What are the signs you need veneers in Belfast

Having cosmetic dentistry performed can often be a great way to help save your smile, but sadly some patients miss out because they’re unaware that they would be better off with a veneer. So with that in mind here’s a few examples of when you should look into having an appointment for veneers in Belfast.

What are veneers?

Before we get too far into the signs that you need this treatment, here’s a little background information for those that are unfamiliar with this type of procedure. It essentially involves the placing of a small prosthetic covering, which is made from porcelain or ceramics, over a cracked or damaged part of your teeth. The cap is also moulded and shaded to match its surroundings to ensure that you have a natural looking smile at the end of the treatment.

The fitting process is fairly simple and fast which is what makes veneers in Belfast a fairly common treatment as patients are usually in and out again in under an hour.

Cracked or damaged teeth

One of the most common causes for patients to seek out this treatment is if there’s any cracks or noticeable damage in their teeth. This can be caused by a number of reasons, but mostly it tends to be through a sporting injury or an accidental trip or fall.

At Sandown Dental and Implant Clinic our team will repair your cracked or damaged teeth with a natural looking replacement that will support your smile throughout your life.

Staining, discolouration or yellowing of the teeth

Another common cause for this treatment is if there is a lot of staining present that can’t be removed through normal methods such as a whitening toothpaste or bleaching appointments in our practice. A veneer can help our patients achieve that whiter than white uniform smile.

Numerous gaps

These porcelain prosthetics are great at filling in any gaps you may have. Whether large or small, we’re able to use a mould to create a replacement that will exactly fit its new home with minimum fuss.

Worn down or flattened teeth

Either through your diet or brought on by bruxism, grinding of the teeth, your teeth may start to look flattened or worn down. Not only does this cause your smile to suffer it can also potentially lead to further health problems like degradation of the jaw muscles caused by an uneven amount of force being applied incorrectly across your teeth.

Having a veneer can help provide stability to your bite as well as aesthetically improving your smile.

Misaligned or crooked teeth

It’s not just braces that can help with a misaligned molar or crooked canine as a veneer implanted by your dentist can help create a more uniform and straight look to your teeth.

These are just a few situations in which we would recommend that you undergo this procedure. If you would like to know more about this particular treatment or how it could benefit you, then get in touch with our team at the practice.

Are veneers in Belfast for me?

Keeping our smile looking great as we get older can seem difficult, but there are plenty of cosmetic treatments available that we can use to help your teeth last. One particular procedure we would recommend patients for is veneers in Belfast. Here’s a little background information about what this treatment entails.

What are they?

Having veneers in Belfast is a fairly common procedure and it involves the placing of a small piece of porcelain over your teeth to create a healthy looking smile. We would normally use this to cover up or replace a cracked or damaged part of a tooth or to fill in any gaps that you might have.

The fitting process

As we mentioned previously, having one of these porcelain prosthetics fitted is fairly common and it shouldn’t take too long for your dentist to attach it. Here’s a brief outline of what you can expect from this treatment.

Generally we would bring you in for a consultation meeting first at which point there may also be an inspection and cleaning of the area to determine the best approach with your new cover. A shading and moulding may also be performed to ensure the new addition is the right shape and colour before it’s placed in its new home. From there you would normally be brought back in for the fitting whereby your dentist may remove a small piece of enamel to provide a groove for the cap to fit in. Then the cover will be attached with an adhesive that is cured with a light to solidify it and provide a stable base for the veneer.

At Sandown Dental and Implant Clinic our team will ensure that your new veneers will match the correct shade and shape of your teeth to provide you with a natural looking smile.

Is the procedure painful?

One of the most common questions our patients ask about treatments is if it’s going to be painful in some way. With this particular procedure there may be some mild discomfort during the enamel removal stage, but our team will try to limit the amount of pain you will feel during this part.

Are there benefits?

If you’re considering this treatment then there are definitely a few advantages to it. For starters, the cap is relatively sturdy and should last quite a while, so there’s no need for constant visits to maintain it. Although, we do recommend that you come in for your normal check-ups so we can keep an eye on your overall progress.

Another benefit is that the covering can be cleaned like a normal tooth, but don’t press too hard with your brush as you may accidentally damage it. Finally, because we match the shade and shape of it against the rest of your teeth it is incredibly hard to notice so it provides a nice and natural fix.

These are just a few interesting facts about our veneers procedure. If you would like further information or would like to book an appointment then get in touch with our team at the practice.

