Cosmetic Dentistry

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings (tooth coloured) are used to repair decayed, cracked, or fractured tooth. There are many types of filling materials available and the one with silver amalgam fillings are quite popular. Similar to other dental restorations, composite fillings are not permanent and needs replacement after a few years.

How are composite fillings placed?

Composite fillings are placed in one appointment, where the dentist removes decay, cleans the area, and applies the filling, which is then shaped and polished. Initial sensitivity to hot and cold is normal but temporary. Following good oral hygiene, proper eating habits, and regular dental visits will help maintain the fillings.

A crown, or cap is a covering that encases the entire tooth, restoring its original shape and size while strengthening and protecting it when fillings or other restorations won't suffice. Porcelain crowns are particularly popular due to their natural appearance, resembling real teeth. Highly durable, they provide a long-lasting and beautiful smile, although they may eventually need replacement. Made to match your teeth' shape, size, and color, porcelain crowns ensure a natural and aesthetically pleasing result, effectively enhancing both function and appearance.

Reasons for crowns:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• Tooth has had a root canal

What is the Procedure for a Dental Crown?

A crown procedure typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, the dentist takes several precise molds to create your custom crown and a temporary one, which you'll wear for about two weeks. While the tooth is numb, the dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth for the crown. The temporary crown is placed with temporary cement, and your bite is checked. At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and the new crown is meticulously placed to ensure proper spacing and bite. You'll receive care instructions and be encouraged to have regular dental check-ups to maintain your new crown.

A dental bridge is a fixed appliance used to replace missing teeth. There are several types of bridges and the most popular one is the traditional bridge, made of porcelain fused to metal, resembling natural teeth. It consists of two crowns over anchoring teeth, attached to artificial teeth (pontics), filling the gap of missing teeth. Highly durable, bridges can last many years but may need replacement or re-cementing due to normal wear.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile
• A great substitute for a removable partial denture

What is the procedure of getting porcelain veneers?

Getting veneers typically involves two visits, with minimal or no anesthesia needed. The teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and a shade is selected during the first visit. On the second visit, the teeth are cleaned, veneers are bonded with cement, and a special light sets the bond. Proper care and regular dental visits are essential for maintaining veneers.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made pieces bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their appearance, often as an alternative to crowns. The process typically requires two visits, where the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and the veneers are bonded using special cement and light. Proper oral care and regular dental visits will help maintain their longevity.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

• For a perfect white smile
• Crooked teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Severely discoloured or stained teeth
• Teeth which are too small or too large
• Unwanted or uneven spaces
• Worn or chipped teeth

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anaesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. An impression (mold) of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.

On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.

You will receive care instructions for veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.

Teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive treatment that enhances the color of natural teeth enamel. The most popular methods include home whitening systems, which work over about two weeks, and in-office bleaching for immediate results. Whitening removes stains from teeth, returning them to their original color, but only works on natural enamel. Teeth whitening is not permanent. You may need a touch-up after whitening, especially if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

• Fluorosis
• Normal wear of outer teeth layer
• For a charming smile
• Yellow, brown stained teeth

How is professional teeth whitening done?

Professional teeth whitening typically involves two visits. During the first appointment, custom trays are made from impressions of your teeth. At the second visit, you'll try on the trays for fit, adjusting them if needed. These trays are used with a whitening solution for 30 minutes twice daily or overnight for several weeks, depending on the stains. Teeth sensitivity may occur but usually subsides after whitening. You'll receive care instructions and may need periodic dental visits for maintenance.