The price of tobacco has gone through the roof in the past couple of decades. A packet of cigarettes now costs around £9.60, and according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), tariffs on tobacco after Brexit could add another £3 to the price of tobacco.

At Smilecraft, your dentist in Stevenage, we hate what smoking does to your gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. We’d rather you spent your hard-earned cash on something that does not harm your mouth so badly, and cost you even more in dental treatments than you would be spending if you were a non-smoker.

That’s why we offer smoking cessation help here at your dentist in Stevenage. We don’t want you to have to spend an extra £600 a year extra on smoking after Brexit, or any money on something that offers little and takes so much away in terms of health.

Let’s take a look at what smoking does to your mouth:

Tooth discolouration

Smoking leaves yellow/brown tarry deposits on your teeth. Tooth enamel may look solid but it is in fact porous. We can remove some surface stains with a scale and polish, but any staining that gets down into the enamel will need teeth whitening with the dentist in Stevenage to remove it. That costs at least £332.50.

Gum disease

Smoking constricts the blood vessels and the blood carries vital oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and organs in your body. When you smoke, you reduce the supply of these to your gums, which need to be strong, firm and healthy to grip your teeth firmly and stop bacterial plaque from getting underneath to attack the bone and tooth roots. Put simply, smoking increases gum disease and the chances of losing your teeth.

Mouth cancer

Smoking is the main cause of mouth cancer, which kills about 4,000 people a year in the UK.

Dental implants

If you are a smoker, you won’t be able to have dental implants fitted. Firstly, the smoke may have contributed to the loss of bone material vital for holding your teeth in place. Secondly, smoking hinders healing, which means the dental implants won’t integrate with your jawbone.

When you join a dentist in Stevenage, your new home town, you want to know you will have access to a full range of services. At Smilecraft, we can take of your needs and that of your family, offering treatments for all ages.

Treatments for children

Children need special help from the dentist in Stevenage with preventing decay. Kids eat more sugary snacks than adults and aren’t yet very good at brushing their teeth well enough to get rid of decay-causing plaque. So, here at Smilecraft, we help make it easier for them, not only with toothbrushing lessons from our hygienists, but with special treatments to prevent decay. Fluoride treatments help make the enamel more resistant to decay. Painting back teeth with fissure sealants puts a barrier between them and the acids that erode tooth enamel. We can also keep an eye out for signs that your child is going to need treatment to get their teeth to come through straight.

Treatments for adults

In early and mid-adulthood, on top of regular check-ups and any maintenance work, a lot of our work as a dentist in Stevenage is about making sure you have the lovely smile you deserve. We make smiles look wonderful with adult braces, teeth whitening, white fillings, crowns and veneers. There’s no need to go through life not quite happy about the way your smile looks with so many cosmetic dental treatments right on hand here at Smilecraft.

Treatments for seniors

As we get older, dentistry becomes more and more about getting teeth to last as long as possible, extending the life of teeth with crowns and replacing lost teeth with fixed bridgework, dentures and dental implants, which are fast becoming everyone’s first choice for tooth replacement.

Appointments everyone needs

Of course, everyone needs to come to the dentist in Stevenage at least twice a year for a check-up. This is so that we can spot problems early on and deal with them while treatment is still simple and inexpensive.

We also recommend a twice-yearly appointment with the dental hygienist. This is to remove plaque, which is the cause of many dental problems and builds up, no matter how well you clean your teeth.

Some women experience unique dental problems because their bodies change all the time. At Smilecraft, our team are on hand to talk through and address any of the issues discussed below when you visit the dentist in Stevenage.

Hormones influence everything in the body. Two of the major hormonal changes that affect women’s teeth are detailed below. Menopause and birth control pills also commonly affect dental health.

Menstruation

The surge of hormones that a woman gets during certain stages of her menstrual cycle can have an affect on her dental health. Not only that, the hormone levels and the effects can change at different stages of life so, at some point, she may begin to experience issues that she has never seen before. Often the problem is with the gums. She may experience swelling, bleeding or irritation for a few days a month. This can be addressed with regular brushing and the dentist in Stevenage may be able to offer further advice. However, if the issues appear and then go away again each month in time with her cycle, she does not need to visit the dentist each time.

