London cosmetic dentistry

Posts Tagged ‘dental bonding’

Versatile dental bonding from central London dentist

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry tool that is used to repair the appearance of damaged or discoloured teeth. It is widely used because of its affordability and versatility in restoring the cosmetic appearance of teeth.

The bonding is made of a resin that can be mixed skilfully to closely resemble the exact colour of the existing teeth. This makes it ideal for repairing small chips and cracks and also as a cement for attaching veneers, crowns and dental inlays. Bonding can also be used to fill dental cavities and is increasingly being preferred to the old, controversial silver-amalgam fillings. Bonding can also be used to cover teeth that have been stained or discoloured due to age or lifestyle as an alternative to the more costly porcelain veneers.

The application of dental bonding usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and is relatively straightforward. Teeth are etched and roughened using a very diluted acid, this gives the surface and extra grip before it is cleaned and ready for bonding. The Central London dentist will then apply the bonding, sculpting it to the desired shape. Intense heat is then used to set the bonding hard making it very tough and resilient.

Dental bonding is very affordable and effective, which explains why it is very popular with both dentists and patients and usually costs between £30 and £100 per tooth. Bonding will last anything between 4 and 10 years but will usually lean towards the longer end of that timescale.

Ashamed of your discoloured teeth? Try dental veneers from a Central London dentist

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Patients with very badly discoloured teeth are very often ashamed of their condition, which can severely affect self-confidence and undermine self-esteem. It can cause a reluctance to smile or even be in social situations for fear of being noticed but there are several things you could do to improve their appearance.

Cosmetic bonding and teeth whitening are two options for whitening discoloured teeth. Teeth whitening can be dramatic but it can also be fairly ineffectual depending on the condition of your teeth. Dental bonding covers discolouration but can look unrealistic and uneven. By far the most dramatic and successful way to restore the appearance of white teeth is to use dental veneers.

Veneers are porcelain tooth caps that are cemented over the top of original teeth. They can be made from porcelain that compliments your facial tones and are incredibly thin to retain the translucent appearance of tooth enamel. Some of the latest veneers available on the market are as thin as a contact lens and require little or no enamel preparation prior to fixing.

Modern technology has made it possible to design and fit a set of veneers in only one appointment with a Central London dentist making it possible to have a smile you can be proud of the very same day. Veneers vary in price depending on the nature and quality of treatment but can you really put a price on a beautiful smile.

Easier than you think? – Dental crown placement from London dentist

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Sometimes, when teeth are damaged to such an extent, they cannot be repaired using ordinary dental bonding and this can put the patient at risk of further pain and damage. On these occasions it is necessary to protect the integral structure of the tooth using a dental crown. In the past dentists have been more reluctant to use crowns for several reasons. Firstly, because they took so long to make (up to three weeks) and even then were often poorly fitting. Secondly, they required the removal of otherwise healthy enamel to be able to fit over the top of the damaged tooth, which was an irreversible procedure. However, with the advent of certain modern technology, dental crowns are now a lot easier to fit than you might have thought.

More and more London dentists are using CAD/CAM technology. This stands for computer aided design/computer aided manufacture and has revolutionised the crown making and fitting process. Dentists are now able to use 3D cameras and digital x-rays to create an exact image of the patients mouth on a computer. They can then use this image to design a perfectly fitting crown before instructing the computer-guided mill to sculpt the new crown from a single piece of porcelain. As if this wasn’t impressive enough, it can take as little as six minutes to mill a new crown from a single block of porcelain. This technology has addressed the time factor of dental crowns and it also has a solution for the enamel removal problem. Because the new crown is carved from a single piece of porcelain it is very structurally strong and therefore very thin. This means that far less, if any, enamel needs removing prior to fitting a new crown.

The results possible using this new technology are astonishing. Porcelain can be chosen to match the exact colour of the patient’s teeth so that the crown looks incredibly real. If you are suffering with damaged teeth but have always been put off by the idea of a crown, maybe it’s time you took another look.

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.

Porcelain crown from Central London dentist saves tooth

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

When a tooth is chipped, cracked or broken, either by a sporting injury or other accident, the dentist will first attempt to repair the damage using composite resin dental bonding. However, if the tooth is damaged too severely, to preserve the tooth, there is little option but to fit a porcelain crown. This involves constructing a porcelain copy of the tooth to cap the damaged one. Crowns are also known as caps or veneers for this reason. A porcelain crown can preserve the integrity of the broken tooth, which can help to preserve its functionality.

Crowns are not only used to repair damaged or broken teeth. Because of advances in their construction and appearance they are increasingly being used for cosmetic purposes. Patients with badly stained or discoloured teeth, spacing issues or worn down teeth can now have porcelain crowns fitted to restore their natural appearance.

In the past, crowns have been made from other materials and have often looked unrealistic or fake. They have also been very difficult to fabricate, often taking weeks of laboratory work. With the introduction of computer aided design and manufacture, porcelain crowns can now be designed, manufactured and fitted in one appointment with the dentist in as little as an hour. By using 3D imaging the dentist can create an extremely accurate crown which will be milled by the computer, according to the exact specifications, from a single piece of porcelain in under twenty minutes.

Further advances in crown technology have produced crowns that are incredibly thin, which still maintain their strength. Some crowns can be as thin as a contact lens and require minimum removal of enamel to fit, something that dentists have been reluctant to do in the past. Some new crowns are so thin they can even be fitted over existing dental work.

