Author Archives: Smilecraft Dental Care

A bright natural smile with white fillings in Stevenage and more

Everyone wants a great smile. It helps people to look younger and more attractive, and results in much higher levels of self-confidence. Here at Smilecraft, we work with our patients to offer solutions that help them to get the smile that they deserve. The options include white fillings in Stevenage, teeth whitening and veneers. Here, we explain how each of these treatments can help.

White fillings

It used to be that metal fillings were the only option for patients who needed this kind of treatment. Though they are effective, they often cause the patient to feel self-conscious about others noticing metal in their mouths. They do not look at all natural and can be quite obvious when a person is laughing or even just talking.

White fillings in Stevenage are the solution to these issues. They can be tailored to the patient so that they match their natural teeth perfectly. This means that the fillings will seamlessly blend in with the teeth, so that there is no evidence of them at all and the teeth look completely natural.

Old metal fillings can easily be taken out and replaced with white ones, helping to restore the patient’s teeth to their former glory. The material that is used for these new fillings is very robust and can withstand many years of use. White fillings in Stevenage are a quick and convenient way to improve the smile as it can be completed within just one appointment with us.

Teeth whitening

Many people find that as the years pass, their teeth lose their bright white sparkle and become dulled, yellowed and sometimes stained. Fortunately, we can help bring the smile back to its youthful best with our professional whitening service.

It is an easy and straightforward process. The patient visits us to have impressions taken of their teeth. This allows us to create trays that fit their teeth perfectly. We issue the trays alongside a whitening gel. The patient applies the gel to the trays and wears them during sleep for a couple of weeks.

This treatment is completely painless, and the trays are very comfortable because they are custom made to fit the patient exactly. It usually involves merely one or two appointments to get a smile that rivals that of any Hollywood celebrity.

Veneers

Sometimes the colour of the teeth and staining is not the only issue that the patient needs resolved to get a natural bright great looking smile. When they also have chips, cracks and other damage to the teeth, veneers can offer a means of correcting a combination of issues with just one treatment.

Veneers are very thin shell-like structures that are applied to the teeth as a type of covering. They can conceal a multitude of flaws to give the patient a smile that they feel great about. Some patients even choose veneers as an alternative to some types of orthodontic treatment.

The results with veneer treatment are instant, and it is usually complete in only one or two appointments. This makes it a convenient option for many patients.

The importance of mouth cancer screening and the early detection of mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is a major health issue in many parts of the world. Mouth cancer is increasing and despite advances in medicine, death rates are still high, therefore it is important that regular mouth cancer screening is carried out to help control this devastating disease. Here at Smilecraft we offer mouth cancer screening Stevenage. We recommend that you undergo mouth cancer screening Stevenage once a year to make sure that your mouth is healthy and that there are no underlying issues which may be affecting the health of your mouth, teeth or gums or your overall health in general.

Risk factors and how to prevent them

There are two main causes of mouth cancer. Firstly, mouth cancer seems to occur as a result of a range of lifestyle choices including smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol above recommended levels. 75% of mouth cancers are caused in this way. The remaining cases occur as a result of exposure to the human papillomavirus or HPV. over the last few decades there has been an increase in mouth cancer in young people and especially females.

If you cut down on alcohol and stop smoking then this can help reduce your chances of developing mouth cancer. Practising safe sex helps reduce chances of infection by HPV and this can also help prevent the development of mouth cancer. Speak to us at Smilecraft privately and confidentially to find out more about mouth cancer screening Stevenage.