Pregnancy

Perhaps one of the biggest hormonal changes a woman can experience is pregnancy. During this time, she can experience the gum issues addressed above as well as sensitivity, oral dryness and an increased risk of tooth decay. Some studies have also shown that some oral conditions can affect the health of their baby. Some dental treatments are not advisable for pregnant women unless it is an absolute emergency. For these reasons, it is therefore vital that women have a diligent dental routine during pregnancy.

Cosmetic work

There is a lot of pressure on women to pay attention to the way that they look. While some cosmetic treatments and practices need to be topped up and taken care of at regular intervals, there are some cosmetic dental treatments on offer at the dentist in Stevenage that only need to be performed once or at intervals that stretch into months or years under the right circumstances. This is why so many people are turning to cosmetic dentistry as a time-efficient way to take care of their appearance.

There are plenty of similarities between men and women when it comes to teeth. However, not everything is the same and it’s worth noting the differences, so you know where you need to focus a little more.

At Smilecraft, we are here to support you as an individual and help you get the most out of our practice. This means offering you routine care, preventive work, cosmetic treatments and restorations when necessary. We prefer to prevent rather than treat, as this gives you the best chance of having a healthy smile for longer, but we can step in at any stage.

Oral hygiene

Statistics show that men are less likely to visit their dentist and take care of their teeth. This puts them at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The dentist is a vital player when it comes to spotting and treating these issues. They can spot issues in the early stages, before they get too bad. This means that visiting the dentist in Stevenage is a practical way to prevent long-term problems that might cost time and money.

Medications

It’s a stressful life sometimes for men and women. However, men remain at greater risk for medical issues like diabetes and heart disease. Both of these, and other conditions, can have an effect on oral health. This might be as a direct result of the condition or using medication which cause dry mouth, bad breath and other side effects. If you begin using new medication, or you are diagnosed with a new condition, it is important that you let your dentist in Stevenage, at Smilecraft, know as soon as possible.

Cosmetic work

More and more men are realising that they, too, can take care of the appearance of their smile with cosmetic dental procedures. Rather than joining other beauty treatments and being consigned to the ‘women-only’ pile, cosmetic dentistry has a lot to offer guys as well. Imagine going to that next meeting or presentation with a brighter look. Imagine standing next to your partner on your wedding day having polished up the smile you are going to give them. All these things, and more, are possible at the dentist in Stevenage.

If you have just moved to the Stevenage area and are on the hunt for a dentist in Stevenage who can take care of your general and cosmetic dental needs, then why not come in and pay us a visit at Smilecraft?

Smilecraft has been established in the centre of the Old Town for more than 25 years, so it couldn’t be more conveniently placed. As a dentist in Stevenage, we can cater to your needs, no matter what stage of life you are at.

A dentist in Stevenage for children

Children’s dental needs are mostly about decay prevention, instilling good oral care habits and making sure that teeth are well lined up. We suggest you start getting your infant used to being at the dentist by bringing them along to your appointments before having their own check-up soon after their first teeth appear. We offer fluoride treatments to harden enamel against the acids from plaque that cause decay. We can also paint your children’s teeth with sealants to create a barrier against bacteria.

A dentist in Stevenage for young adults

Having a great smile has never been more important or available. Cosmetic dentistry can lift your smile from ordinary or a bit embarrassing to fabulous. It can also be used to repair teeth that have suffered a few knocks during your life. Our cosmetic treatments include teeth whitening, veneers and cosmetic bonding to cover imperfections, discreet braces and white fillings. You can have one treatment at a time when the need arises, or we can do a whole package of treatments as a smile makeover.

A dentist in Stevenage for seniors

One of the big problems as we age is that our teeth can start to wear out and may need to be removed. Maybe they have had one filling too many. Maybe gum disease finally gets the better of them. You can get replacements with us in the form of fixed bridgework, full or partial dentures and dental implants. We can also use dental implants to stabilise your wobbly dentures.

All our treatments are delivered by highly-experienced, friendly staff in a calm and relaxing environment.