Protect your jawbone with dental implants in Belfast

Tooth loss can affect your smile considerably. However, your appearance is not the only thing that suffers – losing one or more teeth can also affect the health and function of your jawbone. In turn, this can lead to more serious problems, including further tooth loss. Fortunately, this vicious circle can stop with dental implants. Not only do they replace your missing teeth, they also protect and heal your jawbone.

At Sandown Dental, we have been successfully using dental implants to replace missing or badly damaged teeth for many years. Unlike dentures and bridges, which simply sit on the gums without interacting with the jawbone, dental implants in Belfast become an integral part of the mouth, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function just like your real teeth.

Why does your jawbone deteriorate?

When your chew or bite, you apply pressure to your jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. Each time your teeth touch, the roots send signals to the surrounding tissue, stimulating the production of new bone and gum cells. However, losing a tooth or many can lead to the decrease of these signals, leaving your body unable to replace the lost tissue. In this respect, the jawbone works like a muscle. If it’s used frequently, it remains strong and healthy, but if you stop using it, then it quickly becomes weak.

The same applies to your jaw. When all your teeth are present, the jawbone receives constant simulation and regenerates itself; however, when a tooth is missing it begins to shrink and deteriorate. This is a very quick process, which can affect the rest of your teeth, leading to further tooth loss.

How can dental implants help?

Dental implants actually replace the tooth root. Your dentist will embed them into the jawbone and let them heal for a specific period of time. Because they are made of titanium, a material compatible with the human body, dental implants have the unique ability to fuse to the jawbone and generate new tissue.

To learn more about the unique properties of dental implants in Belfast, contact us today.

Could dental implants in Belfast change your life?

Every day over half of the population is left feeling dissatisfied with their smile. Whether you are missing a few back teeth and feel self-conscious eating in public or are simply missing your front two teeth and refuse to smile in photographs, getting dental implants in Belfast at our practice could boost your confidence dramatically and save your smile.

What are dental implants?

Dentistry has moved forward just as technology has been advancing. Dental implants could be the future for you too. Getting dental implants in Belfast at our practice consists of small metal screws being inserted into the jaw so that we can replace any gaps or damaged teeth that you may have. Every patient we see here at our dental practice is an individual, so this is how we treat them. You may need crowns or dentures to attach to your dental implants to create the perfect smile, or you may need bridges. Either way, here at Sandown Dental we will find and provide the best option that suits you and your smile.

How do I get dental implants?

Getting dental implants in Belfast is easier than you think. At Sandown Dental, we endeavour to make your decision about getting dental implants as easy as possible. We have an experienced, friendly and professional team at hand to reassure you throughout the process and will be by your side every step of the way. To get started, all you need to do is book a consultation at our practice and we will do the rest. We believe that communication is key when it comes to our patients as we want to find the best solution when it comes to achieving the smile that they desire.

Are dental implants safe?

Here at Sandown Dental our dentists are experts at what they do. Our supportive staff are there to offer encouragement and reassurance throughout every procedure. Our patients are always completely comfortable and at ease before they undergo any treatments and often state how they “felt no pain” once the treatment is over.

Having any advanced dentistry work carried out can be intimidating for most people and at our practice we are aware of this. From the very beginning of your journey for the perfect smile we will be there to keep you informed and educated on exactly how your teeth are doing. There is usually more than one solution for our patients and we always ensure we discuss all of these options with them so we can work together to achieve the results that they desire in the way that suits them best.

Want to know more about dental implants?

You will find much more information about dental implants and the other services we offer on our website. If you feel as if you need to sort out your teeth to be able to smile again then please do not hesitate in booking a consultation appointment today.

Want that pearly white smile? Teeth whitening services in Belfast

Everyone loves a gleaming white smile!

Today, we are bombarded with images of celebrities with enviable, ice white smiles that not too long ago, would have cost the average person a small fortune to obtain.

Teeth Whitening in Belfast Luckily, today, dental whitening is big business; with every dental surgery offering some form of whitening procedure, the cost of having your teeth whitened has dropped substantially. Now, more people than ever are shopping around to find the best dentist for the highest quality teeth whitening in Belfast.

How do dentists whiten teeth?

Patients with stained teeth are a common occurrence in dental surgeries. In today’s world of coffee shops, wine bars and sugary sodas, it is no wonder that teeth lose their white appearance over time.

Professional teeth whitening in Belfast is typically undertaken by a dentist, or in some instances a hygienist, but what exactly does this procedure involve?

