If your smile has minor cosmetic flaws that affect your confidence, there are various dental procedures out there that can help. Two of our most effective and popular cosmetic treatments include porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding, but which is best and what are the pros and cons?
About porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers have an outstanding reputation for creating dazzling, beautiful smiles and are a popular choice with celebrities. Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped shells made from high grade porcelain. They are placed onto the teeth to produce a brand new look and should last for several years. Porcelain is used because it looks similar to natural, radiant teeth. It is also durable and has a lovely iridescent finish that really makes your smile sparkle. Veneers are an effective solution for gaps between the teeth, worn or uneven teeth and staining.
Cosmetic bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a single session procedure that takes just one hour to repair and reshape the teeth, creating a more attractive, healthier looking smile. This procedure involves using dental composite to improve the shape of individual teeth and enhance the overall look of the smile. Your dentist will shape the composite to adjust the aesthetic of the individual teeth, smoothing out rough and uneven edges, building up surfaces, filling in chips and closing gaps between the teeth. Once the composite is in the right place, it is set using a curing light. Treatment only takes around an hour, you’ll be able to enjoy the results straight away and the structure of your teeth will remain intact.
If you would like to find out more about our cosmetic solutions, call us now!
Most people admit they’d like whiter, brighter teeth, but during our day to day lives we notice our teeth becoming discoloured. What causes discolouration and how can you take steps to preserve the natural whiteness of your smile?
What causes discolouration?
Everybody has slightly different enamel and some people have naturally whiter teeth than others. The tooth enamel is naturally slightly off-white and with time, whiteness tends to fade. However, there are certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits that can accelerate the staining process. Here are some of the most common causes of tooth discolouration:
Diet
Your diet has an important influence on your oral health, but it can also affect the aesthetic of your smile, as some foods and drinks contribute to staining. The worst offenders include coffee, tea, cola, dark juices, blueberries, blackberries, soy sauce, dark or richly coloured sauces and wine. If you want to keep your teeth looking white without changing your diet, drink through a straw and always have a glass of water to hand to rinse your mouth out after eating.
Wear and tear
Ageing brings about general wear and tear and it’s inevitable that over the years, your teeth will lose a little sparkle. In order to slow the ageing process, take good care of your teeth and visit the dentist on a regular basis.
Smoking
Cigarettes contain over 1,000 different chemicals, many of which contribute to teeth staining. Smokers tend to have noticeably worse discolouration than non-smokers and their teeth often look yellow or brown. The only way to prevent these effects is to stop smoking. If you want to try and quit, our dental team will be more than happy to offer help and support.
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene can really help to keep your teeth looking bright and healthy, but neglecting your daily regime can soon take its toll. Skipping your daily brush and floss soon contributes to discolouration. In the worst cases, tartar, a hard brown substance, starts to form on the teeth and around the gum lines, making the smile look unhealthy and unattractive.
If you would like to whiten your smile ready for the autumn, we recommend following the simple steps listed above. If you long for a more dramatic result, why not treat yourself to a whitening treatment? We offer in-chair and at-home systems and we can lighten your smile by several shades in a matter of weeks! Call today to arrange an appointment.
We are proud to offer Somnowell treatment to help patients who suffer with a range of issues, including snoring, TMJ disorder and bruxism (tooth grinding). Somnowell has developed an impressive range of products based on extensive research and we are delighted to bring these innovative and effective appliances to the people of Bristol. If you snore or regularly suffer with sleepless nights because you live with a snorer, call us today to see how we can help.
Somnowell anti-snoring treatment
Even one sleepless night can make you feel tired, irritable and lethargic and constant sleep deprivation can really take its toll on your health and wellbeing. Snoring is a common problem, but there is a solution. Often, in cases of infrequent or mild snoring, making simple changes to your lifestyle and sleeping habits, such as sleeping on your side rather than your back and avoiding alcohol during the evening can be beneficial. However, in more severe cases, more dramatic changes may be recommended, such as losing weight and giving up smoking.
We also offer Somnowell custom-fit mandibular advancement devices, which are designed to increase air flow during the night by moving the lower jaw forward to ensure the airway stays open while you sleep. The device is tried and tested, comfortable and designed to last a lifetime. The appliance has been developed with comfort in mind and uses the latest ergonomic design concepts to prevent discomfort and ensure you are able to sleep peacefully.
If snoring is getting you down, let us help! Call us today and make an appointment for a consultation.
