Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, but don’t know what to do about it. Here at Amsel & Wilkins we can offer you an array of services that could help you love your smile again. Many people have a variety of different problems with their teeth, this could be a whole host of things, from bad breath to missing teeth. Misaligned teeth are a common problem, alongside issues such as snoring that can be linked to the position of the teeth in the mouth. Everyone should be able to smile and laugh with confidence and the right dental treatment can help with this.

Why should I see a dentist?

Building up a good relationship with a dentist in Banbury can be very beneficial to improve the level of oral health you maintain. Issues with your teeth can be caught early and prevent outcomes such as tooth loss. Gum disease and other health issues such as mouth cancer can be caught in good time. Your dentist will advise you on how to best look after your teeth and this can have a positive impact on your overall health, for example, a mouth with teeth that are better aligned can often lead to better digestion. Your dentist will always be on hand to answer any questions that you may have about the health of your teeth and mouth.

What treatments could you offer?

A dentist in Banbury can offer you a whole host of different dental treatments and some treatments that are not dental at all, this includes wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers. Work can be done as a preventive measure, such as dental hygiene treatments and specific work on children’s teeth such as sealants. General dentistry can include emergency dental care which is available for patients who need to see a dentist fast. Cosmetic dentistry is used by our patients to make their teeth more aesthetically pleasing, this can include services such as teeth whitening and orthodontic treatment to move teeth into a more desirable position. Specialist care is available for missing teeth using treatments such as crowns, dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

What should I do next?

If you think our dentist in Banbury could be the right fit for you, why not get in contact to see how you could move forward to a brighter, healthier smile? You could also look at our website to look at the treatments that we offer in more detail. On the website, you will find more information about different kinds of procedures we can conduct and how you could access these treatments. Your dentist will ensure that the treatment you wish to have is the right choice for both you and your mouth.

What should I do in the meantime?

In the meantime, it is important to look after your dental health and hygiene. This can be done through regular brushing of your teeth, flossing and the use of mouthwash. This is important anyway, as you should maintain a good level of oral health to ensure the continuing functionality of your mouth and teeth, which can also link to other areas of your general health. It becomes even more important to have a good level of oral health if you are considering a dental treatment, as some treatments cannot go ahead if conditions pe-exist such as gum disease.

If you’re reading this, you’re either considering braces or have been told by an orthodontist that you need them. So who are the people that are considered viable candidates for braces, and what could happen if you choose not to straighten your teeth?

If you’re considering braces or think you need them, come and have a chat with our dentist in Banbury at our prestigious dental clinic, Amsel & Wilkins.

Is it ever too late to get braces?

Orthodontists recommend that children aged seven should have their teeth checked by an orthodontist. Some might argue that seven is too young an age for acquiring a straightening aid. However, these consultations are merely pre-screenings to assess the teeth and recommend preventative measures to keep severe dental problems that require braces at bay.

Being an adult who is well over the age of seven doesn’t mean you’re too old for braces. Straighter teeth are possible at any age. If you suspect your teeth need re-aligning, come to our dentist in Banbury for a consultation. During this time, we will assess your teeth and facial structure, and take diagnostic records of your teeth if necessary.

What are the principal reasons people need braces?

Occlusion refers to the position of your upper and lower jaw when you bring them together. Ideally, your teeth should fit together perfectly, without any pearly whites protruding or appearing overcrowded.

A deviation occurs when the above doesn’t happen, resulting in malocclusions. The three types of malocclusions that braces treat include the following:

With a class one malocclusion, the relationship with your upper and lower jaw is in perfect alignment. However, there is overcrowding present. Overcrowding is an issue in and of itself. It’s typically caused when there are too many teeth for a dental arch that is too small. Having overcrowded teeth is problematic because it’s difficult to brush and floss your teeth properly.

A class two malocclusion is referred to as an overbite, which occurs when the lower jaw is underdeveloped. This results in your upper front teeth overlapping your lower front teeth.

A class three malocclusion or an underbite is the hardest to diagnose and treat, occurring when the lower jaw juts out. As a result, your lower front teeth overlap your upper front teeth.

