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Cosmetic treatment

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured (compared to the silver amalgam ones) and are usually made from a resin that is mixed with powdered glass quartz, silica or other forms of ceramic. They are aesthetically better than the amalgam fillings, but although they are strong, they might not be as hard-wearing. Your dentist will choose a shade to match your existing teeth, although discolouration may occur over time.

Inlays

An inlay is a small setting within the biting surface of the tooth. Onlays are to cover larger areas. Gold is usually used, as it is long-lasting, hard-wearing and does not tarnish. Unfortunately a gold inlay cannot be made by the dentist while you wait - an impression of the cavity (prepared and taken by your dentist) will be sent to the laboratory, where a technician will make the inlay or onlay. You will go away with a temporary filling, which your dentist will replace with the gold inlay once it has been made. Due to the material used and the longer process, this type of filling is more expensive.

Crowns

A crown, sometimes called a 'cap', is a way to cover chipped, broken or weakened teeth, strengthening your teeth and restoring your smile. A crown could also be used to protect the space left from a root filling or to help hold a denture or bridge in place.

Usually your tooth will need to be shaped, under local anaesthetic, and an impression taken by your dentist, which is then sent to the laboratory in order for your crown to be custom-made out of porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold.

Sometimes, especially with root fillings, it is necessary to set a post before fitting the crown. This supports the crown and adds stability and strength. Posts are pre-made from stainless steel and your dentist can cement them directly into the root canal, ready for the crown to be fitted over the top. In certain circumstances it is necessary to custom-make a post, which is easily done by a dental technician.

Bridges

A bridge is used to fill the space left by a missing tooth, giving you back a full smile. They are only possible if your surrounding teeth are healthy and strong, as it is these which are used to support the bridge. They are usually made from a porcelain and precious metal blend, although non-precious metals are also sometimes used.

It is important to replace missing teeth not only to improve the appearance of your smile, but also to prevent weakening of the teeth on either side and decay and gum disease caused by trapped food particles or alterations to your bite.

Your dentist will help you to choose the best method to replace any missing teeth you may have.

Implants

A dental implant is used to secure one or more false teeth, or dentures, into place. It consists of a titanium rod, set into the jawbone, which the false teeth are then fixed to. The combination of rod and false teeth are collectively known as 'implants'. This is a well-established method, with 95% lasting many years, providing they are cared for correctly.

Setting an implant requires a small operation, using local anaesthetic or even sedation if you are a nervous patient. Occasionally a general anaesthetic may be required for complex cases. After the operation you will feel some discomfort for about a week, as with any healing process.

Cosmetic dentistry

As well as concentrating on the health of your teeth, there are now procedures concerned with the aesthetics, or appearance, of your teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can be used to straighten, lighten, reshape and repair teeth. As well as the two procedures below, crowns and composite fillings can also come under the heading of 'cosmetic dentistry'.

Tooth whitening

The most common tooth whitening method is professional bleaching, where a specially made tray fits around your teeth like a gum shield and the whitening product is left to work. Usually, the active ingredient in the tooth whitening bleach is hydrogen peroxide or carbonate peroxide. As oxygen gets into the enamel on your teeth, the bleaching agent reacts and makes the teeth lighter in colour.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin slice of porcelain, or a tooth-coloured composite, made to fit precisely over the front surface of a tooth, much like a false fingernail. Veneers are an ideal way to instantly alter the appearance of your teeth, hiding discolouration, closing small gaps and repairing chips and cracks.

Your dentist will take an impression of the tooth, and a dental technician will create your porcelain veneer in the laboratory. If you opt for a composite veneer, it can usually be fitted in one visit using the same material used for tooth-coloured fillings. Composite veneers are more prone to discolouration over time, however replacements are easily made.

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Wickersley Dental Practice