Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry covers all treatments that are undertaken to improve your appearance. It involves modern techniques that can dramatically improve the shape, position or colour of your teeth. Whether you have missing teeth, gaps, chipped or discoloured teeth, cosmetic dentistry can transform your look and improve your confidence. Your dentist will advise you on the most effective techniques for you. Here is a selection of popular treatments.Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a procedure for lightening the colour of teeth. Mild bleaching preparations are applied in the treatment room or they can be used at home in a custom-made 'tray'. This procedure is generally recommended if your teeth are naturally discoloured as a result of ageing, are stained as a result of exposure to certain foods and drinks, or are discoloured because of smoking.
Air polishing
Air polishing is a method of polishing that can be used to remove stains and surface discolouration from your teeth. It uses a pressurised stream of a non-toxic aluminium oxide powder which rapidly removes the surface marks. Air polishing does not require a local anaesthetic.
Orthodontic treatment (braces)
Whilst orthodontic treatment has traditionally been associated with children, it is becoming widely popular with adults. Tooth alignment is practical and beneficial at any age Treatment usually lasts for 12-18 months and there are new invisible and tooth-coloured braces.
Natural coloured fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings, or 'white' fillings, are known as 'composite' fillings and are made from a putty-like resin-based material that can be moulded to the exact shape of the tooth and set using a visible blue light. These are lifelike and long lasting. Such 'white' fillings are currently the most popular cosmetic dental procedure.
Veneers
Veneers are thin slices of either porcelain or composite which are designed to cover the front of a tooth. Porcelain veneers are made by a dental technician to exactly match an impression of your tooth, whereas composite veneers are shaped to your tooth in one visit. Once bonded to the tooth, a veneer becomes strong, natural looking and is long-lasting. If you have gaps, especially between your front teeth, or chipped, cracked or discoloured teeth, veneers can dramatically improve your smile. Many models and film personalities have benefited from veneers.
Crowns
Crowns (or caps) are hand-made coverings designed to fit over teeth that need rebuilding if they are misshapen, discoloured or have been weakened by damage or a large filling. A crown will restore the strength of a tooth and give it the shape and colour of a natural tooth.
Crowns are made from variety of materials the most common being porcelain bonded to gold. Each crown is hand-crafted by a dental technician to match the colour, shape and translucency of your other teeth.
Porcelain inlays
An inlay is a filling made in the dental laboratory. The dentist prepares your tooth and takes an impression; following this a temporary filling is put into the tooth for a week or so. The inlay is constructed from porcelain, this makes it strong and very natural looking. Inlays last longer than white fillings and are recommended for larger cavities where white fillings would not be strong enough.
Bridges
A bridge is a replacement tooth fixed to two adjacent crowns. Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth and to support the teeth on either side of the gap left by a missing tooth. They are made from various materials depending on the clinical diagnosis and your preferences; the most common construction consists of precious metal for the base of the bridge with layers of porcelain bonded to its visible areas. Once the bridge is fitted it's difficult to distinguish from a row of natural teeth.
A bridge might be recommended if you have lost one or more teeth. In such cases you can fill any gaps in your mouth with a strong, durable and attractive restoration. Like crowns, bridges are hand crafted to give the most lifelike and natural appearance.
Implants
An implant is an artificial whole tooth; it consists of a root and a natural looking replacement tooth. The root is made of titanium, which is a very strong metal and is placed within the gum to join with the jaw bone so forming a secure foundation. The replacement tooth is made of porcelain, or special acrylic (sometimes fabricated on a metal base), and is fitted on top of the titanium root. Implants are an ideal solution for replacing missing teeth or teeth needing extraction.
Cosmetic dentures
Dentures have come a long way since the simple plastic ones were first invented. If you have full dentures you could benefit from an implant stabilisation bar, which holds the denture quite firmly in place. There are high quality teeth for a very natural look and new techniques to make your denture/s fit and work more comfortably and efficiently.
Cosmetic contouring
Tooth reshaping, or contouring, is one of few instant treatments now available in cosmetic dentistry. Dental contouring can even be a substitute for braces under certain circumstances. It is a procedure of subtle changes utilising gentle abrasives and lamination. A few millimetres of reduction or expansion can create a beautiful smile when performed by a cosmetic dentist, usually without the need for an anaesthetic.