Dental Blog - Farnham Road Dental Practice

Brightening up on the benefits of teeth whitening in Guildford

Shine like a star

One of the most popular methods of cosmetic dentistry which we offer here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, is teeth whitening in Guildford. Whilst there has always been a demand for cosmetic teeth whitening, in recent years we’ve witnessed a significant spike in awareness and engagement around this method of cosmetic dentistry across all ages. Here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we feel that the recent trend towards cosmetic tooth whitening has been brought about, in part, by the ‘perfect’ smiles which are presented to us through television and the media. The high profile of media celebrities has, we feel, played a significant role in steering a good deal of us towards taking action to improve and maximise the potential of our own smiles.

Bright and confident

Whilst the correlation between white teeth and prosperity is nothing new, and even dates as far back as ancient Egypt – when white teeth were seen as a sign of beauty and wealth – it is certainly a prevailing desire for many. A recent study found that those who have whiter, brighter teeth are seen as more successful and good-looking. It also stated that their employment opportunities were broader, and their perceived age reduced by a whopping 5 -10 years. Whilst this is reason alone for a great number of us to seek teeth whitening in Guildford, there are actually numerous other reasons why cosmetic tooth whitening can be beneficial for both your oral health and social well-being.

Growing concern

It was recently found that today, men across the UK are more concerned with their teeth becoming dulled or yellowed than losing their hair. This is a complete reversal in attitudes and opinions than a similar study carried out several years ago and is testimony to the importance that is placed on the brightness and colour of our teeth. Often, as we age the natural enamel of our teeth becomes dulled or yellowed. The enamel is the outermost layer of tooth, and the one which is most open to superficial stains. Poor or lazy brushing techniques can also result in build-up of plaque staining or discolouring your enamel. Additionally, smoking or consuming highly acidic foods or drinks can cause large or unsightly stains forming on your enamel. Whilst these stains may be the cause of concern or embarrassment, thankfully they need not last for long as our teeth whitening in Guildford can fully eradicate years worth of discolouration or stains on a patient’s teeth and leave them with a renewed, brighter smile and the self-esteem to match it.

Bringing the practice to you

Here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we provide our patients with an effective and perfectly safe method of home-whitening. The initial stage in beginning the whitening process with us would involve a consultation period, to establish whether or not you are eligible for treatment and highlight the benefits you may experience. Thereafter, a custom-built retainer would be created in-house from a mould of your teeth. You would then take this retainer home with you along with a tube of a peroxide-based, specialist whitening gel. Once at home, and at a time which is convenient to you, you would then apply a small amount of the gel inside the retainer before wearing it periodically over the following two weeks. Over this time, you can witness your teeth brightening shade by shade until they are as bright and healthy looking as you would wish.

Let us brighten up your world, with teeth whitening in Guildford

Let yourself shine

Having white, gleaming teeth is an attribute many of us desire. Whilst this is nothing new, in recent years we’ve noticed a significant peak, here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, in the number of new patients who are seeking out further information on cosmetic teeth whitening in Guildford to bring out the true brightness and potential in their smiles and boost their self-esteem and confidence. Whether this increase in new patients is due to the rise in social media documentation and photography of our daily lives, or whether it is the ‘smiles of the stars’ which are shown to us through films, media and television that is the cause of this increase – here at Farnham Road Dental Practice we are just overjoyed to see a rising proportion of people – both young and old – take back control of their smiles enabling them to truly shine through seeking our services.

Washed-out smiles

There are a multitude of reasons as to why someone may seek out cosmetic teeth whitening in Guildford from one of our expert specialists. Over time, the natural enamel – which is the outermost layer – of a patient’s teeth can become stained, discoloured or yellowed. This is a natural stage in ageing, but can be the cause of a great deal of social anxiety for many. Additionally, certain lifestyle choices and dietary habits can result in superficial stains or marks on a patient’s teeth. Typically, any fluid with the potential to stain your clothes (red wine, tea, black coffee etc) has the potential to stain your teeth and – if consumed regularly – can result in your teeth becoming dulled or marked. Smoking and chewing tobacco are also some of the common causes of tooth discolouration or staining, and certain medications can also have a detrimental effect on the colour of your enamel. However, if the enamel on your teeth is yellowed, stained or marked, you needn’t fear. Thanks to the expertise of our specialists here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, those who opt for teeth whitening in Guildford can find their smiles rejuvenated and rid of any stains in a matter of weeks.

