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invisalign in slough
Author alice zawoda Categories Invisalign

Choosing The Right Braces For You

According to a recent study conducted by OnePoll, 57% of Americans feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. Although we may not be based in the US, we would not be surprised if this figure also reflected changing opinions towards dental hygiene in the UK, as more and more people than ever before are looking for a way to achieve their dream smile.

The fact of the matter is that very few of us are born with perfectly shaped, straight, gleaming teeth, and you shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed about that – we are all human, after all. Just because you weren’t gifted with a picture-perfect smile, that doesn’t mean that it is out of reach! Orthodontic and dental care has advanced significantly in the past few decades which means that tackling teeth misalignment or a crooked smile is becoming easier by the day.

Lots of people are now choosing to have braces to fix their smile, but did you know that there are many different types of braces available? Today, we are going to explore the different types of braces and when and why they are used!

What Are Braces?

Before we get our teeth stuck into the nitty-gritty, we thought we’d give you a quick overview of what braces actually are.

Simply put, dental braces are devices that are used in dentistry to straighten or move your teeth. Although this is usually done to improve the appearance of someone’s smile, in some cases, braces can also provide many practical benefits. These include the prevention of common oral issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, and more complex problems such as a bad bite.

Traditionally, most people who need braces will get them between the ages of 8 and 14. By this time, most people will have lost their baby teeth and had the majority of their adult teeth replace them. Despite popular belief, there is no upper age limit on braces and you can have them whenever you want – as long as your gums and teeth are healthy and strong!

The Different Types Of Braces

In our modern day and age, we have the luxury of being able to choose from a selection of different braces, each coming in a different shape, size and offering distinctive benefits. For example, some are so discreet you won’t even know that they are there, like one of our most popular treatments – Invisalign®.
Invisalign® Braces

Whilst it is on the tip of our tongues, we may as well begin with Invisalign® – the leading brand in ‘clear aligners’ and a favourite of our patients. For many people, Invisalign® is the only option they will consider and in the last fifteen years alone, these have seen a staggering growth in popularity.

Invisalign® braces come with a host of benefits. First and foremost, they are custom-made using innovative imaging technology for added comfort. Unlike other braces, they are also easily removed at your convenience. However, as per their name, their main appeal is near-invisibility which allows teenagers and adults to improve their smile in a discreet and less intrusive manner.

Here at Yew Tree, Invisalign® would be our recommendation for a good proportion of our clients if this treatment suits their needs.

Traditional Braces

For many of us, the thought of traditional metal braces might bring back horrible memories. Though it is safe to say they are highly effective, they haven’t always been the most popular! Despite this, traditional metal braces are the best way of dealing with severe cases of teeth misalignment and are still used frequently by our dental team.

Traditional braces tend to work quicker than the less invasive alternatives, and also offer the best value for money. Furthermore, you won’t ever have to worry about wearing or losing your aligners!

Although the main disadvantage of traditional braces is their appearance, they are significantly more subtle than they were a few years ago. In some cases, a range of colour options may even be available for both the brackets and elastics, something that just wasn’t thought of back in the day!

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, however, instead of the in-your-face metal brackets and wires found on traditional braces, ceramic ones use clear or tooth-coloured brackets.

You could almost consider ceramic braces to be a mix of Invisalign® aligners and traditional metal braces. Many people opt for these as they’re less visible than metal braces, but move your teeth faster than Invisalign®.

Yet, the trade-off is that they are also more expensive than traditional braces, and aren’t as unnoticeable as Invisalign®. Despite this, they are a great alternative for anyone feeling self-conscious about wearing their braces.

Picking The Right Braces For You

Before you begin your journey towards a straighter and healthier smile, you need to decide on which brace best suits you. For many, this comes down to their unique priorities. For example:

  • Speed

Some people will happily have braces that are more noticeable if it means that they can come on and off as quickly as possible. This could be especially important if you have a big event or celebration coming up.

  • Cost

If you have a limited budget, then you will want to look for the option that gives you the best results possible within your means. Usually, most people find that traditional braces are the most cost-effective option.

  • Appearance

For some people, having their teeth straightened is an embarrassing process that they do not want people to find out about. If this is the case, or you just want a less invasive and more comfortable treatment option, then you might want to prioritise aligners like Invisalign®. These may be slower than traditional braces but are far less intrusive.

  • Complexity

Sometimes, the choice is taken out of your hands. If you have a particularly complicated issue, such as severely crooked teeth or a problematic bite, then your options may be limited and your dentist might recommend a certain treatment.

