Private Treatments

Dental Treatments:

Veneers

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural-colour ‘composite' material is used instead of porcelain.

When would I need a veneer?

Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten your front teeth. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth, with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (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.

Dental Crowns

What is a crown?

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a 'cap'.

As each person is an individual, so is each tooth in your mouth. Each crown is hand-crafted by a skilled dental technician to match the specific shape and colour of your natural teeth.

Why would I need a crown?

Crowns are an ideal way to repair teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for example:

You may have a discoloured filling and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
You may have had a root filling and need a crown to protect what is left of the tooth
It may help to hold a bridge or denture firmly in place

Dental Bridges

What is a bridge?

A bridge fixes a replacement tooth (or teeth) to natural teeth on either side of the gap. Some bridges have crowns at each end, others are fixed to the surface of the teeth next to the gap.

Just like crowns and veneers, bridges can be made from a variety of different materials. High-end porcelain bridges are individually hand-crafted by skilled dental technicians and designed to emulate your natural teeth as closely as possible so no one can tell you are missing a tooth

When is bridge needed?

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Appearance is one consideration, however, there are health reasons too. Teeth on either side of a gap can lean into the gap and alter the way the lower and upper teeth bite together, causing problems with your jaw. It can become more difficult to eat and food can also get packed into the gap, leading to both decay and gum disease.

What are the alternatives?

If you don't want a bridge, one alternative is a partial denture. This is a plate with a number of false teeth on it. It may have clasps to keep the denture in place in the mouth, some of which may show when you smile or open your mouth. Dentures are generally removed at night and must be carefully cleaned.
A better (though more costly alternative) are dental implants. Dental implants are inserted into the jaw during surgery then topped with a replacement tooth or a crown. They form a stable long-lasting solution and can be used for almost all adults regardless of age. For more information, please refer to the section on Implants.

Inlays & Onlays

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are used when old fillings need to be removed or replaced. An inlay is and within the biting surface of the tooth. An onlay can cover a larger area of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth, usually in a dental laboratory, and then glued to the tooth in the surgery.

What are inlays and onlays made of?

Inlays and onlays can be made in tooth-coloured porcelain, gold or a white filling material called composite.

White Fillings

What is white filling?

A filling replaces a part of the tooth that has been lost due to decay or accidental damage. For over 150 years fillings have been made out of a silver material called amalgam. Although it is a strong material, it is certainly not the most attractive!

The alternative is what are called 'white fillings', using materials that match the colour of your tooth. The aim is to make it impossible to tell that a filling has been placed. Sometimes white fillings can be used to cover unsightly marks on teeth.

Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. It is a titanium screw that can replace the root of a tooth when it fails. Just like a tooth root, it is placed into the jawbone.

Are implants safe and how long will they last?

Implants are a safe, well-established treatment. It's probably true to say that implants, much like natural teeth, will last for as long as you care for them.

How well you look after your implants - and whether you go for your regular maintenance appointments - will have the biggest impact on how long they will last.

If you don't look after your implants they will develop a coating similar to what you get on neglected natural teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort. You could get all these problems with natural teeth.

If your implants are well looked after, and if the bone they are fitted to is strong and healthy, you can expect them to last for many years. However, just as with other surgical implants (such as a hip replacement) there is no lifetime guarantee.

Do implants hurt?

Placing an implant is often easier than taking a tooth out and is usually done using a simple local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain at the time but, just like after an extraction, you may feel some discomfort during the week after the surgery.

Sometimes your dentist might give you a sedative if you are very nervous or if the case is a complicated one. General anaesthetics are rarely used for implants and are generally only used for very complicated cases.

Do the implants show?

Most implants look exactly like natural teeth.

How long does the treatment take?

Your dental team will be able to give you a rough timetable before the treatment starts.

Some false teeth can now even be fitted at the same time as the implants (these are called ‘immediate implants'). Check with your dental team to see whether these are suitable for you. Usually the false teeth are fitted 3 to 4 months after the implants are put in. Sometimes treatment takes longer and your dental team will be able to talk to you about your treatment time.

