FREE CONSULTATION 0113 245 4868 Ask us about 0% Finance
Book Online

Archive for March, 2015

« Older Entries

Low Sugar Snacks for Sweet Lovers this Easter

Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

4546258_blogLots of us have a sweet tooth and at this time of year it’s hard to resist chocolate eggs and Easter cakes, despite all the warnings of health and dental risks. But never fear! Here are some low-sugar alternatives to curb the cravings:

Sweet snacks

The 3 o’clock slump often brings with it a craving for comfort food, but eating snacks such as chocolate bars or a biscuit when you feel sluggish is actually counter-productive for your energy levels. It can also lead to an increased risk of oral health problems and weight gain. If you’re craving a sweet treat at work, here are some healthier ideas:

  • Home-made smoothies
  • Fruit
  • Nuts
  • Natural yoghurt
  • Granola
  • Low fat chocolate mousse

After dinner treats

We often fancy something sweet after a main meal, but there are lots of delicious alternatives to cakes and puddings if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. These include:

  • Frozen yoghurt
  • Strawberries covered in dark chocolate
  • Sugar-free jelly
  • Oatcakes with a little bit of Nutella
  • Sorbet
  • Baked fruit served with yoghurt
  • Malt loaf
  • Greek yoghurt with berries, banana or peach

If you want to discuss questions about nutrition or diet or are seeking advice about the use of sugar substitutes to improve your oral health during the Easter period, we will be delighted to talk to you during your next check up. Alternatively you can call the practice at any time.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygeine | Comments Off on Low Sugar Snacks for Sweet Lovers this Easter

What’s the Quickest Way to Get a Straight Smile?

Monday, March 30th, 2015

header_image4The field of orthodontics is advancing incredibly quickly and this means that new solutions which are quicker, more comfortable and more convenient, are becoming available all the time. Speed is a priority for many of our patients and we are delighted to offer some rapid treatment options.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

In the past, orthodontic treatment used to take at least 12 months in the majority of cases. However, treatment times are getting shorter and shorter and you can now enjoy amazing results in a matter of weeks. Generally speaking, the more complex your needs, the longer the treatment time. However, this is not always the case, as some systems work faster than others.

We have a range of speedy options on offer for patients with varying orthodontic issues. Our amazing treatments include:

  • Inman Aligner: this rapid removable appliance targets the front teeth and it offers a much faster alternative to traditional fixed braces for patients who don’t need intensive treatment. This option is ideally suited to those with minor issues. Treatment time is around 16 weeks.
  • STb Social 6 braces: this is a lingual brace system, which is great for patients who want to enjoy treatment in secret. Lingual braces sit behind the teeth, which means that they cannot be seen when you smile. They work in a similar way to traditional fixed braces, but they use advanced technology to reduce friction and move the teeth faster. STb Social 6 braces focus on the social 6, the six teeth at the front of the mouth on the top and bottom arches. Lingual braces are also smaller and less cumbersome than traditional braces. Treatment with STb Social 6 braces usually takes 6-16 weeks.
  • 6 Month Smiles: this is a swift solution for patients who have minor or moderate orthodontic issues that affect the teeth at the front of the mouth. These light, discreet, clear fixed braces use self-ligating forces to move the teeth quickly with minimal pain and treatment time is just 6 months.

To find out more about our speedy orthodontic systems, call today and book a consultation. Your new smile is not far away!

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in orthodontics | Comments Off on What’s the Quickest Way to Get a Straight Smile?

Why You Needn’t Worry About Your Broken Tooth

Sunday, March 29th, 2015

3534882_blogIf you have a troublesome broken tooth, you don’t need to worry. With our amazing restorative treatments we can patch you up and have you fighting fit again in no time.

Treating a broken tooth

There are many possible causes of a broken tooth, including sports injuries, falls, accidents and biting down on hard foods or other objects. Sometimes it’s obvious that a tooth is damaged, but in other cases the signs may be more subtle and a dental X-ray will be used to confirm a fracture.

If you have a broken tooth, there are various options open to you including a filling for a minor chip, an inlay or onlay for more extensive damage or a crown for a severe fracture. Your dentist will carry out an X-ray to ascertain the degree of damage and then talk to you about your options once they have the results. At this point, your dentist will explain what the different treatments are, how they work and you can ask as many questions as you like. If the tooth is damaged it’s a good idea to repair it quickly to reduce the risk of any further damage going forward.

