Explore our Direct Access Dental Hygiene treatment benefits

For patients who wish to keep their natural teeth for life, our advice to them is quite simple – make regular appointments to see our dental hygienist. Our dental hygienist at Smilecraft is a dedicated dental health professional with many years of real-world experience in a varied range of treatments integral to keeping teeth and gums healthy and great smiles happy.

At our dental clinic, we are proud to offer a patient-centric approach to dental care, and a part of this philosophy is to ensure we offer a convenient service to our patients. Towards this aim, patients can access dental hygiene treatments with a qualified dental hygienist without needing a prescription from a dentist thanks to our registration for the Direct Access Dental Hygiene Stevenage initiative.

The Direct Access Dental Hygiene Stevenage allows dental hygienists to carry out a number of dental hygiene treatments (preventive and cosmetic) without the need to see a dentist first. We believe that through Direct Access Dental Hygiene Stevenage our patients are able to access quality dental hygiene services at their convenience.

Why should you see a dental hygienist? We take a look at some of the key treatments carried out by dental hygienists to maintain a healthy mouth.

The role of a dental hygienist, in patient oral health

Patients can benefit in a number of ways from an appointment with a dental hygienist to ensure the oral health of their mouth and keep their ability to smile confidently. Dental hygienists are specially trained to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases and can offer the following quality services:

Removal of resistant plaque and tartar
Gum treatment for gum disease
- (Provided it is within their scope of practice)
Application of tooth-protective treatments
- (Sealants, fluoride gels, etc.)
Treatment for bad breath

In addition to the above, a dental hygienist offers another vitally important service – that of dispensing instruction and advice on how to best protect teeth and gum health. Our hygienist can offer best practice tips and techniques on toothbrush instruction and flossing as well as the most suitable dental products to use. This guidance and advice is most valued to take care of teeth and keep them clean in between dental visits.

Seeing that one’s diet has a direct link to oral health, our hygienist can also offer advice on a tooth-friendly diet and effective ways on how to limit excessive sugar consumption.

A dental hygienist can help patients understand the cause of their dental issue or disease better and empower them to take better care of their oral health. Please feel free to speak to our highly knowledgeable dental hygienist about your dental goals so we can guide you on how to achieve them.

The best way to avoid all the dreaded dental treatments and procedures, like root canal procedures and extractions, is to see a dental hygienist for regular deep dental cleanings and gum inspection.

Get to know more about our dental hygiene services by getting in touch with our friendly reception staff at Smilecraft who will be happy to assist you in making an appointment.

What to know about the role of The Wand in dental care

At Smilecraft we use attainting patient service excellence as a driving force in all that we do. We don’t just ‘talk’ about patient comfort but take active measures to ensure it. We understand how unsettling the thought of certain invasive dental procedures can be for patients.

Some patients may have had the misfortune of receiving dental care at the hands of uncaring dentists resulting in them developing dental phobia. Others may not like the effects of a numbed mouth after receiving anaesthetic administered through a syringe. By relying on modern anaesthesia techniques such as The Wand Stevenage, we circumvent all the above issues and more. We take a look at this clever piece of equipment that has changed the way in which patients receive dental care.

What is The Wand Stevenage and how does it work

The days of the syringe to administer pain-relieving medication to patients receiving dental care are numbered thanks to the introduction of The Wand Stevenage. The device can be used effectively in a range of dental care services, from restorative treatments to cosmetic procedures. Here are a few important takeaways about this game changing device.

The Wand is a computer-assisted anaesthesia administering system that was specifically developed to replace the old fashioned syringe system and avoid all related challenges that arose with its use.

The introduction of the device has realised the possibility of painless injections. More than this, the device is found to be more accurate in locating the exact spot where the anaesthetic would provide most benefit to the patient and highly effective in delivering a great patient experience. Patients are completely relaxed and at ease during the treatment process.

The pen-like device proffers a slow and gentle supply of local anaesthetic to the localised site and because it looks more like a pen than a syringe, it is less likely to scare off patients.

