If your natural teeth are badly decayed or have been lost to some form of physical trauma, a set of dentures can make your life easier. Of course you will probably miss your natural teeth but if they have got to a stage where everyday activities such as eating and drinking have become difficult or unpleasant, it may be time to replace your remaining teeth with an artificial set. Dentures can also restore the appearance of a healthy smile and act as a support for facial muscles sagging as a result of missing teeth.
If you decide to choose dentures the dentist will first need to remove any existing teeth that remain and give the gums time to sufficiently heal. During this time you may be fitted with a temporary denture. When the gums are sufficiently healed, the dentist will then fit your permanent set. They will have been designed to fit exactly over remaining gum tissue so that they will be held in place by suction alone. Some patients are anxious that dentures can fall out and resort to messy denture adhesives. Loose dentures are usually due to an ill fitting set so some minor adjustment may make them feel more secure. Alternatively, you could have a series of mini-implants fitted to act as a secure base for the dentures.
Modern dentures have come along way in the last twenty years and can now appear and feel very realistic. Wearing dentures no longer comes with the stigma it used to have and most wearers go through life without anybody ever knowing they are not their natural teeth. If you are suffering with your teeth and finding eating and drinking a real pain, it may be time to see a Gloucester dentist about dentures.
The boundaries around what is possible in dentistry are increasingly being pushed back as technology finds ways to improve treatment quality, shorten appointment times and find more efficient ways to deal with age-old dental problems. These technological advances have gathered momentum over the past two decades with treatments available now that could only have even been imagined thirty years ago.
These advances have impacted on every level of dentistry and it is useful to give a few examples to highlight the changes. Dental crowns are artificial caps that fit over damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. In the past, crowns were painstakingly manufactured in laboratories using a series of dental moulds and x-rays. Using a combination of metal and ceramics, the crowns were built up layer upon layer until they were the satisfactory shape. The dentist would then need to remove substantial amounts of natural enamel to allow the bulky crown to fit over the damaged tooth. Today’s technology means a crown can be sculpted from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This has been made possible by the advent of digital x-rays and 3D imaging which allow the dentist to create an incredibly accurate and immediate image of the patient’s mouth. A computer-guided mill can then whittle the tooth to a similarly accurate degree. This technology can also be used in the manufacture of veneers and dental inlays.
Teeth whitening procedures have also developed significantly to be more effective and much safer and orthodontic straightening has seen a similar improvement. It is now possible to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time previously thought possible, and this can be achieved more discreetly and with less discomfort to the patient.
These are just a small selection of the incredible dental technologies available to all patients at Bristol dentists. Whatever the problem or dental concern there is a quick, affordable and aesthetically pleasing technology available to give you the best possible treatment.
Teeth have a very hard enamel exterior that is very durable and strong, but poor standards of oral hygiene or dental trauma can breech this tough exterior exposing the extremely sensitive dental nerve within the tooth. This can cause pain ranging from a mild sensitivity due to extremes of temperature in the mouth from eating and drinking to very severe pain caused by dental infections and abscesses.
Tooth enamel is commonly broken down by plaque acids and tartar in the mouth which, if not repaired with a filling or crown, can expose the pulp and nerve of the tooth to bacterial infection. If the nerve or root becomes infected the body will produce an excess of white blood cells to fight the infection. This can build up on a pocket around the tooth leading to a painful, pus-filled abscess. These can be very painful and can also lead to a spread of the initial infection.
Dental pain can also come in the form of erupting teeth or wisdom teeth buried beneath the gum. These can cause interruption to bite and painful irritation that is very uncomfortable. One of the common features of all dental pain is that it is very hard to control. For someone suffering dental pain it can seem there is little they can do to stop it. In most cases over-the-counter painkillers will be effective but patients should always see a dentist even if the pain appears to have disappeared. In cases of extreme infection or serious gum disease patients may require anti-biotics and more serious pain relief. It is important to remember in all cases of dental pain to see a Bristol dentist as soon as possible.
Even one missing tooth can seriously affect the way a person looks and not just because of the obvious gap in the teeth. Missing teeth leave gaps in the dental arc that allow other teeth to rotate and lean leading to a complete change in the appearance of the teeth. This can also affect bite alignment and have a negative impact on the facial tissue. Vacant spaces are also breeding grounds for plaque-forming and bad breath-causing bacteria. It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
One cosmetic option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth attached to crowns or resin-bonded strips that literally bridges the gap left by the missing tooth. This restores the appearance of the tooth from the gum up without having any attachment to the gum itself. This prevents bacteria build up and also braces the other teeth preventing any unwanted movement.