The importance of early diagnosis

The stage at which mouth cancer is detected has a significant effect on overall survival. If it is detected at stage 1 then there is a 90% 2 year survival rate. Unfortunately nearly two thirds of mouth cancers are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. By this time the cancer has most likely spread and only 45% of people survive for at least two years with high treatment-related morbidity amongst those who do. Delays in diagnosis of mouth cancer is the main cause of patients having more advanced stages of the disease. There are different signs and symptoms to look out for with mouth cancer, a red or white patch, ulcer or lump in the mouth that wasn’t there before is an early sign. These symptoms last for more than a few weeks. If you notice such symptoms then it is important that you speak to us at Smilecraft and enquire about mouth cancer screening Stevenage immediately. We have specialist training to detect early signs of mouth cancer. We can examine your mouth thoroughly and are able to see the parts of your mouth which you are not able to examine yourself. If mouth cancer can be diagnosed early then it can be treated quickly and successfully.

Book an appointment for mouth cancer screening here at Smilecraft in Stevenage and let us carry out a comprehensive examination of your mouth to make sure that you have good oral health, and that there are no underlying concerns so that you can enjoy peace of mind and continue to look after your mouth with a healthy lifestyle and stay safe from such disease.

Six Month Smiles in Stevenage

Here at Smilecraft, we understand that a person’s smile has a significant impact on their confidence and we offer a variety of means to ensure that it is the best it can be. One of those options is Six Month Smiles Stevenage. We appreciate that deciding to get treatment for improving the teeth is a big decision. As a result of this, we have created a guide for all our patients considering Six Month Smiles Stevenage. Here, we explain what the treatment is and what it involves, as well as explore why so many patients choose this method.

What is a Six Month Smile?

Six Month Smiles in Stevenage are one of our most popular choices for patients who want to get straight teeth. The treatment is a type of braces that is composed of brackets and wires which are employed to correct the position of the lower and upper teeth at the front of the mouth. As the name implies, this treatment is usually completed in around 6 months.

Are these the same as traditional braces?

Traditional braces are made up of metal wires that are fitted across the front of the teeth and kept in place using metal brackets. The braces used for Six Month Smiles differ in that they feature wires that are a similar colour to the patient’s teeth. These wires are secured using brackets that are transparent.

The combination of the more natural colour of the wires and the clear brackets mean that the appearance of these braces is much more subtle than traditional braces. Though they are not invisible, they are a less obvious form of treatment, which makes them a good choice for those who feel self-conscious about the idea of wearing metal braces.

Do they really take just six months?

In many cases, yes! It is important to bear in mind that every patient is different, so there are some variations in the amount of time it takes to complete treatment with these braces. Some patients can have the look they want in as little as four months, while others may need to wear the braces for nine months to get their teeth moved into the ideal position.

Any patient who is considering this treatment should talk to us about their expectations regarding the amount of time it will take. We are happy to explain how it all works and answer any questions so that there are no surprises.

Is this an easier option?

Many patients find that these braces are easier to wear than some others. This is because they make use of a very gentle type of low movement pressure to gently nudge the teeth into their ideal position. There is sometimes a little discomfort that usually takes place after the braces have been fitted and after adjustments have been made. However, this is easily minimised by the use of over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen and has usually disappeared after a few days.

Who is a good candidate for Six Month Smiles Stevenage?

To find out if a Six Month Smile is the best choice, it is simply a matter of making an appointment with us. However, many patients are suitable, including those who have overbites, open bites and crowding of the teeth.

What a dental e-consultation in Stevenage can help you with

When the pandemic hit it caused major disruption to dentistry and more and more patients were left not able to get the care they needed and deserve. We at Smilecraft dental weren’t happy with this and wanted to be one step ahead so that we are ready to always offer our patients best care possible in any given national circumstance. With dental e-consultation we are now opening up new doors to quicker, more convenient dentistry.

What is a dental e-consultation in Stevenage?

A dental e-consultation in Stevenage is very much similar to what you would have experienced before the pandemic, with one ,major difference – it’s all done online. We’ve partnered with Smilemate, an online dental consulting app which helps us get a better idea of exactly what’s going on so we can book you in for the appropriate dental treatment that little bit quicker. Through the use of photographs you take and send to us we are able to fast track the process of getting you back to full dental health. Issues we can look to fix are: broken tooth or filling, trauma, swelling, orthodontic enquiries, and cosmetic enquiries

FOR NEW PATIENTS

What’s amazing about SmileMate is that for new patients it can put us even further ahead of the game. If you are able to use the app and send us photos prior to your first appointment we could even be able to cost out any cosmetic work you are thinking of having done and fully prepare the treatment plan ahead of the appointment.

