White fillings
A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or accidental damage. White fillings are now becoming a more popular alternative to amalgam (silver and mercury) fillings. They are tooth coloured and are bonded directly to your teeth and look more natural than their metal counterparts. In most cases it is quite impossible to see that the teeth actually have fillings.
Dentures
Crowns
Dental crowns are dental restorations that cover over and encase the tooth on which they are cemented. Crowns can be used when we need to strengthen teeth, or improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.
Bridges
A dental bridge is a false tooth, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. This is known as a fixed bridge. This procedure is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Fixed bridges cannot be taken out of your mouth as you might do with removable partial dentures. You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason; another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of the tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Veneers can be used to improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. They can also be used to close small gaps or improve the appearance of a chipped or damaged tooth.
Implants
A dental implant is a titanium metal rod which is placed into the jawbone; it is used to support one or more false teeth. Implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth from one single tooth to a complete set.
Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. As we get older teeth can become stained through food and drinks such as tea or coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth. The dentist will place a rubber shield over your gums to protect the soft tissue. He will then apply the whitening product to your teeth using a specially made mould. Over the counter kits are available but they only contain a small concentration of hydrogen peroxide (the whitening product). The British Dental Health Foundation recommend that this procedure should only be carried out by a qualified dental practitioner.
Children's Dentistry
Fissure Sealing
Oral hygiene instruction