Cosmetic Dental Surgery – Most Common Questions

What is teeth whitening/ bleaching?
Teeth can be whitened by recognised dental surgeons in the practice or by using specially designed whitening trays which are moulded to fit your teeth. You then fill the trays with a whitening gel which comes in various strengths to control the level of whiteness. Although the latter process will take longer, it is something you can do at home in your own time.

What are white fillings?
White fillings are used generally for the front teeth purely for cosmetic purposes. The silver amalgams which you are probably more accustomed to are usually reserved for back teeth.

What are veneers?
Veneers are used to repair imperfections to the front teeth. This involves making an impression of the damaged tooth from which a special coating is made and then stuck onto the tooth.

What are crowns?
When a tooth is damaged beyond repair or you have received root canal treatment your dentist will produce a mould of the original tooth which is then placed over the remains of the original tooth. There are various materials from which the mould can be made ranging from the normal white colour to the outrageous gold caps. This is a common method of cosmetic dental surgery.

What is a periodontal specialist?
 A dentist who specialises in the treatment of gum disease.

What is cosmetic dental surgery?
Cosmetic dentistry is any treatment that is carried out to give you a more attractive smile or whiter teeth. Whitening, veneers and crowns are common examples of this work.

Advanced Cosmetic Dental Surgery

What is an implant?
Missing teeth can be  replaced by a treatment known as dental implants. In order to benefit from this surgery you must have healthy gums and as the tooth is screwed into the jaw, your jawbone must be strong enough. Implants can be expensive and are not for everybody; they involve two minor operations which sometimes fail. Consider this when you are contemplating cosmetic dental surgery.