An attractive smile can make a huge difference to a persons appearance. In the past dentistry concentrated on merely fixing the teeth. Nowadays many patients are keen to make their smiles as attractive as possible. Some of the biggest advances in dentistry have been in this field
White Fillings
White fillings have developed enormously over the last few years. There are now many different types of material, each best suited to a particular job. Dawley Dental Practice has a wide variety of these materials available and all the dentists are trained to choose the best material for the circumstances.
These improvements in the materials mean more durable fillings as well as a better appearance. It can be possible to make "invisible" repairs to the teeth as well as replacing unsightly silver fillings.
It is essential that white fillings are placed properly to ensure the maximum life for the filling. This does mean the process of doing white fillings is longer and more complex than silver fillings. Our dentists employ the correct techniques to ensure fillings last.
Bleaching
There are two main types of bleaching, so called "vital" bleaching and "non-vital" bleaching. The difference is that vital bleaching is carried out on normal healthy teeth, partly by the patient, and non-vital bleaching is done on root-filled teeth by the dentist.
Vital bleaching is a very popular treatment in many countries, especially the USA, and is becoming rapidly more commonplace here. Essentially the process involves making a soft plastic cover over the teeth to hold the bleaching agent in place. This part can be done at home, but patients need to see a dentist first to assess and explain the benefits to the patient, as well as making the plastic cover. It may be advisable to have the teeth cleaned by the hygienist first.
Treatment typically involves about 3 visits and the actual bleaching part takes about 8 days. Whilst the effect of the treatment does not "wear off”, obviously teeth can become stained and discoloured again, especially if exposed to tobacco smoke, tea/coffee, red wine etc.
The exact degree of whitening varies depending on the cause of the discolouration and the dentist can advise you of the likely improvement before treatment. Generally we bleach all the teeth at the same time, but it can be possible to simply bleach a few teeth.
Bridges
Bridges are artificial teeth which are attached to, and supported by, the remaining natural dentition. The attachment can be made by preparing the adjoining teeth to allow a cap to fit over the supporting teeth and the artificial tooth, to be joined to these caps. Alternatively, an artificial tooth can be made with a metal tab which fits very closely to the inside of the adjoining teeth. This involves less preparation of the teeth, but is only suitable for certain circumstances.
Bridges can simulate natural teeth very closely giving a better appearance than dentures. They also have the big advantage of being permanently fixed and not having to be removed.
Bridgework is a form of treatment that should last a long time with appropriate care. This means that the teeth need to be carefully assessed first. Our dentists can advise you on all possible options.