Cosmetic Dentistry Options for a Brighter, More Confident Smile

Teeth Whitening: Brighten Your Smile

This is a quick and easy way to improve your smile confidence. You will have seen all sorts of tooth whitening products available on the high street, such as toothpastes and strips. Whitening toothpastes will remove some surface stains but aren’t as effective as a trip to the hygienist and do-it-yourself strips can be dangerous for your teeth and gums.

The first thing you should do if you’re considering tooth whitening is to have a consultation first. You’ll find out just what’s involved and your dentist will talk to you honestly about results you can expect as well as any potential complications based on the current health of your teeth. You also have the security of knowing that a qualified dental practitioner will only use legal, controlled chemicals deemed safe by all regulatory bodies. No risk of permanent damage to your enamel. And no burnt and blistered gums.

Treatments to consider:

• In-surgery whitening treatment: we use Philips ZOOM professional that can make teeth up to five or six shades lighter in just 45 minutes. Your colleagues will be pleasantly surprised when you return to work after your lunch break!
• At-home whitening treatment: we have two at-home teeth whitening treatments: Carbamide Peroxide which allows for longer contact time, making it ideal for night-time wear; and Hydrogen Peroxide which has a much shorter wear time (starting at 30mins) so perfect for day-time whitening.

Dental Veneers: Perfecting Your Smile

Veneers are custom-made thin mouldings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They quickly and effectively cover stained, chipped, crooked or misshapen teeth, and can also cover gaps if orthodontic work isn’t possible.

They are available in porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and reflect light just like natural teeth. They are stronger and harder wearing than composite, and that is reflected in the price. Composite veneers provide a more cost-effective solution though may need replacing sooner than porcelain.

Discuss veneers as an option with your dentist who will also explain how they work – for example, there will be lasting alteration to your natural teeth because the enamel needs to be filed down in order to fit veneers.

Orthodontic Solutions for Smile Enhancement

If you’re unhappy with your smile because your teeth are crooked, braces could be a good solution – they’re not just for teenagers! They are highly effective at realigning your teeth, often with no need for surgical intervention. You could choose traditional metal or ceramic braces that are fixed to your teeth for a certain amount of time. We also offer Lingual braces which sit undetected behind the teeth rather than stuck to the front. Or speak to us about Invisalign which are clear teeth aligners that are less noticeable than traditional braces but just as effective at realigning your teeth. You can also read a bit more about Invisalign here.

Dental Crowns

Just like veneers, crowns are custom-made to your teeth. Made from porcelain, they are like caps that encase the whole tooth and restore it to its original size and shape. Dental crowns are ideal for broken teeth or damaged or decayed teeth that can’t be restored using any other method.

Cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile can have an enormous impact, psychologically as well as physically. If you are less than happy with your teeth when you smile, book in with us for a free Smile Assessment. We can discuss options with you, consider the treatment that will work best for you and your lifestyle, and the outcome you hope to achieve. We’ll work with you so you’re ready to face the world again with your best smile.