Category Archives: Cosmetic Dentistry

A Look At Some Popular Cosmetic Dental Treatments

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The great thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it is always within reach whenever you need a healthy, beautiful smile. Thanks to advances in dental technology, you can improve your oral hygiene and make your smile look even better. Here are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you regain your confidence.

Composite Bonding

If you have a chipped or broken tooth, its appearance can be corrected with composite bonding. The dentist applies the composite material in the tooth’s cavity before it is sculpted into shape. The result is a healthy, bright smile with a newly covered tooth that blends with the surrounding teeth.

Dental Implants

This surgical procedure involves making a hole into your gums and planting a crown made of titanium. People with missing tooth/teeth will need to consider this option. The dental implant is placed into the jawbone and provides sturdy support as a permanent tooth.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are adhesively bonded to the tooth in order to cover the cracks or worn appearance. This procedure is especially recommended for people with discoloured teeth or those with gaps between their teeth. Although porcelain veneers are somewhat costlier than many other cosmetic procedures, they are nonetheless the most popular treatment.

Full Mouth Re-Construction

For a complete smile makeover, your dentist may recommend a full mouth re-construction to correct your bite and bone structure. The advanced materials used in this procedure make it possible for your dental professional to provide you with the most durable treatment that looks and feels natural.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is performed in the dentist’s office and can be completed within two visits. The dentist may use tray bleaching or laser whitening. The first option is based on your individual needs and can take several visits in order to get the best result. In this procedure, the dentist uses a custom-fit tray to minimise the whitening gel’s contact with the gums. The laser whitening option is somewhat less invasive as a protective gel is used to cover the gum tissue. Once the ultra-violet laser light is activated, the bleaching agent starts setting in the tooth. You will normally be required to attend several appointments.

Invisalign

This popular cosmetic treatment is an alternative to braces as it is invisible to the eye. Most people who have misaligned teeth tend to opt for this tooth aligner as it allows them to straighten their teeth without undermining their appearance. Invisalign braces are suitable for both children and adults and work effectively in the gradual straightening of their teeth.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

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Are your teeth dull, stained and not looking so white anymore? Have you ever thought about whitening your teeth, either using a DIY product or at your dentist’s office? You’re not alone.

Teeth whitening is the number one recommended cosmetic service at dentists’ offices today, and its popularity continues to rise. A whiter, brighter smile can improve your self-esteem and self-confidence, and eliminate your inhibitions about flashing your smile.

These days, there seem to be all sorts of options when it comes to teeth whitening. Store shelves are loaded with whitening toothpaste, strips, and rinses, providing all sorts of do-it-yourself teeth whitening remedies. However, there is simply no match to the benefits that professional teeth whitening provides over DIY options.

Skilled dentists have the experience, knowledge, and state-of-the-art whitening products and techniques that can leave you with a much brighter smile in as little as one visit. Here are some reasons why you should trust your teeth whitening to a professional dentist.

Immediate Results

One of the reasons why people choose to have their teeth whitened by a professional dentist is because of how quickly they can achieve their desired results. Many people simply give up on the whitening strips they find at the store because they just take so long to provide the desired results. Most of these kits take a minimum of two to four weeks before you notice any difference in the colour of your teeth. When patience runs out, a professional treatment or two at the dentist’s office is a much better option. With professional products and techniques, you can have a much whiter smile in as little as one hour!

Whiter Teeth

Dentists have access to strong teeth whitening products that are much more effective at whitening than typical products sold in drug stores. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in products sold at the pharmacy is typically only 3 percent, while the concentration of peroxide in products used by dentists can be as high as 35 percent, providing you with quicker, whiter results. Dentists’ products are far more potent that anything you’ll ever find in stores, and can provide you with much whiter results.

Fighting Deep Stains

While DIY store-bought products may be able to provide you with minimal whitening results, they are nowhere near strong enough to tackle deeper stains and discoloration on your teeth. These store-bought products simply don’t have the potency to handle more severe discoloration cases. Your greatest bet under these conditions is to have your teeth professionally treated by a dentist who has access to the teeth whitening products and techniques necessary to eliminate severe staining and provide you with a dramatically whiter smile in no time.

