Category: Dentist

At Sohal Dental Practice it is our aim to give you a beautiful and perfect smile that you can feel confident about, because there are too many people out there suffering from lack of self-esteem due to a crooked and dull smile. But with three simple steps, we can take that disappointing grimace and turn it into a winning smile with a makeover that aligns, brightens and contours your teeth at our dentist in Birmingham, so that you can face the world with confidence knowing that the impression your smile makes is a good and lasting one.

A new demand for smile makeovers

The demand for things like adult orthodontics and whitening treatments has certainly grown over the years, many adults are looking to improve their appearance as new generations have higher expectations of beauty and health standards. It is thought that having straight teeth may help present a better professional image in the workplace, as psychological studies suggest that the teeth play an important role in the first impressions made on new people. People with straight, bright and undamaged teeth are perceived to be healthier and more successful than those with misaligned, crooked or broken teeth. We understand how delicate the issue of self-image is for many people and our dentist in Birmingham has options for you to transform your smile.

Align

Straightening your natural teeth is a good and affordable first step when it comes to transforming your smile, especially when compared with more expensive makeover treatments like veneers. A set of straight teeth will last for the rest of your life if you take care of them properly and our dentist in Birmingham uses Invisalign to help get your teeth into a position that you are satisfied with. Invisalign uses clear aligners that gently push your teeth into position in just a few short months, the treatment itself is highly advanced and very discreet and able to fix most orthodontic issues and malocclusions.

Brighten

After straightening your teeth the next step is to undergo a whitening procedure in order to brighten your smile and our aim is to whiten your teeth without causing any damage to the precious enamel covering them, which is why an in-house whitening treatment is recommended by our practice in favour of at home or over-the-counter whitening kits. At our practice, we use Enlighten Smiles Whitening which can lighten your teeth by 16 shades for a brighter smile that you will notice.

Contour

Once your teeth are the shade you want them we can talk about contouring if you need it, many people have small chips in their front teeth that they would like to restore, or wear and tear has ground the shape of your teeth over years and you may want to restore their fullness. This can all be done with composite bonding at our practice which uses a special resin that matches the shade of your teeth and is shaped and sculpted to restore the full shape of each tooth. Once you are happy with the restoration we use a special light to harden the composite material and just like that, your teeth are good as new again.

If you’ve looked into getting that famous Hollywood smile and suddenly been hit with a price tag that you simply cannot justify, then Invisalign and/or composite resin bonding may be the solution for you to transform your smile into a gleaming set of straight teeth, that not only suit your appearance, but improve upon your overall aesthetics. We at Sohal Dental Practice want you to leave our practice looking and feeling your best. Whether we have taken away your pain or started the journey to improve the look of your teeth, your dentist in Birmingham is the place where you can get it all done.

Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics

Fixing your crooked, gapped or overcrowded teeth with orthodontic treatments has its health benefits; having straighter teeth makes them easier to clean, which improves your overall dental health in the long run. There is also a psychological factor to having straight and bright teeth, they can improve your confidence dramatically, as well as the perception those around you may have of you. At your dentist in Birmingham we have a solution to straightening your teeth, to help you get that enviable bright and straight smile without breaking the bank.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a revolutionary new orthodontic treatment that can straighten your teeth in 4-9 months, depending on how much work needs to be done on them. The reason this treatment is so popular is not only because it works very quickly, but because it is very discreet. Invisalign uses clear aligners which are just about invisible when worn, making them an ideal treatment for professionals and active people alike. Each aligner in the custom set you will receive is removable for eating and cleaning, making it easy to fit them into your lifestyle.

Composite resin bonding

This treatment can be done in one appointment, which means not waiting months for an orthodontic appliance to work. But while Invisalign can fix a host of difficult orthodontic problems, composite resin bonding is there to augment a smile that is only slightly crooked or broken, and is a good solution for those who cannot afford veneers. Composite resin is shaped and moulded to your teeth in order to smooth over imperfections like slightly crooked or overlapped teeth and to hide stained and yellow teeth. This procedure is very popular with those trying to stay on a budget and in the case of having an important event like a wedding around the corner, it is a quick treatment to improve on your smile. This treatment can also fix chipped teeth or it can be used to close gaps in the teeth that may be causing you to feel self-conscious about your smile. A consultation with your dentist in Birmingham will help give you a more clear idea if you are a good candidate for a bonding treatment, or if you need something like Invisalign for more extensive purposes.

