Visiting the dentist is normally not associated with pleasant thoughts. Many people fear the idea of needles, drills and even the expense that can come from a routine check-up. In fact, according to the Oral Health Foundation, almost half of UK adults have a fear of the dentist.
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However, if you find the right practice and dentists who can make you feel at ease and turn a procedure, no matter how big or small, into a stress-free experience, then come your next six-month check-up, you won't remember how anxious you felt the first time around.
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One dental practice that is ticking all the right boxes is L&Y Dental, co-founded by Lakshmi Rao and Dr. Yasmin Anaboussi de Santiago.
The duo has made visiting the dentist feel like a spa experience, with plush furnishings and chic décor, complimentary beverages and dental products like bamboo charcoal toothbrushes, warm and inviting staff, and state-of-art technology and equipment – there's even decorated ceilings with photos of dreamy summer days to stare at while you're sitting in the examination chair!
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So, whether you're looking for a filling, scale and polish, Invisalign, or even Botox – L&Y Dental has got you covered. Here's everything you need to know about L&Y Dental…
L&Y Dental was co-founded by Dr. Yasmin Anaboussi de Santiago (L) and Lakshmi Rao (R)
What is L&Y Dental?
L&Y Dental is a contemporary practice based in Northwest London that offers bespoke dentistry while using the latest technology with patient care at its core. The modern practice "is bridging the gap between large corporate dentists" and offers a wide variety of treatments all under the same roof, while maintaining a strong emphasis on patient experience to provide lifelong oral care.
The practice was co-founded by Lakshmi Rao and Dr. Yasmin Anaboussi de Santiago, who both have strong dental backgrounds specialising in different areas. Dr. Yasmin is an expert in full mouth restorations, cosmetic dentistry, and an Advance Aesthetic Practitioner with a wealth of experience working as a dentist and clinical director in London, Barcelona, and Madrid.
She is a member of the British Dental Association, The Private Dentistry Association, General Dental Council, and the Catalan Council of Dentists.
L&Y Dental places huge importance on the patient journey
Lakshmi specialises in business operations, most recently Head of HR and Operations Director for numerous dental groups.
Together with a dedicated team of experts, L&Y Dental can bring high-quality treatment, screening, preventive care, and cosmetic enhancements at affordable prices.
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Why should you choose L&Y Dental?
L&Y Dental places huge importance on the patient journey. Dr. Yasmin and Lakshmi work in tandem to offer extensive treatment plans whilst also encompassing a wealth of experience in human resources and organisational behaviour, meaning the practice ensures each treatment plan is tailored to specific needs.
The state-of-the-art practice is inviting, community focussed, and always uses the latest technology, including digital 2D and 3D X-rays, intra-oral cameras, and 3D intra-oral scanners, and they work with dental laboratories which use CAD-CAM (computer-based technology).
L&Y Dental offers an inviting space with plush decor
Its wide network of specialists means the practice can find a solution to most dental problems whilst conducting all treatments under one roof.
Another reason why this female-founded practice stands out is its commitment to 'green dentistry'. They work to motivate patients, employees, and associate dentists to collaboratively reduce its impact on the environment. This includes banning the use of amalgam (mercury) fillings as mercury ends up in the central sewage networks, where it can be converted into a toxic substance known as methyl mercury.
Instead, they only provide composite (white) fillings, which are safer for the environment. The practice has also installed digital radiography and software which reduces radiation exposure by 90% and prevents the disposal of approximately 200 litres of toxic dental X-ray fixer, and more than 7,200 lead foils over a five-year period.
Invisalign is a popular treatment at L&Y Dental
As well as being comfortable for patients and accurate for dentists, the use of digital intra-oral scanners, which emit no radiation, also stops the use of plastic materials in order to take impressions, so L&Y Dental uses 30% less plastic overall.
What's more, the team always provides and sells ecological alternatives to conventional plastic toothbrushes and toothpaste, such as Bamboo toothbrushes and capsules toothpaste.
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What dental treatments does L&Y Dental offer?
The practice covers everything from general dentistry like fillings, root canals, extractions, and hygiene to dental implants and orthodontic treatments like metal braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. There are also cosmetic dentistry options like whitening, composite bonding, and porcelain veneers.
If that wasn't enough, the practice also offers facial aesthetics with an Advanced Aesthetic Practitioner, who is a dentist with special training and experience in these treatments, which include Botox to treat wrinkles (crow's feet, foreheads, frown lines, and lines between the brows) and dermal fillers which can create or recover volumes in your face.
The exam rooms feature relaxing views on the ceiling
One of the most popular treatments at the practice is Invisalign, which involves the patient wearing custom-made transparent and removable aligners that work to straighten your teeth.
What does Invisalign involve?
Invisalign is not a quick process and the length of time it will take to straighten your teeth varies for each patient, but the good news is you won't be alone on your journey as L&Y Dental is with you every step of the way.
You will begin with a full dental check-up which includes tooth charting, gum evaluation, mouth cancer screening, X-rays, and a 3D scan and simulation of your mouth and teeth.
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Next is a ClinCheck, a 3D virtual representation of the dentist's prescribed treatment plan which will show you your predicted results during the different stages of your Invisalign treatment until the final result where the teeth will be fully aligned and in their correct position.
Once you and your dentist are happy with the plan, it only takes a week or two for the aligners to arrive and you will be given your Invisalign kit which includes the trays, a case, cleaning crystals, and an instruction manual. During your treatment, you will need to schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress.
Invisalign straightens teeth with clear, removable aligners
Once your treatment is complete, the Invisalign package includes Phillips Zoom! home teeth whitening, a removable retainer that you must wear – your dentist will advise how long – to keep your newly straightened teeth in place, and a scale and polish to make your teeth look their absolute best.
Prices for Invisalign at L&Y Dental cost £3,350 for up to 20 weeks treatment and £4,450 for over 20 weeks treatment.
Does L&Y Dental offer payment plans?
L&Y Dental can facilitate various payment options so people can afford high-quality dental treatments. This includes membership plans, starting at £15, that can help spread the cost of dental treatments on a monthly basis. They also offer bespoke finance options.
Where is L&Y Dental based?
You can find the practice at 46 Green Lane, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2QB. For more information or to book an appointment call 0203 325 4581 or visit L&Y Dental at www.lydental.co.uk.
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