Estetica Blog

WHEN it comes to cosmetic procedures, it’s important to know your body is
in safe hands.

Estetica is a medical practice that combines medical and cosmetic
expertise to offer a range of facial and body treatments, including teeth
whitening, cellulite reduction and facial rejuvenation.

With a team of fully trained medical professionals on hand, you can rest
assured no matter what procedure you opt for, it will take place in a safe
and caring environment.

A family-run business located in the heart of Chertsey, director and
dentist Dr Sina Salimi and his wife Parisa, have built an
upstanding reputation and strong client-base since opening Estetica’s
doors in 1998.

Estetica offers a variety of medical and cosmetic dental procedures,
including smile makeover, teeth whitening and veneers.
Other treatments include facial rejuvenation through botox and restylene
injections.

Cellulite reduction is also available with the non-surgical VelaShape
system, which uses pioneering technology combining radio waves with
infrared light and suction massage to reduce fat cells and tighten the
skin.

VelaShape is the only FDA approved medical device for body reshaping.
Always at the forefront of technology, Estetica has recently purchased a
Candela Gentlemax machine, which offers the latest in laser technology.
It can help with hair removal, skin tightening, vein removal and sun
damage.

Dr Sina Salimi says: “In our relaxed and friendly environment, you can expect
every effort to be made to ensure that your comfort and well-being are
taken care of. Prior to treatment all procedures are explained and
discussed in detail with each client individually.”

You will get a complete quotation printout prior to the procedure, so you
will know exactly what to expect.

Estetica patient Natasha Jacobs says: “I have had various treatments
including restylene, botox and VelaShape, all of which have been
completely painless. The staff here made me feel at home. They make you
feel very welcome and totally at ease”
Patient Robert Sewell adds: “I decided to have root canal and a crown done
here. I was extremely pleased with the service. Everyone was very helpful
and friendly and I would recommend the surgery to anyone who needs to have
anything done that Estetica covers.”

Estetica prides itself on its professionalism and will do its best to work
around you, even seeing patients outside of office hours.
Dr Sina Salimi says: “Our aim is to make you feel at home in our practice, not
a number or patient card. You are an individual who deserves personalised
treatment and attention.”

The team at Estetica are more than cosmetic professionals, they are
medically trained experts.

When it comes to your body and peace of mind, why settle for anything
less?

Estetica is located at 21A London Street, Chertsey, KT16 8AP. Call 01932
570099 or visit www.esteticaa.co.uk for more information.

Your smile plays a major role in how you perceive yourself, as well as in the impressions you make on the people around you.

Surveys have shown that more than any other physical feature eyes, hair, or body the smile is what both men and woman find most attractive in other people. A charming smile can open doors and knock down barriers that stand between you and a fuller, richer life. If, on the other hand, you are dissatisfied with your smile, it may be holding you back from fully embracing life and its opportunities.

Are you ready for a new smile? Perhaps you’ve wondered whether straighter teeth might help you feel more confident in your professional life, or if a whiter, brighter smile might boost a swindling scial life.

If you’re not completely happy with your smile, perhaps it’s time to get a new one!

Keep in mind that people don’t always look at you directly from the front. Defects that are minimal from one perspective may be prominent from another view. As you’re performing the smile analysis, consider the angles at which people are most likely to view you. For example, if you’re short, most people look at you from above. Therefore, pay particular attention to your lower teeth, especially the biting edges.

What are they?

You can sometimes have inlays or onlays instead of fillings to repair damaged teeth. Fillings are soft to begin with and are moulded in the

tooth which has been shaped to take and hold the filling. lnlays and onlays are made outside the mouth. usually in a dental laboratory, and then glued to the tooth in the surgery.

An inlay sits in a hole in the tooth. An onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. lnlays and onlays can be made in tooth-coloured

porcelain. gold or a white filling material called composite. Different materials are suitable for different parts of the mouth and different parts of the teeth.

What will my dentist do?

