General Dentistry
Dentistry is no longer just a case of filling and extracting teeth.
Nowadays many people turn to cosmetic dentistry as a way of improving their appearance, much as they would use cosmetic surgery or even a new hairstyle. The treatments can be used to lighten, reshape and repair teeth.
Cosmetic treatments include whitening , tooth coloured fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, and orthodontics.
Tooth Whitening
Our practice offers a range of tooth whitening treatments which are an effective way of lightening teeth to their natural colour without removing any of the tooth surface and for the removal of stains that tend to build up on teeth, especially when your diet includes tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco or spicy foods.
All of our whitening treatments are clinically approved and range from our easy to use home bleaching kit to our state-of-the-art in surgery tooth whitening treatment that takes just over an hour to complete. The results can be stunning and give you the ultimate, natural bright smile.
Veneers
Veneers are an ideal way of treating discoloured or unsightly teeth, closing gaps between front teeth or repairing chips and cracks. They are thin slices of porcelain that are precisely made to fit over the visible surface of front teeth, like a false fingernail would fit over a nail.
To make a veneer, a very small amount of enamel is removed from your tooth. An impression is taken for the veneer to be made in the laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. They match the colour, appearance and translucence of your natural teeth.
Bridges
Bridges are ideal for people who have just one or two teeth missing or who prefer not to wear dentures. A normal bridge is made by crowning the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a false tooth in the middle. They are fixed the same way as crowns. Bridges are usually made of porcelain bonded to gold, or occasionally just porcelain.
Adhesive bridges can also be made which do not require drilling the adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then attached to two metal wings on either side. These wings are then bonded, using a very strong resin, to the back of the adjacent teeth.
Dental Implants
Implants are an alternative to dentures or bridgework. Dental implants can be the permanent solution to missing teeth. Implants are titanium rods, which are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as anchors for fastening dentures or crowns on to. They look and feel like your natural teeth and because they are placed directly into the jaw bone they do not affect teeth on either side.
Many patients have told us that dental implants have transformed their lives, enabling them to relish the foods they enjoy and socialise with complete comfort and confidence.
White Fillings
For over 150 years fillings have been made out of a grey-silver material called ‘amalgam’. This is strong and long lasting. However, many people find it unattractive or are concerned about possible health risks. White fillings are a popular alternative to amalgam.
New materials mean it is much easier to find a perfect colour match to a particular tooth. In most cases, it is impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling. White filling material can be used to cover unsightly marks on teeth, repair chipped or broken front teeth, enhance the shape of front teeth. Or act as a standard filling material in back teeth.
Crowns
Crowns are used to restore teeth that have been damaged, are badly broken or heavily filled, in order to restore their appearance or strength. They in turn reduce the risk of heavily decayed teeth breaking. To make a crown, the existing tooth is shaped and an impression is taken. The crown is then made by a dental technician, who is responsible for matching the shade and shape to your natural tooth.
Crowns are made from a variety of different materials, such as porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold. Our dentists recommend porcelain crowns for the most natural looking and pleasing result.
Cosmetic Shaping
If you have very short or small teeth cosmetic shaping can be performed.
Crown lengthening can help improve the appearance of your teeth together with many other modern techniques to enhance the appearance of the gums surrounding the teeth.
Orthodontics
Over crowding or crooked teeth can be re aligned using either conventional braces or in many cases Invisalign®. Teeth straightening is usually done during teenage years, when teeth move more easily.
However, many adults also have treatment to straighten their teeth to improve their appearance. For cosmetic reasons clear or plastic braces or Invisalign® tend to be the treatment of choice. Invisalign® uses cadcam tech-nology to produce a series of transparent braces that fit neatly over your teeth. The braces are changed every few weeks until all your teeth are straightened and aligned. Invisalign® braces can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing or for special events.
Overview
The majority of treatments outlined above are available at our practice. A Full consultation is carried out to ascertain what you are looking to achieve and what options are available to you.
A treatment plan and fee estimate is then given to you for you to consider. Where treatment recommended is of a complex nature you may be referred to one of our specialist dentists offering advanced treatment.
We are constantly up-dating our surgeries to keep pace with the technological advancements in dentistry to provide you with leading edge treatment. Our dentists and dental hygienists keep up to date with the latest techniques and materials through continuous professional development, and we invest in our support teams to ensure your visit to our practice is a relaxing and comfortable experience. Standards of sterilisation are exceptional so you can be assured your treatment is being carried out to the highest standard in a safe and comfortable environment.
