By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 20th September 2011
Dr Andrea Ubhi discusses the most common treatments used to enhance your smile
Composite Bonding/Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are small amounts of tooth coloured filling material which is securely bonded to the front surface of the tooth to change the shape and colour of the tooth.
Benefits:
• No need to remove any tooth surface
• Particularly suited for younger patients or those unsure about committing to full porcelain veneers
• Shape and colour can be altered and small spaces can be masked
Drawbacks:
• More difficult to create a natural look using composite
• The material stains more readily and can chip easily
Costs: Relatively low cost option - approximately £150 per tooth
Longevity: Up to five years
Results: Same day
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.
Veneers are the most common way of providing ‘smile makeovers' as seen on shows such as Ten Years Younger.
Benefits:
• Veneers can dramatically change the colour, shape and alignment of the teeth without physically moving the teeth
• It is possible to create veneers which look very natural
• Can be used to create fuller lips by providing more support for the lip structure
Drawbacks:
• Some underlying tooth surface may be removed and this makes the procedure irreversible
• The teeth may become sensitive for a period after treatment
• Once placed, veneers will need to be replaced over time
Costs: Relatively high cost option - approximately £850 per tooth
Longevity: Up to ten years
Results: Approximately three weeks
No preparation veneers
The ‘no-prep' veneers system, which allows porcelain veneers to be fitted without the need to remove any tooth.
Benefits:
• Veneers can change the look and shape of the teeth without physically moving the teeth
• It is possible to create veneers which look very natural
• The ‘no-prep' veneer system does not require the removal of any underlying tooth surface
Drawbacks:
• Only suitable in some cases, particularly when the teeth are smaller
• Once placed, veneers will need to be replaced over time
Costs: Relatively high cost option - approximately £850 per tooth
Longevity: Up to ten years
Results: Approximately three weeks
Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves the physical moving of the teeth within the mouth. Mostly, people think of the traditional fixed braces, with metal brackets and metal wires, but things have changed. As more and more adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatments, the advances in dental technologies can offer alternatives. These days, there are tooth coloured brackets and wires, and orthodontic treatments involving clear mouth guards.
Benefits:
• Straight teeth
• No removal of any underlying tooth surface
• A permanent solution
Drawbacks:
• Longer time needed to see the end results, taking approximately three months to two years depending on the case
• A retainer would need to be worn part time for life to ensure that the treatment does not relapse
Costs: Approximately £2,000 per arch
Longevity: Long term, provided retainer is worn
Results: Between three months and two years
Available from: Dr Ubhi has a private dental practice in York which concentrates on Cosmetic Dental Treatments and routine dentistry. To arrange an appointment, please contact the practice on 01904 639667 or visit the website www.andreaubhi.com for further information or to book an appointment online
