Dentures are an effective tooth replacement treatment and have been used to restore beautiful, healthy and functional smiles for many years. We are delighted to offer modern partial and complete dentures.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are designed to replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth. They are made to blend in with the natural teeth for a seamless aesthetic and help to restore function to the mouth, as well as preventing the remaining teeth from slipping out of position. Partial dentures are secured using clasps and they represent a simple and affordable option for patients who have lost their natural teeth through injury or decay.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures are made to replace entire arches of missing teeth and they can transform the smile, as well as improving quality of life and confidence. We use the latest imaging techniques and impressions of your teeth to create custom-designed dentures that enable you to speak, eat and smile without anxiety. If you’ve had a number of missing teeth for a long period of time, you will find that wearing a denture will have a positive effect on your day to day life, as well as your confidence. Our complete dentures are made from high quality materials and are designed to mimic the aesthetic of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Dentures are held in place by the suction of the gums, but it is also possible to add security and stability by using fixative or investing in implant-retained dentures, which are stabilised by dental implants.
If you have missing teeth and you would like to do something about it, don’t hesitate to call us and make an appointment for a consultation. We can go through the pros and cons of treatments, talk to you about the treatment process and explore other options, such as implants.
At Clifton Dental Studio, we can promise that you’re in the best possible hands if your teeth are severely damaged and in need of extensive repair and rejuvenation. Dr Neil Gerrard is incredibly experienced in this field and he has helped many patients to enjoy a perfect new smile.
What is complete smile rejuvenation?
Complete smile rejuvenation is a treatment process that aims to restore, repair and reinvigorate the smile using a combination of restorative dental techniques and tooth replacement methods. Each case is slightly different because the needs of our patients vary, however the end result is always the same: a healthy looking, functional smile.
The preparation stage is vital when it comes to performing complete rejuvenation and we work closely with our patients to draw up a bespoke treatment plan that addresses their needs and caters for their preferences. We have a range of techniques and treatments at our disposal and we discuss the elements of the treatment plan with patients to ensure that they have a good idea of what is going happen at what point and what they can expect once treatment is complete. Once the planning stage is underway, we can set about doing any preparatory work required prior to the actual treatment. This may involve planning a site for an implant, bone grafting or preparing the teeth for veneer treatment.
Our treatment options
We have an extensive selection of treatments available for patients undergoing reconstructive treatment, including:
Veneers
Crowns, inlays and onlays
Dental implants
Dental bridges
We will help you to carefully select the treatments that best suit your needs and will achieve your new smile goals.
If you dream of a beautiful smile, call us today to set the ball rolling!
If snoring is keeping your household awake at night or causing arguments with your partner, now is the time to act. At Clifton Dental Studio, we understand the importance of good quality sleep and we have effective treatments available to prevent snoring and restore peace at home.
About snoring
Snoring is the name given to noises made when you sleep, which occur as a result of the soft tissue at the back of the throat vibrating. These noises include snorting, grunting and breathing heavily. Most people snore from time to time, usually when they have been drinking alcohol, when they sleep on their back or when they are ill with a cough or cold; however, sometimes, snoring can be persistent and if this is the case, there may be an underlying cause.
The most common risk factors for snoring include:
being overweight
smoking
lying on your back
drinking alcohol (especially before you go to bed)
allergies
What can be done about snoring?
In many cases, making basic changes to your sleep routine and the position you sleep in can have very positive effects; this may involve sleeping on your side and avoiding alcohol in the evenings. In other cases, making slightly more drastic lifestyle changes may be advisable; this may include cutting down on drinking, giving up smoking and losing weight by following a healthy eating plan and doing more exercise.
We can also help snorers by providing a custom-made appliance called the Somnowell mandibular advancement device; this device helps to prevent snoring by opening up the airway while you sleep and increasing air flow. The Somnowell device works by moving the lower jaw forward slightly and maintaining this position when you are asleep. The appliance is easy to use and it is fitted to you, so you should find it very comfortable. We recommend Somnowell because it is tried and tested and the results are very impressive; if you would like to find out more, simply give us a call.
Whether you’ve lost a tooth through infection or gum disease, had teeth knocked out in an accident or have a large number of missing teeth, there are some amazing solutions out there and we highly recommend considering tooth replacement treatment. Gaps in the smile can contribute to an elevated risk of dental health problems, a lack of confidence, issues related to speech and inability to chew food properly. If you have missing teeth, why not call us and find out more about our incredible tooth replacement treatments?
Our treatment options for missing teeth include:
Dentures: dentures are sets of prosthetic teeth. They are custom-designed for the individual and held in place by the suction of the gums. They look like natural teeth and enable you to eat and speak with confidence. We use the finest materials to create high quality dentures and we also offer implant-retained dentures for those looking for improved stability. This option relates to dentures anchored by dental implants.
Dental bridges: bridges are a popular option for patients who have a single missing tooth. They are most commonly made from a false tooth, which is supported on either side by a dental crown. Bridge treatment is simple and painless and you can choose from a range of materials, all of which create a very natural look. We can usually complete treatment in two sessions and bridges should last up to 15 years.
