Why Choose Us
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening or dermal fillers in London, you can rely on the high professional standards, personal care and efficient service of Dr Victor Hillman at the Cosmetic Dental Practice in Hampstead London. Innovative dental techniques are used to give you the smile you have always longed for. Services include:
Porcelain veneers, caps or bridges
Dental implants and other restorative treatment
White fillings instead of silver
Tooth whitening
Dermal Fillers
Dr Hillman's association with skilled cosmetic dentists around the world, and especially in the USA, introduces him to new materials and techniques For everything from general tooth whitening to major cosmetic repairs and many other aspects of aesthetic dentistry please follow the links below:
Other cosmetic treatments available at the Cosmetic Dental Practice include dermal fillers, and Botox wrinkle reduction. This treatment creates a much younger looking skin by smoothing out frown lines, wrinkles and crows feet.
Find out how you can achieve a new look at The Cosmetic Dental Practice.
Call 0208 731 9020.
Dr. Victor Hillman
(B.D.S. L.D.S. R.C.S.)
Victor Hillman has over twenty years experience in private general dental practice. His particular interests are in preventive periodontal and cosmetic dentistry. Many people, including some of the world's most famous celebrities, have sought his professional advice and benefited from his expertise in these fields.
He has travelled extensively both in Europe and the U.S.A. attending conventions and post-graduate courses, in order to keep abreast of the latest developments in dentistry. Victor is a member of the British Dental Association and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also committed to the Life Long Learning Programme of Dental Practitioners.
The Practice
On behalf of my dental team I would like to extend to you a warm welcome to our practice. The Dental Practice provides a high level of care and the flexibility needed to suit your lifestyle. We have created our practice to provide a full range of dental treatments in a first class environment which ensures your treatment will be both relaxing and comfortable. All dentistry is undertaken with the utmost care and gentleness. Those who may have had concerns can therefore relax fully knowing.
First Consultation
Our aim is to help you keep your teeth healthy for life. At your first consultation, everything will be discussed and explained, so that you will have a clear understanding of your individual situation. A personal programme is created for your individual needs and a treatment plan is selected to suit your budget.
If you are unsure about any aspects of your treatment please feel free to ask Dr. Hillman or any member of staff who will be pleased to help.
We take pride in saving teeth whenever possible and giving our patients the confidence that goes with fresh breath, strong gums, healthy teeth and a young and beautiful smile.
All instruments and handpieces are autoclaved between patients. We also employ a thorough system of cleansing and disinfecting all work surfaces. Dentist, surgery assistants and hygienists will be wearing masks, gloves and protective glasses. This to ensure that the highest standard of protection exists against infection for you and our staff.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Renewed public awareness is allowing aesthetic dentistry to take its rightful place alongside cosmetic procedures such as face-lifts and liposculpture. It is becoming less acceptable to have discoloured, uneven or missing teeth. Career opportunities can be increased with the right appearance. The latest research shows that people perceived as attractive not only benefit socially but actually earn more than those of "average" appearance.
Using the most modern technology in a comfortable and soothing environment means that, whether you choose routine or cosmetic treatment, you can completely relax. The practice's no waiting policy ensures that clients are seen on time and at their convenience.
Innovative dental techniques can undoubtedly create a more youthful and attractive look. In many cases veneers have been placed to correct damaged, discoloured and irregular teeth - miraculously improving the overall appearance. Crowns and bridges, too, have come a long way over recent years, latest porcelain enable them to be stronger and more natural looking.
White fillings have replaced the old mercury ones making them indistinguishable from the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
If your front teeth are stained, chipped, or malaligned, veneers will give you a good life-like appearance with minimum tooth adjustment.
A veneer is a porcelain facing on the front of your teeth usually your top teeth, it is just like a false finger nail.
Veneers are made out of porcelain and are used mainly for aesthetic reasons.
Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is needed.
Porcelain veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth.
A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally.
Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.
If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.
Teeth Whitening
Smoking and drinking tea, coffee or wine can all lead to discolouration of your teeth. With the passage of time teeth darken in colour and have a tendency to stain. You have probably seen tooth whitening preparations on sale in supermarkets and chemists. These, by law, are weaker and therefore less effective than the teeth whitening treatment available from Dr. Victor Hillman.
This simple and safe treatment can make a great deal of difference to the way you feel about yourself.
Teeth are stained by the foods and drinks we consume. Smoking further stains teeth and the natural bright, white shade becomes darkened. Teeth whitening is a successful and simple method of lightening the colour of your teeth. The degree of whiteness achieved will vary from patient to patient and with the type of bleaching process chosen.
Our Office 1-hour power whitening can whiten teeth by up to several shades, brightening your teeth dramatically to its natural shade. Your lips and gums are covered and a gel is applied to your teeth. A special light is positioned over your teeth to activate the gel, which gently penetrates your teeth, breaking up stains and discolouration. Whiter, brighter teeth in less than an hour!
