A lot of us are not entirely happy with how our smile looks. There may be a few unique kinks and curves that over the years you have told yourself that you love, but there is always that nagging self-conscious doubt that leads you to feel like people are judging you on your smile.
Unfortunately, first impressions are important and research continually suggests that bad teeth lead people to assume that you are less intelligent, less trustworthy and less attractive to your straight, white teeth counterparts. There is some evidence to say that someone with a healthy, straight and white smile may get the job over another person, should it come down to a 50/50 decision.
In order to improve your self-confidence as well as the potential unconscious respect of others, it is important that you look after your entire health and well-being. This can start with your mouth. Your dentist in Marylebone would be happy to meet you during an initial consultation to find out what your dental desires and potential concerns may be regarding a plan of action in restoring and repairing your smile to discover it’s natural beauty.
Your cosmetic dentist in Marylebone has the desire and natural talent to discover the true beauty that is within every person’s unique and natural smile. Rather than take this away, a truly talented professional will correct what needs to be corrected whilst enhancing your natural attributes.
You may wish to have uniform, picture perfect, white teeth and this is generally the case. Porcelain veneers are a brilliant way in allowing patients to have celebrity style teeth in a matter of just a few appointments.
These smile makeovers can be subtly altered to fit your unique style should you with them to be, with a magnitude of different looks achievable. By sitting down and speaking with one of us, we can explain to you the subtle nuances that make a smile look natural compared to one that does not.
Size, shape and colour are but a few of the small details that we pay close attention to. Should you want just one veneer, then it is even more important to ensure that this shell is matched very closely to your natural teeth in order for it to look natural and in place.
Are there other treatments that can be applied?
There are so many different treatments available for each and every one of our patients. We work to a bespoke system, creating treatment plans that are individually tailored to meet your specific and unique needs. This means that you could be receiving several different treatments in order to obtain the final, perfect result that you have been seeking.
From teeth whitening to teeth straightening and everything in between, we are here to hold your hand and guide you through every step of the way. We invite you to our dentist in Marylebone where sincerity, compassion and a non judgemental attitude is the foundation of our services. We are here to let you see the true positive energy that is within your smile.
Thanks to improvements in the way we look after your teeth there are now a lot of high-tech methods at our disposal to help you try to improve your smile. One such technique that we highly recommend at Plowman & Partners is the use of clear braces.
What are clear braces?
Although they may sound extremely technical, they are basically a small see-through brace that we fit to your mouth to help with crooked teeth. Then over time we swap them for one that fits a little differently around every 2 weeks and this should slowly realign your teeth to more aesthetically pleasing positions within your mouth.
The treatment process
Being fitted for one of these braces is a fairly simple and stress-free process. When you come in for your first appointment with a dentist in Marylebone, we will take a series of scans of your mouth. Then using these images, a 3D representation of your teeth will be created. Using this picture, we can manipulate misaligned teeth to show you what your smile will be like when we’re finished.
From there a brace will be made that will fit your mouth with a gentle amount of force still being applied to your teeth. Then over time your brace will change and your teeth should slowly start to move into their new positions.
What are the benefits?
There are numerous positives to be gained from this treatment by your dentist in Marylebone.
As an example, because the brace is clear you will be able to feel less self-conscious about wearing orthodontic gear out in public. The apparatus is also easy to clean and maintain. We recommend you use a small amount of brace cleaning solution mixed with water that’s then lightly scrubbed across the surface of the brace. You should clean it at least once every two days to remove bacterial build up and to help reduce staining of the brace.
The mouthpiece can also be removed if it’s starting to become too uncomfortable, although you should only do this for short periods. The brace needs to be in your mouth for a minimum of 22 hours a day, if you take it out for too long you could potentially damage the realignment process.
There’s also no leftover dental goop or gagging involved when you’re fitted for the brace as the process just involves lasers or LEDs to map out your teeth.
Post appointment tips
After leaving your dentist in Marylebone there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your realignment goes smoothly.
First, there is going to be some discomfort involved when wearing this apparatus as it is moving your teeth. Most patients have described feeling “pressure” in their mouth, but we recommend using over the counter pain relief to combat this whenever it gets too uncomfortable. And second, the treatment can take up to 12 months so you need to be patient and not remove the brace as it can impact your teeth’s progress.
Keeping a healthy smile can be difficult and over time things like cracks, staining and general wear and tear on the enamel occurs which makes maintaining that gorgeous grin harder.