Dental implants: implants are an option for patients with single or multiple missing teeth. Treatment involves placing a titanium implant into a small opening in the jaw bone and then connecting a crown, bridge or denture once the implant has integrated into the bone tissue (usually three to eight months later). Implants last for many years and they give you the same level of functionality as healthy, strong natural teeth.
Implants are one of the most exciting innovations in modern dentistry and we are delighted to offer first class implant treatment in the heart of Bristol. If you have a single missing tooth or multiple gaps in your smile, implants could help to restore your smile, improve your oral health and give you more confidence.
About dental implants
Dental implants are a relatively new treatment for missing teeth and they offer an alternative to dental bridges and dentures. Implants are small screw-shaped devices made from titanium, a biocompatible material that can integrate into the natural bone tissue. The implant is placed inside a pre-drilled socket in the jaw bone and left to integrate in a process called osseointegration. The aim of implant treatment is to take on the supportive role of the tooth root and provide anchorage for a new restoration, which will replace the crown of the tooth. Once the healing process is complete and the new prosthetic is attached, the tooth will look exactly like a natural tooth and you should be able to enjoy the same level of stability and functionality.
Advantages of dental implants
One of the main advantages of dental implants is the versatility of treatment. Implants are compatible with a range of different restorations and this means that they are suitable for most patients, regardless of age and how many missing teeth they have. Implants can be connected to bridges, crowns and dentures, so they may be a solution if you have a single missing tooth, a few gaps or a full arch of lost teeth.
Implants are also built to last and they offer a more long-term solution than dentures and bridges. They also offer improved levels of stability and help to reduce bone loss. Implants are also easy to maintain and they provide very natural and lifelike aesthetics.
If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for implant treatment, don’t hesitate to give us a ring and book a consultation.
Many people dream of a flawless white smile and we have a host of treatments and services available to correct flaws and repair damaged teeth to help you achieve a perfect looking smile. We use porcelain restorations on a regular basis because as a material, it offers stunning, natural looking aesthetics in addition to providing strength and durability.
Porcelain crowns
Crown treatment is often recommended when a tooth is severely damaged or it has become weak as a result of decay, a large filling or an injury. The aim of a crown is to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure. A crown is placed over the top of the tooth and is consequently sometimes known as a cap.
Porcelain crowns do not just offer restorative benefits for the teeth, they also help to improve the aesthetic. Porcelain matches the tooth shade and it also has a lovely iridescence, which mimics the look of healthy, bright teeth.
When we fit a porcelain crown, the tooth is prepared first. This involves removing any decayed tissue and shaping the tooth ready for the crown to be placed. Once the tooth has been shaped, an impression is created and this is sent to the laboratory. The new crown is then made and fitted. We usually place a temporary crown to bridge the gap between the first and second appointments, which are around two weeks apart.
Porcelain veneers
Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for aesthetic issues such as gaps between the teeth, staining, chips and misshapen teeth. They are fixed onto the natural teeth to produce a new smile and they can make a massive difference to the way you look as well as how confident you feel when you smile. Veneers are made individually and can be used to treat isolated issues or placed as a full set to create a brand new smile. Porcelain is a popular material for veneers because it creates natural looking, radiant and beautiful smiles. Veneer treatment usually involves two sessions: one session to plan treatment and create impressions of the teeth and a second session to fit and secure the veneers.
If you would like to find out more about how we use porcelain to create breath-taking smiles or you are interested in crown or veneer treatment, call today!
Invisible braces have taken the world by storm, but what’s so good about them and how do they work?
About invisible braces
One of the main reasons people used to put off having orthodontic treatment was the prospect of wearing highly visible, unattractive braces. Today, patients can enjoy treatment without this concern, thanks to amazing invisible braces, like Invisalign.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system, which offers a solution for all those patients who dread the thought of showing off a metal brace every time they smile. With Invisalign, you can get the smile you’ve always wanted without anyone else even knowing you’re having treatment because the braces are made entirely from clear plastic. Invisalign aligners slide onto the teeth in a similar way to a gum shield and once they are in position, they are virtually impossible to detect. This means you can do presentations at work, sit in interviews and enjoy social occasions without any anxiety related to what you look like or how you come across.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign adopts a different approach to other orthodontic systems in that it uses a series of appliances, rather than a single brace. Each patient is presented with a set of custom-fit aligners, which work in a set sequence. The aligners are made based on a personalised treatment plan, which is created using the latest imaging software.
Each aligner is slightly different and this allows room for the teeth to move. The aligners gently encourage the teeth to move into position and by the time you take the final aligner out, your teeth should look amazing.
The treatment process is simple and hassle-free. You wear the aligners in order, replacing each one after two weeks. It is best to remove the aligners when you eat and brush your teeth, but you should take care to ensure the aligners are in place for a minimum of 21 hours per day.
