What to look for in a Reputable London Dentist?

Our teeth are incredibly important to our overall health. Gum disease, chipped and decayed teeth, and poor hygiene have broader implications for our well-being than it would seem, meaning a dentist can help you treat problems now to avoid worse problems in the future.

But finding the right dentist is difficult. Dentists not only require an incredible amount of training and education to practice, but they also must possess the right bedside manner to really connect with patients.

Here at Elleven Dental, we do all in our power to provide exemplary service to London in all areas of patient care. Every interaction we have is carefully and thoughtfully conducted to ensure our patients feel comfortable and safe in our office.

To better help you understand what makes a dentist good, we’ve written this guide to help you make the decision that works best for you. Without further ado, let’s talk about the signs to look for to identify a reputable London dentist.

1. Credentials & Education

When selecting a dentist, it’s first important to confirm they have the right academic qualifications.

The education of a dentist in the UK is intense. It’s comprised of a minimum of five years in dental school and one to two years of Dental Foundation Training (DFT) or Vocational Training (VT) in a supervised environment.

After the completion of dental school, dentists in the UK must register with the General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC outlines all the specific ethical guidelines to which a dentist must adhere. A good dentist will provide you with their GDC registration number and their full post-nominal title, which refer to the string of letters after their name.

For example, you’ll commonly see “BDS” after a dentist’s name, which indicates they’ve earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree. There are dozens of other additional titles possible depending on where a dentist studied and what they specialised in, so it’s best to do a little online searching for titles you’re not familiar with.

On our website, you’ll find the exact titles of our staff, including short biographies detailing each educational journey. We understand the incredible about of trust patients give us, so we’re dedicated to proving we’re worthy of that trust by being honest about our qualifications.

2. Responsive Staff

From the moment you pick up the phone, you should be greeted with cheerful staff ready to help start the dental process. During your visit, all your questions should be answered promptly, staff should treat you respectfully, and you should feel the focus remains on your oral health at every point.

Our patient journey begins with that initial phone call, where a staff member will work to arrange an appointment that works best to you and collect information on what you’re seeking. From there, we apply equal amounts of care and attention to the examination, the consultation, treatment, and aftercare phases.

We’ll work hard to ensure we fully and completely understand your unique dental situation and that you understand it, too. We’ll help formulate a plan to help you attain and keep your good oral health. The team at Elleven Dental specialises in general dentistry, orthodontics, implants and surgery, and so much more. No matter your situation, we have an expert available to answer your questions at every step of the way.

3. The Right Services

Some practices are quite limited in scope regarding the services they offer, requiring you to make additional visits to other offices if you need specialised care. This juggling of office locations and the back and forth of medical records can lead to lapses in care or unsatisfactory services. When all technicians and dental experts are located in one place, however, you’re able to receive more cohesive and personalised care.

While all of our services deal with oral and dental health, we do more than just routine check-ups and cleanings. We also offer advanced orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, as well as cosmetic procedures.

In other words, we focus on the health and appearance of your entire mouth. Our mouths and teeth are complex, incredibly unique, and often more sensitive than they look. By having a range of options for our patients – including our paediatric patients – we can run a rather tight ship and keep all you need in one spot.

4. Awards & External Recognition

While all dentists undergo the same minimum training to earn their title, the best of the best stand out with industry awards gained after consistent demonstrations of excellence.

Here at Elleven dental, we’re proud of the awards we’ve earned over the years. They’re symbols of our dedication to our patients and our practice, of the hard work we put in, and of the standards we set for meritorious care.

Certainly, good dentists without awards can be found all throughout the country. But those with external recognition have concrete proof of their quality and record of service.

5. Testimonials & Recommendations

Your eyes may normally fly by testimonials and star ratings when conducting online research, but you may want to start taking a closer look. Most can speak to the technical side of visiting the dentist – getting their teeth cleaned well and cavities filled efficiently – but the best testimonials will describe the personalities of the staff, how welcoming the office was, and whether or not the dentist took the time to fully understand their needs and concerns.

We’ve worked to gather reviews and testimonials from some of our clients to give prospective patients a better understanding of what they’ll encounter after stepping inside our office.

In addition to testimonials on the web, you may want to tap your friends and family for their opinions. If someone close to you can give you a first-hand account of a dental practice and answer any questions you have on the spot, you may get a more detailed understanding of the quality of the practice.

If you have any questions about our practice, our services, our staff, or any part of the patient journey at Elleven, please contact us! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have so you can make the right choice for your dental health.

The post What to look for in a Reputable London Dentist? appeared first on Elleven Dental.

