Come up and see me

Across the county, and across the world, there has been a trend in recent years of people seeking out dental treatments. More than ever before, record numbers of patients are opting for cosmetic dentistry to improve the way their teeth look, and maximise their dental health. We feel that the massive increase in the use of social media platforms has been a swaying factor behind the recent surge in dental engagement and those seeking out our quality dentist in Stevenage. The more our daily lives are documented and displayed to the outside world, the more a focus has developed around the aesthetics of our smiles, and as such, caused record amounts of us to take action in seeking cosmetic treatments to boost their aesthetic appeal and let them shine to their fullest potential.

Aligned, in just six months

One of the most sought after methods of cosmetic dentistry, which we provide to patients of all ages, is the installation of discrete orthodontic aligners such as our Six Month Smiles system. This is a discrete form of orthodontic alignment which replaces the use of traditional tools, common throughout orthodontics, with a removable, plastic retainer. This retainer is custom made from a mould of each patient’s unique dental structure, and is made from a transparent plastic. When it is worn, the retainer uses targeted pressure points to gradually move the wearers teeth back to their correct placement, and fits so tightly over their jaw that it becomes virtually undetectable when worn. The discrete nature of the treatment may explain its popularity over conventional orthodontic methods, especially with young adults and teenagers. Another attraction to this procedure is that the whole process can yield straighter teeth in as little as six months, whereas conventional methods of orthodontics often take around twelve months to complete.

Filling in the gaps

Dental fillings are a common procedure which most patients will need at some point in their lifetime. They are opted for in cases where a patient’s tooth has become mildly decayed, and requires to be cleaned and filled with a dental bonding agent which fills the gaps. Common NHS funded fillings are referred to as metal amalgam fillings.  Whilst these fillings ‘fill’ out their duties in a way which is effective, they are generally easily detectable within a patient’s mouth.   As such, an increasing amount of people are opting for the cosmetic alternative: white composite fillings. These are similar to conventional fillings, only they are made of a white bonding material which is actually far more adhesitive than metal amalgam fillings, and can last far longer. Additionally, they are color matched to the surrounding teeth in the patient’s mouth so that they blend in to the point that they become almost invisible. These fillings allow patients to permanently fill in large gaps in their bottom teeth without sacrificing their outward appearance or impacting their self-esteem.

Keeping you smiling

For the past twenty-five years, our dedicated team of professional dental practitioners have been committed to providing residents of Stevenage, and beyond, with a dental service like no other. We believe that our service to patients should allow them to feel both comfortable and included throughout each step of their uniquely tailored dental experience. Whether patients opt for our increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry service, or require more routine work such as a simple check-up, we do our utmost to be a different sort of dentist in Stevenage than they may perhaps be used to. One who listens to our patients and who can connect with them on a personal level to ensure they are treated with the highest standards of respect and understanding.

Cosmetic elevation

In recent years, here at Smilecraft, we’ve noticed a significant increase in the amount of new patients, across all age and social demographics, seeking out further information on how they could benefit from cosmetic dentistry solutions. More than ever before, new patients are turning to cosmetic dentistry to improve the overall aesthetic of their smiles and boost their self confidence. Speculation over the reason for this relatively sudden increase in cosmetic dental engagement is often attributed to the increase in the amount of social media usage, and of our daily lives being documented. This may have played a significant role in increasing the amount of focus that is applied to our smiles and caused an increasing amount of us to seek out cosmetic treatments to increase our smiles’ aesthetic appeal.

Immaculately white

One of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry here at Smilecraft, is cosmetic tooth whitening. This is one of the fastest and most effective ways of rejuvenating your smile, and boosting your self-esteem. Here at Smilecraft, we offer an entire range of effective methods of teeth whitening which can be carried out within our practice, or in the comfort of your own home. The first of these methods is the Enlighten Evolution whitening process, which can be carried out within our practice or at home, and includes a proprietary desensitising Tooth Serum toothpaste which helps prepare teeth for the whitening process. The Enlighten Evolution process utilises a peroxide based whitening gel which, when applied to teeth from within a tray, can brighten your teeth and eradicate years of superficial stains or discoloration. Another form of cosmetic tooth whitening which we provide here at Smilecraft is the Zoom Whitening method. This can also be carried out at home, but yields the most positive results when applied within our practice in a two hour session. This method allows patients to whiten their smiles by up to four or six shades, and can rid teeth of any superficial stains caused by smoking, drinking black tea, coffee, or red wine, or from eating highly acidic foods. Those who seek out tooth whitening treatments from us here at Smilecraft can find it has a truly transformative effect on the brightness of your smile, as well as your overall sense of confidence.