However, through proper orthodontic treatments you can make your smile look a little brighter for a bit longer. One such treatment that you should consider are veneers, offered at our Plowman and Partners private dentist practice these are a good way to cover up staining or damage to your teeth.
Here’s a rough outline of what you can expect.
What are veneers?
For those that are not familiar with them, they are basically a small bit of porcelain that’s been matched in colour and shape to your teeth which is then placed over the area that’s being cosmetically corrected. Your dentist in Marylebone will normally offer this to cover the likes of chips, cracks and gaps. The cap is also custom moulded to blend in with your mouth and fixed with an adhesive to keep it in place.
Is the procedure painful?
The biggest concern patients have is if a procedure is going to cause any pain and rightly so, the mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. With veneers there is a chance you may feel a small amount of discomfort. This is normally when the dentist is removing a tiny part of enamel from your teeth to create a space for the porcelain cap.
How long does it take?
Another big question patients have is how long they’re going to be sitting in the chair at the practice. Luckily it’s not an overly long procedure and you should find that it takes around 30 minutes or so to have a cap fitted. Although, if there’s more than one area being altered it could take up to several hours. But, this is normally something your dentist in Marylebone will discuss with you first to make sure you have time for the treatment.
Benefits of veneers
For those that are still unsure, there are numerous benefits to having veneer treatments performed. The biggest of which is the self-confidence boost it provides by giving you those lovely pearly whites you deserve.
There’s also the fact that the caps are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance, just brush them as you would the rest of your teeth. Although, be careful not to apply too much force with the brush as you could dislodge the cap. The same goes for flossing, avoid pulling too hard or deep as it could damage the veneer.
Being so easy to maintain means you won’t have to attend multiple appointments for a follow up on your progress. Although, you should still book a check-up every 6 months just to keep an eye on things or to see if you require further treatments.
Hopefully this has answered a few of your queries about veneers. There are a lot of benefits to having them, so ask your dentist in Marylebone about them on your next appointment.
Maintaining a good oral cleaning routine is by far one of the best ways to keep your teeth looking their best well into your twilight years. Some people still struggle with this and at Plowman & Partners we think you’re never too old to learn some hygiene tips, so here’s a couple of things you can try at home to look after your teeth.
Find a brushing routine
Perhaps one of the best things you can do is to try and figure out a brushing routine that works for you. Cleaning your teeth, a minimum of twice a day is definitely a must and it’s something your dentist in Marylebone will insist on, but you can also try a light cleaning after meals. This will help clear out any food debris and reduce the amount of plaque that could build up because of it.
The way you brush your teeth is also very important, try to cover each side evenly with the same amount of force and time spent on it. Also, be very careful about how you brush as pressing too hard can wear down the protective enamel. Don’t forget to also regularly clean your toothbrushes as well as bacteria can build up over time.
Finally, giving your tongue a good scrape will also benefit you in the long run as it clears out any germs might remain even after brushing.
Try an electric toothbrush
Manual brushing is still beneficial to you, but it can’t quite beat the deep reaching clean feeling of vibrating bristles. Electric brushes are great for getting into those hard to reach places thanks to its sonic technology that disrupts and loosens any plaque.
If you’re unsure what type, you should be using then ask your dentist in Marylebone to point you in the right direction.
Introduce flossing
Although the kids that play Fortnite might be familiar with this, most patients still are reluctant to floss their teeth. Using dental floss is a great way to get any plaque and food debris that’s stuck in your teeth that brushing won’t remove.
However, if you do plan on using it just don’t go too deep or vigorous. You may accidently damage the gumline or cause teeth to become loose. Just use light strokes if you can and avoid pulling it too hard against your mouth.
Try mouthwash
Like flossing, mouthwash is perfect for reaching those places you can’t brush. As the television adverts often show you, it’s good for breaking down food debris and leaving a lasting protection against plaque afterwards. There are numerous brands out there that you can choose from, ask your dentist for any recommendations but try to avoid any solution that’s too strong as you could damage your teeth.
So, if you’re looking to improve your oral hygiene routine, then keep a few of these helpful little dental tips from your dentist in Marylebone in mind to make sure your smile looks its best for as long as possible.
At Plowman & Partners, we want to offer the best possible service we can. This means that we aim to be as transparent and as detailed as possible during all our treatments, so you know exactly what to expect. After a consultation with one of our dentists, we will be able to recommend exactly what treatment is best for you moving forward, and also potentially discover any dental issues you may have. If you are searching for a dentist in Marylebone, then we will be able to provide you with a range of dental services using some of the latest dental technology.
I have missing teeth, what are my options?
Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, and the extent of the damage to your mouth, we would be able to provide a series of options. The first option would be a crown, which would work by sitting over the damaged tooth to cover and protect it. For a more aesthetically pleasing approach, and for damage to front teeth, veneers would be a viable option. Veneers can provide a strong replacement for the surface of the enamel of a chipped or worn tooth. A benefit of veneers, is not only the strength of the porcelain, but the aesthetic appeal too. Another option for missing teeth would be dentures or a bridge, in order to replace several teeth at once.
Dental Implants
One option to replace missing teeth, and perhaps the most effective, would be a dental implant. Dental implants work by removing the unwanted or destroyed tooth and replacing it with a prosthetic tooth. However, it differs to dentures or bridges in that the dental implant is inserted into the jawbone via a titanium screw which the bone then grows around. This means that the implant will, if administered correctly, be a solution for life. The prosthetic tooth may need to be replaced on top of the implant due to erosion, but this can be quickly and relatively cheaply done. If you are after a dentist in Marylebone that has the experience and qualifications to carry out such a procedure, then Plowman & Partners has the facilities and dentists to do so. Dental implants, while effective are an extremely complicated process, and require a great deal of experience to carry out.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants provide an extremely sturdy foundation to a prosthetic tooth, and once the treatment is complete, the implant will last for life. As the implant is inserted all the way into the bone, the bone will begin to grow around the screw, meaning the false tooth is secured tightly in place. This is also useful for providing an anchor to bridges. Where a crown may be used to hold a bridge in place, but may become worn or come loose, an implant will hold a bridge firmly in place due to its rigidity in the jawbone. If you are in need of a dentist in Marylebone to administer this kind of treatment, then do not hesitate to contact us, or book a consultation via our website.
Our practice was established in 1922 and remains, still to this day, in the original Grade II listed building. We are situated right in the heart of London’s main medical district on Queen Anne Street, (just a short distance from John Lewis in Oxford Street). While we have a rich history to our practice and enjoy the traditional nature of a London dental practice, we employ some of the most technologically advanced treatments, and strive to maintain the highest and most modern standard of dental treatment.
Our team
If you are looking for a dentist in Marylebone, then Plowman & Partners can provide an excellent dental service. Every dentist at our practice has undergone specialist postgraduate training and has each specialised in an individual sector. This means that depending on your treatment with us, you will be assigned a dentist who is extremely experienced at what they do and will be able to assess and treat any problem in their field.
Our treatments
Depending on why you need a dentist in Marylebone, we will be able to determine the root of your issue after a quick consultation. Afterwards, we will be able to assign you to the most suitable dentist at our practice. We offer everything from general dentistry to maintain your oral health, to cosmetic dentistry, where we will be able to assess and improve on the appearance of your smile.
Emergency Dental Care
If you need emergency dental care, and want to see a dentist in Marylebone immediately, then we will be able to assist. The emergency can be anything from broken or damaged teeth, or a sudden onset of pain or discomfort. We understand how distressing dental pain can be, and also how traumatic it is losing teeth, so therefore will always understand the urgency of the situation. Please call us and we will try our very best to book you in for a consultation on the same day as your call.
Referring dentists
Plowman & Partners is unusual in the areas of specialisation its dentists are expert. For this very reason, we serve as a partner to many other practices, who may need to provide treatment that they are not qualified for. We want to approach our referrals with a strictly ethical approach, and be as transparent as possible with our process.
Dentist and patient relationship
It is our responsibility at Plowman & Partners, to provide the best possible patient service that we can, which means establishing a strong relationship with our patients. Firstly, we will always conduct a consultation, and only ever carry out any form of treatment after a series of in-depth discussions. We do not want you to be kept in the dark about anything, or be negatively surprised by any results that we deliver. It is our goal to provide a clear and professional service to our patients, so that they can feel comfortable and confident about their treatment.
If you are looking for a dentist in Marylebone, then Plowman & Partners has a range of treatments to choose from. We want to provide the best patient service possible and are keen to build strong relationships with all of our patients, to ensure that they receive the best possible service. Our practice has been around since 1922, giving it a traditional feel, but we have ensured that our technology couldn’t be more modern.
Cosmetic Dentistry
All dentistry has a strong link to appearance and treatments are not always simply to reduce pain or discomfort. An attractive smile can be of huge benefit to a person’s self-confidence, and subsequently improves their outlook on life. If you need a cosmetic dentist in Marylebone, then this is a service that we can offer. After a consultation with you, we will be able to advise you on what we think would be the best approach to achieving your perfect smile.
