Request a Consultation
Facebook Twitter Google
01727 893430
26 High Oaks, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 6DL

All posts by highoaksadmin

Online Booking for New Patients St Albans now available

High Oaks Dental have teamed up with Toothpick.comtoothpick-logo-plain-transparent

to provide a facility for NEW patients in St Albans to book appointments with our dentists and hygienists online.

 

Online booking for Hygiene appointments

Currently, this facility is only for NEW PATIENTS with the choice of all available hygiene appointments with our hygienist Lucy Murray, including her Saturday diary. When booking an appointment you will be asked to pay the £45 fee online. This will pay for your hygienist appointment or pay towards your Air Jet Polish. Click here to see the excellent results of an Air Jet Polish.

If you are an existing patient and see an appointment slot you wish to book we ask you email us on info@highoaksdental.com or contact our reception team on 01727 893 430.

 

Online booking for Dental appointments

This facility is for NEW PATIENTS who wish to book a dental appointment with either Dr Shilan Shah or Dr Shail Patel for a PRIVATE DENTAL CONSULTATION. These appointments are for their evening and weekend diaries. On booking an online appointment you will be contacted by our reception team to confirm your booking. A fee guide for treatments is available here.

Free consultations are available for braces, facial aesthetics and implants (not with our specialist) with a £20 refundable deposit*.

Unfortunately, online booking is not available for patients seeking NHS treatments yet – but we are working on it.

 

We hope this new facility is welcomed by patients in St Albans, Hertfordshire and helps improve access for patients.

 

*This deposit is payable on making the consultation appointment and will be fully refunded after the consultation or can go towards the treatment if you wish. The deposit will not be returned should you fail to attend your consultation.

Dental Implant Clinic Open in St Albans

Our Dental Implant clinic is now open and accepting patients who are interested in having dental implants.

With our specialist oral surgeon, Guy McLellan, you are in safe hands when looking to have a dental implant.

Single implants?

We can restore small spaces with single implants which are fixed to the bone similar to hip replacements. They can appear and function as normal teeth and restore your smile and confidence.

All on 4?

Don’t like wearing dentures? Can’t taste your food anymore? Constantly having to buy and use denture glue? Wobbly dentures?

All on 4 implant treatment is suitable for most patients. It is the placement of 4 implants in the top jaw or bottom jaw. Once these have bonded to the bone (usually after 3 months) a fixed bridge is screwed into place. Your palate is liberated to taste and feel food and your speech is not impeded. This option gives our patients a new lease on life in their oral health.

More information on dental implants and options click here

If you would like a free consultation with our dentists to see if you are suitable for implants please send an email to info@highoaksdental.com or alternatively call our reception team on 01727 893 430.

(Please note, consultation with our specialist does have a £140 fee).

Nervous Patients should fear no more!

Nervous patients are becoming more common. Whether it is fear from one aspect or the whole experience our dentists at High Oaks Dental are experienced in calming, safe techniques and pain-free dentistry to ensure all experiences are relaxed and enjoyable.

Now all nervous patients in St Albans can have high quality dentistry they deserve to maintain a healthy mouth and smile at our safe and relaxing practice.

Our dentists have treated countless anxious and phobic patients over the years and it is safe to say that no one is the same. Each patient has their own experiences and reasons for their anxiety. We work together to establish how to overcome these so you can be comfortable in the dental chair.

What to expect at your first dental visit?

At your initial visit we will discuss your dental issues, your expectations and briefly the services we offer which may help you to accept treatments. We then undertake a fully dental examination where we check you teeth, gums and soft tissues. We will likely take some x-rays to help in establishing if there are any problems. After this we will talk some more about the options available.

Treatment plans are bespoke for each patient, and during all treatments, the patient is in control during their treatment and the pace of their treatment.

Our practice has invested in all the latest equipment and communication tools to ensure our patients fully understand each aspect of their treatment and their treatment is pain-free and effective.

We hope you have found this informative, and gives you the confidence to visit one of our friendly team.

