is possible to have straighter teeth in Wimbledon. No longer does having braces need to be a long two-year process – due to advances in dentistry. Before, dentists thought the only way possible was to shift all the teeth including the molars at the back, which would take years to correct. Now, with adults mainly concerned with how the front six teeth look, we can offer the six-month smile. It takes only six months to fix the modern day braces and move the visible front teeth to make them all much straighter. What a revolution, for anyone looking for straighter teeth! Wimbledon Dental care welcomes you, if you would like to book an appointment to see if your teeth would benefit from Six Month Smiles.

Will anyone at work notice my braces?

Modern day braces are much more suitable to anyone who is looking to improve their smile and retain their social life. The brackets and wires are both teeth-coloured, blending perfectly in with your teeth. So there is no need to have to hide your smile in the months it takes to straighten your teeth out. Instead, you can smile all you want at work and at your next work party, knowing you are on your way to straighter teeth. Wimbledon residents or visitors are all welcome here at our dental practice, please simply give us a call to book an appointment.

What customer service do you offer?

We are here to ensure that you feel happy every step of the way. From arriving to our surgery, you will be welcomed in by our warm and friendly staff. Our trained and caring dentists will make you feel welcome at every step of the way, whether you are getting your braces fitted, tightened or removed. We are all here to make sure your visit is a perfect one.

Crowns & Bridges

Losing a tooth can be an upsetting experience. Decay, injury and accident can all result in lost or extensively damaged teeth, and we know just how distressing this can be. That’s why at Wimbledon Dental Care we are confident we can help you to get your smile back.

One of the most common restorations for extensively damaged or broken teeth is a dental crown.

Dental crowns are carefully made to fit perfectly on top of a tooth that has been weakened by decay, has a very large filling or has been broken as the result of an accident. If you need root canal treatment to clear out infection in a tooth root you will also need a crown to give your tooth added strength.

Crowns are made of natural, tooth-coloured material, so they will blend in seamlessly with the shade of your teeth. To have a crown fitted, your dentist will need to prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit precisely. After they have done this they will take an impression of your tooth and send it off to our laboratory for your crown to be made. You may have a temporary crown fitted until your permanent one is ready.

We also recommend crowns to replace old, discoloured fillings in some cases, while if you have a dental bridge or denture your dentist may also use a crown on surrounding teeth to support it. Crowns are strong and durable and will enable you to bite and chew as normal.

If you’ve lost a tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge to replace it. Bridges comprise a false tooth with either crowns or wings attached to adjacent teeth to support it. Usually, bridges are made of a precious metal base, which makes them hard-wearing and durable. For teeth near the front of the mouth porcelain may be added to the base for a more natural appearance.

You will need at least two appointments to have a bridge fitted; at the first your teeth will be prepared and impressions taken, and at the second your bridge will be carefully checked and fitted.

For patients who have several missing teeth, bridges may also be secured in place by dental implants.

White Fillings

Fillings. They are one of the most common dental procedures around, and most patients will find themselves in need of a filling at some point in their life.

In the past there were few choices for patients who needed a filling. Fillings were made from metal amalgam and were grey in colour, making them very noticeable, particularly if they were located near the front of your mouth.

While white fillings have been around for many years, they were traditionally considered less strong and durable than their metal amalgam counterparts, and were not considered suitable for the back teeth where the majority of chewing forces are exerted.

Over recent years, materials and technology around white fillings have advanced greatly and they are now considered practically as strong as metal amalgam fillings. They are made of composite resin material that is durable as well as natural-looking. At Wimbledon Dental Care we use the highest quality composites, including Heraues Venus and TPH Spectra, which are well-known for their strength, excellent performance and natural appearance. We have hundreds of happy patients who will testify to their quality.

It is perhaps more accurate to describe “white” fillings as “tooth-coloured” fillings, because your dentist is able to select a colour of composite that closely matches your natural teeth. That means they blend in perfectly, and nobody will notice they are there.

Often with metal amalgam fillings it is necessary to remove healthy tooth tissue as well as areas of decay to place the fillings. As dentists we don’t like to remove any more tissue than is absolutely necessary, which is why we are delighted that with our white filling technique only decayed areas are removed, making it a minimally-invasive procedure that is better for your dental health.

While we don’t believe in carrying out procedures for the sake of it, we know that many patients would like to replace their old, amalgam fillings with modern white ones. If your metal fillings are worn, discoloured or old, or if you want a more natural-looking smile, we’ll be happy to discuss replacing metal fillings with white composite fillings.

Dental Hygiene

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common disease in the developed world? Knowing that it’s also preventable is a sobering thought, and something we want to do something about. Good dental hygiene is essential in helping to prevent tooth decay.

Another scary statistic is that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the UK. Again, gum disease is preventable with a strong dental hygiene regime. It’s also a very common condition and comes in two forms: the milder gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease. As with all diseases, the earlier gum disease is caught the better, and the easier it is to treat. If you think you may be suffering from gum disease, you should book an appointment with a hygienist as soon as possible. As well as treating the condition, they can advise you on how to stop it recurring in the future.

Everybody should visit the hygienist, at least every six months, for a scale and polish, which will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing any stubborn plaque or tartar. Some people need to visit more often, and you should always follow your dentist or hygienist’s advice. Regular visits also enable us to monitor your oral health, so if there are any early signs of gum disease or decay, we can treat them sooner rather than later.

Of course, it goes without saying that a good home care regime is also vitally important to your dental health. That’s why our hygienists provide bespoke oral healthcare advice for all the family. This includes:

The best type of toothbrush to use, and the best brushing techniques
Advice on special tools such as interdental brushes, to clean between the teeth
Flossing advice
The best and worst food and drinks for your teeth
Special advice for cleaning dentures, bridges, braces etc
The best mouth wash to use
Fresh breath advice
How to look after your mouth after oral surgery, to aid recovery
How to clean young children’s teeth, and how to help older children develop their own oral healthcare regime

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