I think the words ‘private dentistry’ conjures up in peoples minds huge amounts of money.
Of course, this can be true especially in the realms of makeover cosmetic and implant dentistry.
However for routine care it can cost as little as 59 pence a day with one of our practice dental plans. They include checkups, hygienist appointments, X-rays and emergency appointments.
That’s cheaper than a bag of crisps a day for great routine dental care.
However, if people are looking for cosmetic work, even small changes can give great results.
Changing a little front filling from brown and discoloured to a colour that matches your teeth beautifully. Did you realize we have lots of different filling shades, so we can accurately achieve a match, that way the filling virtually disappears. Some old metal fillings can be replaced by white fillings too giving a great result.
Cosmetic whitening is another way to achieve a brighter smile, that won’t break the bank. One of the things to consider is the shade you want to achieve, 18 year old white teeth often don’t look good in 50+ year old faces! But we take care to achieve the best result that’s good for you.
A lady who we whitened recently said
“I wanted white teeth, but after Ali’s good advice, we monitored the shade until it was exactly right for me. I’ve had so many compliments that I look really good, but no one can work out why. Even my old dad kept asking me if I’d changed my hair!”
Another forgotten about cosmetic treatment is a clean by the hygienist.
At the practice, because we are owned by a hygienist, we really focus on helping patients to keep their mouths clean and healthy. Our hygienists keep you out of the dentists’ chair as much as possible and it’s something that they’re very good at. Recently a lovely lady who hasn’t had any dentist treatment, only checkups, for a few years said
“I can’t believe I’ve escaped another checkup without anything done. I wished someone had shown me how to clean my teeth properly years ago! Going to the Hygienist regularly is keeping things so clean.”
Regular hygienist appointments can help keep stains away and breath fresh.
Did you know that you can come to see our hygienists at the practice under something called Direct access. This means that you can book in with the hygienist without seeing our dentists for a one off or regular cleans.
All these small cosmetic changes could work for you too, it’s never too late to start looking after your teeth and gums and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
To book an appointment with a hygienist, please call us on 01323 325397.
Clifton Farm Camberlot Road, Upper Dicker
Hailsham East Sussex BN27 3QG
Replacing Missing Teeth with Implants
/in Dental Implants /by Alison ThompsonPeople often live with a tooth gap even though when they see themselves in photos, it’s the one thing that they hate about themselves.
Smiles and teeth have rocketed up the ‘what’s the first thing people notice about you’ list. It is in the top 2 now where as even just 15 years ago a smile and teeth came after boobs and bottoms!
So how hard is it to fill a tooth gap? This mainly depends on how many teeth are missing. One or two gaps next to each other are the easiest to fill with permanent (no taking out) solutions.
Implants have had a lot of publicity in the last 10 years and are probably going to be around for many more until stem cell (growing a new tooth) becomes a science fiction possibility.
Implants involve placing a metal post (like a tooth root) into your jaw bone, under the gum. The bone then grows in and around the implant, fusing it to your bone. Once stable a crown/bridge can be fitted to the top of the implant.
Implants are just like having your own tooth back, although some people find the sensation on biting is different.
Healthy gums and enough bone to support an implant are very important criteria. Implants are still susceptible to gum disease, so a high standard of oral hygiene, regular check ups and Hygienist maintenance visits are essential for long term success.
The advantages are:
– They are permanent
– They look very natural
– No adjacent teeth need to be prepared
– They can help prevent future bone loss and support the face.
– They can last for many years and with great care may last a lifetime
– You can eat what you like, and they are more comfortable than dentures
The disadvantages are:
– They are expensive (between 2-4 thousand pounds depending on the complexity)
– They require a big maintenance commitment
– They can take up to 9 months to place, heal and finish
– They require surgery
– They can sometimes be rejected or fail, due to gum disease or other risk factors like smoking or diabetes
If you have no teeth on the top/bottom jaws, implants can be placed (normally 4 or 6) and a small metal scaffolding can be placed on top of them. Then dentures are made that actually click on to the top of the frame to provide very firm and stable dentures.
If you would like to come and see if you are suitable for implants, why not book an appointment for a check up at The Dental Barn at 01323 325397
Children’s Dental Care in Hailsham
/in Dental Health /by Caitlin MurphySometimes you come across a small person that needs all the confidence boosting you can muster. These are patients that need lots of extra care because already in their short life they have been ‘put off’ going to the dentist.
