Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry – Now you can have the smile you always
wanted
Welcome to Cosmetic Dentistry at Duchy Hospital in Truro. We
offer a full range of Cosmetic and Routine dental treatments
through our affiliated dental surgery, Ocean Dental in Truro.
At Duchy Hospital, we take pride in offering only the highest
quality service and our dental surgeon, Dr Don Weerasirie, provides
all aspects of preventive, routine and cosmetic dentistry. He will
take time giving you the individual attention you deserve and
patients often comment how his sympathetic, caring and relaxed
style immediately puts them at ease.
Find out more at www.oceandental.co.uk.
Tooth whitening
All too often people put up with a dull lifeless smile for
years. Simply giving someone a brighter sparkling smile can make a
huge difference to their self confidence, and take years off their
appearance!
Tooth whitening (bleaching) is a fantastic way of dramatically
improving the appearance of your teeth without causing any harm or
damage to your teeth at all!
It is also one of the most simple and cost effective ways of
improving your smile.
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation the dentist will carry out a
detailed examination of your teeth to assess your suitability. The
tooth whitening procedure will then be explained and discussed with
you in detail, answering any questions you may have. You will also
see photographs of actual cases to see the fantastic results that
can be achieved!
If you wish to proceed, we will arrange a further appointment
for you to start. If you wish to start as soon as possible - as
people often do, you may also start at the same appointment.
How does it work?
Two appointments are needed to get started. At the first
appointment the dentist will gently take small impressions of your
top and bottom teeth.
The impressions are then sent to a laboratory where a skilled
dental technician will make a very thin custom fitting tray to fit
over the teeth (like an extremely thin mouth guard).
Two weeks later, you can start!
Last thing at night, after cleaning your teeth, you place some
whitening gel in the tray, place it on your teeth and go straight
to sleep. When you wake up in the morning you remove it. Each night
you repeat the process, and when you look in the mirror each
morning, you will see your teeth getting whiter and whiter!
Simple as that!
How does it change the colour?
Our teeth are actually porous like a sponge. Over the years,
teeth slowly absorb stain from tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and
curries etc. The whitening gel actually soaks into the tooth and
breaks down the discolouring stains, leaving the naturally whiter
tooth. It does not weaken the tooth, affect its structure or damage
it in any way.
How white can I go?
That is personal preference. Some people just want to return
their teeth to their original natural colour, whilst some people
want ’Hollywood white’. The great advantage of the tray system is
that you can take it to the colour you want and then stop. (With
instant whitening systems you do not have that control. If they are
too white afterwards, you can’t put it back!)
How long does it take?
It depends how white you want to go! Most people achieve the
colour they want within 10 - 14 days. Some people whiten quicker
within a few days, whilst very discoloured teeth can take a little
longer.
Does it hurt?
No, it is painless. A few people experience temporary
sensitivity, however it is NO HARM being done to the teeth at all.
The day after completing the whitening, the sensitivity goes.
Is it safe?
When carried out by a professional, the tray system is
completely safe. It causes no harm or damage to the teeth or mouth
at all and is also the only system approved by the strict American
Dental Association.
How long does it last?
The results will last years. Compared to other instant whitening
systems, the tray system also provides a more permanent result over
the years. However depending on your lifestyle and diet, the teeth
will slowly start to absorb stain again over the years. So, once
every 12 - 24 months using the original trays, you can top-up for a
few nights. This will keep them at their new bright colour but not
everyone needs this. You can also top-up as often as you like and
give them a boost before special occasions if you wish. Top-up
tubes can be purchased for £15 each and a couple of tubes are often
enough.
Does it work on all teeth?
Only natural teeth whiten, crowns and fillings do not. If you
have fillings on your front teeth they may need to be replaced once
the whitening is completed. If so, they can be replaced with high
quality cosmetic fillings which will blend in perfectly with your
new colour and be invisible. The dentist will discuss this in
detail with you at your consultation.
How much does it cost?
Initial consultation £69.50
Tooth whitening £395.00
This covers everything. Top teeth, bottom teeth, materials, and
lab costs.
What about tooth whitening toothpastes?
Whitening toothpastes can be useful for removing surface stains
but have very little effect on changing the actual colour of the
teeth. They can be useful in maintaining your new bright smile.