Dental decay can lead to cavities, affecting the health and appearance of your teeth. Many people suffer from this but fortunately, with advancements in cosmetic dentistry, white fillings have emerged as an excellent option for restoring decayed teeth.
84% of dentate adults (those with at least one tooth) have a filling. At Lifestyle Dental in Preston, we offer white fillings to help you achieve a natural-looking smile. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about white fillings, including their benefits, procedure, and the advantages of replacing old silver amalgam fillings.
Understanding dental decay
Dental decay occurs when the enamel and dentin of a tooth become softened by an acid attack, resulting in cavities. To address this issue, our cosmetic dentist can remove all the decay from the affected tooth and restore it with a white filling.
Unlike traditional silver amalgam fillings, white fillings are tooth-coloured and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result.
The benefits of white fillings
- More discreet – White fillings are designed to match the shade of your natural teeth, ensuring a virtually invisible restoration. This makes them an ideal choice for visible areas, such as the front teeth, where appearance matters.
- Versatile – They are suitable for both small and moderate-sized cavities, offering a versatile solution for various dental issues. They can be used to repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth, restoring their functionality and appearance.
- Preserve tooth structure: They bond directly to the tooth structure, allowing for more conservative preparations. This means that less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
- Reduce sensitivity: They have thermal properties similar to natural teeth, reducing the risk of temperature-related sensitivity that can occur with other filling materials.
Replace your old fillings with white fillings
White filling materials are stronger and more durable than others, providing long-lasting restorations. Book your free consultation today to find out more.
Our white filling procedure
The process of getting a white filling typically involves the following steps:
- Our cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth, identify the areas of decay, and determine if white fillings are the best treatment option for you.
- Local anaesthesia may be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. This numbs the area being treated, ensuring a painless experience.
- The dentist will remove all decayed portions of the tooth, ensuring a clean surface for the filling.
- The white filling material, usually composite resin or porcelain, is applied in layers and shaped to match the natural contours of your tooth. A special light is used to harden the filling material, ensuring a strong bond with the tooth.
- Once the filling is set, the dentist will polish it to achieve a smooth and natural appearance, blending seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Replacing old silver amalgam fillings
In addition to providing white fillings for new cavities, Lifestyle Dental Clinic also offers the option of replacing old silver amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured fillings. Many individuals feel self-conscious and held back by visible silver amalgam fillings, which can affect their confidence and hinder them from fully expressing themselves. With white fillings, you can experience more than just a functional restoration; you can enjoy a significant boost in self-confidence.
Whether you need a new filling for a cavity or want to replace your old silver amalgam fillings, our experienced dentists at Lifestyle Dental Clinic are here to help.
If you’re ready to enhance the appearance of your smile and restore your teeth with white fillings, contact us today.
The journey to a flawless smile can be an exhilarating ride, but the first week with braces often poses a few unexpected challenges.
Here at Lifestyle Dental in Preston, your dental health and comfort are our top priorities. We’ve created this in-depth guide on the optimal diet to embrace during the initial week after getting braces. This comprehensive roadmap aims to minimise discomfort, avoid potential damage to your braces, and ensure a smoother transition to your life with braces.
4 things to eat in your first week of braces
We’ve curated a list of soft foods that are not just kind to your braces but also packed with the essential nutrients your body needs.
Smoothies
Whether you’re a fan of tropical flavours like pineapple and mango or prefer the classic combo of strawberries and bananas, smoothies are a godsend. Their smooth, liquid texture will prevent strain on your teeth, and the rich nutrient content can help speed up healing. You can even sneak in vegetables like spinach or kale – their taste will be masked by the fruits, but the nutritional benefits won’t! Also, a top tip is to use a straw whenever possible, this will limit the acidic properties of the smoothie causing damage to the tooth surfaces.