Getting braces: it’s more than just straight teeth

Having a dazzling smile may be the main reason that you want to get braces. However the straightening device, as outlined by our dentist in Banbury, will tell you about its multiple perks for your health and wellbeing.

The malocclusion mentioned above can severely restrict your lifestyle, affecting how you bite and chew your food and may prevent you from eating certain foods entirely. On top of that, you could see your oral health deteriorating as brushing and flossing your teeth effectively is challenging with misaligned teeth.

Not being able to brush your teeth properly can result in gum disease and tooth decay, which is why it is important to consider getting braces if you think you need them. Other restrictions that are caused by malocclusions include speech impediments, jaw pain and sleep apnea.

It’s important to remember that teeth straightening is more than a cosmetic treatment, but could very well improve your physical health as well.

Losing teeth can be a traumatic experience, but that shouldn’t mean you have to live without them. Prostheses for tooth replacement have been around for a while, but the ones we’ve become accustomed to, such as dentures, are not ideal for every patient. In the last 30 years, dental implants have taken tooth replacement to new heights, and it’s a product our dental practice, Amsel & Wilkins, can recommend. So what is it about tooth implants that makes them so popular? Read on to find out.

Why makes tooth implants so desirable?

To answer this question, we first have to explain what implants are. Implants replace knocked out or decaying teeth using three different components. The first part is the metal piece, made from titanium, which is drilled into your jawbone. The titanium is an incredibly durable material that can withstand the test of time, and can also fuse with your bone in a process called osseointegration.

Once healing concludes, the titanium will act as the new root to your tooth. The abutment is dubbed the connector piece that links the metal post to the crown, which we will discuss later. The crown is the part of the prosthesis that is visible. This is custom fabricated in a laboratory and is created to look and function like a natural tooth. Together, these three parts form a secure implant.

What benefits can I look forward to with an implant?

Our dentist in Banbury will go into more detail about the perks of opting for tooth implants. However, these are some of the principal benefits you can look forward to.

An improved appearance

Having gaps between your teeth impacts the way you look, to the point where you might feel self-conscious. A tooth implant fills in those empty spaces and improves upon your pearly whites, giving you a reason to smile again.

Improved Speech

Have your dentures been letting you down lately by sliding around your mouth and interrupting your speech? Dentures may become less reliable after they’ve been worn for a long period of time. An implant remains firmly in place over the years, and can only be professionally removed by your dentist in Banbury.

Maintain your diet

If the fragility of your device leads you to cut out your favourite food, it’s time you made a change to a more superior prosthesis. You can eat what you like within reason, and not have to worry about cracking or breaking your fake tooth.

Tooth implants are pretty low maintenance

Owning dentures comes with the need to keep them ultra-clean, using specialised solvents. You don’t need to implement new steps into your cleaning regime. That said, you must prioritise your oral health and hygiene, as the dentist in Banbury will tell you.

Despite your new tooth not being natural and impervious to decay, your surrounding gums are still vulnerable to a plethora of illness. Failing to take proper care of your new tooth might result in you losing it as your implant may feel loose if your gums aren’t healthy.

Despite common misconception, a dental check-up, which is recommended by our dentists biannually, not only consists of a dental assessment. Many other standard dental procedures such as oral X-rays can be administered at this time and an oral examination, as well as including detection of cavities or gum disease, is always administered with the addition of general health and lifestyle advice.

How can lifestyle factors affect your health?

Many patients may be unaware that certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and the frequent consumption of red wine, can affect the health of their teeth. Aside from bad habits, the consumption of fizzy drinks and highly sugary foods can cause tooth decay. Patients who are suffering from tooth decay may also wish to avoid drinking red wine and coffee, all of which can cause intrinsic and extrinsic staining, also referred to as yellowing of the teeth.

Why do some patients avoid their local dentist in Banbury?

