Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry in London

Dental Implants and Teeth Veneers - London Dentist

When considering the improvement of your smile, you may be presented with the options of teeth veneers or even a dental implant. While both of these will lead to an improved smile, they each have their own benefits, drawbacks, and costs.

Teeth Veneers

What are veneers?

Veneers are pieces of porcelain or plastic that are specially shaped and formed to be placed over the front of teeth in order to modify color and shape. People wishing to correct the appearance of teeth they consider to be too small, too large, or too uneven are good candidates for veneers. Veneers can cover a plethora of dental sins, such as: crooked teeth, chipped teeth, teeth with small holes, or simply unattractive teeth. The teeth veneers cover all of these irregularities and supply the wearer with a new smile that is both attractive and lasting.

How are they applied?

Many times, patients choose teeth veneers as an alternative to the traditional crown. Veneers are extremely thin pieces of either porcelain or plastic that are specially shaped and formed to be glued over the front of your teeth. Most patients do not require any anesthesia as the procedure is relatively painless.

Unless the dentist is attempting to reduce the size of the tooth being covered by the veneer, he or she will usually only have to buff down a little of the original tooth itself. This is a true advantage over crowns, which virtually decimate the original dental material. The buffing is done to compensate for the added layer of veneer (in order to create a seamless and natural smile). It also helps the glue to adhere to the tooth.

How are veneers created?

Veneers are made from a dental impression taken in a mold by your dentist. You and your dentist then decide on the appropriate color and any modifications to be made to tooth shape or structure. Patients also have the ability to wear a set of temporary veneers to begin with for a sort of try-out phase. During this time, patients may realize they want other modifications, and make those suggestions to their cosmetic dentist.

How are veneers attached?

Once you and your dentist have agreed and have the perfect set of veneers ready, he or she will apply the veneers with water or glycerin for one last look in the mirror. This is because once the final glue is applied, the color and shape of the veneers cannot be changed. The tooth is then cleaned with special chemicals that increase the bonding capacity. Glue is applied between the tooth and the veneer, and your dentist will use a special light beam in order to harden and set the glue.

How long do veneers last?

A well done set of veneers should last ten to fifteen years before needing to be replaced.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth. While this can be a form of replacement of teeth that were already missing due to defect or injury, it can also be a form of cosmetic dentistry in that original teeth may be removed and replaced with artificial dental implants.

For many people, dental implants are the only logical option to provide functional teeth and support structures. Dentures and bridges can be cumbersome, less effective and less durable than dental implants. The dental implant offers a permanent solution to tooth loss. Not only can missing or unattractive, unhealthy teeth be replaced with dental implants, but implants can also be used to aid the functionality of other restorative options. They can be used to support a crown to replace a single missing tooth, and they can also be used as a support for dental bridges in patients who need the replacement of multiple missing teeth. When used with dentures, dental implants can decrease instability and reduce the resulting irritation to gum.

How are dental implants created?

You and your dentist will decide on the size and shape of the crown to be placed over the dental implant together.

How are dental implants implanted?

While any general dentist may perform the implant installation, there are specialist dentists called prosthodontists who are most qualified to perform this procedure. The true to life appearance of dental implants comes from how they are set into living bone. Because of this, while dental implants may be placed in one setting, it may require a period of bone regrowth for the procedure to be final. This period of "osseointegration" may take from three to six months to completely heal and anchor. After this time, your dentist can finish the procedure by applying a crown.

How long do dental implants last?

They are permanent and may last a lifetime.

Portner Pittack - London