What we offer
At Plowman & Partners, we offer a variety of cosmetic options that each have a different benefit and effect on your teeth. We approach cosmetic dentistry with the same level of professionalism and delicacy as all our work, as we understand how important a smile can be in a person’s life.
Dental Hygiene
It is one of our key beliefs, that prevention is far better than cure, and we greatly prefer to prevent an issue, rather than to treat it. Dental hygiene is one of the most important factors in cosmetic dentistry, as it can help to prevent issues such as gum disease, or staining and discolouration. At Plowman & Partners, we would be more than happy to advise on such issues and it is part of our preventative dentistry programme to provide knowledge of dental hygiene to all our patients. Poor dental hygiene can also cause tooth loss long term, so we take dental hygiene extremely seriously, and are more than happy to assist in any way that we can.
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a common procedure which lightens the teeth, in order to achieve a brighter looking smile. Teeth whitening is something that can be done at home, but we advise that a professional should administer the treatment, due to the risks of staining the gums, or applying too much colour to the teeth. If you need a dentist in Marylebone to whiten your teeth, then this is a service that Plowman & Partner will provide. However, we do also offer a home treatment, but will issue a set of strict instructions to ensure that you administer the treatment effectively.
Veneers
Sometimes, the quickest and most effective option for achieving a fantastic smile, is with a set of porcelain veneers. Veneers will provide an affordable, and efficient way to achieve whiter teeth that will last. The veneers are attached to the front of the enamel, after a small amount has been drilled away to aid the adhesion. They will also protect the enamel in the process, meaning that the veneers will also greatly benefit your oral health at the same time.
At Plowman & Partners we firmly believe that good oral hygiene is the first line of defence against common dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. This makes the humble toothbrush an indispensable tool which needs to be used properly in order to be effective. While a large number of patients do use a toothbrush to clean their teeth, many often carry out their cleaning routine perfunctorily without paying any attention to the way in which they brush or how they take care of their toothbrush – both count. Here’s what our dentists in Marylebone would like you to know.
Best recommendations on using a toothbrush
One of the most common things a patient hears is to brush teeth twice every day. But not many patients question the techniques to be used, which type of toothbrush is best or how should they take care of their toothbrushes. Seeing the important role of brushing teeth in proper oral care, these are critical questions to ask. We hope the following guidelines shed some light onto these questions.
- Brush for two minutes
It is the time taken to brush teeth that is important. For brushing to be effective, it is recommended that patients brush for at least two minutes, making sure all surface areas including gum line are brushed. Gentle pressure should be applied to teeth and gums using circular strokes with a soft-bristled brush.
- Toothpaste brand should contain fluoride
Toothpaste with fluoride is the best way to protect teeth from cavities. Fluoride is important to remineralise teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced every few months. Most dental practitioners agree on three to four months. A definite sign that it is time to buy a new toothbrush is when you notice the bristles on the old one become frayed.
- Should you opt for manual or battery-powered toothbrush?
Either option will do the job. Our dentist in Marylebone can best provide a more definitive answer during a check-up and upon a closer look at your teeth and gums. For some patients a battery-operated toothbrush may be more effective.
Why it is important to care for your toothbrush
It is the nature of the role they perform and often the environment in which they are kept, makes taking proper care of your toothbrush important. In the same manner that bacteria can collect on teeth and gums, bacteria can survive and thrive on toothbrushes. To keep toothbrushes bacteria-free, patients can:
- Allow toothbrush bristles to air dry by placing it in an upright position and not in an enclosed casing – this just encourages more bacteria growth.
- Sanitise toothbrushes by soaking it in a suitable mouthwash solution.
Patients should refrain from placing toothbrushes in the microwave or in the dishwasher as the heat produced will damage the toothbrush.
Your oral hygiene routine should not be regarded as a mundane task that requires no attention. If you have questions or concerns about how you clean your teeth, schedule a check-up today at Plowman & Partners.
We, at Plowman & Partners, encourage our patients to make the best efforts towards maintaining their dental health. Sometimes, however, teeth do decay and root canal treatments remain the preferred method used to save teeth. A key concern of patients who have this type of dental treatment is the post-procedure recovery period. Due to the nature of the procedure a patient may experience a bit of discomfort (tooth sensitivity, swelling) afterwards. These symptoms of discomfort do not last for long and can be easily treated with medication. It is important that patients follow all the instructions given by the dentist in Marylebone carefully to recover fully and ensure optimal healing takes place. Your oral hygiene care still applies.
