The food we enjoy feeds all of our body, including our teeth and gums. Our oral and overall health is determined by the type of foods we choose to eat. At Clifton Dental Studio, we often get asked about the best type of diet for healthy teeth.
We are all made different, some with health conditions or faster metabolisms than others. Our health status and food tolerances or allergies may impact the kind of foods we eat. Therefore, we suggest some general markers as dietary options for healthy teeth.
Avoid foods high in sugar and acid
Foods with high sugar and acid content, such as fizzy drinks and certain sweets, may cause the saliva in the mouth to become acidic, eroding tooth enamel. As the structure of the tooth erodes, cavities form and the tooth may become weaker and more susceptible to fractures. The sugar and acid may trigger bacterial colonisation in the mouth that leads to tooth infections and possible gum disease. By avoiding high sugary and acidic foods, tooth decay and gum disease is less likely to develop.
Eat balanced and versatile meals
To get all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals our bodies need for healthy function, we need to eat a balanced and versatile diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Processed foods are more likely to contain ingredients that may in the long run be harmful to health. Eating fresh foods keeps all of the body strong, including our teeth and gums. Drinking enough water hydrates the skin, lips and gums. Eat softer foods as needed, like with dentures.
Get enough calcium
Our need calcium for healthy density and strength. Calcium-containing foods, such as dairy products, keep teeth strong and less vulnerable to breaks. For a hygiene appointment with us why not contact us today at Clifton Dental Studio in the city of Bristol.
Root canal treatment has a bad name, but it is actually a really important and effective treatment, which can save a tooth. Often, the alternative to root canal treatment is extraction and it is almost always better to save a tooth rather than remove it. At Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London we have many years of experience in performing root canal procedures and the treatment is much less daunting than it sounds.
About the root canals
The root canals are found in the root section of the tooth. They contain pulp, which is the living tissue of the tooth, including blood vessels and nerves. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, this causes the tooth to start dying and the tooth becomes susceptible to abscesses, which are usually very painful.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment may be recommended if a tooth is infected and the pulp tissue has become damaged. Root canal treatment can help to prevent the spread of infection and the development of abscesses. If the tooth is left untreated, the infection will spread and there may be no other option but to remove the tooth.
The procedure
Many patients are worried about having root canal treatment because they think it will be painful, but the tooth will be anaesthetised before the procedure to prevent any pain. Root canal treatment involves drilling into the tooth to access to root canals. The infected pulp tissue is removed and the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to ensure that no infected tissue is left behind. The root canals are then sealed using dental filling material to prevent the infection from spreading. A temporary crown is usually fitted and then the patient is advised to come back to the surgery to have the permanent crown fitted.
Root canal treatment should not be painful and we do everything we can to help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
The summer is almost upon us and many of us are eagerly anticipating parties, weddings and holidays, so what better way to make sure you look your best than treating yourself to facial rejuvenation treatment? Our non-invasive facial treatments are the perfect tonic to tired and dull looking skin, as well as lines and wrinkles. The treatment is so quick and convenient that we’ll have you looking and feeling amazing in perfect time for a summer to remember.
What are fillers?
Dermal fillers are commonly used to plump and add volume and vitality to the skin. As you get older, the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases and this can leave your skin looking sunken, tired and old. With fillers, we can replace the lost collagen to add volume to your cheeks and enhance your facial features to bring out your natural beauty and boost your confidence. Fillers also smooth the complexion, reducing the visibility of lines and wrinkles and giving your skin a gorgeous, youthful look.
Filler treatment
Filler treatment is really simple and it only takes around 15-20 minutes, so it can be fitted around your schedule very easily. Before we start treatment, we will have a consultation to take a look at your skin and discuss where you want to treat. We will also explain what will happen when you have filler treatment and answer any questions you have.
The actual procedure simply involves using a very thin needle to inject the filler into the areas of the skin you want to treat. After treatment, you will soon be able to see the effects and they should last between 6 and 9 months. After this period of time has elapsed, it is possible to top up the treatment as and when you wish.
If you have troublesome lines, look older than you feel or would simply like to give your complexion a boost of radiance, why not call us today and find out about our amazing facial treatments?
Our general dental treatments are designed to prevent and treat dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Both these diseases are very common, but they are largely preventable. Whether you have existing symptoms of decay or are eager to keep cavities at bay for as long as possible, we can help!
About tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when the protective enamel coating of the tooth becomes weakened, usually as a result of acid wear. Cavities are holes that form in the enamel layer. They are caused by harmful bacteria that combine with food debris to form plaque, a sticky substance that is colourless. When you eat, the bacteria in plaque release acids that gradually destroy the hard enamel. We use treatments to reduce the risk of decay and address signs of decay to make the teeth stronger and healthier.
You can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay by maintaining good oral hygiene at home, visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and eating well. We recommend brushing twice a day, every day, using fluoride toothpaste and monitoring your intake of sugary and acidic foods.
Fillings for tooth decay
The most common treatment for tooth decay is a filling. Fillings help to make the teeth stronger, as well as reducing the risk of infection spreading through the tooth. In the past, fillings were made from mercury amalgam, but now many people prefer to have white fillings, which are made from dental composite. Composite fillings are strong and durable, but they also offer natural aesthetics, as the composite matches the shade of your natural tooth.
Having a filling is nothing to be worried or alarmed about. We will numb the tooth completely before placing the filling so you will not feel any pain at all and the procedure takes less than an hour. We simply clean the cavity and remove all the decayed tissue before pouring in the composite and then setting it using a powerful curing light.
At Clifton Dental Studio we are proud to be able to say that we have created hundreds of stunning smiles. With our bespoke smile makeover service, we work with you to design and produce the smile of your dreams using the latest dental treatments and techniques.
A smile makeover is the ultimate treat for anyone who has been hiding their smile away for years, those who shy away from the camera, or feel awkward in social situations because they are unhappy with the look of their teeth. Sadly, very few people are blessed with absolutely perfect teeth, but we do have remedies for almost any aesthetic problem you could imagine and a beautiful smile is now something that is accessible to everyone.
With a smile makeover we use a series of different treatments to create the perfect result. This may include cosmetic, restorative and orthodontic treatment. All our patients have different needs and therefore, the treatments we use tend to vary each time and no two smile makeovers are the same.
Our treatment options
We are delighted to offer a wide range of treatments, which can be used to form part of a spectacular smile makeover, including:
teeth whitening
cosmetic bonding
white fillings
dental bridges, implants and dentures
cosmetic braces
porcelain crowns
porcelain veneers
gum reshaping
During your consultation, we will discuss the treatment options with you and help you to decide which treatments to include in your makeover. As well as your dental needs, we can also discuss your budget and any preferences you have, for example if you have a special occasion or a date in mind and you’d like treatment to be complete by this time. We can then start the exciting bit, planning your new smile!
Restorative treatment is very common because although the teeth are made of sturdy stuff, they are prone to damage. Crowns are commonly used to build up strength in the tooth when it has become weaker as a result of an injury such as a fracture, major chip, or decay.
What exactly is a crown?
A crown is a type of tooth restoration, which is placed over the top of the natural tooth to make it stronger and more robust. Crowns are also known as caps.
Crowns can be made from different materials including ceramics such as porcelain, and precious metals such as gold. In many cases, crowns are made from ceramic fused to metal, as this means that they are strong and durable, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
How is a crown fitted?
The treatment process involves two stages. During the first stage, the tooth is prepared, which means taking out the decayed or damaged tooth tissue and cleaning and shaping the tooth. Once the tooth has been prepared, a mould will be created and this is used by dental technicians to produce the new crown.
Once the new crown is ready, it will be fitted. The crown is placed over the top of the tooth and then secured in position using strong dental adhesive. Your dentist will then make any final adjustments to ensure that the crown fits perfectly and looks good.
How long does a crown last?
Crowns cannot decay, but the area where the crown joins the natural tooth can become infected and for this reason, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and treat the tooth as if it were a normal tooth. Crowns should last for several years provided that they are well looked-after. For more information or to arrange a consultation then contact us at Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol.
Dentures are a very popular treatment for missing teeth. They are false teeth, which are available in full sets to replace entire arches of missing teeth or in smaller sets, known as partial dentures. At Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol, we provide modern, functional and natural looking dentures made from the finest quality materials.
About dentures
Dentures have been used to replace lost teeth for many years, but the design and manufacturing processes have come a long way and modern dentures are very different to the dentures of old. We use the finest materials and the latest designs to provide clients with amazing natural looking dentures, which offer all the benefits of natural teeth.
Dentures are an excellent solution for patients who have a few missing teeth or an entire arch of lost teeth. We recommend replacing missing teeth for a number of reasons. Not only do gaps affect the look of your smile and your self-esteem, they also contribute to problems with speech and the ability to eat, as well as increasing the risk of oral diseases.