Whitening

Never underestimate what whitening your teeth can do for your overall look, a brighter whiter smile is noticed by all and it has a psychological function when it comes to first impressions, our whitening treatments can help transform your smile.

Providing care during trying times

Here at Sohal Dental Practice, our main aim as a dentist in Birmingham is to bring a smile to each of our patient’s faces and do all that we can with our expansive dentistry skills to ensure they look and feel their absolute best. In light of the recent country-wide lockdown, and the increased amount of personal care and consideration which we are all having to take to protect ourselves, we understand the resistance in many to visiting their dentist in Birmingham in person. However, we also want to emphasise to our patients the importance of maintaining a good standard of dental health, and not to refrain from seeking out any treatment they may need. In an attempt to ensure our patients’ peace-of-mind, we are now providing e-consultations to any patient who wishes to have their dental needs assessed without making a trip to our practice.

What does an e-consultation involve?

For patients out there who feel they are not quite ready to travel to our practice here at Sohal Dental, we have engineered a way in which we can bring their trusted dentist in Birmingham to their own home, through an e-consultation. This process involves the patient uploading a photograph of themselves, alongside a description – in their own words – of the specifics of what it is they are hoping to achieve from their dental care here at Sohal Dental Practice. After they have detailed their concerns and dental desires, our team of experts will then process this information and formulate a patient specific, uniquely crafted treatment plan which meets the individual needs expressed by the patient.

Cosmetic tooth whitening

One of the most commonly voiced concerns which patients regularly highlight here at Sohal Dental is the shade of their teeth being more yellowed or discoloured than they would like. The loss of the natural whiteness within the enamel of our teeth is something which can be the root of a great deal of anxiety or embarrassment for many people of all ages. Additionally, those who make certain lifestyle choices – such as smoking cigarettes or drinking high amounts of potentially staining drinks such as red wine or black teas and coffees – may result in the speeding up of this discolouration, or cause visible marks or stains to a patient’s teeth. Whilst this may be distressing to notice initially, anyone who does so needn’t be concerned, as they can now have the problem completely reversed through cosmetic teeth whitening treatment here at Sohal Dental Practice.

What are my whitening options?

One of the main appeals of undergoing cosmetic dental whitening from us here at Sohal Dental Practice is that we offer our patients home-whitening kits which – unlike some over-the-counter home-whitening kits – are perfectly safe for use and recognised by professionals as being a reliable, gently way of removing stains or discolouration to a patient’s teeth. Here at Sohal Dental we offer two main types of whitening, both Enlighten Smiles Whitening – which can be carried out at home, and Boutique Teeth Whitening – which can also be carried out at home, although first it requires that a mould be made of each patient’s unique tooth shape, into which the whitening gel is then placed once the patient is at home. To find out whether or not we could help you brighten your smile here at Sohal Dental Practice then simply arrange a consultation or e-consultation to begin your unique dental journey.

Crafting your confidence

At Sohal Dental Practice, we are a dentist in Birmingham who feels it is our duty and our responsibility to ensure that each patient who receives dental treatment from us does so in such a way that their individual needs are met and surpassed. We are a dentist who feels that every smile is a unique and beautiful thing, which ought to be treated with the highest amount of care, respect, and consideration.

Every smile is different, and as such we tailor each of the procedures which a patient opts for to meet the contours, shapes, and sizes of their unique smile. Nothing makes us more content than seeing the confidence grown within the face of a patient and they progress along their treatment journey. If you are looking for a dentist in Birmingham who you can truly and wholeheartedly rely on to provide you with the highest standard of care and excellence, then you needn’t look further than our expert practitioners here at Sohal Dental Practice.