More than just a smile

Here at Smilecraft, we strive to provide the residents of Stevenage with a dental service which is unparalleled, and offer them far more than your average dental practice. It is our belief here at Smilecraft that, just as there are no two identical sets of teeth, no two installations of the same procedure be identical. Rather than simply adopting the lazy, clinical approach to dentistry, whereby the barrier between practitioners and their patients is divided with sterilised, impersonal accuracy, at Smilecraft, we are a dentist in Stevenage who take the time to connect with each of our patients on a personal, human basis, and have found that in doing so, a far better relationship can be formed between the patient and their trusted practitioner.

Cosmetically conscious

In recent years, there has been more of an increased focus on having a clean, healthy looking, straight and white smile than ever before. There are many speculative reasons for this recent increase, with many feeling the rise in social media documentation and the smiles portrayed throughout the media, films and television are the cause. However, whatever the reasoning behind the rise is, the fact remains that an increasing percentage of people across all age demographics are opting for cosmetic dentistry solutions from our dentist in Stevenage, to achieve a more cohesive, healthier looking, whiter and straighter smile. One of the most popular of these procedures, which we offer here at Smilecraft, is tooth whitening. This is a procedure which is used to clean off years of superficial stains or discolouration which have come about through the loss of the natural enamel on a patient’s teeth. This loss can happen for numerous reasons, and through certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking black coffee, tea or red wine, or from taking certain medications.Through tooth whitening treatment however, patients can achieve a whiter looking smile almost instantaneously. The process of receiving teeth whitening treatment through our dentist in Stevenage here at Smilecraft, involves the use of a specialised peroxide-based whitener which is applied directly to the front of the patient’s teeth within a specialist retainer. This process can result in patients’ self-esteem being vastly boosted, as they can walk out of our practice the same day they walked in, with a heather looking, whiter smile and the self confidence to match.

Clearly ingenuous

Another cosmetic dentistry solution which we provide here at Smilecraft, is the installation of discrete dental aligners such as Six Month Smiles. This is a new method of orthodontic alignment which has increased in popularity massively in recent years, and is often favoured over conventional orthodontics, due to its discrete nature. Six Month Smiles treatment, replaces the needs for conventional orthodontic tools such as brackets and wires, with a removable plastic retainer. This retainer is created using a specialist dental plastic which is chosen due to its uniquely firm, yet malleable consistency. When worn, the retainer uses targeted pressure points within it to slowly move the patients teeth back into their correct position. Each installation of Six Month Smiles is an entirely unique process, as each retainer is made from a mould of each patient’s teeth. As such, when it is worn, the retainer fits so snugly over the patient’s teeth that it becomes practically undetectable. Unlike conventional orthodontics, Six Month Smiles gives patients the power to simultaneously carry out essential orthodontic alignment, and smile at unsuspecting passers by throughout treatment. In addition to this, as the name may suggest, treatment through Six Month Smiles is vastly shorter than conventional methods of orthodontics, and slows patients to achieve the smile they deserve, in as little as six months.

Patients come first

Here at Smilecraft, we are not your typical, average dental practice. Where an innumerable amount of practices across the country are increasingly adopting the simplified, clinical approach to dentistry, whereby the line between patient and practitioner is divided with a sterilised accuracy and jargon – here at Smilecraft, we are a dentist in Stevenage who make every effort to get to know our patients on a personal, human basis. We’ve found that, by taking the time to connect with our patients, a far stronger and longer lasting dental relationship can bloom.

