Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile, please call our friendly reception team who will arrange a consultation with one of our dentists to design an individual treatment plan that will suit your needs.
Tooth Whitening
What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening is a cosmetic procedure for lightening the colour of teeth which can be cause by teeth naturally discolour with age and ‘yellowing’ or ‘greying’ is common as we get older, this is why tooth whitening can make you look younger. Other common causes of tooth discolouration are drinks such as coffee and red wine, foods such as curries and smoking.
Who can benefit from Tooth Whitening?
Most people will benefit from tooth whitening. Existing crowns and veneers will not be lightened, but old restorations can be replaced if they look dark after the treatment is completed. Discolouration on some teeth may not respond as well as others, and some can take longer or be more difficult to treat. when you have the first consultation appointment, your dentist will advise on the most suitable techniques for your teeth, the timescale and the expected results. Tooth whitening is not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or allergic to plastic or peroxide.
Can whitening toothpastes replace whitening treatments?
Whitening toothpastes are not substitute for professional tooth whitening. Although they may effectively remove stains, they cannot affect the natural shade of teeth. They are helpful, however, for maintaining the appearance of professionally whitened teeth.
What is involved in the whitening process?
There are two main techniques which can be used separately or in combination, depending on individual requirements and preferences. The most popular technique is home bleaching where you will usually need to wear some trays loaded with gel a couple of times a day for up to 2 weeks. The other technique involves a stronger gel which is applied to your teeth in the treatment room. Chairside whitening can give you dramatic results. it is possible to combine the two techniques to intensify the effects.
Are there any side effects?
Sensitivity during treatment or for a few days after is the most frequently reported side effect. If this happens it usually disappears of its own accord soon after the treatment has stopped and can be eased by using a sensitive toothpaste or fluoride mouthwash.
Bridges & Dentures
Dentures or bridges can be used for a number of reasons, including:
- If you have a missing tooth/teeth;
- You wish to improve the overall appearance of your mouth;
- You want to improve your ability to bite and chew;
- You want to have a longer lasting solution for your dental needs.
A denture is a removable prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dentures are usually made out of acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal (Cobalt Chrome). Depending on your dental needs you may require a partial denture to replace some missing teeth or a complete denture to replace all-natural teeth on the upper, lower or both. Having a good set of dentures will enable you to, speak, eat, drink better and can often improve a person’s appearance.
After an initial consultation or examination subsequent visits to the dental practice will include taking dental impressions, bite registration, fitting and reviews.
Bridges, like dentures, are designed to replace a missing tooth or teeth although they are not removable like dentures are. Bridges are a great option for those who don’t want the hassle of a removable prosthesis.
Crowns
Crowns are used where there is too much of your tooth missing to use a simple filling. The crown, or cap, is made in a laboratory and made specifically for you so will ordinarily take 2 visits to your dentist to complete.
During the first visit your dentist will prepare the tooth under a local anaesthetic and take an impression of your teeth which will be sent to the laboratory.
At the end of the first visit your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown until you next visit at which point the crown will be fitted using dental cement.
There are a wide variety of crowns available and your dentist will discuss with you the options most suited to you.
Implants
Dental implants are the perfect solution if you have a missing tooth or teeth and are looking for an alternative solution to wearing dentures. They both offer a smile that looks and feels natural and are widely regarded as the next best thing to natural teeth.
A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone and is used to support one or more false teeth. They are a very aesthetic method of inserting a false tooth and the vast majority of implants can last for up to 15 years.
Implants are a private treatment however the cost is largely dependent upon your individual requirements and the materials you choose to use. Your dentist is able to provide a full quotation and timetable for a treatment during the initial consultation.
We refer our implant patients to our sister practice Manor Dental Practice in Bath where Dr. Linda Reithofer-Taylor offers both simple and complex dental implant solutions, from single tooth replacement to complete mouth reconstructions and restorations.
For more information please speak to your dentist or to reception.
Orthodontic Treatments
Six Month Smiles
Portway Dental Surgery is now offering the innovative, new short-term orthodontic system, six-month smiles. Many adults spend the majority of their lives hiding their smile and teeth when they are eating or talking. If you are one of those people then we have just the solution for you!
So, what is so good about 6 Month Smiles?
Discreet – Tooth coloured wires means that 6 Month Smiles is barely visible.
Quick – Patient’s see an average treatment time of just 6 months.
Reasonably Priced – 6 Month Smiles is cheaper than many orthodontic systems on the market and we offer you the added bonus of 0% finance which can make your treatment cost just a couple of pounds a day!
Prices start from just £2950
Smile Makeover
Being unhappy with the appearance of our smile can really affect your self-esteem. A smile makeover can help you to regain your confidence and be proud of your smile once again.
A smile makeover involves using different cosmetic treatments to improve the overall look of your smile.
Usually it will combine techniques such as veneers, bridges, whitening and tooth coloured fillings to achieve the desired outcome. Your dentist will discuss the options available and help you to decide which treatments are best for you. An individual step-by-step treatment plan will then be put together to ensure that all your requirements are met.
Veneers
For patients who want a dramatic smile makeover within a short period of time, porcelain laminate veneers can be an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments such as braces.
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment which can be used to improve the overall appearance of your front teeth whether they are broken, worn, discoloured or out of place. They can be used to improve the shape of your teeth and even to straighten them up without the requirement for lengthy orthodontic treatment.
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain (or sometimes a composite material may be used) made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. They are similar to a crown but do not require as much preparation of the tooth as they only cover one surface.
By choosing a veneer to improve your smile you are able to take control over the shape and the shade of your teeth. Your dentist will work with you to design your new veneers enabling you to have the opportunity to create the perfect smile you have always wanted.
Ceramic Fillings
Dental fillings are used to replace missing areas in the tooth’s structure to due to breakages or caries. Once the decayed portion of the tooth is removed the dentist will fill the area with either or a number of different materials. With a white filling you will have the peace of mind that the filling not only looks great but also functions like the original tooth.
Composite or ‘tooth coloured’ fillings
These are fillings made from a mixture of materials including powdered glass and ceramic added to a resin base. These fillings are very popular because their colour can be well matched to your natural tooth colour making them almost unnoticeable.
Ceramic fillings
This type of filling, often made of porcelain is usually used on larger cavities and are often stronger and more durable. They are normally more expensive as they have to be carefully crafted by a dental technician, although they are very strong and will usually last for a long time.