Unlike the numbing sensation produced by traditional syringe injections, this excellent tool sidesteps the numbness to ensure less pain, more comfort, reduced anxiety and minimal downtime for recovery. Patients can be up and at it in no time at all.

Sedation dentistry has completely changed the way patients see and feel about receiving invasive dental care. In the past these procedures at the hands of an indifferent dentist could be a nerve-wrecking experience resulting in patients avoiding the dentist chair at all costs and jeopardising their oral health. To encourage and assist dental phobic patients to take care of their dental health needs, sedation dentistry is used to helping patients relax and be comfortable whilst in the dental chair. With the use of The Wand, patients may not even be aware that an anaesthetic is being administered.

If you need an invasive dental procedure performed but hate the thought of being injected, then our painless anaesthesia method is just the thing. Would you like to know more about painless injections available at Smilecraft? Get in touch with our reception desk for an appointment with one of our competent dental practitioners who would be happy to answer all of your questions.

What are the benefits of preventative dentistry for kids?

Many patients are under the misconception that it is only adults that need to look after their teeth. Children have only a temporary need for their baby teeth and these will eventually fall out once they have served their purpose. But it should be noted that there are significantly weighty reasons to look after children’s oral health that will carry a long-lasting impact well into their adult years. Preventive-focused dental measures and treatments is the branch of dentistry dedicated to preserving teeth and gums and safeguarding oral function.

preventative-dentistry-for-kids-stevenage

Our approachable and competent dentist at Smilecraft dental clinic is well-experienced in providing quality preventative dentistry for kids Stevenage. We are of the opinion that it is never too early to bring in a child for an oral health assessment which is why we welcome children of all ages including babies who have sprouted their first tooth. Here’s why we encourage parents to focus on preventative dentistry for kids Stevenage.

The need for children to visit the dentist

Preventative dentistry for kids Stevenage is a key part in maintaining children’s oral health and avoiding serious issues from developing that will lead to dental pain, tooth discomfort, tooth decay and traumatising treatments such as tooth extractions.

The advantages of preventive dental care for children does not only benefit children in their younger years as the appreciation they have for their teeth and the positive habits they practice towards maintaining oral health are likely to stay with them for life.

There are many parts to preventive dental care and includes check-up appointments scheduled at dentist-recommended intervals, a comprehensive oral assessment, treatments and procedures carried out by an experienced dental practitioner such as in-clinic cleanings, fluoride treatments and fillings as well as the oral hygiene practice at home – daily brushing and flossing and the use of specially-formulated kid-friendly mouthwash.

Dental issues that are identified in a child’s early years allows a dental practitioner to put in place suitable measures like orthodontic treatments to prevent major problems (teeth spacing issues or jaw problems) from developing at a later stage.

As part of our preventive care services specifically focusing on children, we provide:

Education for children on the importance of looking after teeth.
Recommend ways to parents on appropriate products to use and tricks to employ when supervising children’s oral hygiene routine.
Fluoride and sealant treatments.
Use of x-rays to track development of teeth and jawbone.

Parents are welcome to address any concerns about their child’s teeth or general oral health with our dentist. We can advise on the best guidelines and techniques to use (games to play, songs to sing and products to use) to make cleaning teeth fun. It is important that parents do not leave their children to clean their teeth on their own. For the oral hygiene routine to be effective, this practice must be supervised at all times to ensure the child is doing it correctly.

To help your child avoid the pain and trauma of cavities and dental decay, we recommend visiting us at Smilecraft dental clinic for exceptional preventive dental care.

Looking for teeth whitening Stevenage? Head over to Smilecraft

Teeth can become discoloured for a variety of reasons: whether it’s drinking tea and coffee, or red wine; not following an effective oral hygiene routine; or because you are taking medications or have an illness which affects the appearance of your teeth. At Smilecraft, we offer teeth whitening Stevenage treatments, Enlighten and Zoom, which are professional teeth whitening systems that can improve the appearance of your teeth. Enlighten is the only system in the world that can lighten teeth by up to 16 shades, easily, effectively and, most importantly, safely. The system is designed to ensure that your teeth will reach their optimum whiteness, and this means that every patient’s results are individual to them and their teeth. With Zoom, the treatment takes place both at the practice and at home, allowing you to brighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, safely and effectively.