Clearly something special

Some of the most sought out dental procedures we provide at Smilecraft, are those which are categorised as ‘cosmetic dentistry’ solutions. These cover an array of varying treatments, all of which are designed to make a patient’s smile more aesthetically cohesive. One such treatment we offer is the installation of discrete dental aligners such as Six Month Smiles. These are a revolutionary method of discrete orthodontics, which replace the use of common orthodontic tools and methods –  such as fused brackets or unsightly metal wires – with a removable plastic, transparent retainer. This retainer is made from a specialised dental material, and uses targeted pressure points within it to gently and gradually push the patient’s teeth into their correct shape when worn. One of the primary attractions to this method of orthodontics, over conventional braces, is the discrete nature of the procedure. Each installation of Six Month Smiles is an entirely unique process, as every retainer is created from a mold from each patient’s teeth. As such, when the retainer is worn, it fits over their teeth so tightly that it becomes almost impossible to detect. This may clarify the procedures popularity amongst the demographic of teenagers and young adults, as they may be somewhat more open to scrutiny. Another attraction to this treatment is, as the name may suggest, Six Month Smiles, unlike other forms of orthodontics, can provide patients with a straightener, more together looking smile in as short a time as just six months.

Shine like a star

Another cosmetic service which is vastly popular that we provide here at Smilecraft, is cosmetic teeth whitening. This is a form of cosmetic dentistry which has grown in popularity exponentially over recent years, across all age demographics. The aim of teeth whitening is to provide patients with a whiter, healthier looking smile. This is achieved by the application of a peroxide-based whitening gel to the front of the patient’s teeth. This gel rids any superficial stains or discoloration on their teeth. Staining of a patient’s teeth can be the result of a multitude of factors which cause the enamel of a patient’s teeth becomes dulled or yellowed. These can include certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking red wine, black coffee or tea, or taking certain medications. However, through teeth whitening such as Zoom Whitening, which is offered here at Smilecraft can rid years of superficial staining to a patient’s teeth, and leave them with a whiter, shining smile, and the self-confidence to match.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge during the late teens and early twenties. Wisdom teeth are not as functional as other teeth in your mouth, and they can sometimes crowd your mouth.

Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause an array of problems, which necessitates their removal. Close to 85% of adults undergo oral surgery to get their wisdom teeth removed. Therefore, you shouldn’t be too surprised if you find that you need to visit a dentist in Stevenage for wisdom teeth removal.

What are some signs that you may need to remove a wisdom tooth?

You will need to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Stevenage if you are experiencing continual pain. When wisdom teeth grow incorrectly or crookedly due to lack of enough space, they force your mouth alignment into painful positions.

Consequently, you experience tooth pain, pain when eating or drinking, jaw pain, and headaches. Take note of how long you feel the pain. There is a need to visit our dentist if the pain is consistent, or it doesn’t subside even after taking painkillers.

Sometimes there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to emerge from the gums. As such, they do not develop as they should. Impacted wisdom teeth can appear fully or halfway. Some of the signs that your wisdom teeth are impacted and they require removal include jaw pain, bad breath, swollen and tender gums, and difficulty in opening your mouth.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, you need to pay us a visit at our dental practice. Our dentist will extract the impacted wisdom teeth to prevent future complications.

Sometimes wisdom teeth grow to take up too much space in your mouth. You might think that braces can straighten up the wisdom teeth. But incorrectly, grown wisdom teeth cannot be straightened by braces. No procedure can correct them, because nothing can be done when there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to emerge correctly.

The only option you have is to get the teeth extracted. Our dentist in Stevenage will determine whether to remove all your wisdom teeth or a few of them.

You probably don’t know that sometimes sinus problems are caused by your oral health and mouth. If you are experiencing congestion, pain, or pressure with your sinuses, you may need to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Visit our dentist for an examination and wisdom tooth extraction as soon as you start experiencing sinus problems.

A cyst is a sac that forms next to a tooth, and it gets filled with fluid. The cyst can destroy roots, your jawbone, and other surrounding structures if you fail to treat it. Unfortunately, it can develop into a tumour when it becomes severe. As such, you should consult with our dentists as soon as you notice a cyst forming around your wisdom tooth.

Getting your wisdom teeth extracted is not fun. But, it becomes necessary as soon as you notice the above signs. It doesn’t hurt to talk to one of our dentists if you are worried about your wisdom teeth.

Tooth enamel, the visible white part of your tooth, is the first line of defence against cavities and plaque. While enamel is the hardest part of your body, it is also prone to a lot of abuse.

Parents want the best for their children, and protecting their teeth should be a priority. Several foods and habits can damage your child’s tooth enamel. Fortunately, there is much you can help your child with, in order to protect and keep the tooth enamel healthy and whiter.

 Avoid certain foods and drink more water

Bacteria thrive in the sugar on your teeth. Therefore, they induce the plaque that eventually causes cavities. One of the best ways to help protect your child’s tooth enamel is to limit their intake of sugary foods and drinks.

