Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry. If you have yellow, discoloured teeth and would like them whiter this is for you. Our preferred method involves using take home whitening trays and 6% hydrogen peroxide gel. We use Philips Zoom and Enlighten systems. These techniques are proven, safe and easily maintained. will not work on dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, bridges, implants and metal fillings. Areas of gum recession and abrasion will also not whiten. It is therefore very important that a dentist undertakes a full clinical examination prior to tooth whitening.
 

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is the most conservative method of restoring fractured, chipped, small, uneven teeth. The technique is non invasive as highly aesthetic tooth coloured composite material is carefully layered over the teeth. Once placed, it is then contoured and polished to a fine lustre. The bonding will require maintenance over time with polishing, repair and eventual replacement. However, as the underlying tooth is the same there is no biological damage and the process can simply be repeated. In our experience, cosmetic bonding is the first choice to repair damaged teeth.
 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an excellent method of repairing a tooth if there has been heavy damage, severe discolouration or large existing dental fillings. They are the most aesthetic method of providing a new tooth surface. With the latest technology, porcelain veneers are undetectable from natural teeth. They often require preparation of the underlying teeth and for this reason, the technique is not the most conservative. In certain circumstances, porcelain veneers can be placed with minimal or no preparation. This is usually when the teeth are in a good alignment, with no crowding and point contacts. Our porcelain veneer of choice, is E-max by Ivoclar. If you have a gummy smile and the gum (gingival) margins are uneven this presents a major cosmetic issue. One simple method is to create symmetry of the gum line by using a soft tissue laser. This technique is very precise, delicate and allows fantastic healing of the area. However, careful analysis must be undertaken prior to any contouring to avoid invasion of the biological width. What is this, you may ask. Well, ask your dentist. Any dentist with experience and knowledge of cosmetic dentistry should know. If your dentist cannot answer this, then they should not be undertaking the procedure!
 

Teeth Straightening

Cosmetic teeth straightening is becoming the technique of choice prior to any of the above techniques. Moving the teeth in the correct position not only creates a beautiful smile but allows for far better dentistry in the future. Due to the advances in modern technology, teeth be straightened fairly quickly and discreetly. There are techniques such as lingual braces (placed on the inside of the teeth), ceramic braces (tooth coloured braces) and clear aligners such as Invisalign (removable clear braces). These all mean that the traditional metal braces can be avoided. Each person is different and hence each treatment will be bespoke. It is vital that a full clinical examination and assessment is undertaken prior to any treatment. There is no such thing as one size fits all. If your dentist only offers one option, seek a second opinion. One important point to mention is that when teeth are straightened, they must be retained. Our preferred method of retention is by using a fixed wire retainer placed on the inside of the teeth. A removable retainer can also be used at night to doubly ensure the teeth stay nice and straight.
 

Dental Hygiene

For any cosmetic dental technique, the health of the gums must be excellent. Prior to any treatment, a visit or two to the will not only make the teeth look better and improve the gum health but ensure that the future treatment will b successful. The presence of dental plaque is the main cause of failure in dentistry. The lower the levels of plaque bacteria, the less risk of biologic damage and the higher the success rate. Visits to the dental hygienist should be at least twice a year or quarterly for those who require greater maintenance.

We hope you have found this guide to be useful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: - Voted London's Best Practice Dentistry Awards 2013 Tel 0207 7311162 e info@progressivedentistry.co.uk

How Popular Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Research from the private healthcare search engine WhatClinic.com demonstrates just how popular cosmetic dentistry has become. The company surveyed the 11,000 UK dental clinics it currently houses on its website, comparing the number of enquiries clinics received for dental treatments over the past two years.

The results were both informative and surprising:

1. Enquiries for clear braces had risen a colossal 177%.

2. Invisible braces clear, plastic aligners that negate the need for traditional metal braces increased by 60%, irrespective of the larger price tag.

3. Enquires for expensive laser teeth whitening treatments had more than doubled; the 116% rise demonstrates that people are increasingly concerned with the colour of their teeth.
 

Teeth Whitening At Home

As well as this, at the lower end of the market scale, individuals are able to purchase tooth-whitening kits over the shop counter that can be used and implemented at home, and independent research suggests that sales may have risen by up to 500% for these packages. Many experts relate these escalations to the popularity of reality television shows; cast members are often hand selected based upon their physical makeup, and gleaming white smiles go hand in hand with social and financial prosperity. 
 

No Longer Reserved For The Rich And Vain

Cosmetic dentistry is no longer reserved for the rich and vain; statistics show we are less tolerant of physical imperfections and many dentists now recommend cosmetic treatment to their patients, and, as the cost of teeth whitening treatments has fallen over the past 12 months, many are all too happy to profit from this.
 

London’s Popularity for Cosmetic Dentistry

London is a prime example of the popularity of this trend; the capital has seen a stark increase in the number of cosmetic dental clinics it now lays home to. One only has to open up Google and run a quick search to discover this for themselves, and the list to choose from is as extensive as it is appealing - 50% discounts and painless promises of a beautiful smile; who wouldn’t want to investigate further? 

Celebrities and leading sports personalities further help to endorse the success of the practice; past Grand National winning jockey Liam Treadwell has admitted to being treated in a leading London cosmetic dentistry clinic, proving that the enterprise is gaining momentum for famous and non-famous alike. As he asserted in an interview, I used to think, "Well, God's made me this way and I'm just going to have to live with it. But cosmetic dentistry has proved me wrong.
 

A Word Of Caution

One should be cautious though, for, as cosmetic dentistry is a highly lucrative market, many are out to capitalise on the success of this rapidly expanding industry. While cheaper costs or alternative treatments may appear advantageous, trusting someone with the health, wellbeing and appearance of your mouth is far more important than saving money or time.

Progressive Dentistry is one of London’s leading dental clinics, and, as well as the general dentistry services they provide, offer exceptional care and quality for those seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments, utilising natural, safe techniques to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, enquire today and be put in touch with a truly expert team, highly trained and extremely experienced to provide you with the assistance you want or need.