Porcelain veneers are often entrusted with the role of creating bright and beautiful smiles and they are an excellent choice for patients who are looking for that celebrity style smile. There are lots of different shapes, sizes and shades of veneers available, so we can create your dream smile, whether you are looking for all-out Hollywood glamour or a subtle, natural look.
What are veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-fine sheets of laminated porcelain, in the shape of natural teeth. They are positioned over your existing teeth, creating the image of a flawless smile. There is a great deal of scope with veneers and we can help you to design your perfect smile. You can choose the shade, shape and size of your veneers and each one is made to fit the contours of your natural teeth perfectly.
Veneers are not just there to look pretty, they can also be used as a means of addressing common problems such as worn, chipped and stained teeth. If your teeth are misshapen, discoloured or worn down, this can affect your self-esteem as well as your looks and veneers can help to boost your self-esteem and ensure you feel much happier and more confident when you smile.
Veneers can also be used as part of a smile makeover, a series of treatments which, put together, aim to create the smile of your dreams.
Veneer treatment
Before your veneers are crafted, we prepare your teeth. This simple procedure involves removing a very thin layer of the tooth structure to make space for the veneers. This ensures a natural look and increases comfort. Once your teeth are ready, we create impressions, which are sent away and used by highly skilled dental technicians to make your new veneers. Once the veneers are ready, we will place them over your teeth, check that you are happy with the finished result and then secure them using strong adhesive.
Clifton Dental Studio offers a comprehensive range of general dental services in addition to preventative treatments, including hygienist services. We are proud to promote healthy, happy smiles and we try to encourage our clients, young and old, to live by the motto ‘prevention is better than cure’.
Our amazing hygienists
We are fortunate to have excellent dental hygienists in our team and they provide a range of highly beneficial treatments for patients of all ages. Seeing a hygienist is incredibly important for patients with existing oral health issues, such as gum disease, but it can also really benefit those who have good oral health.
For younger patients in Bristol and beyond, we offer preventative services, such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealant treatment. Fluoride is applied to the teeth to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, while fissure sealant treatment provides a protective barrier to prevent food debris and bacteria getting lodged in the tiny pits on the tooth surface. Both of these treatments are completely painless and they only take a few minutes.
For adult patients, we offer intensive, highly effective cleaning treatments, bad breath clinics and treatment for gum disease. We are also on hand to offer advice about oral hygiene at home, giving up smoking and healthy eating.
Our hygienists work alongside our dentists to provide the best standards of care for patients with gum disease and we do everything we can to ease symptoms and halt the progress of the condition as quickly as possible.
How often should I see a hygienist?
If you have existing oral health issues, for example gum disease or halitosis, it is advisable to see a hygienist on a regular basis and your dentist will recommend frequent sessions. If you have good oral health, seeing a hygienist can still be advantageous and we generally recommend an annual hygiene session.
Many people around the world suffer from crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can spoil the beauty of your smile and also the way you feel about yourself and can be a serious self-confidence breaker. One of the most popular and effective ways to treat crooked teeth is Invisalign. Invisalign treatment involves the use of clear plastic aligners that are fixed around the teeth in order to gently push them back into position.
The facts
Patients who do not want to use metal braces can opt for Invisalign, as the greatest advantage of Invisalign is that they are almost invisible. However, not everyone can use this technique to fix their teeth. If you are a patient from London and have issues with your bite or severely rotated teeth, Invisalign might not be the best option for you. The best way to find out is by consulting a dentist.
How it works
First the orthodontist will create a 3D image of your teeth and then a lab technician will use the mold and the 3D map to make clear plastic retainers specifically designed according to your teeth’s size and shape. The retainers will be securely fitted onto your teeth and will slowly and steadily move the teeth into perfect alignment. As the teeth moves into place, you will need to get new aligners, with new aligners required every two weeks. They must be worn at all times, except while drinking or eating, in order to get fast and maximum results.
Effects
Many patients with crooked teeth have benefited from Invisalign treatment. If aligners are properly worn as per directions and if they stay on your teeth except for eating or drinking, then the results will start to show within weeks.
Time frame
It’s impossible to predict the time required for this treatment to be completed, since every case is different. However, before the treatment begins the dentist will be able to give you an approximate completion time. On average an individual would need 20-30 aligners for both the upper and lower teeth, so it may take somewhere in between 12 to 18 months
Botox is a chemical that has been greatly studied and observed by many scientists and professionals. As it has become an accepted practice in today’s society, many people are now investing in Botox for a younger looking appearance.
Several people around the world have heard of the Botox injection and its many uses for aesthetic and cosmetic enhancement. It is a well-known anti-aging technique that has been practiced by doctors for many years. Botox can also be used to control hyperactive muscles that impair your smile and also to successfully treat excessive sweating.