Despite the importance of a regular dental appointment, many patients may overlook them. Patients who are over eighteen years of age and not in full-time education may have to pay certain NHS banded costs for dental appointments, which can cause them to be reluctant to attend. Our dental team sympathises with all of our patients’ financial situations, which is why we strive to promote flexible payment plans for all of our patients. Aside from financial concerns, many patients may feel anxious in a dental environment.

What causes patient anxiety?

Many of our patients may feel nervous when visiting our clinic, whether this be for general, restorative, or even cosmetic dental treatments, which can be caused by negative childhood experiences. Our highly skilled and empathetic dental healthcare professionals at Amsel & Wilkins have a great deal of experience working with nervous patients, meaning we can ensure even our most anxious patients achieve their hoped-for smile.

Why choose us?

Our dentist in Banbury offers our patients a wide range of high quality dental treatments, all of which are delivered within a modern and clean dental environment. Our clinic promotes a patient centred approach, meaning you are always our top priority.

How do I start my treatment journey?

If you are considering receiving general dentistry at our clinic, such as routine appointments, you may be wondering how to begin your initial enquiry. Located on our website we offer many contact options, one of which is our online appointment form.

How it works

Our modern online booking system allows our patients to select their reason for their desired appointment, as well as their patient status, and their preferred appointment time. Our appointment booking system has proven extremely popular within recent years, however many of our patients may prefer a more traditional contact approach.

Back to basics

Many of our patients may prefer a more direct approach, which is why we also display our telephone number on our website. If you are a patient with any queries or concerns or may simply wish to book an appointment over the phone, feel free to give us a call.

Patients may find it tough finding the perfect dental clinic for them, and their family, however we believe we are an excellent fit. Our dental clinic within Oxfordshire works with our patients to distinguish the best possible form of treatment for them, discussing any concerns they have, and ensuring they feel comfortable with any procedures they undergo.

Why choose us?

Our practice is lucky enough to boast a modern dental clinic, as well as offering a welcoming and calm dental environment. Every member of our dental team, from our dentists to our dental nurses, strives to deliver the highest standard of dental treatment available, which is why we use modern and high quality dental materials.

The dentistry we offer at our dentist in Banbury

Our practice provides a wide range of bespoke dental treatments, such as dental implants, root canal work, and general orthodontic dentistry. Aside from our dental clinic offering a high quality of private dental care for all of the family, we also offer cosmetic dental treatments and even facial aesthetics!

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focusses on treatments that improve the aesthetic appearance of not only the teeth, but also the mouth as a whole. Many patients may believe that cosmetic treatments only alter the physical appearance of the teeth, however they can also improve the functional aspect of the mouth, such as Invisalign which helps realign the position of the teeth within the mouth.

The cosmetic dentistry we provide at our dentist in Banbury

Arguably the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry are teeth whitening, and porcelain veneers, both of which we offer at our clinic in Banbury.

Is tooth whitening right for me?

Tooth whitening is a popular form of cosmetic dental care that improves the appearance of an individual’s smile. Within recent years, there has been an upsurge in demand for at-home whitening kits, which is why we also offer our patients this option at our clinic. Patients who may be eligible for tooth whitening may be suffering from yellowing of the teeth, intrinsic and extrinsic staining, which can be caused by the consumption of highly pigmented food and drink.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are essentially wafer thin caps which are adhered to the surface of the teeth. Before the veneers are adhered, a thin layer is removed to ensure a perfect fit. The porcelain veneers are then glued to the teeth using a special dental adhesive, like a dental glue.

Are porcelain veneers right for me?

Patients who are suffering from severe yellowing of the teeth may feel as if tooth whitening is not sufficient, therefore they may turn to porcelain veneers. Many of our patients believe that porcelain veneers are only suitable for patients who are suffering from staining on the teeth, however this is not the case!  Aside from stained teeth, patients who are suffering from decayed or fragmented teeth can also find that porcelain veneers work for them.

Did you know?

Porcelain veneers can also be used to address gaps in the teeth, which orthodontics cannot fix. Veneers are extremely thin and are custom made for each of our individual patients, meaning they can be used to amend very small gaps of the teeth.