In surgery whitening

Having your teeth whitened at the dentist is not a complicated procedure and is not as invasive as it once was.

However, it is recommended that when trying to lighten your teeth by several shades at once, you obtain the professional service of a dentist for teeth whitening in Belfast. They are trained in this procedure and will avoid any injuries to your gum line or inner cheeks.

Typically, a dentist will record the initial shade of your teeth and then begin to gently pumice your teeth to remove any plaque. After you have had retractors fitted to keep your gums and cheeks away from the whitening solution, your teeth will be coated on the front surface with whichever gel your dentist has decided is best for you.

Many of these whitening solutions require light curing, to activate the bleaching compounds within it. This light will be aimed on to your teeth for around 60-90 minutes and your dentist may re-apply the whitening solution from time to time if your teeth are heavily stained.

After this is complete, you will notice a dramatic in the appearance of your teeth and if follow up repeat appointments are required, your teeth will be sparkling when the procedure is complete.

At home whitening

An alternative to having the dentist to whiten your teeth, is a service that can also be used in conjunction with it, home whitening.

We do not mean using over the counter whitening toothpastes, but rather an extension of the work performed in surgery by your dentist.

For this, your dentist will custom make some plastic trays, designed to fit over your teeth. You will be supplied with a gel to place in the tray and will typically be advised to wear this tray for two hours a day for up to 2 weeks.

This provides superior whitening to over the counter whitening kits and toothpastes and the process is overseen by a dental professional too.

If you want to brighten your smile, contact us at Sandown Dental Surgery in Belfast; we provide these whitening services and more to keep your smile gleaming.

Can’t I just whiten my teeth at home? The benefits of professional teeth whitening in Belfast

Walk into any pharmacy dental section today and you will see a myriad of home whitening kits. These will all boast being able to whiten your teeth a number of shades in under 2 weeks. They usually also claim that this process is not damaging to your teeth and it is recommended by dentists.

Teeth Whitening in Belfast Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Many brands of over-the-counter whitening pastes and gels have been linked to erosion of enamel in clinical studies and, they may only be able to whiten your teeth one shade at best.

If you want to undergo any teeth whitening in Belfast, the best solution is to go to a dentist who is experienced in this procedure.

Dental whitening versus home whitening

There are some home whitening kits that claim that teeth whitening is a simple procedure that can be done in the comfort of your own home.

For a qualified dentist, teeth whitening in Belfast is a simple and straightforward procedure. They are aware of what will happen and are trained in how to avoid any injury or damage occurring to both the teeth they are whitening and the surrounding mouth. For the average person, a wide variety of issues can occur, such as allowing the whitening gel to sit too long, not removing it correctly and even if it requires mixing, getting the quantities of each part wrong.

Incorrect use of whitening gels and solutions may result in pain, swelling, tooth damage and even burns to your gums and cheeks. So, to ensure this does not happen, it is always best to seek out a dentist to complete this procedure.

There are many other benefits to having your teeth whitened in Belfast at the dentist.

Effective stain and plaque removal

Before you begin any whitening procedure, your dentist will gently pumice away any plaque and may, if necessary, use a powerful air brush to remove stains. Plaque removal is not only required for this procedure, but has the added benefit of preventing gum disease.

When paired with the professional finish of the whitening, your teeth will be bright, clean and look amazing.

Immediate results

Over the counter whitening kits offer you whiter teeth in a set time period, traditionally 2 weeks. When you visit your dentist to have your teeth whitened, the effects are noticeable at the end of the treatment; on average, whitening procedures take around 90 minutes to complete, so this is a faster, very effective option.

Professional equipment

With an over-the-counter whitening kit, there is no pumice, no air spray, no fluoride finish and no mouth protection.

When you go to your dentist for whitening, they will have every piece of equipment needed for the procedure and more, to ensure it is painless, thorough and effective.

If you want a whiter smile, our dental team at Sandown Dental will be happy to help you achieve it. Call today and reap the benefits of our expertise!

Dental hygiene and oral health

The newest thinking on skin health suggests that washing with soap every day is not so good, as it depletes the beneficial bacteria that provide protection. This is good news for your skin, but so far it does not copy across to your mouth. There, you need to remove bacteria, not ignore them.