After you have sent all the information to us, you will be contacted via telephone or video call for further consultation before any further actions are taken. We at Smilecraft are dedicated to offering our patients the most cost effective, accessible treatment plans out there and think e-consultations will be a key component in all dentistry in the coming years.

FACE TO FACE APPOINTMENTS

We would also like to let all patients know that we are still very much accepting face to face appointments and understand that online appointments aren’t accessible to all. We don’t want anyone to feel that they can’t contact the practice for an in house check up or be worried about taking up time. We are here to support and care for all patients no matter there given circumstance.

Check ups

As we move out of the pandemic and into a brighter future we encourage all patients to make sure they’ve had a full dental check up in the last six months. X-rays can often uncover issues we aren’t able to see on the surface so we can’t stress enough how important it is to come and see.

Equally hygienist appointments are excellent to give you a big clean and revitalise your gums, again these are only treatments we can do in practice, so don’t be worried about coming back to see us – we have all the safety precautions in place.

If you would like more info on e-consultations feel free to contact our reception team.

A guide to a dental e-consultation in Stevenage

Here at Smilecraft, we work hard to ensure that all our patients have a wide range of options when it comes to getting the best possible smile. We encourage people to come to visit us for regular dental check-ups, and to learn about the choice of treatments we offer that help to improve dental health and to give great cosmetic results. This is our guide to a dental e-consultation in Stevenage, explaining how it works and how it can help.

How does it work?

A dental e-consultation in Stevenage is a modern solution for patients who lead busy lives. It takes the form of a video chat with the dentist that allows the patient to discuss any concerns they have and to ask questions about possible treatments.

The first step in the consultation is to fill in the form provided. The patient gives their name and contact details and is then asked to attach a photograph of their mouth. This can be taken using a standard smartphone and is an opportunity for the patient to show the dentist what their teeth and gums look like so that they can identify any issues and how they could be treated.

The patient is also asked to write a description of any difficulties they have been experiencing, including things like pain, sensitivity or cosmetic issues.

These details are then submitted to us for the dental e-consultation in Stevenage. The dentist examines the photograph taken and reads the description provided by the patient before booking them in for the consultation.

Who is a good candidate?

The idea behind this kind of appointment is to facilitate the needs of patients who lead very busy lives. Many of us now find that there are simply not enough hours in the day. Working full time and having a family as well as attempting to carve out a social life leaves little in the way of options for dental appointments. People who lead very busy lives do not necessarily want to take time off to discover that the issue they have can be resolved at home.

These consultations give our patients the opportunity to find out if they can alleviate any difficulties using some form of at home treatment, or if they may resolve over time with the simple application of good oral hygiene. Alternatively, they may discover that a visit to our surgery is needed, but the patient is able to save time as the dentist has been able to identify the problem and the treatment in advance of the appointment.

Patients who feel a little anxious about coming to see us for check-ups or any kind of dental treatment may find the e-consultation process very helpful. It offers them an opportunity to discuss their worries and ask the dentist about how they can help with these. They can also learn in detail about what might be involved when they attend for an in-person appointment. Having this knowledge in advance can be a very effective tool in helping to alleviate nerves and allow the patient to feel much calmer about visiting the dentist.

The ins and outs of dental hygiene

Having direct access dental hygiene Stevenage is possibly the most important element in keeping up healthy teeth and gums. It may not only be the cure for a multitude of dental sins, but can also be a really important part of preventive care. If you visit us at Smilecraft for your dental check-up and your dentist recommends you see the hygienist it can of course feel a little worrying, but we want to reassure all our patients that a trip to the hygienist is a very normal, common part of your oral care. However, if you’re still worried here’s all you need to know about dental hygiene appointments.

