By: Dr Andrea Ubhi
Created on 09th November 2009
Cosmetic dentist Dr Andrea Ubhi discusses how to create the perfect smile from crooked teeth
Many of us have crooked teeth: for some of us, we have one or two teeth slightly out of line, whereas others of us have severe crowding and crossing over of our teeth. I am commonly asked if anything can be done with crooked teeth: of course it can.
With the use of cosmetic braces or veneers, or both, the teeth can be dramatically transformed, usually within a few weeks or months. This used to mean obvious metal braces for a few years, but the latest advances in cosmetic orthodontics mean that there are now more modern options to consider.
Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves the physical moving of teeth. With planned retention, this is a permanent method of moving the teeth into line, without the need to remove any tooth substance.
These days there are different ways to move the teeth: tooth coloured brackets, tooth coloured wires, brackets fitted on the inside surface of the tooth, and clear mouthguards can be used instead of brackets. Cosmetic orthodontics means that treatment which would have lasted over two years can now be completed in as little as six months.
If the teeth are crooked and also worn or tired-looking, it is often possible to move the teeth to a much better position orthodontically, then use porcelain veneers to complete the look, leaving the teeth looking straight, but also fresh and whiter.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers can be described as being like false fingernails. They are wafer-thin porcelain covers securely bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be used to change the shape, colour of alignment of the teeth, and can be used to create fuller lips by providing more support for the lip structure.
Veneers are the most common form of providing 'smile makeovers' as seen on shows such as 10 Years Younger.
In most cases, a small amount of the underlying tooth substances will be removed before the veneers are fitted. However, some cases are suitable for the 'No-prep' veneers system, which allows the veneers fitted without the need to remove any tooth. Veneers may last approximately ten years. The better the alignment of the teeth, the less preparation is necessary, which is why we are often combining orthodontics and veneers for a more conservative cosmetic solution.
CS&AM
Available from: Dr Ubhi and her team can be contacted at her practice Andrea Ubhi York on 01904 639667, or visit the new-look website at www.andreaubhi.com
