Cosmetic Treatment

As well as providing an effective repair for decay or damage, composite (or white) fillings blend in with your natural teeth and offer a less obvious alternative to more noticeable amalgam fillings. They are suitable for the front or back teeth and, as well as being an aesthetic choice, they can also support the remaining structure of a damaged tooth to help prevent further breakage and sensitivity.

The composite resin is a mixture of plastic and glass that is layered on to a cavity and shaped to look like a real tooth. They are a little more difficult to place than traditional fillings so the procedure may take longer.

Though considered less durable than amalgam fillings, composite fillings are now made from modern, hardwearing materials, offering a long lasting solution. However, their longevity will depend on the depth of the cavity and its position in the mouth.

Whether you are seeking a subtle transformation or a complete smile makeover, we offer a range of treatments to boost your confidence.

• Teeth whitening – this safe, effective treatment will remove stubborn stains and brighten your smile.
• Veneers – these shell-like covers are fixed on the front of a tooth to hide discolouration, damage or misalignment.
• Adult orthodontics – our range of more discreet and faster-acting braces and aligners are ideal for adults who are dissatisfied with their crooked or badly aligned teeth.
• White fillings – an attractive, tooth-coloured alternative to amalgam fillings that will repair decayed or damaged teeth.

Teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to brighten your smile and increase your confidence by making teeth look brighter and healthier. Teeth can discolour for a number of reasons including smoking, coffee, red wine, certain medications or trauma. Whitening uses a gentle chemical process to eliminate unsightly stains and dullness.

Impressions are taken of your teeth so tailor-made mouth trays can be produced and then used with a lightening gel. These trays are worn at home for a specified time each day, over a few weeks, until the desired shade is reached. Teeth whitening is not permanent but, if top-ups are required, the customised mouth trays can be reused.

It is wise to see a dental professional for teeth whitening as shop bought kits are less effective and if your treatment is overseen by a dentist, there will be less chance of gum irritation or post whitening tooth sensitivity.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth through a bleaching process to make them look “whiter”.

The type of whitening we offer here is the home bleaching system using custom made trays and gels.

When this chemical breaks down, oxygen gets into the hard outer surface (enamel) of the teeth, which whitens them. The whitening effects can last from a few months up to three years. This varies from person to person.

What’s involved?

Your 1st appointment, if needed, would be an assessment with a dentist to confirm your expectations.

At your 2nd appointment, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth in order to have whitening trays made especially to fit your teeth.

Your 3rd appointment will take place once we have received the new teeth whitening trays.

Firstly we will check the trays fit accurately and give you some syringes of bleaching gel and instructions on how to put the gel in the mouth trays. You will need to regularly wear the mouth trays for 2- 3 hours (whilst watching tv or relaxing, even sleeping), over a period of 14 days.

How long will the effects of teeth whitening last?

The whitening effects can last from a few months up to three years, but this varies from person to person. It also depends on the eating, drinking, smoking and brushing habits.

What are the side effects?

Side-effects of teeth whitening include temporary sensitivity of your teeth to hot and cold, this can be reversed by using sensitivity toothpaste.

Can all teeth be whitened?

Only natural teeth can be whitened. Fillings, crowns and bridges will not change the colour. If you have crowns, veneers or large fillings that are unsightly, we can provide some fantastic new ceramic crowns or aesthetic fillings at an additional cost.

A crown is a specially designed cover (or ‘cap’) that fits over an unsightly tooth to restore its appearance and functionality. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic or metal alloys and they mask broken, decayed or discoloured teeth, or those with extensive fillings.

Before a crown is fitted, the tooth is prepared by removing a layer of the outer surface but leaving a strong inner core. Once this has been done, impressions will be taken so a customised crown can be produced. While the crown is being made, a temporary crown will be fitted to protect the prepared tooth. Finally, after the crown has been checked for fit and appearance, it is cemented securely to the tooth.

Dental bridges are a natural looking way to fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth. They consist of a false tooth, positioned between two crowns, which slot over the teeth either side of a gap. As well as restoring an incomplete smile, they can improve eating, speaking and the contours of your face, and they also help to keep your existing teeth in place.

The supporting teeth are known as abutment teeth and these are prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel so the crowns will fit neatly over the top. The bridge is then custom-made, usually from porcelain and precious metal, and fixed in place with dental cement.

A veneer is a very thin shell placed over the front of a tooth to enhance its appearance. It can conceal discoloured, chipped or irregular teeth, and also be used to disguise unsightly gaps.

Prior to fitting, a minimal amount of enamel is removed so the veneer will fit comfortably. An impression of the tooth is taken and the veneer is then produced in a laboratory. When ready, it is fixed to the tooth with a strong dental adhesive.

If well looked after, veneers can provide an attractive and long lasting answer to dental imperfections.

This orthodontic treatment technique uses almost invisible aligners to straighten crooked or gappy teeth. These clear aligners are a great option for adults and teenagers who may feel embarrassed about wearing noticeable metal braces. As they have no brackets or wires, the aligners are comfortable and can be taken out for short periods, meaning you can keep your teeth clean and eat whatever you choose.

The clear brace system uses 3D technology to take pictures and impressions of your teeth and record other information that enables a series of custom-made aligners to be produced. Each slightly different aligner is worn for around two weeks and gradually moves your teeth to a new position.

Usually the straightening process takes 6-12 months but you will have to wear a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth in their new position.