Dentistry is no longer just a case of filling and taking out teeth. Nowadays many people turn to cosmetic dentistry, or ‘aesthetic dentistry', as a way of improving their appearance. They do this in the same way they might use cosmetic surgery or even a new hairstyle. The treatments can be used to straighten, lighten, reshape and repair teeth. Cosmetic treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges, tooth-coloured fillings, implants and tooth whitening.
Veneers are thin slices of porcelain. These are precisely made to fit over the visible surface of your front teeth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail.
Veneers are an ideal way of treating discoloured or unsightly teeth, closing gaps between front teeth, or repairing chips and cracks.
A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth, usually the same thickness as the veneer will be. The dental team take an impression and send it to a dental technician, who makes the veneer in a laboratory. The veneer is then bonded to the tooth to form a strong and natural-looking repair.
For over 150 years standard fillings have been made out of a silvery-grey material called ‘amalgam'. This is considered one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials for fillings. However, many people find it unattractive and some are concerned about possible health risks.
White fillings are now a popular alternative to amalgam fillings. The new dental materials mean it is much easier to find a perfect match for the shade of a particular tooth. In most cases, it is quite impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling. Sometimes white filling material can be used to cover unsightly marks on teeth, in a similar way to veneers.
When a tooth is badly broken or heavily filled, the dentist may need to crown or ‘cap' it to restore its appearance and strength.
The usual method for fitting a crown involves shaping the tooth under local anaesthetic and then taking an digital impression using a computer scanner. The impression is then sent to the milling unit along with the details of the shade to be used, and the machine makes the crown while you are waiting. The crown is issued on the same day.
While your crown is being made, the prepared tooth can be protected with a temporary crown. This is easily removed just before fitting the permanent one. In most cases, the temporary crown is in place for about two weeks.
If a tooth is missing, or needs taking out, there are several ways to fill the gap that is left. In some cases it is important to try to replace any missing teeth to balance the way your jaw bites. If you have several missing teeth, the remaining teeth are under more pressure. This can lead to broken fillings or even jaw problems.
A partial denture is the simplest way to replace missing teeth. However, some people find dentures uncomfortable and eventually decide to look at alternatives, such as bridges or implants.
Bridges are ideal for people who don't like dentures and only have a few teeth missing. Bridges are usually made by putting a crown on the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a false tooth in the middle. The bridge can't be removed. These bridges are usually made of precious metal bonded to porcelain. Sometimes other non-precious metals are used in the base to give it extra strength.
Implants are an alternative to dentures and bridges, but they are more expensive. Implants are titanium rods which are surgically placed into the jawbone and act as anchors for fastening dentures or crowns onto.
Yes. Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surfaces. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it should lighten the existing shade.
The Zoom Chairside Whitening System is a scientifically advanced, tooth whitening procedure which is performed in the surgery. It’s safe, effective and fast. In less than an hour your teeth will become dramatically whiter.
Chairside whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual.
The procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. Our dentist then applies the proprietary whitening gel, which is designed to be used with a specially designed light.
The light and gel work together to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discoloration. With proper care your smile will sparkle forever, as a free teeth whitening kit will also be provided.
For the best long term results you will require a 6 monthly scale and clean where you will also receive a free home touch up gel.
It is important to remember that only natural teeth will be whitened, and that any crowns, bridges or dentures you have will stay the same shade.
This is when the teeth do not meet together properly or are not in balance with the rest of the face, or if teeth are lost and not replaced.
If an incorrect bite is not treated the face can ‘collapse'. This can cause the face to sag, the chin to stick out or the smile to droop. It can even cause headaches, neck pain and pain in other parts of the body.
There are a number of treatments, including crowns, veneers and orthodontics (braces). Ask your dental team which treatment is most suitable for you. Ask for an estimate of the cost and a written treatment plan before you start.
Teeth can be straightened with orthodontics (braces). This is usually done during the teenage years, when the jaws are going through a period of growth. However, many adults also have treatment to straighten their crooked teeth or to improve their appearance. The treatment can take much longer in adults and is therefore more expensive.
Some people have clear or plastic braces, which are hardly noticeable. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, first see your dental team and get their advice. Kings Langley Dental team can talk to you about your treatment options.
There are also now ‘invisible' braces. Your dentist will make you a series of clear plastic shields (like a mouthguard) which need to be worn all day and gradually move your teeth into a new position.