Author Archives: Smile Essential

Considering straightening your teeth…

Most adults dislike the idea of fixed metal braces and don’t consider them an option due to their appearance, the longer treatment time and the cost involved. to get their teeth straight.

However, with modern advances in orthodontics, there are now many options to straighten your teeth. Cosmetic brace systems such as Clear Smile Brace or Six Month Smiles are a rapid and cosmetic orthodontic system that focuses mainly on correcting the front 10 teeth.

This type of brace treatment is called Anterior (Anterior means nearer the front) Alignment Orthodontics. It concentrates on moving the teeth visible in your smile to a more desirable position. Which means that you get to straighten the teeth that matter to you most, in a fraction of the time it takes traditional orthodontics and because it doesn’t take as long it doesn’t cost as much as much as traditional braces. Treatment generally takes between 4- 9 months with an average treatment time of around 6 months.

There are also many long-term health benefits to straighter teeth. Teeth being in better alignment are much easier to take care of. If your teeth cross over it is more likely that you will have difficult to reach places which accumulate plaque and in turn, means you are more susceptible to decay or gum disease.

There are many options to finance your orthodontic treatment. We have a range of flexible options specially tailored to suit you and your needs. One of our most popular finance options is our 12 months 0% interest offer; it allows you to spread the cost of your new smile so you don’t have to make any lifestyle changes.

Brace treatment is not suitable for everyone and you may require specialist treatment with an orthodontist. That’s why we offer FREE consultations to come in for a chat and an initial assessment. We currently offer complimentary teeth whitening to finish your new straighter smile perfectly.

Arrange a free consultation here…

Dental Leicester

Best dentists you will ever find!

I cannot praise this dental practice enough! I have had many bad experiences of bad dentists over the years so to find such competent caring patient and skilled dentists is a rare find! A special thank you to Shrik who is always so patient with me!

Best dentists you will ever find! Keep up the good work!

Ms J.H, Leicester.

Discover more about our caring approach…

Dental Leicester

Mouth Cancer Action Month

This November is Mouth Cancer Action Month and its goal is to raise awareness of the increasing number of people being diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. In the past year, 6,767 people have been diagnosed with mouth cancer, more than a third compared to a decade ago.

What can cause mouth cancer?

Cases of mouth cancer are most likely to be linked to tobacco and alcohol. Alcohol increases the risk of mouth cancer, and if tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the risk is even higher.

Recent reports have also linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research now suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can appear as a painless mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal normally, usually ulcers heal within 2 weeks. A white or red patch in the mouth can also develop into cancer, as can any unusual lumps or swellings. It is important to visit your dentist if these areas do not heal within a few weeks.

Early detection is key

A dental examine the dentist checks inside of your mouth and your tongue with the help of a small mirror. Remember, your dentist is able to see parts of your mouth that you cannot see easily yourself. If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good. Many people with mouth cancer go to their dentist or doctor too late.

If your dentist finds something unusual they will refer you to a consultant at the local hospital, who will carry out a thorough examination of your mouth and throat. A small sample of the cells may be gathered from the area (a biopsy), and these cells will be examined under the microscope to see what is wrong.

If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good, and the smaller the area or ulcer the better the chance of a cure.

Keeping your mouth healthy

It is important to visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend, even if you wear dentures. This is especially important if you smoke and drink alcohol.

Keep an eye out for what’s happening in your mouth, see a dentist quickly if you have any ulcers that don’t heal and visit a dentist regularly.

Eat a diet of plenty of fruit and vegetables to help the body to protect itself and cut down on your smoking and drinking.

Dental Leicester

Highly skilled Leicester dentist…

My husband and I cannot say enough great things about Smile Essential on Narborough Road, Leicester. All the staff without exception are fantastic. Nothing is too much trouble and they all make you feel welcome and more importantly relaxed.

Our dentist is the most amazing calming and caring dentist you will ever find. His skill is of the highest quality and his ability to reassure us is wonderful. So good for nervous patients…. we are not nervous now. Don’t even give it a second thought go to this dentist and they will look after you.

Mrs S.R, Leicester

Here’s why you should choose us…

Dental Leicester

Smile Essential Dental Practice is to do their thing for BBC Children in Need!

The dental team at Smile Essential will be asking patients to check in when visiting the dental clinic and show that they are ‘Getting Their Smile On!’ to fundraise for BBC Children in Need’s 2017 Appeal. Money raised will go on to support disadvantaged children and young people all across the UK. 

