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Bradford and Leeds are fortunate enough to have many dental practices. But with so many dentists and options, how do you know which Bradford and Leeds dental practice is right for you?

There is no definitive answer to this question, and as individuals, we all have different needs. A cosmetic dental practice might be a great option for someone looking for a Hollywood smile, but is this dental practice suitable for an anxious patient who is concerned about a broken tooth?

We have put together a list of useful tips on how to find the best dentist for you. Whilst there is no magic solution to this question, these tools will help you narrow the list and make an informed decision.

Tips for choosing the best Bradford and Leeds dentist for you:

1. Set Priorities

Before selecting your dentist, think about what you want out of the experience, and what matters most to you. What is an absolute priority to one patient, is not necessarily to the next. Things you might want to consider might be proximity, opening times and appointment availability. Consider what treatments you are interested in: are you looking for cosmetic treatment, or a family friendly practice for you and your children? Many practices combine a variety of services, but working out exactly what you want to gain from your dental experience is an excellent starting point.

2. Cost and Payment Options

For many people, the deciding factor in selecting a dental practice is affordability. With limited access to NHS dental places, and an ever increasing number of people turning to private dentistry, a large majority us opt for the most affordable option. What many patients don’t realise, is both the affordability and value available in private dentistry. Some practices offer membership plans which create huge savings, and allow you to plan for your future dental needs. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer membership plans for as little as £12.99 per month. Our plans give you access to 17-point dental health checks, plaque control, prevention and hygiene appointments, priority appointments, and worldwide dental emergency assistance (along with an additional 20% discount from any required treatment). 0% finance options, and tailored payment plans are also available for patients wishing to undertake larger treatment plans, but wanting to spread the cost of their treatment into more affordable monthly repayments.

3. See What Other People Are Saying

Reviews matter. Nearly 90% of internet users say they use online reviews before choosing a business or service. The majority of us rarely book a holiday without first checking Trip Advisor. Dentistry is no different. Read Google reviews, and see what other people are saying about their experiences at a practice you are thinking of joining. Don’t limit your research to reviews alone, use social media to take a look at your potential new practice. This is a great way to see what exciting things are happening within the business, and see how the practice interacts with its patients online.

4. Try It Out

The best way to assess whether or not a dental practice is right for you, is to try it out for yourself. Many practices offer free consultations, which is a great opportunity to see whether or not the practice is a fit for your needs. A good dental practice will respect your desire to make an informed decision, and there should be no obligation or pressure to come back. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer complimentary consultations with our patient care coordinator, Rachel. This is a relaxed appointment in a comfortable setting, where we learn more about what we can do to help you. You will have the opportunity to look around the practice and learn about the many services available at Eccleshill Dental.

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To book your complimentary consultation, telephone the practice on 01274 633406.

A question that many patients ask is at what is the best age for braces? Commonly, people assume that the best results are achieved when braces are worn as children. The majority of children who have braces begin treatment between the ages of 10 and 14. At this stage, baby teeth have fallen out and the jaw is stable enough to support long-term orthodontic treatment.

Contrary to what you might think, you are never too old for braces! Many adults don’t have access to orthodontic treatment as children, or delay getting braces for other reasons. Many children are referred for orthodontic treatment, but don’t meet the strict criteria required for treatment on the NHS. Many of these children enter into adulthood feeling conscious of their teeth, but are reluctant to take action on the basis they were rejected for treatment when they were younger. This is a common misconception: no case is too small, and you are never too old to undergo orthodontic treatment. Think of teeth the way you would any other bone on your body. They do stop growing at the end of adolescence, but it’s still possible to correct them throughout your life. Teeth are no different.

As an adult, you likely already have an established routine that will need to modified to account for braces. You may need to alter your diet, your morning and evening schedules, or carry a toothbrush to work. No matter what changes you need to make, keep in mind that they are short-term sacrifices for long-term gains in confidence and dental health. Wearing braces for a few months can save you from more serious dental issues down the road.

For many people though, the cost of braces, or the expectation of long treatment times can be off-putting. Many adults with families and other financial commitments push aside the thought of orthodontic treatment. After all, if you were rejected for treatment as a child, and you have lived with your teeth for this long, what would be the point?

There are many advantages to undertaking orthodontic treatment in adulthood. As adults, we have more of an appreciation of the dramatic impact of orthodontic treatment on our daily lives. Many adults report that orthodontic treatment improved their confidence, happiness, success at work and in relationships. Short-term, cosmetic orthodontic treatment can be completed in as little as 3 months, and with a variety of payment options, you don’t need to worry about finding the money upfront. Tailored payment plans and finance options allow you to spread the cost of orthodontic treatment, and you could receive the straight smile you’ve dreamed of for as little as £27.20 per month (terms and conditions apply).