Remember the first visit is the first step towards a healthy mouth. And a healthy smile is a happy smile

For more information about our phobia certifications and reviews click here

 

 

Quick Straight Teeth St Albans

BigQST

High Oaks Dental is happy to be working with a respectable UK orthodontic company to provide quick straight teeth to our patients. Quick Straight Teeth uses both clear removable and clear fixed braces to straighten teeth in between 3-6 months.

Our experienced dentists offer FREE TEETH STRAIGHTENING CONSULTATIONS to discuss the best, most efficient ways of aligning your teeth.

Consultation Appointment 

At your consultation appointment we will discuss your expectations and what can be achieved, all suitable brace options, consent forms, costings and financing your treatment.

beforecentre

First Appointment 

Once you have decided on your desired brace system you will be invited for your initial fitting for braces. This involves taking 10-12 pre op photographs, impressions of your top and bottom teeth. After this all you do is sit tight whilst we complete our planning and create your braces.

 

Fit Appointment

2 weeks later, on your return we will glue the braces onto your teeth with composite resin and light. This is a pain-free procedure and totally comfortable. This procedure usually last 45mins. You will be provided an instruction sheet on how to care for your new braces and ensure you avoid certain foods which may jeopardise the braces.

fixed picture or Q100

 

Review Appointment

We review your braces every 3-4 weeks and make adjustments and replace wires or trays to improve the position of your teeth.

 

 

aftercentre

After approximately 6 months your treatment will be complete at which point the braces are removed, the teeth are cleaned, and the retainers are placed.

 

Our team will then wish you well as you enjoy smiling with your straighter teeth!

 

Saturday Hygienist St Albans Hertfordshire

From January 2016, High Oaks Dental St Albans are pleased to announce to all patients that our hygienist, Lucy Murray will be opening her ‘fresh breath hygiene’ clinic on Saturdays.

Now you can visit our hygienist on a Saturday, at a more convenient time and get your teeth stain free, and get your gums healthy.

Regular hygiene visits can prevent gingivitis and gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss.

For more information about how you can benefit from a hygiene visit please click here

So make your New Years Resolution to visit our hygienist.

A healthy smile is a happy smile.

FFT – Friends & Family Test – patient reviews

This is a new initiative is to get more feedback from patients. It is designed to find out if patients are happy with the treatment they have received from their dentist and dental team and if they would recommend these services/team to their friends and family.

Our patients have been completing these forms for the past 6 months and the team are pleased to say the results are fantastic. We have scored 100% in patients recommending us to friends and family ‘extremely likely’ or ‘likely’.

Our score has been published on the NHS Choices website.File 18-11-2015, 12 03 40

This response makes us proud that the improvements we have made over the past year are recognised by our patients and are being well received.

We are continually asking for feedback and reviews to our services and are constantly looking to improve and continue to provide high standards of care to all our patients.

If you have any feedback in how we can improve our services please email us at:

info@highoaksdental.com

or alternatively, please fill out one of our patient questionnaires at the practice (all forms are kept anonymous).

Invisalign Braces At High Oaks Dental

Invisalign, Invisible Braces St Albans

Our dentists at High Oaks Dental Practice St Albans offer the popular Invisalign clear braces. These are near invisible braces that straighten teeth for adults and children.

Invisalign is a U.S. company founded in 2001 and is used globally by dentists. Our dentists have a vast amount of experience in providing this system, with over 7 years of experience and successfully treating 100s of patients.

Invisalign uses a series of clear braces manufactured by CAD- CAM systems to straighten teeth

These clear braces need to be worn constantly throughout the day (approximately 20-22 hours per day) and only removed for eating and brushing your teeth.

Invisalign is a complete package which straightens the top and bottom teeth simultaneously. It is the only system which creates a computer designed ‘movie’ called a ‘ClinCheck’ allowing patients to see the predicted movement of their teeth until they are straight.

BEFORE

clincheck invisalign high oaks dental

AFTER

Screen Shot 2015-11-18 at 09.46.38

Our Invisalign Dentists in St Albans, offer the full Invisalign product range.