Dental bridges are usually fitted over several visits to the dentist depending on the condition of the existing teeth. The type of bridge fitted also depends on the condition of the adjacent teeth. Teeth in better condition are likely to be resin bonded rather than remove healthy enamel for a crown.
If properly cared for a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years and serve all the functions of a natural tooth. Bristol dentists can fit dental bridges to fill the gap left by one or more teeth to help restore a patient’s confidence and their smile.
Dental bonding is a term used in dentistry to describe the composite resin used as adhesive for dental procedures that is hardened with high intensity heat from a laser. Bonding is a very versatile material that can also be used to repair small damage to teeth such as chips and cracks, as well as covering damage caused by discolouration. In fact, if you’ve had any kind of dental treatment in the past such as a crown, veneer or filling you’ve probably benefited from dental bonding.
Composite bonding is the name given to the use of resin to fix small damage to teeth. The procedure involves mixing up the resin to closely match the colour of the existing teeth, before applying it to the damaged area and moulding it to the desired shape. When this moulding is completed, and it may involve the application of several layers of resin, the dentist will solidify it using the heat of a laser. It can then be polished and buffed to resemble the smooth appearance of tooth enamel. Bonding can be used in this way to repair cracks, chips and fill cavities, replacing the old silver amalgam fillings that have caused so much controversy in recent years. Bonding can also be used to make uneven or slightly crooked teeth look more aesthetically pleasing by careful and subtle application.
The use of bonding as an adhesive enables dentists to fit dental crowns or veneers to teeth that are significantly damaged. In such cases bonding alone may not be sufficient to repair the damage but its strength and durability make it perfect for securing other dental replacements. Before any bonding is applied it is first necessary to etch the surface of the tooth to allow for greater adhesion.
It is difficult to estimate the cost of dental bonding because the amount needed can vary greatly depending on the problem. However, it is important to remember that dental bonding is one of the cheapest and readily available dental treatments. Dentists in Swindon are thoroughly trained in the uses of dental bonding to make long lasting and visually pleasing dental repairs at a minimum of cost.
Anyone who has suffered the pain of a severely damaged tooth or root canal procedure can tell you exactly how unpleasant it is. When dental nerves are exposed either due to cracks in the teeth, cavities or dental surgery they can be incredibly sensitive and the source of great discomfort. Dental crowns are artificial tooth caps that aim to rebuild the structure of damaged or exposed teeth to protect them from further damage and restore their cosmetic appearance.
Crowns are very versatile and effective and can be made from a number of different materials. Depending on the situation of the tooth in the mouth, crowns can either be made of a mixture of ceramic and metal, or for more visually prominent teeth, just from a porcelain ceramic. It is even possible to manufacture crowns made form pure gold or silver for a slightly more glitzy appearance.
When applying dental crowns to damaged teeth, the dentist will need to remove some of the surface enamel to allow the crown to fit over the top. The crown should cover all parts of the tooth that are proud of the gum line for maximum protection. They are fixed to the teeth using a strong composite resin bonding which is tooth coloured for a more attractive cosmetic appearance.
New technology has radically reduced the amount of time needed to manufacture and fit crowns. It is now even possible to repair a damaged tooth with a crown in only one visit to the dentist, using computer-aided technology. A crown from a Bath dentist can last up to twenty years if properly cared for, offering protection from pain and further damage with no damage to the appearance of the teeth.
We know from archaeological evidence all over the world that we have been trying to look after our teeth for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, the first great civilisation, used twigs and leaves to keep teeth clean. Many African tribes to this day still use the ancient practice of chewing leaves with antibacterial properties to keep teeth clean. While the Egyptians may not have understood the exact science behind dental hygiene, they had certainly worked out that keeping teeth clean and healthy helped to prevent painful dental conditions in the future.
We now understand the exact scientific processes that can occur in the mouth to cause dental problems if teeth are not cleaned or cared for properly. Bath dentists recommend that patients brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps to remove plaque, a filmy substance rich in bacteria that releases acid and erodes the protective tooth enamel. By removing plaque you can prevent enamel erosion that can lead to dental cavities, tooth infection and in severe cases, tooth loss.
