Dental Clinique

FAQs

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is a dental procedure that can help to improve the appearance of your teeth. This treatment uses a composite resin material that is bonded to the teeth to restore or enhance their shape, size, and colour.

One of the primary benefits of composite bonding is its ability to repair damaged or chipped teeth. It can also help to fill gaps between teeth and improve their alignment.

Composite bonding is an affordable and quick alternative to porcelain veneers or crowns. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be completed in a single visit to a cosmetic dentist.

During the treatment, the dentist will use a composite material to sculpt the desired shape of the tooth or teeth. The bonding material will then be applied to the teeth and hardened with a special curing light. Once the bonding material has cured, the dentist will refine the finish and polish the teeth to achieve a natural-looking, attractive result.

Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth, creating a whiter smile. The bonding material can also be colour-matched to natural teeth, ensuring seamless integration with your existing smile.

With proper care and maintenance, composite bonding can provide a long-term, permanent solution for cosmetic issues such as chips, gaps, and discolouration. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene practices and avoid habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption to ensure the longevity of your composite bonding treatment.

Consult an expert cosmetic dentist to learn more about composite bonding and its suitability for your dental needs. With the help of a friendly team of experts, you can achieve a brighter, healthier smile in no time.

If you're considering composite bonding as a solution for your cosmetic dental issues, one of the primary questions you may have is whether or not the process is painful. The good news is that composite bonding is a relatively pain-free dental procedure that can provide impressive results.

During the composite bonding process, your dentist will first numb the areas of your mouth that will be worked on. This is typically done using a local anaesthetic, which will prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Once the numbing has taken effect, your dentist will begin the bonding process. They will use a composite resin material to sculpt and shape the bonding material onto your teeth, filling in gaps or repairing chips or other cosmetic issues.

While the bonding process itself is not typically painful, it's worth noting that you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure. This is due to the fact that the composite resin material can slightly alter the shape of your teeth, which can cause some initial discomfort.

However, this discomfort is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen. Additionally, your dentist may recommend using a sensitive toothpaste or avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks for a short period after the bonding process.

Overall, composite bonding is a minimally invasive, pain-free dental procedure that can provide impressive results. If you're still concerned about any potential discomfort, it's always a good idea to discuss your concerns with your dentist before the procedure so that they can address any potential issues and help you feel more comfortable throughout the process.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have many benefits, including:

  • Improved appearance of teeth
  • Durability and strength
  • Stain resistance
  • Minimal tooth reduction
  • Long-lasting results

Porcelain veneers can last up to 10-15 years with proper care, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. However, they may need to be replaced sooner if they are damaged or become loose.

Teeth whitening

Yes, teeth whitening is a safe procedure when done under the supervision of a dental professional. However, if you choose to use at-home whitening kits, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your teeth or gums.

The results of teeth whitening can vary depending on the individual and the type of treatment used. Generally, the effect of teeth whitening lasts between 6 months to 2 years.

Dental Hygiene

Visiting the hygienist on a regular basis is an essential part of maintaining good oral health. A qualified dental hygienist can provide a range of treatments to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. By having your plaque and tartar professionally removed, you can avoid the build-up of bacteria in hard-to-reach places which can cause cavities, gum disease and other conditions.

In addition to removing plaque and tartar, your hygienist can also brighten up your smile with scaling and polishing techniques. Plus, they can give you tailored advice on how to look after your teeth properly at home with the right diet and regime for maintaining good oral hygiene. By visiting a hygienist regularly you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy, clean and free from decay or disease.

The frequency of dental hygiene visits is based on individual needs and can vary from every 3 to 12 months. Discussing your unique oral health needs with your dentist or hygienist is important. If you have good oral health, preventative visits may be as infrequent as once a year. However, if you are prone to cavities or gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be recommended.

Root canal treatment

Some common signs that you may need a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling and tenderness around the tooth, darkening of the tooth, and a recurring pimple on the gums. However, only a dentist can determine if a root canal is necessary after conducting a thorough examination.

Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not as painful as people think. With modern advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will also prescribe medication to alleviate any post-operative pain or discomfort.

Bridges

Dental bridges are a common solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a natural-looking and functional option that can help improve oral health and confidence. However, for those considering a dental bridge, a common question is how long it will last.

The lifespan of a dental bridge can vary depending on several factors. In general, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more with proper care. However, some bridges may need to be replaced sooner due to wear and tear or other factors.

