Holly Close, The Drift, Botesdale, Suffolk IP22 1DH
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Cosmetic Dentistry
At Botesdale Dental Practice & Implant Clinic we provide a wide range of treatments for the whole family
Not everyone is happy with their smile or how their teeth look. This can have a major impact on a person’s confidence when it comes to interacting and socialising with others. Cosmetic dentistry is a field within general dentistry that focuses on the beauty of a smile and covers treatments that enhance, align, and whiten or tone the teeth for a more attractive appearance. This includes treatments such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, teeth whitening and orthodontics. These treatments involve special techniques, equipment and a high level of skill from the dental team. We are proud to offer these to our patients here at the practice and have seen many a smile transformed under our roof.
If you are embarrassed by your teeth it’s best to speak to your dentist, who can tell you more about the options available in a non-judgemental and empathetic environment and provide you with information about how these can affect your lifestyle while you are undergoing treatment.
Don’t hide your smile; allow us bring out its natural beauty with cosmetic dentistry.
Invisalign
There is a solution to having straighter teeth without having to wear metal braces. Known as invisible orthodontics, this type of treatment offers you the choice of wearing a clear and sometimes removable appliance while straightening and aligning your teeth.
This is often a favourable option for adults who have professional careers and don't feel comfortable wearing unsightly 'train track' braces for months on end. The technology behind invisible orthodontics is highly advanced and often gives patients a much shorter treatment time, depending on their individual cases.
Benefits of this type of treatment include having teeth straightened in a generally shortened period of time, straighter teeth and alignment of your top and bottom jaws. You can also enjoy the flexibility of your braces being hidden from an untrained eye, making you feel less self-conscious when socialising or speaking in public. With removable devices you can also take them out to eat or for special occasions, so they fit around your lifestyle.
It is important to remember that straighter teeth are healthier teeth. When your bite is properly aligned and your teeth are straightened, there are less gaps and areas for food to get trapped and plaque to build up on the teeth, causing decay. In that sense, invisible orthodontics is a long-term investment in your oral health.
Teeth Whitening
If you are self-conscious about the shade of your teeth or if you have staining on some of your teeth, professional teeth whitening treatment is a safe and recommended option for you to consider.
Here is how teeth whitening works:
1) You will be assessed for the type of staining your teeth have.
2) A custom tray is made to fit snugly over your teeth.
3) The teeth whitening process is activated by a bleaching agent, which is inserted into the custom tray that transfers it onto your teeth.
Home teeth whitening kits are also available to lighten the teeth more gradually. In this case, the trays with bleaching agent can be worn overnight. With all whitening treatment, individual results will vary and are dependant on your initial tooth colour and the nature of your tooth staining.
Life Benefits
Effective solution for certain types of tooth discolouration and staining.
Safe treatment when delivered by a dental professional.
Cosmetically enhances the appearance of teeth.
Crowns
A crown is a type of dental restoration used to fix teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay or contain a very large filling.
Here is how it works:
1) A conventional impression or a digital scan is taken of the tooth that needs restoring.
2) A crown is made in the dental laboratory to fit the tooth precisely and match the neighbouring teeth.
3) The tooth is then prepared and the crown fitted securely on top.
A crown could be a good solution for you if you have some discoloured fillings and would like to improve their appearance. Crowns can be used to replace these to give you a more appealing smile. Additionally, if you have had root canal treatment you will need a crown to protect or cap the restored tooth, allowing you to eat and bite down on it as if it was a real tooth. Crowns are also used to anchor a bridge or denture firmly in place in the mouth.
Life benefits
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Strengthens remaining tooth structure.
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Natural-looking restoration.
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Functions like a real tooth, so you can bite and chew as usual.
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Porcelain Veneers
Are your teeth stained, chipped, or not aligned on top of each other? Veneers are a good treatment option to consider because they look like natural teeth and don’t require a major procedure. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps when braces are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others. Here is
Here is how it works:
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A veneer is a very thin, tooth-coloured piece of porcelain (like a false finger nail, but more durable) that is bonded on top of your own tooth.