It is also vital to keep up six-monthly check-up appointments with a Bath dentist who is highly-trained to spot the first signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Catching these conditions early is critical to effective treatment that can prevent pain and further infection. Dentists can also recommend the most effective methods of cleaning and most suitable products for your individual teeth. This will almost certainly not involve any leaves or twigs but the principles first discovered by the Egyptians remain the same: look after your teeth and they will look after you.
For some people, just the mere mention of the word dentist is enough to get the heart racing and a feeling of nausea overwhelming the whole body. Dental phobia is one of the most common phobias in the UK but most sufferers don’t realise they are far from alone in their fear.
A phobia is officially classified as an irrational or severe fear that causes an immediate anxiety response or complete avoidance of the stimulus. Boiled down for dental phobics this means their fear of the dentist is so great they will avoid going at all costs. The cruel irony of the situation being that avoiding the dentist is likely to lead to an increased need to see one for emergency treatment in the future.
Dental phobia can be caused by any number of circumstances but research has shown that several reasons crop up time and again. For many patients a previous traumatic experience at the dentist, possibly during childhood, can be the cause of lifelong associated fear. For others, it is the fear of embarrassment because of their teeth and let’s not forget the classic anxiety over pain.
Whatever the cause of the phobia it is important that patients are able to confront these fears and receive the necessary treatment. First and foremost it is important to talk to a dentist. Bristol dentists are specially trained to deal with anxious patients and often just talking about the treatment will be enough to allay some of the fear. Other options include breathing exercises or self-hypnotism to control fear during appointments, and many dentists are now experimenting with aromatherapy techniques to help clam patients. Above all, it is just important to remember that you are not alone and that the dentist will be able to help you to overcome your fears with your help.
Do you suffer from discoloured, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth? Do you long to have a stunning smile but are embarrassed by the condition of your teeth? Then porcelain veneers could be the answer to all your problems. More and more people are turning to porcelain veneers to radically improve the appearance of their smile and restore the confidence that comes with a dazzling set of shining white and even teeth.
In simple terms, porcelain veneers are incredibly thin tooth-shaped pieces or porcelain that overlay the existing teeth to cover up any damage caused by dental problems such as discolouration or enamel erosion. Once fitted, they look and act exactly like real teeth, are very durable and resistant to damage and staining. A highly-trained Weston-super-Mare dentist will be able to fix a whole dental arc of porcelain veneers in a single session meaning you could have a brand new smile in as little as one afternoon.
Modern porcelain veneers are manufactured with the aid of computer technology, which can produce stunningly accurate and effective results. In most cases veneers are so lifelike it is impossible to detect that they are even veneers. And because modern veneers are so thin there is very little preparation work needed and often no need for any enamel removal prior to fixing. Dental bonding is usually sufficient to secure the veneers to the teeth with the minimum of fuss and the process is completely pain-free.
Porcelain veneers are the easiest way of creating the perfect Hollywood smile that you have always wanted. Simple, quick and affordable, porcelain veneers really could transform your life and restore the confidence that can be lost by embarrassing dental problems.
Tooth whitening is a highly effective way of lightening the colour of your teeth without damaging the surface enamel. It is much cheaper and far less drastic than having a whole set of veneers to brighten teeth and can be just as effective while still maintaining a natural appearance.
There are many reasons why you may require tooth whitening but by far the most common is to reverse the staining of teeth that happens naturally as we age. The discolouration can be accelerated by ingesting certain foods and drinks such as coffee, and smoking can also increase the process.
The most common form of teeth whitening is professional bleaching carried out by a Weston-super-Mare dentist. The dentist will initially assess if you are suitable for whitening as the use of certain medications precludes treatment. If you are suitable, the dentist will use a rubber shield to protect the gums and other soft tissue before applying a concentrated mixture containing the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide. As this is broken down oxygen penetrates the enamel on the surface of the teeth making it appear lighter.
Complete treatments usually take between three and four weeks with regular applications of half an hour over that period. In most cases the dentist will make up reduced concentration treatments in special trays to be used at home. Although some new treatments can be applied for longer reducing the overall treatment time to as little as a week.
Other new treatments include using the heat of a dental laser to activate the chemical reaction producing a much faster colour change. The effects of tooth whitening can last up to three years although it is important to remember that all treatments will work differently for each patient as teeth vary in their natural colour and texture. Talk to a Weston-super-Mare dentist about the possibilities of brightening your smile with tooth whitening.
