London cosmetic dentistry

Archive for the ‘Cosmetic dentistry’ Category

Remove stains from veneers with polishing from City of London dentist

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Many patients have porcelain veneers fitted to cover the appearance of stained or discoloured teeth. Therefore it is very important that the veneers do not themselves stain or the treatment becomes slightly pointless. Porcelain veneers are naturally quite resistant to stains, as porcelain is quite a resilient substance. However, no matter how tough porcelain is, continued exposure to substances such as coffee and red wine will again begin to affect the veneers just as it does the natural enamel.

Many patients have stained teeth because of lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking large amounts of coffee. Unless changes are made to this lifestyle they will always suffer some degree of staining whether it be natural enamel or veneers, although it is true that veneers are more easily cleaned of stains than enamel. It is also possible to take a few precautions against staining when fitting the veneers. Ask your City of London dentist to use stain resistant bonding to cement the veneers, as it is often this that gives the stained appearance rather than the veneer. Avoid using acid fluoride treatments as they can break down the porcelain making the veneer more at risk of staining.

Other ways to keep veneers free of stains include making sure that you properly clean them like you would real teeth. Flossing veneers can help to remove staining that occurs on the edges of the tooth and having them regularly polished by your dentist will also help to prevent staining.

London dentist transforms smile with cosmetic dentistry

Monday, February 15th, 2010

A trip to the dentist used to mean that you had something wrong with your teeth that was causing pain or discomfort and needed to be sorted. It was purely a utilitarian practice that was a necessity. Over the last twenty years the role of the dentist has changed and they can now provide procedures that rise above the merely functional.

In a world that places increasing importance on appearance, cosmetic dentistry has provided millions of people with the opportunity to improve theirs. The teeth are one of the most obvious factors that affect our appearance to others and with smiling being one of the most important ways of communicating we have, the way our teeth look can affect the way others perceive us and even how we feel about ourselves. Bad teeth can be a source of great embarrassment and low self-confidence.

Cosmetic dentistry is capable of completely transforming a smile by using a number of procedures running simultaneously. This wider process is called a smile makeover and usually includes such treatments as teeth whitening, orthodontic straightening, cosmetic bonding, veneers and dental crowns. All of these procedures can be carried out on their own to make minor cosmetic adjustments to the teeth.

Teeth whitening and veneers are two of the most popular procedures as they can completely transform the appearance of badly stained or discoloured teeth, which can make them look very unhealthy and unattractive. Modern veneer technology allows the design and manufacture of a whole row of porcelain veneers in as little as one appointment. Cosmetic dentistry may not be essential for health reasons but the psychological and mental benefits of treatment from a London dentist cannot be underestimated.

Extensive list of dental procedures available from London dentist

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

In modern dentistry there is now a procedure for almost every eventuality, be it cosmetic or purely practical. Technological advances over the last twenty years have greatly increased the possibilities of dental treatment and significantly improved the results achievable in traditional treatments.

One of the most common dental problems is discolouration either due to age or from an outside source such as tobacco or an excess of fluoride. Teeth that have lost their colour or been stained can now be treated using a variety of different whitening systems, designed to meet specific needs. Alternatively, it is possible to cover discoloured teeth with a set of porcelain veneers which are cemented over the original teeth.

Veneers can also be used to repair teeth that have been damaged by chips or cracks. The veneer acts as a protective barrier and structural support to the tooth and restores the cosmetic procedure. For more seriously damaged teeth London dentists may choose to use a crown, which is a more solid and extensive variety of a veneer. Both crowns, veneers and dental inlays can now be made using the very latest computer technology which has radically improved both the quality and length of treatment. In fact, it is now possible to design and fit a whole set of veneers in a single appointment.

There is a list of possible dental treatments too long to name here but rest assured that whatever your particular dental concern there is a dental procedure available that can restore or improve the appearance of your teeth. And as treatments become more available they also become more affordable. Make an appointment with your dentist to see what they could do for your teeth.

Restore your confidence with cosmetic dentistry from City of London dentist

Monday, December 7th, 2009

City of London dentists are now able to create a perfect smile for any patient, regardless of the quality of their existing teeth, thanks to the incredible improvements in cosmetic dentistry over the last decade. There really is no problem too big or small that cannot benefit from some form of cosmetic repair.

For teeth that are chipped or broken, patients have the option of cosmetic bonding which can be matched to the colour of existing teeth before being applied and hardened in the desired shape. Alternatively, ceramic porcelain crowns or veneers can be attached to broken teeth to restore the cosmetic appearance and act as a barrier to further damage. Using the very latest CEREC technology, ceramic restorations can be designed and manufactured in the same day, eliminating the need for lengthy laboratory manufacture.

Patients with badly discoloured teeth can have the natural colour restored either with a row of dental veneers or by using a teeth whitening system such as Zoom. Using a bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, teeth whitening systems cover up discolouration caused by age and food stuffs that have accumulated over time. Teeth whitening procedures can whiten teeth by up to ten shades and have the most dramatic cosmetic effect.

