Patients with a few of their own teeth can still have the other missing teeth gaps replaced with dental implants. The condition of the bone in the jaw can dictate the number of implants the patient can have.

There are a number of tests an implant dentist can carry out to allow him/her to assess the amount of bone present. A bone graft may be necessary if there is not enough bone present or the quality of the remain bone is poor.

A small procedural operation is required to place dental implants. Some discomfort can be expected for upto a week after the procedure but during the procedure no pain will be experienced. The operation is carried out with local anaesthetic and some light conscious sedation or it is possible to have general anaesthetic. The dentist will place implants to close the wound.

During the healing phase a complete or partial denture can be used. Alternatively a temporary crown or bridge may be used over the healing titanium implants. Healing time varies for the upper and lower jaw but generally is 6 months for the upper jaw and up to 3 months in the lower jaw. You must wait before the dental implants are restored and they must not be restored straight away.

Once the surgery is done to place the dental implants the dentist can give a more accurate indication of the amount of time it will take for the implants to integrate. If the process is complex then it may take up to 12 months to finish but sometimes it can be completed in as few as 5 months to attach the final false teeth or dentures.

Not everybody who needs orthodontic work will be a good candidate for these kinds of invisible braces, because this particular product works best for those with minor-to-moderate crowding or excessive spacing of the frontal upper teeth in a person’s mouth. These particular teeth are called the “social six” because they are most often seen when a person smiles at other people.

These braces are also invisible because they are applied to the back of the teeth (sometimes called the posterior aspect of the teeth). It used to be that much of this effort aimed at aligning teeth that were crooked or spaced by using posterior braces affixed to the teeth often fail to meet a patient’s expectations. This doesn’t seem to be the case now with STb braces.

When looking for obvious benefits to using these kinds of bracing technologies, one very obvious aspect is the fact that, for patients who make good candidates, work can be completed in as little as six weeks and — at most — sixteen weeks. Remember; those with minor all the way up to moderate dental orthodontic issues will benefit from these particular appliances.

Both patients and their orthodontists say that there are a great many benefits to using these sorts of braces, as well. For one, the quality of the results and also the outcome of the treatments can be predicted with good accuracy. Even “severe moderate” cases seem to be amenable to correction in around four months time, which is an impressively short length of time.

In terms of technology, the braces use high-tech and extremely light wires that are affixed to the back of the social six. The technique is known as self-ligation, and it’s done in a fairly passive way that helps to reduce friction from wearing these braces down to almost nothing. Interference by the braces within the mouth is also almost nonexistent because the wires are very low profile and rounded.

Many orthodontists over in Britain and the rest of the United Kingdom have been advertising these braces and maintenance programs for about 1200 British pounds. When one stops to consider that someone with crooked or spaced teeth can get a new smile in less than four months, it seems that the price is relatively small over both the short and long terms.

It’s good to know that orthodontic technologies have kept pace with science, and STb Social 6 braces offer benefits to both patients and their orthodontists. The underlying technology for these braces is easy for an orthodontist to manipulate and patients also report little issues with having them in the mouth. In truth, there is much to like in very little to dislike about these kinds of braces, it seems.

Affordable ways to pay for your dental treatment

0% APR typical

Interest-free and low cost payment plans to pay for your treatment

Are you one of the thousands of patients considering cosmetic, aesthetic, orthodontic or dental implant work? If so, you might be interested in a service we at Chelsea Dental and Dermal Clinic provide right here, interest-free and low cost payment plans to fund your dental treatment.
As innovative and potentially much more affordable alternatives to traditional options, our range of facilities enable you to get the treatment you want-the right treatment-and pay for it over an appropriate period.
Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
Here’s how it works….

Interest-free and low cost payment plans: your questions answered

We’ve tried to answer all your questions here. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please ask your dentist or a member of our practice team.

Who can benefit?

Just about anyone over the age of 18. You don’t have to belong to a private dental plan. You don’t even have to be a regular visitor at this practice.

What can I use them for?

You can use the payment plans to pay for most dental work, but they’re particularly suited to more costly private treatments, such as dental implants, orthodontic, aesthetic or cosmetic work. If you’re not sure whether they’re right for your treatment, please ask your dentist.
How much can I borrow?
Dependent upon facility you can borrow typically between £350 and £50,000. This will be subject to an ‘on-site’ credit application. Most patients’ applications are approved there and then, so you can go ahead and schedule treatment immediately.

How do I make the repayments?

Much like any other loan facilities, you repay them in affordable monthly payments over an agreed term. These payments are collected by Direct Debit.

How much will I pay?

With our 0% facility you pay the cost of your dental treatment-no more and no less. Interest-free means just that! In terms of the low cost facilities, we provide you with a quotation that shows the monthly payment and the total interest payable over the term of the loan. There are no hidden costs and no deposit is required!

What are the repayment terms?

Your dentist or designated members of the practice team will be able to go through the various terms with you and agree the most suitable repayment period.

How do I apply?

Once you’ve agreed on a course of treatment and a cost-with your dentist, we’ll make the credit application on your behalf. As soon as this has been approved and then processed, you’ll receive written confirmation from the credit provider.
Simple as that!

