London cosmetic dentistry

Posts Tagged ‘Teeth Whitening’

Eliminate discolouration with teeth whitening from City of London dentist

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

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.

Whiten teeth with custom made bleaching trays from City of London dentist

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whiter teeth make people seem younger and more attractive, as losing their natural colour is one of the signs aging. Whitening used to be a very expensive treatment that was unavailable to most patients but as the procedure has become more available it has also become more affordable.

Whitening works in two ways. Firstly, the teeth are cleaned, removing any material or stains that can be cleaned to make the teeth seem whiter. However, many stains occur when foodstuff or liquid penetrate the enamel of the tooth. This cannot be removed by cleaning but can be bleached white using hydrogen peroxide gels. Although these kinds of bleaching kits are available to buy in shops or on the internet, City of London dentists advise that you always have whitening procedures carried out in surgery. This is because the hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous to soft tissue when used in high concentration. Dentists will be able to use the necessary safety equipment to avoid any contact with soft tissue.

This may often involve the manufacture of a custom made bleaching tray designed to fit exactly over the patient’s teeth, applying the active gel to the required area but keeping the soft tissue safe. These bleaching trays can also be used for lower concentration treatment at home, often worn over night for maximum contact with the teeth. The peroxide filters into the tooth enamel bleaching it white and making the teeth look a healthy and natural white. Tooth whitening is available in many different formats as there are many treatments available and will be more effective for some than others but ultimately it will lighten teeth and make them appear more healthy.

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.

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.

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.

Affordable teeth whitening from City of London dentist

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

We all want to have the beautiful and dazzling smile of our favourite movie star but the common misconception is that teeth whitening is prohibitively expensive. In fact, teeth whitening is the most affordable of all the cosmetic dental practices and there is a treatment for you no matter how small your budget.

Everybody is affected by the gradual discolouration of teeth; it’s just one of those unfortunate circumstances of aging. So, that favourite actor or singer of yours with the sparkling teeth has almost certainly had them whitened. Because whiter teeth subconsciously make people appear younger it can be one of the most effective of all the cosmetic procedures but it is no longer solely for those with a celebrity sized bank account.

Teeth whitening is the fastest growing and most popular procedure offered by cosmetic dentists and with treatments starting at just £40 it is easy to see why. Obviously more expensive treatments are available but they are all effective to some degree.

It is important to remember though, that even though it is possible to buy whitening kits from the internet, it is always advisable to have the procedure carried out by a trained dentist. City of London dentists can white teeth effectively and safely using the necessary equipment. Because the whitening ingredient used is hydrogen peroxide there is some danger of burning soft tissue if used incorrectly. Dentists can also prepare lower concentration take-home kits for increased results.

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.

Teeth whitened with Enlighten from Central London dentist

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

As we grow older our teeth are more prone to discolouration. It affects some people more than others but the inevitable fact is that your teeth will look less white as time goes on. Over the last twenty years, the introduction of teeth whitening has meant that this gradual discolouration can be halted and even reversed. These procedures could be prohibitively costly and need to be performed by a dental professional. However, with the introduction of the Enlighten home whitening kit, it is now possible to perform the whitening at home in safety.

Teeth become stained because a filmy substance called pellicle builds up on the enamel of the teeth. Over time this gradually begins to stain the enamel. The pellicle film can be removed by brushing, but once the enamel begins to get stained it is not possible to remove it with conventional cleaning methods. Certain foods are far more likely to cause teeth staining than others. For example, red wine and coffee are two of the worst offenders. Smoking is also particularly bad for teeth, leaving yellow/brown stain marks on the teeth.

When these stains have penetrated the enamel layers of the tooth, whitening becomes the only option to return them to their natural white colour. Whitening usually involves bleaching the stained teeth. The chemicals in the bleach cause a chemical reaction that breaks down the materials that cause the discolouration. Enlighten uses hydrogen peroxide, which has long been used as a tooth whitening substance. Putting the Enlighten gel in a specially designed tray which can then be worn over night or for a few hours each day over a couple of weeks, can lighten teeth by up to ten shades.

Unlike some other home whitening kits, Enlighten gel is specially designed to reduce the risk of sensitivity, a common side effect of teeth whitening procedures. A Central London dentist will be able to talk you through the Enlighten whitening system and provide you with the necessary equipment to get whiter teeth at home.

London dentist whitens teeth with Zoom whitening system

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Just as our hair turns grey over the years, our teeth will inevitably begin to lose some of their natural colour, no matter how well we look after them. Eating and drinking certain foods, especially red wine and coffee, and smoking tobacco products will speed up this process but it will inevitably happen to us al, regardless of lifestyle. However, there is something you can do to slow down and even reverse the process of staining. Zoom teeth whitening is the very latest in tooth whitening, a process that has existed for some time but has often been very hit and miss at best.

Tooth whitening in the past has often produced underwhelming results, with some patients noticing little if any difference, but as dental technology advances, new tooth whitening systems prove to be more effective. Zoom is at the forefront of this new wave, with its special ‘Zoom Advanced Power’ lamp which heats and then activates the whitening gel. This stimulates the gel and increases the rate of the whitening process. This is a major advantage as some whitening systems can involve lengthy treatments to yield results.

Your London dentist will be able to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the Zoom treatment. It is not suitable for use on pregnant women, patients undergoing cancer treatment or patients on certain forms of medication. If you are not suitable your dentist will be able to suggest a good alternative.

For some patients, the Zoom treatment is immediately effective, but for others they may need additional sessions to provide the desired results. It really depends on the levels of staining. Once treated, some patients opt to have top-up treatments regularly, while others use less powerful home-whitening kits. It is always important to consult your dentist before using any whitening system at home as some can contain dangerous chemicals. Having the Zoom treatment performed by your dentist will be safer, and more effective because the dentist will be able to use a more concentrated gel.

If you think your teeth could do with some restorative whitening, ask your London dentist about the Zoom whitening system

Lodon dentist makes smile sparkle by teeth whitening

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

Teeth whitening is the process of improving the colour of the teeth by removing stains and discolouration or by bleaching them to make them appear whiter. Most dentist practices will offer an in-surgery whitening procedure or take-home whitening kits with specially made trays. Both of these procedures use a peroxide bleaching agent of varying strength (between 3 and 30 per cent) depending on the level of bleaching needed. While greater strengths of peroxide may make the teeth appear whiter it may also cause some damage to the teeth and gums around it, so often it peroxide is used in smaller strengths.

When performing in-surgery whitening procedures the dentist may use protective equipment to cover the gums and lips. This will enable them to use a greater strength of peroxide without the risk of burning the soft tissue. Home whitening kits generally use smaller strength peroxide but some kits bought off the internet may be stronger than recommended, so it is always advised to consult your dentist.

Whitening procedures have different results for different people. Some patients respond very well to whitening procedures where as others may notice little if any difference to their teeth. It often depends on the whitening system being used.

While for some people tooth whitening is completely painless, most people complain of some mild pain experienced in the 48 hours after the procedure. The most common complaint is of sporadic shooting pains coming from individual teeth, roughly like the pain associated with sensitive teeth. Your dentist may be able to apply a gel or mousse to help with the sensitivity.

Teeth whitening is becoming a more and more common dental procedure. The cost will vary according to which whitening system you are using, who is performing the procedure and where it is taking place. A London dentist can talk with you about the cost and likely success of teeth whitening. Remember, always consult a dentist before attempting any whitening procedure yourself.