Teeth Whitening in Cliftonville, Kent
Dalby Dental & Cosmetic Practice offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures including teeth whitening, veneers, and invisible braces with our highly-trained cosmetic dentist.
Porcelain Veneers
A thin porcelain facing to reshape, reposition, or restore colour to teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
The more aesthetic option to restore front teeth, due to the translucency which is greatly improved in the absence of a metal substructure.
Tooth Whitening
In-office tooth whitening with the (extreme makeover's) ZOOM system. The procedure is completed in one visit to whiten your teeth for that Hollywood smile. An ‘at home’ whitening system is also available.
Invisible Braces
Braces that are not noticeable (C-Thru), are ideal for patients where the cosmetic implications of conventional braces are a deterring factor, providing compliance is good.
Q & A's
Q. Can I lighten the colour of my teeth?
A. Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surfaces. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it should lighten the existing.
Q. What does tooth whitening involve?
A. Professional bleaching is the most common form of tooth whitening. Your dentist will apply the whitening product to your teeth. The 'active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter. Once your dentist has started this treatment you may be given trays to take home and continue the treatment, or you may need further appointments. This treatment can be done within 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how long you keep the trays in your mouth each time, and how much whiter you want your teeth to be.
Q. What other procedures are there?
A. There is now laser whitening or 'power whitening'. During this treatment, a light or laser is shone on to the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the chemical reaction of the whitening product and the shade change can be achieved more quickly. Laser whitening can make teeth up to five or six shades lighter. This procedure usually takes about one hour.
Q. What is an incorrect bite?
A. This is when the teeth do not fit in the jaw properly, when the teeth are not in the correct relationship with the rest of the face or if teeth are lost and not replaced.
Q. What can happen if it is not treated?
A. If an incorrect bite is not treated the face can 'collapse'. This can cause the face to sag, the chin to stick out or the smile to droop. It can even cause headaches, neck pain and other pains in the body.
Q. How can it be treated?
A. There are a number of treatments, including crowns, bonding, and orthodontics (braces). Ask your dentist which treatment is most suitable for you. Ask for an estimate of the cost and a written treatment plan before you start.
Q. Can my crooked or twisted teeth be straightened?
A. Teeth can be straightened with orthodontics (braces). This is usually done during the teenage years, when the teeth are going through a period of growth. However, many adults also have treatment to straighten their crooked teeth or to improve their appearance. The procedure can take much longer in adults and is therefore more expensive
For cosmetic reasons, clear or plastic braces can be used, which are hardly noticeable. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, first go along to your dentist and get their advice. Your dentist can discuss your treatment options and if necessary, refer you to an orthodontist.
Q. Are there any alternatives to orthodontics?
A. Cosmetic contouring can be used to improve the appearance of teeth. It is ideal if you have irregular-shaped or slightly crowded teeth. However, in contouring the teeth a small amount of enamel would be lost. Contouring can also be used to improve the shape and appearance of your gums. These treatments are not recommended for young children.
Q. How are veneers made?
A. A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth, usually the same thickness as the veneer will be. An impression is taken by the dentist and sent to a dental technician for the veneer to be made in the laboratory. The veneer is then bonded to the tooth to form a strong and natural-looking repair.
Q. Can I have white fillings?
A. For over 150 years standard fillings have been made out of a silvery-grey material called 'amalgam'. This is considered one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials available for fillings. However, many people find it unattractive and some are concerned about possible health risks. White fillings are now a popular alternative to amalgam fillings. The new dental materials mean it is much easier to find a perfect match for the shade of a particular tooth. In most cases, it is quite impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling. Sometimes white filling material can be used to cover unsightly marks on teeth, in a similar way to veneers.
Q. My tooth is badly broken - what can I do?
A. When a tooth is badly broken or heavily filled, the dentist may need to crown or 'cap' it to restore its appearance and strength.
Q. How does the dentist make a crown?
A. The usual procedure for fitting a crown involves shaping the tooth under local anaesthetic and then taking an impression using a rubber-like material. The impression is then sent to the laboratory along with the details of the shade to be used, and the technician makes the crown.
Q. What happens to my teeth while the crown is being made?
A. While your crown is being made, the prepared tooth can be protected with a temporary crown. This is easily removed just before fitting the permanent one. In most cases, the temporary crown is in place for approximately two weeks.