One crucial factor in the longevity of a dental bridge is proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep the artificial tooth and surrounding teeth clean and free from decay. Additionally, regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the bridge is in good condition and to detect any potential problems early on.

The type of bridge can also impact its lifespan. Traditional bridges, which rely on neighbouring teeth for support, may weaken the healthy teeth over time and cause them to become compromised, leading to the need for a replacement. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, can be a more durable option, as they rely on artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone.

Other factors that can impact the lifespan of a dental bridge include the individual's bite, the strength and health of neighbouring teeth, the material used for the bridge, and the amount of wear and tear the bridge experiences over time.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure a dental bridge lasts as long as possible is to practice proper oral hygiene and schedule regular check-ups with a dental professional. With proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge can provide many years of a healthy and beautiful smile.

A bridge can be used to replace up to five missing teeth, without the need for implants or dentures—making it an economical choice for many people. Bridges require little maintenance and provide a permanent solution for multiple missing teeth.

The number of teeth that can be replaced depends on the type of bridge you choose and its design. Traditional bridges are the most common type and usually span at least three (or up to five) locations between existing natural teeth. This allows the bridge to restore chewing function as well as improve your appearance by replacing missing front or back teeth. If you have more than five gaps in your smile, you may want to consider alternative options like dental implants or removable dentures. Your dentist will help you determine which option is best for you based on your overall dental health, budget, and personal preferences.

Crowns

The lifespan of dental crowns largely depends on the type of crown you have and how well you take care of it. Generally, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, but some can last even longer with proper care and maintenance.

Permanent crowns, made from materials like metal, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramic, are known to be the most durable and long-lasting. They can withstand normal wear and tear from daily use and can last for many years if properly cared for. On the other hand, temporary crowns are designed to be used for short-term use only and are not intended for long-term wear.

Proper care and maintenance also play a crucial role in the longevity of dental crowns. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing regularly not only help to keep your natural teeth healthy but also the crown itself. It's important to avoid certain hard, sticky or chewy foods that could damage the crown or cause it to come loose. Regular dental check-ups are also important to ensure that your crown is still in good shape and functioning as it should.

With proper care, your dental crown can remain in good condition and help to maintain a healthy, natural-looking smile for many years.

One of the most common questions people have about getting a dental crown is whether or not it will be painful. The short answer is that the procedure itself is not usually painful thanks to the use of local anaesthetic. However, some people may experience discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.

During the dental crown procedure, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. This means that you shouldn't feel any pain while the dentist is preparing the tooth and fitting the crown. In some cases, your dentist may also offer sedation options if you feel anxious or nervous about the procedure.

After the procedure, it's normal to experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Some people may also experience a little discomfort in their jaw as they adjust to the new shape of their tooth.

It's important to note that in rare cases, dental crown placement can result in complications like nerve damage or an allergic reaction to the materials used in the crown. However, these complications are very rare and your dentist will take steps to minimise the risk.

If you're concerned about whether or not getting a dental crown will be painful, our dentist can explain the procedure in more detail and answer any questions you may have. We can also work with you to manage any discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure.

Dentures

Properly caring for your dentures is essential for keeping them looking their best and avoiding serious oral health problems. The first step in denture care is to properly brush the dentures daily with a soft toothbrush or speciality denture brush. Brush thoroughly, but gently, using a non-abrasive soap or denture paste. Make sure to scrub each surface, both inside and out, as food particles and plaque bacteria can get trapped in these areas. Additionally, this cleaning process will help prevent permanent staining of the plastic material that makes up your dentures.

If you are looking to whiten your dentures like you would natural teeth, this unfortunately cannot be done because of the makeup of the plastic material used to make them. However, there are a variety of over-the-counter cleansers available that can effectively remove most stains from your dentures if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions; just be sure not to use any abrasive materials as this could damage the plastic material used on your dentures. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your dentures can help keep them looking good and maintain better health in the long run.

Dentures can be a great way to restore someone’s smile and their ability to chew and eat food without pain or discomfort. While adapting to dentures can take time, most people are able to eventually eat normally with them after they become accustomed to the new appliance. To get used to dentures quickly, it helps to use a small amount of denture adhesive initially on each one so that the dentures don’t move around as much while you learn the best way to use them. When you first start out it’s important not to attempt chewing hard candy or gum as these may cause your dentures to slip or shift out of place due to the sticky residue left behind from the candy or gum. As you gain more practice, however, eating normally will become much easier and second nature for you in no time!

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Dental Clinique
40 Balham High Road
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