Dental Health Check

What is dental health check-up?

A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it's best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them altogether.

Why do I need a dental check-up?

Regular dental visits allow your dentist to check the soft parts of your mouth, including the tongue and cheeks. These examinations are important so the dentist can spot any infections, mouth conditions or even mouth cancer at the earliest stages.

What happens during a dental check-up?

At each check-up, your dentist will:

Examine your teeth, gums and mouth.
Ask about your general health and any problems you’ve had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit.
Ask about, and give you advice on, your diet, smoking and alcohol use, and teeth-cleaning habits.
Discuss a date for your next visit.

How often should I have a dental check-up?

After your check-up, your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit. The time to your next check-up could be as short as three months or as long as two years (or up to one year if you're under 18).

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next check-up. So people with good oral health will probably need to attend only once every 12 to 24 months, but those with more problems will need check-ups more often.

What about dental treatments?

This advice is about routine check-ups only. You may have other appointments for dental treatments such as fillings, teeth cleaning (scale and polish), having a tooth taken out or emergency treatment.

If you have problems with your teeth between check-ups, contact us to make an earlier appointment. In an emergency outside normal working hours, contact your surgery on its usual number and you will be told how to access emergency dental care.

Oral Hygenist Treatment

At Dev’s Dental practice we believe prevention is key to maintaining a healthy oral cavity. Our Dental Therapist works closely with the dentists to ensure our patients receive the most effective treatment to meet their oral health needs.

What is a Dental Hygienist & Therapist?

Dental Therapists are able to provide many of the services a dentist can provide, and work closely with the dentist to complete NHS and Private treatment on referral. Therapists have had advanced training in the prevention of oral disease and will tailor advice to your dental concerns or problems, they are able to provide the following services:

Treat Adults and Children
Fillings using amalgam, composite, or any other direct filling material for adults and children
Scaling, polishing and Periodontal treatment
Extraction of deciduous teeth in children
Applying fluoride and fissure sealant treatments to teeth
Local Anaesthetic injections
Dental Impressions
Take Radiographs
Nerve treatment in children’s teeth
Tooth whitening
Emergency temporary placement of crows and fillings. Dental Therapists are very useful for those patients who require a little more time or may be anxious of dental treatment. Your dentist will advise you at your next appointment if you require an appointment with the Hygienist Therapist.

Periodontal Treatment

Your dentist will conduct a thorough check of your gums at your dental health check. For those patients who have areas of their mouth persistently or extensively effected by gum disease, it may be appropriate for the dentist to refer you for a follow up appointment with the Dental Hygienist. Where necessary this appointment will include detailed measurements and mapping of the gums in the affected areas, scaling, instruction in oral hygiene techniques, removal of plaque retentive factors and scaling below the gum line. By far the most important element of the treatment is patient motivation and compliance with home care. Great emphasis will be placed on this, as without excellent patient compliance any periodontal treatment will fail. You will also be offered a review appointment in three months time with the hygienist and dentist to assess improvement in the gums. It may be necessary to see your hygienist on a three monthly basis to maintain your gum health.

Cosmetic Cleaning

Dental Hygienists may also see patients direct for cosmetic cleaning. Unfortunately this treatment is not predominantly available on the NHS. At Dev’s Dental practice we offer cost affective private cleans for our patients wanting to eliminate stains from teeth and brighten their smile. Please ask our reception team or Dentist about these additional services.

Tooth Extraction

What exactly is an extraction?

An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, we'll try to fix it with a filling, crown or other treatment. Sometimes there is too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, and it will need to be extracted.

Will it hurt?

If a tooth extraction is needed, we'll provide a local anaesthetic to ensure the area is numb and any discomfort is kept to a minimum.

Teeth Whitening:

What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

Are there any side effects?

Teeth whitening is a completely safe and harmless procedure as long as it is carried out under the supervision of your dentist.

Sensitivity during or a few days after treatment is a rarely reported side effect. However, that usually quickly disappears on its own or can be eased using a sensitive toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash.

Why would I need my teeth whitened?