More Effective, Safer Application

When you attempt whitening your teeth on your own using a product purchased at the pharmacy, you risk faulty application which can lead to gum and tooth sensitivity. The bleach used in teeth whitening kits and products is very strong, and if it is not applied properly, your teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. Whether the bleach was allowed to come in contact with the gums or tongue, or the product was left on too long, these mistakes can lead to problems. Instead, a professional dentist has the experience necessary to apply a whitening bleach precisely on your teeth, and supervise the entire process to ensure that it is not left on for longer than necessary. A dentist can offer you a more pleasant, hassle-free teeth whitening experience!

What is the difference between Dental Implants and Crowns?

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If you have had filings, decay or have suffered trauma and wish to improve the appearance of your smile, then there are several options that are available. Two options are those of crowns and dental implants. So what is the difference between the two treatments? Below we explain why and when you should have a crown or dental implant.

Crowns

Crowns are often referred to as a cap and this perfectly describes their role. The crown acts as a cap to cover the tooth. The crown is made from strong acrylic and looks very much like a natural tooth. Crowns are used for a variety of reasons. When a tooth has suffered severe decay and there is not enough tooth left to bind a filling to it, then a crown is the next obvious choice. Another reason for using a crown include teeth that are discoloured, broken teeth due to trauma and uneven teeth. Crowns help to preserve the tooth that is left and look aesthetically pleasing. It is very important that good levels of oral hygiene are maintained when caring for a crown, as you need to preserve the tooth that is underneath the crown as well as the teeth that are situated either side.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial root that replaces the root of a natural tooth following decay or trauma, when the tooth needs to be removed. This is different to a crown, as the crown is simply the top part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. An implant is the actual root that sits in the jawbone. Having a dental implant is more invasive than having a crown fitted, as the dental implant needs to be inserted into the jaw bone, where it will fuse and act as a natural tooth. This will then create a sturdy root and a solid foundation for a replacement crown, denture or bridge. Dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth. As they are secured firmly into the jaw, they will not move or rub the gums like dentures.

Crowns v Dental Implants

So to summarise, a dental implant and crown have very different jobs to perform. The crown is used for cosmetic reasons and to preserve what is left of a natural tooth. Dental implants are used when there is no longer a viable tooth, due to injury, decay or trauma. The implant acts as a support for a false tooth that includes crowns, bridges and dentures.

 

How are dental veneers done?

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The teeth play a significant role in everyone’s life. Many people are unhappy with their teeth, often as a result of damage and discolouration amongst other reasons. However, dental veneers can offer a solution to this problem as they can serve to end the discomfort or embarrassment felt by a person as result of their teeth.
Dental veneers are a procedure that always uses resin-like materials which are much thinner than the natural tooth. Dental veneers act as a thin layer on top if the natural tooth and can cover a multitude of issues including discolouration, erosion, and even gaps by taking the form of a thin shell that covers the outer surface of one’s teeth. They therefore serve to bring back the natural or physical appearance of the teeth.

Procedure

For the procedure of dental veneers to be successful, an estimation of three trips to the dentist is required for the different stages and phases of placing the veneers successfully onto the tooth. This means that patients looking for a quick, one-day fix should not expect that if they want the procedure done properly. The process of the procedure is outlined below.
1) Treatment Planning
It will be necessary to get check out by a dentist to determine whether dental veneers are the appropriate solution to the dental problem you are experiencing. The dentist will conduct an examination of the teeth after which they will ascertain whether dental veneers are the solutions to the problem. When this treatment has been agreed upon, the process of fitting veneers will be commenced.
2) Treatment Preparation
The tooth or teeth receiving the veneers is prepared for treatment by removing the enamel to create space for the new veneer. Normally, the process is painful, and anaesthetic is applied to numb the tooth or teeth. The results collected at this stage are then sent off for analysis in the lab while a temporary veneer is placed on the area from which the enamel has been removed.
3) Treatment Bonding
After the lab completes its study and a permanent veneer is received, the temporary veneer placed on the tooth is removed in readiness for the permanent veneer. The permanent veneer is then permanently bonded to the tooth and various adjustments are made to ensure that it is permanently fixed in the correct position. The process frequently involves polishing the edges to make sure that the tooth functions naturally and are then cleaned to perfection to give the patient the dazzling smile they ave always wanted.