Brightening things up

The process of seeking out the aid of our teeth whitening specialists here at Farnham Road Dental Practice initially involves the patient taking part in a friendly, informal consultation. This helps us establish the extent of treatment that is necessary, as well as to gauge the overall dental well-being of the patient and establish their eligibility for cosmetic whitening. The consultation also allows us to take an impression of each patient’s unique dental structure. From this, a bespoke mould is created in-house, which the patient is then allowed to take home. Once home, the patient can apply a small amount of a specialist peroxide-based whitening agent, provided by us here at Farnham Road, within the retainer, before wearing it. As the patient continues to wear their retainer periodically – at a time of their choosing – over the next two weeks, they will gradually see their teeth get whiter and whiter, until they are shining healthily and the patient’s self-confidence is restored.

Heard the buzz about Six Month Smiles? Five benefits of using this adult brace at Farnham Road Dental

Do you want to feel proud of your smile? Did you say ‘no’ to braces as a child and now regret it?

You are not alone!

While there are benefits to undertaking orthodontic treatment earlier in life, if you missed that window, it is no longer the end of the road. Today, many adults and teenagers are choosing to undertake braces and aligners later in life and, unlike traditional orthodontic braces for children, there are so many options to choose from!

When you come to Farnham Road Dental, our dental team will discuss with you the benefits of each adult-targeted brace and help you decide which one is best suited to your individual needs. One of our more popular adult braces is the Six Month Smiles in Guildford, which, as the name suggests, can give you a straighter smile in just 24 weeks!

But what are the benefits of choosing Six Month Smiles in Guildford? Read on to find out!

Discretion

When thinking of a fitted brace, you would be forgiven for envisioning the traditional, metal braces that are commonly worn by children.

Although this brace is also fitted to the teeth, the brackets and other components are tooth coloured, making this brace visually discreet and easy to conceal if desired; perfect for adults and teenagers!

Treatment of multiple conditions

Another benefit of this brace is its power!

Like traditional braces, Six Month Smiles in Guildford can treat a variety of dental problems, ranging from overcrowding, or excessive spacing to over or underbites!

Although you will require a consultation with one of our orthodontists to determine suitability, of all the adult braces available, this brace is the most versatile as well as being fast working.

Comfortable

Another misconception in relation to braces is discomfort; we all remember that one child at school who was forever complaining about dental discomfort after having their braces tightened.

While it is true that there may be an adjustment period required for you to get used to wearing this brace, overall, wearers have deemed it extremely comfortable.

Unlike traditional braces that move the crown and the root of the tooth separately, this brace moves them both at the same time, reducing feelings of discomfort and pressure in the jaw.

Management

One reason our dental team at Farnham Road Dental Practice enjoys working with this brace is that it offers them a greater range of clinical management.

If you have protruding teeth or a couple of teeth that are misaligned, this brace allows our dentists to target the treatment of moving those specific teeth, while leaving the rest in place.

This makes the treatment easier for both you and our dental team, and also speeds it up!

Time!

Of course, the main reason this brace is so popular among adults and teenagers is its treatment time frame.

Compared to other adult braces like Invisalign, which offers an average treatment time of 9 months, this brace’s average is 6, meaning you can get that straighter smile in practically no time at all! Perfect!

Want straighter teeth as an adult? Five FAQs about Six Month Smiles at Farnham Road Dental

Are you an adult with misaligned teeth? Are you worried that the window to straighten them has passed?

While in years gone by this may have been the case, in dentistry today, there are many options available to help you. The world of adult orthodontic procedures is booming in popularity and, depending on your unique clinical presentation, there is almost certainly a brace that can help you!

At Farnham Road Dental, our team of dentists and orthodontists are proud to be able to offer all of our adult patients a range of different braces and aligners. Everything from the world-famous Invisalign aligner to Six Month Smiles in Guildford is available at our surgery, helping you to get that straighter smile you deserve.