Mashed Potatoes
Who says comfort food can’t be healthy? Soft, warm mashed potatoes are easy to eat and gentle on your sore teeth. With a high content of vitamin C and potassium, they are also good for your overall health. Add some low-fat milk and a dollop of butter for taste and texture, and you have a perfect meal that’s brace-friendly.
Scrambled Eggs
Soft, fluffy scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple that is also perfect for those with braces. Not only are they high in protein, but they are also rich in vitamins D and B12, which contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Mix in some cheese for an extra dose of calcium, and voila! You’ve got a nutritious, easy-to-eat meal.
Fish
Most types of fish have a soft texture that’s easy to chew and swallow. They are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. Tuna or salmon can be baked, grilled, or even turned into a soft fish patty for a tasty, braces-friendly meal.
While enjoying these food items, you should actively avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods like nuts, hard candies, popcorn, tough meats, and chewy bread like baguettes. These can damage your braces or cause discomfort, especially during the first week and beyond.
Top Tips for navigating the first week with Braces
Transitioning to a life with braces requires a few alterations in your daily routine. Here are some essential tips to follow:
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is vital for overall health, but it becomes even more important when you wear braces. Water helps to rinse away food particles that may get stuck in your braces and aids in producing saliva, which plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.
- Eat Smaller Portions: Chewing large pieces of food can put pressure on your braces and cause discomfort. Instead, cut your food into small, manageable pieces and take your time eating. Remember, there’s no rush!
- Use a Soft Toothbrush: Brushing your teeth with braces requires care. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid hurting your gums or damaging your braces. Also, consider using a fluoride toothpaste for added protection against cavities.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular check-ups at our clinic in Preston are essential to ensure your braces are working as intended and your oral health is at its best. Remember, we’re here to support you on this journey.
With these food suggestions and top tips, your first week with braces should be a breeze. We’re committed to making your dental health journey comfortable and easy.
Feel free to contact us anytime if you have any questions.
Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful on their special day, and one of the most noticeable attributes of a happy bride or groom is their smile. At Lifestyle Dental in Preston, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the perfect, radiant smile for your wedding day, and beyond.
Whether your wedding is in a couple of months or a year from now, it’s never too early to start planning for your perfect smile. Here are some ways we can help you achieve this.
Clear Aligners
Minor teeth alignment issues can make a significant impact on your overall smile. Fortunately, dealing with minor teeth alignment issues no longer means wearing unsightly traditional braces.
Clear Aligners have transformed the orthodontic landscape by offering an almost invisible solution to straighten teeth. These custom-made, clear plastic aligners are designed to snugly fit over your teeth, gradually and gently shifting your teeth into their ideal positions. The benefits of clear aligners extend beyond their clear aesthetic. They are comfortable to wear, reducing the risk of the mouth and gum irritation often caused by traditional metal braces.
As Clear Aligners are removable, they also offer you the flexibility to maintain your oral hygiene routine without hindrance, as well as enjoy your favourite foods without any dietary restrictions. This also means that you can take them off for special events, including your wedding trials and photoshoots.
Inman Aligner
On the other hand, the Inman Aligner is an excellent solution for correcting minor front teeth alignment issues. This innovative aligner uses two aligner bows that oppose each other, providing a gentle yet constant pressure that rapidly aligns and straightens your front teeth.
Similar to clear aligners, the Inman Aligner is also removable, allowing you to eat, brush, and floss normally, thereby maintaining your oral hygiene. Additionally, you can remove it for special occasions. However, the true allure of the Inman Aligner lies in its efficiency – most treatments are completed within 6-18 weeks, making it a perfect choice if your wedding day is only a few months away.
Six Month Smiles
As you plan for your wedding, you may feel that time is not on your side, especially when it comes to improving your smile. However, with Six Month Smiles, we can assure you that it’s entirely possible to achieve a dramatic transformation in your smile aesthetics within a relatively short period.
This orthodontic treatment targets the teeth that show when you smile and can correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues in just six months, hence the name!