Who is the credit provider?

We’re working with one of the most respected credit providers in the business.
Ask our team for details.

What happens if my treatment costs more than planned for?

Firstly, we will tell you of this situation when it becomes imminent. Secondly, you can choose to have an additional facility to cover the additional costs.

What happens if my treatment cost less than planned for?

This will be refunded either to you or to the lender who will then reduce the outstanding balance on your loan account.

How often can I use the facility?

You can apply for a payment plan for each course of treatment, subject to the usual credit application.

The benefits: at a glance

For anyone considering using out interest-free or low cost loan facilities to fund their private dental treatment, the benefits are clear:
• You get the treatment you want- treatment that will make you look and feel a million times better
• You get to spread the cost of that treatment over a suitable period
• Interest-free and low cost loans can be a much more affordable alternative to credit cards or bank loans
• It’s easy to apply and simple to repay by Direct Debit
• They’re provided by leading credit suppliers

To find out how you could benefit from this easy, affordable way to pay for the dental treatment you want, speak to your dentist or a member of the practice team.

There also are clear or tooth-colored brackets available for use. These more closely resemble the traditional braces most adults think of when they think of orthodontic treatment. However, they are less noticeable because their colouring more closely resembles natural tooth color.
Having straight teeth can do more than simply make a person feel more confident about their smile or improve a their self-esteem and it’s also healthier for people to have straight teeth.
Crowded teeth are more difficult to keep clean and free of tartar and plaque build-up because they provide more tight areas and crevices for food to settle in. When areas are difficult to reach with a toothbrush, that can be a recipe for tooth decay.

When teeth are straight, it helps lessen the potential for bone loss, gum disease and tooth decay.

If you do give other drinks then use a straw to help direct the drink away from teeth and minimise damage.

• Natural fruit juices or squashes still contain high levels of fruit acids. Even drinks marked “no added sugar” still contain sugars that can form acids and cause tooth erosion.
• Always dilute squashes correctly. You can also dilute natural fruit juices with water to reduce the risk of tooth damage.
• Encourage your child to take drinks over a short time, rather than constantly sipping as this reduces the time in contact with the teeth.

• The defective filling and decay is removed. A reflective powder layer prepares the tooth for imaging.
• An optical 3D image is acquired with a small camera, directly in your mouth.
• The restoration is created on the screen using the image data.
• Diamond coated instruments mill a ceramic block to reproduce the design.
• This is accomplished during Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM).
• After polishing, the new restoration fits precisely.
• A unique light hardens the bonding material, uniting porcelain and tooth.
• Polishing or glazing ensures a pleasantly smooth and natural feel.
• The colour and appearance make the special ceramic material blend with your tooth.
• Perfectly bonded porcelain ensures an extremely long life for your teeth.
• Maximum strength, great looks!

Fillings (inlays/on lays)

After decay and old filling material is removed. The individually manufactured ceramic will be fitted exactly. Depending on severity, the whole procedure will last between one and two hours.
Crowns
For more heavily compromised teeth, a traditional treatment has been a crown restoration, which can take several separate appointments. At Chelsea Dental and Dermal Clinic using the CEREC method, crown restoration is completed in a single appointment. No impressions, no temporary crowns-no need for a second injection. A treatment time of one to two hours is normal.

Dental Veneers with Cerec at our London practice

Malpositioned and discoloured teeth can be restored with porcelain veneers. Your tooth is adjusted and a thin layer of porcelain is bonded securely to your tooth. Perfect looks, perfect fit make a wonderful, natural smile-all in a single appointment at Chelsea Dental and Dermal Clinic. Please visit our Cerec London page for more information.

If you do have signs of tooth erosion it is important to:

• Limit the consumption of acidic food and drink to meal times.
• Reduce the number of times a day you eat or drink acidic foods and drinks.
• Choose soft drinks which have no added sugar.
• Finish meals with a small piece of cheese or a drink of milk.
• Delay brushing teeth immediately after having acidic foods or drinks as the acid temporarily softens the tooth enamel leading to a greater risk of erosion.

Are there any other effects of tooth erosion?

Acid erosion causes the loss of enamel from the surface of your tooth. When enamel is removed it exposes delicate dentine which can be sensitive to hot or cold things. If you feel pain when you eat or drink hot or cold things then you may be suffering from sensitive teeth.
Twice daily brushing with sensitive toothpaste can help stop the pain of sensitive teeth.

Listed below are the pH values of some everyday food and drinks. The lower the number the more acidic the product.

Mineral water     pH 7.6
Milk      pH 6.9
Cheddar cheese    pH 5.9
Tomato ketchup     pH3.9
Orange juice      pH3.8
Pickles       pH 3.2
Apple juice      pH 3.0
Cola       pH 2.5
Red wine      pH2.5
Lemon juice      pH2.3

What is acid erosion?

Dental erosion can be caused by an acid attack on teeth. This can result in the loss of enamel from the surface of your tooth. Acid erosion can lead to the exposure of dentine, which may cause sensitive teeth. Dental erosion is an irreversible condition, highlighting the importance of prevention.
Tooth erosion is more common than you might think. According to recent research 50% of 4-18 year olds have some erosion.