The advantages of Invisalign
There are lots of benefits to be enjoyed with Invisalign, from amazingly discreet aesthetics and improved confidence to impressive results, convenience and a lower risk of oral health problems. With Invisalign, you can enjoy treatment in secret and get a beautiful smile without having to adapt your normal day to day routine. You can eat, drink and brush your teeth just as you used to and you don’t have to worry about what other people think of your braces or how you look.
If you like the sound of Invisalign, why not call us and book a consultation?
Sometimes, in cases where the teeth are severely damaged, worn or decayed, complete smile rejuvenation is recommended. This procedure involves carrying out a series of restorative treatments to repair damaged teeth, replace missing teeth and create a brand new, healthy looking smile. At Clifton Dental Studio, smile rejuvenation treatment is carried out by Dr Neil Gerrard, a highly experienced, award-winning dentist with expertise in restorative dentistry, rejuvenation and cosmetic work. We can assure you that you are in the best possible hands and we look forward to working with you to achieve an amazing new smile.
Before treatment
The planning stage is critical for smile rejuvenation treatment and we organise sessions to talk to you about the different treatment options and plan your treatment with rigorous attention to detail. During the consultation phase, we carry out extensive examinations of the mouth and supporting bone structures to determine which treatments would be beneficial and identify the best sites for implants, if required.
What does smile rejuvenation involve?
We have a range of treatment options available for smile rejuvenation treatment, including porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays, onlays, dental bridges, dentures and dental implants. The treatments we use for your makeover will depend heavily on the kind of treatment you need and your treatment expectations and preferences. We often use a combination of treatments.
Before treatment begins, we will work with you to decide which treatments to include in the makeover and we will then guide you through your personalised treatment plan to ensure that you understand what’s going on, what is happening when and what you can expect once the procedures have been completed. We will, of course, be there at any time to answer questions and ease any worries.
Once planning is complete, we then begin treatment and carry out procedures as detailed in your treatment plan. The end result will be a beautiful, beaming smile.
If you’re looking for a prime example of the wonders that can be achieved by modern dentistry, look no further than the All-on-4 dental implant system. Usually, there’s a degree of exaggeration involved when you hear the words ‘overnight transformation’, but this treatment really can change your smile and your life in just one day. If you’ve struggled with dentures in the past or you hate smiling in public because you have a large number of missing or severely damaged teeth, All-on-4 could be the treatment you’ve been dreaming of.
What is All-on-4?
All-on-4 is an advanced implant treatment that literally transforms your smile in a day. This treatment uses a set of four implants to anchor an entire arch of new teeth, offering a swift and simple alternative to traditional implant treatment. Two of the implants are placed at the back of the mouth, with the other two positioned at the front of the jaw. The front implants sit at 90 degree angles, like traditional implants, while the back implants are placed at 45 degree angles. The angle and location of the four implants increases stability, which enables an entire arch to be supported by just four implants. Usually, around 6-10 implants are needed for a full set of new teeth.
Traditionally, implant treatment takes several months, as the implants are left to integrate into the bone tissue before the prosthetic tooth or teeth are attached. With All-on-4, the new teeth are placed at the same time as the implants, so you can enjoy the benefits immediately.
Who can benefit from All-on-4?
All-on-4 may be beneficial for patients who have experienced issues with traditional dentures in the past, as well as those who are looking for a rapid tooth replacement solution for a large number of teeth. In order to ascertain whether you are a good match for this treatment, your dentist will carry out some tests, including X-rays, during your consultation. They will also explain the ins and outs of treatment and answer any questions you have to make sure that you have all the information you need to decide whether or not to press on with treatment. To find out more or to book your consultation, simply call the clinic and speak to one of the friendly reception team members.
In years gone by, people who had orthodontic issues wore braces for 12, 24 even 36 months, but today, we can create amazing results in just six months, thanks to incredible orthodontic innovations, such as Six Month Smiles.
All about Six Month Smiles
If time is of the essence or you’re eager to impress at a wedding or a landmark birthday party, Six Month Smiles could be the ideal solution for you. This swift orthodontic system uses the latest technology to move the teeth rapidly, enabling you to show off a new smile in half the time of most other fixed brace treatments.
It’s understandable to wonder how this brace works so much faster than others and to assume that there must be some kind of catch. However, we can assure you that Six Month Smiles is every bit as impressive as it sounds. This system is able to achieve results quickly for two key reasons: firstly, it focuses on the front teeth only, as these are the teeth that are visible when you smile, and secondly, it uses state of the art technology to accelerate tooth movement.
What do Six Month Smile braces look like?
The good news for patients who are looking for speed and style is that Six Month smile braces are incredibly discreet. They are made from clear components and are fine and delicate, so you don’t need to worry about feeling self-conscious when you smile.
Is Six Month Smiles for me?
This system is designed to benefit patients who have minor to moderate issues that concern the front teeth. If you need a lot of movement or you have issues that involve the entire arch, other treatments may be recommended. When you have your consultation, your dentist will carry out some tests and checks to see if Six Month Smiles is a viable option. If this is not the best solution, your dentist will be happy to talk about other treatment options with you and explain the pros and cons of all the suitable treatments to help you make a decision.
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
