Smile Design
There are many ways a dentist can help you transform your teeth. Using a variety of treatments, they can improve the overall appearance and give you the confidence to smile brightly once more.
Teeth Whitening
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. Teeth whitening will not make your teeth brilliant white, but it can certainly lighten the existing colour by several shades.
Who can perform teeth whitening?
As teeth whitening is a form of dentistry, it should only be performed by a dentist or a regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or therapist, at the request of a dentist.
It is illegal for a beauty salon to offer teeth whitening as a service; they are not qualified to do so and it may put your oral health at risk if you agree to them carrying out this service for you. It is also not advisable to buy DIY whitening kits as these too can have serious risks attached such as blistering and sensitivity.
What happens during teeth whitening at the dentist?
The dentist will first assess your suitability for teeth whitening before taking an impression of your teeth to make a mouth guard. The dentist will then show you how to use the mouth guard with a bleaching gel. Then, using your mouth guard at home, you should regularly apply the gel for a specified period of time over two to four weeks.
Can you have your teeth whitened on the NHS?
Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS. It is a private cosmetic treatment offered by your dentist and the costs may vary.
How do you go about getting teeth whitening?
Your dentist will advise you after a consultation whether or not whitening is suitable for you. If whitening is not suitable for you, your dentist will explain why and possibly how you can work towards being suitable in the future
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. The effects can last from a few months up to a few years, but this varies from person to person. However, the whitening effects won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee as these can stain the teeth making it harder to maintain the whiteness.
Does teeth whitening work on false teeth?
No. Teeth whitening does not work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
Are there risks to teeth whitening?
There is always a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.
Composite bonding/build ups
A Composite is a white or natural-looking resin material that the dentist uses to repair chips or cracks, close gaps between your teeth and build up the worn-down edges of teeth. The dentist places the materials in or on the teeth where needed.
Composite smile designing is minimally invasive and reversible. Most of the time no local anaesthetic is necessary.
The cost for this varies depending on the size and location of the tooth requiring to be filled.
Treatment times for a composite bonding tend to be longer, as the tooth is required to be kept dry throughout treatment and cured by a high intensity light. It takes time to finish and polish to achieve desired results.
C-Fast Brace
This is a minimally-invasive treatment for adults looking to straighten their teeth quickly and discreetly. This popular treatment is ideal for those with a special occasion in the near future or those simply unhappy with their smile.
This cosmetic treatment works by correcting alignment issues concerning both the top and bottom six teeth and the orthodontic brackets used are normally clear or tooth coloured for discreteness. The movement of the teeth is quick due to the gentle pressure of the bracket to pull the teeth into alignment with next to no discomfort to the patient.
The C-Fast brace works quickly as it focuses solely on the front six teeth; these are teeth we see first when smiling and affects many patients’ confidence.
How much does it cost?
As this is a cosmetic treatment, it is not available on the NHS and is offered as a private treatment.
Those interested in the C-Fast Brace should have a consultation with their dentist to assess their suitability for this treatment and to discuss the costs involved.
Is it painful?
As with any orthodontic procedure there can be some discomfort for a few days after the appliance is fitted. However, as this appliance is very light, any discomfort should be minimal and should subside after 7-10 days.
During treatment you might find your teeth become a little mobile and sensitive to pressure. This is completely normal and will resolve when the braces are removed. However, if you are concerned, please inform your dentist.
For more information, visit - https://www.cfastsmiletru.com/
Ceramic veneers and crowns
These procedures involve tooth reduction to achieve pleasing smiles. If you have existing veneers and crowns and are not happy with the shade and shape of them, they can be replaced. We would aim to use minimally invasive procedures, such as braces and composite bonding, if you do not have existing veneers or crowns for Smile Design.
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