There can be all sorts of reasons for this they maybe autistic, have learning difficulties, be shy, have medical problems or that they have already had a horrible experience at the dentist.
We have sat on the floor drawing pictures, looked at teeth whist a lovely lad did a headstand in the chair and talked about everything from Dr. Who to Manchester United football club!
It’s about knowing what makes these children tick, what we can do to engage with them so that they feel we understand them.
At The Dental Barn we have time, patience and bags of enthusiasm to try to help these youngsters. Unfortunately, we don’t always succeed, due to the severity of the circumstances, but we always try!
With frightened children we have had great success and would like to tell you a couple of stories.
A mum contacted me on Facebook and asked about her daughter who refused to go to the dentist because of past harsh treatment and I invited them to come in for a chat.
They bought some bread to feed our ducks and we sat and talked about why and what she didn’t like about going to the dentist. We set goals for treatment which she completed easily and she continues to come to the practice completely fear free. My loveliest memory was when she came rushing into the surgery saying “do you like my new sparkly leggings Ali” with not a thought about treatment.
A mum rang and explained that her daughter was 9 and that she had a huge fear of going to the dentist and of her wobbly teeth.
The dental practice I was at the time thought that she would be better to see me, as I was a mummy too. She came in for a chat and it was evident that she was terrified of everything! So, we started a plan that each time I would set her a little goal and she would get a sticker every time she achieved the goal. Goal 1 was to just get in my treatment chair, Goal 2 chair and open her mouth, Goal 3 chair, mouth and let me look at her teeth. Each goal only took 5-10 minutes and we never failed to reach them.
Fast forward 15 years and that lovely girl has turned into a dentally confident lady who told me last visit that she was off to Australia for a year and might not be back! It has been wonderful to see her grow up and for many years not bat an eyelid at coming to my practice for treatment. She’s coming in for one more visit before she goes and I may have to have a tissue in my pocket!
Time, patience and kindness are qualities that we have in abundance here at The Dental Barn.
For more information on children’s dentistry in Hailsham call us on 01323 325397.
There’s More to Private Dentistry Than Smile Makeovers & Dental Implants
/in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Hygiene /by Alison ThompsonI think the words ‘private dentistry’ conjures up in peoples minds huge amounts of money.
Of course, this can be true especially in the realms of makeover cosmetic and implant dentistry.
However for routine care it can cost as little as 59 pence a day with one of our practice dental plans. They include checkups, hygienist appointments, X-rays and emergency appointments.
That’s cheaper than a bag of crisps a day for great routine dental care.
However, if people are looking for cosmetic work, even small changes can give great results.
Cosmetic whitening is another way to achieve a brighter smile, that won’t break the bank. One of the things to consider is the shade you want to achieve, 18 year old white teeth often don’t look good in 50+ year old faces! But we take care to achieve the best result that’s good for you.
A lady who we whitened recently said
“I wanted white teeth, but after Ali’s good advice, we monitored the shade until it was exactly right for me. I’ve had so many compliments that I look really good, but no one can work out why. Even my old dad kept asking me if I’d changed my hair!”
Another forgotten about cosmetic treatment is a clean by the hygienist.
“I can’t believe I’ve escaped another checkup without anything done. I wished someone had shown me how to clean my teeth properly years ago! Going to the Hygienist regularly is keeping things so clean.”
Regular hygienist appointments can help keep stains away and breath fresh.
Did you know that you can come to see our hygienists at the practice under something called Direct access. This means that you can book in with the hygienist without seeing our dentists for a one off or regular cleans.
All these small cosmetic changes could work for you too, it’s never too late to start looking after your teeth and gums and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
To book an appointment with a hygienist, please call us on 01323 325397.
Treatment for Nervous Dental Patients in Hailsham
/in Dental Health /by Alison ThompsonIt never ceases to amaze me just how many people (including children) have had a dreadful experience at the dentist and how one experience can affect their whole life.
So, we started to offer a free no obligation coffee and a chat, to see how we could help people overcome their fears.