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
If your natural teeth are badly decayed or have been lost to some form of physical trauma, a set of dentures can make your life easier. Of course you will probably miss your natural teeth but if they have got to a stage where everyday activities such as eating and drinking have become difficult or unpleasant, it may be time to replace your remaining teeth with an artificial set. Dentures can also restore the appearance of a healthy smile and act as a support for facial muscles sagging as a result of missing teeth.
If you decide to choose dentures the dentist will first need to remove any existing teeth that remain and give the gums time to sufficiently heal. During this time you may be fitted with a temporary denture. When the gums are sufficiently healed, the dentist will then fit your permanent set. They will have been designed to fit exactly over remaining gum tissue so that they will be held in place by suction alone. Some patients are anxious that dentures can fall out and resort to messy denture adhesives. Loose dentures are usually due to an ill fitting set so some minor adjustment may make them feel more secure. Alternatively, you could have a series of mini-implants fitted to act as a secure base for the dentures.
Modern dentures have come along way in the last twenty years and can now appear and feel very realistic. Wearing dentures no longer comes with the stigma it used to have and most wearers go through life without anybody ever knowing they are not their natural teeth. If you are suffering with your teeth and finding eating and drinking a real pain, it may be time to see a Gloucester dentist about dentures.
These advances have impacted on every level of dentistry and it is useful to give a few examples to highlight the changes. Dental crowns are artificial caps that fit over damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. In the past, crowns were painstakingly manufactured in laboratories using a series of dental moulds and x-rays. Using a combination of metal and ceramics, the crowns were built up layer upon layer until they were the satisfactory shape. The dentist would then need to remove substantial amounts of natural enamel to allow the bulky crown to fit over the damaged tooth. Today’s technology means a crown can be sculpted from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This has been made possible by the advent of digital x-rays and 3D imaging which allow the dentist to create an incredibly accurate and immediate image of the patient’s mouth. A computer-guided mill can then whittle the tooth to a similarly accurate degree. This technology can also be used in the manufacture of veneers and dental inlays.
Teeth whitening procedures have also developed significantly to be more effective and much safer and orthodontic straightening has seen a similar improvement. It is now possible to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time previously thought possible, and this can be achieved more discreetly and with less discomfort to the patient.
These are just a small selection of the incredible dental technologies available to all patients at Bristol dentists. Whatever the problem or dental concern there is a quick, affordable and aesthetically pleasing technology available to give you the best possible treatment.
Teeth have a very hard enamel exterior that is very durable and strong, but poor standards of oral hygiene or dental trauma can breech this tough exterior exposing the extremely sensitive dental nerve within the tooth. This can cause pain ranging from a mild sensitivity due to extremes of temperature in the mouth from eating and drinking to very severe pain caused by dental infections and abscesses.
Tooth enamel is commonly broken down by plaque acids and tartar in the mouth which, if not repaired with a filling or crown, can expose the pulp and nerve of the tooth to bacterial infection. If the nerve or root becomes infected the body will produce an excess of white blood cells to fight the infection. This can build up on a pocket around the tooth leading to a painful, pus-filled abscess. These can be very painful and can also lead to a spread of the initial infection.
Dental pain can also come in the form of erupting teeth or wisdom teeth buried beneath the gum. These can cause interruption to bite and painful irritation that is very uncomfortable. One of the common features of all dental pain is that it is very hard to control. For someone suffering dental pain it can seem there is little they can do to stop it. In most cases over-the-counter painkillers will be effective but patients should always see a dentist even if the pain appears to have disappeared. In cases of extreme infection or serious gum disease patients may require anti-biotics and more serious pain relief. It is important to remember in all cases of dental pain to see a Bristol dentist as soon as possible.
Even one missing tooth can seriously affect the way a person looks and not just because of the obvious gap in the teeth. Missing teeth leave gaps in the dental arc that allow other teeth to rotate and lean leading to a complete change in the appearance of the teeth. This can also affect bite alignment and have a negative impact on the facial tissue. Vacant spaces are also breeding grounds for plaque-forming and bad breath-causing bacteria. It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
One cosmetic option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth attached to crowns or resin-bonded strips that literally bridges the gap left by the missing tooth. This restores the appearance of the tooth from the gum up without having any attachment to the gum itself. This prevents bacteria build up and also braces the other teeth preventing any unwanted movement.
