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Dental implants; your FAQs answered!

Do you want to close that gap in your smile permanently?

At Bromley Dental Practice, we can help! We can fit dental implants in Bromley and will assist you with the aftercare and maintenance to ensure that your implants last a long time, giving you the smile you always wanted. Great!

Here, our team answers the most commonly asked queries that we receive about dental implants in Bromley.

Are tooth implants uncomfortable?

In short, no.

When our team fits dental implants in Bromley, we will ensure that your mouth is sufficiently numbed beforehand. Once your implants have been fitted and the numbing agent fades, you may experience a sensation that feels similar to bruising or soreness around the implant site; this is perfectly normal.

However, if the discomfort increases or is preventing you from eating or sleeping, please call us immediately.

Aren’t they overly expensive?

Many patients worry that oral implants will be too expensive for them to afford.

However, at Bromley Dental Practice, we know that money doesn’t grow on trees! That is why we can offer our suitable patients financing options to help you spread the cost of having oral implants fitted.

For more information on a rough estimate of the cost of implants, please visit our ‘fees and Offers’ section. Alternatively, contact our team.

Can oral implants become decayed?

No, they cannot but that does not mean they cannot suffer from the effects of tooth decay.

If, for instance, a natural tooth that is next to an oral implant becomes decayed and needs removing, the jaw around the tooth will recede. In turn, this may lead to the oral implant moving out of line and becoming misaligned, crooked or protruding.

So while oral implants may not succumb to decay, they can certainly feel the effects of it.

Do I need to improve my oral hygiene after having an implant fitted?

It is advised that once you have an oral implant fitted, you may need to improve your overall oral hygiene.

For instance, when you have implants fitted, you will need to keep both your implants and your natural teeth clean by brushing them twice a day. You will also need to use mouthwash and of course, we always state to our patients with oral implants that they visit our surgery twice a year for check-ups. This is to ensure that your gums remain in good condition and are not succumbing to any form of gum disease, which can cause your oral implants to fall out.

If you need help caring for your oral implants, please talk to our team.

How much bone is needed for an oral implant?

This will depend on the type of oral implant being fitted; for the most common implant type, endosteal, you will need a minimum of 1 mm of bone for a single implant with no surrounding natural teeth. If you have an implant that is going to be fitted next to a tooth, you may need up to 3 mm of bone to support the implant root.

However, our team at Bromley Dental will provide an initial consultation if you are looking to have oral implants fitted and will determine your suitability for implants.

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.

Invisalign aligners; common FAQs answered by Bromley Dental

Ever wanted to straighten your teeth as an adult, but don’t want the inconvenience of wearing the traditional metal brace?

Well, now you can get straighter teeth, even past the age of 50, without needing to have metal or orthodontic braces fitted. If you have a single crooked tooth that you want to push back into line, or if there is some minor spacing between your front teeth, the use of an invisible aligner may be just the ticket to set it straight!

And at Bromley Dental Practice, our team can offer those who have mild to moderate misalignments, Invisalign in Bromley. This clear plastic aligner slots over your teeth and gently pushes them into position, helping you to get the stunning smile that you want in less time.

Want to learn more? Here, our team answers common questions that we receive about Invisalign in Bromley.

How long do invisible retainers take?

When you begin considering wearing an orthodontic tool and are given the green light by our team, one of the first questions you are most likely to have is how long does Invisalign in Bromley take?

Well, the good news is that on average, invisible aligners take between 3-6 months to work for most patients. However, several factors can impact this, such as how regularly you wear them and if you have a more complex case of dental misalignment. If you fail to keep your retainers in for the required 22 hours per day (or more depending on what our team advises), then your teeth may revert to their former positions, which will inevitably delay the treatment.

Can they correct an overbite?

Yes, they can, but it will usually depend on the severity of the condition.

If you have a mild to moderate overbite, then invisible aligners may be able to help you, but ultimately it will be a member of our team who decides if this is a suitable treatment for you.