Yew Tree Dental

Remember, the above points are things to consider before having your dental treatment, but they are not the be-all and end-all. Every dentist has a specific way of doing things and particular brands or products that they will recommend. You must choose a dentist you can trust and listen to their advice carefully – they are the experts after all.

Yew Tree Dental Care and Implant Centre is an award-winning dental practice that has been established for over fifty years! We have helped generations of satisfied patients with their dental care and hygiene and we aim to build long-term relationships that last.

If you have any dental queries or concerns, please get in touch with us on 01753 522 500 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also contact us via this link.

teeth whitening slough
Author alice zawoda Categories Whitening

Teeth Whitening Tips And Tricks

We all like to feel good, and for most, a big part of feeling good is looking good. There are many things that we do daily to enhance our image and self-esteem. This can be as simple as styling our hair or treating ourselves to a new outfit, deodorant or makeup. For most of us, this is also a big part of why we diet or make certain lifestyle choices.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest gripes adults have with their image is their teeth – with the term ‘smile anxiety’ being used to describe those who just don’t want to show off their pearly whites. According to a study found in the Journal of the American Dental Association, nearly 40% of adults are dissatisfied with their teeth, and the most common reason for this is due to teeth discolouration. 

If your teeth have become discoloured, you do not need to panic – there are many teeth whitening tips and tricks that will have you smiling happily in no time.

What Is Teeth Whitening? 

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. There are numerous products and at-home techniques that can now help whiten your teeth, however, nothing quite compares to the standard of care you will receive at a professional dental service like ourselves.

Here at Yew Tree Dental, we stand by the fact that the best way to keep your teeth bright and healthy is by brushing, flossing and visiting a dental hygienist regularly. However, sometimes despite your best efforts, your teeth can still start to become discoloured. 

Why Choose Teeth Whitening? 

As you get older, you may start to notice that your teeth are becoming dull, discoloured or stained (here’s looking at you, red wine and coffee!)  This can happen for a multitude of reasons, however, it is usually a result of the food you consume on a daily basis, as well as how committed you are to cleaning and maintaining your teeth. 

The following factors are known to have the biggest impact on the health and colour of your teeth: 

  • Your diet, including both the food and drink you put into your mouth, can be one of the biggest causes of discoloured teeth. We recommend that you try and avoid foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine. 
  • Lifestyle choices, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, can greatly influence the colour of your teeth, as can poor dental hygiene. 
  • Some people will have naturally brighter teeth than others due to their genetics. Also, as you age, it is common for your enamel to wear away, often revealing a dull colour underneath. 

The above are not the only reasons for teeth discolouration – certain diseases, medications and environmental factors can also play a role.

Our Favourite Tips And Tricks

Although it may sound obvious, one of the most effective ways of keeping your teeth their natural white colour is by preventing tooth stains before they happen. Some of the best ways to do this, alongside your usual dental hygiene routine, include ensuring you are consuming a good amount of calcium, limiting the amount of sugar you eat, and finally, steering clear of coffee, red wine, soda and dark berries. If these must be part of your diet, we recommend that you use a straw when consuming them. 

There may be no substitute for a good scrub, however, eating plenty of fruit and veg is a great way to keep your teeth and body healthy. Crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables are especially good as they can help rub away plaque as you chew and swallow them.   

Our final tip to consider is baking soda! Baking soda has natural whitening properties which are why it is commonly found in many kinds of toothpaste. Brushing with a paste made from baking soda and water, or with toothpaste that includes it, can reduce bacteria in your mouth and help combat surface stains. One study even found that:

“toothpastes containing baking soda were significantly more effective at removing yellow stains from teeth than standard toothpastes without baking soda. The higher the concentration of baking soda, the greater the effect” 

Baking soda is a wonderful substance that people use in the most bizarre ways! Some swear by it for cleaning ovens and dishes, others use it to get the odour out of carpets and in some cases, it can even be used in your hair (apparently!) 

Teeth Whitening At Yew Tree Dental

At Yew Tree Dental, we provide our patients with the choice of an at-home, in-clinic or combination teeth whitening treatment. Our teeth whitening services start from £295 and can really give your smile a new lease of life. 

If you visit us in person, your dentist will use a light-activated gel containing hydrogen peroxide to treat your teeth. If you opt for the at-home option, you’ll need to wear custom-made trays for up to two weeks. These trays contain a small amount of bleaching solution to brighten up your teeth and smile. 

There is nothing to worry about when it comes to teeth whitening. It is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments available today and can enhance your smile, giving your self-confidence a boost in the process.

Yew Tree Dental

Yew Tree Dental Care and Implant Centre is an award-winning family-run dental practice that has been established since the 1960s. We have helped treat generations of satisfied patients and families, and our aim is to always provide the most positive and relaxed dental experience possible.

