There might be a variety of reasons motivating a patient to seek treatment to transform their smile – from suffering from crooked teeth to having chips and gaps that are in need of fixing to unsightly fillings.

One procedure available for people seeking to swiftly improve their smile is cosmetic bonding. This treatment has been used for many years and involves the use of dental composite to be applied to teeth and the surrounding areas – resulting in quick-fire repairs of chipped teeth, filling gaps and replacing metal fillings.

So How Does Cosmetic Bonding Work?

Let’s look at the procedure, step-by-step:

1) First, a local anaesthetic is used to insensitive the area which requires treatment. This is followed by a good clean-up of the area to get rid of any debris. The dentist will have already selected the accurate shade of dental composite to be applied.

2) The surface of the tooth is then prepared to create a smooth surface ready for the composite to be applied.

3) Next, the composite is put onto the prepared tooth surface before being exposed to light to help the composite to solidify and position. To ensure optimum performance several thin layers of the bonding agent are normally applied.

4) Finally, the dentist will undertake polishing of the composite to leave the patient with a smooth finish. The process is then complete!

Tell Me What The Advantages Of This Treatment Are

One of the strengths of dental composite bonding is that it offers the patient a relatively quick and simple procedure. The composite material is ideal for creating or replacing fillings because the shade and shape of it can almost perfectly blend in with the rest of the teeth. So, as well as being a speedy procedure, which can be completed in one visit, there are also aesthetic benefits.

How About The Disadvantages?

It’s worth bearing in mind that where cosmetic bonding has taken place sometimes there’s a larger inclination to stain than when other restorative materials, such as ceramic and porcelain, are used. In addition, bonding doesn’t have the strength of ceramic or porcelain either.

If you’re considering this type of treatment then you should also check the credentials of the dentist carrying it out. Bonding is a highly-skilled procedure that requires a good deal of artistry from the dentist to get it right and provide the patient with an aesthetically-pleasing smile. However, some dentists have undertaken advanced training in the art of bonding. Make sure to check everything beforehand!

If you’ve ever had a chipped or cracked tooth you will know the feeling – one of pain and general inconvenience. Then there’s the hassle of arranging time to get to your dentist and frankly you’d like the problem dealt with as soon as possible.

Well, this is where CEREC dentistry comes into play – it could be the perfect solution in such circumstances. The service promises to prepare and fit your new tooth all in one single visit. It could all be done within the hour too! Interested? Read on to learn more about this new, digital-led technique.

What Is CEREC Dentistry?

Let’s start from the beginning and the purpose of this modern procedure. What is it good for? Ultimately, it allows your dentist to first design and then create and fit into place an onlay or inlay, or a new crown or veneer.

So how does it work? Similar to when fitting a crown or veneer the dentist will prepare your tooth to acquire an impression. However, with this new procedure instead of the dental putty being used a digital image is instead captured.

Then – and this is a key way in which time is saved – the image is swiftly turned into a 3D computerised model of the tooth which can be used to guide the restoration. Once the newly-designed tooth, created digitally, is ready it can then be sent to a milling machine at the same site to create the new tooth from a ceramic block.

The milling process is likely to take between six and thirty minutes, according to the equipment being used. Afterwards the dental practitioner may decide to shape or colour the restoration before it’s cemented into the place in the patient’s mouth. That’s it – yes, that simple!

What Else Should I Know About This Treatment?

As you might have already gathered, the key selling point of this procedure is the speed and ease of the treatment. The fact that it only takes one single visit is clearly its most popular aspect, cutting out the need for waiting by both the patient and dentist for the restoration to be made.

In terms of the cost, you may be surprised to learn that it does not cost a huge deal more to have the CEREC procedure than it would to use conventional lab-made crowns and veneers. This is due in part to the fact that it only requires one visit and also cuts out laboratory fees. So, you would be looking at a price range of between about £380 and £700 per tooth.

There are a range of practices across the UK which offer the CEREC dentistry treatment so it’s definitely a relatively simple option worth considering. A quick and speedy procedure to fix a dental problem is always likely to be a popular one!

We’re all in search of that perfect Hollywood smile. Whether it be for the benefit of wedding photos, our own personal well being – or even to impress others – more and more people are seeking to boost the appearance of their teeth.