How does Enlighten work?

Enlighten is a streamlined and state-of-the-art treatment. Like Zoom, it uses a combination of home and practice treatments. You will have a consultation to discuss the treatment and if you decide to go ahead with it, you will be given a proprietary Tooth Serum to use for a couple of weeks before you have your treatment. The serum desensitises your teeth to give you maximum comfort when undergoing the whitening procedure. After you have had your treatment, you will also be given the Evo toothpaste to keep your teeth light after the treatment has been completed. You will also be able to keep your trays after the treatment has finished and use the home whitening gel to keep the results of your treatment and we will advise you about how frequently you will need to use this to maintain the results.

How does Zoom work?

Zoom involves a two hour treatment with us at the Smilecraft practice. During this treatment, we should be able to achieve improved results by 4-6 shades, so that on the day you can leave us a brighter smile – and we reckon you’ll have lots to smile about with results like that afterwards, we will provide you with bleaching trays to use at home. With the trays, you will fill these with the whitening gel we provide you with and all you need to do is simply use this for 6 days following your treatment with us.

One more thing…

If you don’t fancy an intense treatment and want to lighten your teeth more gradually, we do also offer a home whitening kit. You will receive made-to-measure trays to use in the comfort of your own home and we will be happy to show you how to use them properly before you take them away from the practice. We will also make sure that they do fit as they should, so that you get the best results possible. When you are at home, you will also have some whitening gel in which you place a small amount into the trays and wear them in bed overnight as you sleep. Most people start to see optimum whiteness within 4-6 weeks, although treatment times and results will vary between patients. If you would like to find out more about our professional treatments for teeth whitening Stevenage, simply book in for a consultation and we will help you to get a smile that shines.

What options can you offer with smile makeovers in Stevenage?

When discussing smile makeovers Stevenage it is entirely based on the patient’s idea of what a makeover is. For example, makeovers can range from teeth whitening treatment, to tooth restoration to tooth realignment. Therefore when discussing a makeover Smilecraft first needs to understand what you, our patient, is looking for.

Is the Six Month Smiles treatment considered to be a makeover?

Tooth realignment is an extremely common dental issue and whilst mild cases of misalignment are often considered unimportant by patients, for some, whether mild or severe, misaligned or crooked teeth can cause major confidence issues. Six Month Smiles is a treatment that wants to restore confidence in the patient’s smile without having to go through an embarrassing process to get there. For instance, when people think of braces the idea that mostly springs to mind is that of chunky, metal braces which are noticeable and sometimes cause discomfort. Whilst this traditional method is still extremely effective, Six Month Smiles is an alternative way to have one of the more modern smile makeovers Stevenage. This particular treatment uses tooth coloured brackets and wires to provide a much more discreet way of realignment.

What treatment would provide me with one of the quickest smile makeovers Stevenage?

Teeth whitening is considered to be one of the quickest and most noticeable methods of having a smile makeover. Whilst classed as a cosmetic treatment, the benefits of having your teeth whitened can be visible not only within your smile, but also with your own confidence.

Our mouth and our teeth go through a lot every single day and therefore a degree of discolouration is to be expected. Whether it is as a result of drinking too much caffeine, smoking over the years or just general wear from age, tooth discolouration can hinder a person’s confidence and even cause embarrassment. Unlike some of the more in depth procedures, teeth whitening is a simple, safe and effective way to restore the smile.

So how does teeth whitening work?

After a discussion has occurred with our dental team we will decide with you between three possible whitening options which we offer at Smilecraft.

Option one – Enlighten whitening

This first option uses home treatments combined with in-surgery whitening.

Option two – Zoom whitening

This second option focuses more on a two hour in-surgery whitening session with minimal treatment time at home.