Your dentist will:

• normally give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area;

• remove anv old filling material and anv decaved or damaged tooth:

• use a putty-like material to record the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it – this is called taking an ‘impression`;

• give the impression to a dental technician to make the inlay or onlay;

• use a temporary filling to protect the tooth that is being repaired while you wait for the inlay or onlay to be made; and

• glue the inlay or onlay in place on your next visit -the dentist may make small adjustments. so that the tooth is comfortable to bite on.

What are the benefits?

• lnlays and onlays are strong and can last longer than fillings.

• They are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces of back teeth and for large repairs to front teeth, where it can be difficult to make a white filling look natural.

• Your dentist can match the colour to your other teeth.

What makes a smile beautiful?

If you’re not happy with your smile, or if you’re curious about the possibilities of changing it, take the test.

One purpose of this test is to make you aware that a smile consists of not only the front four teeth, but all of the teeth and gum tissue that show when you’re speaking or when your lips are in your maximum smiling position. Its important to know the components of a beautiful smile so that you can discuss your particular problems with Estetica and develop a treatment plan that meets your long-term goals.

Questions:

1. Are you confident when smiling?

2. Do you ever put your hand over your mouth when you smile?

3. Do you photograph better from one side of your face?

4. Is there someone you believe has a better smile than you?

5. Do you look at models in magazines and wish your smile looked like theirs?

6. When you look at your smile in the mirror, do you see any defects in your teeth or gums?

7. Do you wish your teeth were whiter?

8. Are you satisfied with the way your gums look?

9. Do you show too many or too few teeth when you smile?

10. Do you show to much or too little of your gums when you smile?

11. Are your teeth too long or too short?

12. Are your teeth too wide or too narrow?

13. Are your teeth too square or too round?

14. Do you like the way your teeth are shaped?

Ready for a change?

If you are unhappy with your appearance, you already know it. The dilemma lies in determining where you need improvement.

Many people erroneously believe that all of their facial defects reside in their smile when, in fact, their flaws may lie elsewhere. In these cases cosmetic or oral surgery or perhaps just a new hairstyle or updateed makeup. rather than dental treatment, may be more helpful.

CAN I COPE WITH “THE INJECTION IN THE GUM”?

No one likes having dental treatment but many of us manage to accept our dentistry with the help of an injection in the gum, (local anaesthetic). Some of us however require alternative methods of pain and anxiety control. There are a number of these which can be used either on their own or in conjunction with the familiar local anaesthetic. Your dentist will understand your anxieties and will be pleased to discuss your options.

General anaesthesia is now largely confined to the safety of the hospital environment. There are still however a small number of patients, especially children and some adults where the treatment is best provided under a general anaesthetic and for whom appropriate referral to hospital is justified.

To replace general anaestheia there is now a range of safer modern alternatives. The range extends from tender loving care right through to conscious sedation provided by your dentist giving you an injection in your arm, or hand.

Oral sedation, inhalational sedation and the injection in the arm are the more commonly used techniques but many dentists can produce good results using hypnosis or acupuncture either alone or in conjunction with other treatment methods. Should you feel that these alternatives are for you, then talk to your dentist.

WILL ORAL SEDATION HELP?

Oral sedatives are taken by mouth in the form of tablets, capsules or liquids. These drugs can either be used to relax you before your trip to the dentist (premedication) or act as a sedative to help you when you are having your dental treatment. Both adults and children receiving treatment under oral sedation must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can give the patient their undivided attention both before and for the rest of the day after treatment. Your dentist will need to know about your general health and about any current medication.

IS INHALATIONAL SEDATION FOR ME?

In this method of sedation you breathe a mixture of special gases which act to relax you. The most common combination is nitrous oxide and oxygen which is known by other names like ‘gas & air’, ‘Entonox’ or ‘Relative Analgesia’. This technique is very safe with a rapid recovery time and is good for adults but is especially suited to treating anxious children.

