Author: sohaldentalpractice

Dentistry has come a long way over the recent years, and the latest technologies used by dentists are helping to revolutionise the dental world. At Sohal Dental Practice, your trusted dentist in Birmingham, we are proud to offer our patients the very latest in dental treatments, using the most innovative technologies available. Here are five dental innovations that are helping to improve how dental care is delivered.

Amazingly accurate 3D scanning

3D scanning technology is used to create detailed 3D images of patients’ teeth and gums. By using 3D scanning, dentists can accurately assess the size, shape, and alignment of teeth to create the most appropriate treatment plan. This technique is also useful for diagnosing any underlying dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Laser dentistry

Another innovative technology used at Sohal Dental Practice is laser dentistry. This technology allows our dentist in Birmingham to use a laser to remove decay, as well as to reshape and whiten teeth. Laser dentistry is minimally invasive, reducing recovery time and eliminating the need for anaesthesia in some cases. The laser is also able to detect decay and other issues at an early stage, allowing for timely and effective treatment.

Implant technology

The latest in implant technology is also being used at Sohal Dental Practice. This technology involves the use of 3D imaging and computer-assisted design to create custom-fitted dental implants for each patient. This can ensure that the implant is an accurate fit, providing the patient with a natural-looking smile and improved oral health.

Computer-aided design

The use of CAD/CAM technology is also revolutionising how dentists create restorations. This technology allows for the design and fabrication of custom-made crowns, bridges, veneers, and other restorations that are more aesthetically pleasing and fit better than traditional restorations.

Digital X-rays

Finally, Sohal Dental Practice uses digital X-ray technology to take quick and accurate images of patients’ teeth and gums. Digital X-ray technology allows dentists to diagnose issues quickly and efficiently and can even be used to detect cavities and other issues at an early stage.

At Sohal Dental Practice, we are committed to providing patients with the best possible dental care and are always looking for ways to improve their treatments and services. By using the latest technologies, we, as your dentist in Birmingham, can offer our patients effective treatments and, therefore, the best possible outcomes. By investing in the latest dental innovations, Sohal Dental Practice is leading the way in the dental world and helping to improve the standard of dental care for everyone.

But this is only part of the story; you need a dental practice you feel comfortable with and who cares about your specific needs. We are sure you will be filled with confidence after your first consultation with us. So do not keep waiting around; book an appointment with us today. Pick up the phone and give us a call, and a member of our friendly and dedicated team will be waiting to speak to you.

If you’re a patient who’s really struggling to feel confident in their smile then don’t worry, today’s post is going to really focus on what you need. We, at Sohal Dental Practice, always put the health and wellbeing of patients above all and have made it our mission to get all our patients feeling happier in their smiles.

What Are Smiles Do For Us

For those who do feel good about their smile, it can be hard to understand exactly how tricky it is for those who don’t. Taking that perfect grin for granted can be super common and frustrating for people who don’t share the confidence.

Our smiles say heaps about us; they literally open us up to the world. A big smile can go a long way in all aspects of life: a job interview, first date, best mates wedding, family christmas photo, the list is literally endless.

Those Who Don’t Smile

For patients who aren’t happy with their smile, it might be that the above statement feels totally alien for you because you spend all of these occasions worrying and thinking about your teeth. Are people looking at them? Do I look ugly? I’ll just cover them up when I smile or eat, etc…

This is no way to live. The energy you’re using worrying about thinking about your teeth is energy that could be far better spent in a million other ways.

What Can Be Done?

There’s a few key areas that need to be focused on, and the team here at your dentist in Birmingham want patients to combine a holistic approach to smile confidence. We want patients to not only focus on the cosmetic look, but equally apply mental strategies to help them feel better too.

Cosmetic Procedures

We offer a full range of dental cosmetics from whitening, bonding, to braces. You’ll be amazed at what we can achieve with a few small tweaks as technologically has come so far in dentistry. We recommend you book in with your dentist in Birmingham to have a consultation on what exactly it is you want to achieve and the best way of getting there. The idea of braces can feel really daunting to begin with, but there are some amazing patient friendly options now available which make the whole process much more accessible.

Mental Strength

We’re living in an age of self love and we think this should extend to your smile. We are all unique and perfect in our own way. Before considering cosmetic options, we would always urge patients to check in with why exactly it is that they’re unhappy with their smile. If you feel it’s a social pressure to look a certain way, then maybe talking through these feelings with someone is the place to start.

We also recommend taking up daily affirmations to help you rewire your thought patterns. Telling yourself that you have a beautiful smile everyday will genuinely make you feel better about your teeth. To find out more about how your dentist in Birmingham can help get in contact with the team via email or phone.

