Cosmetic Dentistry & Private Treatments
Improve your smile!
Discuss with your dentist whether special treatments are appropriate for you.
Why not ask for a quotation?
White Fillings
No Mercury - Better Aesthetics!
More and more of our patients are now requesting white fillings. With the availability of stronger, more durable white filling materials this is becoming a more viable treatment option for more and more restorations. We can now place white fillings in almost any tooth, the only dictating factor being the size of the filling.
The advantages to choosing a white filling as opposed to a silver amalgam filling are:
- We are able to match your own tooth colour to the colour of the filling so the filling is almost invisible
- Mercury is not present in any white filling materials
If you would like to consider having white fillings, you should discuss this with your dentist as there are different options available.
Composite Filling Materials
These are the materials usually recommended for small to medium cavities. The procedure is very similar to placing a silver filling and can be carried out in one visit.
Porcelain Filling Materials
These would be the preferred choice for medium to large cavities where the filling is extending in between the teeth or onto one of the side surfaces of the tooth. This is because porcelain is stronger than composite and as the filling is made on a model of your mouth, better and tighter contacts can be achieved with the adjacent tooth to ensure food does not become trapped between the teeth. The procedure takes two visits, the first visit entails having the decay removed and cavity prepared. An impression of your teeth is then taken and a temporary white filling placed. You will need to return 2 weeks later for a short appointment to have your temporary filling removed, (neither drilling nor local anaesthetic necessary) and your new white porcelain filling cemented in place.
Porcelain Crowns
These are a full coverage restoration, similar to a "cap". A crown would be the optimal choice for a very large filling. For more information on the various types of crown available please see the section on crowns.
The disadvantages of choosing a white filling:
- White fillings, apart from the very minimal cavities, are not available as an NHS option and therefore are more expensive than the conventional silver amalgam fillings
- Decay may be more difficult to detect under white fillings on an X-ray film
Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are often suggested as an alternative to silver amalgam fillings. Their advantages are:
- Gold fillings are stronger than silver amalgam fillings and are therefore less likely to fracture
- Having a gold filling provided is very similar to the two visit procedure a crown or porcelain filling requires. The gold filling is made for you on a model of your teeth to enable a tight contact point to be achieved between the gold filling and the adjacent tooth. This stops food packing in between your teeth and causing gum problems
- Sometimes the decay in your teeth can go below the gum level. When this happens it can be difficult to get a good seal between the silver amalgam filling and the tooth. By taking an impression of the tooth and making a gold filling on the model it guarantees a good seal. There is then less chance of the filling failing due to decay occurring at the margin of the filling and tooth
- Continual stresses due to eating and chewing can cause portions of your tooth to fracture. The larger the silver amalgam filling the greater the risk. In such cases your dentist may suggest a gold filling because they can be made in such a way to support the remaining tooth and help to prevent fracturing occurring
Crowns
A crown, also known as a cap, covers a tooth weakened by a very large filling, decay or damage, and restores it to its normal shape and size, thereby strengthening and improving its appearance. Sometimes crowns are used to cover badly shaped or discolored teeth.
How is a crown placed?
To prepare for a crown, the outer surface of the tooth is shaved off so the crown can fit over it. The dentist then makes an impression (or mould) of the teeth. This is sent to a technician's lab where the crown is made. The dentist fits a temporary crown over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. At this stage care should be taken to avoid dislodging the temporary crown with sticky foods. On the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary crown and bonds the permanent crown onto the tooth.
Will it look natural?
Yes! The dentist takes an impression and uses modern materials, matching shade and translucency to create crowns that look like natural teeth. If you have a certain cosmetic look in mind for your crown, discuss it with your dentist at your initial visit. When the procedure is complete, your teeth will not only be stronger, but they may be more attractive.
Why crowns and not veneers?
Crowns cover more of the tooth than veneers. Crowns are generally recommended for teeth that have sustained significant loss of structure, or to replace missing teeth. Crowns may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.
How long do crowns last?
Depending upon the materials used, crowns should last for many years. Good oral hygiene helps crowns last for a much longer period of time. The prime danger to the crown is decay or gum disease where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Some damaging habits like grinding your teeth, chewing ice, or fingernail biting may significantly decrease the life of a crown.
How should I take care of my crowns?
A crown should be cleaned in the same way as natural teeth. Besides visiting your dentist and brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth is vital with crowns. Floss or interdental cleaners (specially shaped brushes and sticks) are important tools to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum joins the tooth. Plaque in that area can cause dental decay and gum disease.
This front tooth is broken and also has a large cavity near the gum line (gingiva). A filling could not restore this broken edge.
The problem is resolved with a crown, seen here about to be inserted over the prepared tooth.
Mouthguards for Sports
- Protect teeth during contact sports eg. rugby, hockey, martial arts
- Simple treatment - taking impressions of teeth to make moulds
- Suitable for adults and children
- Range of colours available - mix to match team/club colours