Common cosmetic concerns

One of the most rapidly expanding areas of dentistry that we offer to patients here at Sohal Dental Practice is what is classified as ‘cosmetic’ dental solutions. This is the blanket term given to a great many different procedures, all of which aim to solve a common superficial concern which patients commonly have. An example of a common cosmetic concern for which treatment is frequently provided here at Sohal Dental Practice is having teeth that are stained and discoloured.

As we age, the natural enamel of our teeth often becomes greyer in colour and this can have a negative impact on many patient’s self-esteem. Other factors and lifestyle decisions, such as smoking or drinking high quantities of staining drinks such as red wines or black coffees can also speed up this discolouration as well as leave visible marks and stains on the surface enamel. However, we are a dentist in Birmingham who offers our patients teeth whitening treatment which can be carried out from their own home and aims to give them a brighter-looking, healthier smile.

What does the process involve?

You may be aware of the vast amount of over-the-counter home whitening kits which have become increasingly popular, as well as cheaper online alternatives. The primary drawback of these remedies is that – besides their potential to contain hazardous, unsafe chemicals – they are not made to fit one person’s teeth specifically, but rather a one-size-fits-all. As such, the likelihood of the treatment leaving strips of unbleached enamel increases. However, by undergoing home-whitening treatment through a kit which has been attained from a dentist – such as us here at Sohal Dental Practice – each whitening tray is custom built to fit perfectly over each patient’s teeth, and as such will give them a more even shade.

The initial stage of the Enlighten Smiles whitening process consists of a visit to the practice to have a unique dental tray made of your tooth shape. You are then given this tray to take home, as well as an Enlighten whitening kit which contains a safe amount of a peroxide-based bleaching agent. The patient then applies a thin, even layer of this gel to the interior of their retainer before wearing it periodically over the course of two or so weeks. During that time, the patient can watch as their smile visibly brightens, shade by shade until it is the colour they desire and their self-confidence is renewed.

Behind the smile

At Sohal Dental Practice, we are a dentist in Birmingham who believes that the true beauty of a smile lies not in the way it looks, but in the way that the person who bears it feels. Nothing, we feel, is more rewarding than seeing the increase in self-esteem and the confidence behind the smile of a person who has received treatment through a dentist in Birmingham. Today, more than ever, there are new and emerging techniques and procedures which have been designed and refined to address cosmetic issues patients commonly have with the way their smiles look.

Discreet orthodontic aligners

In the past, older patients who wished to have their teeth realigned through orthodontics, would typically have to wear fused dental braces for up to twelve months. Nowadays however, thanks to cutting-edge orthodontic technology, patients can now achieve a straighter smile far more discreetly. Cosmetic orthodontic aligners such as the Invisalign retainer system are one of the most commonly requested and sought out treatments from our dentist in Birmingham here at Sohal Dental Practice, largely due to their ability to achieve quality results – without having an impact on how patients look. Teenagers and young adults who would otherwise refrain from seeking out orthodontic aid, if it was to be done through traditional methods, can now correct minor misalignments in their smiles and restore their appearance and self-esteem.

How does Invisalign work?

Most of our patients already have a grasp on the mechanics behind traditional, fused braces. These align a patient’s teeth through bonding brackets to the front of their teeth, and applying pressure to the brackets through a metal wire. Many of our patients however, are unaware of the mechanics behind the Invisalign method, or how it differs from traditional methods. Invisalign consists entirely of a set of plastic dental retainers which are made from a mould of each individual patient. Built within the structure of every retainer, there are pressure points which apply pressure to the teeth which are misaligned. As every retainer is formed by using an impression of each patient’s tooth shape, position and structure – every set of Invisalign retainers is unique to each patient. Therefore when each one is placed over their teeth it fits perfectly and comfortably. The material used within the retainer is a transparent plastic called SmartTrack, and as it is see-through it almost completely disappears when worn over the patient’s teeth.

How do I go about receiving treatment?