Invisalign i7 7 trays 14 weeks Minor crowding
Invisalign Lite 14 trays 28 Weeks Minor to moderate crowding
Invisalign Full Unlimited 6month-2 years Moderate – severe crowding
Invisalign Teen Unlimited 6months- 2 years Moderate –severe crowding including free tray replacements

How much does Invisalign Clear Braces cost?

Invisalign i7 £1650
Invisalign Lite £2450
Invisalign Full/Teen £3500-3999

Retainers are required after any orthodontic treatment – £150 each.

Finance plans are available (subject to acceptance) with upto 12 month 0% interest.

For a standard Invisalign Full treatment plan including retainers – £3500+£150+£150 = £3800

Under Finance Terms = £316 per month

Are you suitable for braces?

Every patient presents differently and have different expectations. At High Oaks Dental Practice we welcome all patients to visit for a FREE CONSULTATION, where we can assess your suitability and provide all brace options, so you can make the best choice for your lifestyle. No one is too old to have straighter teeth!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qdf6b3dKT8U

Risks of Braces?

With all orthodontic and brace systems we offer and those provided by orthodontists there are risks. Common risks include:

  • Decayed teeth if not cleaned
  • Gum Disease if not cleaned effectively
  • Root resorption
  • Tooth Devitalisation

All risks will be highlighted in our braces pack provided at your initial appointment.

We hope you have found our blog useful and informative. If you have decided to have Invisalign clear braces we hope to see you very soon.

If you would like any further information please contact our team on 01727 893 430 or email us at info@highoaksdental.com

5 Tips to Stop Snoring

Snoring_Couple

What is snoring?

Snoring is a condition that can be a terrible problem in your life. It can cause issues within relationships as well as daytime tiredness for the snorer and their partner. Snoring can disrupt and affect the sufferer’s or partner’s lifestyle and ability to perform at work and socially.

Many snorers feel they have no option but to suffer, with no available treatments. This is not the case. Dr Shilan Shah at High Oaks Dental St Albans, has undergone further training to understand the causes, obstacles and seriousness of snoring and options to help treat or improve the condition which can have instant effects on the patient from their very first night.

We have outlined some information below to help with your understanding of snoring

What causes snoring?

Snoring is caused by partial closures of your airways due to relaxed muscles in your neck, seriously restricting the passage of air. Your body compensates for this by forcing air through. This causes vibrations of the soft tissues lining the airway which in turn generates the noise of snoring.

There are also several other possible reasons why people snore such as blocked or stuffy nose , sleeping on your back, sleeping with your mouth open or a deviated septum. In addition, other factors such as overeating, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol intake may contribute to snoring.

Is snoring serious?

Yes, it disturbs sleeping patterns and deprives the snorer of appropriate rest. When snoring is severe, it can cause serious, long term health problems, including obstructive sleep apnoea.

There are 2 types of medical snoring conditions –

  • Snoring without sleep apnoea
  • Snoring with sleep apnoea (mild, moderate, severe)

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

When loud snoring is interrupted by frequent episodes of totally obstructed breathing, it is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Serious episodes last more than ten seconds each and occur more than seven times per hour. Apnoea patients may experience 30 to 300 such events per night. These episodes can reduce blood oxygen levels, causing the heart to pump harder.

The immediate effect of sleep apnoea is that the snorer must sleep lightly and keep his muscles tense in order to keep airflow to the lungs. Because the snorer does not get a good rest, he may be sleepy during the day, which impairs job performance and makes him a hazardous driver or equipment operator. After many years with this disorder, elevated blood pressure and heart enlargement may occur.

Self-Help for the Light Snorer

Adults who suffer from mild or occasional snoring should try the following self-help remedies: Adopt a healthy and athletic lifestyle to develop good muscle tone and lose weight.

  1. Avoid tranquillisers, sleeping pills, and antihistamines before bedtime.
  2. Avoid alcohol for at least four hours and heavy meals or snacks for three hours before retiring.
  3. Establish regular sleeping patterns
  4. Sleep on your side rather than your back.
  5. Tilt the head of your bed upwards four inches.

Remember, snoring means obstructed breathing, and obstruction can be serious. It’s not funny, and not hopeless.

Can heavy snoring be cured?

Snoring can be a treatable condition. Dr Shah spends time taking a thorough history and carrying out diagnostic tests as to the cause of your snoring. After this, we recommend the appropriate treatment.

We work closely with sleep specialists to ensure you receive the best quality of care to aid in the resolution of this condition

Possible treatments can include nasal decongestants, antihistamines or provision of an anti-snoring device. These devices are custom made for each individual patient. The process is very simple involving the dentist taking moulds of the upper and lower jaw. These moulds are then sent to our lab where the appliance is constructed. This appliance is custom made for you and is not one of the readily available “generic” devices, where one size fits all. You will wear it when you sleep and it positions the mandible in such a way that it promotes breathing through the nose and reduces the amount of obstruction caused by the soft palate encroaching on the airway. Most patients take very little time to get used to this with the benefits being evident after the first night.

Sleepwellonly

The anti-snoring device we use is a patented design, and unlike many other devices has a strong body of evidence to support its use.

If you think you can benefit from our anti-snoring services please call us on 01727 893 430 to book a consultation with one of our dentists.

Medical Emergency, CPR & AED Training

High Oaks Dental Team are proud to say we have completed our annual medical emergencies, CPR and AED training today.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest guidance and refreshing our knowledge and training means if the worst should happen and we have a medical emergency in the practice our patients can receive quick, effective treatment.

A fast response can mean a better recovery!

Being so close to St Albans Hospital means we also have a quick response from the heroic paramedics who can be onsite within 8 minutes of an emergency call.

We also ask all patients to complete an annual medical history form to update us in any changes in their medical conditions. But if any medical conditions do change between appointments we ask you kindly inform the team so we can be better prepared.

cpr training 2015cpr little anne

This is just another way of showing our commitment to excellence and keeping our patients safe.

How do teeth discolour? part 1

High Oaks Dental Practice, St Albans, provide a full range of teeth whitening products, to help create a brighter, whiter smile. This blog will help identify how teeth become stained. Our following blogs will deal with how to rectify these discolourations and restore the teeth and your smile.


How do teeth discolour?

Discoloured teeth can occur in a variety of ways.

There are 3 main modes:

  1. Intrinsic factors
  2. Extrinsic factors
  3. Age – Related factors

 

Intrinsic Factors

Teeth can either be discoloured from when they develop, they erupt or in the early stages after eruption.

Fluorosis – this is a condition where developing teeth are exposed to excess fluoride. If this excess fluoride is mild then white spots/marks can appear on the teeth when they erupt. If the amount of fluoride is greater then this can turn into brown spots on the teeth and give a ‘mottled’ appearance.

what_is_fluorosis

Tetracycline staining – this condition is where the developing teeth have been subjected to tetracycline, an antibiotic, which causes a brown ‘band’ to be present on the teeth. This is now very rarely seen and treated minimally invasively.

tetracycline staining

Trauma – direct or indirect trauma to a tooth can cause the pulp in the tooth to die. The death of a tooth can result in a fast colour change, changing a tooth from white to dark yellow/brown to black. If someone notices the colour of a tooth changing as a result of a trauma then they are advised to see one of our dentists as soon as possible. The earlier we treat this tooth the better the cosmetic result will be.

Extrinsic Staining

This is the usual staining we encounter at the practice. This is where the enamel has picked up staining from tea, coffee, smoking cigarettes, red wine, curries and long-term usage of Corsodyl mouthwash.

Being a superficial stain, it is usually cleaned by our hygienist over a 30 min appointment which also clears any debris between the teeth called calculus, giving a ‘fresh-breath’ feeling.

Aged Related Staining 

This is unavoidable and occurs over decades of using your teeth and modern diets. Acids in fizzy drinks erode the enamel, causing it to thin and become more transparent. This makes the underneath dentin more noticeable.

Dentin matures over age and becomes more yellow. As a result of the thinning enamel, the yellower dentine becomes more prominent.

 

Our next blog will discuss the different products and options we have to rectify these issues and how successful they are.

 


Ask a question

Newsletter

Enter your details below to join our newsletter.

call 01727 893430
CALL our friendly team today 01727 893430