At our dentist in Banbury, we are pleased to offer our patients a wide selection of dental professionals in our clinic. Our dental establishment not only provides our patients with highly qualified dentists, but also a team of hygienists and nurses, all of whom hold an advanced level of training, to deliver our patients with the highest standard of dentistry. One example of our excellent team is John Adams. John completed further postgraduate dental training and qualified from the University of Dundee, he can administer dental implants, as well as help patients with jaw concerns.

A dental provider you can trust

Choosing a dental clinic can be tough, patients may base their decision on a wide array of factors, such as proximity, convenience and costing. We have over forty years of dental experience, as well as offering the latest advancements in dental technologies, we display a wide array of patient reviews on our website, which we believe is evidence of the high standard of dentistry we provide.

The multiple forms of dentistry we offer at our dentist in Banbury

As well as offering general routine dentistry with our dentist in Banbury (including root canal, and emergency dental care), we also offer our patients cosmetic services, preventive dentistry and facial aesthetics. We believe that it is important to attend to all of our patients’ needs, delivering a wide scale of services, from family dentistry for children, to Botox and facial aesthetics for adults.

What is cosmetic dentistry, and why may I consider receiving cosmetic dentistry at your dentist in Banbury?

Cosmetic dentistry is essentially a form of dentistry that aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s teeth, and mouth. Cosmetic dentistry has grown greatly in popularity within recent years, and can dramatically increase a patient’s self-esteem. Patients who may be considering receiving cosmetic dentistry may be suffering from intrinsic and extrinsic staining of the teeth (caused by the consumption of highly pigmented food and drink), as well as other concerns which cannot be fixed by orthodontics, such as gaps between the teeth which can be amended through the use of veneers.

Some examples of the cosmetic treatments we offer

Just a few examples of cosmetic dentistry we provide are Invisalign (a form of subtle orthodontics), veneers, white fillings, and porcelain crowns. All of our cosmetic dentistry aspires to be discreet within the mouth, meaning dental improvements can be made, without being noticed.

Taking the first step to your dream smile

We understand that embarking on any form of dentistry can be both an emotional and financial investment, which is why we strive to make the process as easy and as comfortable as possible for our patients. Many of our patients may feel more comfortable enquiring directly via a telephone call (our number is located on our website), however some may prefer to book an initial consultation directly on our website. Whether you are too busy to give us a call, or you may simply prefer filling in your queries and concerns online, we are always prepared to welcome new patients to our clinic.

At our dentist in Banbury we advise our patients to come and visit our clinic every six months. Attending a local dental check-up is extremely important, and can help prevent the development of more severe dental diseases such as gum disease. At our dental practice in Banbury we prioritise our patients’ dental health, which is why we offer them general routine dentistry, as well as more complex forms of dentistry (such as cosmetic, and restorative dentistry).

Why might some patients miss their scheduled oral check-up?

Many patients may not be aware of the importance of routine dental appointments, and may also feel as if they are too busy. Patients with hectic work and social lives may refrain from visiting their local dental clinic, however we aim to accommodate our busy patients with flexible opening hours, we are even open on Saturdays! Aside from diary plans, patients may also suffer from dental anxiety, which can lead to their reluctance towards having a dental check-up. A dental phobia can be triggered by negative childhood experiences, which can unfortunately be carried into adulthood.

What to expect from a dental check-up at your dentist in Banbury

Many patients (especially those who are anxious when visiting the dentist) may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a dental appointment, which is why we always aim to inform and educate our patients. During a dental check-up one of our dental health care professionals will first ask our patients whether they have any trouble areas, for example any teeth with heightened sensitivity to cold or hot food, or drink. Once any problem areas are detected, a general oral assessment can be administered, including any X-rays or oral cancer screenings.

What next?

Once our dentist in Banbury has given your mouth a general examination, they may decide that you would benefit from a scale and polish. A scale and polish is a rigorous cleaning treatment which can be completed within a few short minutes. A scale and polish aims to eliminate the build-up of tartar and plaque on the surface of the teeth, which can cause oral diseases if left untreated.