The role of a hygienist

A dental hygienist works slightly differently to your dentist, they undergo specialist training surrounding the upkeep and care of teeth and gums. They are trained to recognise the signs of decay and gum disease, and specialise in restoring health to the mouth through deep cleaning, known as scaling and polishing. Once they’ve worked through any in-chair treatments with you, they will discuss with you why your teeth and gums have declined in health and discuss best practices with you to fully restore and keep up your dental hygiene.

Direct access dental hygiene Stevenage

When you come and visit the practice you will be greeted by one of the team before meeting the hygienist. During the appointment you will undergo a full health examination of all your teeth and gums. When this is happening it’s very common for the hygienist to call out various numbers, this is just them indicating to the dental nurse what condition your teeth are in and is nothing to worry about.

After they’ve established the condition of your teeth they will work around the whole mouth performing a deep clean that involves a deep descale of plaque and tartar build-up. Once they’ve cleaned the teeth they will give them a good polish to give them back their shine.

They then talk you through all the ways they think you can improve your oral hygiene routine. This may include changing your brushing technique to a more circular motion or taking up the use of dental floss, which although sometimes annoying and time consuming, can make a serious difference to the health of your gums. They could recommend the use of interdental brushes, which should be used alongside flossing to remove food debris and early build of plaque.

Benefits of dental hygiene appointments

As mentioned, one of the biggest benefits of having direct access dental hygiene Stevenage is that it can be a really big help when it comes to looking after your teeth and gums, guarding against gum disease and tooth decay, the two leading causes of tooth loss.

If you are someone who has issues with bad breath, it’s amazing how much just one quick trip to the hygienist can help this, leaving you with minty fresh breath. Finally, if you’re feeling like your teeth are looking dull and tired, but you aren’t ready to opt for a teeth whitening treatment, having a scale and polish with the hygienist could give your smile back that natural shine.

How the wand in stevenage can improve the dentist for your children

Getting small people to the dentist can be really stressful on parents. Terrible tantrums and traumatic tears are often associated with trips to the dental chair. For lots of reasons often children just don’t like the dentist. For some it’s that they’ve absorbed fear through images and video on the television or sometimes they overheard adults talking about their bad experience – more often than not it’s a combination of these things. This fear is reinforced by bad experiences at the dentist. Pain for an adult is unpleasant but at least we have the knowledge to understand it’s pain we are going to benefit from. Pain for children is worse because they don’t understand why it’s happening to them. So imagine if they could go to the dentist and have the treatment they need but without having to go through painful injections? Well finally they can with the development of the wand in stevenage you can now get pain free injections for your little ones.

What is this magical wand?

Well this magical system was created to replace those horrible outdated syringe injections when you come to the dentist. This system is controlled through a computer and is able to deliver anesthetic to patients without causing pain. This makes any dentistry work much less stressful as you don’t need to worry about the pain aspect. From personal experience I can support the argument that the injections often feel the worst part of the process.

What will happen when the Wand in Stevenage is used?

When you first see the wand you’ll notice that it doesn’t look like a wand at all, it actually looks like a big computer with a pen attached to it. It is able to give a supply of local anesthetic in a slower way and the low pressure and lower rate means that you get a more effective anesthetic and means it’s more pleasant for the patient.

When using the Wand in Stevenage your dentist has more control than they would with a syringe – they are able to pinpoint numbing to just one tooth! How amazing is that? No more having a floppy tongue or limp lip. Your children most likely won’t notice they’ve had any numbing done, so they can jump straight back into their fun filled lives without the invasiveness of full mouth or part mouth numbing.

What else can I do to help my children’s dental experience?