If you’re sick and tired of discoloured teeth and long for a sparkling white smile this summer, why not treat yourself to a wonderful whitening treatment? With teeth whitening, we can transform your smile in no time at all, giving you the confidence to smile with pride.
We offer a range of professional whitening options, including convenient and hassle-free home treatment and the incredible Enlighten system.
Home whitening
Home whitening offers an excellent solution to discolouration for patients who have hectic schedules. The treatment takes place in the comfort of your own home and you can tailor your treatment to fit in around your day-to-day routine. The treatment process is very simple and all you have to do is wear some whitening trays for around six hours per day for 10-14 consecutive days. The trays are made to measure and contain whitening agent, which bleaches the teeth to create a lighter and brighter smile.
Enlighten
Enlighten is often described as the world’s leading professional whitening system and it produces amazing results that last for years. Enlighten transforms the appearance of the smile in just 15 days, with 14 days of stress-free and simple home treatment followed by a power whitening session in the dental chair, which lasts one hour and gives your smile that radiant finish. Enlighten lightens the shade of the teeth by up to 14 shades and works gently to prevent sensitivity. After treatment, we can also offer you advice and provide tips and tricks to keep your teeth looking white and clean.
If you would like to find out about our whitening treatments and learn more about our incredible whitening offers, call us today and book a consultation. Your amazing new smile could be just weeks away!
At Clifton Dental Studio, we like to provide our clients with a comprehensive range of services and are delighted to offer facial rejuvenation treatments in addition to the latest dental innovations. With our non-invasive facial treatments, you can enjoy smoother, younger looking skin without the risks of surgery. We have been providing Botox treatment for over a decade and we also have extensive experience in filler treatment, so you’ll have peace of mind that you’re in the best possible hands.
Our treatments
We offer Botox and dermal filler treatment. Both are non-surgical anti-ageing treatments proven to rejuvenate the skin without the risks and potential complications associated with surgery.
Botox
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, an effective treatment for lines and wrinkles. It works by blocking nerve signals to the facial muscles, preventing muscle contraction. This causes the muscles to relax, resulting in softened wrinkles and the more youthful looking skin. Botox is injected into the targeted areas of the skin using a finely pointed needle in a procedure that usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes. The effects start to become visible after a few days. The effects of Botox are temporary and usually last around three to six months.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers help to create a smoother, brighter complexion by adding volume to the skin to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Fillers help to combat the ageing effects of depleted collagen stores, giving the skin more bounce and vigour and making you look and feel much younger. Fillers also help to enhance the facial features and we can use them to create a fuller lip. Like Botox, filler treatment involves using a fine needle to inject a small amount of filler into certain areas of the skin. The procedure only takes a few minutes and the results last up to nine years. In the case of lip filler treatment, anaesthetic is applied to the lips to prevent pain, as the skin on the lips is very fragile.
Dental implants are a modern solution for tooth loss and offer all kinds of benefits and provide a long-term alternative to traditional dentures. Implants are versatile, highly functional and aesthetically pleasing and have a positive effect on the confidence and oral health and look of the smile.
What exactly are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are small titanium posts screwed into sockets in the jaw bone in order to replace a missing tooth root. Implants are made from titanium, which is a biocompatible material, meaning the implant is able to integrate into the bone tissue. The integration process facilitates the same level of anchorage as a natural tooth root and once the implant has settled, it can be attached to a new restoration, such as bridge or crown.
The aim of the implant is to replace the missing root and provide support and stability for the visible part of the tooth, which is replaced by a crown, bridge or denture.
Once you have implants, you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy natural smile. If you would like to find out more about how this innovative treatment could benefit you, call us today and book an appointment.
When it comes to orthodontics, we believe in wonderful smiles and have the best treatments on the market available right here in Bristol. We invest constantly to make sure we offer the newest and most effective treatments and are proud to expand our treatment list on a continual basis to ensure we’re up to date with the latest innovations. If you have crooked, crowded or twisted teeth or are looking for a solution for a misaligned or uneven bite, we are confident that we can find an amazing treatment for you.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is designed to benefit those with issues that affect the alignment of the teeth, the relationship between the upper and lower sets of teeth and the jaw joint (this is known as the bite). As well as producing beautiful, straight smiles, orthodontic treatment also helps to increase confidence, improve speech, reduce the risk of oral health problems and improve the overall facial aesthetic.
Nowadays, treatments are faster, more discreet and more effective than ever before and there is a wide range of treatment options available to patients of all ages.
