Smile styling treatments
While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth and smile. In other words restorative, general and/or family dental practices address dental problems that require necessary treatment, whereas cosmetic dentistry provides elective – or desired – treatments or services.
Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits. For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth.
Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the colour of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people may choose to have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-coloured fillings to enhance their oral appearance.
We can make your dreams of a white smile a reality. Teeth whitening is a simple treatment with immediate results, and can boost your self-confidence.
Teeth whitening treatment
If you are dreaming of a whiter smile, we can make it a reality. Teeth whitening is a simple solution that can immediately improve the colour of your teeth and boost your self-confidence.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Almost everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening or teeth bleaching. However, some dark teeth are much more resistant to the dental whitening procedures. Teeth that are discoloured with dark grey or reddish shades are the most resistant to teeth whitening; an example of this type of dark shade appears in teeth affected by tetracycline. Still, even these dark teeth will whiten to some degree with long-term compliance. Depending on the results you desire, whitening may be an option for dark (grey/red) teeth. Otherwise porcelain veneers are an excellent option and allow you to choose how white you want your smile to be.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Whitening with custom trays is the system that has been most widely used over time. It is considered the gold standard for teeth whitening.
How do take-home trays work?
We make models of your teeth and fabricate a clear plastic tray that fits perfectly. You are given syringes of whitening gel to place in your trays. Then you wear your trays with the gel in them for an hour each day or — if you are able — at night while you sleep. The peroxide gel enters your teeth and, through the same process as other professional whitening systems, whitens your teeth from the inside-out. One of the benefits of having these trays is that when you run out of gel, you only need to purchase more gel syringes- not a whole new system. So, it’s great for touch-ups (say after a month of heavy Starbucks).
In-surgery teeth whitening
ENLIGHTEN TEETH WHITENING is a technological leader in professional teeth whitening. For several years, Enlighten has been proven by independent professional dental studies and publications to be the most effective in-office dental whitening procedure available today.
How does it work?
We place protective barriers and coatings on your lips, cheeks, and gums so that the strong peroxide has contact only with your teeth. Your job is to sit back, relax (with noise-cancelling headphones) and enjoy. After two or three cycles of the peroxide gel placed on your teeth, your teeth will get shades whiter in just one hour.
It does not work better than the trays, it just works faster. This system is great for someone who just can’t follow through with wearing trays or strips for an hour-a-day. Basically, we do it for you so you don’t have to. For people with sensitive teeth, this system may exacerbate the sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. If you don’t want to mess with the trays, and you prefer a more instant result, Enlighten might be the perfect teeth-whitening solution for you.
If your self-confidence is affected by the appearance of your teeth, you may be considering veneers. Your dentist can help you achieve a beautiful smile without lengthy orthodontics.
What are dental veneers?
They are ceramic, usually Porcelain or other composite resin-based ultra-thin shells, which are affixed onto the front of the patients’ teeth.
The simplicity of the procedure involved means that it is not only cheap to undergo, but requires little to no anaesthesia to perform.
The result: A set of teeth that deliver a beaming new smile while also being fully functional!
How can veneers help me?
Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including.
- More of the natural tooth is retained.
- Durable materials mean they offer a lasting restoration.
- Can completely transform an unsightly smile.
What happens after treatment?
Once your jaw has healed, an abutment will be fixed to the implant to hold your replacement teeth (crown or bridge) in place. Abutments are produced in titanium, gold or porcelain, and can come as a standard fit or crafted specifically for you. These options offer a range of aesthetics results, depending on your requirements.
Crowns or a dental bridge are then fitted on top, to replace your missing teeth. Your Isle of Man dentist will carefully match the colour of your crown to your natural teeth.
Our hygienists use a jet system to gently removing plaque and visible surface stains, which is suitable for everyone, even for those with sensitive teeth.
This treatment works with a simple combination of 3 things, air, sodium bicarbonate and a jet of water. The water and air pressure are used to blast away plaque, while the addition of baking soda acts as a natural pumice to remove superficial stains caused by eating and drinking or smoking.
This jet cleaning system is a great alternative to chemical teeth whitening. Its less expensive to achieve your whiter, fresher smiler and results are seen immediately!
How often should I visit for stain removal
How often you visit your hygienist to remove stains depends on the condition of your teeth.
A professional clean and polish with your dental hygienist is an important part of your overall dental hygiene routine, so it’s advisable to visit at least once a year. Your dentist and hygienist will work with you to advise on the frequency of your appointments, and offer guidance on keeping your teeth stain free.
For more information or to book your appointment with an Isle of Man hygienist, call your local practice.