Porcelain crowns are very versatile dental appliances that thanks to improvements in dental technology can be an incredibly realistic substitute for a real tooth. Because they are made from porcelain they can be very strong and help to preserve a broken tooth that may very well have been lost in other circumstances. If you are suffering from a broken tooth, or any form of cosmetic problem that could benefit form veneers, ask your Central London dentist if they could be suitable for you.

Your London Dentist Can Provide Dental Bonding Services

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

Even though you may care about your appearance now, there will come a time in your life when it will be even more important. Regardless of whether you are getting married, or you want to look your best during the last of your prime years, dental bonding procedures can be an important part of your makeover. Today, your London dentist can combine dental bonding, gum contouring, veneers, and many other procedures to give you a movie star quality smile.

Interestingly enough, a gummy smile can also be treated with dental bonding. Depending on your bite pattern, it may be possible to use resin and other materials to make your teeth longer. At the same time, if the extra gum tissue creates gaps between your teeth, dental bonding can be used to fill those gaps in.

You may also have some purely functional reasons for having dental bonding procedures. In particular, if you have a cracked tooth or exposed roots, dental bonding can strengthen the tooth, as well as alleviate all the suffering that occurs with these conditions. As may be expected, if you have a chipped tooth, the bonded material will also help restore its natural shape.

Individuals that practice good oral hygiene and visit their dentist often may still have discoloured teeth, as well as suffer from all kinds of injuries. This, in turn, can create situation where resin and other dental bonding materials can be used to restore one or more teeth to their original strength and shape. If you have broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, you should not hesitate to see your dentist and have them taken care of. At the same time, if you have always dreamed of having perfect teeth, this will also be an opportunity to have certain cosmetic issues addressed.

Get Fluorosis Treatment and Advice from Your Central London Dentist

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Dental fluorosis is the result of a high consumption of fluorides during tooth development. This occurs in some areas of the world where the fluoride levels in the soil and drinking water are very high. The result is teeth that are hypomineralized, porous, brittle, and hypocalcified. In some cases, these teeth are very unaesthetic. Your Central London dentist can provide help for your dental fluorosis. Bleaching the teeth hasn’t been very successful, so your dentist may opt to apply dental bondings are porcelain veneers. Your Central London dentist will clean your teeth with pumice, etch your teeth, apply an unfilled resin, and then bond your teeth. Depending on the region of the world and the amount of fluoride exposure, your teeth can have a very abnormal surface and vary in colour from yellow to grey. Some patients may only want to try bleaching to remove the discolouration. If the tooth surface is pitted or uneven, it is best to try to smooth the surfaces of the teeth affected so that they won’t pick up extra dental plaque and result in dental caries. There are varying levels of fluorosis, and you should visit your Central London dentist to determine the level of treatment you will require for your desired results. Also, smoking, drinking coffee and tea, and eating dark coloured foods will stain these teeth.

Dental Bonding Offered At London Dental Clinic

Saturday, November 15th, 2008

London dentists have many years experience performing dental bonding procedures. They will recommend dental bonding to restore your front teeth that have dental decay or damage, to improve the look of your teeth, and to also correct minor misalignments and spaces between teeth. Your London dentist may also use dental bonding to cover-up exposed tooth roots that occur during gum recession. When your dentist performs the bonding procedure, minimal tooth structure is usually removed or the enamel is just roughened to accept the bonding material. Many times, dental bonding can be performed without numbing the mouth, unless decay has to be removed from the tooth.

You and your London dentist will pick the right shade for your teeth from a shade guide to match your other teeth, unless you want your teeth whitened. The tooth surfaces to be bonded will be roughed with a dental drill, and than an etching solution will be used to denature any organic material on the tooth/teeth. Next, your teeth will be rinsed with water and dried thoroughly. A liquid resin material will then be applied to your teeth, and a special light source will be used to help the material set on your teeth. The bonding material will then be placed onto your teeth, and again set up using the same light source. The dental bonding material will then be shaped using dental drills and polished stones and rubber points. Dental bonding does not take a long time, and can be completed in one visit. Your London dentists and their staff will then teach you how to care for your new dental bonding.

London Dentists Offer Cosmetic Dentistry

Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

Many different cosmetic dental procedures are offered in London. When you may walk into the London Dental Clinic you may have already decided what type of cosmetic dental treatment you want, and may even have a picture of a beautiful smile with you. The first time you see your London dentist, you two will have a conversation about what you want done with your teeth and smile. The dentist will then take a look in your mouth, and you two will talk further. There are many procedures that can be performed, and your dentist will tell you which one is best. It may be the same one that you had in mind, or the dentist may suggest a different procedure. The dentist will explain to you why your chosen procedure will work or won’t work, and then tell you what can be done for you.
There are many different types of cosmetic procedures that can be performed, and these include: Teeth whitening (in-office and at-home), bonding, porcelain veneers, Lumineers, dental crowns, dental bridges, and implants for missing teeth. All of these procedures are available at your London Dental Clinic. If you want to go a step further with your consultation, your dentist with perform a complete dental exam, take the appropriate dental X-rays, take impressions of your teeth for study models, and take some digital photographs of your mouth. The dentist will place white wax on the study models and/or show you your photographs on the computer, and then alter the photographs to show you the results that can be achieved. Depending on both your time and the dentist’s time, some procedures can be immediately performed, while with others, you may need some dental appointments scheduled. Your London dentist will design the cosmetic procedures specifically for you and your dental needs.