COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Our smile plays such an important role in our live. A healthy smile can truly transform our visual appearance, the positivity of our mind-set, as well as improving the health of not only our mouth but our body too. It can also give us greater confidence, as well as influence our social lives, careers and relationships. Because of this, it makes sense to give our oral health the best possible care.

Veneers

Description

If you unhappy with the look of a specific tooth that does not match the others in terms of size, shape or colour then why not find out how we could improve it with a strong and natural looking veneer.

What is a veneer?
A veneer is a very thin cover of porcelain/ natural-colour ‘composite' material made to fit over the front surface of a tooth.

When would I need a veneer?
Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain/other material can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten your front teeth. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole again.
The porcelain/other material covers the whole of the front of the tooth, with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when braces are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

The advantages of veneers
Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy. Because they are very thin and are held in place by a special, strong adhesive, very little preparation of the tooth is needed.


Teeth Whitening

Description

Safe Tooth Whitening.
In the wrong hands, undergoing a relatively simple and safe tooth whitening treatment can turn into a terrifying ordeal.

What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

Why would I need my teeth whitened?
There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.
Teeth can also be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.

What does tooth whitening involve?
Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. Your dental team will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. Firstly, we will take an impression of your mouth in order to create specially made trays which fit your mouth exactly. They will then place the whitening gel inside these trays and insert them into your mouth.
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.

How long does this take?
The total treatment can usually be done within two to four weeks. First, you will need two or three visits to the dentist. Your dental team will need to make a mouth guard and will take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your dental team has started the treatment, you will need to continue the treatment at home. This means regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes to overnight wear, depending on the product used.

How long will my teeth stay whiter?
The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.

What are the side effects?
Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

When might tooth whitening not work?
Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour and it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false' teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers.

How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?
You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. Don't forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.
We recommend the following tips to take care of your teeth:
Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.


Dental Implants

Description

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. It is a 'special material' screw that can replace the root of a tooth when it fails. Just like a tooth root, it is placed into the jawbone.

Are implants safe and how long will they last?

Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. It's probably true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.
How well you look after your implants - and whether you go for your regular maintenance appointments - will have the biggest impact on how long they will last. If you don't look after your implants they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. You could get all these problems with natural teeth.
If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants (such as a hip replacement) there is no lifetime guarantee.

I have some of my own teeth. Can I still have implants?

Yes. You can have any number of teeth replaced with implants - from one single tooth to a complete set.
Can implants always be used to replace missing teeth?
It depends on the condition of the bone in your jaw. Your dentist will arrange for a number of special tests to find out the amount of bone still there. If there is not enough, or if it isn't healthy enough, it may not be possible to place implants without grafting bone into the area first.

How long does the treatment take?

Your dental team will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts.
Some false teeth can now even be fitted at the same time as the implants (these are called ‘immediate implants'). Check with your dental team to see whether these are suitable for you. Usually the false teeth are fitted 3 to 4 months after the implants are put in. Sometimes treatment takes longer and your dental team will be able to talk to you about your treatment time.

What about aftercare?

Your dental team will give you instructions on how to look after your implant. They may give you some painkillers after the surgery - or make sure you have some at home - to take over the next few days if you need them.


Crown and Bridges

Description

Parkwood Dental and Aesthetic Care can help you create your dream smile.
Our dental crowns can reconstruct and rebuild your teeth also making them stronger and our dental bridges can replace your missing teeth.


Stain Removal

Description

Here at Parkwood Dental and Aesthetic Care we can offer you Air Polishing treatment that quickly and effectively removes unwanted stains on the front and back of your teeth.

Air Polishing is a dental hygienist treatment that has been developed to help keep your teeth clean and white.
The air polishing technique is so effective that it can remove some of the worst stains from teeth, such as those caused by tea, coffee and red wine. It’s also very effective on stains caused by tobacco, as well as those that some mouthwashes can leave behind.

The air polishing technique is simple and painless. It uses air and water pressure to deliver a controlled stream of sodium bicarbonate or glycine powders through a special nozzle. Although it’s a very simple technique it’s also very effective. The combination of the pressurised jet of air, water and powder works to remove stains, plaque, as well as anything else that may have become trapped between teeth, such as pieces of food.
If you’ve been looking for a very effective method of stain removal for your teeth then air polishing could be a great option.