What are Dental Cosmetics?

Dental Cosmetics cover the areas in Dentistry of Whitening, Veneers, Crowns, Implants and Dentures.

Your smile is the facial expression that is always considered the most endearing, and to maximise its impact it is essential to have healthy, good-looking teeth.

Over the years Dental Cosmetics have become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic enhancement and whitening, veneering, crowning, implanting and dentures are all procedures that are used to improve the look of teeth, thereby enhancing a person's smile and maximising this impact.

In the hands of Dr Grant, they are powerful tools to make this happen.

Whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is the lightening of the natural colour of your teeth, not by completely changing the natural colour, but just by changing the existing shade and it does so without damaging the surface of the teeth in any way.

The most common form of teeth whitening is Professional bleaching which uses carbomide or hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient in the whitening product. Oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth as the active ingredient is broken down and the teeth colour is made lighter.

There is now also laser whitening or 'power whitening' available. For this treatment a rubber shield is placed over your teeth as a gum protection and the teeth are painted with a bleaching agent. A laser light is then shone onto the teeth which activates the chemical agent. Laser whitening is reputed to make teeth several shades lighter than using Professional bleaching.

Why should I get my teeth whitened?

There are a number of reasons why you might want your teeth whitened. Teeth can be stained on their surface through foods such as beetroot and spices and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine etc. Smoking can also stain your teeth and they can become more discoloured as you get older.

Very few people have naturally brilliant-white teeth and if you are not one of the lucky few, you will probably want to improve yours by whitening.

Stains and discolouration are unsightly and detrimental to your smile - teeth whitening will improve this greatly.

How do I avoid the 'dense, over bright celebrity' look?

Many patients who request whitening worry that it will make their teeth look too white and false. It is very difficult to over-whiten the teeth if performed by an experienced dentist.

The many celebrities we see with false-looking teeth have had poorly shaded veneers that do not suit the patient's complexion and the colour of the whites of their eyes.

What is the whitening procedure?

Dr Grants offers two systems: the overnight system and in-the-chair Zoom system that is used on Extreme Makeover USA. He believes these to be the most effective. After a consultation - that is absolutely vital - a decision can be made between yourself and the surgeon as to which system is more suitable.

Unfortunately the whitening has no effect on crowns and fillings so in some cases these may require replacement. In other cases they will be adequate.

For the overnight system we will need to make a mouth guard for you and will take impressions for this at the first appointment. Using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield, a whitening gel is applied and you wear this over night.

How long does it take?

The treatment is usually conducted over a 6-10 day period but can sometimes take a little longer than this. Once Dr Grant has started the treatment, you continue the treatment yourself at home. This will require you to regularly apply the whitening product each night.

How do I know I'm in safe hands?

Dr Grant is a certified Dentist and he is also a member of the British Dental Association (BDA). Dr Grant has 10 years of Cosmetic Dentistry experience.

Are there any dangers to my teeth having them whitened?

Your teeth may become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. You will also be given a full list of the possible side effects. There is little evidence that it does any long-term harm and it is a healthy alternative to crowns and veneers.

How long will the whitening last?

The effects of whitening can last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person and the effect will be shortened if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can re-stain your teeth. The benefit of whitening this way is that you can 'top up' your treatment at any time at home. You just buy another phial of whitener from Dr Grant.

What is the approximate cost of teeth whitening?

You cannot get whitening treatments on the NHS. Laser or power whitening will be more expensive than professional bleaching. Please consult our price list. You will see how affordable it is.

Where can I find additional impartial information on whitening?

The Dental Health Foundation has a very good unbiased website. Also the Internet has a host of sites about teeth whitening.

Veneers

What are veneers?

Veneers are very thin slices of porcelain which fit exactly over the surface of the front teeth, in the same way as veneer on furniture or false nails on fingers.

How do I know that veneers would be right for me?

Veneers can be an ideal way of treating discoloured or unsightly teeth, closing gaps between front teeth, or repairing chips and cracks.

Dr Grant will undertake a full assessment of your individual requirement and advise you of your suitability for veneers.

What is the veneering procedure?

The unsightly tooth has a small amount of enamel, usually the same thickness as the anticipated veneer, removed from it.

Dr Grant then takes an impression from the tooth and sends this to the laboratory dental technician where a veneer is made to exactly fit.

The veneer is then bonded to the tooth and forms a strong, natural-looking repair. Composite teeth-coloured filling material can sometimes be used as veneers instead of porcelain and can be made and attached in one visit. These veneers have a shorter life and are slightly more prone to staining than porcelain veneers, but they are easily replaced.

How do I know I'm in safe hands?

Dr Grant is a certified Dentist and he is also a member of the British Dental Association (BDA). Dr Grant has also attended the Bill Dorfman (Extreme Makeover) course at World Aesthetic Independent Seminar.