Preventing dental damage

Sometimes, accidents are inevitable. However, there are often steps that can be taken to minimise the risk of an injury, including:

  • wearing a mouthguard if you play sport
  • maintaining good oral hygiene
  • seeing your dentist for regular check-ups
  • avoiding using the teeth to bite down on hard objects, such as trying to remove bottle tops
  • always wearing a seatbelt
  • taking care on slippery surfaces and wearing suitable footwear

Signs of a broken tooth

Possible symptoms of a broken tooth include sudden dental pain, heightened sensitivity and a feeling of weakness in the tooth, which may become more intensive if you try to use the tooth, for example to chew.

If you need attention for dental damage, we are here to help! Call us today to book your appointment and banish pain for good.

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in general dentistry | Comments Off on Why You Needn’t Worry About Your Broken Tooth

How to Treat a Mouth Ulcer

Saturday, March 28th, 2015

2143132_blogMouth ulcers are sores that tend to develop  inside the lips and cheeks. They are very common and most people will have at least a few ulcers in their lifetime. If you have a troublesome ulcer or you keep getting mouth ulcers, we may be able to help.

About mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are characterised as painful open sores, which are usually blue, grey or yellow in colour. In most cases, they develop following an injury or accident that causes the skin to be broken. If you accidentally catch yourself when eating or bite your tongue, for example, and ulcer may occur. Ulcers can also be caused by jagged or uneven tooth surfaces, loose fillings or sharp foods like crisps.

Possible causes of recurrent ulcers include stress, anxiety, eating certain types of food and hormonal changes in the body. In some cases, there may also be family history.

Treating mouth ulcers

In most cases, ulcers don’t cause any problems and they disappear after a few days without any need for treatment. However, in some cases they can be very painful and treatment may be recommended. You can buy over the counter medication, usually in the form of topical gels, which are applied directly onto the surface. These treatments help to ease pain and speed up the healing process.

If you get ulcers on a recurrent basis or you have an ulcer that is taking a long time to heal, it is advisable to see your dentist. Sometimes, sores that take longer than normal to heal can be symptomatic of oral cancer and although this is very unlikely, it is always best to get checked out.

If you have an ulcer, there are some simple self-help techniques that can help to reduce discomfort, such as avoiding sharp and acidic flavours, being careful when chewing food and avoiding the ulcer when you brush your teeth. It may also be helpful to keep a food diary if you find that you get ulcers on a regular basis. This could help to identify potential triggers to be avoided in the future.

 

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygeine | Comments Off on How to Treat a Mouth Ulcer

How to Protect Your Teeth Whilst Playing Sports

Friday, March 27th, 2015

2112592_blogWe actively encourage healthy lifestyle choices and sport is a really great way to meet new people, let off steam and keep fit. However, there are risks associated with most sporting activities and we strongly recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect the teeth while you play. We are delighted to be one of a handful of clinics in the UK to offer the incredible OSO Athletic mouth guard.

Everything you need to know about the OSO Athletic mouth guard

The OSO Athletic mouth guard is a specially designed sports appliance that offers much more than a conventional gum shield. This mouth guard is programmed to adjust the position of the jaw automatically, to ensure that it is in the optimum place to facilitate effective and efficient muscle contraction and reduce tension and pressure in the facial muscles. By adapting the jaw joint, any discomfort is reduced and individuals can focus on the game.

Each mouth guard is custom-made using precise measurements for a perfect fit and the guard works to modify the jaw position straight away. In addition to improving muscular contraction, studies have also shown that using the OSO Athletic mouth guard also helps to improve strength and power.

Who is the OSO Athletic mouth guard aimed at?

The OSO Athletic mouth guard is aimed at participants of all levels and abilities from amateurs to elite performers, and it comes highly recommended by dental professionals. We advise anyone who participates in a sport or activity that carries a risk of dental injury to use the OSO Athletic mouth guard, including those who engage in:

  • boxing
  • martial arts
  • rugby league
  • rugby union
  • hockey
  • kick-boxing
  • wrestling
  • lacrosse

If you’d like to find out more about the OSO Athletic mouth guard, we will be happy to talk you through the pros and cons and outline the treatment process. Call us today to arrange a consultation.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in OSO | Comments Off on How to Protect Your Teeth Whilst Playing Sports

What’s So Special About a Sonicare Toothbrush?