The mixture of gases is delivered through a small comfortable nosepiece which is positioned to cover the nose and not the mouth. A specially designed machine delivers the gases and can be adjusted by your dentist in response to your needs. You may experience a warm tingly floaty feeling which allows you more easily to accept the dental treatment.

There are of course requirements both before and after the treatment with inhalational sedation and the instructions given by your dentist should be strictly obeyed. Your dentist will need to know about your general health and will require details of any current medication you are taking.

DO I NEED AN INJECTION IN THE ARM?

With this method of conscious sedation the sedation drugs are administered by an injection into a vein in your arm or in the back of your hand. Your dentist will usually use only one drug, but may in some circumstances use a combination of drugs to sedate you to the required state. The onset of sedation is rapid and precise. Although you will remain in verbal contact with your dentist you may well remember very little about your treatment. This technique of conscious sedation is very different from a general anaesthetic where you are fully unconscious.

Recovery after this technique of sedation is slow and you will certainly not be able to leave the premises until advised by your dentist. You will be required to bring a responsible adult with you to escort you home. You may feel sleepy and be irresponsible afterwards and your escort must be able to give you undivided attention until you are safely resting at home. There will be a need for supervision for the rest of the day and amongst other instructions you must not drive, operate machinery or make serious decisions. The following day you should be fit to resume your normal activities.

This technique is popular with patients and is used to overcome the fear of dentistry. I offers a safer powerful alternative to general anaesthesia. Your dentist will need to know about your general health and medication in order to assess your suitability for this technique.

•         There is a range of pain and anxiety control options available to make your dental treatment easier to accept.

•         Discuss your fears and anxieties with your dentist.

•         General Anaesthesia is now rarely needed because of safer modern alternatives.

•         When accepting your treatment under sedation you must follow the instruction you will be given both before and after your treatment.

Removable-dentures

What are they?

A removable denture replaces missing teeth. ‘Partial’ dentures replace a few missing teeth and `ful|’ or ‘complete’ dentures are needed if all the natural teeth are missing.

Complete dentures are best made of acrylic (plastic). Partial dentures can also be made wholly of acrylic. Alternatively, they can consist of acrylic teeth on a light metal alloy base: this type of partial denture is more secure and less bulky, but also more expensive.

What will my dentist do?

• The dentist uses a putty-like material to make moulds of your mouth – called ‘impressions’. A dental technician uses them to make models for the denture to be built on. Sometimes, second impressions are taken.

• The technician makes wax blocks which lit the models. The dentist puts these in your mouth to record the position of your jaws in relation to each other: The dentist then trims and seals the wax blocks to show the technician how your teeth should bite together; and the shape to make the denture.

• A trial denture is made and put in your mouth. The dentist will ask you how it fits, feels and looks before they make any final changes.

• The trial denture then goes back to the technician who permanently fixes the teeth. The denture is then ready to use. The dentist may want to see you again fairly soon to see how you are getting on with the denture. lf there are problems, they can make small adjustments.

What are the benefits?

• If you have lost some teeth, dentures can improve the way you look, bite, chew and speak.

• They are custom-made to match your mouth and can be made to look as natural as possible.

• The teeth that are left are protected from wear and tear Without dentures, the natural teeth may move or tilt, stopping your teeth biting together properly.

• Dentures can be fitted immediately after teeth have been taken out so that nobody will know that you have had a tooth out. These are called ‘immediate` dentures.

Dentures will never feel like your own teeth and it can take time to get used to them. If you haven’t had a denture before, the dentist will want to explain the difficulties of wearing dentures, as well as the benefits and how you should look after your new dentures and the teeth you have left.

Mouth cancer is a dangerous abnormal growth that can affect any part of the mouth.

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can appear as:

• an, often painless, ulcer that fails to clear up after about two weeks
• a growth or swelling which has been present for more than about two weeks
• sometimes as a white or red patch in the mouth

Most things like this will not turn out to be cancer. but if you have these signs they must be investigated by going to your dentist immediately.