Anyone who has teeth which are minorly misaligned, crooked or have gaps between them, and wishes to discreetly amend their alignment, ought to visit us here at Sohal Dental Practice and speak to one of our cosmetic orthodontic specialists. In doing so, the patient can become comfortable and familiar with the entire Invisalign procedure and what they can expect. It also lets the dental practitioner make an initial assessment of the patient’s oral health to assess whether treatment can be carried out. Patients who carry out the Invisalign retainer system of dental realignment typically find the procedure to be far more comfortable than traditional braces, and are afforded many privileges than conventional orthodontics do not allow.

At our clinic within Birmingham we believe that having straighter and whiter teeth results in a happier smile! We aim to give all of our patients an increased level of self-confidence, as well as a sense of comfort in our modern and clean dental surgery. Our experienced team of dental healthcare professionals adopt a patient centred approach, this means we always place our patients happiness at the top of our priority list.

Embracing variety

Our dentist in Birmingham not only offers general dental treatments (such as fillings, bridges, and dental check-ups) as well as an extensive range of orthodontic and cosmetic procedures (such as Invisalign clear aligners, and tooth whitening).

Did you know?

Despite embracing our cosmetic and orthodontic treatments, we also care for our patients’ oral health, encouraging bi-annual check-ups to make sure our patients stay on top of their dental hygiene!

An alternative perspective

Within the modern field of dentistry many of our patients may find it hard to find the best dental clinic for them and their dental needs; this is where we try to help. Located on our dental website we display many positive patient testimonials of our previous treatments, in addition to a wide array of ‘before and after’ photos to help you envisage your future smile.

Meet the dental team..

Many of our patients may prefer to know who will be administering their chosen dental treatment, and this is something we understand and always strive to accommodate. Our principal dentist and our experienced practice manager could be argued as the two main individuals at our dentist in Birmingham.

At our clinic within Birmingham, you can be assured that you’re in safe hands

Our dental healthcare professionals have heaps of dental experience and have all received the necessary dental training to offer sound medical advice. Dr Sarbjit Singh Sohal is just one example of our fantastic team, graduating from university within the Czech Republic. His father was also experienced within the field of dentistry, which is where he found his passion. In addition to his work at our surgery within Birmingham, Dr Sarbjit Singh Sohal also partakes in charity work (such as supporting the British Heart Foundation).

How to get in touch

If you are considering receiving dental work at our clinic within Birmingham (whether this be general, orthodontic, or even cosmetic dental care) then you may be wondering how to book your first appointment. At our clinic we tailor make all of our patients’ dental plans, and treating every dental case as unique means we always start with an introductory appointment (commonly referred to within the field of dentistry as an ‘initial consultation’).

Starting your treatment journey with us

Many of our patients may prefer to contact our clinic directly (through the means of our telephone number or our email address) however we also offer our new ‘e-consultations’.

What is an e-consultation?

These may be perfect for our busier patients, or for those who are experiencing dental anxiety prior to their dental appointment, and wish to ask several questions. Our online consultations mean our patients have the option to send a photo of their pretreatment smile, along with a few personal details about their dental case.

Many of our patients, especially those who are nervous, may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from their dental check-up, and we are happy to accommodate them. Our dental team believe that prevention is always better than cure, which is why we aim to prevent the onset of more serious oral diseases and infections, such as gum disease, through the use of preventive dental work. Many patients may believe that they partake in an adequate dental hygiene routine, such as brushing and flossing regularly, however unfortunately symptoms can still occur.

The treatment process

During a dental check-up patients can expect to receive a thorough dental examination of the teeth, lips, and gums, to check for any decay, or dental abrasions. After our dentist in Birmingham has an idea of the health of your mouth, we may ask you questions concerning your lifestyle choices, such as your diet, and smoking and drinking habits.

Sharing our knowledge

In addition to our standard dental treatments, we also aim to give dental advice. Our advice may include ways to improve your dental hygiene, such as using interdental brushes or the right mouthwash to use.

What should I look out for?

Many patients that visit our dentist in Birmingham may not be aware that they are displaying negative dental symptoms, which is why we always aim to promote dental education! Some negative symptoms can consist of bad breath, bleeding gums, sensitivity, and even toothache and sores.

Why is a dental check-up important?