Thursday, March 26th, 2015

iStock_000006052729XSmallAt City Dental Leeds, we’re determined to go the extra mile to promote good oral health and shout about the importance of good oral hygiene from the rooftops. With an effective brushing and flossing regime teamed with healthy eating and regular check-up, you can drastically improve your chances of enjoying strong, healthy teeth and for many years to come.

We recommend Sonicare by Phillips to our patients. This impressive and innovative range of toothbrushes boasts features to suit clients of all ages with varying dental needs and there are brushes with budgets to cater for everyone.

What’s so special about Sonicare?

Sonicare brushes are developed based on extensive research that identifies the best ways of detecting and removing plaque and producing the best possible standards of cleaning. The designs are easy to use and versatile and there are options to personalise the brush, including different settings and modes. Sonicare uses a patented cleaning system that doesn’t just clean and polish the visible tooth surfaces, but also targets the gum lines and the spaces between the teeth. Although brushing is effective and powerful, the motion is very gentle and it protects the enamel.

Which brush should I choose?

Sonicare offers a diverse range of models at varying costs. Generally speaking, the more you pay, the greater the range of features, but even the most basic model will achieve a really positive outcome. If you need advice about buying toothbrushes we will be happy to make recommendations based on your dental needs, how much you would like to spend and the features you would prefer.

If you have any questions about brushing or flossing or would like advice about buying products or achieving a better clean at home, simply give us a call today. We will be happy to help!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in sonicare toothbrush | Comments Off on What’s So Special About a Sonicare Toothbrush?

Why We Need to Replace Missing Teeth

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

3708143_blogWhile it can be distressing to lose a tooth or a number of teeth, there are many effective replacement treatments available today. We are delighted to offer a range of tooth restoration and replacement methods including dental bridges, dentures, mini implants and dental implants.

Why is it beneficial for replace missing teeth?

Losing even a single tooth can have far-reaching implications. The aesthetic of the smile is altered, there’s a risk of neighbouring teeth moving out of position and you may suffer from a lack of confidence, especially in situations where your smile is visible to a lot of people. Missing teeth can also increase the risk of dental infection, make it difficult to eat certain foods and affect speech and pronunciation.

Replacing missing teeth not only restores the aesthetic of a beautiful smile, it also makes it possible to enjoy a wider range of foods, improves speech and gives you greater confidence. Tooth replacements can also benefit the remaining teeth and help to reduce the risk of dental disease.

Tooth replacement options

We offer modern dentures, highly effective dental implants and hassle-free dental bridges to restore beautiful, functional smiles. Dentures are a very popular tried and tested method for replacing a number of lost teeth and the process is simple. Bridges are easy and affordable and treatment only takes around 2 weeks. This is a good option for patients who have single missing tooth or a small number of lost teeth. Implants are a long-term option and they are growing in popularity. They are the most expensive treatment option, but they do last for many years and provide the best results.

If you have missing teeth and you would like more information or to discuss your dental needs with an expert dentist, call us today and book an appointment.

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in general dentistry | Comments Off on Why We Need to Replace Missing Teeth

Keep Your Mouth Happy with Oral Hygiene Checks

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

529808_blogDental pain can really get you down, so why not make sure your mouth is happy with our oral hygiene checks? Good oral hygiene is the best form of attack against dental disease and a really effective means of ensuring your smile looks bright and beautiful. If you’re eager to maintain good oral health, now is the time to call and book an oral hygiene session.

Oral hygiene treatments

Our amazingly skilled dental hygienists offer a variety of treatments designed to treat and prevent dental diseases and problems such as gum disease, cavities, bad breath and plaque and tartar build-up. Regular oral hygiene sessions are not just beneficial for those at risk of dental disease or those with existing signs of dental problems. They are also effective for those with a clean bill of oral health as a preventative measure.

