Perhaps you’d like your teeth to look brighter, or you have an imperfection that bothers you. Well, thanks to advancements in the field of dentistry, achieving a more beautiful smile is now completely possible. There are a number of cosmetic procedures available, plus it’s never too late to improve the appearance of your teeth. Read on to find out a bit more about some of the most popular treatments, and what they involve …
For a brighter smile
If you feel that your teeth look a little dull, and you’d like them to look whiter and brighter, a whitening treatment might be the answer. The treatment is very popular, and it’s easy to see why — the process is an effective way of enhancing the teeth without damaging them in any way. The treatment is essentially a chemical process in which the colour of the teeth is lightened. It also works by getting rid of stains and discolouration caused by highly pigmented foods and drinks like coffee, berries, chocolate, and red wine.
We offer two whitening options — an in-office treatment and a take-home whitening kit. The in-office treatment takes around 2 hours in the dental chair, and requires a comprehensive check-up and clean before the whitening gel is applied to the teeth. The take-home treatment, on the other hand, requires 45-minute sessions every night for 1 to 2 weeks. Your dentist will make customised bleaching trays for you and explain how to apply the whitening material. We recommend that you come in for a follow-up visit after around 2 or 3 weeks to ensure that your whitening regime has worked correctly.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our teeth whitening treatments, have a look here.
For straighter teeth
If you notice your teeth are crooked but don’t want the hassle of traditional metal braces, you might consider Invisalign. The orthodontic treatment is virtually invisible and has become an increasingly popular alternative to metal wired braces, especially for adults who prefer a more discreet option.
If you opt for Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a set of clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and custom made to fit your teeth, much like a mouthguard. The aligner works by applying pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. We recommend that you wear your aligners for 22 hours every day for optimal results. You can, however, remove them for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. You’ll wear each aligner for around 2 weeks, before moving onto a new one.
Invisalign is not suited to all orthodontic issues but is a great option for individuals who have mild alignment problems, gaps between the teeth, and in some cases, an over or underbite. If you’re dissatisfied with the alignment of your teeth, we recommend that you come in for a consultation. We will then be able to advise you on your options and let you know if Invisalign is suitable for your particular issue.
Find out more about Invisalign here.
For chips, cracks, and other imperfections
Porcelain veneers are a popular option for concealing a wide range of imperfections, including chipped or worn down teeth, stains and discolouration, uneven and crooked teeth, and gaps between the teeth. Made from very thin porcelain, veneers are designed to look very natural, so that they blend in with your existing teeth.
Having veneers placed usually takes around 3 visits to your dentist. First, you’ll have an initial consultation in which your goals are discussed and the shape, size and type of veneers are chosen. Then, your teeth will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. This ensures that your veneers sit as closely and comfortably as possible. You’ll be given temporary veneers while your final veneers are being made in a dental laboratory. Then, when your permanent veneers are ready, they’ll be cemented to the surface of your teeth and you’ll enjoy a more symmetrical, brighter smile.
To find out more about veneers and their benefits, have a look here.
Ready to enhance the appearance of your smile? Get in touch with our friendly team to arrange a consultation or to find out more about our cosmetic dentistry services.
Want to find out which cosmetic treatment is best suited for you? Download your FREE guide to cosmetic dentistry for more information!