If you have wrinkles or a feature about your face that you feel impairs your image, you could always contact a dentist for a Botox consultation, to see what can be done to enhance your facial appearance. Lines around your eyes, creases at the corner of your mouth and frown marks can all be treated quickly and effectively with Botox treatment.
Another reason why people tend to use this procedure is to take years off of their skin in a quick and easy way. Sometimes people may acquire wrinkles that highlight or emphasis their actual age, such as around the eyes and in their smile, affecting the whole shape and contour of their face. Often, first impressions rely on eye contact, gestures, and even facial expressions and cosmetic appeal. This is why the use of Botox is becoming more and more popular.
One of the best features of modern orthodontic treatments is speed. In the past, patients who wanted straighter teeth wore braces for at least one year and sometimes up to three years, but with modern treatments, waiting times are getting shorter every year. One of the most impressive treatments we offer is the Inman Aligner: an incredible option for people who want results fast!
What is the Inman Aligner?
The Inman Aligner is a removable brace that offers a swift, discreet and removable alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments. The aligner sits over the top of the teeth with a coiled spring positioned at the back of the teeth and a metal bar running along the front of the teeth. These two parts produce forces, which work to move the teeth and improve the aesthetic of the smile.
How long does the Inman Aligner take to straighten the teeth?
The Inman Aligner is one of the quickest treatments around, with an average treatment time of just 16 weeks. In very minor cases, treatment may take less than six weeks, making this an ideal choice for those who are desperate to start enjoying the benefits of treatment as quickly as possible and those who are eager to look their best for a wedding, big party or graduation ceremony.
Who is a suitable candidate for treatment?
The only real downside of the Inman Aligner is that it doesn’t cater for everyone. This treatment is aimed at patients who have minor issues that only need a small amount of movement. Ideal candidates include those with mild crowding of the front teeth or small gaps between the front teeth. If you have more complex needs, we have treatment options to suit you too and we will be happy to explore the different treatments with you.
An effective cosmetic dental treatment is ‘crowning,’ which can be used to improve a tooth’s appearance. The natural tooth is contoured slightly by your dentist, so the crown can fit snugly on top. All our crowns are crafted by highly skilled technicians and are therefore the same colour and shape as your existing teeth.
Crowns are a type of restoration used to strengthen teeth that have been damaged as a result of an injury, accident or decay and are sometimes known as caps because they fit over the top of the existing tooth.
Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials, including precious metals, metal alloys and ceramic materials. Many people prefer to have ceramic crowns because they blend in with the natural colour of their teeth and are therefore invisible when you smile. Porcelain crowns are a popular choice because they are durable and strong, as well as aesthetically pleasing.
The procedure to fit a crown involves two stages. The first stage is to prepare the tooth for crowning and the second stage is to fit the crown. The tooth is prepared using an instrument called a burr, which your dentist will use to remove the decayed tissue and clean the tooth thoroughly before shaping the tooth. Once the tooth is ready, an impression will be created and sent to the laboratory so that a custom-made crown can be manufactured. When the crown has been sent back, it will be fitted and fixed in place once you and your dentist are happy.
Crowns are a very effective treatment for teeth that are damaged and decayed but it is important to look after the tooth after a crowing procedure. You should tend to your crown like a normal tooth and take care to stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine, which should include brushing the teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing. Crowns do not last forever but they should last for several years if they are well looked-after.
The past ten years have seen many new and exciting developments in orthodontic treatment, meaning that adults needing braces no longer need to worry about wearing awkward-looking, conspicuous braces. New treatments mean that patients have an unprecedented level of choice when considering what would be the best option for them.
In previous years, fixed braces have been the sole option for people suffering from dental issues such as gaps between teeth, crowding and problems with their bite. Nowadays, there is a wide range of treatments available for adults who require braces. The most prominent ones are detailed below.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of invisible braces which uses clear aligners to move teeth into the required position. The material used is clear plastic so that they are not noticeable to other people. Invisalign braces are removable so that you experience no issues when eating or brushing your teeth.
Inman Aligner
The Inman Aligner works to correct issues with a patient’s front teeth. It is a removable device that starts to achieve visible results in just a few weeks after treatment commences. The overall effect is achieved in between three and five months, when teeth will be straight.
Six Month Smiles
If fixed braces are required, Six Month Smiles achieves quick results. This system focuses on the front teeth as these are the ones that are visible when you smile. The effects of treatment can, in many cases, be complete in as little as six months. Six Month Smiles have been designed to match the colour of your teeth so that they are less noticeable, while the technology used works to minimise any discomfort felt while you wear them. For more information on the rage of braces treatments we offer and which would be suitable for you, contact the team at Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol.