However, our team may decide to use an invisible aligner at the end of a treatment that initially uses a standard brace, which will straighten the teeth without the aesthetic issues that come with traditional braces.

Do clear aligners hurt?

Many patients who have had both a standard brace and an invisible aligner have stated that of the two treatments, clear aligners are the more comfortable to wear in day-to-day life.

This is because they do not utilise force or pressure in the same way as standard braces and, of course, they are removable.

How often will I need to see a dentist?

With invisible aligners, you will need to see our team once every 6-8 weeks.

However, the app that accompanies this aligner allows you to send us selfies, which we can use to determine if you require an appointment with our team. This also allows our dentists to see as many patients as possible without wasting appointments.

Are clear aligners expensive?

You may be surprised at their affordability, but we cannot quote prices here!

For more information on the cost of clear aligners, contact our team for an assessment.

Bromley Dental Practice

When life gives you lemons, get Dental Implants in Bromley!

People lose teeth for a variety of reasons, not just poor oral hygiene. While cavities, gum disease and never brushing your teeth are common causes, having an illness such as diabetes or an accident are other factors beyond your control. In fact, patients are more at risk of losing their teeth if they are male, over 35 – or both! Whatever the cause of tooth loss, there can be no denying that it is a source of anxiety and concern. If left untreated, you could expose any remaining natural teeth and your gums to bacteria and risk further harm. You can also develop a shrunken appearance in your face as the teeth aren’t there to give you the structure it needs. At Bromley Dental Practice, it doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom with Dental Implants in Bromley.

What are dental implants?

Dental Implants in Bromley are a clever little solution to your woes! They are small titanium screws that are used as artificial roots for your teeth and are attached to your jaw bone. When these are set in place, your replacement teeth can be fixed to them using an abutment. The replacement teeth can be crowns, bridges or dentures and are used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a whole set.

Why dental implants are good for you

Dental implants have many advantages compared with other teeth replacement options. The beauty of implants is that once they are fitted, they aren’t going to go anywhere. You can eat whatever you like and they won’t be moving, unlike other more traditional replacement teeth options such as dentures. Whether you’re chomping on an apple or chatting to a friend, these nifty noshers won’t be going anywhere – and nobody will realise they aren’t your natural teeth too! Replacement teeth are always made to match any remaining natural teeth that you have in the size, shape and shade department, so you can smile your biggest smile and forget your teeth are implants.

A further benefit of implants is that you can also give your face its structure back if you have experienced any shrinkage; this can result in you having a more youthful appearance without the need for lotions and potions! Also, by filling in the gaps in your smile, you are protecting your remaining natural teeth and gums from further exposure to bacteria. Once they’re fitted, you simply need to brush and floss as normal to keep the bacteria away!

Anything else I need to know?

To find out if dental implants are for you, simply book in for an initial consultation with us here at Bromley Dental Practice. We have a friendly and professional team who are waiting to welcome you. During your initial consultation, we will examine your mouth and check that implants are the right treatment for you. Sometimes, patients don’t have enough bone density in the jaw to attach the screws to. In that case, we may be able to offer a bone graft, so don’t despair! With our flexible opening hours, we want to make it easy for busy working people to get the care they need, so you don’t need to take time off. And if you’re just a night owl, we are here for you too!

So, don’t feel down about having missing teeth, take action and book in with us; let’s turn those lemons into lemonade (and brush our teeth afterwards!)

Bromley Dental Practice

Invisalign in Bromley: Bromley Dental Practice can realign your smile

Have you got misaligned teeth? Does looking in the mirror at your teeth make you want to grimace more than smile? Don’t fancy having fixed metal braces because you don’t want to be seen wearing them by anybody? If any of this applies to you, then it’s likely you’d be interested to know about Invisalign in Bromley. You can realign your smile without the need for wires and brackets, and you don’t have to be working on realigning your teeth all day, every day! Invisalign offers a discreet and convenient method of realigning your teeth that’s comfortable and suitable for anyone with adult teeth and mild to moderate alignment issues. At Bromley Dental Practice, we have flexible opening hours to suit busy lives and our friendly team of experts are ready to welcome you and to get you smiling your best smile!