Am l at risk from mouth cancer?

▪ It you use tobacco (smoked or chewed) and drink too much alcohol. you will greatly increase your risk of getting mouth cancer. If you do both together. your chances of getting it are even greater still.

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase your risk oi lip and skin cancer,
• The chances of getting mouth cancer are greater for people aged over 40 years. but younger people can get it too.
• You are more at risk of cancer if you don`t eat a healthy diet.

How can mouth cancer be detected?

Your dentist can spot mouth cancer early. lt it is detected early the chances of a cure are very good. At the moment around half of the 4.000 people diagnosed with mouth cancer every year in the UK die of it because it is discovered too late.

What will my dentist do?

• You should expect your dentist to:
• look at your lace and neck
• feel under your jaw and down your neck
• examine the inside ol your mouth with a small mirror. looking at your lips. cheeks, tongue, the roof of your mouth and your throat. Your dentist can see parts of your mouth that you cant easily see or ieel yourself. Your dentist may notice something in your mouth that needs to be monitored or needs to be seen by a specialist.

What are the benetits of being regularly checked?

Regular examinations mean that your dentist can spot problems early – and these include mouth cancer.

How can I prevent mouth cancer?

By following a healthy diet. with tive to seven portions of fruit and vegetables each day, you can help to prevent mouth

cancer as well as many other cancers and diseases. (A portion is roughly a handful.)

Do not use tobacco at all and drink moderately – that is, keep your weekly intake to below 14 units for women and 21 units for men.

(One unit is roughly equal to a single measure ot spirit, a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine.) -

Consider the implant alternative

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

A dental implant is typically a small screw shaped attachment usually made from titanium. It is inserted within the jawbone to take the place of a missing tooth root. Once oseointegration (when the bone attaches firmly to the implant) has occurred, a replacement tooth can be secured to the top of the implant. This new tooth can look, feel and perform just like a natural tooth. It is also possible to use multiple implants to support a denture or bridge.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IMPLANTS?

•         Implant secured or stabilized replacement teeth are more comfortable than conventional dentures because there is no slipping or movement. This eliminates some of the key worries of dentures and improves self confidence.

•         Dental implants are the alternative to bridgework for permanently replacing missing teeth, eliminating the need to grind down healthy teeth.

•         When teeth are missing the surrounding bone begins to shrink. Dental implants can help maintain the shape and structure of the jaw bone.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE IMPLANT PROCESS?

The implant proves normally involves several steps that take place over a period of time from three to nine months. Although there are various implant treatment methods, a typical process often includes:

Assessment planning – At initial consultation, after discussing possible alternatives, the dental surgeon will assess the feasibility of providing implant treatment. X-rays may be taken and preliminary models may be prepared. A written plan is usually then formulated detailing the sequence of treatment and associated cost.

Implant placement – A relatively simple minor surgical procedure that can be performed under sterile conditions in a dental surgery under local anaesthesia and, if indicted, supplemented by conscious sedation. If after assessment the underlying bone is judged to be deficient, a number of options are available for bone regeneration. This may be carried out prior to, or at the same time as, the implant placement.

Integration placement – Although some implants can be loaded into function immediately or soon after surgery, it is often suggested that a period of three months or more be allowed for the implant to fully integrate before loading. The patient’s own denture or on some cases a simple adhesive bridge, can be worn during this healing phase.

The restorative phase – Once integrated, the implants may need to be uncovered and can be bought into function with a variety of restorations, ranging from a single crown, small or large bridge, or if preferred, a removable overdenture clipped to the implants. The replacement teeth are constructed by a specialist dental laboratory working closely with the dental surgeon.

Maintenance – Following the completion of implant treatment, patients need to clean thoroughly around the implants as instructed by the dentist. They should attend their dentist for regular review so that the health of the soft tissue, bone levels and the integrity of the restoration can be checked.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Will I be able to eat what I like afterwards?

Once completed, patients should be able to eat a normal, healthy diet with little or no difficulty.