Home Whitening
A custom made mouth tray is created. A whitening gel is placed in the tray which you then wear whist asleep or for short periods during the day.
Results are normally seen over 2 weeks.
Dental Implants
According to research nearly half of the U.K. population over 35 has lost at least one tooth due to trauma, decay or gum disease. What is left is an unsightly gap which, at worst, could lead to bite problems, collapsing facial features and premature wrinkles. Implants are the closest thing that exists to natural tooth replacement.
Dr. Hillman and his team have been placing implants successfully for many years. A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth root. Implants can be used to improve the look of your teeth by closing unsightly gaps - one tooth or several teeth can be replaced in this way. In a number of cases the placement of implants has allowed patients to discard dentures which they had worn for many years. Implants can provide a permanent answer to tooth loss and will help restore a natural and confident smile.
Dental implants offer a permanent solution for your missing teeth. A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped. Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. Often the implant can be placed at the same time as removal of the tooth all on the same day.
If an implant has a screw-thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughnesses on the implant surface.
In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. Click here for illustrated information.
White Fillings
A dramatic cosmetic improvement can be achieved by the removal of "silver" fillings and their replacement with white fillings
If the decay is not too serious, our cosmetic dentist will remove all the decay and restore the tooth with a white (tooth coloured) filling.
Our dentists can safely replace silver amalgam fillings with white tooth coloured fillings.
Dental decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth become softened by acid attack, producing a cavity (hole).
More about decay detection in our Preventive Dentistry section.
Clear Orthodontics
Clearstep is a simple affordable series of clear positioning trays, which gently guide your teeth from their present to the desired position.
How does it work?
Believe it or not your teeth are always moving, albeit minutely. Clearstep exerts gentle pressure upon the tooth/teeth in the direction in which you'd like them to move.
Who does it work for?
Virtually everyone. Provided you are over 14 years of age and your dentist considers you orally fit enough for orthodontic treatment, Clearstep is for you.
So, why Clearstep?
Well, in comparison to existing systems Clearstep is wire free and does away with the need to bond metal onto the teeth. It is invisible, and removable, allowing you, the wearer, to eat that steak dinner, give that public speech, meet that client without embarrassment or discomfort. You simply remove, brush, floss, rinse and reinsert: Clearstep will do the rest.
General Dentistry
As well as cosmetic dentistry the practice offers a full range of general dental treatments. You can choose our practice for your routine check-ups and hygienist appointments. Nervous patients are well catered for and children are especially welcome.
Broken Teeth
A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part.
Bonding: sometimes instead of a porcelain veneer, a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain.
A natural-coloured filling material can be used for minor repairs to front teeth like chipped or broken tooth corners.
Crowns
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth.
A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling.
They can be made of porcelain or gold or a combination of these materials.
A dental crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:
you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.
Bridges
Besides having dental implants, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge.
A dental bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base.
If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base to reduce the cost.
You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.
A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.
Dentures
Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance.
A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips.
Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak.
A dental denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. A complete or full denture is one that replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.
The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures.
Oral Surgery
(Extractions)
Oral surgery can be provided with sedation for nervous patients.
Wisdom Teeth
Sometimes there may not be room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth and, as they start to come through, they push against the teeth already there or may start to come through at an angle. When this happens, you might feel some pain or discomfort, so the best thing to do is to visit your dentist.
The dentist will probably take an x-ray of your mouth to see how - or if - your wisdom teeth are coming through. From this, they will be able to make a judgement on whether or not to take them out, and how easy or difficult it might be. Extractions can also be done under sedation.
Extractions
Having a tooth out is the same as having an operation and, because of this, you must look after the area to speed healing and to reduce the risk of infection. Here are some pointers:
For the first 24 hours, try to avoid eating hot food, don't smoke, don't drink any alcohol and try not to disturb any blood clot which might have formed.
Don't rinse your mouth for 24 hours after extraction. After that, rinse gently with warm salty water - half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough.
Brush your teeth as normal to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
You may feel some small pieces of bone work their way out of the socket - don't worry, this is perfectly normal.
There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first two to three days. If you need to, take some ordinary painkillers - aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetomol will be fine.
If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been removed, it might be where the blood clot has broken down leaving an empty hole in the gum. This is called a 'dry socket' and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply go back and the dentist will pack the wound to ease your discomfort.
Your dentist may have given you some gauze to place onto the area where the tooth has been removed - if not, a clean cloth handkerchief will do just as well (but not a paper tissue).
Roll it into a small firm pad large enough to fit over the gap (probably around 1cm by 3cm).
Sit up and gently clear away any blood clots around the gap using the gauze or hanky.
Put a clean pad over the gap (from tongue side to cheek side) and bite down on it firmly for 10 to 15 minutes.
Take the pad off and check whether the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact your dentist.
Root Canal Treatment
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth.
This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Does it hurt?
No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.