Dental Implants V Dentures

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In the past, dentures were the only solution for anyone who had lost their teeth, but today there is another option – dental implants. There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of replacing missing teeth, so which is the best choice?

Advantages of Dentures

If you have lost one or more teeth due to decay or damage, dentures are a suitable replacement. Made from cast metal and acrylic, dentures have a plastic base and teeth made from strong porcelain. Dentures can last for several years and are hard-wearing, enabling the wearer to eat a full range of foods confidently. Dentures are also the best option for anyone who has weak or unhealthy jaws or gums as in those cases, implants are not suitable. Dentures are also a cheaper alternative to implants and require no surgery.

Disadvantages of Dentures

Some people who wear dentures find that they slip or move out of place or make clicking sounds while speaking or eating which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Over time, dentures also have to re-aligned as the structure of the jaw and gums changes as part of the natural ageing process and there may also be an increased risk of decay in other adjoining teeth if the dentures are only partial. Some denture wearers also experience discomfort due to rubbing as the dentures move out of place.

Advantages of Implants

Dental implants are a durable and secure alternative to dentures. Made from metal and titanium, they are compatible with the body, being drilled into the jaw bone. A dental implant is much more stable than a denture as it is fitted into the bone in the same way as a natural tooth’s root. This allows the wearer to chew and speak efficiently with no slippage. Implants look much more realistic than dentures and there is none of the discomfort that many denture wearers experience.

Disadvantages of Implants

The process to fit an implant takes up to 8 months as it must fuse with the bone before the prosthetic teeth can be fixed in place. There is also a higher cost for implants and they may not be suitable for those who are known to grind their teeth during the night. Also, anyone who is afraid of undergoing surgery may wish to avoid having implants as an operation is required to fit the implant into the jaw bone.

Overall, although there are some disadvantages to choosing implants, for anyone who is looking for a stable, effective and natural looking way to replace their missing teeth, they are the perfect solution.

 

Are Cosmetic Dental Treatments Costly?

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Cosmetic dental treatments have become more popular over recent years, with increasing numbers of people striving to achieve a more attractive smile. There are numerous benefits of cosmetic dentistry and a broad spectrum of treatments which can be carried out at a range of prices to suit all budgets.

Veneers

Veneers are one of the best ways to restore the appearance of cracked, chipped, worn or stained teeth. They are also a good way of improving the look of crooked teeth and disguising any gaps. There are several types of veneers including Lumineers which are made from very thin porcelain, Da Vinci veneers and MAC veneers which are made from a strong ceramic that is especially resistant to staining. Veneers cost around £350 to £450 per tooth.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments in the UK today and is often the preferred corrective choice for those who have stained teeth. A professional bleaching treatment is applied to the teeth by a qualified cosmetic dentist with further treatments being applied at home. There are also laser whitening treatments available, however this is more expensive than the conventional bleaching option. The cost of tooth whitening can range from £300 for a basic treatment up to £1,000 for one of the more advanced alternatives.

Tooth Straightening

For those with crooked, crowded or tilting teeth, professional tooth straightening is the ideal solution. While veneers may improve the look of some crooked teeth, for other patient’s, orthodontics is required to achieve the best results. While traditional metal braces are one option, today it is possible to opt for Invisalign braces which are virtually invisible and which are a lot more convenient for adult wear. This treatment can cost from £1,000 to around £8,000 depending on the chosen method, practitioner and region of the UK.

Crowns, Caps and White Fillings

For anyone with broken or badly chipped teeth, a cap or crown could resolve the problem. In this treatment, the tooth is covered by a porcelain crown or cap which restores the appearance of the tooth. For patients with small gaps or chips in their teeth, white composite fillings can be used to give the teeth back their previous look. White fillings can also be used to replace existing amalgam fillings for a more natural appearance. White fillings can cost from £95 per tooth, while the price of a crown starts at £400 each.