About a month ago a lovely lady came in for a chat. She had had some awful dental experiences and then suffered a personal tragedy, which lead to her not having any dentistry done for over 20 years.
After a good chat I suggested that we started with a Hygienist appointment to just get her teeth looking better and then she would feel better being able to smile, which in turn would make her feel happier.
Don’t get me wrong this is a normal lady (who isn’t made of money) but is happy to save up and book the next appointment. A check-up appointment been made, so we can get a proper plan of what needs to be done. We’ve agreed we are going to start with anything that has the potential to give her toothache and go from there. To finish the plan might even take over a year but there’s no hurry and we need to look after her.
That’s why I started the practice to help people who had a fear of going to the dentist and we work really hard at ‘not being like a dentist’. We don’t smell, look or feel like a dentist. There’s always fresh coffee on the go and we take time to get to know everyone and their likes and dislikes.
We have bluetooth headphones so you can listen to your music, squishy balls to hold, hands to hold (our nurses are brilliant at this) and air conditioning that stops you getting all hot and bothered.
So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call on 01323 325397 and book in for a free coffee and a chat and start your journey today!
Bonding: A Reason to Smile
/in Cosmetic Dentistry /by Alison ThompsonBonding is one of the simplest dental procedures and also one of the most popular solutions to many cosmetic dental problems. Our dentists use a pliable plastic tooth-coloured composite resin mixed to the same colour at your tooth and ten shape to match the contours of your teeth. Tooth bonding is quick, painless, permanent and relatively inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure.
Tooth bonding can be used to:
– Repair chips
– Fill in small gaps
– Cover cracks
Call the Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex for further information on 01323 325397 or to make an appointment with one of our cosmetic dentists.
All You Need To Know About Dental Care With Braces
/in Dental Hygiene, Orthodontics /by Alison ThompsonKeeping your teeth clean while wearing braces helps avoid the increased risk of gum disease:
– Firstly, you should rinse your teeth with water to dislodge as many food particles as possible.
– Although it doesn’t matter whether you floss before or after brushing, dentists recommend flossing at the end of the day, to minimise plaque build-up while sleeping.
– Interdental brushes can help remove food trapped by brace wires.
Call the Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397 for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.
Does My Child Need Surgery To Treat TMJ?
/in Dental Health /by Alison ThompsonChildren affected by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can experience pain and discomfort when eating and yawning. You may have heard about TMJ surgery, but this is not the only treatment option.
– There are several non-invasive TMJ treatments available.
– Mouthguards can help correct or manage TMJ if teeth grinding is the cause.
– Orthodontics may help if a bad bite is the cause.
– Surgery is often seen as a last-resort solution.
Call the Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397 for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.
Baby Teeth May Hold Clues to Origin of Autism
/in Dental Health /by Alison ThompsonExperts believe that certain nutrients may have links to the developmental disorder known as autism.
– Researchers are examining baby teeth to see what nutrients or chemicals they have been exposed to.
– Baby teeth form in the womb, their growth layers can be studied like tree rings.
– Researchers have identified differences in levels of zinc and copper in the baby teeth of children with and without autism.
Speak to your dentist if you would like to know more about dental needs during pregnancy.
Call The Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397 for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.
Tips to Prevent Infant Gum Disease
/in Dental Health /by Alison ThompsonLack of good oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis in infants, the beginning of gum disease. It is essential to clean your baby’s mouth after feeding, even when they are still without teeth.
– Use a clean, damp wash cloth to clean the gums of your child after feeding, or a small toothbrush if they have teeth.
– Signs of gum disease include swollen gum tissue, bleeding, sensitivity and redness of the gums.
– Consult a dentist straight away if you suspect your child may be developing gum disease.
Call The Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397 for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.
Teeth Grinding and Sleep Apnea
/in Dental Health /by Alison ThompsonPeople with sleep apnea stop breathing frequently during the night. Often a dentist is the first professional to spot this problem.
– Teeth grinding and enamel erosion, due to a dry mouth, may indicate sleep apnea.
– A dentist can refer you to the appropriate person for diagnosis.
– Some treatments include oral sleep appliances which help keep the airway open.
A dentist can play an important role in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Call The Dental Barn in Hailsham East Sussex on 01323 325397 for further information or to make an appointment with one of our dentists or dental hygienists.