Talk to us about teeth straightening
If you’re struggling with misaligned teeth and are looking to perfect your smile, we can help choose the best treatment for you.
Dental Implants
If missing teeth are the issue, dental implants are a long-term solution that can help restore both function and appearance. The results are so natural-looking that no one but you will know they’re not your original teeth.
With dental implants, you can enjoy all your favourite wedding treats without worrying about loose dentures or gaps in your teeth. They also help to maintain the structure of your jawbone, prevent facial sagging and premature ageing, thus enhancing your overall facial aesthetics.
Discover how much a dental implant is and more of their benefits.
Gum and Teeth Contouring
Sometimes, it’s not the teeth themselves but the surrounding tissues that can affect your smile. Our gum and teeth contouring procedures can reshape your gum line and teeth to create a more balanced and appealing look.
Both gum and teeth contouring procedures are relatively quick and painless, often completed in a single visit. Therefore, even with a wedding day fast approaching, you can still dramatically improve your smile’s aesthetics. These minor adjustments can make a world of difference in your wedding photographs and in-person interactions, helping you feel your most confident on your big day.
Teeth whitening to brighten your smile
Stained or discoloured teeth are common concerns among many brides and grooms to be. But worry not, because we have a range of teeth whitening options to cater to your needs and schedule.
For just £349, get a tailored home whitening kit with Boutique whitening’s bespoke trays and four weeks of premium gel. And the best part? You can reuse the kit whenever you need a touch-up, with refills available at our practice.
“I am really nervous when going to the dentist and very paranoid about my teeth. The team put me completely at ease, I went for my teeth whitening and I am so pleased with the results. They also recommended alternative treatments which I had not considered and will definitely explore in the future. Thank you to the team feel a little more confident smiling now” – Jane
For regular teeth whitening enthusiasts, our new Whitening Boost Treatment, for an additional £100 on top of your regular hygiene visit, can brighten your teeth by up to 3 shades. Schedule it along with your regular gum health maintenance appointments for a convenient brightening boost.
And for those wanting to make a dramatic difference, our new and improved Lifestyle Instant Power Whitening treatment is sure to deliver results. For £549, the Instant Power Whitening offers up to 5 shades of improvement within an hour. It includes a home kit and bespoke whitening trays to help maintain your newly achieved whiter teeth.
Our dedicated team uses the latest technology to diagnose and treat a wide variety of dental problems, all with one goal in mind – to create a beautiful, healthy smile that you’ll be happy to show off on your wedding day, and every day after.
Get started on your journey to the perfect wedding day smile!
National Smile Month is between 15th May and 15th June 2023, and we’re celebrating the power of brushing. This month-long event is all about raising awareness of the importance of good oral health, and how we can all take small steps to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
What is this year’s National Smile Month all about?
This year’s theme is ‘Brush for better health’. Twice-daily toothbrushing is the foundation of good oral health. It helps to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Despite the numerous benefits of toothbrushing, many of us still do not prioritise it in our daily routine.
In fact, studies show that around one-in-three people in the UK do not brush twice a day, while one-in-four regularly skip brushing altogether. These poor tooth brushing habits have led to two-in-three UK adults having visible plaque, almost one-in-three suffering from signs of tooth decay, and three-in-four having had teeth extracted.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. By encouraging more people to brush twice daily and teaching them how to brush effectively, we can help them form healthier habits and improve their quality of life. A healthy mouth leads to a happier, more confident smile.
The Great British Brushathon
Today is Monday 15th of May, which means it is The Great British Brushathon. This will connect people from all around the world in one giant communal brushing event.
All you must do is take a selfie whilst brushing your teeth and post it to social media. Alternatively, if you want to get a bit more creative you can film a video of yourself brushing. If you live with any family or friends, get them to join you too.
It’s that easy.
By sharing your brushing selfie (or video) and encouraging others to do the same, you can help promote the value of brushing your teeth and having a healthy smile.
Our top three brushing tips
- Only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, it’s all your teeth need, and it avoids too much mess.