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Based on your needs, the shape and size of the veneers can be adjusted to make your teeth overall look longer and or closer together.
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You can have just one veneer fitted or a whole set, known as a smile makeover.
Life benefits
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Simple and quick solution to improve the cosmetic appearance of teeth.
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Long-lasting smile enhancement.
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Natural-looking restoration.
A crown is a type of dental restoration used to fix teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay or contain a very large filling.
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Gum Reshaping
our gums are the framework for a picture-perfect smile. Periodontics focuses on the health and treatment of gums and bones, working to correct and prevent damage caused by gingivitis, periodontitis and other gum diseases. Maintaining healthy gums strengthens the foundation of your mouth and facilitates a fabulous smile.
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If you are considering dental procedures such as implants or full mouth restoration, you may have to meet with an experienced periodontist. Martin , will work with you to develop a comprehensive dental plan that achieves the healthy smile you deserve. This involves examining the health of your entire mouth, including your gums, to determine if you are the right candidate for certain dental procedures.
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Martin understands the relationship between teeth and gums and will can guide you in the right direction to an improved, healthy smile. Martin is dedicated to providing patients with the latest and most effective treatment available, while ensuring complete relaxation in the dentist’s chair.
Causes of gummy smiles
1) Excess gum tissue covering the teeth
2) Having worn-down teeth
3) Having a high lip line
4) Hyperactive lip elevator muscle
5) Certain genetic conditions affecting the jaw
6) Altered passive eruption
The treatment will depend on the cause. For excessive gum tissue and worn teeth, crown lengthening is a common treatment. This involves removing and reshaping excess gum tissue and bone to expose more of your natural teeth. This can be performed on one tooth or several teeth, and is also sometimes performed before restorative treatment such as crowns. In some cases, laser treatment is available to remove excess gum tissue.
If your teeth are very worn-down or naturally short, your periodontist may recommend dental veneers. These could be made of porcelain or a composite, tooth-coloured material, and will restore your teeth to their natural length.
Orthodontic treatment such as invisible braces can be used for some genetic conditions affecting the jaw, while surgery can correct hyperactive lip elevator muscles. In some cases, Botox can also be used to control these muscles, although this treatment would require repeating every few months.
To discuss the best options to cure your gummy smile, you should speak to your dentist today.
Life benefits
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Improved confidence in your smile
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Veneers and crowns can be fitted to further improve your smile
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Your face will look more balanced
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Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, a good solution is a dental bridge.
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Losing a tooth through dental decay, gum disease or trauma, can be devastating. It can affect the way you look and the way you speak, as well as reducing your ability to chew.
In order to improve appearance and retain function it is sometimes beneficial to have the gap restored by the placement of a dental bridge.
Dental bridges are held in place by using the tooth or teeth on either side of the gap as an anchor for the missing tooth. If a dental bridge is designed well and maintained properly the typical lifespan of the bridge would be 10 to 15 years.
Should you feel that you need a bridge or are interested, please get in touch. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
At Botesdale Dental Practice & Implant Clinic we know that function is as important as aesthetics, our full ceramic bridges will mirror the colour of your other teeth making it natural and aesthetically pleasant.
Here is how they work:
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Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base, which gives them a solid structure and makes them hard-wearing. If you need a bridge in your smile line, porcelain is usually added to the base to make it look more like real teeth.
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A bridge helps to strengthen the prepared teeth and makes chewing and eating easier because they are fixed and can’t come out.
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Some bridges can also be fixed to your jaw with dental implants, if you have several teeth next to each other that are missing.
Once you have a bridge fitted, you will have to take extra care during your daily hygiene regime to ensure it stays plaque free and does not cause bad breath.
Life benefits:
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A sturdy way to restore several teeth in a row.
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Beautiful, natural-looking restoration.
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Restores the ability to chew and eat as before.