It’s a lot easier today than you might imagine, with a whole range of options out there allowing you to give your smile a makeover. You may wish to choose a full set of options to achieve that perfect smile or perhaps there are is one or only several things you would like have done to your teeth for your benefit.

Want to learn more? Well, read on then and find out more.

A smile makeover

The name says it all – a smile makeover involves the improvement of your smile. How this can be achieved varies. It might include wearing braces, having veneers affixed or getting your teeth whitened. You and your dentist will be able to decide what’s best, and most practical for you.

So, shall we look at some of the procedures available?

Let’s start with crooked teeth. The traditional manner in which teeth can be straightened is through braces.

Did you know there are a number of advances from the age of train tracks though?

Orthodontics now allow for far more discreet braces. For example, Invisalign is a clear brace which is hard to detect and can even be taken out by the patient. There are also veneers, which are placed over the teeth and are another way in which the patient can go for their dreamed-of smile.

Do you have chipped teeth?

Well, not a problem. Porcelain veneers, crowns or bonding procedures are all available to treat the problem.

How about missing teeth?

If you opt for a smile makeover your dentist may opt for dental implants or bridges to tackle this problem. In some cases dentures can be also be used.

If you have gaps between the teeth these can be closed using veneers to provide a more even and rounded smile. Alternatively, braces can be used to efficiently achieve the desired effect.

Gummy smiles can be improved via gum contouring, normally undertaken via a laser.

Another bugbear of some people is smile lines. You may be interested to know botox and dermal filler treatments may be available to help the patient towards their desired smile and overall appearance.

If any or all of the above apply to you then the dentist should be able to address each and every one, where possible, in order to give you that perfect smile. A smile makeover to be proud of!

It sounds good but how much will it cost?

Well, prices will range depending on the extent of treatment which you offer to have undertaken. So, costing could range from £3,000 for a simple smile makeover to £40,000 if a large number of procedures are required. The best option is to speak to dental surgeries and find the best option that suits you. Smile!

There are, of course, a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments which are used extensively by dentists across the globe and sought out by patients seeking a perfect smile.

The use of dental veneers is one particular treatment frequently used by dental practices to fulfil patients’ needs. Think of false fingernails – but for the teeth! Interested? Well, read on to find out more about this procedure.

Information About Dental Veneers

Let’s first look at what exactly veneers are. Put simply, these are wafer-thin laminates or shells which are fixed onto the front of teeth to boost the patient’s appearance.

As you may have guessed, they are tooth-coloured in order to be aesthetically-pleasing. They are usually made from either dental composite or porcelain materials.

Now, let’s look at the procedure used to fit veneers.

After an initial consultation, considering costs and explaining the procedure used, the dentist will set the ball rolling.

First, the patient will need to have the front surfaces of their teeth re-shaped to accommodate the veneers. A dental drill will be used to shave off the surface to assist the cementing on of the veneers.

Next, a mould is taken of the teeth before being sent off to a dental laboratory. The purpose of this is to provide a guide to the fabrication of the new veneers for the patient.

Finally, during the next appointment the dentist should be able to fit the new veneers to the teeth. After the teeth are cleaned an acidic gel is applied to the relevant teeth to provide a sticky surface. The veneers are then cemented into place. The aim is to provide the patient with a natural-looking appearance.

When Would I Need Veneers?

There are several occasions where the dentist may recommend, or the patient may choose, dental veneers.

The main problems that could be fixed by the use of dental veneers include stained teeth, chipped teeth and where there are gaps that need filling.

Is There Anything Else I Should Be Aware Of?

Porcelain veneers will normally last for somewhere between five and 10 years. Composite veneers have a lower shelf life and will not typically last for more than two years.

However, as you may have gathered, all veneers at some stage will need to be replaced. Having good oral hygiene will be a real boost though to helping keep your veneers in good condition, lasting longer and looking great.

Have you ever thought of having artificial teeth?

That might not be a question you’re asked every day but for some people artificial teeth can be a vital lifeline – perhaps if they are in need of a remedy after recovering from an accident or as a solution to the ravages of time on the teeth.

Dental implants play a vital role in assisting artificial teeth, ideally providing solid foundations for the patient. It’s time to learn some more about their role.

What is a dental implant?

