Cosmetic Dentistry in Skelmersdale

White Fillings

If you require a filling in your tooth, a cosmetic option would be to choose a white filling material that matches the shade of your surrounding natural teeth. You can also have any existing metallic fillings replaced with tooth-coloured or 'white' fillings. This will allow you to smile without a metallic glint in sight, giving your teeth a more natural appearance overall.

Here is how white fillings work:

1. This is a safe procedure that entails the removal of any decay from your tooth, and taking out the metal or amalgam fillings if you are having them replaced.
2. The new filling is made from a very hard tooth-coloured substance and will withstand the forces in your mouth when you bite and chew over a long period of time.
3. The restoration is completed in one visit and your fillings will not be visible when you smile.

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 how they work:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. You can have just one veneer fitted or a whole set, known as a smile makeover.

Orthodontics

An effective long-term solution to straightening your teeth and correcting your bite is orthodontics. Orthodontics is a subspecialty area in dentistry that focuses on aligning and straightening teeth using wires and brackets, applying gentle pressure to the teeth to move them into a particular position. The discipline has advanced over decades and today treatment is a lot faster and more comfortable than it was in the past.

Here is an overview of orthodontics:

1. Patients who have problems with their bite and the way their top and bottom teeth line up against each other are good candidates for orthodontic treatment.
2. Impressions, photos and x-rays are taken at the start of treatment to determine the course of action.
3. Brackets are bonded to individual teeth and wires clip onto them that gently guide the teeth into position over time.
4. Good oral hygiene habits are essential during treatment and regular visits are required for check-ups and adjustments.

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.