Partial dentures versus complete dentures

The field of cosmetic dentistry has brought forth a number of options which are not only meant to enhance one’s over all appearance but are also meant as a replacement for all the lost teeth in one’s dental make-up. This is achieved by the application of dentures which are appliances crafted in such a way that they resemble the natural teeth of the wearer and can be fixed within the mouth in place of the lost teeth. In the branch of cosmetic dentistry, there are two main types of dentures namely complete dentures and partial dentures. The complete dentures are used when all the teeth within the mouth need to be replaced and the partial dentures are used as replacement of some of the teeth which are missing.

When an individual loses some of his teeth due to a number of reasons like accidents, poor dental health or ageing, then he is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry which deals with partial dentures. The first step in this regard entails a search for a reputed dental practice which specializes in various procedures related to the field of cosmetic dentistry. After having found such a dental practice, the next step involves the fixing of appointment with the dentist who would brief the patient about the entire procedure, its requirements, its cost, advantages and disadvantages as well as other alternative procedures.
After the patient has agreed to the terms and conditions, the process of cosmetic dentistry related to the application of partial dentures is embarked upon by the dentist. The treatment commences when the dentist takes an X-ray of the teeth, jaws and tissue based on which he creates an impression from which the partial dentures are to be made.

During the next few visits to the dental practice the teeth, the new partial dentures are fitted, the necessary adjustments are made and the newly adjusted partial dentures are handed over to the patient. This entire procedure of cosmetic dentistry takes 4-5 appointments with the dentist and the patient is asked to revert back to the dental practice after a week for a review.

Cosmetic dentistry also lays down rules for cleaning the partial dentures and taking care of them since they are prone to breakage if not cared for properly.
source: perfect smile spa blog

How long does it take to have porcelain veneers treatment?

The first step which is taken by an individual who wishes to have porcelain veneers as a method of improving the appearance of his teeth is to consult his dentist and express his desire to try cosmetic dentistry. As is the custom in dental practice, the first appointment with the dentists is pent on discussing the various options of cosmetic dentistry, an in-depth discussion about porcelain veneers and their relative advantages as well as disadvantages. Any dental problem suffered by the patient like tooth decay, bleeding gums or tooth whitening should be mentioned to the dentist at this stage as it would require to be treated before the commencement of the cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Once the treatment is embarked upon, the next phase of treatment entails taking an impression of the teeth which usually takes about two hours. It is also during this phase that the procedure of tooth reduction known as prepping as well as tooth re-shaping is carried out. Prepping involves removal of a layer of enamel from the tooth which is of the same thickness as the porcelain veneers and then the tooth is reshaped by using a rotational cutting device known as a burr.

In the next step the impression of the teeth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory where the porcelain veneers are fabricated and returned back to the dentist within a period of 1-2 weeks. This time period may vary from one dental practice to another and there are cases when the dental practice itself has an in-house lab as well as technicians to carry out the requirements of cosmetic dentistry. After the porcelain veneers arrive, it is the duty of the dentist to first apply them temporarily to judge their appearance, fit, color and comfort level of the patient.

Since the main aim of cosmetic dentistry is to provide aestheticism along with comfort, any major adjustments with regards to shape require the porcelain veneers to be returned back to the lab while the difference in color can be adjusted with the help of a special bonding agent in form of cement. Being a part of cosmetic dentistry, the entire process of applying porcelain veneers takes 2-3 appointments although some cosmetic dentistry surgeons may take a longer period of time.

After the placement of the porcelain veneers, a follow-up appointment is fixed after 1-2 weeks to judge the final appearance of the teeth after the procedure of cosmetic dentistry.

source: perfects smile spa blog

Cosmetic Dentistry

If you look good, you feel good.

REASONS FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY:

• Discoloured teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Discoloured old white fillings
• Amalgam (“silver”) fillings
• Broken or decayed teeth
• Gum disease (puffy, red, swollen gums with plaque and tartar build-up)
• Staining of teeth (from tea, coffee, and smoking)
• Gum recession, and tooth wear

PORCELAIN VENEERS
Veneers are made of a thin layer of natural shade porcelain. They are bonded to front teeth and help to improve the discoloration and shape of teeth, as well as close small gaps between teeth. This is the ultimate treatment option in cosmetic dentistry.

LASER TEETH WHITENING & “HOME BLEACHING
Using special gels your teeth can be safely whitened in under an hour to give you a brighter and more attractive smile. The use of a custom made tray at home will enhance the whitening effect.

HIGH QUALITY AESTHETIC RESTORATIONS
Using the finest dental materials available, we can restore decayed or broken teeth. We recommend laboratory made porcelain inlays or onlays for large back fillings. Discoloured fillings can be polished or redone to achieve a pleasing and natural colour match.

CLOSING GAPS
Any small gaps between front teeth can be cleverly disguised using white fillings, porcelain veneers or crowns. A larger gap may require denture treatment (removable) or bridges and implants (fixed).

LASER GUM CONTOURING
Our state-of-the-art dental laser machine can be used to subtly change gum contours for a more even smile.

COSMETIC RECONTOURING
Sometimes simple and minor reshaping of front teeth can make a quick and attractive improvement to your smile.

PERIODONTAL (GUM THERAPY) SESSIONS WITH A HYGIENIST
A thorough scale and polish alone can make a fantastic difference to your smile!

Please feel free to ask the dentist, hygienist or practice staff about further advice on any cosmetic related dental treatment.
Cosmetic dentistry will improve your confidence and enhance your smile, image and self-esteem!
source: http://www.perfectsmilespa.co.uk/blog/post/Cosmetic-Dentistry.aspx

Cosmetic Contouring and Whitening

A good option for improving your smile without having a full set of porcelain veneers, is a combination of cosmetic contouring and teeth whitening.