What Invisalign is

Invisalign is a system that comprises of clear plastic aligners that are worn like a gum shield over the teeth. They are very streamlined and are made to measure your mouth bespoke thanks to iTero technology, which is a 3D scan that is used to get the measurements of your mouth. The aligners are changed each week and they apply a small amount of pressure on the teeth when being worn to gradually move them into position.

Why should I choose Invisalign?

How long have you got? The positives are plentiful! Many patients may wonder what their teeth could really look like with treatment. Here at Bromley Dental Practice, we will be able to show you how your teeth will look before you even start your treatment! With the iTero 3D scan that takes the measurements for your bespoke aligners, we can then generate an animation to show you how your teeth will appear after wearing them for 6 to 18 months. The results are always wonderful (in our humble opinion!) and we’re sure you’ll be pleased by what you see!

Another reason to choose Invisalign is the fact that they can barely be seen when they are being worn. Whether you are a teenager who isn’t keen on the thought of braces (there’s a special range for teenagers too!) or if you’re an adult who feels that braces are only for kids, Invisalign in Bromley takes treatment to a new level of discretion to give you the confidence to carry on with life while wearing the aligners. What’s more, you can remove them for up to 2 hours a day, as well as when you eat, so you don’t have to change your diet and you can remove them whenever you need to. With treatment time finishing, as soon as 6 months for some patients, you need to be careful you don’t blink and miss it!

A further benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are difficult to break as they are clear plastic, so you shouldn’t need to take much time off work or school to come and see us for emergency appointments (sorry, kids – and big kids!) You will just need to come for a checkup every 6 weeks, during which time we will also give you your next batch of aligners to take home for another 6 weeks.

So, if you would like to realign your smile, come and see us for an initial consultation and find out if Invisalign could work for you. We are ready to get going on giving you a great smile – say ‘Cheese!’

Bromley Dental Practice

Filling in your smile with dental implants

Suffering from tooth loss?

Losing a tooth through accidental damage or natural causes can have a detrimental impact on your emotional wellbeing, your appearance and, in time, your overall oral health. Understanding the impact of tooth loss and how to get help is something that our team at Bromley Dental Practice deals with every day. So, let us help you on your journey to restoring your beautiful smile.

Why might oral implants suit you?

The first main things to understand are what dental implants in Bromley are and how they work.

Implants are small, titanium screws that are inserted into the jawbone, in turn stimulating the growth of the surrounding bone. The body is able to secure these screws in place creating an extremely sturdy base for a replenished tooth. Whilst reading this on paper may sound like a ghastly experience filled with pain and discomfort, it is far from it and the insertion of the screw into the jawbone causes only minimal discomfort during the healing process.

During the procedure, a local anaesthetic is applied to the area ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the process. No need to worry about your pain threshold levels or how much time to take off of work because, when you have dental implants in Bromley, you will be able to continue as normal with only minimal discomfort throughout the healing time.

Now, before any procedure takes place, our wonderful dental team at Bromley Dental Practice will ensure that you are a suitable candidate for it and that it will be the right solution to your tooth loss. To determine this, we will arrange a consultation for you during which we will not only discuss the procedure but also perform a physical examination, along with x-rays and digital scans. The examination will allow us to ensure that the jawbone has significant depth to hold onto the implant and that your oral hygiene is of a high standard. Both of these greatly impact the effectiveness of the dental implants in Bromley and, therefore, need to be taken into consideration.

Is insufficient jawbone depth a barrier to having implants?