The treatment process
All our dentures are custom-made for the individual. Prior to treatment, your dentist will discuss the treatment options with you and create impressions of your teeth and gums, which will serve as a template for your denture. Dentures are held in place by the natural suction of the gums and they function like natural teeth. Once the denture has been returned from the laboratory, treatment can begin and your dentist will advise you how to care for your denture and organise follow-up appointments to check the fit and function of your denture.
Alternatives to dentures include dental bridges and dental implants. If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss these options, contact us today!
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, we want all our patients to enjoy the best results and this is why we offer the world’s leading treatment systems. One of our most popular treatments is Invisalign, a clear aligner system that moves the teeth without anyone being able to see a brace.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an invisible alternative to fixed braces and uses a series of aligners to re-position and realign the teeth. These aligners work in a set order to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is different, but all are worn for two weeks and treatment is planned in advance, so you can see images of the treatment process and get an idea of what your smile will look like once you remove the last aligner for the final time.
This system is hugely popular because it provides patients with an option that eliminates anxiety and worry about image. With these aligners, the look of the smile won’t change and you can go through your treatment without suffering from a lack of confidence when you smile or speak to people.
What is so good about Invisalign?
Invisalign is simple, effective and invisible. The aligners cannot be seen, which gives you more confidence once you start treatment, and they are removable, so you have control of your treatment and can enjoy more flexibility than with a fixed brace. Invisalign aligners contain no bands or metal parts and they are suitable for patients with a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor and moderate crowding to spaces between the teeth.
How does treatment work?
The treatment process is fairly straightforward and involves wearing each aligner in a set order for two weeks at a time. The aligners should be worn for a minimum of 21 hours per day and removed when you intend to brush your teeth or eat.
It’s very common to have slightly crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth and if you find yourself shying away from the camera or feeling self-conscious when you smile, you’re not alone. Thousands of people choose to have orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth and make their smile look more attractive every year, and we have a range of amazing treatments to suit patients with all kinds of problems. For minor issues, we highly recommend the Inman Aligner, an innovative appliance that produces beautiful smiles in a matter of weeks.
About the Inman Aligner
The Inman Aligner is one of the swiftest orthodontic treatments around, delivering amazing results in as little as four months. This removable appliance offers an incredible option for patients with minor issues affecting their front teeth, such as mild crowding or slightly crooked front teeth. With the Inman Aligner, you have the flexibility of a removable appliance in addition to discreet aesthetics, speed and comfort.
This super brace is not like traditional orthodontic treatments. This custom-made, removable device sits over the top of the teeth and uses forces generated by a coiled spring and a metal bar (rather than wires and brackets) to move the teeth, gently guiding them into the best position and giving you a stunning new smile. The aligner is not invisible like Invisalign and Clearstep aligners, but it does work incredibly quickly and it is much less noticeable than traditional fixed braces.
Who is the best candidate for the Inman Aligner?
If you have minor problems that concern the teeth at the front of the mouth and are looking for a fast, comfortable and discreet treatment, this could be the perfect choice for you. This treatment offers so many benefits and it works much faster than traditional fixed braces. It is also more cost-effective than other aligner systems and can be beneficial for patients who have suffered relapse following treatment in the past. Call and book a consultation now to find out if the Inman Aligner is the ideal treatment for you!
If you have missing teeth, especially in highly visible parts of your mouth, it can have a great impact on your daily life, as speaking and eating expose your missing teeth to people and smiling becomes something you try to avoid at all costs. If this is the case for you then why not get it fixed by having dental implants to restore your smile to its former glory?
Dental implants
Dental implants themselves are replacements for the root of a natural tooth and can resemble small screws. These implants are fitted into a small opening that will be drilled into your jaw bone in order the support new teeth, which can be one or several depending on what you require. If a tooth has been extracted then implants can often be placed on the same day. This is in order to create immediate contact between the implant and the jawbone to create better stability as the bone grows.
Once this is done, dental implants can support anything from crowns, dentures and dental bridges to help restore your smile.
Overall treatment time
Although the initial process may appear very quick and straightforward, it is important to note that the overall treatment time can take up to three months, due to check ups to ensure the implant and bone have bonded. However this is all dependent upon the patients and what their treatment plan is. Once this is all complete, dental implants can last anywhere between 15 and 20 years, ensuring you get the most out of your smile.
Although dental implants are a great way to help replace teeth and restore your smile, they aren’t suitable for everyone. We will determine this beforehand at Clifton Dental Studio when we check over your jawbone to ensure its health and its density can support an implant. In some cases a bone graft may be required.
Call Today On 0117 973 1910 Email info@cliftonsmiles.co.uk
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry