Straight answers.

A first appointment is mostly looking and listening. We go through your medical history, examine every tooth and the gums, take x-rays if they are needed, and then talk through what we found. If treatment is needed you will get the options and the costs before you commit to anything.

Every six months suits most people. If you have gum disease, a lot of restorative work, or you smoke, we may ask to see you more often. If your mouth is stable and your hygiene is good, once a year can be enough. We will tell you which of these applies to you rather than putting everyone on the same schedule.

Cavities, gum disease and tooth wear, in that order. Nearly all of it is preventable, and nearly all of it is cheaper to deal with early. That is the whole argument for the six-month check-up.

Dr. Rafay leads the practice and works across cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and orthodontics. Complex cases such as implants, surgical extractions and full-mouth rehabilitation are handled here rather than referred out.

It covers anything aimed at the appearance of the teeth and gums rather than at disease: whitening, veneers, bonding, and reshaping. Some of it is reversible and some of it is not, and we will always say which is which. Often the thing a patient wants can be achieved by whitening or alignment without cutting a single tooth.

An artificial root, usually titanium, placed into the jawbone to carry a replacement tooth, a bridge or a denture. It is the closest thing to a real tooth for someone who has lost one to injury, gum disease or decay. Placement is a small surgical procedure and the bone needs a few months to heal around it before the tooth goes on.

Check-ups and cleaning, whitening, dental implants, orthodontics, crowns and bridges, root canal therapy, oral and maxillofacial surgery, veneers and cosmetic work, wisdom teeth removal, and children's dentistry.

Call 0300 9495759 or 0300 8448175. You can also message the same number on WhatsApp, or email contact@thedentalpractices.org. If you are in pain, say so when you call and we will fit you in sooner.