Cosmetic dentistry offers an array of incredible treatments to restore both the appearance and functionality of the teeth. Even for patients with teeth that are in very poor condition, there are ways to almost completely restore the teeth and create a beautiful smile. In many cases this may involve the process of designing and fitting porcelain veneers.

These are small ceramic caps that are designed to fit over the existing teeth to improve the appearance of uneven, damaged or worn teeth. They are also commonly used for teeth suffering from discolouration. The veneers are cemented in place using dental bonding, which is also coloured white for maximum aesthetic effect.

Porcelain veneers are capable of producing stunning results and transforming the smile and even total appearance of the face. They can last up to twenty years if they are properly cleaned and maintained, with any small adjustment needed being made by your London dentist.

In the past, the process of manufacturing porcelain veneers was quite lengthy, requiring several dental moulds and a number of dental x-rays. However, new technology called Cerec has made possible the design, manufacture and installation of porcelain veneers in just one appointment. This new computer-based technology utilises three-dimensional imaging and digital x-rays to provide the dentist with the necessary tools for this amazing treatment.

Porcelain veneers also have a functional role to play, protecting sometimes very fragile tooth enamel from further exposure. This is especially true in cases of worn enamel where the teeth may be under threat from decay and disease. Porcelain is a very resilient substance, similar to enamel in both structure and appearance.

Sometimes when the teeth are heavily stained or discoloured, scaling and polishing from a City of London dentist is not enough to sufficiently clean them. The teeth will require a more specialised whitening treatment to restore them to a healthier colour. There are many whitening systems on the market each with different advantages and drawbacks but one of the most popular and effective is called Zoom.

Like almost all teeth whitening treatments, Zoom uses hydrogen peroxide applied to teeth in specially designed trays. The peroxide seeps into the tooth enamel gradually bleaching it white and removing any discoloured patches. This will leave the teeth up to ten shades whiter and make you look younger and healthier.

Teeth whitening treatments are available over-the-counter in pharmacies but it is always advised that you have the treatment carried out by a dentist in surgery. This is because there are some risks to the soft tissue in the mouth if used in the wrong concentration and without the necessary safety equipment.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because of the stunning effects it can produce, but also because it is one of the most affordable. Treatments start from as little as sixty pounds for a basic treatment but more lengthy and concentrated treatments are also available. Being happy and comfortable with your smile is very important. Discoloured or stained teeth can really affect your self-esteem and teeth whitening provides a effective and safe answer to this problem.

The procedure does not hurt but some patients find their teeth feel a little sensitive for a few days after whitening. This will pass and can be easily treated with mild painkillers if it becomes a problem. Dentists advise that you avoid hot and cold drinks in the few days after treatment.

Over the last ten years, tooth whitening has become by far and away the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. This is due to it becoming more widely available in the UK, and perhaps more importantly, because it has become more affordable. No longer solely affordable to the very wealthy, it is now possible for almost anybody to experience the benefits of whiter teeth.

One of the most successful tooth whitening treatments is called Enlighten. This uses specially designed trays to apply a special gel to the surface of the enamel. An active ingredient in this gel, called hydrogen peroxide, penetrates the tooth enamel and bleaches it to make it look whiter. With Enlighten it is possible to make the teeth look up to ten shades whiter, which can have quite an impact on the teeth.

Teeth whitening is so popular because of the dramatic improvement it can make to your smile with only a minimal effort. Discoloured or yellowing teeth can make you look a lot older and let’s be honest, discoloured teeth is not a very attractive look for anybody. Your smile is very important to who you are and how others perceive you so it is crucial that you are happy and comfortable with it.

London dentists offer Enlighten tooth whitening from as little as £60 a treatment. For more comprehensive treatment you should expect to pay more but the results possible are simply stunning. If you have ever dreamed of having that radiant Hollywood smile then Enlighten teeth whitening could be just the thing for you.

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to three years if you look after your teeth in the time after treatment. This involves making sure you are brushing and flossing to remove any bacteria or food that could cause discolouration.