Option three – Home whitening

This final option is carried out entirely at home using trays and whitening gels which are provided. Each treatment is highly effective and depends entirely on which process would suit the patient best, for instance a patient with a nervous disposition when visiting the dental practice may be happier with the home whitening method more than the Zoom whitening. However, this would all be discussed in the initial consultation. Whichever method you choose in the end, our professional dental team only wants the optimal results for our patients. This applies to every procedure provided by Smilecraft, which should reflect only the very best dentistry has to offer.

How to have a Merry Christmas and look after your teeth

What is a festive season without decadent sugar-rich or carb-heavy foods to tempt and delight? However, our dental practitioners at Smilecraft want you to keep your Christmas cheer and have a Merry Christmas Stevenage by bearing in mind a few teeth-friendly tips to ensure that the treats you indulge in this Christmas, don’t take a toll on your teeth!

Dentist-recommended tips to ensure oral health during the festive season

You can have all the fun and a Merry Christmas Stevenage and still be kind to your teeth – just remember to implement a few important measures.

Don’t skip out on your oral hygiene practices

All dental practitioners agree that what a patient does at home to care for their teeth and gums is vitally important. This is true on any given day, but more so, during celebratory occasions where the excessive consumption of sugary foods and alcoholic beverages increases exposure to sugar and acid-loving bacteria in the mouth. Coming home tired after a late night out full of Christmas cheer, it may be tempting to sacrifice your usual night time routine of brushing and flossing, but, we advise against it – the greater risk of cavities or poor gum health has far worse consequences.

Practice moderation

It’s only Christmas so why not have that extra mince pie or another helping of Christmas pudding and yet another glass of wine? The harm lies not only in expanding the waistline, but endangering oral health too – the amount and frequency of exposure to sugar and acids ensures a steady supply of food for bacteria to grow and plaque to form. By all means enjoy a slice of Christmas cake, but be sure to limit the number of dessert portions especially during day-long celebrations.

Keep teeth and gums healthy by chewing on sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum works in two ways to promote good dental health. Firstly, it stimulates the production of saliva which is essential for the reduction of acid in the mouth. Secondly, bad breath is kept at bay, as saliva also gets rid of bad bacteria responsible for bad breath.

Choose the cheese

One of the few festive indulgences that is kinder to teeth is cheese. It has long been known that cheese helps in the protection of teeth against acid in the mouth. A cheese-based dessert is a great healthy choice to indulge in.

Leave the cracking open of bottles to the bottle openers.

Next to giving you a great looking smile, your teeth’s primary function is to support your chewing and biting capabilities. And to do these vitally important functions well, teeth need to be healthy and strong. Using teeth for all other purposes such as tearing off strips of tape or bottle caps, risks chipping or fracturing teeth enamel and leaving the door wide open for bacteria to creep in and set up camp.

Don’t let needless tooth aches dampen your celebrations this festive season. You can look after your oral health and have a Merry Christmas Stevenage. And make sure to have your teeth and gums checked by one of our well-experienced dental team at Smilecraft dental clinic.

How to get mouth cancer screening Stevenage

Early detection is the best way to dramatically increase your chances of a full recovery when it comes to cancer and mouth cancer is no exception. There have been studies that have shown that this condition is on the rise, so by receiving a mouth cancer screening Stevenage, you can put your mind at ease and ensure that you are not only cleared or made aware of something of concern, you are given the tools and know-how to identify lesions of concern and know when to contact a dentist for further advice at a later stage.

During an initial consultation with one of our professionals in our practice, you will automatically undergo a mouth cancer screening Stevenage. Should anything concern you during your time with us, then we warmly and urgently invite you to speak with us so that we can perform further checks to ensure you are all clear.

How does a screening take place?

Mouth cancer screening Stevenage is a short procedure that involves palpations of all areas of the mouth, jaw and neck. A thorough examination takes place to check for any lumps and lesions and we talk you through what you need to look out for and know.

We recommend that you undergo this fast and convenient check-up every year and we carry out this treatment every time you see us because it takes such little of your time and alleviates any concern on both your part and our own. If you have any concerns or questions, there is always time during an appointment where you can talk with us and you can, of course, take advantage of this.