There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.

Your teeth can also be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.

'Calculus' or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening

Power whitening is quick and easy and can be completed in one appointment that last approximately one hour. You will see the transformation immediately. As this process is carried out within the surgery by our Dentists/Therapists, we are able to use a higher concentrate of materials giving a greater degree of whitening. Fast, simple and very effective - power whitening, to add that sparkle to your smile.

We will take an impression of your teeth to custom make a mouthguard for you. The mouthguard is lightweight so that you can wear it comfortably while you are awake or asleep. Along with the mouthguard you will receive a whitening gel which is placed in the mouthguard which you then wear. This whitening system works by wearing the mouthguard with the whitening gel for approximately one hour day or night.

Root Canal Treatment

What is a root canal?

Root canal treatment (also called ‘endodontics') is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (called the ‘pulp') is infected through decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment.

Why is root canal needed?

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain, and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment is not done, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

What does root canal treatment involve?

The procedure is normally carried out under local anaesthetic. The inside of the infected tooth is cleaned using special instruments and rinses. To help keep your tooth clean during the procedure, dentist uses a rubber dam (a rubber sheet held on a frame and fastened to your tooth/teeth with a special clamp).

Invisalign

What is Invisalign®?

Comfortable, clear and removable.

Invisalign® straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible aligners that are custom-made to your teeth for comfort. As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move gradually towards the final projected position.

Unlike fixed braces, you can remove the aligners and put them back in again at any time – so you end up with the straight new smile that transforms your life.

Who can have Invisalign® ?

Any one with the following problems can be treated with Invisalign®

Crowded and crooked teeth
Wide spacing between teeth
Cross bites (one or more of your upper teeth bite on the inside of your lower teeth)
Under bites (your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth)
Deep bites( upper teeth overlap bottom teeth)

What does the Invisalign® treatment involve?

A complete dental examination will be carried out to determine you are good candidate for Invisalign®. Invisalign® addresses many cases both simple and more complex ,the dentist will determine what is right treatment for you, he will then take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth to make precise treatment plan including exact movement of your teeth.

How long does it take?

The time it takes depends on the type of treatment you would need. During the initial consultation your dentist will discuss the issues that you have with the teeth and will be able to tell you the time scale and the type of aligner you would need. For the best results it is very important to wear Invisalign® aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, just take them out for eating ,drinking ,brushing and floss.

What are aligners made of?

Aligners are made of smooth ,comfortable BPA free plastic that will not make your gums and cheek feel uncomfortable like traditional braces often would.

Discover the Invisalign® difference today. Get the confidence to smile again with Invisalign®. Over 3 million patients worldwide already have.

To know more about Invisalign® visit www.invisalign.co.uk

Wrinkle Reduction

Wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), forehead lines and frown (glabellar) lines can be softened and relaxed using botulinum toxin ( BTX). BTX is a highly purified protein which is diluted in saline and safely injected into the muscles to temporarily relax and soften the lines and wrinkles. Its effect is usually expected to last up to 3-4 months.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are one of the main foundations of the modern facial rejuvenation techniques. Dermal fillers are used to fill out wrinkles and creases in the skin. They are also used to increase the volume and definition of the lips. Dermal fillers are made from various kinds of natural and man made or synthetic materials. They can be permanent or non permanent (resorbable). Resorbable fillers such as hyaluronic acid gel have emerged as the leading choice amongst both practitioners and clients. Hyaluronic acid is the naturally occurring material and it plays an important role for both mechanical and transport purposes in the body, giving volume to the skin, shape to the eyes and elasticity to the joints. A wide range of hyaluronic acid based products is available, however we only use FDA approved products such as Juvederm.

Dermal fillers are excellent treatment option for:

Deep folds
Lip enhancement
Facial lines
Wrinkle correction
Volume augmentation of the lips
Shaping facial contours(such as cheeks and chin correcting)

Is the treatment permanent?

No, Dermal fillers injections provide a temporary solution. The effects of the injections last from 6 to 12 months. You may need to have top-up injections to maintain your desired appearance.