Before you book a consultation with us, you will have questions about our braces. In this article, we have compiled the five most commonly asked questions about our Six Month Smiles in Guilford to give you more insight into this treatment.

How can this brace work in only six months?

When considering Six Month Smiles in Guildford, it is important to know how this brace works as a dental device.

Unlike traditional orthodontic braces that move the top of the tooth (crown) and the bottom of the tooth (root) separately, this targeted brace moves both at the same time. This enables a shorter treatment time and provides a much more comfortable experience.

Is it uncomfortable?

While you may require a slight adjustment period once this brace is fitted, throughout the treatment, there should be minimal to no discomfort.

Our team at Farnham Road Dental will need to see you on average every 2 weeks to make adjustments to the brace, but once again, this should not be uncomfortable.

I have an overbite – can it help me?

As over or underbites are exceedingly common in dentistry, we cannot say for certain if you are a suitable candidate without performing an examination.

One of our trained providers will assess your teeth for suitability at your initial consultation.

Isn’t it just the same as Invisalign?

In a word, no.

There are many differences between these braces and the Invisalign aligner, a primary one being that this brace is fitted to your teeth, whereas Invisalign is removable.

Similarly, while the Invisalign brace is targeted to correct only mild or moderate misalignments in the mouth, the Six Month Smiles braces can correct a wider array of dental issues; everything from severe spacing to a pronounced underbite! Although both orthodontic options offer an accelerated treatment, the average time each aligner is worn for differs; Invisalign treatment takes on average nine months, whereas, in relation to the Six Month Smiles braces, the average treatment time is in the name!

How much will it cost?

Once again, this is difficult to answer without actually examining your teeth. Generally, this treatment is less expensive than traditional orthodontic braces and our team at Farnham Road Dental may be able to offer you a treatment plan or an individual financing option.

How dental implants work and how they could help you

The modern up-to-date nature of dental implants in Guildford is what draws many people toward the treatment. If you have been spending hours researching replacement tooth options then stop. Book a consultation at our practice, Farnham Road Dental Practice, and find out how you can get completely natural looking teeth that are long-lasting and function just as your original ones once did.

Once you have attended your consultation appointment and one of our practitioners has confirmed that you are suitable for the treatment your next appointments will be scheduled. The first part of the treatment consists of you having one or multiple titanium screws inserted into your jawbone, where they will fuse together over time. The screws are positioned where the roots of your original teeth used to be. This keeps your jawbone stimulated and prevents it from deteriorating after you have lost teeth, boosting your overall health as well as your appearance.

These screws act as a support for your new artificial teeth, and after your mouth has healed you will have another appointment during which your dental practitioner will attach the required appliance to these supports.

A simple treatment no matter how many teeth you are restoring

What appliance you require will depend on how many teeth you are missing and what positions they are in if you have some original teeth left too. Getting dental implants in Guildford is easy whether you are restoring one or all of your teeth. Your dentist will discuss which appliance is going to be most effective for you at your consultation appointment.

When you are replacing a single tooth, or multiple teeth in different places that still have original teeth on either side of them, a crown or multiple crowns will be fitted to your tooth implants.

A bridge or partial denture is used when you are missing multiple teeth, but which appliance is most suitable for you will depend on the positioning of your missing teeth. If you need to replace multiple teeth that are all next to each other then a partial denture will be used, but if you have original teeth in between your missing ones then a bridge will be more effective and offer your original tooth more support.

If you are replacing a whole mouthful of teeth then a full denture will be fitted. You will not need one screw per tooth if you are replacing all of your teeth. Some patients only need four screws to support their new teeth, whilst others can require up to twelve.

Do you wish to upgrade from your current appliance?

Many people that get dental implants in Guildford are upgrading from their removable dentures or other appliances, such as metallic coloured crowns. Removable dentures are efficient when it comes to replacing teeth, but people often find themselves worrying about their dentures coming loose or falling out in public, or getting food stuck in them if it is too chewy or sticky. Tooth implants will eradicate these worries, as your new teeth are unable to come loose due to their fixed nature and you can enjoy any food you would like to eat.