What costs are involved in implant treatment?

The cost can vary, depending on the degree and extent of treatment needed. The full cost is therefore explained and subsequently confirmed in a written treatment plan.

How long will it all take?

A range of techniques is available. Usually implant treatment requires a number of appointments over a period of several months. In some cases, implant work can be undertaken and completed in a much shorter period.

How long will the implants last?

Once treatment is completed, a routine of careful dental hygiene and regular check-ups should ensure that implants last for many years.

Am I too old for implant treatment?

There is no upper age limit for patients to undergo implant treatment, provided they continue to enjoy reasonable good health.

Is the treatment painful?

Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience during and after implant procedures.

Our Aim

Is to bring about an improved understanding of the benefits of implantology in providing for good oral health.

Patient information

What’s in a tooth?

Enamel covers the crown and is the hardest tissue in the body.

Dentine constitutes the major part of the tooth and gives teeth their colour.

Pulp is rich in nerves and blood vessels.

How are teeth attached to the jaws?

Each tooth has a root which is embedded in the jaw bone. The root is anchored to the bone by many tiny fibres. The jaw bone is covered by soft gum tissue, which acts like a cuff around the neck of the tooth.

What do healthy teeth and gums look like?

Healthy gums are firm and have a stippled ‘orange peel’ effect. The edges cannot normally be separated from the teeth. Gums should not bleed when teeth are brushed properly.

What is plaque?

Plaque is the film of bacteria which is constantly forming on all teeth. Plaque causes dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease).

Where does plaque come from?

Everyone’s saliva contains millions of bacteria. These bacteria stick to the surfaces of our teeth and quickly multiply to form layers of plaque.

What does plaque look like?

Plaque is at first a soft, colourless substance which is difficult to see until the coating is quite thick and becomes a white layer. It collects on the surfaces of teeth mainly next to the gums and between the teeth.

Can I prevent plaque from forming?

Not entirely. However, careful tooth cleaning every day will remove plaque before it builds up in sufficient amounts to damage your teeth and gums. Plaque can be removed from around your teeth with a toothbrush. Special devices, such as Colgate dental tape, are necessary to clean between your teeth in hard to reach areas.

Is tartar the same thing as plaque?

Not exactly. Tartar (calculus) is formed when minerals such as calcium in the saliva combine with plaque and make it hard. This happens commonly behind the lower front teeth. Once tartar has formed, it will have to be removed by your dentist or hygienist. Regular, effective plaque removal is the best way to prevent build-up of tartar.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is inflammation of the tissues which support teeth and attach them to the jaw. If inflammation only involves the soft gum tissue, it is called gingivitis, a precursor to periodontal disease. Once inflammation reaches the underlying bon, it is termed periodontitis.

How does periodontal disease start?

If plaque is allowed to build-up on teeth, toxins produced by bacteria inflame the gums. This early stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis.

What are the signs of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease can sometimes go unnoticed until it is quite advanced. However, most people will notice some of the following signs:

•         Red, swollen gums

•         Bleeding gums

•         Bad breath

•         Bad taste

•         Gum recession

•         Teeth drifting apart

•         Loose teeth

The classic sign of gingivitis – red swollen gums which bleed on brushing – is often the first indication of periodontal disease. Gum recession and loosened teeth occur at later stages of periodontal disease.

What do inflamed gums look like?

Inflamed gums are red, swollen and bleed on brushing. Plaque is often visible on the surfaces of teeth, next to areas of inflammation.

How does gum inflammation spread?

In time, plaque around the crown of the tooth may spread down below gum level; this usually occurs slowly and the inflammation produced results in the formation of ‘pockets’ (spaces between teeth and gum) and bone destruction. Periodontitis is the name given to the stage of gum disease when inflammation reaches the bone.

As more bone is destroyed, the tooth begins to loosen and as the pockets around it get deeper, abscesses can occur. Sometimes the gum will shrink and part of the tooth root will become exposed. Periodontitis may reach an advanced stage without causing any pain.