Try and keep the language around the dentist positive, positive reinforcement is key with calmer dental experiences. Always work to manage their expectations – don’t say it will be pain-free because this could not be the case and then they will feel betrayed and build a negative picture of the dentist. Explain to them as best you can why it’s important for them to go and that they need to look after their teeth. Using phrases like ‘we need to keep them super clean for the tooth fairy’ can be a fun, practical approach to take. If you are worried about your child’s relationship with the dentist feel free to contact the practice for more practical tailored advice.

At Smilecraft we believe in preventative dentistry for kids

At Smilecraft Dental Care we believe that a healthy, glowing smile in both adults and children is an essential part of life.

We understand the importance of quality dental care and how it can positively affect your overall health and wellbeing. This is why we want to ensure that we offer treatments in a safe, welcoming environment and encourage all of our patients to have routine checks-ups for healthy teeth and gums.

Our private dental practice is conveniently situated in the heart of Stevenage Old Town. We provide a full range of dental treatments that patients can trust ranging from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry. We also pride ourselves on offering preventative dentistry for kids Stevenage.

We want your children to take care of their oral health

We believe in preventative dentistry for kids Stevenage and encourage parents to bring their children to our practice from an early age to learn about oral health care. One of the incredible benefits of having a regular check-up from a young age is that you are able to minimise the risk of untreated dental decay. This could have a negative impact on your child’s growing dentition later on in life and preventative dentistry for kids Stevenage is an ideal solution to combat this problem.

We also offer younger patients fluoride applications as they are completely safe and highly effective. These applications help to safeguard your growing child’s teeth from developing any potential decay. The process is simple and has no risk of pain so your child can have peace of mind knowing the treatment will offer no discomfort. The fluoride is simply painted onto the surface of your child’s teeth, and this will help to mineralise the teeth and add a layer of protection.

Fissure sealants which are tooth coloured in appearance can be applied to biting surfaces of children’s teeth and these also go a long way in helping to prevent decay.

Enjoy confidence knowing that your children’s teeth are well looked after and that they can grow up being conscious of their oral health and what they can do to maintain their teeth and gums.

At our practice we believe that for both adults and children, preventative dentistry is always better than a cure and encourage you to book an appointment with us.

What is involved in dental hygiene treatments?

If you’re considering having a dental hygiene treatment, we would be happy to set up an appointment with our friendly hygienist. This treatment is ideal for those looking to remove any stubborn plaque from their teeth that is often a result of many years of build-up. We encourage our patients to have their teeth professionally cleaned as we have special equipment in place to offer optimum results.

What takes place during a routine visit at our dental practice?

We try to encourage all our patients to have regular checks-up and to not have any fear about visiting the dentist. Our dental practitioner is happy to assist you with any queries or anxieties you may have and will gently guide you through the check-up. During a routine appointment our dentist will simply monitor your teeth and gums and assess the state of your oral health. During this time, they can also address any possible concerns you may have or answer queries about possible treatment plans for other procedures we offer at our practice.

Why should I choose teeth whitening Stevenage?

White teeth aren’t just for celebrities, it’s for all of us. At Smilecraft, we can help give you a smile makeover that will transform your appearance and result in an ever-youthful glow.

At Smilecraft, we want all our patients to have the confidence to smile proudly and freely without worrying about the state of their teeth or their appearance.

Easily transform your appearance and wellbeing

Teeth whitening Stevenage is a quick procedure and offers no downtime with immediate results. You can rest assured that the cost of this procedure is highly affordable and will not cause you to break the bank. For those looking to prolong the results, there is also an option to purchase products to use at home so that you can enjoy whiter teeth for longer.

An at-home whitening kit is a great option for those with an active lifestyle or busy corporate life as they could continue their day with minimal disruption. It is also quite safe to do and a comfortable procedure.

Teeth whitening is great for those looking to minimise the signs of ageing. Your newfound glow will draw focus away from any wrinkles or frown lines, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Another added advantage of teeth whitening is that it is linked to having higher levels of self-esteem. It also helps to boost your confidence, which may positively impact other aspects of your life, such as your career or professional relationships.

