Are you accepting new NHS patients?
Capacity for new NHS patients at our North Street practice changes frequently. Please call our Hornchurch reception at 01708 620 403 for the latest registration status.
General
Do I have to register before making an appointment?
There is no traditional "registration" with an NHS dentist like a GP. You can simply call us to ask if we have any available appointments for new patients.
General
What should I expect during my first dental visit?
Your first visit involves a full examination, gum health check, oral cancer screening, and necessary X-rays to create a tailored treatment plan.
General
How often should I visit the dentist?
We generally recommend a check-up every six months, though your dentist may advise more or less frequent visits based on your specific oral health needs.
Check-ups
What are the current NHS dental charges?
Charges are split into three bands: Band 1 (£27.40), Band 2 (£75.30), and Band 3 (£326.70). Emergency treatment is usually a Band 1 charge.
Fees
Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment?
Exemptions include those under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant women, or those on qualifying benefits. Please bring proof of exemption.
Fees
Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes. For pain, swelling, or urgent issues, contact us immediately. We aim to see emergency patients on the same day whenever possible.
Emergency
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Keep the tooth in milk or against your cheek and call our Hornchurch practice immediately. Early intervention is critical for saving the tooth.
Emergency
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe toothache, facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding after extraction, or trauma to the teeth are all considered urgent emergencies.
Emergency
What should I do if I have a weekend emergency?
We are open Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Outside of these hours, please call 111 for the local NHS emergency dental triage service.
Emergency
How much does Invisalign cost in Hornchurch?
Invisalign treatment at Smiles360 typically starts from £2,000, depending on the complexity and duration of the alignment required.
Orthodontics
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
Most cases are completed within 6 to 12 months, though simple alignment can sometimes take as little as 3 to 4 months.
Invisalign
Is Invisalign painful?
Most patients feel a slight pressure for the first few days of each new set of aligners, but it is much more comfortable than traditional wire braces.
Invisalign
How many hours a day must I wear my aligners?
To achieve the best results, you must wear your clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Invisalign
Can I get clear braces as an adult?
Absolutely! The majority of our Invisalign patients in Essex are adults looking for a discreet way to straighten their teeth.
Orthodontics
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Under dental supervision, whitening is a safe, effective procedure that brightens your smile without damaging your tooth enamel.
Cosmetic
How long does teeth whitening last?
Results typically last 1 to 3 years, though this depends on your lifestyle habits, such as smoking or consuming coffee, tea, and red wine.
Cosmetic
What is composite bonding?
Bonding uses a tooth-coloured resin to fix chips, close gaps, or reshape teeth. It is a non-invasive treatment usually completed in one visit.
Cosmetic
Can I replace silver fillings with white ones?
Yes, we can safely replace old amalgam fillings with modern white composite resin to give your smile a more natural appearance.
Cosmetic
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.
Cosmetic
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone are candidates. We perform a full assessment, including 3D CBCT scans, to determine suitability.
Implants
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and regular hygiene visits at Smiles360, dental implants are designed to be a permanent, lifelong solution for missing teeth.
Implants
Is dental implant surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is generally painless. Most patients report only minor discomfort during the healing phase.
Implants
Are dental implants available on the NHS?
NHS implants are only provided in very rare cases for medical necessity (e.g. oral cancer). For most patients, implants are a private treatment.
Implants
What is the 'All-on-4' technique?
This is a revolutionary procedure that uses four implants to support a full arch of fixed replacement teeth, often completed in a single day.
Implants
What is Airflow stain removal?
Airflow uses a mixture of water, air, and fine powder to gently but effectively remove heavy stains caused by coffee, tea, and smoking.
Hygiene
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are a common sign of gum disease (gingivitis). Regular professional hygiene cleans can usually resolve this and prevent progression.
Hygiene
Is an electric toothbrush better than manual?
Yes, clinical studies show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and reducing gum inflammation than manual ones.
Oral Care
How can I prevent bad breath?
Daily flossing, tongue scraping, staying hydrated, and attending regular hygiene appointments are the best ways to manage halitosis.
Oral Care
Do you offer oral cancer screenings?
Yes. A thorough oral cancer screening is a standard part of every routine dental examination at Smiles360 Hornchurch.
Prevention
When should my baby first see the dentist?
We recommend a visit as soon as their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday, to help them become comfortable with the environment.
Family
What are dental sealants for children?
Sealants are a thin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent food and bacteria from causing cavities in deep grooves.
Family
Can I get white fillings for my child?
Yes, we can provide tooth-coloured composite fillings for children to ensure their smile looks natural while being fully restored.
Family
Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?
No. We only remove wisdom teeth if they are causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth due to being impacted or difficult to clean.
Surgery
How long does it take to heal after an extraction?
Initial healing of the gum takes about 1-2 weeks. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid infection.
Surgery
What is a CBCT scan used for?
A CBCT scan provides a 3D image of your jawbone and nerves, allowing for extremely precise and safe planning for dental implant surgery.
Technology
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Our digital X-rays use minimal radiation doses—far less than you would receive from background environmental radiation in a typical day.
Technology
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth for cosmetic reasons, while a crown covers the entire tooth for structural support.
Restoration
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth permanently to adjacent teeth.
Restoration
How long does a dental bridge last?
With excellent oral hygiene and regular check-ups, a high-quality dental bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Restoration
Where in Hornchurch are you located?
We are situated at 98 North Street, RM11 1SU. We are conveniently located near the Sainsbury’s delivery bay and the High Street.
Info
Is there parking at the practice?
Yes! We have private parking available on our driveway for patients, making your visit to Smiles360 as easy as possible.
Info
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, our North Street practice is situated on the ground floor and is fully accessible for patients with mobility requirements.
Info
Do you offer sedation for nervous patients?
We provide a gentle approach for all patients. For those who are particularly anxious, we can discuss various sedation options.
Patient Care
What is your cancellation policy?
We require 24 hours' notice for NHS and 48 hours for private appointments to avoid late cancellation fees and ensure others can be seen.
Policy
How can I pay for my treatment?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash. We also offer monthly finance plans for larger private treatments.
Payments
Do you treat patients with dental insurance?
Yes. We can provide the necessary receipts and paperwork for you to claim back treatment costs from your insurance provider.
Payments
Can I move my dental care from another practice?
Yes! Simply call us at 01708 620 403 or use our online form. We can often transfer your records with your permission.
General
How do I make a complaint or a suggestion?
We value all feedback. Please speak with our practice manager at our North Street surgery or write to us directly at the practice.
Policy
How do I book an appointment?
You can book by calling 01708 620 403, visiting us in person on North Street, or filling out the enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Booking