A dentist helps your smile look great again when a dental problem has affected it. Getting treatment from a dentist in Stevenage means you don’t have to lose your smile forever, because we at Smilecraft want you to get it back. Whether you have lost your teeth, you’re embarrassed by a cross-bite or have a problems with the aesthetics of your smile, we offer treatments that work to treat or prevent such problems.

At Smilecraft, we like to make sure our patients are well looked after. We understand that a trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for some, which is why we place a lot of importance on the relationships we build with all of our patients. That way, you don’t have to dread the routine check-ups you have with us.

Baby-sitting your teeth

We are a dentist in Stevenage that encourages patients to have routine appointments. By spotting signs of certain conditions early, we can treat them before they become difficult problems. Think of your smile as a blossoming rose, it must be cared for and maintained. Should it be neglected, it loses its vibrancy and drops its petals. In the same way, your teeth can become discoloured from bad oral hygiene, which leads to problems like gum disease or tooth decay.

However, it can be that the daily routines of your lifestyle have taken their toll on your teeth. It is not uncommon for teeth to be lost when you grow older, but treatments like dental implants serve as natural-looking replacements.

The stains of daily habits

It could be that drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes are beginning to show on your teeth. Discolouration can be a burden to your smile, especially when you’re happy with your oral health. Cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as teeth whitening, exist to improve the appearance of smiles. Even teeth straightening treatments can be desirable at our dentist in Stevenage, as we offer clear alternatives to traditional metal braces. This often appeals to adults, who don’t want to go to work or attend a special occasional with unsightly train-tracks on.

Whatever your concern, Smilecraft are here to listen and reassure you. When you smile, we smile.

Having something to smile about always makes life a little more fun and light-hearted. But what about your smile is actually making you frown? Feeling uncomfortable because you’re worried about your teeth when you smile defeats the point of smiling itself, which is why you might be looking for a dentist in Stevenage. Having concerns about the appearance of your smile or poor oral health is enough to justify a trip to the dentist. In Stevenage, Smilecraft is more than happy to listen to your concerns, examine your teeth and offer treatments if need be.

At Smilecraft, we encourage patients to arrange regular check-ups. It’s important for the maintenance of your oral health, and if signs of certain conditions like gum disease and tooth decay are spotted early, they will either be treated or prevented. Gums must not be neglected when it comes to oral hygiene because having healthy gums helps you to avoid complications in the future. They act as cushions to the teeth, helping to support them. So if you see red and swollen gums when you look in the mirror or see blood when you brush your teeth, it could be a sign of gingivitis. By maintaining your oral health and having routine check-ups, one of our dentists can go through brushing and flossing techniques as well dietary advice.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Stevenage to improve the appearance of your smile, we offer a range of cosmetic treatments for your teeth. It might be that having crooked teeth is getting you down and you’re considering a teeth straightening treatments. Many patients, especially adults, dread the thought of traditional metal braces. Thanks to the advances of modern dentistry, we offer discreet and clear alternatives like invisible braces. That way, you don’t have to be afraid to smile during treatment and on your journey towards a healthier and happier smile.

We treat our patients with care and respect, in the same way we ourselves would like to be treated. Although visiting the dentist can be daunting, it is also fulfilling. You will be welcomed into a warm and friendly dentist in Stevenage, and hopefully leave with a smile.

Keeping your teeth and gums in good condition is an essential part of your overall bodily health. For people who need a quality dentist in Stevenage, the team at Smilecraft offers a variety of contemporary oral health procedures in a tactful and efficient manner. We provide everything from long-term smile makeovers to routine check-ups and cosmetic improvements.

Why should I visit the dentist in Stevenage?

A large part of our work involves the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. At your regular check-up, we can examine your mouth in detail. Using our modern equipment and years of experience allows us to spot any worrying developments before you’d be able to see them at home. Then we can intervene early, and send you on your way with up-to-date oral hygiene advice based on evidence-based\s research.

Restoring and enhancing your teeth

You might need us to repair any existing damage to your teeth. As a dentist in Stevenage, we frequently treat chipped or badly-formed teeth using veneers. These thin and strong pieces of specially-shaped porcelain are applied to your teeth with a powerful adhesive. They’ll restore the aesthetic balance to your smile.