Whilst having sufficient bone depth is of great importance to the success of the implants, it is great to know that there are ways to create the required depth using bone grafts. Using a piece of your own bone from another part of your body is often the preferred method due to significant advantages in healing. However, synthetic material can also be used, enabling patients to decide on which approach to take under the guidance of their dental team.

Filled with uncertainty and unsure what to do?

At no point will you be alone when making any of the important decisions. Our dental team at Bromley Dental Practice is here to guide you through each step of the process to ensure that it is the right one for you. After all, we will consistently work as a team throughout all of your dental work.

Bromley Dental Practice

Are you happy with your smile or would you feel better after help from Invisalign in Bromley?

The impact of a smile

When looking in the mirror or taking a quick glance on our phone, we always want to see a smile that we are proud of and happy to show off. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for some and hiding behind our masks has never been easier.

A smile can be so important as it can lighten up a face creating a warm glow to the facial features. Or, it can create a kindness to the eyes that affects another person’s day and not just our own. Whilst, in everyday life, a smile can be brushed off as just another facial expression, the overall impact of that smile is of great significance which is why we, at Bromley Dental Practice, want to help you achieve a smile you can be proud of. This is where Invisalign in Bromley can help.

Straightening your smile as an adult

Whether in our teens or fully emerged in adulthood, our appearance carries great importance and is, in most cases, something that we take great pride in. Whilst we all do not love every aspect of our body, it is important to know that, when it comes to straightening your smile, you can do so without hiding behind camera filters or a mask! Invisalign in Bromley is an excellent way to realign the smile whilst allowing you to go about your everyday life.

So what are they and how do we start?

The most efficient way to describe Invisalign in Bromley: clear, removable aligners. It may sound simple but the treatment is highly effective and works with you, the patient, to fit into your everyday life seamlessly.

The first thing that will happen when looking to straighten your smile will be a friendly consultation with our dental team at Bromley Dental Practice. Whilst discussing your end goal, we will take a look at your smile and help ensure that the treatment plan is the right option for you. We are not here to put you off, but rather guide you and work with you to achieve your goals. After all, we are a team when it comes to your dental care.

During your consultation, we will take a series of digital scans and x-rays which will then help create your custom-made aligners. Each aligner made will be slightly different as they will be worn in stages and changed as the teeth shift placement. Using pressure points in certain areas, these aligners push the teeth gently but efficiently into a new position. Therefore, following the treatment plan is of great importance to gain the desired results.

What happens once the treatment is over?

Once the treatment process is over and the desired result is finally shining through your beautiful smile, we would want to ensure that the hard work is maintained. For this reason, a final retainer will need to be worn ongoing to stop the teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Just like earlier, this retainer will hardly be noticeable either so, finally, smiling brightly will not be an issue and can be done with confidence.

Bromley Dental Practice

Are you in need of dental implants in Bromley?

If you have had the misfortune to lose a tooth due to either an accident or natural causes, you may be looking at ways to replace it and restore your smile to what it once was. A missing tooth can have an impact on your oral health as well as your confidence. At Bromley Dental Practice, we understand the negative impact this can have, which is why at our practice we offer treatments within restorative dentistry including dental implants in Bromley which will help you on your journey to replacing your missing tooth and restoring your smile to what it once was.

Dental treatments we offer for missing teeth at Bromley Dental Practice

If you are considering dental implants to replace a tooth or multiple teeth, at our practice we offer a number of dental treatments in restorative dentistry. One of the most well known dental treatment options is to have dentures. Made from hard wearing materials which are designed to look like your teeth and gums, dentures are considered to be a suitable option for those who have lost a few or all of their teeth. Although it may take some time to get used to, dentures are made so they fit snugly over your gums and in time, you will be able to speak, eat and chew without any difficulty. Dentures are also removable, so you will be able to ensure that they are regularly cleaned, which is important as not keeping up with your hygiene regime can lead to oral health issues such as bad breath and in some cases gum disease.

If you are still worried about the prospect of your dentures falling out whilst you are talking or eating, another option which is available for our patients who have a missing tooth are dental implants in Bromley.