At Sohal Dental Practice, we understand the importance of having a healthy and confident smile. As a dentist in Birmingham, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care to help you achieve the smile you desire. Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments designed to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. In this article, we will explore 8 benefits of cosmetic dentistry from our dentist in Birmingham.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums and bite. This can include a range of treatments from teeth whitening and veneers to full mouth reconstruction. The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to enhance the beauty of a person’s smile and help boost their confidence.

The benefits of cosmetic dentistry

1. Enhancing your oral health

Many cosmetic dental procedures also improve your oral health. For example, dental veneers can protect the surface of damaged teeth, while teeth whitening can remove surface stains and improve the overall health of your teeth.

2. Boosting your confidence

A healthy and attractive smile can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and confidence. If you have been self-conscious about your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help you feel more confident in your appearance.

3. Preventing future dental problem

Some cosmetic dental treatments, such as dental bonding and dental crowns, can help protect your teeth from future damage and decay.

4. Achieving a symmetrical smile

Cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a symmetrical and balanced smile, which can improve your overall facial appearance.

5. Improving your bite

Issues with your bite can cause discomfort and can lead to further dental problems. Cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as orthodontic treatment, can help improve your bite and reduce your risk of future dental issues.

6. Achieving long-lasting results

Many cosmetic dental treatments offer long-lasting results, so you can enjoy your improved smile for years to come.

7. A comfortable and low-stress experience

At Sohal Dental Practice, we understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some patients. Our team of dental professionals is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and as stress free as possible.

8. Improving the appearance of your smile

Cosmetic dentistry can help improve the appearance of your smile by addressing issues such as gaps, chips, discolouration, and misaligned teeth.

To sum it all up

Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of benefits to help you achieve a healthy and confident smile. At Sohal Dental Practice, our dentist in Birmingham, we believe that every person deserves a smile they can feel proud of. If you’re interested in exploring cosmetic dentistry and the benefits it can offer, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us today. Our experienced and knowledgeable team will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to help you achieve your desired results. Whether you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your smile or improve your oral health, we’re here to help. So why wait? Book your appointment now and start your journey towards a brighter, more confident smile!

At Sohal Dental Practice, we understand that tooth sensitivity can be a painful and uncomfortable issue for many of our patients. This common dental problem occurs when the inner layer of the tooth, called dentine, becomes exposed, which can happen due to a variety of reasons such as gum recession, tooth decay, or worn tooth enamel. In this article and as a reliable dentist in Birmingham, we will discuss the causes of tooth sensitivity in more detail, as well as provide tips on how to prevent it and what to do if you’re experiencing it.

Understanding tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity, can be caused by a number of factors such as tooth erosion due to acidic foods and drinks, tooth decay, gum disease, or even tooth whitening procedures. The most common symptoms of tooth sensitivity include pain or discomfort when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even when breathing in cold air. Additionally, some people may also experience pain or discomfort when brushing or flossing their teeth. It’s important to identify the cause of your tooth sensitivity to be able to properly address it.

Preventing tooth sensitivity

The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting our dental practice for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you can help prevent the exposure of the dentine, which is the main cause of tooth sensitivity. In addition, by visiting our dental practice regularly, we can detect and treat any potential issues before they lead to tooth sensitivity.

Additionally, it’s important to avoid habits that can cause tooth damage, such as using a hard-bristled toothbrush or biting on hard objects. Using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can also provide relief, as it can help to desensitise the nerves in your teeth. It’s also important to limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, as they can erode the enamel on your teeth and lead to tooth sensitivity.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it’s essential to have it checked by our dentist in Birmingham. We will be able to identify the cause of your sensitivity and provide the appropriate treatment. This could include filling a cavity, treating gum disease, or even recommending a fluoride treatment to strengthen the tooth enamel. By addressing the cause of your tooth sensitivity, we can help reduce or eliminate your discomfort and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.

Conclusion

Tooth sensitivity can be a painful and uncomfortable issue, but it can be prevented with proper oral hygiene, avoiding habits that can cause tooth damage, limiting consumption of acidic foods and drinks and visiting our dentist in Birmingham for regular check-ups and professional cleanings. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, visit our dental practice for an examination and treatment. At Sohal Dental Practice, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and helping them maintain a healthy and comfortable smile.

Are you someone who is always finding ways to improve the way you look when you regard yourself in the mirror? If you are then you are just acting in a perfectly normal and natural manner. Many of us will always seek to improve our looks, as we wish to boost our self-esteem and confidence, as well as make ourselves more appealing so that we can attract others towards us.

