White Fillings
If you have had any fillings on your front teeth recently, you will have
noticed how difficult it is for anyone else to tell.
You may have
wondered why your dentist doesn't use the same material on your back teeth
instead of using the unsightly amalgam or metal fillings.
 Until
recently white filling materials were not strong or long lasting and therefore
unsuitable for back teeth.
The new generation Resin Bonded Ceramic
white-filling materials used at this practice are extremely strong and
very durable. Long-term studies on these materials have shown that these
Resin Bonded Ceramics are completely safe and provide a tough and hardwearing
filling that can make the tooth even stronger than the traditional amalgam
filling.
The cost to restore a tooth with these aesthetically
pleasing white filling material varies from £32-£70 depending
on the size.
 Porcelain
Veneers or Porcelain Laminates
The veneer is a thin wafer of porcelain which is bonded to your own tooth
by a special process. Veneers can hide unsightly marks, chips and plains,
change the colour of your smile and correct many faults and irregularities
in your teeth.
It is a painless procedure and does not require
an injection.
How long will they last?
Veneers
have already been made successfully for almost twenty years. The processes
by which they are made and attached to your teeth have been proven over
many years so there is every reason to expect them to last as long as
conventional crownwork.
Will they stain?
The
porcelain used in the manufacture of veneers is harder than your own teeth
and is completely impervious to moisture - therefore there is little chance
of them staining.
Will they come off?
They
are fastened to your tooth with a unique etching technique which bonds
the porcelain to the natural enamel, it is most unlikely that they will
come off.
Can anyone have them?
Your dentist is the best judge of what can be done - some mouths are
not suitable for this treatment. He will be most happy to advise you.
Will
it hurt?
This must be one of the most dramatic appearance
changing treatments that your dentist can provide. Very little preparation
is required, the technique is virtually painless - no needle and little
or no grinding.
Implants
What are they?
Implants are one way of replacing
missing teeth.
A post is planted in the jawbone to support a replacement
tooth. This acts like the root of a natural tooth. Implants can also be
used to support fixed bridges or dentures.
Implant treatment has
two stages. First, the implant is placed in the jaw. Then, when the jaw
has healed, replacement teeth are attached to the implant.
What
will my dentist do?
First, you should decide whether implants
could be right for you. Ask your dentist about the stages of treatment.
Your own dentist might do the implant surgery or you might be
referred to a specialist.
If you decide to go ahead, this is what
will happen.
• Implants are put into holes in the jaw with
a local or general anaesthetic.
• The implant is screwed
or pushed in and the gum is stitched so that it heals over the implant.
• Under the gum, the bone then grows round the implant to
hold it firm. This takes several months.Implants usually have two sections
- the post in the jaw and an extension that is added later when the post
is secure. Attaching the extension needs a small cut in the gum above
the implant. You might have more than one implant. The replacement teeth
might be fixed permanently (like a crown or bridge) or attached in a way
which lets you remove them for cleaning (like a denture).
Sometimes,
there will be a gap below the tooth so that the implant can be kept clean,
but people won't see it.
What are the benefits?
• Some people can't
use removable dentures however hard they try and however hard the dentist
tries to make the dentures a good fit.
• Implants can be
a last chance for eating and speaking properly and for improving appearance.
• Implants keep a denture very stable.
• Implants
are not suitable for all patients.
 Tooth
Bleaching
Is it safe?
Yes. Whitening your teeth, under
the supervision of your dentist, has been proven safe in clinical studies
over a period of many years.
How does it work?
Your
dentist will take impressions of your teeth that will allow for custom
trays to be made for your tooth whitening procedure.
The whitening
gel is placed in these thin comfortable trays and fitted over your teeth.
How
long does it take?
Your dentist will review and explain
what you can expect from your individual situation.
Are
there any side effects?
There are a small number of people
that could experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold during the
whitening process.
This is temporary and can be simply treated. The
sensitivity will normally go away within the first 48 hours after the
whitening process is completed.
How long will it last?
The
duration of your results depends largely on you. Long term results can
be expected. Practice good oral hygiene and brush normally, especially
after consuming staining foods and beverages and your results could last
for years.If you use staining substances like coffee, tobacco and red
wine you may want periodic touch-ups as required.
Is it
effective?
The proof is in the results. It has proven
effective on tens of thousands of smiles reversing the effects of ageing,
coffee, tobacco and other stains.
Is it convenient?
The
System is designed to fit each individual's needs and lifestyle. Ask your
dentist to recommend the right programme for you.
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