Another reason why some people favour this treatment over others is that it provides you with completely natural looking teeth that blend in with your original ones. The tooth-coloured restorative treatments like crowns are difficult for other people to spot, meaning when people upgrade from their metallic coloured crowns they often notice a boost in their confidence too.

Could you benefit from teeth whitening treatment?

If you want to find out more about how teeth whitening in Guildford could boost the brightness of your smile then it is easy to book an appointment to speak to one of our dental practitioners, either online, on our website or over the phone. At Farnham Road Dental Practice we know how important it is that you have a smile that you feel proud of, and even if you are only whitening your smile by a shade, we know that you will notice and love the difference that you can see.

Stained teeth can affect all sorts of people and they can be caused for a variety of different reasons. If you are worried about your teeth becoming stained then have a chat with one of our professionals to find out what you can do to help boost the brightness of your smile. These days it is possible to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, meaning that your treatment does not interfere with your daily routine either.

What is this treatment and how does it whiten your smile?

You are in charge of your treatment when it comes to getting teeth whitening in Guildford. After your initial consultation your dental practitioner will provide you with custom-made trays that you will need to wear at night. Normally you will need to wear these for around two to three weeks in total. The trays are custom-made to fit over the top of your teeth, so should be comfortable to wear and easy to take in and out.

Your dental practitioner will show you how to put the right amount of gel into the whitening trays, as this is what transfers the whiteness onto the surfaces of your teeth. All of our patients are guaranteed at least a B1 shade for their teeth by the time their treatment has ended. Keeping on top of your teeth’s brightness is simple too. Most people can maintain the whiteness of their teeth by wearing their whitening trays a couple of times every three to four months. If you are unsure about how often you should be using your trays this is something that your dental practitioner can advise you on.

What causes teeth to become stained?

Teeth can become stained, yellow or brown in their appearance for several different reasons. When you have your teeth whitening in Guildford your dental professional will be able to fully assess the condition of your teeth and inform you of what is most likely to be causing your stains.

If you have had a bad brushing routine for a long time then chances are that your teeth are more likely to become discoloured over time. Having a good teeth cleaning regime is important, and it is equally as important to be using mouthwash and flossing too.

Some lifestyle habits can cause your teeth to become stained early on in life. These include things such as drinking a lot of tea and coffee, as well as consuming certain foods regularly. Drinking alcohol frequently can also increase your chances of having stained teeth, as can smoking.

Achieve straighter teeth with Six Month Smiles

Many adults live with crooked teeth, despite feeling self-conscious about their smiles, because they are put off by the idea of wearing metal braces.

straighter-teeth-with-six-month-smile Traditional braces, while useful in straightening teeth, are not for everyone. While this orthodontic device has received upgrades and vastly differs from earlier prototypes, with metal firmly affixed to your teeth, it is not as subtle as other teeth-straightening methods.

If you value discreetness and a shorter treatment time, then Six Months Smiles in Guildford is a highly-sought-after treatment, which might be a suitable solution for your dental issue!

Book a consultation at our clinic, Farnham Road Dental Practice, if you want to flaunt straighter teeth in the near future.

What irregularities can Six Month Smiles in Guildford treat?

Our Six Month Smiles treatment programme can correct mild to moderate misalignments, including crooked and crowded teeth and gaps, as well as some misaligned bites. Because the treatment is shorter, the primary focus of the braces are the front teeth that are visible when you smile.

Can I expect to see a full mouth transformation in this time?

We can guarantee our patients straighter teeth, but if you want a full set of entirely straight teeth, you should consider alternative methods that require a longer duration for treatment.

What are the benefits of choosing Six Month Smiles in Guildford?

We use tooth-coloured wires, which makes the device more discreet than metal braces. Because the cables blend with your teeth, some might describe the straightening aid as practically invisible to the naked eye.

Apart from their appearance, people often complain that conventional orthodontic devices are unaffordable. If you cannot afford the higher prices of metal braces, our Six Month Smiles package might be better suited for your budget because a reduced treatment time spells for a reduction in costs.

Is everyone a candidate for the Six Month Smiles solution?

