Cosmetic Dentistry
White fillings
Tooth coloured fillings provide a healthier more natural alternative to traditional silver or amalgam fillings. They also allow for a minimally invasive restoration meaning more of your natural tooth can be preserved.
Are white fillings as good as silver fillings?
White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver amalgam fillings. However, with the advanced materials we use at Sonria Dental Clinic, a white filling can often last as long as silver filling. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite and also on your diet. Your dentist will advise you on the life expectancy of your fillings.
Can I replace my silver fillings with white fillings?
It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist decides that an old filling needs replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material.
Inlays/ Onlays
Recommended for larger cavities where a filling may not be suitable, an inlay or onlay is used to repair the tooth’s biting surface and is generally made from a porcelain or composite material which means they are very strong, natural looking and long-lasting.
How do inlays and onlays differ from each other?
- Inlays – are needed when the tooth damage is contained within the tips of the tooth.
- Onlays – are needed if the damage extends over the tips and covers part of the tooth’s outside surface, but not so extensively as to require a crown.
Are they a more suitable option that other restorations?
Dental inlays and onlays are used to repair rear teeth that have experienced mild to moderate amounts of decay. They are also used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to warrant a dental crown. Your dentist will advise which option will be the best for you.
How long do they last?
Inlays and onlays are made of durable composite or porcelain material that commonly lasts up to 20 years, much longer than the material in conventional metal filling
Veneers
Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain which are made to fit over the visible surface of your tooth. They provide the ideal way of treating severely discoloured, chipped, cracked or unsightly teeth. Veneers are recognised for being a longllasting and natural looking way of dramatically improving the appearance of your smile.
Improve the appearance of teeth which are:
- Severely discolored / stained
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Have Gaps
- Crooked
What are the advantages of veneers?
Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy. As they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue), very little preparation of the tooth is needed.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers will typically last between five and ten years, meaning that they will need to eventually be replaced. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.
Case study |
||||
Crowns and Bridges
A crown, sometimes known as a ‘cap,’ is a protective cover, fitted over the existing structure of a broken or damaged tooth, to restore function and appearance. With no black line at gum level and made to match your natural teeth in their size, shape and colour, an all-ceramic crown provides a very natural looking restoration and smile.
A bridge is a number of crowns joined together which allows one or more missing teeth to be replaced without using a denture or dental implant.
Why has my dentist suggested a crown or bridge?
Crowns are indicated for teeth, which are too extensively decayed, damaged or discoloured for treatment by other means.
A bridge is recommended for optimum dental health. It can restore and help maintain your natural bite, it prevents unnatural stress on adjacent teeth and it helps discourage further dental decay and periodontal problems.
Why should I consider replacing missing teeth?
Your appearance is one of the main reasons; another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side. A gap can also mean your bite is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.
Case study |
||||
Dentures
At Sonria Dental Clinic, we believe that wearing dentures should not prevent you from having the confidence of a natural, healthy looking smile.
Working closely with our dental technician, we use high quality materials and new techniques to create natural looking dentures that fit and work comfortably.
How soon after extractions can I have my dentures fitted?
Immediate dentures can be fitted on the day of the extractions. However, these immediate dentures will need modifying, re-lining or replacing within the first 6 months due to the changes that will take place in your gums after extraction. Your dentist will be able to advise you further.
How long will it take to get accustomed to my new dentures?
Some people will get used to them very quickly; for others it will take a little longer. It is often helpful to use a denture fixative for the first few weeks.
Will my new dentures stay in position?
Well-designed dentures should stay firmly in place and fit your gums comfortably. However, due to the changes in your mouth over time dentures may become loose or start slipping. If this happens you should consult your dentist. A fixative cream can be used to hold the dentures in place but not for an extended period of time.
How should I clean my new dentures?
You should clean your dentures twice a day and will need to remove your dentures before cleaning. You can either brush them with a denture brush and toothpaste or a soft nail brush and soap. It is also recommended to soak them regularly in a special cleaning solution.
Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled brush. This removes plaque and helps the circulation in your mouth. If you wear partial dentures, it is even more important that you brush your teeth thoroughly every day. This will help stop tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to you losing more of your teeth.