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5 Common Foods That Give Children Cavities

It’s no surprise that children dread dentist visits. Even with a caring children’s dentist, this can be a scary experience for them, especially when they need to have a cavity filled. While they can’t get out of going in for regular visits, being cavity-free will make these visits much more pleasant.

So how can you help your little one maintain good oral health?

If you’ve already taught your child the basics of practising good dental hygiene, we congratulate you! You are teaching them something that is not only important for their oral health, but also for their overall health. However, good brushing habits are not the only thing that can keep cavities at bay. It’s also important to make sure your kids are eating tooth-friendly foods.

Sweets aren’t the only food that is damaging to teeth and gums. There are other common foods that have a huge impact on oral health, especially on that of younger children. In this post, we will go over what foods to stay away from – some may even surprise you!

1. Sugary Drinks

This is the first food that has to go! Carbonated soft drinks and juices can lead to tooth and gum damage. Too much sugar is super damaging to dental health, leading to cavities, destruction of tooth enamel, and tooth decay over time.

Sugar-free fizzy drinks are still acidic, which is just as harmful to your child’s smile. Even non-carbonated sports drinks are acidic and filled with sugars. Water and low-fat milk are the healthiest options – anything else should be had in moderation.

2. Citrus Fruit

Just like acidic drinks, foods that are highly acidic like citrus fruits wear down tooth enamel over time. Examples include grapefruit, oranges, and lemons so be cautious of how much of these fruits your kids eat.

Keep an eye out for citrus fruit juices as well. While they are a good source of Vitamin C, many of them are very acidic, which can damage oral health. Citric acid is even stronger when it’s used as a preservative in juice and fizzy drinks, which is just another reason to stay away from these sugary beverages.

3. Chewy Sweets

Sweets are a leading cause of cavities among children. We all know that too much sugar is bad for our health, and sweets are filled with it! They are damaging to teeth, especially kids’ milk teeth… it’s just our luck that they appear to be every child’s favorite treat!

While they make for a great treat occasionally, consider steering away from chewy options like gummy bears, lollies, or caramel. These tend to get stuck in tooth crevices for a long time. It’s no surprise that too much of this leads to cavities, so be sure to only give them to your kids as a treat occasionally.

If they do have some sweets, have them brush their teeth right after to avoid buildup and keep their gums and tooth surfaces clean.

4. Starches

Crisps, pasta, bread, and other foods made from white flour can also contribute to tooth decay. These starches break down into simple sugars in your mouth if they’re left to linger. Be sure to eat them in moderation, as they are some of the most teeth-damaging foods.

Not to mention that foods like crisps have no nutritional value whatsoever, so eliminating them from your kids’ diet completely will be great for both their pearly whites and general health. When eating bread, try whole wheat options over white ones.

5. Ice

It’s amazing how many people believe that chomping down on ice is good for their teeth. After all, it’s just water, right? Chewing on a cold, hard substance like ice makes teeth very vulnerable. It increases chances of enamel decay or cracked/chipped teeth, leading to a dental emergency. Swap out those large crunchy cubes for crushed ice that melts faster and isn’t as hard on kids’ teeth if they frequently chew it.

 

Tooth-Friendly Alternatives

So, what are the tooth-friendly foods you should pack your children in their lunchbox?

1. High Fibre Fruits & Veggies

You cannot go wrong with foods that are rich in fibre. We’re talking about apples, carrots, or celery. These healthy snacks actually help to remove plaque from teeth.

Staying on the topic of vegetables, you want to be sure your child’s plate is colourful! Throw in green veggies like broccoli, kale, and spinach. These are packed with vitamins and will keep their tooth enamel healthy. This means fewer visits to the dentist’s office and a happier child!

If your child is anti-vegetable, you might have to get creative. Cook green veggies with a tablespoon of butter to reduce the bitterness, put them into a soup, or put a sugar-free veggie dip on the side.

2. Water With Fluoride

From the moment your child is born, water with fluoride will benefit the health of their pearly whites. While most tap and bottled water contains fluoride, there are some exceptions, so be sure to check the label.

3. Eggs

This is a fun option because of the many ways to get children to eat eggs. Make them an omelette, scramble them, make into egg-and-soldiers or serve hard-boiled. It doesn’t matter how you get your kids to eat them, consider the important minerals contained in eggs. Things like protein, vitamin D, and phosphates in eggs are great for teeth (and general health)!

4. Nuts and Seeds

Not only do these foods make great snacks, but they are also amazing for a healthy smile. They are packed with high amounts of phosphorus and calcium which protect teeth and replenish those minerals stripped away by acids. Next time you pack your kids’ lunchbox, consider throwing in some almonds!