One of the areas of the face that many of us feel we would like to improve the appearance of is the mouth. We all wish to have a perfectly even smile with white teeth that many people see as a sign of good health.

The truth is that using our teeth every day exposes them to food and drinks that are known to leave stains on them. Coffee and curries are examples of items we consume that can leave heavy stains on our teeth. When you then add the smoking of cigarettes and vaping then we can see how difficult it can be to gain healthy-looking white teeth, this can also be compounded in your mind if you are also living with misaligned or crooked teeth.

Do you want a straighter, whiter, more aesthetically pleasing smile? At Sohal Dental Practice we have treatments that can help.

At Sohal Dental Practice we want our patients to have access to a dentist in Birmingham that can give help and advice around every aspect of their oral health and hygiene needs, whatever they may be. For this reason, we offer our patients the ability to access a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to allow them to improve the look of their teeth and gain the smile that they are looking for.

Life is busy and you want whiter teeth

You may feel that your life is far too full and busy to find time to visit our dentist in Birmingham in order to whiten your teeth over several appointments, but this need not be a barrier to you undergoing a tooth whitening treatment. We can now provide most patients with an at-home whitening treatment that consists of a mouth tray and whitening gel, this will put you in total control of your treatment and the way you administer it.

You simply apply the whitening gel to the mouth tray at a time of day that is suitable to you and place it in your mouth, many patients find this to be late at night before retiring to bed to sleep. Within a few weeks, you should be able to see the effects of your treatment and should have the whiter teeth that you desire.

Other treatments are available

If you are looking for some other kind of cosmetic dental service or treatment then you will find that we can help you. We provide tooth straightening treatment for those who are living with misaligned teeth and white fillings for those who are not happy with the image of the amalgam fillings within their mouths. So if you are looking to improve the look of your teeth through the use of cosmetic dentistry treatments and techniques we invite you to contact our dentist in Birmingham to find out more details about the ways we can help you.

At Sohal Dental Practice, we want all of our patients to have healthy and beautiful smiles, which is why we follow ABC dentistry. ABC stands for align, brighten, and contour. It is a handy little acronym that we like to use to sum up the treatments that our dentist in Birmingham can offer. We know that alongside the general dentistry that we provide, many patients will also want their teeth realigned, brightened using teeth whitening treatments, as well as contouring to make their smile uniform and attractive. With the latest technology and techniques at our disposal, our experienced team is ready to help you achieve the smile of your daydreams as well.

Align

For realigning your smile, you may be able to have a discreet treatment such as Invisalign. This is a system of aligners that are virtually invisible to other people. The aligners push the teeth gradually into the correct position and they are able to achieve the results in around 6 to 18 months. They are made bespoke for you, so they should also be comfortable to wear. Once your mouth has been scanned for the measurements, we can also show you an animation of how wonderful your smile will look once the treatment has been completed, before we even get started! The great thing about Invisalign is the fact that you are able to take the aligners out for eating and cleaning your teeth. You have up to 2 hours, so there is plenty of time each day to also have them out for other things like playing sports. There is a special range for teenagers, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign is ideal for anyone who has mild or moderate alignment issues, such as crossbite, over and underbites, crowded, or gapped teeth.

Brighten

For brightening your teeth, we offer two treatments. The first is Enlighten Smiles Whitening. This is a treatment that can lighten teeth by up to 16 shades, and it guarantees a Vita B1 Shade. This involves having custom made trays for your mouth. You will be provided with whitening gel to put into the trays, after using a special toothpaste to reduce sensitivity in your teeth. You will then need to wear the trays for two weeks, while you are sleeping. You will be required to come in to see us for a final 1 hour treatment with us for a final boost.

The other treatment we offer is a more gentle one called Boutique Whitening. This again involves the whitening trays being worn for a fortnight at home. You can then keep the trays to use for any top-up, maintenance sessions that you need to have and our dentist in Birmingham will be able to advise on this.

Contour

There are different ways that you can change the shape of your teeth. One of them is to have composite bonding. This is a type of veneer that uses composite bonding resin to repair small chips or cracks in your teeth, as well as making teeth appear a different size or shape. It is a quick solution and only requires one appointment. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, require a couple of appointments, but they do typically last longer. They involve having a porcelain shaped shell, like a false nail, being manufactured for you. This will need to be sent away for, after impressions have been taken. The size and shade of the veneer can be chosen to suit your smile and often these are used for all of the front teeth for a beautiful finish.

Consultation

Whatever treatment you require, come and see our dentist in Birmingham to discuss your concerns. We can’t wait to get started on treating your teeth to ensure you have a healthy, beautiful, and most importantly, happy smile!

