What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
A smile is an important part of our personality and is enhanced by beautiful teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is no more a luxury affordable by a few. Thanks to advances in material and techniques, treatment is available to all. In its simplest form, cosmetic dentistry can be keeping your teeth clean with regular visits to the hygienist; or simply replacing a silver/black (amalgam) filling with a white (tooth coloured) filling.

What do these techniques do?

• Improve the appearance of teeth by covering stains. Change the shape or size of teeth.
• Correct the position and spacing between teeth. Repair chipped, cracked or worn teeth. Strengthen weak teeth
• Replace missing teeth, permanently.

What are these Techniques?
White fillings are made of composite resin (hard plastic) which are matched to the colour of your teeth. They are bonded to the cavity to prevent tooth decay and have very good aesthetics and wear resistance. These are suitable for small fillings and are quick and economical to carry out requiring one visit only.

The benefits of crowns are that you can once again eat in comfort and not worry about your tooth breaking. It will last for many years and be stronger than a natural tooth. It protects the tooth underneath it and is easier to clean, further improving oral hygiene.

Porcelain Veneers (facings) are for sound teeth which are unsightly. Wear and tear, smoking or simply aging could cause this. The solution is to cover the front of the tooth with natural looking porcelain facing. Very little tooth preparation is required and the same laboratory procedures as for crowns. The facing, which is an extremely thin veneer can be used to excellent effect to close unsightly gaps between front teeth and to cover discoloured teeth. The procedure is painless and an injection is rarely needed.

Bridges are recommended if one or more teeth are missing and you don't want to wear a denture. The teeth next to the gap are used as anchorage for the bridge, which has been made by the dental laboratory. The bridge is normally fitted one week after taking the mould. Bridgework is complex and your dentist can explain your individual needs in more detail. The main benefit of bridge treatment is that it does not need to be removed for cleaning, unlike dentures strong and natural looking teeth are the result. A bridge does not move or tilt during eating and helps prevent gum disease.