What are some signs to look out for?

If you have a lesion, ulcer or pain that just isn’t going away, then you should certainly get this checked out, even if it is not within the time frame of your regular biannual dental appointments. Sores and lumps should get checked out and our experienced professionals know what to look for and how to identify any of these conditions accurately for you. We are always of the belief that it is better to err on the side of caution, given that late detection of the disease is responsible for taking some 2,700 lives in the UK each year.

Rather than instilling fear in our patients, something that we are not interested in doing, we look to educate and activate individuals so that you can be prepared and knowledgeable about your own health and wellbeing.

Cancer is a daunting experience and it is likely we all know someone who has faced the battle, if not ourselves. Only through candid, open conversations and active checks are we able to address issues early and get cancer detected before it gets away on us. This way, with correct treatment, many of us are able to overcome the condition and go on to lead healthy, productive lives once again.

Let’s normalise screening for mouth cancer and be a part of the preventive solution that gives life and hope back to many.

When is there need for an e-consultation?

What is an e-consultation Stevenage? I hear you ask. The recent pandemic has shown us that we need to reduce face-to-face contact with our patients without compromising on the help that we can provide to them. This article will discuss what ailments can be discussed through an e-consultation, and how this process is used for new patients, as well as what you should do next. If you decide to use our practice as well as this process then you can fill in the form that is on our website and upload your photos. Your details will then be reviewed by a dental practitioner, allowing you to receive a customised report from our dentist, so you can be assured that you are getting the best advice and help.

What issues can be looked at through an e-consultation?

What is an e-consultation Stevenage? What types of advice can it be used for? There are many ailments that can be looked at through this type of consultation. If you have a broken tooth or are in need of a filling then an e-consultation could allow you to get the help that you need and quickly. Swelling and trauma can also be looked at through this consultation alongside any orthodontic enquiries. The e-consultation can also be used to allow you to look into any cosmetic dentistry you may require. The consultation is designed to keep you safe so you can get the help and assistance that you need with your smile, without compromising on your security and health. E-consultations can also be used for new patients who come into our practice. This will be discussed in the next section.

E-consultation and new patients

What is an e-consultation Stevenage? How can this be used by new patients? New patients can use this process so we at Smilecraft can get to examine their dental health and receive an indication of their goals for their smile. The consultation will allow us to determine which treatments could be necessary. This can also be used to give you an idea of a treatment plan and any costs that you may incur, so you are fully aware of these things before you come into the practice for the first time. You should use the ‘your expectations’ section of our website to show us exactly what you have in mind when it comes to altering your smile for the better. If this sounds like an efficient and safe way for you to get the help that you need then you should read on to the next section to discover what you can do next.

What will happen with the consultation?

One you have had your consultation with us, it will then be followed up with a video or telephone call. This will then be used to make the first in-house appointment where we will meet you face to face for the first time. If you want to participate in our e-consultation so you can get the help that you need in the safest way possible, then you should have a look at our website to read more about how the process works, as well as more about us and our practice. You could also consider calling us so we can best advise you on your next steps.

What is an e-consultation?

Let our technology work for your smile

In light of the recent changes within all of our lives that Covid 19 has had, we feel, here at Smilecraft, that it’s time to make the most of the cutting-edge technologies which are at each of our fingertips. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to combine our dental expertise with new emerging technologies to allow for patients to have their teeth professionally assessed and their concerns voiced within a digitalised environment which does not require them to visit our practice. If you are asking what is an e-consultation from us here at Smilecraft, then have no fear. Our expert technicians and practitioners have worked tirelessly to create a seamless experience which is easily accessible to all those who need it.

How can technology help?