Our speedy straightening treatments
We offer an array of orthodontic treatments suited to patients with varying orthodontic prescriptions. Our treatment list boasts fixed braces, removable braces, braces that work incredibly quickly and those that straighten the teeth in secret.
If time is of the essence and you want to get that new smile without delay, we have some excellent options. Our speedy systems include:
Inman Aligner: a removable aligner ideal for patients with minor issues that affect the front teeth, the Inman Aligner takes just 16 weeks to straighten the teeth.
Six Month Smiles: a fixed brace treatment that takes just six months to straighten issues that affect the front teeth. These braces are clear and use the latest technology to prevent pain and enhance comfort.
If you’re looking for a brilliant cosmetic dental treatment, allow us to introduce you to cosmetic bonding. This amazing treatment transforms the appearance of the smile in just one session and could be just what you’ve been looking for if you have minor aesthetic issues, such as chipped teeth.
About cosmetic bonding
Cosmetic bonding is an aesthetic procedure designed to reshape and repair the teeth using a material called dental composite. Composite has a putty like consistency at room temperature and it comes in an array of shades designed to match natural tooth shades. Your dentist will use their skill to place the composite onto the individual teeth and shape it to address problems such as uneven and worn surfaces, jagged edges, chips and gaps between the teeth. Once the composite is in the right place and your dentist is happy with the new aesthetic, they will shine a curing light onto the material and this sets it. Once the composite has set, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the natural tooth structure and the composite.
Who can benefit from cosmetic bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a simple and quick cosmetic treatment that offers an ideal solution for those who have mild imperfections affecting the shape or look of the teeth. Minor changes are made to the individual teeth, but the overall impact is incredible and after just an hour, you’ll be surprised at the difference. Bonding is a more affordable and faster alternative to veneers and it can also offer another option to braces for those who have small gaps between their teeth.
If you like the sound of cosmetic bonding and you’d like to find out more, call us today!
Our dental crowns are made from hard-wearing and durable material, but they don’t last forever. It’s important to check crowns on a regular basis and to ensure that they are replaced periodically. If you’ve had a crown for a long time or have started to notice problems with your crown, call us and book an appointment.
Crowns are a restorative treatment used to strengthen damaged and decayed teeth. They help to improve the function of the tooth and also create a better aesthetic. They are commonly made from porcelain, but they can also be made from precious metals.
Why it’s important to replace dental crowns
It’s important to replace dental crowns because they only have a certain lifespan and once they start to become worn or suffer damage, they are unable to provide the same level of protection and functionality as a strong new crown. When you have a dental checkup, your dentist will always have a look at any fillings or crowns to check the condition and look for any signs of wear or tear. If your crown is looking a little tired, it may be time to replace it with a new one to provide your tooth with increased strength and resistance.
The crown replacement process is relatively straightforward and there’s nothing to worry about. The old crown is removed first and the tooth is then cleaned and reshaped in preparation for the new crown. A new impression is created and sent to the laboratory and your replacement crown will be ready in around two weeks. We then fit the crown by placing it gently over your tooth and securing it with dental adhesive.
How long should my crown last?
Crowns last for around 5-10 years, but this is dependent on the material used and the quality of the crown. In some cases, crowns can last a lot longer, sometimes up to 15 years.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about crowns or replacement crowns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Invisalign has taken the world of dentistry by storm, but why is it so popular and should you be rushing out to enjoy the benefits of Invisalign treatment?
The ins and outs of Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear brace treatment that has already helped more than a million people to enjoy stunning straight smiles. Invisalign offers a new take on orthodontic treatment as it uses a series of custom-fit removable aligners rather than a single fixed brace. The aligners are light, comfortable and most importantly for many patients, they are virtually invisible.
Invisalign treatment involves a simple process: you are given a sequence of aligners, each of which is worn for two weeks at a time and then replaced until treatment is complete. The aligners should be removed when you eat, drink and clean your teeth, but you should wear them for at least 21 hours per day.
What’s so good about Invisalign?
Invisalign has been developed with the needs and preferences of patients in mind and provides a solution to any of the complaints commonly made by dental patients. Firstly, the aligners are incredibly discreet, so you can smile with confidence and go through the treatment process without worrying about what other people think or how you feel when you smile in public. The aligners are also comfortable and convenient as you can carry on as normal in terms of brushing your teeth and eating and you don’t have to worry about uncomfortable metal bands or tightening the braces. Invisalign is also versatile, as it is suited to patients with a wide range of mild or moderate orthodontic issues.
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth and are looking for an invisible treatment that has it all, call today and find out more about incredible Invisalign.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