Free Orthodontic Consultation

The first step on your journey to a straight smile is to attend for an orthodontic consultation. At Eccleshill Dental, we offer complimentary orthodontic consultations with Rachel, our patient care coordinator. This is a relaxed appointment, where we learn more about what you would like to achieve. We provide information on your treatment options, methods of payment, what to expect from your orthodontic journey, and what your results might look like! This appointment is completely free, and there is no obligation to continue with treatment. Contact the practice on 01274 633406 to book your complimentary orthodontic consultation today.

Together, let’s see what your smile could be!

The Magic In Your Smile: 10 Ways Smiling Benefits Your Health and Happiness

They say that there is magic in a smile, and we can’t deny the warmth we feel when we’re on the receiving end of a glowing grin. Nonetheless, smiles haven’t always been considered fashionable. A US study reviewing smiles in photographs was carried out by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Brown. The study showed that in the early 1900’s, smiling was anything but on-trend, with a preference for pensive, serious poses in front of the camera.

Luckily for us today, a smile is considered our most beautiful asset. Research today indicates that smiling is just plain good for you. And with many a good reason:

1. We all smile in the same language

Smiling is the universal symbol for happiness. Many gestures have different meanings across different societies. However, no matter where you are in the world, a smile is a symbol of warmth.

2. Smiling can extend your life

 A 2009 US study into major league baseball players in the 1950’s showed that players who smiled more, lived up to 7 years longer than players who did not. The study conducted by Ernest L. Abel and Michael L. Kruger indicated that people who smiled more, actually lived longer, happier, and more stable lives. Biochemist Sondra Barrett states that when we smile, we reduce the rigidness of our cells, and this physical relaxation can reduce the risk of stress-induced cell mutations that can lead to the development of certain cancers.

 

3. Smiling reduces stress and lowers blood pressure

 We are all familiar with the stress life throws at us, and the toll it takes on the human body. Studies have shown that the heart recovers more quickly from stress in subjects that smile, as opposed to subjects that are asked to hold a straight face. So the next time you are feeling your blood boil, remember that a simple smile might the help you were looking for.

4. Smiling can lift your spirits

 Many people think that smiling is just a result of being happy. What many of us don’t realise is that smiling can actually make us happier! Our facial expressions do not just communicate our mood, but influence it as well. Recent studies into facial expressions have shown that a person’s mood aligns strongly with the emotion his or her face is communicating. So think happy thoughts, smile, and your mood will smile too.

5. Your smile has the power to heal everyone – not just you!

 Smiles are contagious (and no, it’s not just a saying). Research conducted as part of a study in Sweden indicated that people had difficulty frowning when looking at other subjects who were smiling. Many of the subjects’ facial muscles involuntarily formed into a smile. So spread that joy and share a smile today.

 

6. You were doing it before you were born

 Many babies start smiling regularly at around 6 weeks old, but studies show that smiling begins in the womb. Smiling is in fact hard-wired into our genes, rather than an entirely learned behaviour.

7. Smiling can benefit your career

Facial expressions have a big impact on first and future impressions. This is particularly important in our professional lives. People who smile are more likely to be remembered. Furthermore, the smilers of the workplace are considered more approachable, and have better success in social and professional interactions. So a smile may just be the key to that long sought after promotion!

8. Smiling makes us look younger

 Smiling exercises anywhere between 5 and 53 muscles in the face. With all this muscular exertion, the skin stays firm and taut, aiding youthfulness and vitality. Who knew a face lift could be so easy.

9. Smiling makes you seem more approachable and trustworthy

Your smile communicates more than you may realise. An authentic smile goes a long way. A 2004 Penn University study found that authentic smiles shared by employees in the service industry influenced their impressions on customers in a positive way. The study also showed that we are much more likely to trust someone with a smile, than someone with a neutral expression, or worse still – a frowner!

10. Smiling heals the body and the soul

 Endorphins (the feel-good chemicals released by the brain) help us feel better when we are in pain. Studies show that people who smile and laugh experience less pain than those who do not. A further study indicated that people diagnosed with immune diseases showed signs of recovery more quickly when they spent more time laughing and smiling.

We have never felt more like smiling! Don’t let your teeth be a barrier to a happier, healthier life. Let us find your smile!

At Eccleshill Dental, we pride ourselves on delivering the very best patient experience. We believe that patients should feel like a part of our family from the moment they step through the door. We champion open and honest communication, and want everyone to feel a part of practice achievements, changes, and decisions. Our weekly blog is another way we will be communicating with our patient family. Here you will find news about the practice, interesting articles about oral health and the latest in the dental field, the practice calendar and events, and fun things happening at Eccleshill Dental.

We will be updating our blog weekly, and welcome your interaction. Remember – we love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so get posting your comments!

Thanks everyone – and enjoy our blogs.

The Eccleshill Dental Team