Dental Implants
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
When teeth are lost due to gum disease or decay, they occasionally have to be removed. This can result in problems with eating and function, not to mention the aesthetic aspect of missing teeth.
Modern day dentistry has advanced considerably and missing teeth can easily be replaced. This can be in the form of a denture, a dental bridge or a dental implant.
Titanium based implants are fast becoming the ideal solution to replacing missing teeth. They are placed in the jaw bone to support a crown which aims to replicate the normal function and appearance of a natural tooth
Dental implants are small titanium cylinders which are placed in the jaw and support a crown (part of tooth which is above the gum line). The area is made numb and the gum lifted open. The implant is then placed in the jaw bone and allowed to heal over a period of usually 12 weeks. Once the implant has been allowed to heal and integrate, it can then have a crown placed on top of it.
In certain circumstances, the implant can have a temporary crown placed at the same time of implant placement so you do not have a missing tooth whilst the implant is healing.
All aspects of the implant placement, time lengths and costing will be discussed in full to ensure you are fully aware of the treatment plan before you begin
Composite Bonding
Improving the cosmetic appearance of the teeth can be achieved in a variety of ways. Quite often this can be through orthodontics to improve the position of the teeth. However, teeth can vary in shape, size and colour. This can be due to the way they have developed, dental trauma, or from general wear and tear throughout life which can result in cracks, chips and stains.
Composite bonding can improve virtually all of the scenarios mentioned above by the addition of a tooth coloured filling material to the teeth which are “bonded” to the natural tooth. This material is hand sculpted by the dentist to the desired shape to create a natural looking tooth. A wide variety of shades are available to ensure that the colour matches perfectly.
The main benefits are:
No needles / Injections
No drilling of the natural tooth structure
A Reversible procedure
Same day result
Veneers
WHAT ARE VENEERS?
Are thin, layered shells of porcelain or composite which can be attached to the teeth. They are used in situations when teeth are damaged, chipped, excessively stained or worn.
They can also be used to alter the shapes of teeth and close gaps between teeth as required. Whilst composite bonding has become very popular recently, veneers if looked after well can last longer leaving a stunning long lasting smile. Veneers are not particularly invasive and often require minimal if any natural tooth adjustment at all.
Benefits
Veneers enable a quick way and guaranteed way to whiten correct any minor discrepancies in tooth shape. Usually they are made of porcelain and are performed on 4-6 teeth so that the shade and shape of the new teeth are kept uniform.
Minor orthodontic discrepancies can be camouflaged with porcelain veneers which could be of benefit particularly if you are not keen on having any orthodontic treatment
If there are any defects or deep stain which has occurred as the tooth has developed or it has been traumatised, it sometimes can be hard to mask with whitening or composite veneers. Similarly if the underlying enamel has been damaged, porcelain veneers can be used to improve the appearance shape and symmetry of your smile
Disadvantages
Porcelain veneers can be more costly than other forms of smile makeover treatments such as composite bonding as the veneers are made and processed in a specialised lab by a master ceramist.
As some of the tooth structure is being adjusted and removed, it is an irreversible procedure whereas composite bonding is less invasive. Sensitivity can also occur as a result of this after the porcelain veneers have been placed on the teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways of improving your smile quickly and effectively. Teeth whitening works through the use of special gels which interact with the tooth surface and remove the surface staining and discolouration.
THE PROCESS
Attend for a consultation and if suitable to begin whitening, one of the dentists can take some moulds of your teeth.
The customised lab manufactured whitening trays are made and fitted. The gels are also dispensed and then need to be worn for a period of 2 weeks overnight with the gels.
Facial Aesthetics
Here at Arch Dental we offer a full range of anti-ageing and facial rejuvenation treatments. Find out more about them or book your free consultation.