Do I see the same dentist and hygienist?

We like to make sure you see the same dentist and hygienist each time you visit so you get to know the same person and they get to know you too. If you wish to be seen urgently, we may not be able to book you in with your usual dentist or hygienist, however.

Can I join a membership scheme?

We require payment for treatment when it is provided. We accept cash, cheque and credit/debit cards. Although you are welcome to attend on an ad hoc basis, most of our patients prefer to become members of the practice. Members pay a monthly fee. They benefit from examinations and hygiene care free of charge. Any other care they need benefits from a 20% discount from our usual fees. For those who prefer a more comprehensive plan we offer Denplan Care. Please ask for further information on either plan.

Do you treat nervous patients?

Of course. We completely understand that a dental practice can be a daunting place to some. Whether the nervousness comes from a past experience or a needle phobia, we do all we can to help you overcome any nerves. We’re happy to take time talking about the treatment and helping you to feel a lot more at ease.

Do you provide implants?

Yes, we do. You can find more information about implants here

Can I have my crown done in one visit?

Yes. We have a cerec milling unit in our practice so we can create your porcelain restoration on the same day. We can prepare the tooth to accept either a full coverage porcelain crown or a more conservative porcelain inlay. There is no need for a temporary and we only need to administer local anaesthetic once. You can wait in the practice for us to make your restoration and once we’re done, we’ll fit it immediately.

Do you do Root Fillings?

When we carry out root canal treatment, part of the procedure involves sealing and filling in the roots. Canals are extremely narrow so using special tools, they are reshaped so a filling can properly fit inside, sealing the area from future infections. We carry out the vast majority of root canal treatments at the practice, but we can refer for any complex endodontic treatment.

What can I do to improve my smile?

There are many cosmetic treatments available. Whether it’s just a single tooth letting your smile down or maybe you’re after an overall makeover, we can help you to achieve a smile you’re happy with. We offer veneers, bonding and crowns. We also provide whitening to lift stains and brighten your smile. For any crooked teeth, we can offer Invisalign. If you’ve always wanted to straighten your smile but have been put off by how braces look, Invisalign is a great treatment for straightening teeth with a near invisible clear aligner. We can gradually move teeth into their new position.

Do you offer Invisalign?

Yes! We are an Invisalign provider. The near invisible clear aligners give a comfortable and cosmetic option to straightening crooked teeth and dealing with gaps. Our Invisalign consultations provide you with the chance to talk about your treatment. Using our iTero scanner, we can easily generate a 3D image that will tell us if invisalign is a suitable option for you. We can then give you an idea of the treatment plan, how long it will take and the costs.

What Teeth Whitening do we offer?

We offer both in-surgery and home whitening options at Distinctive Dentistry. For in-surgery whitening, we offer a new system called BlancOne, and Philips Zoom for home whitening treatments. Please visit our teeth whitening treatment page to find out more.

My gums bleed when I brush my teeth

If you have noticed blood when you spit when brushing, it may be a sign that you have developed gum disease. The best thing to do is book an appointment with your hygienist as they will be able to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth which is causing the gum disease to develop. With gum disease, the symptoms are mild even when it is at its most aggressive stage. Bleeding gums are the telltale sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. This can be treated through trips to the hygienist and interdental cleaning at home. If your gums bleed when you floss or use interdental brushes, don’t be put off. This bleeding will stop the more you floss. When there is no plaque and so no bacteria, your gums will calm down and not bleed.

Invisalign

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Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are near invisible and very comfortable. It works through small, gradual movements of the teeth. This is achieved through many different aligners, each to be worn for one week until the last set. Each set of aligners you wear gradually moves your teeth towards their desired position. Treatments on average take 6 months, but it entirely depends on your own individual treatment plan.

Why choose Invisalign?

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1. Comfortable
Everything about Invisalign has been designed with comfort in mind. The accurate and precise impressions promise a secure fit and the careful gum-line trim ensures comfort.

2. Discreet
When choosing to have a cosmetic treatment like orthodontics, it makes sense that it should be aesthetically pleasing. Invisalign appliances are made from clear plastic that is durable and hardly noticeable when worn.

3. Removable
Because Invisalign is removable, you can eat and drink the same foods you did before. You simply take them out when you eat, clean your teeth and then pop them back on.

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4. Minimally invasive
Invisalign is a gradual and gentle treatment. You barely feel anything as it works through applying small amounts of force on the teeth that need to be straightened.

5. Innovative
Invisalign uses cutting edge technology in every step of its creation – from the 3D scanning used to capture accurate impressions of your teeth to the SmartTrack material specially engineered to straighten teeth with maximum comfort.

What is involved in having Invisalign treatment?

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We first take accurate 3D scans of your mouth and teeth using an intraoral camera. We are able to demonstrate how Invisalign will straighten your smile at the chairside using the digital software, letting you preview your future smile. These scans are used by the Invisalign lab to produce your custom-made aligners.

During your fitting, we make sure the fit is perfect and talk through how your treatment will work. We’ll explain when to move onto the next set of aligners and how to keep your mouth as healthy as possible during your treatment.

The length of the treatment depends on your individual case. If your teeth are expected to cover a lot of movement, more aligners will be needed and so lengthen your treatment. During your first appointment, we will be able to give you an estimate of your treatment length. Every mouth is different, and some patients tend to find that their teeth move more slowly.

At the end of the treatment, we will take impressions of your newly straightened teeth. These are used to create your retainer. We encourage night-time wear of reusable retainers to maintain that new straight smile.

iTero

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Where historically your dentist would have taken an impression for your treatment, this revolutionary digital scanner can be used instead. It pieces together a 3D digital image which you can see on a large screen once it is complete. This image can be used by our laboratory technicians to help us progress with your treatment.

iTero is routinely used for Invisalign consultations, to help you visualise your new smile.

Will Invisalign Affect My Speech?

When you first start wearing Invisalign aligners, it may take a few days to adjust. Initially, you might experience a slight lisp, but you'll soon be speaking clearly and confidently.

Are the Aligners Comfortable?

Yes, Invisalign aligners are designed for comfort. They fit snugly over your teeth and lack the metal brackets or wires that can cause irritation, making them easy to wear for up to 22 hours a day.

How Long Should I Wear the Aligners Each Day?

For optimal results, you should wear your aligners for about 22 hours daily. You can remove them when eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, and playing contact sports.

What If I Lose an Aligner?

If you lose an aligner, contact us immediately for guidance. In the meantime, you can wear an aligner from your previous set to prevent your teeth from shifting. Depending on your situation, we may recommend moving on to your next set of aligners.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The duration of Invisalign treatment varies per individual, typically ranging from 9 to 18 months. Simpler cases may be resolved faster, while more complex treatments take longer. We will provide an estimated treatment time during your initial consultation.

Will I Need Retainers After My Treatment?

Yes, wearing retainers after your Invisalign treatment is crucial to maintain your new smile. Since teeth can shift back over time, you will need to wear retainers part-time, usually overnight, for as long as you want to keep your teeth straight. Both fixed and removable retainers are available.