The question of “What is an e-consultation?” is something which, understandably, many people across the country have been increasingly asking. In response to the recent Covid 19 restrictions, we understand that many people across the country are more hesitant to have face-to-face contact. This being said, we do still recognise the importance of maintaining a good level of oral and dental health. As a means of ensuring that our patients get the best possible care from us here at Smilecraft, we developed the SmileMate Virtual Consultation System. If you are already aware of the specific issues or concerns that you have with your teeth, then SmileMate allows patients to explain them to a dental expert in their own words. This information is filled out within a section dedicated to the patient’s dental expectations. In order to best correctly assess the health of our patients’ teeth, and the extent of treatment they may need, we also ask them to send in a picture of their teeth so we can make a more established observation and best decide on a treatment plan.

What can new patients expect at an e-consultation?

If you are a new patient to our practice here at Smilecraft, then you can have every confidence. We have engineered our digital constellation software to be easily accessible to all – including any older patients who may require treatment. The first, and most crucial stage in the e-consultation process is the information which patients put in the ‘your expectations’ section. After the patient has detailed their dental needs, concerns and wants within the section and sent in the relevant pictures if they are required, then our expertly trained dental diagnostic and specialist practitioners can then process this information. They can then contact you again with a uniquely made, patient tailored treatment plan which has been crafted in such a way that it best meets the needs and desires which you, the patient, have clearly laid out. Some of the most commonly detailed problems which can be treated through an e-consultation include chipped or broken fillings, dental swellings and many forms and degrees of dental trauma. Patients also reach out to us through e-consultations to seek out information on orthodontic treatments which we offer here at Smilecraft, as well as cosmetic dentistry options which cover a wide range of different treatment options. Anyone who is looking to have their oral wellbeing seen by a professional team of dedicated specialists – without having to leave the comfort and safety of their own homes – ought to begin their e-consultation with us here at Smilecraft at the next convenient time to them.

Safely contact your dentist through an e-consultation in Stevenage

Adapting to the times

At Smilecraft, we are a dentist who is completely dedicated to providing care to all those who need it in such a way that they feel comfortable, informed, and safe. We recognise that the recent lockdown measures taken across the country may have caused higher levels of anxiety than normal and has caused many people to refrain from making visits to practices unless it is absolutely necessary. As such, in an attempt to provide dental care to those who are unable to visit our practice, we offer online consultations. For those who are wondering what an e-consultation in Stevenage is, it is a way of digitally examining a patient’s dental wellbeing and working alongside them to create a unique treatment plan.

Benefits of an e-consultation in Stevenage

One of the main benefits of an e-consultation in Stevenage is that patients have time to explain their dental concerns and treatment goals to a professional through an online messaging system. This can be helpful for many patients as they may struggle to properly voice their concerns and wishes during a physical consultation as they have ample time and can carry out their digital consultation at a time and location in which they feel comfortable and relaxed. This ability to choose when they carry out the online consultation is another key appeal for those who are busy working from home and cannot spare any time to visit our practice to carry out a physical consultation.

Six Month Smiles treatment

One of the most common concerns which patients commonly voice during their online consultations is the misalignment of their teeth. Many of the patients who voice concerns about having crooked teeth have refrained from getting their teeth professionally straightened because they are convinced that treatment will vastly affect their outward appearance for as long as twelve months as conventional, fused metal braces often do. However, through treatments such as Six Month Smiles, we can straighten a patient’s teeth in such a way that it yields positive results in just six months – and without having a massively impacting effect on their outward appearance.

How does Six Month Smiles work?

The Six Month Smiles system operates through two different branches of cosmetic orthodontics, with both being tailored to meet the needs set by each individual patient. The first method is ‘Invisible braces’ which are discreet orthodontics which operate in a similar method to conventional braces, only they yield results in a shorter time frame. The ‘invisible’ nature of this method comes from the fact that the brackets used are specifically color-matched to blend in with the patient’s teeth and the wire used is made of transparent plastic and as such is far less visible.

The other alternative Six Month Smiles treatment which we offer here at Smilecraft is the removable retainer method. This alternative method of dental alignment, which doesn’t require anything to be attached to a patient’s teeth, is purely made up of a single transparent retainer. This retainer is made out of a digital impression of every patient’s unique tooth shape and is both transparent and wafer-thin. When worn over the patient’s teeth, the retainer uses pressure points that are built within it to push their teeth together until they are straight.

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