What are dental implants?

Another form of restorative dentistry, dental implants in Bromley are used to replace teeth. Dental implants are essentially screws made typically of titanium which are inserted into the jawbone where the tooth should be and a crown, bridge or dentures are fixed onto the screws. In order to ensure you are suitable for the treatment however, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. This will give us the opportunity to determine whether you have a good amount of healthy bone to support the screw.

For this procedure, the screw is inserted into the jawbone surgically and under a local anaesthetic. Once this has been done, you will then be asked to return to the practice after a number of weeks. This is in order for the screw to fuse with the jawbone and heal completely. Once this has happened, when you return to our practice, the implant (which would have been custom made to match your remaining teeth) will be fixed onto the screw.

Dental implants in Bromley are made to look and feel natural, practically indistinguishable from your remaining teeth. This treatment also allows you to eat and chew normally, restoring the full functionality of your teeth.

Bromley Dental Practice

How much do you know about Invisalign in Bromley?

Are you currently unhappy with your smile and considering dental treatment to straighten your teeth? You may have a gap or crooked teeth which you want to correct, but are unsure of what dental treatment options are available for you. At Bromley Dental Practice, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer treatments within cosmetic dentistry which aim to straighten your teeth and restore your smile.

An introduction to our practice

Based in Bromley, our highly experienced team of dentists and hygienists work together to provide high quality dental care for all our patients. Specialising in cosmetic dentistry, at our surgery, Bromley Dental Practice, we are dedicated to providing bespoke dental treatments in order for you to achieve the smile you desire.

We provide cosmetic dentistry

At our dental practice we understand how important your smiles are, which is why we offer treatments in cosmetic dentistry for both children and adult patients. Led by our cosmetic dentist Zaki Bashir, our team at the surgery are highly experienced at providing cosmetic dental treatments whilst also listening to our patients in order to provide the best services available for their dental needs and to achieve their desired smile. One of the cosmetic dental treatments we offer at our practice is Invisalign in Bromley.

Invisalign in Bromley

A popular option for our adult patients, Invisalign is a highly advanced cosmetic dental treatment which makes use of 3D technology and clear aligners in order to straighten your teeth.

Unlike the traditional metal braces that many of us are used to, Invisalign in Bromley are removable, however they do need to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours a day. Throughout your treatment you will also be required to come to the practice every four to six weeks in order for us to check the progress of your teeth and give you new aligners.

So what are the benefits of Invisalign?

One of the most obvious benefits in having Invisalign treatment is that because the aligners are clear, no one will know you are undergoing dental treatment unless you tell them. As the aligners are also removable, you can take them off to eat and drink as usual, especially if you are attending a special occasion like a wedding or party. And you are also able to brush and floss your teeth as normal ensuring you maintain a good oral hygiene regime.

The aligners are also made to be comfortable when worn, and you do not need to worry about your gums or inside of your mouth becoming irritated whilst they are being worn.

Invisalign can be used to correct a number of dental issues including crooked teeth, gaps, crowded teeth and any problems with your bite. You will also find that with Invisalign the treatment time is shorter when compared to other teeth straightening treatments such as traditional metal braces.

So if you are looking to straighten your teeth, by visiting us at Bromley Dental Practice you can be confident that we will help you on your journey to achieve your desired smile.

Bromley Dental Practice

Replacing teeth with dental implants

At Bromley Dental Practice we go the extra step with restorative dentistry and offer dental implants in Bromley. So, we can replace teeth that have been lost perhaps decades ago!

Dental implants are becoming more and more popular at our clinic; public initial scepticism seems to be fading as oral implants become more common and those that have had them already readily spread the word about what it is like to live with an immobilized prosthetic.

Across the practice we have a great deal of experience and a substantial portfolio of past successful implantations. We aim to provide the highest standard of care to our local community.

What are dental implants?