7 Tips to help speed up post-treatment recovery
- Take pain medication as instructed
The effects of the anaesthesia will subside soon after you leave the dental clinic so a dose of pain medication will help in reducing discomfort.
- Avoid eating certain foods
Patients who are on orthodontic treatments are often told to avoid certain food types. This rule also applies to patients of root canal treatments too. The risk posed by sticky or crunchy foods is that these can knock out of place any temporary materials used to repair a tooth. Another helpful tip to keep in mind when eating is using opposing teeth to chew (while healing is in progress).
- Keep an eye on swelling
It is common for some swelling to occur in the area where the treatment was performed. This is a sign that healing has started. If a patient notices excessive swelling it is best to give a dentist in Marylebone a call as soon as possible. Anything that will support the increase in inflammation such as drinking hot beverages, drinking through straws and even smoking, should be avoided.
- Give yourself time to heal
Patients should take the time following a dental surgical procedure to heal and not immediately resume work responsibilities. It is best if patients also avoid any strenuous activity for a few days after the procedure.
- Rinse mouth with a warm water/salt solution
One of the highly recommended ways to minimize the risk of infection especially after a dental procedure is to rinse the mouth with warm salt water.
- Use a cold compress
A useful tip to help with swelling is to apply a cold compress to the area for the first few days (ten to fifteen minutes a session for a few times throughout the day). This will also help in recovery.
- Eat ice cream
A bowl of ice cream is just the thing to help with reducing inflammation and recovery.
Taking good care of yourself after a root canal treatment is important for a quick recovery so that you can resume your daily activities as soon as possible. The tips offered above will help in minimizing discomfort but should you have any concerns, our dentists at Plowman & Partners are ready to help.
Cavities, those holes in your mouth, also called tooth decay or dental caries, are among the most common tooth disorders in adults and children alike. They are caused by a number of factors, including a diet comprising of sugar, improper and infrequent brushing, and bad genetics.
Cavities are relatively straightforward to treat on their own, but too often people do not see their dentist in Marylebone at the moment the first signs of one form. People avoid going to their dental practitioners for a variety of reasons; they view the problem as more of an irritation than life threatening and they consider getting a single filling done too expensive.
Our vision at Plowman & Partners is to provide our patients with beautiful smiles and strong teeth, which also means nipping tooth problems in the bud as soon as possible. In this article, we will describe, in a nutshell, what cavities are and how they develop, and the dangers of leaving them untreated.
How do cavities form?
You would be half right if you guessed “sugar”, but the answer is more complicated than that. The harmful bacteria in your mouth turns the starch and sugar from the food you eat into acid that damages the teeth.
The process of bacteria turning food into acid is known as an “acid attack” or “shock”, and occurs around 20 minutes after you eat. An acid attack is not harmful on its own as the mouth regenerates by producing enough saliva to neutralise the acid. The acid becomes dangerous, however, through prolonged exposure to food and fizzy drinks. For example, when consuming a sugary beverage, drink it quickly in one sitting rather than taking a few sips here and there over a few hours.
Properly brushing and flossing is also necessary for preventing tooth decay. After you eat, a combination of food particles and saliva create a sticky film called plaque. Plaque must be removed from your teeth to prevent it from building up and hardening into tartar; a highly acidic substance that erodes your enamel.
How do I know when I have a cavity?
When we tell our patients they have one or a number of cavities that need correcting, they tend to be surprised: “I did not feel pain, sensitivity or discomfort” is a typical response we get. The early stages of a cavity are hard to detect without a trained eye because you will not feel pain.
One way to know whether you have any forming is to put a mirror to the back of your mouth and see whether you have black spots on your teeth – which could be a sign of tooth decay or plaque build up. Another way is to keep to your biannual appointments at the dentist in Marylebone.
Can the cavity heal on its own without medical treatment?
The short answer is no, if left untreated the cavity progressively worsens, resulting in infections of the nerves and bones. With diseases that reach the nerves, you will experience sensitivities of all kinds: to heat, cold and foods that are hard, followed by pain. Your life becomes restricted in many ways. If considered severe enough, you might have to undergo an emergency root canal to save your teeth.
Bone diseases occur in the event of a tooth abscess, which is accompanied by intense pain and presents the very real danger of spreading throughout your body.
For whatever reason, an embarrassment of how your teeth look, genuine fear, or unwillingness to spend money on a dentist’s bill, you might be avoiding your local dental practitioner. Do not neglect your oral health and hygiene out of fear or pride, treating an issue early on is likely to save you on time, expenses and a whole lot of pain in the long run.