Cosmetic Services
In the past decade there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments. Cosmetic dental treatments can: Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth. Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth. Improve or correct bites. Lighten or brighten the color of teeth. Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth. Replace missing teeth. Replace old, unattractive dental treatments.
Whitening
There are two types of teeth whitening
1. In surgery: An appointment of 60-90 mins is done. During the appointment, an impression is taken of the upper and lower teeth. Then, the teeth are prepared ie appropriately protecting the gums etc.. before the bleaching procedure is done. The actual bleaching time itself is not that long. You will walk out of the appointment with teeth bleached a few shades lighter. Our aim is to get 2 shades lighter. It would take a few days for the shade to stabilize itself. Of course, it is recommended not to have food/drink that are dark in colour for 1-2 days. This method is preferred for patients who like their coffees/wine, have sensitive teeth or are just too busy to do it themselves.
One to two weeks later, you will be given bleaching trays with bleaching agents. This is to be used after your 6 monthly scale and clean for 2-3 days as a top up. As long as you don’t lose your bleaching trays, you can use it for life and just have to purchase the bleaching agents.
2. At home bleaching: Upper and Lower impressions are taken. Trays are made to measure and bleaching agents provided. Usually one to two weeks are required depending on your age and colour of teeth. Of course, no coloured food or drinks are allowed.
Both methods may cause sensitivity post treatment but this can easily be treated. Note that fillings/crowns would not bleach.
Veneers
If you have discolored or badly shaped teeth, veneers are recommended to improve your smile.
There are 2 types of veneers
Composite: plastic ones which can be done in one day and is very reasonable in price
Porcelain: It would require at least 2 visits but they look fantastic.
As with all dental restorations, nothing is permanent. It depends on how well patients take care of their teeth or simply their occlusions. Some may fracture, decay or just start to lose their esthetics and thus would need replacement.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non removable) appliance. Usually it is made of porcelain. It usually consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth (abutment teeth) and are attached to the pontic(s) - artificial tooth/teeth, filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth
Composite bridge, this is a cheaper option that may be appropriate in some cases.
Dental Crown
A crown is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.
If a tooth is badly broken down or has had a root canal treatment which has left hardly any good tooth , it is recommended to have a crown as this would decrease the risk of failures of the root canal treatment.
There are a few types of crown. The most popular being the porcelain crown which is tooth coloured.
Patient presented with a severely broken down tooth
A crown lengthening was done and a crown done to replace the severely broken down tooth
Fillings
Composite build up is simply a procedure done when patients have grinded their teeth quite severely. This is done to restore the length of your original teeth to improve your aesthetics. It can be done in one day and is certainly a less expensive option to dental crowns or onlays.
Composite Build Up
Composite build up is simply a procedure done when patients have grinded their teeth quite severely. This is done to restore the length of your original teeth to improve your aesthetics. It can be done in one day and is certainly a less expensive option to dental crowns.
Bottom picture: Lower teeth -Severely worn down
Upper Picture: Lower Teeth -Build up with Composite( A new technique called Injectible)
I have been attending Bright Smile Dental Surgery now since 2004 at both the Mt Waverley Clinic and Wantirna Clinic. Both venues are very clean, presentable and kept to the highest hygiene standards. I am always made to feel very comfortable when attending my appointments whether for a check up, X Ray, scale and clean or a root canal which I have had to have recently and everyone makes you feel at ease, content and relaxed. All staff that work at Bright Smile Dental Surgery are very detailed in their work they perform, well spoken, understanding, professional, helpful, cheerful and also will greet you on a first name basis when you come to your appointment. Whenever I have had a problem or been in discomfort they have been able to help in some way either by advice over the phone and trying to fit me in for an appointment so that I am able to be out of the pain from my toothache or problem.
I do highly recommend Bright Smile Dental Surgery.
– Amanda Alford