Dental bridges are usually fitted over several visits to the dentist depending on the condition of the existing teeth. The type of bridge fitted also depends on the condition of the adjacent teeth. Teeth in better condition are likely to be resin bonded rather than remove healthy enamel for a crown.
If properly cared for a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years and serve all the functions of a natural tooth. Bristol dentists can fit dental bridges to fill the gap left by one or more teeth to help restore a patient’s confidence and their smile.
Dental bonding is a term used in dentistry to describe the composite resin used as adhesive for dental procedures that is hardened with high intensity heat from a laser. Bonding is a very versatile material that can also be used to repair small damage to teeth such as chips and cracks, as well as covering damage caused by discolouration. In fact, if you’ve had any kind of dental treatment in the past such as a crown, veneer or filling you’ve probably benefited from dental bonding.
Composite bonding is the name given to the use of resin to fix small damage to teeth. The procedure involves mixing up the resin to closely match the colour of the existing teeth, before applying it to the damaged area and moulding it to the desired shape. When this moulding is completed, and it may involve the application of several layers of resin, the dentist will solidify it using the heat of a laser. It can then be polished and buffed to resemble the smooth appearance of tooth enamel. Bonding can be used in this way to repair cracks, chips and fill cavities, replacing the old silver amalgam fillings that have caused so much controversy in recent years. Bonding can also be used to make uneven or slightly crooked teeth look more aesthetically pleasing by careful and subtle application.
The use of bonding as an adhesive enables dentists to fit dental crowns or veneers to teeth that are significantly damaged. In such cases bonding alone may not be sufficient to repair the damage but its strength and durability make it perfect for securing other dental replacements. Before any bonding is applied it is first necessary to etch the surface of the tooth to allow for greater adhesion.
It is difficult to estimate the cost of dental bonding because the amount needed can vary greatly depending on the problem. However, it is important to remember that dental bonding is one of the cheapest and readily available dental treatments. Dentists in Swindon are thoroughly trained in the uses of dental bonding to make long lasting and visually pleasing dental repairs at a minimum of cost.
Anyone who has suffered the pain of a severely damaged tooth or root canal procedure can tell you exactly how unpleasant it is. When dental nerves are exposed either due to cracks in the teeth, cavities or dental surgery they can be incredibly sensitive and the source of great discomfort. Dental crowns are artificial tooth caps that aim to rebuild the structure of damaged or exposed teeth to protect them from further damage and restore their cosmetic appearance.
Crowns are very versatile and effective and can be made from a number of different materials. Depending on the situation of the tooth in the mouth, crowns can either be made of a mixture of ceramic and metal, or for more visually prominent teeth, just from a porcelain ceramic. It is even possible to manufacture crowns made form pure gold or silver for a slightly more glitzy appearance.
When applying dental crowns to damaged teeth, the dentist will need to remove some of the surface enamel to allow the crown to fit over the top. The crown should cover all parts of the tooth that are proud of the gum line for maximum protection. They are fixed to the teeth using a strong composite resin bonding which is tooth coloured for a more attractive cosmetic appearance.
New technology has radically reduced the amount of time needed to manufacture and fit crowns. It is now even possible to repair a damaged tooth with a crown in only one visit to the dentist, using computer-aided technology. A crown from a Bath dentist can last up to twenty years if properly cared for, offering protection from pain and further damage with no damage to the appearance of the teeth.
We know from archaeological evidence all over the world that we have been trying to look after our teeth for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, the first great civilisation, used twigs and leaves to keep teeth clean. Many African tribes to this day still use the ancient practice of chewing leaves with antibacterial properties to keep teeth clean. While the Egyptians may not have understood the exact science behind dental hygiene, they had certainly worked out that keeping teeth clean and healthy helped to prevent painful dental conditions in the future.
We now understand the exact scientific processes that can occur in the mouth to cause dental problems if teeth are not cleaned or cared for properly. Bath dentists recommend that patients brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps to remove plaque, a filmy substance rich in bacteria that releases acid and erodes the protective tooth enamel. By removing plaque you can prevent enamel erosion that can lead to dental cavities, tooth infection and in severe cases, tooth loss.