If you’re worried about decaying teeth then you certainly aren’t alone. Hundreds of people come to the practice year-on-year worried about decay and how to stop it. Decay is one of the most common dental problems we see here at Sohal Dental Practice and there are small things you can do to help yourself avoid decay. However, before we get into prevention let’s take a more detailed look at what our dentist in Birmingham can do to restore teeth when decay almost reaches the point of no return.

Why do teeth decay?

Teeth decay for a number of reasons, but in the vast majority of cases we see decay is caused by a lack of good oral hygiene paired with high sugar and acidic diets.

Sugar and acid wear down the tooth’s natural protective layer called enamel. Once this layer has been worn down the tooth becomes more susceptible to the sugars and acids, and it can begin to rot, which is why when decay begins the tooth starts to discolour and turn a dark black or brown.

One factor that has massive implications for oral health is the dental hygiene regime we follow. If oral hygiene isn’t up to scratch then it’s more than likely that over time your teeth will begin to show signs of decay.

What is oral hygiene exactly? We’re going to discuss this more later, but first things first.

How can our dentist in Birmingham treat decay?

How we attack the deterioration will greatly vary, depending on the level of the decay in your teeth. If it is in the very early stages it could be that we are able to send you home with strict brushing and flossing guidelines, in the hope that if the area is tended to the decay will be fixable with brushing correctly alone.

If you, however, have reached a stage where the disease has had more of an effect on the tooth it could be time that we remove the decay and use a filling to restore the tooth.

A word on fillings

Fillings have a poor time in the press, we’re told often from childhood that they are bad and they represent dire dental hygiene and rotting teeth and should be something to be seriously ashamed of. We at Sohal Dental Practice don’t like shaming anyone about their teeth. Fillings are a great asset when trying to preserve teeth and modern fillings are unobtrusive and durable. They happen to the vast majority of people at one stage or another and they aren’t embarrassing, they’re a tool used to help protect your teeth from further damage.

Further care plans

If our dentist in Birmingham decides the tooth is beyond the point of just being treated with a filling then there are a number of other options available including crowns, root canals and extraction, sometimes followed by implants. These are all far more common that you realise and have come a long way in terms of comfort and recovery.

Dental hygiene

We promised we’d touch on this and really it’s very simple, cleaning your teeth correctly will help protect against the bacteria that cause decay building up. If you want to learn more about how to clean your teeth properly then come and chat to one of the team who will be glad to assist. Also attend check-ups with us every 6 months.

Here at Sohal Dental Practice, we help our patients to gain and restore good oral health, as well as helping to improve the appearance of the smile using a range of treatments. One very popular means of getting a great smile is Invisalign from the dentist in Birmingham.

Invisalign is the modern way to straighten teeth that boasts many benefits. Here, we explain what the treatment is and discuss why it is such a popular choice with so many of our patients.

What is this treatment?

As the dentist in Birmingham, we offer our patients the best solutions regarding the smile. Having crooked, protruding or overcrowded teeth is very common. In the past, the only option for straightening them was braces that featured metal wires held in place by brackets. Today, though some patients are suited to traditional braces, many are now eligible candidates for Invisalign.

Invisalign is a type of braces that is quite different. They come in the form of trays of clear plastic that slot over the teeth. These trays are also called aligners and are changed every fortnight or so for a new set until the teeth are straightened.

Does everyone know if a person is wearing clear braces?

One of the main reasons for people requesting Invisalign from the dentist in Birmingham is that these braces are totally invisible. The aligners are transparent, which means that the teeth are still clearly visible. There are no wires or brackets or any conspicuous parts. This means that if the patient wants to keep their treatment between them and us, then no one else will know that they are having their teeth straightened.

The invisible nature of these braces means that they are a great choice for people who are seeking treatment as mature adults. There is no need to answer awkward questions from colleagues and social events need not cause any concern.

How long does the treatment take?

Clear aligners are often chosen because as well as being very discrete, they usually deliver results quite quickly. Some other types of braces must be worn for a few years before the treatment is complete. Most Invisalign patients have the smile they want after just a few months.

It is worth bearing in mind that treatment times vary between individuals. However, it is easy to find out an estimate of how long the braces need to be worn for thanks to the technology that comes with this treatment. We can give the patient an accurate prediction of time scales and show them what the finished results will look like.

Does it hurt?

Invisalign is one of the most comfortable ways to get a great smile. The aligners are customised for the individual patient, which means that they are a perfect fit. They are made from plastic that is very soft and malleable, which makes them very easy to wear.