Beginning November 1st we will be encouraging all patients to check in on Facebook when visiting our Leicester dental practice to encourage everyone to get their smile on for Children in Need.

It’s our passion at Smile Essential to create happy confident smiles and when we heard that Children in Need wanted people to do their thing to fundraise we thought we would encourage as many people as possible to get their smile on for Children in Need.

Taking part couldn’t be easier! Check-in on Facebook whilst waiting for your dental appointment and we will donate £1 to Children in Need. We will increase the donation to £2 if you take a picture, comment or review us. We would most of all like you to check in with a photo of you getting your smile on at our dentist and use this to check-in.

Niket Patel, Principle dentist said: “It should certainly make for an unusual time for us at the dental practice! We’ve had a great reaction from people so far, and would like to say a huge thank you to all those involved in the planning! We’d like to raise as much as possible though, so please do dig deep if you can! It’s a fantastic feeling to know we’re helping raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.”

BBC Children in Need works throughout the year to ensure that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood, and the chance to reach their full potential. It relies on the energy and commitment of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK, who donate their time and money to put on events supporting the Appeal. 

Dental Leicester

Smile Essential makes you smile on the inside as well as the outside!

Smile Essential makes you smile on the inside as well as the outside!

For a good smile, yes, your teeth need to be white & straight and Smile Essential will certainly work to fix that for you.

However, your smile also reflects your inner happiness and sense of well-being. There is nothing worse than a false smile!

I am a full-time carer for my elderly mother, who has severe dementia. The service which my mother and I receive at Smile Essential is exceptional.

I cannot speak too highly of the sensitive yet professional approach of the staff at every level, particularly regarding my mother.

So, to improve both your inner and your outer smile, I would recommend Smile Essential

Mr D.N, Leicester.

Find out more about our caring approach…

Dental Leicester

Feel confident with my new smile…

happy smiling patientBefore seeing Nik, one of the dentists at Smile Essential I felt very self-conscious about my teeth. I would hide my smile with my hand.

I’m so pleased my sister recommended to this dental practice. I didn’t need as much work doing as I thought and I was impressed with the level of care I received.

I now feel confident with my new smile and don’t hide it anymore!

Mrs.K.G, Leicester. 

Find out more about our cosmetic consultations…

Dental Leicester

Here’s a guide on what your tongue says about your health…

Dental Health Tongue Guide

If your eyes are the windows to your soul than your tongue has to be a window to your overall health.

When we think about our visit to your local dental practice we often picture the dentist checking our teeth but never our tongue. It might surprise you to know that during our dental health checks at Smile Essential dental practice the first thing we actually check is the tongue!

We check that it looks healthy and also that the other soft tissues, glands and throat are healthy before moving onto checking the teeth.

Now it’s time to stick out your tongue and check that you don’t match any of the descriptions below:


If You See White Patches on Your Tongue

White patches on your tongue signify oral candidiasis, which is an overgrowth of yeast or thrush. Try cleaning your tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper every day for a few weeks. If the patches persist, their cause is likely an overgrowth of candida you should visit your dentist to see if they need to prescribe you an anti-fungal drug.

 

Black and Hairy-Looking

There are a few causes for a black hairy tongue, including yeast infections, diabetes, cancer therapies, and poor oral hygiene. A buildup of dead skin cells on your tongue’s papillae results in the hairy look. No medical care is needed for this condition; simply practice excellent oral hygiene by regularly brushing your tongue (with the aid of tongue scrapers, as needed), and the problem should not persist. Remember to also change your toothbrush regularly.

 


Ridges on Your Tongue

Ridges occur when your teeth press into your tongue. This usually happens while you sleep. Fortunately, the ridges require no treatment and go away with time.

 

 

Bumps/spots on Your Tongue

If you spot bumps on your tongue they are most likely close relatives of the cold sore. These can be caused by many things, including biting, smoking, and stress. Home remedies can work well to treat this perhaps try gargling warm salt water mouth rinses, eating food that is soft and cold as to not agitate the tongue. Avoid foods that might trigger a negative reaction such as greasy foods. Lastly, ensure good oral health care.

 

You can ensure you stay healthy and your tongue stays looking nice and pink by having a healthy diet, not smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. You should also maintain good oral hygiene this includes daily cleaning of the tongue.

Have a look at what we inspect at our dental health checks…

Dental Leicester