Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
All dentistry has cosmetic implications and it often involves a mixture of different treatments to improve the overall appearance of your teeth as well as your dental health.
Cosmetic dentistry can be as straightforward as tooth whitening and tooth coloured restorations. Where more complex changes to the shape of teeth are required, crowns or veneers may be indicated. Missing teeth may be replaced using implants or bridges.
In planning an improvement in the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, study casts and photographs are often used. These can allow you to visualise the final outcome of treatment prior to starting treatment, which can help you decide if this is the right treatment for you.
Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening is an excellent way to reverse the darkening of teeth due to staining over time. It is a safe and painless way to brighten your smile. It will not, however, change the colour of existing restorations and your dentist will be able to advise you if this is an appropriate treatment for you.
We recommend a tray based bleaching system as this approach has the least side effects and is a simple and safe way to lighten and brighten your teeth with long-term results.
Restoration
Should a tooth need to be restored; there are a wide variety of materials and methods for doing this depending on what is appropriate in a given situation. We are able to draw on all our skills and expertise to make sure we provide the most appropriate solution for your needs. The relative merits of each type of restoration will be discussed with you as part of the selection process.
Crowns & bridges
A crown is provided where a lot of tooth structure has been lost and more structural support is needed. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, the choice of which depends on the clinical situation. In highly visible areas, highly aesthetic all ceramic restorations can be used.
When more strength is needed, precious metal substructures may be used to reinforce the ceramics. In situations where strength is more important than aesthetics, gold restorations can be used.
A bridge provides a replacement for a lost tooth that utilises the adjacent teeth for support. These restorations can be complex and to get the best long-term results may require specialist expertise. Three of the Partners at No. 8 are recognised specialists in Prosthodontics, and are very experienced at providing these types of restorations.
We have an on-site laboratory with specialist dental technicians. The dialogue between the dentist and the technicians is especially important in creating these complex restorations to the highest standards. It also provides the opportunity for patients to meet the technician in person, to allow for them to express their desires for the final restoration. Having this facility on site helps us to provide the ultimate in customised service to our patients.
White fillings