The dental implants we use in our clinic are a three-part system. The implant itself is a small titanium rod with a slightly tapered side when fully integrated into the jaw. The titanium implant is not visible as it is completely beneath the gum line. Attached to the implant is the connector, which is a two-sided component, allowing the semi-permanent attachment of an oral prosthetic to the titanium implant. This prosthetic could be a single tooth similar to a porcelain crown; alternatively, a pair of implants can be used to hold a bridge in place independently of any adjacent healthy teeth.

Five implants spread equally out across the arch of the mouth is considered sufficient to immobilise a full set of dentures. This has the advantage of supporting the denture and preventing it from moving therefore eliminating the chance of sores forming. Once a denture is immobile in such a way, it can no longer be removed for cleaning or overnight soaking, making the patient return to a twice-daily brushing routine for many patients. This is seen as a big improvement and a return to an earlier time when they used to regularly brush their natural teeth. It also makes their dentures feel more like a part of the patient’s body. And many patients also feel confident when it comes to consuming hard foods, laughing and talking without the concern of dentures coming loose.

Can I get oral implants?

Most people are suitable for receiving dental implants in Bromley but there are some counter-indicated conditions. For instance, special operations will have to be enacted if you are on blood thinners or have a transmissible blood disorder. There are conditions that will affect the overall treatment time as the integration of an implant into the jaw and this is dependent on the patient’s rate of bone growth; if you have a condition that reduces your rate of bone growth or bone density, implantation becomes more challenging but you would have to discuss your personal situation with our dentists in order to get a definitive answer. If you are curious about dental implants in Bromley for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to get in contact with the clinic and we will be happy to advise you further. We are happy to take queries by phone or by email.

Bromley Dental Practice

Straighter teeth with less hassle

Lots of adults are looking into orthodontic treatment using Invisalign in Bromley. So, let’s see what has made clear aligners so popular.

Orthodontics has long been associated with adolescent and teenage patients. Many people, therefore, come to the conclusion that there is something about orthodontics that is more effective in young adults and children than adult treatment. This is simply not true, as there is no supporting evidence showing that altering tooth position is particularly easier in younger people compared to adult patients. Still, there is a strong trend of most orthodontic work being carried out during late high school early college years.

This is encouraged by the funding structure currently in use with the NHS. Orthodontics is not a cheap or quick procedure and as child dental costs are free at the point of use, there is a strong incentive to have the majority of orthodontic treatment carried out before that funding opportunity is lost. Beyond this, there is also a higher tolerance among younger patients towards wearing braces. Adults often worry about how they will be seen if they wore a brace and how it may affect a job interview or public speaking. Although some sort of embarrassment is also on the mind of a younger adolescent patient, especially when it comes to dating, they seem to be more pro the idea in general of a fitted brace.

How can Invisalign help?

This is where Invisalign in Bromley comes in. As a popular treatment option with working professionals, it is extremely thin and translucent making them barely noticeable even at close range. The effect on your speech pattern is close to none except stopping whistling or lisps that are associated with gaps. There are fewer appointments that have to be attended during the treatment schedule, and costs are usually lower than a standard metal brace. Moreover, the see-through form of a clear aligner allows the patient to see their orthodontic treatment at work. This is quite different to a brace, which requires you to wait until they are removed until you can enjoy your realigned well-meshing teeth.

Invisalign in Bromley also gives the patient the opportunity to remove their aligners at any time; this is often a double-edged sword as in order to complete the treatment in a timely manner you need to consistently wear your aligners; a recommendation of 20 to 22 hours per day is the standard. You should only remove them to eat and drink but if you have a particularly important event like a wedding, you could have an aligner holiday, something that would take several hours of work in the dental chair to do with the standard brace.

If you have had your curiosity piqued about aligners and how they could help you, feel free to look further on our website about how we implement aligners and our success stories. If you have any further questions or a specific medical condition that could impact your treatment, please feel free to contact the clinic and we can provide advice tailored to you.

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