If you’re not happy with your smile, you don’t have to put up with hiding it in public and resigning yourself to the back row of photographs. With our amazing cosmetic, restorative and orthodontic treatments, we can create stunning smile makeovers to start your summer with a bang! Whether you’re embarrassed about crooked or missing teeth, you long for bright pearly whites or you’ve been hiding your stained teeth away, we can help!
We have vast experience in creating beautiful smiles using the latest treatments and techniques. We’ll guide you through the treatment process, help you to select the treatments you want to and work closely with you to create the smile of your dreams.
About smile makeovers
A smile makeover is achieved using a collection of dental treatments of your choosing. No two smile makeovers are ever the same because all our clients have different ideas and needs. The aim of a smile makeover is to take your dreams and make them a reality using the best services on offer. We can provide restorative, cosmetic and orthodontic treatments to eliminate and address problems from a gummy smile and crooked teeth to staining, gaps between the teeth and missing teeth.
Our most popular smile makeover treatments include porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, white fillings, porcelain crowns, gum and tooth contouring and cosmetic braces.
Often, the treatments you choose will depend on your needs and what you want from your smile makeover. If you have stained and chipped teeth, your makeover will be very different to somebody who has missing teeth or orthodontic problems and our dentists will work with you to determine what needs to be done and which treatments will be best to achieve your goal.
How long does a smile makeover take?
Smile makeovers can take anything from a few days to several months, depending on the list of treatments you choose. Once you have ascertained the components of the makeover, your dentist will be able to give you a very accurate prediction of the treatment time.
Employ proper tongue cleaning techniques to instantly freshen breath
Morning breath is only ever acceptable in the morning, in that space of time between waking up and heading to the bathroom to brush your teeth. But every day, a reported 45 percent of people in the world suffer from chronic bad breath, or halitosis.
Halitosis is caused by a combination of certain foods, dry mouth and bacteria found in the mouth. Most halitosis is a result of bacteria found in the mouth. The best way to treat bacteria-caused halitosis is with thorough cleaning of the entire mouth.
A variety of products exist to help keep halitosis under control, including mouth wash, chewing gum, breath mints and toothpaste. Utilising these tools and incorporating another tool, the tongue scraper, is a proven method for eliminating halitosis.
If you suffer from halitosis, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, dentists suggest. In addition, brushing your tongue will help with halitosis. You can do this with your toothbrush or with a tongue scraper. Tongue scrapers can be purchased individually or they can be found on the undersides of some toothbrushes.
Thorough and regular flossing will also help prevent halitosis as this will remove lodged food that has been wedged between your teeth. Mouthwashes with low alcohol content that contain chlorine dioxide are also effective at eliminating halitosis, as is paying a visit to your dental hygienist frequently.
Tongue cleaning is a proven method for eliminating and preventing halitosis as it directly removes bacteria from the mouth. When cleaning your tongue, you should clean as far back on your tongue as you can. Be advised, this may make you gag the first few times you do it, but over time, your gag reflex will lessen.
As discussed, you can purchase a tongue scraper to aid in removing bacteria from your tongue. A tongue scraper is a plastic strip that can be fashioned to form a loop. You place the loop on your tongue and pull gently, scraping it across the surface of your tongue until the scraper comes off. It will bring any bacteria present on your tongue with it. Repeat this step until you have removed all the bacteria you can. Finish the process by thoroughly rinsing your mouth with mouthwash.
Mother Nature takes her toll on us all in the end. The fresh, youthful face is slowly replaced with an older more lined appearance. However this need not be the case and cosmetic surgery doesn’t have to be the only option either.
How do dermal fillers work?
The treatment is very simple, the product is gently injected into the skin around the mouth to give it a plumper more youthful appearance. The lips can also be plumped up to enhance the smile and this treatment is sometimes used during a smile makeover treatment.
What areas can be treated with dermal fillers?
Areas around the mouth, the lips and between the eyebrows are the most commonly treated areas. However this treatment can be used on other areas and this can be discussed prior to treatment.
How long does it take and how quickly will I see results?
This form of treatment is very quick and does not require any pre-tests to be carried out. The treatment will usually take about half an hour to complete and the results are instant.
Is the treatment painful?
This all depends on your personal pain threshold, however most patients report only minimal pain or discomfort during the procedure. When it comes to the lips, an anaesthetic will usually be used as this area is more sensitive.
How long will the treatment last?
This will depend greatly on the patient’s age, skin condition and makeup as well as their overall lifestyle. However the average estimate used is between 6 to 12 months. The lips tend to need to be done more frequently than folds and wrinkles do.
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