If you need a filling because of a dental cavity, we can use materials that mimic the natural appearance of your teeth. This ensures that crucial restorative work doesn’t make a damaging visual impact.

Many adults find that their teeth can slowly turn a funny colour over the years. This is due to the gradual build-up of traces left behind by food and drink. Our teeth-whitening treatments will turn your unsightly smile into a dazzling one. This simple process can often be achieved in just one visit to our dental practice, or over several days in the comfort of your own home.

What you’ve been missing

We can replace missing teeth whether you’ve lost them in a sudden accident, or after a gradual process of decay. Your new teeth will be precisely shaped to meet your particular needs. Dentures and bridges will fill the gaps in your smile, while dental implants will integrate with your jawbone, restoring full dental function.

There are a number of reasons to see the dentist in Stevenage at Smilecraft. We create a welcoming environment that encourages you to visit whenever you need to. Even if you have anxiety around visiting the dentist, our team is here to help you overcome your worries and take good care of your teeth.

Regularly

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to your oral health. If you see your dentist in Stevenage regularly, you increase your chances of avoiding extensive dental work in the future. You may feel like your teeth are fine, but there may be underlying issues that you cannot detect yet that your dental practitioner can spot and treat before they become anything more serious.

Booking regular appointments also helps to avoid large gaps in your oral healthcare routine because you simply don’t get round to it. Life is busy and some people do not find time to fit in their dental visits even if they do suspect that there is something wrong. It can be easier to keep an appointment that is already made than it is to prioritise making a new one.

When you have a problem

If you do begin to experience any issues, you can make an appointment to see the dentist in Stevenage at Smilecraft as soon as possible. We can often address issues with a simple treatment, clean and polish, advice or repair. Common dental issues include:

• Sores
• Toothache
• Bad breath
• Gum disease
• Bleeding

You may also have emergency dental needs in the event of an accident, acute health condition or bleeding. In an emergency, we aim to see you on the same day that you call us at Smilecraft.

When you want to

Not all visits to the dentist are driven by necessity. There are some treatments that you can elect to have to improve the appearance of your teeth. At Smilecraft we have an extensive range of cosmetic procedures for you to browse. We have confidence in our ability to create such a comfortable environment for you at our practice that you will be happy to visit for a treat as well as to look after your teeth.

At Smilecraft, we want to be a dentist in Stevenage that offers patients a different experience of oral healthcare. We are constantly working to improve your perception of visiting our practice so that you feel comfortable and relaxed. We know that the kind of environment that we strive to create is conducive to encouraging patients to visit us when they need to and therefore improving their chances of enjoying high standards of oral health.

We are hygiene champions

At Smilecraft, we know that hygiene is one of the top patient concerns when they visit the dentist in Stevenage. We all like to know that our health is being taken care of by the medical professionals we place our trust in. Many patients feel like they are in a vulnerable position when they visit the dentist. In Stevenage, we do everything we can to mitigate this feeling and make our patients feel safe. One of the ways that we do this is to offer a transparent and stringent hygiene process that includes rigorous sterilisation procedures.

We offer The Wand for pain-free dentistry

If you experience anxiety around visiting the dentist in Stevenage, that’s understandable. For many people, the source of this concern is pain that they have experienced at their dentist in the past. This can lead to avoidance behaviour that can have a serious impact on your oral health.

At Smilecraft, we are committed to changing the patient experience of the dentist. One of the ways that we do this is to deliver pain-free injections through The Wand system. This is a computer-controlled anaesthetic delivery method that eliminates the usual stinging sensations associated with needles at the dentist.

We walk the walk

As well as looking out for signs of oral cancer in clinic and taking care of your personal health, we also support charities like the Mouth Cancer Foundation. Many of our staff undertook a sponsored walk to raise funds for the foundation in 2014.

Our passion for oral health and our commitment to your health shows in the way that we work. Our staff are dedicated and well-trained as well as being enthusiastic about supporting causes like Mouth Cancer Foundation.