Some patients do experience a degree of discomfort when they are getting used to a new set of aligners. However, this is usually short-lived and can be resolved with paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Here at Sohal Dental Practice, we promote preventive care as well as offering a wide range of treatments for getting a great smile.  Preventive care is all about taking good care of the teeth and gums so that the need for intervention is minimal.  This means that taking the advice of the dentist in Birmingham can help to improve the quality of life and save the patient time and money.

Clean at home

Establishing a good oral health routine at home is vital for achieving healthy teeth and gums.  Brushing should be done twice per day with a medium bristled brush and a good fluoride toothpaste.  Flossing should be done once daily.  Any patient who is unsure about how best to floss should consult with the dentist in Birmingham to learn the best technique and consider the use of interdental brushes as an alternative method.

Regular check-ups

Visiting the dentist in Birmingham for regular check-ups is vital for maintaining good oral health.  We can identify the beginnings of any issues before they become problematic or cause discomfort and take steps to remedy these at the earliest possible stages.  Issues such as gum disease can cause bad breath which can result in low confidence, and if left untreated, can even cause tooth loss which can be devastating.

Drink water

Most tap water contains fluoride, an important mineral which helps to protect the teeth by safeguarding the enamel.  Drinking water throughout the day helps to maintain enamel and prevents the mouth from becoming dry.  Having a dry mouth often causes a person to have bad breath, so staying hydrated allows the patient to feel more confident that their breath will not become stale over the course of the day.

Choosing water as the usual beverage throughout the day on most days also means that the patient can keep their consumption of other drinks to a minimum.  Fizzy drinks (even those which are sugar free), fruit juices and tea and coffee can all damage the enamel of the teeth and cause staining.  Therefore, the patient who drinks mostly water is much more likely to enjoy good oral health.

Get teeth straightened

A patient who has teeth that are crooked, protruding or overcrowded usually finds it much more difficult to have healthy teeth and gums.  This is because teeth that are not straight are much more difficult to keep clean.  Teeth that are misaligned are more likely to have bits of food debris and plaque between them even with the most vigorous tooth brushing and flossing.  This then causes cavities and can result in bad breath and gum disease.

For those who are worried about feeling self-conscious wearing braces, options such as Invisalign may offer the ideal solution.  This is a form of braces that is completely invisible, and which is composed of trays of clear plastic that are worn over the teeth for a couple of weeks at a time before being swapped for a new set.  Invisalign delivers great results without having to change lifestyle and the treatment is usually relatively quick too.

Here at Sohal Dental Practice, we promote preventive care and offer lots of help on maintaining good oral health. For parents, taking good care of their teeth and gums can allow them to be better role models, as well as enjoying better health in general. Having a regular routine can also help to retain confidence and youthfulness, qualities that are often desired by new and older parents alike. Here, as a dentist in Birmingham, we outline why good oral health is so important for parents and explain the practices that help to achieve this.

Setting a good example

As a dentist in Birmingham, we often hear of parents having difficulty in encouraging their children to brush their teeth. One of the easiest ways to help resolve this is by ensuring that children see their parents engaging in a regular cleaning routine. Children learn by modelling, that is, copying the behaviour of their role models.

It is also important that children see their parents visiting the dentist in Birmingham for check-up appointments. It can be helpful to arrange a child’s dental check-up at the same time as their parents. If they see their mother or father chatting happily with us and relaxing in the chair while we give them the once over, a child is much more likely to feel calm and accepting about having their own examination.

Maintain oral health

The parent who brushes and flosses daily and visits us every six months or so is much less likely to encounter difficulties with their oral health. Having toothache and trying to care for children can be very difficult, as can having to arrange childcare for unscheduled visits to get issues resolved. The less treatment a parent needs at the dentist, the more resources they have to spare that can be used for the benefit of their children.

Look after general health

Most parents are keen to do everything they can to ensure they maintain good health and live for as long as possible. They want to be able to look after their children well into adulthood and be fit and active grandparents.

People who have healthy teeth and gums are more likely to have good general health. Gum disease has been shown to be a significant contributory factor in a whole host of other health conditions. When the mouth is persistently inflamed, then the patient has a higher risk of heart and lung disease, arthritis and dementia.

Retain confidence and youthfulness

Sometimes people feel they lose a bit of themselves when they become parents, and this can have an impact on their confidence. Ensuring that they have a great smile with healthy attractive teeth and gums means that parents can continue to feel youthful and happy about their appearance as their children get older.

How to keep oral health

Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing or using interdental brushes once per day is essential. It is also important to see us for a check-up every six months or so, as we can assess that all is well and identify and treat any issues before they become problematic.