Why choose us to deliver your routine dentistry

Our dentist in Banbury boasts a wide array of dental professionals including dentists, hygienists, and a welcoming reception team, all of whom hold a passion for the delivery of the customer service they provide to our patients. Our dental clinic has been established for over forty years, and we welcome patients of all ages and dental complexities. We embody compassion in everything we do, as well as working within a clean, and modern dental environment. Our clinic aims to embrace the many modern advances within dental technology, allowing our patients to receive the highest quality of treatment available on the market.

An alternative perspective

Our clinic understands that patient reviews are extremely important, this is why we choose to display a wide array of testimonials on our clinic website. We publish digital case studies, as well as written patient reviews, which we believe exemplify the high standard of dentistry we provide and deliver every day.

One of the most dreaded of all dental procedures is a tooth extraction. We know that no patient wants to hear that they need, for whatever reason, a tooth pulled. Our dentist in Banbury will first focus on saving the tooth or teeth in question before recommending an extraction. Of course the most reliable way for patients to avoid tooth extractions is to have their dental health regularly checked by a dentist in Banbury. Spotting symptoms such as the formation of cavities or decaying teeth early will allow a dental professional to put in place timely preventive measures, such as fillings and root canal treatments, that will save a tooth.

There are certain situations when a dentist in Banbury may find that a tooth extraction would be the best dental procedure to help a patient obtain full dental health. This course of treatment may be suggested when nothing else can be done to save it, or if there are orthodontic concerns such as an overcrowded mouth.

Types of tooth extraction procedures

Tooth extractions are divided into two categories: simple extractions and surgical procedures. Simple extractions are the chosen method for extracting teeth that are visible and within easy reach of the dentist’s instruments. A local anaesthetic is usually provided. For those teeth where access is more of a challenge, a surgical extraction may be necessary. This procedure requires general anaesthesia.

Three common reasons why permanent teeth may need extracting

• Severe tooth decay

The most common reason for an extraction procedure is when the severity of tooth damage or decay is too advanced and beyond repair. Tooth decay is a progressive condition and the longer a patient avoids the dentist, the worse the situation becomes, until there is no other option but to extract the tooth. A decayed tooth, if not removed, may compromise gum health as well as neighbouring teeth.

• Facial trauma that results in injury to the teeth

Another top reason for a tooth extraction is injury or breakage as a result of facial trauma. Trauma can be caused due to a vehicle accident, sports injury or even sometimes as a result of aggressive chewing.

If this breakage results in the loss of much of the visible surface area of the tooth, an extraction may be the only option as there is not much left of the tooth on which to attach an artificial restoration method.

• Removal of a troublesome wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth can, for some patients, present a number of challenges that risk dental health; it can lead to overcrowding issues and the lack of space can cause severe discomfort. Another related concern are the challenges in keeping an overcrowded mouth clean and healthy.

If a patient is considering a tooth extraction, it is critical that they discuss all their options with our dentist to replace the missing tooth or teeth. It is not in the interest of a patient’s dental health to have a tooth missing, as this leads to all sorts of other undesirable outcomes.

Amsel & Wilkins Dental Clinic has highly skilled dentists experienced in performing tooth extractions to the highest standards in the industry. Your comfort is a top priority. Get in touch with our office today to schedule a dental appointment.

Patients can often tell they need to see their doctor when they have a physical injury or feel unwell. Such issues are glaringly obvious that all is not well with their bodies and medical attention is needed. Patients often ask why they need to visit a dental practitioner even if they do not exhibit any symptoms or telltale signs that there is a problem.

When it comes to dental health, however, being able to tell that there is a problem may be slightly more challenging. This is because numerous dental issues do not produce pain or discomfort and need the experienced and knowing eye of a dentist in Banbury to detect a problem.

It is quite common for patients to only seek dental care when they experience debilitating discomfort. By this time, what could have been easily treated by a dentist in Banbury has escalated to a more worrying concern – often requiring more complicated dental treatment. It is only with hindsight that patients realise that neglecting visiting the dentist in Banbury for routine professional dental care results in spending more money for corrective dental procedures and more time to have these procedures carried out. It is for these reasons that we urge our patients to make those check-up appointments at the clinic, to avoid the inconvenience and expense of treating progressive dental issues.