Affordable treatment, reduced treatment time, maximum discreetness and a straighter smile are factors you can expect from this specific treatment.

That said, the device primarily focuses upon aesthetic concerns regarding your front teeth and does not address more complicated irregularities like a severe overbite – do not expect significant changes made to your bite.

We will explain all of this to you before you undergo treatment because we want you to be aware of the device’s limitations from the get-go.

Is treatment precisely six months?

On average, treatment time for most of our patients is six months. However, because all dental issues are unique, a month or two might be added, in order to optimise the results.

Are there alternatives to Six Month Smiles?

Our Six Month Smiles might not be suitable for your specific irregularity, but don’t worry – we offer a range of straightening aids that can fix your issue!

Invisalign, also referred to as invisible braces, is another popular method to straighten teeth, which uses clear, custom-fabricated aligner trays. Like Six Month Smiles, the device is subtle by design. Another added benefit is that the trays can be removed at a moment’s notice to eat, brush your teeth and play sports. A complaint about braces we hear often is that the contraption makes teeth-cleaning tricky, and one’s dental hygiene is often compromised – by removing the tray as needed, you can eliminate this issue.

Are you ashamed of your crooked teeth? Start your journey to straighter pearly whites with us.

Start your Six Month Smiles journey with us!

We want to let you in on a little secret: it is possible to flaunt straighter teeth without having to wear conventional braces for years, thanks to Six Month Smiles in Guildford. With our collective experience, a wealth of knowledge and expertise, our dental team at Farnham Road Dental Practice can promise you a desirable smile in just six months.

What makes Six Month Smiles in Guildford possible?

Over the six months of treatment, we affix tooth-coloured wires that apply light pressure to your front teeth. During this time, only the aforementioned teeth, typically the pearly whites that are visible when you smile, are re-positioned.

If you are getting married or attending a black tie-event soon and do not want to feel self-conscious about smiling broadly, our Six Month Smiles in Guildford might be the best form of treatment for you.

What results can I expect to see?

A straighter smile where mild irregularities of your visible teeth are corrected – this may include crooked or crowded teeth, gaps and some misaligned bites.

It is essential to manage your expectations – not all of your teeth will be perfect, but you will see a significant improvement to your smile, appearance and confidence.

If you want to see changes made to your front teeth, and do not mind the current position of your back molars because they are out of sight, then you will be satisfied by the results we deliver with our Six Month Smiles solution.

Are the results permanent?

Six Month Smile’s results can be permanent, but there is a possibility that your teeth might shift over time. Prevent a relapse from occurring by wearing a retainer post-treatment.

I want to avoid having a metallic smile during treatment: is this possible with Six Month Smiles?

Apart from the reduced treatment time, another benefit of Six Month Smiles is its absolute discreetness. Are you put off wearing metal braces because of the way you might end up looking? The wires we use for this treatment are tooth-coloured, which will blend in with your mouth, achieving a subtle, desirable effect.

Are these kinds of braces cheaper than conventional straightening methods?

Yes, because the treatment time is shorter, the cost of Six Month Smiles is greatly reduced.

If you cannot afford traditional braces, our Six Month Smiles treatment might be more aligned with your budget.

Will I experience pain?

Like regular braces, it will take time getting used to the sensation of having foreign materials affixed to your teeth. Expect to feel some discomfort initially, as your teeth adjust to the device and the wires apply pressure to your teeth.

However, unlike standard straightening aids, the pressure placed on your teeth is light because we are only re-aligning a few of your teeth and not the whole set, so you will get used to this brace more quickly.

How often will I have to see my orthodontist?

Less often than you would with regular braces – because only a light pressure is used, the straightening aid does not need to be adjusted and loosened as frequently.

Achieve perfect pearly whites without undergoing years of treatment and spending exorbitantly on traditional braces!

Having a mouth cancer screening because of smoking

Smoking is quite clearly detrimental to your health, and is one of the biggest causes of lung cancer, as well as many other conditions. However, many people are unaware that smoking causes mouth cancer too, which can be just as deadly. If you are looking for a mouth cancer screening in Guildford,then it is important that you take note of Farnham Road Dental Practice, as we will be able to supply you with a high-quality and reassuring screening.

