Restorative Dentistry
Tooth Coloured Fillings
There are different types of white fillings available, depending on which tooth you need a filling on. White fillings can be matched to your natural tooth colour. White fillings on posterior teeth are not covered under NHS treatment.
Crowns, Inlays & Dental Veneers
A crown is a porcelain or metal cover which completely covers a tooth that has broken or is too weak on its own. Sometimes porcelain crowns have a metal lining inside to strengthen them. The colour and shape can be matched to your own teeth.
A crown is very strong, and can last for many years in a well looked after mouth. An inlay covers part of a tooth which has fractured, or a cavity from a large filling that needs replacing.
Inlays are made of metal, gold, plastic material or porcelain. Inlays are stronger than fillings, and often more aesthetically pleasing than large amalgam fillings. Your dentist may recommend that you have a tooth crowned or inlayed if a large filling needs replacing or has weakened the tooth, or following root canal treatment.
Traditional crowns and inlays are made in a laboratory, so cannot be completed on the same day. For teeth further back in the mouth, only metal crowns are available under the NHS. We also offer teeth veneers which are similar to a crown, the difference being that the veneer just covers the front of the tooth. Cedarlea will advise you of the best method for your requirements.
Bridges
A bridge is a porcelain tooth that fills a gap left by a missing tooth. It is held in place by being attached to the teeth on either side with metal clasps or brackets and cement. The porcelain will be matched to the shade of your other teeth, giving a very natural looking finish. Bridges can also make up several missing teeth. A bridge may be recommended as a convenient alternative to a denture if there are strong teeth on either side of the gap to support it.
There are several types of bridges available, your dentist will advise you as to the most suitable for you. Once fitted, bridges are very strong and can last many years in a well looked- after mouth.
Teeth Whitening
Tooth Whitening is the most effective and non invasive way of lightening the shade of your teeth. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and make clear plastic trays into which you apply the bleach.
The bleaching process is done at home over a two to four week period. Once you have achieved your desired shade, you will not need to repeat the treatment for many months. There are no guarantees as to the improvement of the shade or time frame because we are all different, and have different lifestyles. However the majority of people will notice a significant difference after two weeks of using the bleach at home.
How long does the treatment take?
We will need to see you twice, your first appointment will be to take impressions to make the custom fit trays and your second visit (around a week later) will be to fit your trays and show you how to use them. After that, you can complete your treatment at home. It usually takes 2-4 weeks to achieve the desired results.
During and after your treatment
Some people experience sensitivity in their teeth during the process. This can vary from person to person. This is because the bleach dries out the surface of the teeth during treatment. Should this happen to you, don't be alarmed. It will usually get better quickly by using a sensitive toothpaste instead of your normal toothpaste.
If your teeth are very sensitive, you may want to use the bleach once every 2-3 days. This will not hinder the end result, it will just take a little longer. We recommend that you rub a small amount of sensitive toothpaste directly onto your teeth if the sensitivity is causing you real discomfort. If you experience any other side effects, speak to your dentist, who can best advise you.
Once the treatment is completed, keep your trays safe so that you may top-up the bleaching in the future should you feel the need to.
