Dentistry Smile Design No Drilling, No Injections
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r Hugo Furstenburg Hagen writes about some of the latest updates and procedures available in Dentistry to help with that all-important SMILE! These procedures include Tooth Whitening, Conventional Veneers, Aesthetic re-contouring of teeth, Orthodontics and Invisalign (www. invisalign.co.uk). Many practices in the UK now use the latest technology, materials and techniques to improve your smile. Minimal intervention is the main aim, and they strive to keep the healthy natural tooth in this state; nothing is as strong as a natural tooth. Teeth Whitening This is the first thing a Dentist will look at when they have a smile design consultation with a client; everyone can have a nice smile! The majority of people’s issues stem from the colour of their teeth, which can be yellow, dark or just stained. Whitening or bleaching brings back the natural tooth colour and can restore the shade beyond the natural colour. Primary and adult teeth differ in colour as adult teeth 26
become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth as the enamel becomes less porous. Causes of discolouration include Bacterial pigments, food stuffs, carotenoids and xanthenoids, coloured liquids like tea, coffee and red wine, tobacco, chlorhexidene mouthwash, antibiotics- tetracyclines, enamel defects and hypolplasia, fluorosis, trauma and root canal treatment on single front teeth. Most suitable smiles for this treatment: • Natural tooth surfaces – yellow teeth respond the best • Tetracycline discoloration – more intensive treatment would be needed • Single tooth discoloration – internal bleaching needed Unsuitable smiles for this treatment: • Artificial tooth surfaces like crowns • Large bonded fillings • Severe tetracycline staining Method The Dentist will do a thorough assessment to check dental health and suitability for whitening. Impressions are done to make home bleaching trays. They will do an isolation of gums, application of Zoom bleaching gel, activation of the gel with a Zoom light and then fitting of home maintenance kit. You will be supplied with custom-made trays and enough gel to complete the treatment at home to reach the optimal tooth shade. The bleaching agent is either carbamide peroxide, which breaks down in the mouth to form hydrogen peroxide, or hydrogen peroxide itself. The home bleaching gel typically contains between 10% and 44% carbamide peroxide, which is roughly equivalent to a 3% to 16% hydrogen peroxide concentration. In Office gel: 15% carbamide peroxide = 6% Hydrogen Peroxide gel. Some of the risks include temporary sensitivity, although generally on rare occasions. There can be pain where gums have receded and dental tubules are exposed. These areas are never bleached and protect the exposed dentine with a barrier gel during treatment. Special toothpastes and gels are generally also supplied to reduce sensitivity. Tooth whitening does not damage the tooth surface but excessive bleaching can be harmful to the enamel surface.
Cosmetic Dental Re-contouring Using Composite Dental Materials This technique is used with great success to improve the shape, angulation and symmetry of the teeth. After an assessment recommendations are made on how your dentist will improve your smile by enhancing the contour of your natural teeth. Ensure that the best quality composite materials are used to achieve wonderful results. The natural teeth are cleaned and polished, then they will etch the enamel areas where they intend to add composites with a special enamel etchant gel. Through a series of bonding techniques they will then sculpt and shape the teeth to achieve a symmetrical smile. The beauty of re-contouring is that the treatment is completely reversible and ideal for treating younger patients who have issues with the appearance of their teeth. They can close gaps, make small teeth large and improve the appearance of misaligned or misshaped teeth. In some cases they can even use composites to do full composite veneers on the teeth. Composite re-contouring is a more affordable alternative to traditional porcelain veneers. It means that you can customise your smile design to suit your age, your needs and also your budget. You don’t have to be restricted to expensive porcelain veneers.
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