Other cosmetic treatments include teeth straightening using orthodontic braces, dental bridges and implants to replace one or more missing teeth or even dentures to restore whole missing dental arcs. Whatever the problem, cosmetic dentistry has the solution to create beautiful teeth that can help restore confidence and self-esteem. Make an appointment to see what cosmetic dentistry could do for you.

Affordable cosmetic bonding from London dentist restores teeth

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

When compared with certain other cosmetic dentistry procedures, cosmetic bonding is incredibly affordable and simple, but at the same time capable of producing very effective results. The process involves the skilful mixing of composite resin to closely match the colour of the existing teeth before applying it in layers and moulding it to the desired shape. It is then set hard and finished to resemble the smooth appearance of tooth enamel.

Cosmetic bonding, otherwise known as simply dental bonding, can be used for a variety of dental procedures including repairing broken or damaged teeth, securing dental restorations and covering worn or badly discoloured teeth. Its versatility and affordability make it a very popular choice with both dentists and patients despite the fact it is not as durable as some other dental restorations.

Working with cosmetic bonding is a very skilful job and most dentists will be proficient, but there are dentists who specialise almost solely in cosmetic bonding work such is its important role in dental care. Bonding is capable of transforming a whole dental arc of teeth in only one visit, restoring the shape, colour and texture to chipped, discoloured and enamel-damaged teeth.

Bonding is also commonly used as filling material for cavities or as a bonding agent for ceramic inlays or crowns. When set firm it is extremely adhesive and strong making it the perfect substance for dental fillings. Dentists in London can give you more advice about the many benefits of dental bonding and can perform a routine dental assessment to see if your teeth could benefit form the magic of cosmetic bonding. They will also be bale to give you an estimation of cost, which varies according to the size and nature of treatment but will be significantly less than most other dental repair work.

Revolutionary CEREC crown fitted by City of London dentist

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

CEREC is one of the most advanced dental products available anywhere in the world. It offers same day dental restorations including the fitting of crowns, veneers and inlays. Saving huge amounts of time and laboratory work, the CEREC system allows dentists to design, manufacture and fit ceramic restorations in a single trip producing a final result that is a stunningly accurate dental restoration indistinguishable from a natural tooth.

CEREC was first created by Professor W. Mörmann and Dr. M Brandestini in Switzerland in 1980. The first treatment was carried out in 1985 and the technology has been advancing and improving ever since. Today it is used by a growing number of dentists all over the world and represents the future of dental technology.

It works by utilising digital x-rays and 3D imaging to build up an accurate three-dimensional portrait of the patient’s mouth. The dentist can then use this to design an accurate ceramic restoration before instructing a computer-guided mill to sculpt the desired product from a single piece of porcelain. This milling can take as little as six minutes which, when compared to the days or even weeks of laboratory work it used to take is really a remarkable leap forward. Because the porcelain is sculpted from a single piece it means it is much stronger than layered replacements.

Once fabricated, the dental replacements are cemented into place with dental bonding producing a perfect dental restoration that can even be matched to the existing teeth colour. City of London dentists are now using CEREC technology to offer outstanding and revolutionary dental treatment to all patients.

Cosmetic bonding from City of London dentist restores appearance of teeth

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Chipped, cracked or broken teeth can be the source of considerable pain and also result in further dental complications in the future. Therefore it is necessary to repair any damage caused to teeth as soon as possible. One of the most affordable and effective treatments for dental injuries is cosmetic bonding. The bonding process involves mixing up a resin to closely match the colour of the existing teeth and sculpting it to the desired shape. Once satisfied the dentist will then set the resin hard using the intense heat of a laser. Once set, the bonding is extremely durable and also resistant to staining.

Cosmetic bonding is not just used to repair damage caused by head trauma. It is also widely used to improve the appearance of worn, discoloured or unevenly spaced teeth. Unlike veneers and crowns it does not require laboratory conditions for manufacture, which significantly reduces cost and treatment times. In fact, most bonding procedures can be carried out in only one visit to the dentist. Although, if the treatment covers two or more teeth the bonding may need several layers applied and will need time to set in between applications.

Cosmetic bonding is almost completely pain-free unless being applied to a particularly sensitive area of the teeth. In some circumstances the dentist may consider using a local anaesthetic but this is unusual.

Cosmetic bonding is also replacing silver amalgam as the number one choice for filling dental cavities. Not only does it have the advantage of being tooth-coloured and therefore more aesthetically pleasing, but it also avoids the controversy surrounding the inclusion of potentially poisonous mercury in filling material.

Versatile, durable and visually discreet, cosmetic bonding is one of the most popular treatment choices for both dentists and patients. With the combined benefits of low cost and simple treatment, cosmetic bonding may be able to radically improve the integrity and appearance of your teeth with the minimum of discomfort. Talk to a City of London dentist about cosmetic bonding and how it could benefit your teeth.

Enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry form London dentist

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

It is a common belief amongst Americans that we British have bad teeth. In the past this may have been true as Britain did lag behind the USA in terms of the availability of cosmetic dental treatments. However, in the last twenty years, the standard and availability of cosmetic dentistry in the UK has caught up with our cousins across the pond. Having good teeth is now seen as fundamental to being healthy and attractive and the variety of treatments on offer means this dream is now a reality for all of us.

One of the key factors in having healthy looking teeth is colour. Even the straightest teeth in the world can be spoiled by discolouration and yellow teeth really create an impression of bad health. Discoloration of teeth occurs naturally as we get older just like greying hair, but can also be increased by lifestyle choices such as smoking and consumption of red wine and coffee. However, there is now available an array of treatments that can stem and even reverse this process. A London dentist will be able to offer both in-surgery and take-home whitening treatments that can whiten the colour of your teeth by up to ten shades.

For patients who suffer from chipped, cracked or broken teeth, the application of cosmetic dental bonding, porcelain veneers or a combination of both will be able to restore the integrity and appearance of your teeth. Another common cosmetic dental issue is a missing tooth or teeth. There are a number of options available to patients with missing teeth ranging from the temporary to the permanent. A partial denture or dental bridge offers a more short-term replacement whereas a dental implant can replace a missing tooth with a long-term substitute.

The very latest in dental technology has seen computers playing a greater role in dental technology. 3D imaging and digital x-rays can now create exact representations of the patient’s teeth on a computer and computer aided manufacture means that crowns and veneers can now be fabricated to incredible degrees of accuracy.

Whatever the dental issue with your teeth, modern cosmetic dentistry will have a solution. As procedures become more commonplace and technology reduces treatment time, costs are dropping making these previously expensive treatments available to all.

Brand new smile with cosmetic dentistry from London dentist

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Everybody wants to have the perfect smile. A beautiful beam, full of white, evenly sized teeth can be a very attractive and useful asset. After all, smiling is one of the most important methods we have of demonstrating our emotions and communicating with others. For those of us who have not been blessed by Mother Nature with a beautiful set of natural teeth, science has come to our aid. In the last twenty years, a vast array of cosmetic dentistry procedures have been created (or improved from former, more archaic, treatments) which has made it possible for us all to have our dream smile.

For patients who suffer from chipped or cracked teeth, there is the option of dental bonding. This involves the application of a composite resin, matching the colour of the existing teeth, which can be applied and hardened to disguise the damage. For more serious cases, patients can now be fitted with the very latest CEREC technology crowns. Made with the aid of 3D computer technology, CEREC crowns are sculpted to microscopic degrees of accuracy from a single piece of pre-matched porcelain, providing the most realistic looking crowns ever produced.

For other patients who have missing teeth, either from decay or from head traumas, there are a variety of options to replace the missing teeth. Dental bridges can be constructed and fitted that can last up to ten years, if cared for correctly. Alternatively, a dental implant, where a crown is secured to the jawbone, can provide the most stable and solid alternative to a real tooth.

Once the teeth have been repaired to look straight and even, there are a multitude of processes that can make them appear whiter. Although home whitening kits are available, it is always recommended to have this procedure carried out by a dentist for safety reasons.

Whatever the nature, or magnitude of problems you may have with your teeth, the latest in cosmetic dentistry will be able to restore or create the appearance of a healthy smile. The new technologies in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible to give you a complete smile makeover with a minimum of pain and stress. Visit a London dentist for advice on which cosmetic procedures could work best for you and treat yourself to the smile you always wanted.

London dentist treats gummy smiles with laser contouring

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Sometimes when a person smiles or talks there is a visible excess of pinkish gum tissue. This excess gum tissue display is more commonly known as a ‘gummy smile’. The most recent figures show that around 7 per cent of men and 14 per cent of women suffer from excess gum display when fully smiling. The condition is associated with a large upper jaw, short upper lip or an increased forward position of the two front teeth.
There are several treatments available for gummy smiles. It is most commonly corrected by periodontal surgery, but other corrective treatments include orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery. In some instances all three are used in combination.
Orthodontic treatment is usually used when the patient is still developing. Lasting one to three years, depending on the severity of the problem and the rate of growth of the patients face, orthodontic treatments are made form ceramic and metal and can either be removable or fixed. The appliances gently apply force to the required area which will lessen the visibility if the gums.
Periodontal surgery usually involves gingival reshaping or gum contouring. By removing some of the excess gum tissue with a laser it will increase the length of the crown and eliminate the gummy smile effect.
Some dentists will also consider repositioning the lips to make the gummy smile less obvious. As with all dental treatments it very much depends on the individual patient. If you think you suffer from a gummy smile consult a London dentist who will be able to inform you of the best methods of treatment.