What does it involve?
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.
At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.
The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.
What if it happens again?
Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated.
What if I don’t have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
Will the tooth be safe after treatment?
Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be carried out?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.
What about aftercare?
Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry is the most important aspect of dental care and has been the policy of this practice for many years. We believe people should keep their teeth for a lifetime. Regular visits to both dentist and hygienist by many of our patients, has enabled them to eliminate dental problems.
Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating.
Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.
Children's Dentistry
Our Dentists aim to prevent dental disease rather than treat it at a later date.
Fluoride applications and fissure sealants (tooth coloured sealants) are applied to biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene treatment includes professionally cleaning the teeth for the patient. This is usually called scaling and polishing. However, perhaps our most important role is showing the patient the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque.
The dentist also plays an important role in treating gum disease.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.
However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions.
Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems.
Gum Disease
Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.
What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
What is the cause of gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.
What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
Decay Detection
Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating.
Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.
Mouth Cancer Screening
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because of late detection. Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of abnormalities in the mouth.
Mouth Cancer Foundation
The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that raises awareness of mouth cancers and proviedes information and support to patients, carers and health professionals.
Giving Up Smoking
It's not easy... So that's why this web site is here. Giving up smoking requires preparation, determination, and support. This site is here to help you with each of these. If you're thinking about giving up, have a look-in.
Line and Wrinkle Treatments
If you feel life has given your face a few too many lines and creases, we have some good news for you. To find out how you can roll back the effects of time comfortably, quickly and without surgery, call Dr Hillman's team today on: 0208 731 9020
Because you express your emotions on your face, it's no surprise tiny creases and lines gradually become etched, in the form of crows' feet around your eyes and furrows on your forehead, or wrinkles and creases around your mouth and nose.
There are now very effective treatments to diminish or remove those furrows and facial lines that have built up over the years, to help you feel better about yourself, build your confidence and to look more youthful.
By using dermal fillers, such as Restylane® and Hydrofil®, or skilfully applying Botox®, Dr Hillman's team can help restore a youthfulness to your looks and improve the definition of your face, without surgery and often in as little as 30 minutes.
And when you are treated by Dr Hillman's team of specialists in the field of facial aesthetics, you are in exceptionally skilled hands.
How can folds and creases on my face be treated?
The creases and folds that deepen on your face, such as those from your nose to the corner of your mouth, nasolabial folds, they can easily and simply be filled out using dermal fillers.
Add definition to your face and reduce the effects of age and gravity
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, such as Restylane, are a crystal-clear gel form of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. The hyaluronic acid holds water, which hydrates and gives volume to the skin. Dermal fillers have been used for a long time for their healing properties and are also used for treating gum disorders. You'll find them referred by their trade names such as Restylane® and Hydrofil®.
They are used for wrinkles, and deep folds such as the nasolabial area (lines that run from nose to mouth) and the glabellar region (frown lines between the brows. They are also used for augmentation of the lips and for filling out acne scars and other types of tissue deficiencies. They are also ideal for "trying on" augmentation before undergoing a more permanent procedure.
How are they applied?
The application of these treatments is by injection. A process that is both very simple to administer and that takes little time, sometimes only half an hour. As with any injection to the sensitive tissues of your face, you may experience some tenderness or light swelling for a few hours after the injection, but most people report little discomfort and the benefits can be seen within a few days.
How are frown lines and crows feet treated?
For these fine facial lines we use Vistabel, from the makers of Botox. Injected in minute quantities by our experts, the nerve signals that produce these unwanted lines are temporarily prevented from reaching the muscle, so the muscle relaxes and your skin smooths out.
Is the treatment quick and will I be able to carry on immediatly afterwards?
Yes! they treatment can take as little as 10 minutes and most people return to normal activities immediatly afterwards.
How quickly will I see results?
The optimum results for Botox and dermal fillers are seen after about 72 hours.
Is the treatment permanent?
No - usually top-up treatments are required every 4 - 6 months.
How do I book an appointment?
Call Dr Hillman's team today on 0208 731 9020 to find out more or book your appointment.
Botox
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a purified bacterial substance that blocks muscle nerve signals. The dentist can safely inject botulinum toxin to weaken facial muscle and diminish unwanted wrinkles and frown lines that appear across the forehead and at the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).
The Botox anti-wrinkle treatment can smooth out age-related wrinkles such as crows feet, frown lines or lines on the forehead. It works in a different way than the injected gels and the effects last between 3 – 5 months.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One 10-minute treatment, a few tiny injections and within days there's a noticeable improvement in those persistent lines between the brows, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows to form over time.
A million people have been treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic since FDA approval in 2002. Not just models and movie stars, but people from all types of professions.
BOTOX® Cosmetic can smooth moderate to severe frown lines between your brows for up to 4 months.
Dermal Fillers
Restylane
Restylane is a crystal clear gel form of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid holds water, hydrating and giving volume to the skin.
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