When teeth are damaged, either by decay, discolouration or dental trauma, there is often a need to repair them using dental restorations. These come in three main forms:

Dental crowns – These are caps that are placed over the whole part of the tooth above the gum line to protect it form further decay or damage.

Dental veneers – Like crowns, they are placed over the top of the teeth but usually to cover worn enamel or discolouration. Veneers are more often used for cosmetic affect, to restore the appearance of the teeth.

Inlays – These are used when a dental cavity is too big to fill with composite bonding alone.

All three are cemented in place using dental bonding which is then set firm with the heat of a dental laser.

Dental restorations used to be manufactured from ceramic or a mixture of ceramic and metal, and involved a painstaking process in the laboratory. In the last few years, a new technology called Cerec has emerged that has drastically cut down the manufacturing time.

Using the latest digital x-ray technology, the City of London dentist is able to create an image of the patient’s teeth and then produce the restoration on the computer. This information is then sent to a computer–guided mill, which sculpts the ceramic, usually porcelain, form a single piece in a matter of minutes.

This new technology, often referred to as chair-side restoration is changing the face of modern dentistry and offering patients vastly more accurate and speedy treatment. It is now possible to have a crown or veneer designed, manufactured and fitted in one single appointment, an improvement on the average time of two weeks it previously took.

If you have a crown or filling that needs replacing, ask your dentist about the latest Cerec technology and experience for yourself, the future of dentistry.

In the last decade there has been a huge increase in the number of teeth whitening products available. Many of these have become available on an over-the-counter basis for easy and convenient treatment at home.

The most effective of these home treatments try to copy the design of the in-surgery whitening trays used by dentists. They use a hydrogen peroxide based active gel, which comes into contact with the tooth enamel, bleaching discoloured and stained areas to return them to their original colour.

Teeth whitening is an effective treatment to restore the appearance of aesthetically damaged teeth. Teeth that are stained or yellow can make you look a lot older than you actually are. This is because our teeth tend to lose their white colour as we age. Teeth whitening is capable of producing teeth that are ten times whiter than they were originally.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can be effective but it has to be said that treatments performed by dentists in surgery are usually capable of producing more dramatic results. There are also some safety concerns about using peroxide based gels without the necessary safety equipment. London dentists will be able to use the correct safety equipment to keep your soft tissue safe.

Many dentists realise the convenience of home treatments and are now offering take home trays. These are specially designed for your individual teeth and filled with a lower concentration peroxide, so they are safer. These can be worn for several hours during the day or even at night. These can be teamed with in-surgery treatments for a more complete whitening procedure. Ask your dentist for more information about the amazing possibilities of take home teeth whitening.

Teeth discolouration can be a problem for some people causing self-confidence issues and embarrassment but fortunately it is easily treated with modern and effective teeth whitening systems. Everybody suffers from discolouration as teeth naturally lose their colour during your lifetime but it affects some people more than others. Other people suffer from extra discolouration difficulties due to excess fluoride in the water or due to lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking red wine.

Teeth whitening has been used for many years to restore the natural white colour of teeth but in the last few years it has become increasingly affordable and available, and is now offered as a routine procedure at most dentists. Most whitening treatments involve a thorough cleaning of the teeth before applying a whitening gel in a specially modified tray. The tray keeps the gel in contact with the surface of the teeth while simultaneously protecting the soft tissue of the gums and lips.

The active ingredient in whitening gels is usually hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates the stained enamel and bleaches it to restore the colour. This gel can be dangerous to soft tissue in high concentrations so it is advised that any teeth whitening you have is applied or prepared by a professional. Whitening kits bought for home use or from the internet can be dangerous if applied incorrectly.

Whitening can have a dramatic impact on a person’s appearance. Because whiter teeth are associated with youth, even subtle whitening can make you appear younger. Whitening usually takes a few treatments to show visible results but once whitened the effects can last for up to three years. City of London dentists offer teeth whitening for all patients with all budgets.

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.

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.

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.

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.