Can I eat normally immediately after the procedure?

Yes you can eat right after. There may be some sensitivity which reduces in time and there are creams that can be placed to relieve any symptoms.

Are there any dangers to my teeth having them veneered?

Any procedure on teeth can cause the possibility the tooth may need to be root treated. With skill and latest technology it reduces the amount of tissue to be removed and therefore reduces the possibility there may be problems. In some cases with careful skilful planning the tooth can remain untouched.

What is the approximate cost of veneering a tooth?

Please consult our price list. You will see how affordable it is.

Where can I find additional impartial information on veneers?

The Dental Foundation has a very good unbiased website. Also the Internet has a host of sites about veneers.

Crowns

What are crowns?

A crown, sometimes also called a 'cap', is an artificial replacement for the visible part of an existing tooth. It is usually made the same size and shape as the original and once the tooth has been prepared, fits exactly and permanently over the part that is left.

Crowns can look as real as an untouched tooth and come in materials options ranging from porcelain and glass to gold alloy.

How do I know that crowns would be right for me?

Crowns are an ideal way of restoring:

Teeth that have been broken or chipped
Teeth that have been weakened by decay or perhaps by a series of fillings
Teeth that have fillings that are discoloured
Teeth that have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect what is left

Crowns can also be used to ensure a bridge or denture is held firmly in place.

Dr Grant knows all teeth are different and therefore on your consultation he will discuss in depth the methods that are suitable for you.

What is the procedure for crowning a tooth?

Dr Grant will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown by removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner core. Once the tooth is shaped, Dr Grant will then make moulds by taking an impression of the prepared tooth and the teeth on the opposite jaw to mark the way your teeth bite together.

These will then be sent to his dental technician, along with the appropriate colour shade chosen and other information needed for the crown to be made. Dr Grant's cosmetic technician will then build a tooth from these complex preparations, cutting the angles to ensure the crowns will not come out (a fear of many patients). Dr Grant likes all his Clients to meet his dental technician to ensure the very best results.

You will need to have at least two visits. The first visit will be to prepare the tooth, take impressions for the moulds, choose the appropriate colour shade and fit a temporary crown and the second visit will be to fit the permanent crown once it comes back from the Dental Technician. There will usually be 2 weeks between appointments.

Can I eat normally immediately after the procedure?

Because the shape of the crown may be slightly different from the original shape of your tooth, it may feel a little different to what you are used to. After a few days it should settle down and you won't notice anything different. However, if your bite continues to feel uncomfortable, it may need some small adjustment. In this case contact Dr Grant and he will be able to improve it for you.

How do I know I'm in safe hands?

Dr Grant is a certified Dentist and is also a member of the British Dental Association (BDA). Dr Grant has also attended advanced techniques in endodontics (root treatment) course.

Are there any dangers to my teeth having them crowned?

This procedure is the most permanent and more tooth tissue is removed. Unfortunately not everyone can have a veneer as the patients bite or tooth may require more drastic approach. For instance, if the tooth has had a large filling, I would prefer my tooth to have a crown as a veneer adds no strength to the tooth.

How long will the crown last?

If you take proper care of your crowns, they should last for many years.

What is the approximate cost of crowning a tooth?

Costs will vary according to the type of crown and material used. Please consult our price list.

Where can I find additional impartial information on crowns?

The Internet has a host of sites about crowns and how the tooth is prepared.

Dentures

What are dentures?

Most people are familiar with what dentures are, having seen family and friends wear them. Dentures replace lost or missing teeth and are made in the form of substitute teeth held securely in a 'plate' or mould formed to fit snugly where the teeth are missing.

Dentures can be 'Full' where all teeth are missing or 'Partial' where they substitute for a few missing teeth. They can be made of metal or more usually plastic (acrylic) and allow you to eat normally and smile with confidence.

How do I know that dentures would be right for me?

Dentures have become the last option for cosmetic treatment, but if they are required there are many options available to keep the freedom of an empty palate and avoid the glass at the side of the bed. Partial rather than full dentures may appropriate and even with full dentures, most problems can be rectified in some way. Implants for instance could be used to hold a loose denture.

Are there any dangers to my gums having dentures?

Yes, they cause gingivitis due to difficulty cleaning, in some cases periodontal disease. They are alien in the mouth and Dr Grant encourages an alternative if appropriate. Unfortunately in some cases there is no alternative and then it is required but with the new types/technology the potential risks can be minimised.

How long will dentures last?

Recommended change is every 5 years.

What is the approximate cost of dentures?

Check out our price list.

Where can I find additional impartial information on dentures?

The Internet has a host of sites about dentures and how they are prepared.

See the results for yourself

Our Dental before & after gallery has many real life examples of Dental Cosmetics by Dr Grant.

I look forward to seeing you in Topsham.