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Questions about your dental health and treatment

The answers you’ve been looking for!

Your dental health

  • Why are my teeth crooked?

    The alignment of your teeth is mostly determined by your genetics. Teeth become crowded and crooked when they are too big to fit in your jaw. An oral habit in childhood such as thumb-sucking may also have contributed to the position of your teeth. Whatever the cause, orthodontic treatment can help you get your teeth back in healthy alignment.

  • Is flossing really necessary?

    It is necessary to clean between your teeth because those hard-to-reach areas can host disease-causing bacteria. Flossing is just one technique you can use to disrupt bacteria formation. Depending on how wide the spaces between your teeth are, you can use different tools and techniques to clean between your teeth. For example, water flossers and interproximal brushes are both suitable alternatives to flossing. The important thing is to clean between your teeth daily to avoid diseases like gingivitis and tooth decay.

  • How can I get whiter teeth?

    Professional teeth bleaching is the safest and most effective way to whiten your tooth colour. You may also try some over-the-counter products, but these may not get you the dramatic results you want.

  • Does sugar cause tooth decay?

    Sugar does not directly cause cavities, but it does play an important role. Cavities are caused by microscopic bacteria that live in dental plaque. The bacteria release an acidic waste product, and this acid creates holes, or cavities, in your teeth. 
     
    The sugars you consume in your diet provide fuel for cavity-causing bacteria, so a diet high in sweets can increase your chance of developing tooth decay.

  • Why do I have such bad breath?

    Bad breath, also known as halitosis, has many causes. It can be linked to an upper respiratory issue like a sinus infection, or a digestive issue like heartburn. Halitosis may be caused by your diet or by having dry mouth, a condition that fosters the growth of bacteria. Bad breath can also be caused by poor oral hygiene, tooth decay or gum disease. 
     
    To find out what may be causing your bad breath, a dental check-up is a good place to start

Your treatment at the mount

  • How long will it take to straighten my teeth?

    On average, most people need 12 to 18 months to straighten their teeth. This range varies, however, with the complexity of the case. If you have a rather simple case, then you may be able to correct it in a matter of six months or fewer. If you have severely misaligned teeth, however, then it could take you much longer.

  • I’m terrified of visiting the dentist. What should I do?

    Contact a reputable dental clinic to get help with overcoming your dental fear. At The Mount, we can meet with you outside the dental surgery setting or via video conference to discuss your dental concerns and answer your questions. Simply giving voice to your fears can help you make progress in overcoming them. 

    Next, we will discuss the practical steps we will take to ease your anxiety in the clinic so that you can get the treatment you need. See our page for nervous patients for more details

  • What does it feel like to get a dental filling?

    You will not feel much at all while having your tooth filled. The first thing your dentist will do is numb your tooth with a local anaesthetic and this prevents you from experiencing any pain. At most, you will occasionally feel some pressure on the side of your mouth where the dentist is working, but this is not uncomfortable.

  • Am I too old to get a dental implant?

    There is no official age limit for getting implants. Many people in their 70s and 80s have tolerated the treatment with no issues. The oldest dental implant recipient on record was 100 years old! If you are healthy, can still take good care of your teeth and want to have a strong and secure bite, then you are a good candidate for dental implants no matter what your age is.

  • What happens after I get a tooth pulled?

    After having a tooth extracted, you will be sent home to rest with instructions to help you recover quickly. Once your extraction site has healed, our team will provide you with a tooth replacement (like a bridge, denture or implant) that suits your needs. In most cases, we will recommend a tooth replacement and create a treatment plan for you before we remove your tooth. 

Affording your dental care

  • Can’t I save money on dental care with DIY dental hacks at home?

    People are rapidly spreading DIY dental ideas thanks to social media, and many of these ideas might seem like practical ways to save money on dental care. However, these DIY hacks are usually dangerous. Things like shaping your teeth with a nail file, bleaching them with hydrogen peroxide or scrubbing them with charcoal can cause irreversible damage to your tooth enamel.

  • Do you offer discounts?

    Yes, we offer discounts on certain private dental treatments, especially when they are paid upfront in full. Please speak with our receptionist or treatment coordinator to learn about what discounts may be available on the treatment that you need.

  • Do you offer dental treatment financing?

    Yes, we can arrange flexible financing for both private dental treatments and for preventative dental care. You can choose a Denplan budget plan to set up regular monthly payments to cover your hygiene visits and enjoy discounts on other treatments. We also offer in-house interest-free financing for other services like orthodontic treatment, cosmetic treatments and smile makeovers. Please see our costs page for more information.

  • Can I get braces on the NHS?

    Orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS in some situations, if it is a medical necessity. However, there is a waiting list due to high demand for NHS orthodontic care, so you may not be able to start treatment for quite some time even if you do qualify.

  • What is the best way to save money on dental care?

    The best way to save money on dental treatment is to not need it in the first place. You can do this by taking good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily and eat a balanced diet that is low in sweets. Spending a little money here and there on professional dental cleanings will also help you maintain excellent dental health and avoid the need for spending large sums on restorative treatment.

After a traumatic, failed extraction with a pontefract dentist who was unable to get me numb, I was sent to the mount. Hooray! tooth is now out, no pain, professional staff, dentist was brilliant! 🤩 😁

vicky holmes

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Feeling nervous? Dental anxiety is more common than you might think. Don't worry; our dentists are gentle and we work very well with nervous patients.

information for nervous patients

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