Dental treatments you can trust

At Smilecraft, we offer three main options for teeth whitening Stevenage, which includes Enlighten Whitening, Zoom Whitening and Home Whitening.

Enlighten Whitening uses state-of-the-art materials and is the only system in the world that is able to whiten your teeth by up to 16 shades. This option involves both home whitening practises and in-surgery whitening for the ultimate results. You will be provided with a Tooth Serum desensitising toothpaste to use at home as well as an Evo White toothpaste to continue to maintain your glow long after your treatment takes place.

Zoom Whitening includes a combination of home whitening and an in-surgery session of around two hours. This option will whiten your teeth by up to 4 to 6 shades, and after treatment, you will be given a home bleaching tray and whitening gel that you are required to use for six days.

Home Whitening involves teeth whitening trays that can be custom-made for each patient. Once the trays are ready for collection, we will have them fitted for you, and a demo will be given on how to use the tray. This treatment plan takes around 4 to 6 weeks to complete before you can reach high levels of whiteness.

Enjoy a smile that brightens up a room

If you feel like you want to transform your smile, we can help. We provide a full range of dental treatments from teeth whitening Stevenage to root canal therapy that patients can trust. Smilecraft is always here to help.

Wishing all our patients a very merry Christmas in Stevenage

Dreaming of a whiter Christmas?

At Smilecraft we know that the run-up to Christmas can be a busy and hectic time, as we all carry out the various preparations needed in order to enjoy a merry Christmas Stevenage with our friends and family. Whilst getting your presents, crackers and Christmas trees in order is of great importance, so too is spending a bit of time on yourself to make sure that you look and feel your absolute best over the festive season.

If you’ve noticed that your enamel has become somewhat dulled or yellowed then there’s still time to arrange to undergo dental whitening treatment in order to shine and have the merry Christmas Stevenage you deserve.

What does dental whitening involve?

Noticing that your teeth are duller or more yellow in colour than before can be severely stressful and disheartening – but there is nothing to fear as there’s still time to get your smile shipshape to allow for a merry Christmas Stevenage and some remarkable photographs.

Dental whitening is one of our most popular and sought after cosmetic dental treatments which we provide to our patients here on a regular basis. Part of what makes dental whitening so popular is its ability to brighten and clean up the appearance of any smile remarkably quickly, either within a single session at our practice, or over a few weeks at home.

If you are unhappy with the colour or shade of your teeth and would like to do something about it in the run-up to Christmas, then the first thing you need to do is book in for a consultation with one of our approachable and professional cosmetic dental experts. During this consultation, our whitening experts will first determine the cause of your dental staining, as there is more than one type of dental staining, before then working out which of our treatments is best suited to your needs.

What type of dental whitening treatments are on offer?

At our practice we aim to offer our patients all the procedures and treatments they could ever need in order to achieve the smile they desire. One such treatment which we offer our patients to brighten the shade of their teeth is the Enlighten Evolution whitening system, which is our most efficient and streamlined whitening system to date, and can brighten a patient’s enamel by as much as 16 shades! The Enlighten system involves a mix of both in-practice whitening and at-home whitening to give patients the best and most lasting results.

Alongside Enlighten we also offer our patients Zoom whitening, which is one of the fastest ways to achieve a smile that is between 4-6 shades brighter. The main appeal of the Zoom whitening method is that it is carried out within the dentist’s chair, and takes just two hours to complete. After completing Zoom whitening, patients are then given bleaching trays to use at home to ensure the longevity of the treatment.

If time is less of a factor in your decision to brighten your enamel, then we also offer home whitening kits. These utilise a mould of your unique tooth shape and structure which is made within our practice, that you take home and place a small quantity of a peroxide-based gel within. These at-home whitening kits should be worn overnight for roughly 4-6 weeks and you should see visible improvements in your tooth shade after just two weeks of whitening.

Blog