Alongside teeth whitening, we are highly experienced in providing general dentistry services, dental implant treatments, Invisalign® and others.

To find out more, please get in touch with us on 01753 522 500 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also contact us via this link. 

 

invisalign slough
Author alice zawoda Categories Invisalign

In-Clinic vs At-Home Teeth Aligners: Our Opinion

Your smile can say a lot about you and it is one of the first things that people will look at when meeting you for the first time. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why you may not be happy with your smile, whether you suffer from misaligned teeth, have had a sporting accident or simply chose to avoid getting braces as a teenager when you probably should have. 

It doesn’t matter what other people think – it is your smile and If you are unhappy with it then this can really affect your confidence and self-esteem. Luckily, numerous in-clinic aligners are now available, such as Invisalign®, that can help you achieve a straighter smile that you’ll adore – something that we are proud to offer at Yew Tree Dental Care and Implant Centre.

Recently, at-home aligners have become increasingly popular, something which we partly attribute to COVID-19. A lot of these aligners promise a discreet and easy way of straightening your teeth from home – but are they all they’re cracked up to be? Should you opt for dental impressions or one of these at-home kits? Find out what our experts at Yew Tree Dental think below.

At-Home Aligners

At-home dental aligner kits may seem like a great idea at first. They are convenient and easy to use, often being delivered directly to your door. Using the kit is usually simple, too, with most requiring you to take moulds of your teeth (in a similar fashion to the gum shields that you probably used as a teenager) to send back to the provider. Once your impressions have been reviewed, you will receive a set of aligners in the post that you are required to wear to realign your teeth. 

Despite what these products may promise, we truly believe that you should always visit a professional dentist for a consultation. Your smile is important, and choosing the wrong type of orthodontic treatment could cause permanent damage to your teeth. 

In-Clinic Aligners

When you visit a professional dentist, like one of our team at Yew Tree Dental, you can be confident knowing that your smile is in expert hands. Clinics like ours have access to the most advanced technologies and are able to create more detailed and accurate impressions of your teeth, in most cases also providing you with a 3D scan. 

At Yew Tree, we choose to provide the majority of our patients seeking aligners with Invisalign®, a leading brand in clear aligners that are more comfortable and less invasive than the traditional metal braces we have all come to dread. Each Invisalign® aligner is custom made for each individual, so you know you are receiving bespoke care for you and your teeth.

In-Clinic Vs At-Home Aligners

There are numerous advantages of having your teeth straightened or aligned by a dental expert. First and foremost, by consulting a professional you will be given bespoke advice that you can trust so you know the treatment you are getting is right for you and your smile. Furthermore, a dental expert will regularly check up with you to ensure your treatment is going as planned. With at-home aligners, you have no expert advice to fall back on and, in most cases, you are only provided with a customer service number – something which can be nerve-racking. 

Furthermore, when you visit us at the clinic we will take impressions of your teeth safely and professionally using our 3D scanning technology. This means that your aligners will fit perfectly within your mouth to help you achieve the best results possible. At-home kits, on the other hand, are often plagued with inaccuracies and we know of many cases where people have to send their aligners back as they do not fit their mouths properly. 

The aligners that you will find at places such as Yew Tree Dental will be of a much higher quality than those at-home aligner kits. Although in some cases our products may be more expensive, they will save you time, provide you with more effective results and remove the risk of costly and irreversible damage to your teeth. Teeth aligners are an investment in your health and wellbeing, and your body deserves the best. 

invisalign slough

Yew Tree Dental

Yew Tree Dental has been in operation for the past 60 years. In that time our family-run practice has gained renown for providing an extremely high standard of dental care and employing a patient-friendly approach to all of our work. 

To find out more about our in-clinic dental aligners, reach out to us on 01753 522 500 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can also contact us via this link.

Dental Centre Slough
Author alice zawoda Categories Uncategorized

Happy New Year From Yew Tree Dental

Happy New Year from Yew Tree Dental and our team of professionals based at our Slough dental clinic, we hope you had a relaxing and family-filled break over the festive period. Although it feels like we have been welcomed into 2021 with doom and gloom, we have some good news to share with you all… we are open!

Despite the latest lockdown measures, our team of dentists based at our Slough practice will be resuming operations as normal (well, the new normal!) – going forward, safety is going to be our top priority and we will be working tirelessly to ensure that our clinic is as safe and clean as possible so you, and our valued team, can feel confident whenever you visit our clinic.

We hope to see you all soon for a catch-up and a check-up, until then, stay safe and enjoy our latest blog!