It is also vital to keep up six-monthly check-up appointments with a Bath dentist who is highly-trained to spot the first signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Catching these conditions early is critical to effective treatment that can prevent pain and further infection. Dentists can also recommend the most effective methods of cleaning and most suitable products for your individual teeth. This will almost certainly not involve any leaves or twigs but the principles first discovered by the Egyptians remain the same: look after your teeth and they will look after you.
For some people, just the mere mention of the word dentist is enough to get the heart racing and a feeling of nausea overwhelming the whole body. Dental phobia is one of the most common phobias in the UK but most sufferers don’t realise they are far from alone in their fear.
A phobia is officially classified as an irrational or severe fear that causes an immediate anxiety response or complete avoidance of the stimulus. Boiled down for dental phobics this means their fear of the dentist is so great they will avoid going at all costs. The cruel irony of the situation being that avoiding the dentist is likely to lead to an increased need to see one for emergency treatment in the future.
Dental phobia can be caused by any number of circumstances but research has shown that several reasons crop up time and again. For many patients a previous traumatic experience at the dentist, possibly during childhood, can be the cause of lifelong associated fear. For others, it is the fear of embarrassment because of their teeth and let’s not forget the classic anxiety over pain.
Whatever the cause of the phobia it is important that patients are able to confront these fears and receive the necessary treatment. First and foremost it is important to talk to a dentist. Bristol dentists are specially trained to deal with anxious patients and often just talking about the treatment will be enough to allay some of the fear. Other options include breathing exercises or self-hypnotism to control fear during appointments, and many dentists are now experimenting with aromatherapy techniques to help clam patients. Above all, it is just important to remember that you are not alone and that the dentist will be able to help you to overcome your fears with your help.
Do you suffer from discoloured, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth? Do you long to have a stunning smile but are embarrassed by the condition of your teeth? Then porcelain veneers could be the answer to all your problems. More and more people are turning to porcelain veneers to radically improve the appearance of their smile and restore the confidence that comes with a dazzling set of shining white and even teeth.
In simple terms, porcelain veneers are incredibly thin tooth-shaped pieces or porcelain that overlay the existing teeth to cover up any damage caused by dental problems such as discolouration or enamel erosion. Once fitted, they look and act exactly like real teeth, are very durable and resistant to damage and staining. A highly-trained Weston-super-Mare dentist will be able to fix a whole dental arc of porcelain veneers in a single session meaning you could have a brand new smile in as little as one afternoon.
Modern porcelain veneers are manufactured with the aid of computer technology, which can produce stunningly accurate and effective results. In most cases veneers are so lifelike it is impossible to detect that they are even veneers. And because modern veneers are so thin there is very little preparation work needed and often no need for any enamel removal prior to fixing. Dental bonding is usually sufficient to secure the veneers to the teeth with the minimum of fuss and the process is completely pain-free.
Porcelain veneers are the easiest way of creating the perfect Hollywood smile that you have always wanted. Simple, quick and affordable, porcelain veneers really could transform your life and restore the confidence that can be lost by embarrassing dental problems.
Tooth whitening is a highly effective way of lightening the colour of your teeth without damaging the surface enamel. It is much cheaper and far less drastic than having a whole set of veneers to brighten teeth and can be just as effective while still maintaining a natural appearance.
There are many reasons why you may require tooth whitening but by far the most common is to reverse the staining of teeth that happens naturally as we age. The discolouration can be accelerated by ingesting certain foods and drinks such as coffee, and smoking can also increase the process.
The most common form of teeth whitening is professional bleaching carried out by a Weston-super-Mare dentist. The dentist will initially assess if you are suitable for whitening as the use of certain medications precludes treatment. If you are suitable, the dentist will use a rubber shield to protect the gums and other soft tissue before applying a concentrated mixture containing the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide. As this is broken down oxygen penetrates the enamel on the surface of the teeth making it appear lighter.
Complete treatments usually take between three and four weeks with regular applications of half an hour over that period. In most cases the dentist will make up reduced concentration treatments in special trays to be used at home. Although some new treatments can be applied for longer reducing the overall treatment time to as little as a week.
Other new treatments include using the heat of a dental laser to activate the chemical reaction producing a much faster colour change. The effects of tooth whitening can last up to three years although it is important to remember that all treatments will work differently for each patient as teeth vary in their natural colour and texture. Talk to a Weston-super-Mare dentist about the possibilities of brightening your smile with tooth whitening.
