Cosmetic Dentistry In 2019?
Now is the right time to start planning!
Cosmetic dentistry is so much more accessible these days. The rise in social media and sharing, reality TV stars, influencer culture and advances in dental technology combine to provide a broad selection of transformative treatments at the same dental clinics you get your check-ups and your fillings.
Have you ever thought about getting cosmetic dentistry? Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed about having the perfect smile?
If so, the treatments from Abbey Road Dental could be exactly what you need for increased confidence and function from your smile this year, and for many years to come. Below, Dr Diana Spencer looks at just some of the treatments available at her St John’s Wood surgery.
Different Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry
If you want cosmetic dentistry your dentist will work with you to formulate the right treatment plan for your needs. It may be that one, or a combination of any of the treatment types below, are the right choice for your needs:
Teeth Whitening
Reality TV stars are almost wholly responsible for the surge in teeth whitening popularity across the UK. It is one of the most transformative treatments but also one of the quickest. It works by bleaching the teeth using a special formula gel which can be applied at home using bespoke home whitening kits. Precise moulds of the teeth are made and used to make trays which are filled with the bleaching gel. The trays are then worn for a certain amount of time every day for a few weeks (depending on the system used).
In some clinics you can also get teeth whitening ‘in-house’ which is often completed in not much more than one hour. First your gums are protected and then the product is applied to your teeth before a special activating light is used to accelerate the whitening. After your teeth are whitened, we will show you how many shades difference there is between your smile at the beginning and at the end of the process. Both at-home and in-house treatments are incredibly convenient and quick and you’ll likely be amazed at the results!
Veneers
Another cosmetic dentistry treatment made famous by TV stars, veneers are completely transformational and can correct a multitude of aesthetic dental issues.
Veneers are extremely thin sheets of porcelain or dental composite that are custom made to cover the front of a prepared tooth. Teeth are profiled slightly to provide a good surface for the veneers to adhere to, so in most cases, veneers are a permanent addition to the smile and cannot be reversed. Veneers are often used in smile makeovers because they can be made to be the exact shade and shape the client wants, helping to create that ‘dream smile’.
Bonding
Bonding is a very affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment that uses tooth coloured resin applied to the teeth and then hardened under a special light. Resin is used for defects like cracks, chips or teeth that are misshapen. It is an excellent option for affordable, speedy cosmetic dentistry and it doesn’t take long for the treatment either.
Crowns
Crowns are placed on a tooth to completely replace the part above the gum-line. They change the shape, appearance and strength of a tooth and can be made out of ceramic, resin or porcelain. Some patients may even request the crown to be made from gold! Often crowns are used with bridges to help with filling empty gaps caused by tooth loss; so there would be two crowns either side of the gap and then a ‘bridge’ in the middle, which hold the new tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are arguably the most innovative treatment currently available. They effectively replace a missing tooth root, ensuring that the shape of the face is maintained and helping you avoid the potential issues associated with a missing tooth. Single implants can be used to replace individual teeth, or certain types of implants can be used to support multiple teeth. Some initial patience is required as the implant process can be lengthy, as once the implant is placed it needs to bond with the jawbone. Once it has bonded, crowns are added, creating a natural looking and feeling smile. Once in place, implants can last for decades with the right lifestyle habits and maintenance.
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening can be done with traditional braces, but many dental clinics offer sophisticated adult straightening systems that are discreet and quick acting. Many work on the front teeth only (the social six) although some systems are more elaborate. How suitable you are for the treatment depends on whether or not you have bite issues and a need for more extensive orthodontic treatment.
Who Can Benefit From Cosmetic Dentistry?
Some patients want cosmetic dentistry as a pick me up. For example, they want teeth whitening as a reward for quitting smoking or before a special event like a wedding. They may have bonding done for a special event or they may have their teeth straightened as a confidence boost. Some clients however, come to us for life-changing treatment, for example where they have struggled with a lack of confidence because of dental issues. Life habits, injury or even phobia may have caused the teeth to degrade and some may have spent years covering their mouth through embarrassment. They may also have suffered in their personal or professional life because of their smile.
Teeth might be chipped, cracked, ‘gappy’, missing, stained or a combination of problems. By having cosmetic dentistry and giving you a smile to be proud of, we can potentially transform your life, something we are justifiably proud of at our NW8 clinic.
Why Think About Cosmetic Dentistry Now?
Now is an excellent time to start planning new dentistry treatments a good few months before we progress into 2019. This is because you may need time to:
- Budget and save for treatment
- For the treatment to be completed in time for a big event, or in time for 2019
- Prepare for the treatment by addressing any underlying medical dental needs first
You may even want to ask for the treatment to be paid for as a Christmas gift, or you might even want to go into the New Year with your brand new smile.
Why Choose The Team At Abbey Road Dental For Cosmetic Dentistry?
Here at your local St John’s Wood clinic we have a wide selection of dental treatments that can completely transform your smile! Cosmetic dentistry can make you look younger, and feel so much more confident. Our treatments range from simple treatments like teeth whitening, through to complex smile makeovers using a combination of treatments and latest techniques to completely rejuvenate your teeth and smile.
Please call us on 02076241603 and we will be delighted to book you an initial consultation at a suitable time. There we can discuss your needs and expectations, complete a thorough examination, answer any questions you may have and provide you with transparent costs and timescales for different options suitable for you. We are excited to help you get the smile you deserve here at Abbey Road Dental!