Our Newest Investment

Ensuring that your teeth are clean and healthy is one of the main purposes of a dental visit, however, despite this, the traditional method of cleaning has remained unchanged for many years. Here at Yew Tree Dental, we decided to treat ourselves for Christmas by investing in an AquaCare Air Abrasion Unit. This innovative piece of technology allows us to provide routine dental procedures in a contact-free and minimally invasive manner – allowing for more comfortable and quicker cleaning procedures.

If you have ever been to the dentist in the past, then it is highly likely that a dentist has suggested you join them for a Hygienist session to remove any plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth. This is usually carried out by a dentist, however, with the addition of our new AquaCare device, we can now approach stain removal and polishing treatments in a new and improved way, using a mix of air and water to brighten your smile.

The AquaCare Stain Removal Treatment can:

  • Brighten your smile and help remove food, coffee, wine and tobacco stains.
  • Provide a non-invasive, painless and more comfortable method of teeth cleaning.
  • Help you achieve brighter, cleaner and healthier teeth whilst helping restore your natural appearance.

Open For Treatment

We are still welcoming new and old patients alike, so if you have a dental concern, or are wanting to work towards a brighter and healthier smile, then get in touch with a member of our team today!

We know that everything going on with COVID-19 has made visiting more worrying than usual, however, it is still vital that you continue to join us for check-ups and treatments so we can help you maintain your oral hygiene, failing to do so can often bring about unforeseen health issues.

If you are wanting to join us for treatment, then please refrain from visiting our clinic to make an appointment, instead, we ask that you kindly reach out to a member of our team at [email protected] or 01753 522 500. Thank you!

iTero Digital Scanner
Author alice zawoda Categories iTero Digital Scanner

What’s New At Yew Tree Dental?

From now until the beginning of January you probably have a fairly hectic schedule full of fun festivities and family time. In case we don’t see you until the New Year, we wanted to take this opportunity to wish all of our patients and staff a very Merry Christmas, we know you’ve earnt it after everything that has happened in 2020!

We don’t want to sound too preachy, but we wouldn’t be able to live with ourselves as dentists if we didn’t remind you to look after your teeth over the Christmas period, especially if you are snacking as much as we are! Feel free to enjoy yourself and indulge to your heart’s content, just remember to brush and floss whilst you are at it!

We are always looking to improve upon our services and really do take your feedback to heart. That’s why when you visit us for your first appointment of the New Year, you may notice some changes in the way we operate at Yew Tree Dental. You can find out more about these changes below!

The iTero Digital Scanner

Recently we have invested in the iTero Digital Scanner as we believe it will improve the patient journey from start to finish. This device has had a huge impact on the dental and orthodontic industry, and we hope it will have a similar effect on our practice. The iTero has made it much easier to diagnose and treat any orthodontic issues, whilst also providing us with a clearer way of displaying and sharing our findings with you.

The scanner carefully analyses your teeth and jaws to create a virtual 3D model of your mouth. For us, this is one of the biggest benefits of having the iTero Digital Scanner as it allows us to simulate the movement of your teeth, so you will be able to see exactly what your smile could look like before your treatment has even begun. The iTero is also much more comfortable than its predecessor, meaning we can minimise the discomfort you feel when we are taking impressions of your teeth!

The iTero Digital Scanner isn’t the only upgraded piece of technology at Yew Tree Dental – we have also updated our computer and IT systems to provide you with the most efficient service possible. This change will allow us to communicate with you more effectively and ensure that you are always kept in the loop when it comes to your dental care.

The Yew Tree Team

We are proud of the standard and quality of our Yew Tree Dental Team, and this isn’t something that comes easily. As always, we make sure that our staff have the most up-to-date training so they can provide you with the best standard of care possible. Recently, our staff have been learning about cross infection control, differing medical emergencies and how to ensure that patient confidentiality is kept at all times.

We are also thrilled to welcome an additional specialist dentist to our practice! Dr Narinder Dhadwal is a periodontist who has a clinical interest in the treatment of gum and peri-implant disease, as well as specialist knowledge of periodontal plastic surgery! The addition of the fantastic Dr Dhadwal to our team allows us to offer our patients a greater range of dental treatments on-site and we can’t wait for you to meet Dr Dhadwal!

Merry Christmas!

Yew Tree Dental is an award-winning, family-run dental practice that has been operating since the 1960s. Since then we have welcomed many happy faces through our doors and helped many people achieve their dream smile. Our expert team can provide a wide range of dental services, including Dental Implants, Invisalign and Teeth Whitening.
For those of you who we haven’t managed to see over the festive period, we wish you the very best and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. And to all of our patients, we thank you for your support through this difficult year and want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

If you would like to contact us about treatment, then please get in touch at [email protected] or on 01753 522 500.

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