Do all teeth in the mouth become affected to the same extent?

No. Teeth that are kept completely clean will stay free from gum disease. When present, periodontal disease is usually more severe towards the back of the mouth and between the teeth; these are areas that are difficult to keep clean and free of plaque.

Is plaque the only cause of periodontal disease?

Yes. However, some people have a very strong inborn resistance and don’t experience severe periodontal disease even when their tooth cleaning is poor. Other people, although otherwise perfectly healthy, have a very low resistance to periodontal disease and have to achieve virtually perfect hygiene to prevent it. Most people are in between these two extremes.

Is there a cure for periodontitis?

Yes, unless it has become very advanced. Treatment will depend on how far the inflammation has gone. That is why periodontitis needs to be spotted as soon as possible.

Your dentist or hygienist will remove any deposits from pockets around affected teeth. This is done by scaling and root planning which may require several appointments. As the crowns and roots of teeth become clean, gums will tighten up around the root surfaces. Any loose teeth may also become firmer.

Will I need antibiotic treatment?

Your dentist or hygienist will provide you with further information on what you will require in the course of your gum treatment.

Will this treatment stop the bone from being destroyed?

Yes.

Is periodontal disease common?

Yes. That is why it is important to ensure that you brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.

I have always brushed my teeth twice a day. Why should I be affected?

You probably miss the same parts of your mouth every time you brush your teeth and these will be the areas vulnerable to gum disease. Most people realize how difficult it can be to clean the ‘necks’ of teeth up against the gums. Also, even when you are an expert at brushing, toothbrush bristles may not reach all the way in between your teeth and that is usually where the disease is most severe.

What is the best way to brush my teeth?

Your hygienist or dentist will advise the best way for you to brush your teeth, which will be tailor-made to your specific requirements. There are many toothbrushes available but not all are as effective at removing plaque. The Colgate 360 toothbrush has been scientifically designed to help you remove more plaque from all areas of your teeth, gums and tongue.

Dentists and hygienists recommend that you change your toothbrush as soon as the bristles are worn or splayed, usually after three months of use, as they become less effective at removing plaque.

Do I need to floss as well?

Flossing is important as it removes plaque from between the teeth.

Your hygienist or dentist will advise you how best to floss. They will also show you how to use any other useful tools for removing plaque after your treatment for gum disease.

During treatment is there anything else I can do to improve my oral health?

Clean between your teeth

Daily use of an interdental cleaning aid such as Colgate dental tape or Colgate interproximal brush can help remove plaque from these difficult areas which are most susceptible to gum disease.

Use an effective mouthrinse

During periodontal treatment, in addition to through brushing, your dentist or hygienist may advise you to use a mouthrinse to help control plaque and reduce inflammation and bleeding. Colgate Chlorohex 1200 rinse contains chlorhexidine gluconate, an antibacterial agent which has been used successfully for may years in the treatment of gingivitis. Used twice daily, the rinse will help prevent and treat gingivitis and is useful in promoting healing following periodontal surgery.

How do I maintain healthy teeth and gums?

You can do five things to ensure you have healthy teeth and gums:

1.    Visit  your dentist or hygienist regularly and follow their advice on how to look after your teeth and gums.

2.    Thoroughly brush your teeth twice daily using a clinically proven toothpaste. Colgate Total toothpaste has a unique, patented formulation which contains triclosan and copolymer which:

•     provides 12 hour protection against plaque, tartar and cavities.

•     is the first and only toothpaste clinically proven to limit the build-up of harmful bacteria above and below the gumline.

3.    Use a toothbrush such as the Colgate 360 toothbrush that is proven to help remove more plaque from difficult to reach areas than an ordinary toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush every three months.

4.    Use interdental cleaning aides to remove plaque from between your teeth.

5.    Use an antibacterial mouthwash as recommended by your dentist or hygienist that has been clinically proven to help control plaque and prevent gum disease.