Let’s start from the beginning – what is a dental implant? Well, a dental implant is an artificial tooth root and it’s used to support restorations resembling a tooth or group of teeth. This might include crowns, dentures or bridges.

They take the form of a metal piece, similar to a screw. Pretty much all implants are placed within the bone and the goal is to fuse the outer surface of the implant and the surrounding bone tissue.

What is the procedure used to put in place dental implants?

The dentist will first make an assessment of the teeth to ensure there are no underlying problems which need treatment, such as gum disease.

Once treatment can begin the gum where the implant is being placed is cut and lifted. Then a small hole is drilled in the jawbone at the location of the intended implant. The titanium implant is fitted into the socket and the gum is stitched back over the implant.

It can take up to six months to heal and integrate and during this period patients are given temporary teeth to wear.

Once the healing period is complete the gum is again lifted and a post is attached to the implant with a temporary crown. Up to six months later the final permanent restoration can be fitted to the implant.

What else should I be aware of?

While traditionally an implant would normally support a single crown, just one implant can support several missing teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime, depending on how well they are looked after.

In terms of price, this can vary but roughly speaking, a single tooth implant can vary cost between £800 and £3,000.

Age is not necessarily a factor, providing the jaw is fully developed, but patients must have a sufficient quantity and quality of bone tissue available in order for the procedure to be able to take place. Clearly a good standard of oral hygiene is vital too for the benefit of having a tooth implant put in place.

In addition, implants may not be suitable for heavy smokers, as it hinders the healing process. Also, excessive alcohol intake is not advised due to the fact it affects the healing of gums.

As mentioned previously, anyone with gum disease would need to have the condition treated beforehand in order to have dental implants. Finally, teeth grinders would need to seek advice beforehand as continued grinding would have a severe impact on the implants.

There may be a wide variety of reasons why a person may need false teeth – perhaps the passage of time has had an effect on their mouth or maybe they require a remedy for an accident which might have caused damage to their teeth.

If you require false teeth you may be interested to know more about dental bridges, which can provide a solution in many circumstances.

So, what are dental bridges?

Dental bridges, as you might have guessed, are false teeth. How do they work? Well, the bridges are fixed onto the patient’s existing teeth to replace missing teeth. It helps to fill a gap where a patient might have one or more missing teeth.

Known as a pontic, the false teeth or tooth is placed in between two crowns which fulfil a role as anchors by attaching to the teeth on each side of the false tooth. This creates a bridging effect – all sorted!

When might they be used?

As discussed, the function of dental bridges is to replace missing teeth. A dentist will take into account the following factors when determining whether they are necessary:

* Whether the missing teeth affect the patient’s appearance – notably their smile and shape of their face.

* If the missing teeth are affecting the way the bottom and top teeth bite together.

* Whether the speech is affected.

* Oral hygiene, including gum disease, will also be considered in deciding whether to affix dental bridges.

Tell me what the benefits are

There are a number of advantages of using dental bridges. These include the fact they can provide a natural appearance for the patient and, let’s not forget, improve the person’s smile. They also last a significantly long period of time – from about 10 to 15 years and in general only require two appointments with the dentist.

Are there any disadvantages?

You might want to be aware that if you opt for dental bridges your teeth and gums could be susceptible to infection due to the potential for the accumulation of bacteria under the bridges. Another disadvantage of using this procedure include the fact teeth can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Finally, in order to work the dental bridges need health tooth tissues from neighbouring teeth.

Is there anything else I would need to be aware of?

Patients who have dental bridges will be advised to stick to a number of habits to maintain their oral hygiene and assist the bridges.

One key piece of advice is to brush and floss twice daily – although this does not differ to any standard advice given by a dentist.

In addition, the patient will be asked to ensure they stick to good diet and eating habits. For example, eating soft foods and small pieces in order to acclimatise to the bridges. Also, a balanced and nutritional diet is highly recommended.

So, all in all, dental bridges are unlikely to provide a major upheaval for the patient choosing to use wear them, so long as they stick to the dentists’ advice and have regular check-ups.

Cavities in teeth can be rather painful to say the least. They are normally caused by tooth decay, although can be created by an accident – for example, if the tooth is chipped. When the cavity is so severe that the health of a tooth is under threat then it’s clearly time for action. This is where dental crowns come into play. Designed to help save a tooth and alleviate pain for the patient they can be a source of relief for many people.