One really effective cleaning treatment is a scale and polish, which is designed to remove plaque from the teeth and gum line and polish the teeth to give them a lovely glossy shine. Scale and polish treatment doesn’t hurt and it makes a real difference to the feel of the mouth, as well as the look of the teeth. After treatment, your teeth will look bright and healthy and your mouth will feel fresh and clean.

We also offer preventative treatments for children, including fluoride varnish treatment and fissure sealant treatment. These simple procedures, which are completely painless, help to protect the teeth from decay.

Our hygienists work with our dentists to treat cases of gum disease and they can also help to advise about oral hygiene at home, giving up smoking, healthy food choices and preventing dental problems.

If you’d like to book a dental hygiene session for a spring clean for your pearly whites, simply call us or pop in and see us if you’re in Leeds.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral hygeine | Comments Off on Keep Your Mouth Happy with Oral Hygiene Checks

Six Facts About Oral Cancer

Monday, March 23rd, 2015

585804_blogAt City Dental Leeds, we are determined to fight oral cancer and we urge all our patients to keep up to date with dental checks and oral cancer screening. Like many forms of cancer, the earlier oral cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of survival. Here are six facts about oral cancer:

  • More than 6,800 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year in the UK. This works out at more than 18 people every day.
  • Oral cancer is much more common in men than women. According to Cancer Research UK statistics for 2011, 4,510 cases were diagnosed in men, compared to 2,257 in women.
  • Oral cancer is becoming more common. Studies and statistics show that the number of cases has almost doubled in the last 10 years.
  • The main risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, drinking, exposure to radiation and other occupational environmental hazards. Around 65 percent of cases are linked to smoking and 91 percent of cases are linked to lifestyle factors.
  • Eating a healthy diet packed with fruits and vegetables can help to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. A poor diet and insufficient intake of important nutrients contained in fruits and vegetables are linked to more than 50 percent of oral cancer cases in the UK.
  • The most common signs of oral cancer include persistent and slow-healing sores in the mouth or throat, a lump or swelling in the mouth or throat and red or white patches in the mouth. Other signs may include a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

If you have any questions about oral cancer or you’d like to book a screening test, don’t hesitate to call us. Screening checks are comfortable and they take just a few minutes. We simply use an advanced camera to look inside the mouth and check for any potential signs. Screening is important because it flags up potential abnormalities that may not yet be visible to the human eye.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in oral cancer | Comments Off on Six Facts About Oral Cancer

Get Excited About Enlighten Whitening

Sunday, March 22nd, 2015

2823674_blogSummer is coming and it’s time to start getting excited about parties, festivals, barbeques and special events. If you’re gearing up for a wedding,  birthday or landmark anniversary, what better way to celebrate than with an amazing new smile? We are incredibly pleased to offer Enlighten, the world’s leading whitening system, in the heart of Leeds, so what are you waiting for? Let’s get excited about Enlighten!

What is Enlighten?

Enlighten is a professional whitening system that uses high grade products to obtain incredible results. Enlighten is touted as the world’s best whitening treatment and it is a regular feature on television makeover shows for this reason.

With Enlighten, you are guaranteed a stunning smile and treatment takes just 15 days. At the moment, this is the only treatment available in the UK capable of producing shade B1, the brightest, lightest tooth shade.

How does Enlighten work?

Enlighten is an impressive treatment that uses a period of home whitening combined with an in-chair treatment to achieve the perfect outcome. For the first 14 days, treatment takes place at home and involves the individual wearing a tray containing whitening agent. Trays are custom-made to fit over the teeth perfectly and they gradually lighten the shade of the teeth on contact. We generally recommend a six hour daily treatment session. This can take place at any time of the day or night.

After 14 consecutive days of treatment, we invite you to pop into the clinic for an hour-long session designed to give your teeth a brilliant shine. There’s no pain involved at all and we simply apply whitening agent to your teeth and then shine a light on it to activate it. All you have to do is lie there and we are happy to provide films or music or let you catch 40 winks. After treatment, your smile will look stunningly bright and the results will last for years to come.

If Enlighten sounds tempting, call us today and book a consultation. In just a few weeks, your smile will look incredible.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in enlighten | Comments Off on Get Excited About Enlighten Whitening

« Older Entries

Our Team

Our Video

Our Transformations