Six top signs a visit to the dentist is necessary

Dental check-ups are essential and definitely worth the effort in preventing minor dental issues from progressing further, as a dentist can implement timely measures that stop their advancement.

• Inflammation

Any type of swelling, tenderness or inflammation in the mouth is an indication that an appointment with a dental professional should be moved up the priority list. There are a number of reasons for these symptoms and a dentist is best able to find the underlying cause and suggest suitable treatment.

• Bleeding

A common sign that a patient has a problem with their gum health is bleeding when they brush over them or try to floss them. Gum disease is a serious risk to dental and general health and the sooner a patient receives dental care, the easier it is to treat the condition.

• Previous dental work having been received

Some procedures, such as dental implants, require regular check-ups to ascertain all is well with the treatment carried out and to make certain there are no risk factors that may place the end result in danger of failure.

• A patient has existing chronic medical conditions

Patients with existing medical problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues have more need to see the dentist. Poor dental health can aggravate these conditions.

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more likely to experience dental issues such as pregnancy gingivitis and tooth enamel erosion. Such dental concerns mean seeking dental care, and regular dental cleanings during this time are critical.

• Dry mouth

Few patients realise that dry mouth is a worrying concern and seek dental help. The mouth needs an adequate amount of saliva to be present to keep the mouth clean and acid and bacteria free. It is important to consult a dentist for advice if a patient experiences dry mouth.

At Amsel & Wilkins our dentists care as much about fixing teeth and gum issues as they do about preventing dental problems. A key step in ensuring dental health is to have quality dental check-ups. Schedule a check-up with one of our dentists today.

Do you wake up in the night to your partner poking you in the ribs, telling you to stop snoring? Have you been exiled to the spare room or sofa? If so, it is time to get help!

Even if you don’t have a partner to share your bed with, snoring can cause havoc in your day to day life. Many people who snore feel tired throughout the day, are more prone to sore throats and may even find their mental health begins to suffer as a result.

It may seem odd to approach a dental surgery to resolve snoring problems, but there are many things we can do.

At Amsel & Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury can offer you a range of options to help you stop snoring. We know how important those forty winks are and we want to help you, and anyone you may share your bed with, to get a restful night’s sleep.

What causes snoring?

First and foremost, it is important for our dentist in Banbury to examine your mouth and throat to establish the underlying issue that may be causing you to snore.

Many of our patients who snore suffer from a condition known as obstructive sleep apnoea. This causes you to stop breathing for up to ten seconds or more during sleep and is often the result of the lower jaw sliding backward and obstructing the airway.

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, age and even undiagnosed conditions like diabetes can cause sleep apnoea, but some people are just unlucky!

How we can help

Rest assured that our dentist in Banbury can help you.

Depending on the cause of your snoring and/or sleep apnoea, we can offer you different devices, tests and advice to help you manage this condition.

Sleep study

If your doctor has not already recommended this, our team will refer you for a sleep study.

This will be to assess your snoring for any patterns and to examine the severity of it on your sleep.

Sleep studies involve having electrodes placed on your head while you sleep; not the most flattering look, but this will help the neurologists to determine how much your sleep is affected.

Devices

Moderate to heavy snorer?

At Amsel & Wilkins, we can offer you a device known as a mandibular appliance; these hold your lower jaw in a forward position while you sleep, preventing it from sliding backwards and causing the obstruction.

These devices are custom fitted, so they will be comfortable enough to wear at night.

Lifestyle advice

As previously mentioned, lifestyle can often play a factor in snoring, so if you are a regular consumer of alcohol, you smoke or you take barbiturate based sleeping tablets, we can advise you on how to manage your lifestyle, while controlling your snoring.

If you regularly consume sleeping tablets, you will also need to consult your doctor about suitable alternatives

Tired of snoring disrupting your life? Call us today at Amsel & Wilkins!