Conclusion

Keeping this information in mind will make significant changes in your children’s dental health. Consider substituting damaging foods with the more tooth-friendly options listed here. Aside from doing this, be sure to take them to their regular dentist visits and continue to practice good dental habits at home.

Having a healthy, beautiful smile growing up is important for so many reasons. Teaching your children the importance of brushing and flossing daily will avoid complications down the road that can be costly, uncomfortable, and even embarrassing. It’s never too late to start implementing good dental practices!

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, contact Elleven Dental.

You can also book a consultation directly. Why not check for availability?

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10 Celebs You Did Not Know Use Braces

No matter how cool they may look in magazines, celebs are just regular people like the rest of us. And regular people sometimes need orthodontic appliance.

If you thought these celebs were just born with picture-perfect smiles, think again. From singers to actors, Hollywood royalty to the British royal family, many of our favourite icons have invested in braces to achieve their brilliant celeb smiles.

Below we’ve listed some of the most famous celebs you may not know use braces.

1. Tom Cruise

One of the most recognisable names in Hollywood, Tom Cruise has been America’s heartthrob for years. He has gained fame not only in the US but in the UK and the rest of the world as well.

Best known for his roles in Top Gun and Mission Impossible, Cruise has incredible acting prowess. He’s also described as one of the most handsome celebrities on the big screen.

Tom Cruise’s smile is no stranger to the camera—but his teeth weren’t always picture-perfect. In fact, in his younger days, Cruise had severely crooked and misshapen teeth. At the start of his acting career, Cruise had an unfortunate mono-tooth (or unitooth) that was significantly oversized. He also had other imperfections like misalignment and discolouration.

To perfect his teeth, Tom Cruise decided to invest in braces and veneers. Rather than being ashamed of the procedure, he wore them proudly. He even showed off his braces on the red carpet at his 2002 premiere of “Minority Report.”

Today, Cruise’s perfectly aligned teeth and bright smile are two of his most charming qualities.

2. Angelina Jolie

Ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful women, Angelina Jolie is known for her striking smile and full lips. However, she too needed the help of braces to perfect her smile.

The Mr & Mrs. Smith actress sported braces in her teens, to help her achieve her now-famous smile. Today, her 12-year-old daughter, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, also wears braces to align her teeth. Shiloh can be spotted in many photographs beaming a metal smile.

 

3. Prince Harry and Prince William

From Hollywood royalty to the royal family, no one is immune to crooked teeth. In their teenage years, both Prince Harry and Prince William wore braces to perfect their smiles.

Growing up in the spotlight, braces played a key role in giving Prince Harry and Prince William the royal smiles they are known for today. In fact, it was revealed that both William and Harry wore braces on their bottom teeth for at least 10 years.

The old cliché that British royalty has bad teeth can finally be put to rest. Braces are saving the day one royal smile at a time. If dental braces good enough for the royal family, who wouldn’t want to use them to perfect their teeth?

4. Emma Watson

Playing the world’s favourite witch, Emma Watson grew up in the spotlight. Most known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, Emma Watson grew up on the big screen. Few of her fans realise that she, too, wore dental braces for a brief period.

Between filming of Harry Potter, Emma Watson had dental braces fitted to her teeth, which she wore for four months. As a megastar and model, having straight teeth was important to her, both for her profession and her confidence.

And just like magic, braces did the trick, giving her the charming smile we’ve seen in Beauty and the Beast and on the telly.

DID YOU KNOW? Emma is actually one of our very treasured patrons at Elleven Dental Wellness .

5. Niall Horan

Irish songwriter turned boy-band heartthrob, Niall Horan finally achieved his Hollywood smile after more than a year of wearing braces. This One Direction singer rose to fame after meeting fellow bandmates on X Factor. Early appearances with the band show that Niall suffered from crooked, uneven, and discoloured teeth.

In late 2011, he finally decided to perfect his smile by investing in invisible braces. When it was finally time to remove them, he posted his excitement on social media. His before and after photos that highlight the difference dental braces can make.

Today, his straight and white smile continues to melt the hearts of fans around the world.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

As one of the biggest sports stars in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to smiling for the camera.

The first ever Portuguese player to sign with Manchester United, Ronaldo quickly grew to fame as one of the best football players of all time. In 2009, Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee of £80 million. In 2018, he signed a €100 million transfer contract with Italian club team, Juventus.

However, while his skills on the field may be worth millions of pounds, he wasn’t born with a smile to match. As a teen, Ronaldo suffered from crooked teeth and several gaps. While soccer is a full-contact sport, he didn’t let that get in the way of his dental health. His decision to straighten his teeth is a prime example for professional athletes that you can invest in braces and still succeed on the field.

