Tooth whitening is the way to a brighter smile!  It's the least invasive dental treatment that can change your smile and make you feel more positive and increase your self-esteem.

Appearance is important to all of us and we realise that our mouths and our smiles are the focus of considerable attention, as we go through our daily routines.

If we feel good about our appearance, we feel good ourselves. These good feelings in turn result in better relationships with those around us.

Q. What is tooth whitening?

A. Tooth whitening is a process of lightening the colour of teeth. The solutions employed have been used in dentistry for many years.

The whitening process is most effective on mildly discoloured teeth. Darker stains such as those caused by antibiotics, take longer to respond to treatment. The degree of whitening will vary from patient to patient, depending on the structure of the tooth and the duration of the time and system used. Grey teeth take longer to respond.

Q. What causes tooth discolouration?

A. Some teeth are naturally too pigmented or stained as they develop.

Exposure to tea, coffee, juices, wines, colas, or tobacco accounts for much of the darkening as we age.

Tooth discolouration sometimes happens from mineral antibiotics or an excess of fluoride as taken internally during tooth development.

Old fillings, tooth nerve damage, or trauma to teeth can account for darkening.

Q. What is 'Home bleaching'?

A. The technique utilizes a vacuum formed plastic device, called a tray that holds the gel in contact with your teeth. The tray is worn for about 3-4 hours per day for 3-4 weeks. Some people may need periodic re-bleaching or 'touch-up' treatments for one or two nights every six to twelve months.

The results are very stable but take longer to achieve than power bleaching. For best results, we recommend a combination of the two systems.

Q. What is 'Power bleaching'?

A. A rubber dam is placed over your teeth to protect the gums. A bleaching gel is placed on the teeth. An intense light that generates a small amount of heat is directed at the teeth. Oxygen from the solution enters the enamel and bleaches the coloured substance. The colour of the tooth is made lighter and brighter.

The process takes approximately an hour, and the results are seen at the first appointment. Darker stained teeth may require multiple appointments.

Q. Are there any side effects?

Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold after treatment. This is only temporary. There may be white lines at the gum lines with soreness or ulceration. These symptoms disappear within 1-3 days after stopping or completion of treatment.

Disclaimer

The eye can deceive and we cannot guarantee that the colour change that takes place in your teeth will answer your aesthetic concerns about your appearance.

Bleaching can be the start of a dental education process, which can lead to more dentistry being indicated or appropriate.

It is likely that existing plastic or tooth coloured restorations will change in appearance, and become unsatisfactory in this respect.

 

Q. What are dental veneers used for?

A. Dental veneers, particularly porcelain veneer, has become an increasingly popular aesthetic restoration method used to modify the appearance of anterior teeth.

Veneers can be a solution for:

• Severely discoloured or chipped teeth;
• Misshapen or crooked teeth;
• Teeth with small holes or pits;
• Teeth with unwanted or uneven spaces.

Q. How do they work?

A. Tooth preparation is required to provide the best cosmetic and functional result with porcelain veneers. To create the veneer itself, a thin shell of porcelain is applied directly to the tooth structure.

The colour of porcelain veneers can be matched to the colour of a patient's teeth. And because dental veneers are made of porcelain, a glassy composition, they are resistant to staining. Porcelain veneers reflect light in a similar way as tooth enamel, and can be buffed and shaped to look just like natural teeth.

Q. How long does it take?

A. The entire process consists of 2-3 visits and can be broken down as follows:

The first appointment consists of a consultation, where the dentist will discuss the process with you, and pre-operative photographs and models will be taken. During this initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss how you want your final smile to look.

During the second appointment, the tooth will be prepared for the veneer. Here some of the tooth tissue will be reduced to accommodate for the small added thickness of the veneer. You will then be given temporary veneers which must be worn until the permanent veneers are ready for you.

The permanent veneers are first placed onto the teeth without cementation to verify the perfect fit and the colour, upon your third appointment. Once it is to your satisfaction the veneer is bonded with adhesive cements.

Q. What are the benefits of getting dental veneers?

A. Porcelain veneers have become very popular because they are natural looking, durable, and long-lasting, and there is a very short recovery time.

Q. What types of Veneers are there?

A. Composite Resin Veneers, also known as direct veneers, can usually be applied to your teeth within one dental visit.

The procedure involves an application of a composite resin material directly to the tooth surface. The dentist sculpts the resin material to fit the desired shape of your tooth and it typically lasts between 5-7 years.

Porcelain Veneers, also known as indirect veneers, are made of a very thin porcelain material. This procedure requires three visits to the dentist at 1-2 weeks apart and typically last 10-15+ years.

 

Q. What is orthodontic treatment?

A. Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of the teeth, gums, and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.

Q. Why should I have Orthodontic Treatment?

A. Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can not only improve their appearance but also the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean.

For some patients, the upper front teeth can stick out and look unsightly. These 'prominent' teeth are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment can move them back into line. In others, the way the upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment may be able to correct both.

When the teeth don't meet correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and in some cases headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.

Q. At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?

A. Orthodontic treatment is generally best carried out in children, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too - and increasingly are doing. Age is less important than having the proper number of teeth. In children, it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.

It's never too late to have a beautiful smile.

Q. Who carries out orthodontics?

A. Treatment is best carried out by a dentist who has undertaken further training in orthodontic treatment.

Q. What does it involve?

A. The most important thing is to have a full examination. This will usually involve looking at your teeth, taking x-rays and making plaster models of your teeth.

Your dentist or orthodontist will then discuss what treatment is possible. Once you are sure you want to go ahead, the treatment can begin as soon as you have enough permanent teeth.