What is tooth contouring?
Contouring is a cosmetic dentistry procedure which polishes the edges of the teeth, giving the illusion that the teeth are level. If this is combined with either home whitening or ‘zoom’ chair side whitening, it will improve the smile without the preparation that porcelain veneers require.

Are There Any Side Effects to Teeth Contouring?
There are no known side effects to teeth contouring as only the outer superficial or enamel of the tooth is touched.

Types of Teeth Whitening
There are two types of whitening:

• Home whitening – this takes approximately 10-14 days depending on the initial colour of the teeth
• ‘Zoom’ whitening – this takes approximately 90 minutes and produces an instant whiteness

Are There Any Side Effects to Whitening?
Some people may experience temporary sensitivity during the treatment. These symptoms always disappear within 1-2 days of completion of the treatment.

What Other Combinations of Treatment Are Possible?
Sometimes it is possible to whiten and contour the lower teeth and then the cosmetic dentist would then prepare the upper teeth for porcelain veneers.

How Can I Find Out About Teeth Whitening and Other Cosmetic Treatments Available?
You can discuss any treatments with our cosmetic dentist or our highly trained team members at Perfect Smile Spa.
Call us on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk

source: www.perfectsmilespa.co.uk/blog/post/Cosmetic-Contouring-and-Whitening.aspx

When should dental bridges be used?

What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed solutions for replacing missing teeth. You can replace from one to five teeth with dental bridges.

Why have dental bridges?
If teeth are not replaced the surroundings and opposing teeth can move, tilt and cause problems with the bite and eating.

Advantages of bridges
Dental bridges are a quick, easy option to replace teeth. They are fixed unlike dentures and require good strong teeth to be placed upon. They are relatively cheaper then dental implants.

Alternatives to Dental Bridges
Dentures, partial dentures, cosmetic dentures, acrylic dentures or chrome dentures are alternatives to bridges. Dental implants are another option to replace missing teeth.

What Are They Made Of?
The majority of dental bridges are made of metal and porcelain. You don’t see the metal as this is the sub structure and the porcelain is bonded to this to make them look like real teeth. Bridges are also made of porcelain only, known as porcelain bridges, which are metal free. As technology has advanced, so have the materials used and these porcelain bridges have very strong sub structures and have the aesthetic advantages of porcelain veneers.

How Do I Know What Option To Go For?
If you want fixed teeth (usually the best) then dental bridges or dental implants are the best. However your mouth needs to be assessed by a cosmetic dentist to see what’s best for you!
For more information on cosmetic dentistry and replacing teeth, contact Perfect Smile Spa on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk
Perfect Smile Spa is a leading cosmetic dentistry, dental implant practice in Hornchurch, Essex, half an hour from London.

source: perfect smile spa blog

Don’t smile because you show too much gum? With the latest technology now you can smile with confidence

Excessive gum visible when people smile is a very common and unsightly issue many people have, but people need not be embarrassed of this problem any more. With the latest laser technology Cosmetic dentists can recontour or reshape the ‘gummy smile’ by what’s known as a gum lift or gum recontouring.

The Gum lift Procedure

At first the cosmetic dentist will assess your smile, teeth, gum and lip contour. Measurements will be taken on how much gum can be recontoured. The cosmetic dentist can also advise if teeth reshaping or cosmetic contouring of teeth may be useful or if porcelain veneers or smile makeover would be of benefit.

By using a special laser the cosmetic dentist will recontour the uneven or excessive gum above the teeth painlessly and quickly. The gum heals within a few days leaving a much more attractive appearance of the gum when smiling. This can be taken as little as 2 minutes a tooth!

The gum lift procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, crowns or smile makeovers. Short teeth can be lengthened very successfully which improves aesthetics and can aid cosmetic dental procedures known as crown lengthening. This may be necessary to increase retention of dental restorations.

Gum Lift Precautions

Because of the advances in this procedure it is important to find a cosmetic dentist who has the latest equipment and appropriate experience in the gum lift procedure. Make sure the cosmetic dentist is registered with the GDC and offer full aftercare.

Perfect Smile Spa, London’s and Essex’ leading cosmetic dental clinic specialises in gum lifts. If you would like further information on gum lifts please contact Perfect Smile Spa on 01708 442114
source: http://www.perfectsmilespa.co.uk/blog/post/Gum-lift-Procedure.aspx

When should dental bridges be used?

What are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are fixed solutions for replacing missing teeth. You can replace from one to five teeth with dental bridges.

Why have dental bridges?
If teeth are not replaced the surroundings and opposing teeth can move, tilt and cause problems with the bite and eating.

Advantages of bridges
Dental bridges are a quick, easy option to replace teeth. They are fixed unlike dentures and require good strong teeth to be placed upon. They are relatively cheaper then dental implants.

Alternatives to Dental Bridges
Dentures, partial dentures, cosmetic dentures, acrylic dentures or chrome dentures are alternatives to bridges. Dental implants are another option to replace missing teeth.

What Are They Made Of?
The majority of dental bridges are made of metal and porcelain. You don’t see the metal as this is the sub structure and the porcelain is bonded to this to make them look like real teeth. Bridges are also made of porcelain only, known as porcelain bridges, which are metal free. As technology has advanced, so have the materials used and these porcelain bridges have very strong sub structures and have the aesthetic advantages of porcelain veneers.

How Do I Know What Option To Go For?
If you want fixed teeth (usually the best) then dental bridges or dental implants are the best. However your mouth needs to be assessed by a cosmetic dentist to see what’s best for you!
For more information on cosmetic dentistry and replacing teeth, contact Perfect Smile Spa on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk
Perfect Smile Spa is a leading cosmetic dentistry, dental implant practice in Hornchurch, Essex, half an hour from London.

source Perfect smile spa blog