What Is A Dental Crown?

Simply, a dental crown, or a ‘cap’ as it’s sometimes known, is a dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Their main purpose is to boost the strength and appearance of teeth.

As mentioned, crowns may be used as a solution for severe cavities but did you know they can also serve to assist patients who may have discoloured fillings, as well as aid a root filling in need of a cap for protection and help hold a denture or bridge in its place.

Crowns can be made from different materials, although most are fashioned from porcelain bonded to precious metal. These are designed to look natural and normally used for front teeth. Other materials that might be used include glass, all-ceramic crowns and gold alloy crowns.

How Are Dental Crowns Put Into Place?

OK, here’s how the procedure works. First, the dentist will shape the tooth in order to allow the crown to fit snugly. Once this is done the dentist will then take a mould of the prepared tooth. They may also take an impressions

Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression of the way the patient bites together. A temporary crown may be fitted in the meantime before the permanent one is ready.

When the patient and dentist is happy with the way the cap fits, as well as its appearance, it can then be fixed into place. This is carried out using special dental cement, or sometimes adhesive. The aim is to create a seal in order to hold the crown in the right place.

Be aware that you will require at least two visits to the dentists – firstly for the preparation, impression and temporary crown and secondly for the permanent crown to be fitted.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Be Aware Of?

As you may expect for similar procedures, the patient may feel some discomfort for the first few days adjusting to the feel of the crown. However, it’s unlikely to cause any disruption and within days it should not be so noticeable.

In terms of appearance, the crown can be shaped and coloured in order to fit in with the rest of the teeth. With a natural feel, it will be difficult for people to spot the crown and as such the patient should be content not to feel to self conscious about the cap.

Crowns can last for many years, providing they are looked after. While the cap cannot decay, around it decay can form so patients need to keep this area – as well as, of course – the rest of the teeth in good order!

Many of us would probably admit a yearning for a Hollywood smile – if we haven’t already got one that is! Something to dazzle others and to make us feel good about our appearance. Perhaps some of us are unhappy that our teeth might be crooked or maybe they have been discoloured or chipped.

In this day and age there are numerous ways of improving our appearance through getting our teeth straightened. From traditional braces to veneers, the possibilities are endless. Our intention is to give you a brief synopsis of the different treatments available to get your teeth straightened.

Fixed Braces

a) Fixed Orthodontic Braces

OK, these are the traditional braces you may have had in mind when thinking about methods of teeth straightening. The procedure is fairly simple – metal wires are attached to the front of the teeth and tightened over time to get them into a straighter position. Modern advances mean you can get coloured braces and even tooth-coloured ceramic brackets.

b) Lingual Braces

Think of the traditional fixed orthodontic braces – but in reverse. These are fitted to the back of the teeth, making them a more aesthetically-pleasing option for the patient.

c) Damon Braces

Designed to avoid the pain of friction, Damon Braces don’t have any elastic ties. So, they are more comfortable for the user and a quicker solution than conventional braces.

d) The Six-Month Smile

This is a relatively new treatment blending tooth-coloured brackets and wires which focus on shifting the teeth which are seen when a patient smiles. The object is to provide a speedy solution.

Aligners

a) Invisalign

The clue is in the name! Moving away from the image of metal wiring, these are similar to plastic gum shields which are not very noticeable due to the fact they are see-through. The aligners are changed every two weeks.

b) Inman Aligner

Now, think of a cross of braces and Invisalign and you’re just about there. The Inman Aligner has some metal components and, as the name would suggest, is a removable aligner which helps shift the teeth into position over time.

Veneers

You may be interested to learn about porcelain veneers, which while not technically straightening the teeth do give the appearance of providing a perfect smile. These are placed over the front of the patient’s teeth and are a solution for crooked and chipped teeth. Quick, easy and less painful than braces – although part of your teeth may need to be removed to ensure the veneers can be fixed on.

Teeth Straightening – Final Pointers

Hopefully the above information has helped inform you on the choices out there. Some methods of teeth straightening are unfortunately not suitable for everybody so it’s all about deciding what is right for the individual. Speak to your dentist to help you further. Different factors will need to be decided – what’s practical, what’s comfortable and in many cases, what’s cost-effective.