Q. Will I need to have teeth taken out to make room?

A. You may not have enough room for all your permanent teeth and so it may be necessary to take out some permanent teeth to make space. Your dentist will tell you whether this is the case. Sometimes space can be created using other forms of treatment.

Q. How is treatment carried out?

A. Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts of appliances, which most people know as 'braces'.

Q. What is a removable appliance?

A. Simple treatment may be carried out with a removable appliance (a plate that can be taken out to be cleaned). It has delicate wires and springs attached, which move the teeth using gentle pressure.

Q. What is a functional appliance?

A. It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow, using orthodontic appliances. These functional appliances use the power of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problem

Q. What are the Invisalign - Invisible Braces?

A. The Invisalign Braces is a new way of achieving a beautiful smile invisibly. The system is comprised of several different invisible methods that we use in conjunction with clear positioners. The clear positioners are wafer thin and made of a transparent medical grade plastic. These are excellent at straightening out overlapping, crooked or gapped teeth.

Q. What is a fixed appliance?

A. Often, teeth need to be guided more accurately than they can be using a removable plate. So fixed appliances are used. These have brackets and bands temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. It is not possible for the patient to take the appliance out and so it is called a fixed appliance.

Q. What are the brackets made of?

A. Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Plastic and ceramic can be used, especially for adults. You cannot generally get these braces on the NHS.

Q. How long will it take?

A. The length of treatment depends on how severe the problem is, and may take anything from a few months to two and a half years. Most people can be treated in one to two years.

Q. What happens when the teeth are in the right position?

A. When treatment is finished the teeth need to be held in position for a time. This period is called retention, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers.

The retainers hold newly straightened teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. The retainers can be removable or fixed depending on the original problem.

Q. How many visits will it take?

A. Orthodontic appliances usually need adjusting every 4 to 6 weeks. Your orthodontist will tell you how often your appliance will need adjusting.

Q. Will it hurt?

A. All appliances may feel strange to begin with and can cause discomfort. If the problem doesn't go away the orthodontist may be able to carry out adjustments to help. Teeth are usually uncomfortable immediately after adjustment but this will settle.

Q. How successful will it be?

A. Success depends on a partnership between the skills of the orthodontist, and the enthusiasm and help of patient and parents. It is important to attend regularly and carry out any instructions given by the orthodontist.

The success of the treatment also depends on the commitment of the patient. For children's orthodontic treatment it is very important that the patient is as keen as the parent.

Q. Is orthodontic work permanent?

A. Even after retention, it is normal for minor tooth movements to happen throughout life, so no permanent guarantee can be given. However, it is unusual for teeth to alter enough to need further treatment.

Q. How do I care for my brace and teeth?

A. It is important to continue to have your teeth checked by your dentist while having orthodontic treatment. You also need to take extra care of your teeth and mouth:

1. Clean your teeth carefully every day, including between your teeth where you can. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to show you the special techniques to use depending on the appliance you are wearing.

2. Keep sugary foods and drinks to a minimum. Avoid 'snacking' with foods or drinks containing sugar, especially fizzy drinks. Your dentist will help. Also, sticky, and hard foods may damage the delicate orthodontic appliances.

3. Always use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Your dentist or may recommend a fluoride toothpaste or application for you to use.

Q. Can orthodontics damage my teeth?

A. Your teeth can be damaged if they are not properly looked after during treatment. Appliances will not in themselves cause damage, but poor cleaning and too many sugary drinks and snacks can cause permanent damage.

Q. Can I have orthodontic treatment on the NHS?

A. We offer a FREE NHS initial examination and assessment to all children under the age of 18 years. If the patient satisfies the NHS criteria then they will be offered treatment under the NHS. Treatment will be available to those that have moderately severe to severe problems.

Examinations and treatments for adults over the age of 18 years will be offered on a private fee paying basis. We find that our patients often prefer private care due to the vast flexibility, providing the patient with a choice of all treatments and materials available, and allowing treatment to begin almost immediately.

Patients have greater control over decision making on treatment and techniques and can opt for tooth coloured brackets to improve the appearance of the appliance.

Private Orthodontic treatment is available with a variety of payment plans that average £100 per month of treatment

Q. What is botulinum toxin or Botox?

A. Botulinum toxin has been used for over 25 years and is a type of purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is very safe and is injected directly into facial muscles in very tiny amounts during treatment.

Q. How does it work?

A. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the facial muscles that have been injected. This makes the muscles less active and therefore softens and smooths the appearance of persistent lines and wrinkles

Q. How many treatments will I need?

A. In most cases patients can see a real difference after one treatment. This is because botulinum toxin works gradually, smoothing, and softening lines and wrinkles for up to 4 months. Every face is unique, of course, and we will advise you on how many treatments you are likely to need and how often, depending on the results you'd like to achieve.

Q. How long does Botulinum Toxin work for?

A. The effects of botulinum toxin often last up to 4 months depending on the patient. If you decide to stop treatment, any permanent lines and wrinkles will gradually return.

Q. Is the treatment painful?

A. It is very rare for treatment with botulinum toxin to be painful. Most patients experience a feeling of slight discomfort if at all during the treatment itself but that's all. Rest assured we will talk you through what to expect before your first injection, so you'll be fully prepared prior to treatment.

Q. I'm worried that I'll end up with a "Trout Pout"

A. Rest assured following an extensive assessment, we aim to meet your expectations being mindful not to over contour the lips. In this way, we avoid over bulking out this sensitive area.

Q. Can I go back to work after the procedure?

A. With botulinum toxin injections at worst you will have some redness which will subside after a few hours. Following Dermal Filler injections of the mouth area or nose to mouth area you may experience temporary mild bruising and swelling so you may decide not to return to work that day.