Many of our patients may overlook their biannual check-ups, normally advised by our dental healthcare professionals to be every six months, due to financial concerns, anxiety, inconvenience, or simply a hectic work or social schedule. Despite many patients missing their scheduled appointment at our dentist in Birmingham we believe a check-up is vital in preventing oral concerns, which can therefore save money on dental bills in the long run.

How much can I expect to pay for my dental check-up?

The cost of a dental check-up will vary depending on the treatments delivered, like a scale and polish, and the individual’s dental situation. Although it is always difficult to determine, most of our dental plans, consisting of finance plans available at our clinic which cover many dental treatments, usually cover dental check-ups.

A dental team you can trust

Our practice strives to deliver an excellent standard of dentistry, for all of our patients. We use modern dental technologies to ensure our patients receive the very best level of care. Our team consists of eight dental healthcare professionals, who have delivered treatment to over 2,348 happy patients!

Another perspective

Located on our website we display many positive patient testimonials, these can be invaluable in helping you choose the right dental clinic in which to receive your treatment. If you are considering receiving dental care at our clinic, then feel free to view our happy patients’ comments!

How to begin your treatment journey

If you do wish to visit our clinic for an initial consultation, you can do so for free! All we ask for are a few personal details. Located on our modern website, we offer our patients a direct contact number, as well as an online consultation form, which can be perfect for those who are very busy.

Many individuals may miss their scheduled dental appointment, which is generally suggested by our professionals to be every six months, for a multitude of reasons. Although it is extremely common to miss a dental check-up, they can be vital in maintaining a good standard of dental and oral health.

What to expect from a dental check-up at our clinic in Handsworth, Birmingham

During a dental check-up at our dentist in Handsworth patients can expect to receive several standard procedures, although the process may differ somewhat depending on the individual dental case. Patients can expect an overall assessment of the teeth and gums, in order to distinguish any potential dental diseases and infections that may develop (such as gum disease and mouth cancer). Aside from an overall examination, our dentists may also look for any cavities or heightened sensitivity within the mouth, which can both be treated at a later dental appointment.

Working with you

At our dentist in Handsworth we aim to work with our patients to achieve their dental goals. Adopting a patient-centred dental approach, we believe we build trusted relationships with our patients, ensuring they always feel comfortable when receiving dentistry at our clinic. During a dental check-up, we may ask you about any recent changes in your medication, and lifestyle factors (such as antibiotics, or increased levels of smoking and drinking) which may affect your dental health. Aside from lifestyle changes, we also ask our patients about any symptoms that may concern them, such as bad breath, or bleeding gums, which could be causes of concern and signs of more severe dental issues.

Get to know us

Our dentist in Handsworth was first opened in 1976 by our senior dentist Dr J S Sohal. Since the opening of his first clinic, Dr J S Sohal has continued to develop new clinics and dental technologies, as well as serving many members of the local community for many years. Aside from many property expansions, in 2013 our new principal dentist Dr Sarbjit Singh Sohal brought a new and fresh dynamic to our dental practice. We are pleased to witness his passion for dental work within the community, which is recognised by every patient who visits our dental practice. Aside from his work life Dr Sarbjit Singh Sohal continues to expand his dental knowledge outside the practice, meaning our dental practice is always updated with the very latest dental technologies.

The treatments we offer

Our clinic believes that our patients should never have to compromise on either quality or quantity of dental care, which is why we offer a wide range of dental treatments. Aside from our general dental treatments, we also provide a wide array of cosmetic dental treatments.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses primarily on improving the appearance of a patient’s smile, and can consist of treatments such as veneers and implants. The most common cosmetic dental treatments which may come to mind when cosmetic dentistry is thought of probably consist of tooth whitening, and Invisalign, however there are many procedures available in this area to enhance a patient’s smile.

For some patients, taking that trip to the dentist can be a nerve-racking experience that they have been dreading all week. That’s why our team have come up with a few pieces of advice for any nervous patients heading out to see their dentist in Handsworth.

Talk to the team before your appointment

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice that we can provide you with is to just speak to your dentist in Handsworth ahead of your appointment, to let them know how you are feeling. Having a chat with our team will allow them to come up with a solution that will make the process of any particular treatment you may be worried about a little easier to handle.