Our dentist in Stevenage advises parents to be aware, because not all sweet foods are apparent. For instance, rice and bread convert into simple sugars that eventually damage the tooth enamel of your child.

To avoid this, always check on the back of the grocery packaging to know the nutrition content. Also, avoid sugary drinks, such as fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks, because they are notorious for high sugar content.

Drinks and foods with high citric acid content erode the tooth enamel through demineralisation. In situations where demineralisation is severe, the acid finds its way to the dentine. Dentine is the soft layer found beneath the tooth enamel.

Consequently, your child’s teeth can become sensitive, and they experience pain. You should encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water 30 seconds after eating or drinking anything with high citric acid. It helps with cleaning away the lingering acid and protecting the enamel.

Water is an excellent tool that fights against acid erosion. As a dentist in Stevenage we will often recommend children increase their water intake because it doesn’t contain acid, so it protects the enamel.

Water also enhances the production of saliva, which is essential in cleaning teeth and restoring the pH balance in your mouth. Therefore, parents ought to try giving their children more water in place of sugary drinks, so that their teeth enamel remains healthy and robust.

 Other positive choices that you can make

Calcium neutralises acids that damage the enamel and re-mineralises the enamel to offer protection. Therefore, as your dentist in Stevenage we advise the incorporation of at least one dairy product to your child’s meals to increase their calcium intake. If your child doesn’t consume dairy, you can give other calcium-enriched drinks and foods, such as canned fish, soybeans, almond milk, kale, and almonds.

It is vital to brush and floss regularly for enamel protection. However, over-brushing is harmful to your teeth. You can consult with our dentist to learn brushing tricks and avoid over-brushing so that you don’t damage the tooth enamel. One of our tips is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and using short strokes while brushing back and forth.

Come and see us regularly for the examination of your child’s overall oral health. We will evaluate your child’s tooth enamel as part of the regular dental check-up and recommend treatment if necessary.

Our ultimate goal is to maintain your child’s overall oral health in perfect condition and equip you and your child with the knowledge to keep a healthy smile.

When you visit our practice there are a number of treatments and techniques we can use to help you out with your various dental problems. But did you know that we can also provide solutions to problems with snoring?

Here’s a brief outline of how your dentist in Stevenage can help you out with any pesky snoring problems you might have.

Why do we snore?

Everyone on the planet snores to some degree. Whether it’s a quiet growl or a wall-shaking, thundering rattle that can be heard from space, we all at some point start snoring in our sleep.

Most of the causes of snoring can be fairly natural, it may be the way your tongue is placed in your mouth or the way you’re lying on your bed. But, in a few cases that familiar night time noise session could be caused by underlying health problems, like sleep apnoea, which could potentially have lethal consequences.

What are the risks of snoring?

As we mentioned above, snoring is mostly harmless, but when it could be linked to conditions like sleep apnoea then you run into problems.

Sleep apnoea can occur when the muscles around your neck and airway become relaxed to the point that they collapse and you stop breathing for a few seconds. This occurs frequently throughout your natural sleep cycle and in most cases your body will naturally kick the breathing response back into action, it can often result in you waking up often throughout the night. If you live with a partner this can also affect them as you spring awake or they spend the night worrying about when you’re going to cease breathing next, so it can be quite stressful for everyone.

Most cases of sleep apnoea can go undiagnosed for a long time as the symptoms appear when you’re sleeping. But if it’s left unchecked it can become a risk factor for things like stroke, heart disease, diabetes and much more. That’s why it’s important that you visit your dentist in Stevenage as they can help  identify any potential problems from your night time ritual.

At Smilecraft Dental Care our team will help you get back to a normal healthy night time routine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. 

How your dentist helps

If you haven’t been scared off yet, here’s how your dentist in Stevenage can help you with those snoring problems.

Normally a set of oral devices or a mouthpiece might be crafted to hold your jaw in a set position that allows the airways to stay open as you rest. Or you may be referred for MAS treatment whereby you have to wear an external mask that continually blasts oxygen to keep your airway open as you sleep. If the problem could potentially be more serious, your dentist can also work in conjunction with your GP to isolate the issue or figure out potential future treatment plans to get you back to a good night’s rest.

If you suffer from snoring problems, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to see how we can help you.