7. Dakota Fanning

American starlet, Dakota Fanning, has had a long and complicated journey to achieving her Hollywood smile. Since her youth, she has struggled with uneven and crooked teeth. These required several teeth pullings, retainers, multiple sets of braces, and even a cumbersome headgear. With charming humour and humility, Fanning once sported on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Fanning’s journey to straight teeth has been challenging. However, she can now feel more confident than ever showing off her pearly whites on screen.

 

8. Kendall Jenner

If you’ve been keeping up with the Kardashians, you know that Fashion Week model Kendall Jenner didn’t always have perfect teeth. In fact, the young model had her first set of braces at 13 years old. Today, the model’s perfect smile is one of the most striking features about her. She can be seen flashing her smile on the runway, magazine covers, and the catwalk.

9. Gwen Stefani

International pop sensation, Gwen Stefani, is known for her booming voice and trend-setting style. But this Billboard Hot 100 artist wasn’t born with the perfect smile. In fact, she admitted to Access Hollywood that as a child she always wanted to have braces, but her family couldn’t afford them.

In 1999 once she rose to fame, Stephanie took the matter into her own hands, investing in a set of braces to straighten out her teeth. But she certainly didn’t let the metal in her mouth keep her from singing. She went on to write many more hits, and her smile is now brighter than ever.

 

10. Miley Cyrus

The Hannah Montana fan grew up on American television and quickly captured hearts around the world. But “Smiley Miley” wasn’t born with the perfect smile. As a teen, Miley Cyrus needed braces to perfect her pearly whites. She opted for a unique solution with lingual braces hidden behind her teeth.

The post 10 Celebs You Did Not Know Use Braces appeared first on Elleven Dental.

source https://www.ellevendental.com/news/10-celebs-you-did-not-know-use-braces/

Teeth Whitening

elleven Dental are happy to welcome our latest member of the team, Tara Francis, Aesthetic Practitioner.  An expert in her subject with an amazing status, Tara’s arrival means we at the moment are - for the first time - able to provide aesthetic therapies alongside our dental treatments.

The dental practice is a natural match with an aesthetic therapy practice - especially a dental follow corresponding to elleven Dental with our present deal with aesthetics and cosmetic dentistry.

That’s why we are delighted to welcome Tara to our team.

Tara will be offering aesthetic remedies to help our purchasers retain a fresh and youthful appearance and feel assured about how they look.

Why have we added aesthetic therapies to our remedy portfolio?

We know from the number of enquiries we receive that presently patients who go elsewhere for aesthetic therapies would value the comfort of with the ability to e-book aesthetic remedies with us; at a observe they already attend, with a staff they already know.

Tara’s glorious status as an skilled and expert practitioner gives us the boldness that we can now provide these services to our customers with the identical gold-normal customer service and specialist expertise you will have come to expect from elleven Dental.

Do aesthetic therapies actually belong in a dental practice?

At the identical time, we recognise that some of our clients could marvel if aesthetic treatments really belong in a dental practice.

We feel strongly that they do.

First, dental and facial aesthetics are areas of complementary expertise.  Our group is aware of rather a lot concerning the general aesthetics of the face.

Second, it is a natural complimentary service for our customers - enabling us to offer a holistic strategy to the aesthetics of the face.  It’s quite regular for sufferers who've accomplished a successful course of orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery to wish to improve different parts of the face too - for instance, following orthodontic therapy with tooth whitening.

Kirsty Rodger, elleven Dental’s Remedy Coordinator, has just lately accomplished her own course of orthodontic treatment.  She was delighted with the outcomes and admits to being barely sad when her braces got here off!

Kirsty explains, “I really appreciated the best way my lip sat on my brace.  It made my lip look so much fuller.  So when my brace removed I missed that look!”

Now, our range of aesthetic therapies will enable patients to recreate that look - or regulate extra slowly to the brand new Best Teeth Whitening look of the face.  Finally, it’s another option in our general goal to provide our patients what they should smile with confidence.

A comprehensive dental and aesthetic remedy plan

We all know that major life occasions - especially weddings, anniversaries and significant birthdays - are often the catalyst for in search of orthodontic or cosmetic dental treatments.

It is because we all need to look our greatest at important moments in our lives.

As we develop the aesthetic remedies on supply here at elleven Dental, one of the companies we hope to supply, and will work with our sufferers to develop, is the opportunity to create a tailor-made therapy plan that will help you to look your best in every means in your massive day.

This can imply, for instance, a chance to augment our present Wedding ceremony Smiles service with the new aesthetic treatments Tara shall be delivering to create bespoke therapy packages for our clients.

To discuss a bespoke marriage ceremony smile service or other remedy package deal - please name the elleven Dental team.