 

What Is Zoom Teeth Whitening?

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Everyone wants gleaming white teeth, which most people equate with health and beauty. There are many ways you can achieve perfectly white teeth, including over the counter trays, special toothpastes and seeing your dentist. Another method of getting rid of yellow teeth is a method called zoom teeth whitening. As with any other technique, it’s important to find out more about it before you try it.

Zoom teeth whitening is done at the dentist’s office and you can expect pretty good results from the treatment. The method is said to be faster than other types of whitening procedures and can help remove all types of stains, including those from smoking, drinking coffee, tea and wine and many other kinds of stains.

The complete zoom whitening procedure takes about an hour, usually less. Your dentist will probably recommend a standard clean in the dentist chair before getting started. First, your teeth and gums are covered and your teeth are fully exposed. Next, your dentist will apply the zoom mixture, which is largely hydrogen peroxide. A special light is then shone on the gel mixture, which enhances the whitening process and helps remove stains from the enamel and all surfaces of your teeth. Once the gel is applied to your teeth, you will have about 15 minutes to relax while it combines with the light to break up and remove stains. The gel is applied three times and each time you will be exposed to the light for 15 minutes.

After you undergo zoom teeth whitening, you will have to exercise proper care of your teeth to ensure that you maximise the results. This includes using a home touch up kit to keep the whitening even. You may also be advised to limit your exposure to drinks like tea, coffee and wine or to drink them through a straw to keep them from staining your teeth all over again. You might also be instructed to quit smoking and use certain toothpaste.

Zoom teeth whitening might not be right for everyone. Dentists caution people with a strong gag reflex because the procedure can induce gagging takes are long enough that it may be hard to get through. Some people experience sensitivity after the procedure so you want to be prepared for that.

The treatment costs start at £495.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments: Inlays and Onlays

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While crowns are used to fix seriously damaged teeth and veneers are coatings with limited power to solve your chipped or damaged teeth, inlays and onlays lie somewhere between these two, but often take the best of the two worlds. These are as resistant and durable as a crown, which is no wonder – it is basically the same procedure as crowns, just the extent of the administering the material is different. Compared to veneers, aesthetic implications are actually the same, but the functionality is similar as well.

Inlays

Inlay is added to the area between the tooth cusps. Cusps are elevated tips on top of your teeth, between which the fillings are added. Most people will have an amalgam or white filling administered, but in some patients the tooth tip damage is so great that there’s not enough dental material to support a regular amalgam or composite filling. In these cases it is needed to apply greater amounts of reconstructive material to that location.

Modern inlays are made of composites or ceramic materials which are much thicker, more solid and resistant than amalgam or white regular fillings. There is no shrinking of inlay material while drying and hardening, which makes these particularly durable and efficient in solving the teeth deterioration issues.

Onlays

While inlays are applied to the central section of the tooth tip enclosed by the cusps, onlays are used in cases when one or more cusps (depending on the tooth) are chipped off, but not to an extent which would require a full length crown. You can assume that the condition which requires onlays is more severe than the one which is fixed with inlays. However, there are no major differences in treatment.

An onlay is basically restoration of all missing cusps on the teeth. An onlay is, thus an incomplete crown – the major difference is that it doesn’t cover the tooth fully to the gum line.

The Procedure

The procedure for both inlay and onlay treatment is less or more the same. It usually requires two appointments. At the first one, the dentist will prepare your tooth and develop a model of how your tooth would look. A moulded impression will be made to record the current state of your tooth, or multiple teeth if required.

After the first treatment, your new inaly or onlay is fabricated in the laboratory. Once it’s done you go for the second appointment when the dentist will place your inlays or onlays.

Materials used for these treatments are porcelain, composites and gold. So far, the gold is the best option whenever looks are not a concern, so it can be used on the back molars. For those teeth which appear on your smile, the best option is modern composite materials which are durable, functional and white.