​The Dental Practice                       

Tooth Whitening

 

Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolourations of enamel and dentine . The system uses a mild solution retained in a custom fitted tray that is worn over your teeth .

The process is both comfortable and effective , although there are certain cases where the procedure is not appropriate . Clinical studies have shown that under dentist supervision the bleaching material is safe for both gums and teeth . The process does not weaken the tooth surface . Results are seen after the first night with the maximum effect after 10 to 14 days .

Occasionally some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold  during treatment . These symptoms always disappear within 1 to 3 days after interruption or completion of treatment .

The teeth will always be lighter than they were . However , some patients may need periodic re-whitening for 1 to 2 days every so often , especially if they continue to use staining substances such as caffeine or tobacco . 

 

Tooth coloured fillings

 

Dentistry has been revolutionised with the advent of adhesive " white " fillings , these are colour matched to your tooth and bonded into place . They are particularly suited to small to medium sized restorations and can stain up over time  ( although the materials have improved over time ). They can be completed at the chair side in one visit and are cheaper than inlays . They are very "technique" sensitive and not ideally suitable in a patient with a high decay rate or where it is difficult for the dentist to maintain a dry area and avoid fluid contamination . A high glaze surface can be achieved but if you have a diet which is high in stain factors this can eventually effect its appearance .

 

Veneers

 

A veneer is a very thin porcelain facing used to cover the fronts of teeth rather like false nails , to improve their long term appearance . They were originally developed in the 1930's for Hollywood "Movie Stars"  and temporarily with denture fixative . 
Today adhesives developed in the space programme are used to permanently secure the veneer in place . Recent advances in porcelain technology make them extremely durable and a long term solution to many cosmetic imperfections . Cosmetic veneers are hand modelled and tailored for the individual to replicate the natural teeth in colour , shape and texture . Skill is required to produce a veneer which is fine enough yet strong enough to sit unobtrusively on the tooth below .
We employ only the best technical skills and the most advanced materials . Attention to detail is imperative so that the final result looks completely natural .

 

Cosmetic Crowns

 

A crown or cap is a tooth-shaped piece of porcelain placed over the entirety of a tooth . They are used to restore teeth which are badly damaged , heavily filled or in some cosmetic situations . They may be made purely of porcelain , of gold , or of porcelain bonded onto metal . Each has different advantages for particular situations and are an extremely strong , durable form of restoration . Crowns with a metal core are opaque , they often look greyish and sometimes a black line can be seen around the gum line . We prefer to use all porcelain crowns to solve cosmetic problems whenever possible . This is because the light will pass through them just like real teeth and will therefore look more natural .

 

Implants

 

An implant is a small cylinder of medical grade titanium which is placed in the jaw . The procedure can be undertaken comfortably under local anaesthetic or sedation with little or no discomfort afterwards .

Once the implant is fully integrated , a period that can take up to six months , it can be used to either replace a missing tooth or stabilise an embarrassingly loose denture .

The complexity of the procedure varies depending on the position in the jaw and the bone density . The procedure has proven to be extremely successful with a good long-term prognosis . 

 

Bridges

 

Bridges fill gaps and are supported by the adjacent teeth . There are different types :

 

Fixed-Fixed Bridges

 

These are supported by crowns on the two adjacent teeth . They are very secure as long as the supporting teeth are sound and you look after it keeping it clean and visiting a hygienist regularly . As bridge get longer and more supporting teeth become involved there is more likelihood of problems , make sure you get it checked regularly .

 

Cantilever Bridges  

 

These are supported usually by one tooth the false tooth is suspended off the side of a crown into the space . Their strength is determined by how large is the supporting tooth and how small is the tooth the bridge replaces . Generally these type of bridges are less secure than the above . Regular checking and maintenance is essential .

Bridges are meant to be permanent i.e not come off or fail . If you wish to get the longest life span out of a bridge keep it clean , keep off the sweets and get it checked and cleaned regularly .

 

Adhesive Bridges

       

These work well in situations where only a small tooth is being replaced , they are not suitable in heavy biters . They are often the least secure bridges and often need to be recemented and replaced . However they often need minimal preparation of adjacent teeth .

 

Implant Retained Bridges

    
In certain circumstances a bridge can be supported by implants . 
However it is unadvisable to mix a tooth and implant and bridge across .