Stafford T 01785 246 881
Shrewsbury T 01743 466 796
info@oracledental.co.uk

Cosmetic dentistry

Many people feel that their smile lets them down, and this can be a source of embarrassment or anxiety. Perhaps there was no opportunity to have braces as a child; maybe the teeth were damaged in an accident; or possibly accumulated wear and tear has just taken its toll. Advanced modern dentistry offers the chance to transform a smile and thus the facial appearance. And we find that when you have a better smile you use it more often!

There are many techniques available and a high level of skill and experience is required when deciding the best approach for an individual. A simple case might just require whitening the teeth, either at home or in the surgery. The home treatment takes a few weeks; or alternatively, the teeth can be whitened in about an hour at the surgery using the ZOOM® whitening light. Dramatic results can be achieved, although existing crowns or fillings will not be whitened. Silver amalgam fillings look unsightly and often show through the sides of teeth making them look grey or black. Replacing the black amalgam fillings with white filling materials can make a ‘piano keys’ smile look white and natural again. Even better is the use of porcelain inlays or onlays, which build up and restore the contour of worn and damaged teeth using a very durable material.

Few people have naturally perfectly straight teeth and there are many ways of aligning them. These include the use of braces to straighten healthy teeth (this is still possible in adults although it can be a lengthy process). If braces are not an option then porcelain crowns can be used to change the shape of teeth. A further technique is the use of porcelain veneers – or facings – to change the visible surface of the teeth so that shape and/or colour can be modified. These require less preparation than crowns and can transform a smile in a couple of weeks. Often there is more than one factor involved and one must look at the whole smile in order to achieve the best long-term results. Experience is crucial to achieving the best outcome.
............................................................................................ ..........................................................................................