One of the most common causes of discoloured teeth is due to a 'dead tooth' or a tooth that is root filled. All of our teeth are supplied by nerve and blood supply. Now when a tooth needs a root canal treatment, this supply called the pulp is removed which can lead to the deposition of blood products within the tooth which is then absorbed by the tooth leading to a darker colour. On a back tooth, this may not have any major issue but on a front tooth is a different matter altogether!
 

To answer this question, we really need to differentiate the two treatments as they are two different treatment entirely. 

Composite bonding is an additive process. In simple terms, we carefully sculpt composite resin over the teeth in question. This can be used to treat chipped, fractured, uneven and gappy teeth. Composite can also be used to replace old fillings on front ( or back) teeth. The great advantage of bonding includes:

1. Treatment is completed in one visit; an instant smile transformation!
2. Minimally invasive. There is little, if any, drilling of the underlying teeth needed.
3. Biologically safe for the teeth and gums. There is no risk of damage to the nerve.
4. Composite can be easily maintained.
5. More affordable than porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns.
6. Composite will protect the underlying teeth from further wear and tear.
 

One of the most topical subjects at the moment is the debate between composite and porcelain for dental restorations. In terms of cosmetic dentistry, this equates to the use of composite veneers and porcelain veneers. It is important to note that composite veneers can either be made by a laboratory or placed free hand by the dentist in the chair. Porcelain veneers can only be made by a dental laboratory or within a dental practice that has the necessary technology such as computer aided design and a milling machine, otherwise know as CAD-CAM.
 

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular ways of transforming a smile. Veneers are outer facings that cover the tooth/teeth to repair issues such as chips, fractures, asymmetry, discolouration or protect old fillings. The transformation of a smile can be life changing. A smile is one of the first things that is evident on a person and this can radiance confidence and self-belief. The treatment for veneers is not a straightforward one and requires careful planning and execution to achieve an outstanding result. Our case of the month highlights the beauty of this treatment and the process that is involved.
 

Having unsightly flaws in your smile is something you should not live with for the rest of your life. Cosmetic treatments are affordable, reliable, and safe. Many people turn to cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile and appearance. While there are many misconceptions surrounding cosmetic dentistry, it actually provides a lot of improvements beyond what is visibly seen. Some of these myths were once truths that have roots from the surprisingly long history of aesthetic dentistry. But, with technology enhancements, these once-truths are now only pure myths. Here are four cosmetic dentistry myths debunked:
 

One of our favourite treatments is cosmetic bonding. We can create stunning smiles in just one appointment, without drilling your teeth, without needles and without any pain. What's more, the treatment is far more affordable than porcelain veneers for example. What is involved? Cosmetic bonding can be explained in 5 simple steps:
 

1. Full clinical examination (of course!!)
2. Photographs and possibly a diagnostic wax up of the proposed new shape of your teeth
3. Mock up to visualise the end result
4. Cosmetic bonding completed using the latest high tech composite white fillings
5. Monitoring and maintenance

For the best result, we advise tooth whitening prior to cosmetic bonding. The gold standard is Philips ZOOM LED in surgery whitening followed by a period of home whitening. Please take a look at a recent case completed by our expert dentist, Dr Nissit Patel, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Progressive-Dentistry

Christmas is over, we hope you had a great one. New Year is just around the corner and it is the traditional time to make your resolutions for 2017. What will yours be? How about sorting out your teeth once and for all? (we would say that wouldn't we?) 

In 2017 we will be offering a special fixed price to transform your smile as simply as ABC: 

A is for alignment; straighten your teeth using one of our cosmetic brace techniques.
B is for bleaching; whiten after straightening to dazzle your friends and family.
C is for cosmetic bonding; even your smile line by enhancing the shape of uneven, chipped, worn front teeth. 

Watch this space for further details!