It also allows you to create a way of letting your dentist know that you need a break for a while. Or if talking to others is something you are not overly confident about, then you could also come up with a hand signal system to let the team know that you need to pause for a little bit.

At Sohal Dental Practice our team will provide a warm and welcoming environment as they work with you to figure out how we can give you a stress free dental experience.

Use relaxing breathing techniques

Another tip from the team for patients nervous about visiting the practice is to try and use some relaxing breathing techniques to help slow your heart rate down and make you a little calmer during your visit. There are plenty of different methods you can try to relax yourself, but the simple act of slowly breathing in through your nose and back out through your mouth should work just fine.

Doing this for a few minutes before treatment or during a pause in your treatment will allow your body to take in more oxygen, which in turn will reduce your adrenaline levels, lower your heart rate and make you feel less anxious.

Invite a familiar face

Having a familiar face in an otherwise strange environment can be a great way of getting those stress levels down. Although you will need to have a chat with your dentist first to make sure that you can bring someone in during your visit first.

Play music

The sounds of a dentist’s practice, the whirr of drills and the general goings on can be a little overwhelming for anxious patients, so why not block out the din with some of your favourite tracks through small headphones?

Having a familiar beat to focus on while you go through your treatments can be a great way to distract your mind. Although, if you plan on making a playlist we recommend that you try to stick to some down tempo tracks, as anything with a fast beat will just spike your heart rate and make you feel more anxious.

So if you are feeling particularly nervous about your forthcoming visit to the practice,  just try a few of these suggestions to make yourself a little calmer and your appointment with the dentist more enjoyable.

Have you been putting off a dental check-up this year because you’re anxious about the visit? Or perhaps you have had a negative experience in the past and that’s holding you back from the dentist’s chair. Whatever your reason, we get it. Here we will run you through a few things you can expect when you visit our dentist in Handsworth. If you have questions or would like more information, we’ll also give you ways to get in touch with us.

1. We are trained and caring professionals at Sohal Dental Practice

When you come into our practice, you can rest assured that our team cares about your well-being and wants the best for you. We are highly trained to give you sound advice and answer any questions or concerns you may have. The strict guidelines that we follow at Sohal Dental Practice come from the General Dental Council (GDC) standards for dental professionals.

Our team have a variety of skills and qualifications between them, which means they have a wide set of skills which can benefit most people. For example, we have dental nurses, a principal cosmetic dentist and a dental hygiene therapist.

2. We deal with many dental problems

Do you have sores in your mouth? Have tooth decay or bad breath become a problem for you? Or perhaps your teeth are so sensitive, you can’t eat on one side of your mouth anymore. Whatever your reason for seeing the dentist in Handsworth, we’re ready to assess you and work on a plan of action. Don’t let embarrassment keep you back from working on your dental health; remember, we’ve seen it all! So we’re ready to assist you too.

We advise our patients to come in every six months, or more frequently if advised to do so by one of our dentists. Get in touch with us to look into your dental health.

3. We are open throughout the working week Monday to Friday

We have a great team that works hard to ensure that patients feel comfortable and at ease. We also enjoy giving our patients the flexibility of seeing us at a time of the week that best suits them. For example, we’re open from Monday to Friday each week, from 8 am to 5 pm on most days. This means that you can come in early before it gets busy, or come in a bit later on Mondays before we close at 6 pm. You can also reach us on our website, on Instagram, Facebook or via our free e-consultation service.

4. Consider booking a free consultation at Sohal Dental Practice

If you’re still anxious about coming into our practice, why not consider making use of our e-consultation service? It’s a straightforward and easy process. Smile and take a selfie, or ask someone to take a photo of you. Upload it onto our website, after filling in your basic information and the reason why you’re unhappy with your smile. After we receive your message, we’ll have a look and get back to you as soon as possible. This is a great alternative to a walk-in consultation, especially if you’re not ready to come and see us.

We hope this information has given you some insight into what we offer and what you can expect when you visit our practice.