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Information, images and brochure courtesy of CODEplan Marketing Solutions. Practitioners can click here to read more or buy patient information brochures, stationery, posters, treatment plan forms, medical history forms and more.
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Cosmetic Dentistry |
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What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry includes all treatments that are undertaken
to improve the appearance of your teeth. Almost everyone can
have a more even, beautiful smile from cosmetic dental
treatments.These treatments include veneers, crowns, bridges
and tooth-coloured fillings. Modern techniques 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
confidence.The dentist can advise you on the most effective
techniques, here is a list of the more popular ones:
- Tooth whitening
- Air polishing
- Orthodontic treatment for adults
- Natural colour fillings
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Porcelain inlays
- Bridges
- Implants
- Cosmetic dentures
- Cosmetic contouring
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Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening is a procedure for lightening the colour of
teeth.Two mild preparations are used for whitening: either
hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.These are applied
in the treatment room where they can be activated by heat
or light, or at home in a custom-made 'tray', a transparent
plastic device which is designed to hold the preparation in
place on the teeth. Different strengths of preparation are
prescribed for different types of use.
Whitening is generally recommended if your teeth are naturally
discoloured due to ageing, are stained or discoloured as a result
of consumption of certain foods and drinks such as curries, red
wine and coffee.
Air polishing
Air polishing can be used to remove stains and surface
discolouration from the teeth. It uses a pressurised stream of
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.
If your teeth are crossed over or if there are gaps between
them, ask your dentist if you could benefit from orthodontic
alignment.Treatment usually lasts for 12-18 months and there
are new invisible and tooth-coloured braces.
Natural coloured fillings
Many people have what are known as 'amalgam' (silver) fillings,
or in some cases gold fillings. Although these fillings are strong,
they can be unsightly. Furthermore, amalgam tends to discolour
your teeth over time.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 blue light.These are lifelike and long
lasting and are currently the most popular cosmetic dental
procedure.They can have some limitations which your dentist
can discuss with you: these involve their size and position in the
mouth and their longevity.White fillings usually last 4-5 years
whereas amalgam can last longer, up to 7 years.
Veneers
Veneers are thin coverings of either porcelain or composite.
Porcelain veneers are made by a dental technician to exactly
match an impression of your teeth. Once bonded to the
tooth, a veneer becomes strong, natural looking and is longlasting.
Veneers usually need very little preparation and in
some cases do not need an anaesthetic.
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
restore teeth if they are misshapen, discoloured, or have been
weakened in some way. A crown will give strength and has
the shape and colour of a natural tooth.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials, the most
common being porcelain bonded to gold. Each crown is
hand-crafted by a dental technician to match your natural
teeth. Crowns normally require two visits to the dentist.The
first to prepare the tooth, take impressions, record the shade
of your teeth and fit a temporary crown (usually made of
plastic).The second visit to fit the permanent crown.You will
normally have to wait just a week or two between these
appointments.
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. An inlay
constructed from porcelain is strong and very natural looking.
Inlays last longer than white fillings and are recommended for
larger cavities where fillings would not be strong enough.
Bridges
A bridge is used to replace one or several missing teeth.
It is usually constructed by fitting crowns (caps) to the teeth
on either side of the gap, thereby bridging it.
They are made from various materials depending on the
clinical diagnosis and your preferences; the most common
being precious metal for the base with layers of porcelain
bonded to the visible areas. Once the bridge is fitted it blends
in with the natural teeth.
A bridge might be recommended if you have lost one or
more teeth. Like crowns, bridges are hand crafted to give the
most lifelike and natural appearance.
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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 placed within the gum to form a secure
foundation.The replacement tooth is made of porcelain,
or a special plastic (sometimes on a metal base) and it is
fitted on top of the titanium root.
Implants are usually the best solution for replacing missing
teeth or teeth needing extraction.The success rate for
implants can be as high as 95% for 10 to 20 years.
Cosmetic dentures
Yes, crowns are individually made to look as natural as
possible.Your dentist records the colour and translucency
of the neighbouring teeth and the crown will be made to
match. Usually a crown will improve the shape and colour
of the original tooth. Modern porcelains can be incredibly
beautiful, life-like and long-lasting.
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.
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Download Brochure
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Information, images and brochure courtesy of CODEplan Marketing Solutions. Practitioners can click here to read more or buy patient information brochures, stationery, posters, treatment plan forms, medical history forms and more.
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