- Don’t press your toothbrush flatly against your teeth, ideally you should brush towards your gum line at a 45 degree angle for the best clean.
- Spit, don’t rinse! It might be tempting to rinse out your mouth after brushing, however if you spit instead it allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to protect your teeth throughout the day!
The weekly themes for National Smile Month
Week one – The mouth
Learn about the changes our mouths go through from cradle to grave.
Week two – The daily routine
What a daily oral health routine should look like. What people can do alongside tooth brushing.
Week three – Systemic diseases
Oral health is linked to a range of conditions around the body and mind.
Week four – The environment
How toothbrushes and other oral health products are made, transported and recycled.
Week five – Technology
How technology for electric toothbrushes and other oral care products, mobile apps and education has improved oral health.
Remember, your mouth is one of your greatest assets. It helps you to communicate, eat, drink, and breathe, and gives you the confidence to face the world. So let’s celebrate National Smile Month by giving our smiles the care they deserve.
To book a free consultation with us, contact us today.
Did you know that having a healthy smile is important not just for your physical health, but also for your career? While it may seem like a small detail, your smile can actually have a significant impact on how others perceive you, particularly in a professional setting.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it’s true what they say – they are infectious. Smiling makes other people feel good as well as yourself, and can change how others perceive you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the ways in which a smile can impact your career, from the emotional benefits of smiling to the importance of good oral hygiene and cosmetic dentistry.
5 ways a healthy smile can impact your career
Investing in your smile is a crucial step towards investing in your future. If you’re thinking of changing jobs or looking for a promotion in your current role, you might consider starting with your smile.
Boost your confidence
When you have a healthy, beautiful smile, you are more likely to feel confident in yourself and your abilities. This confidence can help you perform better in your job and make a better impression on clients, coworkers, and managers. Feeling good about your smile can also make you more willing to speak up in meetings, share your ideas, and take on new challenges.
Create a positive first impression
A bright, healthy smile can leave a positive impression on employers, colleagues, and clients. A beautiful smile conveys warmth, friendliness, and professionalism.
As we age, our teeth may become discoloured, chipped, or worn down, which can make us look older than we are. By maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any cosmetic concerns, such as missing or misaligned teeth, you can achieve a more youthful appearance that can be beneficial in many professional settings.
“Couldn’t recommend them enough. First came to Lifestyle Dental not feeling confident about smiling and when I left I couldn’t stop smiling, so happy with the results.” – Lorna
Professionalism
In many professions, a confident and polished appearance is essential. A healthy smile can help you look more professional and put together. People are more likely to take you seriously if you have a healthy smile.
A smile can also be a powerful way to convey empathy and understanding, which can be particularly important for people who work in customer service or other fields where they interact with people on a daily basis.
Networking
Networking is a crucial aspect of many careers. When you have a beautiful smile, you are more likely to make a positive impression on potential employers, clients, or partners. A healthy smile can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.
Improve communication
A healthy smile can also improve your communication skills. When you are confident in your teeth, you are more likely to speak clearly and effectively.
Maintaining your healthy smile
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can identify and treat any dental problems early on, before they become more serious and require more extensive treatment. Regular check-ups also include an examination of your mouth for signs of oral cancer, which can be a life-saving measure. During a cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will remove any built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
In addition to our regular check-ups, your dentist can also provide advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and using mouthwash if necessary. You should also look to limit sugary drinks and snacks, and eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Cosmetic dental treatments to improve your confidence
Our range of cosmetic dental treatments can also help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that can positively impact your career. For example, teeth whitening can remove stains and discolouration, while invisible braces can straighten crooked teeth discreetly. Veneers, crowns, and dental implants can address more extensive cosmetic concerns, such as chipped or missing teeth.
These treatments can not only improve the appearance of your smile, but also boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Investing in your smile is investing in your career. If you are looking for a dental practice in Preston that can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, schedule an appointment.
