It’s that time again!!! I hope this article finds you in great health.
As we slowly emerge from a rainy winter, the change of seasons can be the perfect time to come to Treetops and discuss how we can unlock your best smile.
Every time you look at yourself in the mirror you will be reminded of the smile journey you have been on. It all starts here.
Good looking teeth? Nah!
Cosmetic dentistry goes beyond oral health
Sure, oral health is vital and is what we strive for. But cosmetic dentistry takes you that extra mile. Something which makes you stand out.
It's about boosting confidence and enhancing your overall well-being.
I am a firm believer that there are no cosmetic dentists. All dentists are cosmetic dentists.
There are different opinions of what cosmesis is, but for the purpose of this piece it is
concerned with enhancing the look of your teeth.
Of course you must be dentally fit to be able to have any of these treatments at Treetops #noTurkeyteethhere.
What treatments are available?
Teeth whitening, replacement restorations, composite bonding, porcelain veneers,
and the smile makeover.
Replacement restorations
Dentistry has moved on since the “school dentist”. Gone are the days of filling for fun and to meet targets.
I can wholeheartedly say all of the dentists we have at Treetops practise minimally invasive dentistry and treat what needs to be treated.
That being said a surprising amount of our patients have silver amalgam fillings present in their smile line.
A simple way to improve a smile is by changing these silver fillings to white “composite” fillings. These white fillings are bonded to the tooth structure and so often pose a functional benefit in addition to the cosmetic improvements they can achieve.
In the image below we can see one of these restorations being replaced. The blue sheet you see is called a “rubber dam” which effectively isolates the tooth from saliva and moisture.
Recent evidence has shown that although amalgam restorations do not produce mercury once they are in place, when they are removed (drilled out) they do release a mercury containing vapour.
At Treetops most of this vapour is removed by high volume suction, however the addition of a rubber dam ensures this vapour is not ingested into your system.
For reference they use a rubber dam in the Disney film “Finding Nemo” – and if it’s in a Disney film it can’t be bad.
Ask your dentist about the use of rubber dam next time you have an appointment.
Pricing starts at £170
Results instantly
Maintenance lifelong.
The smile makeover
This needs to be bespokely designed and prescribed by your dentist and typically involves one or more of the above options.
Sometimes a picture says a thousand words …
Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used in orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth and correct various dental misalignments.
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for patients who want a more discreet way to improve their smile.
Here are some key features of Invisalign:
Clear and removable: Invisalign aligners are made of a transparent, medical-grade plastic material. This makes them almost invisible when worn, providing a more aesthetically-pleasing alternative to traditional braces. They are also removable, allowing for real flexibility in terms of eating and maintaining your oral hygiene.
Customised treatment plan: the Invisalign treatment process begins with a consultation and a 3D scan. We can show you a simulation of your final tooth position at this visit and provide all patients with a detailed treatment plan to gradually shift teeth into more desirable positions.
Series of aligners: Invisalign involves a series of custom-made aligners, each slightly different from the previous one. Patients wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set. Over time, the teeth gradually move into the desired alignment.
Regular monitoring: during Invisalign treatment you will be required to have regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are progressing according to the treatment plan. Adjustments may be made as needed, but we can tackle crowded teeth, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Comfort: Invisalign aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces, as they do not have sharp wires or brackets that can irritate the mouth.
It's important to note that the success of Invisalign treatment depends on the patient's commitment to wearing the aligners as instructed.
Although Invisalign is simple and mighty, it may not be suitable for more complex orthodontic cases. Consulting with a dental professional can help determine if Invisalign is suitable for you.
Pricing starts from £4,100 including retainers
Results in 6-9 months
Maintenance lifelong
Teeth whitening
The 'Pringles' of cosmetic dentistry – once you pop you can’t stop!
This is the procedure of brightening your teeth by applying strong dentist-grade gel to them.
The gel penetrates the tooth layers and bleaches the mineral content within them to improve the colour.
At Treetops we have two separate whitening systems, which allow us to cater for all of our patients. The whitening process itself is simple, rewarding and cost effective.
Most of our patients who seek cosmetic solutions have some form of tooth whitening as a precursor to advanced dental treatment.
Pricing starts at £300
Results in as little as two weeks
Maintenance once every three months
Composite bonding
Composite bonding is the addition of white filling material to the edges of your teeth.
The white filling material is a mixture of plastic and glass that can be colour matched to the natural shade of your teeth (hence why sometimes we whiten teeth prior!)
Its uses are endless:
Repairing chipped teeth
Closing gaps between teeth
Improving tooth shape and size
Covering discoloured teeth.
Composite bonding is a relatively quick and non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure compared to other options such as veneers or crowns as generally no drilling or removal of tooth structure is required.
The studies say it may not be as durable as some alternatives (such as crowns and veneers), and the bonded material can be susceptible to staining over time.
With proper care and maintenance, composite bonding can be a great looking cost-effective smile makeover solution.
It's essential to follow good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of the bonding.
One of our dentists, Dr Sindy Castro, eats, drinks and breathes composite bonding – so much show she had her very own open day! Stay tuned for the next one.
Pricing starts at £250 per tooth (our open day price)
Results instantly
Maintenance lifelong
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured composite or ceramic material that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of teeth by addressing issues such as discolouration, stains, misalignment, gaps, or irregular shapes.
Here are the key features and aspects of porcelain veneers:
Material: porcelain veneers are made from a durable and stain-resistant material that closely resembles the natural appearance of tooth enamel. The material is also translucent, allowing light to pass through it similarly to natural teeth.
Customisation: each veneer is custom-made to fit a specific tooth. Our dentists work closely with our patients to determine the desired shape, size, and colour of the veneers, ensuring a natural and aesthetically-pleasing result.
Procedure: the process of getting porcelain veneers typically involves a few steps. First, a small amount of enamel is usually removed from the front surface of the tooth to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Then, impressions or digital scans are taken to create precise moulds for the fabrication of the veneers. Temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent ones are being crafted. Once the custom veneers are ready, they are bonded to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
Porcelain veneers can give you the Hollywood smile you dream of. Provided they are looked after they stay white.
A word of warning though – all veneers need to be carried out by a dentist you can trust who has undertaken the relevant courses – just so they are provided proficiently. #NoTurkeyTeethHere
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