Mouth Cancer

Studies have shown that smoking is responsible for over 60% of all cases of mouth cancer, which means that there is a direct link. This means that by cutting your smoking habits, you are hugely cutting the risk of contracting mouth cancer. Smoking can also stain your teeth, and give you bad breath, so cutting smoking entirely is a benefit to your cosmetic and your general oral health.

Alcohol and Smoking

Combining alcohol with regular smoking can further increase your risk of mouth cancer, and can mean that you are significantly less healthy overall. The risk is also combined from both, so it is crucial not to do both if you want to reduce your risk. If you are looking for a mouth cancer screening in Guildford, it may also be a time to consider your drinking and smoking habits, as you may be closer to developing mouth cancer than you think.

Diet

Diet can be a big factor in the development of mouth cancer. A diet that is extremely low in vitamins, or nutrition, can result in an increased risk of cancer, which if you are also smoking and drinking heavily, can put you at great risk. A poor diet can also be detrimental to your teeth and can cause tooth decay and cavities.

Other diseases

Obviously, a previous case of cancer can pose a risk of mouth cancer occurring, such as oesophageal cancer, or cervical cancer. This can mean that you might be cleared for one type of cancer, for mouth cancer to reappear. If you are nervous or worried about your mouth cancer screening in Guildford, then we understand how you feel, and want to be as accommodating as possible, and make sure that you are well cared for, and feel as relaxed as possible.

It is recommended that you write down any anxieties or questions that you may have on a piece of paper, as this will help you visualise your worries and make sure that you ask us everything that you are intending to ask, and make sure that you are fully informed.

Farnham Road Dental Practice

Farnham Road Dental practice is committed to giving you the clearest and most well-informed mouth cancer screening possible. It is important that you consider all your options, and make sure that you have all the comforts that you deserve. If you are considering coming for a screening, or even are just concerned about the risks of mouth cancer, then please speak to us, and we will be able to help.

Mouth cancer screening

Mouth cancer can be particularly unpleasant and can be caused by a multitude of different things, but the main one being smoking. Smoking is a key component in the development of mouth cancer, which can be extremely detrimental to your health, and ultimately be fatal, if it spreads to other areas.

If you are looking for a mouth cancer screening in Guildford, then this is something that we, at Farnham Road Dental Practice, will be able to offer you. The mouth cancer screening process will consist of several steps and components which will enable us to determine exactly whether you have mouth cancer, and if so, how developed it is. We want to ensure that you are as relaxed and as comfortable as possible, and that you are reassured of the process, yet informed of the reality of cancer.

Visual Exam

The visual exam part of the screening is to simply take a look inside your mouth, at any particular areas that you may have identified. Your dentist will look inside your mouth and may even look in your nose for any signs of abnormalities. Any kind of unusual bumps or swellings around the nose and mouth may be a sign that you have mouth cancer, or if not, then a medical issue that will need to be treated.

The throat is also a common place for problems to occur, so your dentist will look in and around your throat for any issues, including your tonsils, which may be subject to tonsillitis. During our mouth cancer screening in Guilford, we may discover other issues that are not cancer related, but still may be an issue that is worth addressing for your overall health.

Physical Exam

This part of the screening is to determine whether the mouth is functioning correctly, and whether there are any sore or sensitive parts to your mouth, which may be signs of mouth cancer. We will touch or feel certain areas of the mouth to feel for any abnormalities, as many growths or cysts can be invisible, yet felt under the skin. They may even be in areas where you didn’t notice their presence. One common procedure is for the patient to swallow while we examine the throat, as often an abnormality can prevent itself when you are swallowing. We will often ask if a certain touch, or amount of pressure is painful, which can also reveal suspect areas.

Further testing

We may use a specific method to remove the cells from the mouth for testing, which is what will most likely happen if we discover an area which is suspected to be cancerous. We may also use dyes and cameras in your mouth cancer screening in Guildford, which can further help to investigate areas of the mouth and nose which could be harmful. It is important to remember that this is always a precautionary method, and is not conclusive, so you may need to have repeat screenings if you want to distinctly determine whether you are harbouring any cancer.