Dental Hygiene in Belfast We have hundreds of different strains of bacteria in our mouths, and most are harmless. Some also play an important role; others go a bit mad on the sugars and starches that we eat. Take Streptococcus mutans, for example, this is the critter that is the root cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

Strep mutans bacteria just love sugars and starches and when they feast, they proliferate. You can feel them building up in sticky layers on your teeth. What goes in must come out, as they say, so Strep mutans excretes acids, right onto your teeth and gums. It’s like bathing your teeth in lemon juice day in, day out. There are bound to be consequences.

No wonder if you don’t clean your teeth, your tooth enamel gets corroded and your gums get sore and inflamed and can start to bleed.

You can’t get rid of oral bacteria altogether but, if you practise a good dental hygiene routine, you can keep levels of this corrosive bacteria at bay.

This means you need to brush your teeth twice a day. Once when you get up and again when you go to bed. Use a soft-bristled brush and some fluoride toothpaste, which strengthens your tooth enamel. The aim is to brush gently so that you do not wear your tooth enamel away.

You also need to floss once a day. There is a trick to flossing and you can get the dental hygienist here at Sandown Dental & Implant Clinic in Belfast to show you how to do it. You need to get under the edge of the gums between the teeth to remove any plaque that is building up there.

You need to see the hygienist twice a year for a scale and polish to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar.

If you do all that, your dental hygiene will be in great shape.

Too much gum? Not enough tooth?

Gummy smile. The name says it all. This is a condition whereby when you smile, far too much gum tissue is on show. There are two ways to look at a gummy smile. With one kind of gummy smile, there is just too much of the gum showing when you bare your teeth to flash a big bright smile. With the second kind, it seems that your teeth are strangely short compared to other people’s. Two problems, one name: gummy smile.

Gummy Smiles in Belfast Fortunately, at Sandown Dental in Belfast, we can treat your gummy smile very easily.

Too much gum

If your teeth seem the right size but there’s way too much gum on show when you smile, it could be that the muscles that pull the lips back are just a bit too good at their job. They pull the lips back way too far and expose too much of the gum.

Another reason could be that your jaw is bulging through the gum, making it protrude. If jaw development is the issue, you may also have a bite problem, with jaws that don’t fit together properly. If this is the cause, you may need to have orthodontic treatment.

Not enough tooth

If your teeth seem to be too short, it could well be that your gums have grown down over the crowns, covering up a good part of them. Too short teeth are easily treated by removing the excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. This treatment can be carried out under local anaesthetic. We can reshape the gum line, giving you graceful, harmonious arches at the top of your teeth. This can improve your smile and with it, your self-confidence.

Don’t live with lost confidence

If your gummy smile is depriving you of self-confidence then please don’t put up with this condition. We can help you solve it and get your self-confidence back.

Too much gum on show?

When you’re brushing your teeth and gazing at your smile in the mirror, do you wonder why your teeth seem to be short compared to other people’s? Have you ever considered that it may not be that your teeth are too short, but that your gums are too long?

Gummy Smiles in Belfast In the dental profession, we call this fairly common condition gummy smiles. We’re technical like that. A gummy smile just means that when you smile, there is more gum on show than is normal.

Sometimes, although not always, this is because your gums have grown down too far over your teeth. Underneath the gum, there is more tooth that could be on show. This is generally a problem that affects the front teeth more than the pre-molars and molars.

At Sandown Dental in Belfast, we can rectify this problem for you and give you that great sparkling smile, with a treatment called gum contouring.

Gum contouring is a simple procedure that can easily be carried out under local anaesthetic. One of our dentists will make sure your gums are numb and will then remove the excess gum tissue.

As well as removing excess tissue, we can reshape the gums so that they frame your teeth with a regular pink curve.

It won’t take long to heal from gum contouring and then you will have a fabulous new smile to show off.

Smile makeovers and gum contouring

Gum contouring is a great treatment to have alongside other treatments that improve the look of the teeth.

If you are thinking about having a smile makeover package, it’s worth making sure you are happy with the shape of your gums.

We can include this treatment along others such as cosmetic braces or veneers, or tooth whitening.

If you’d like to find out more about gum contouring and check whether you do indeed have a gummy smile, then why not talk to one of our dentists next time you come in for a check-up?

Brushing and flossing, and scaling and polishing

You can never entirely get rid of the bacteria that live in your mouth, nor would you want to. The human body is designed to be more than just one big organism. Instead we are like a planet of billions of microbes that live on our skin, in our orifices and all the way through our digestive system.

Dental Hygiene in Belfast We need them to be healthy, it’s just that some of them, such as the ones that form plaque on our teeth, can get a bit out of hand and cause problems. Keeping plaque at bay is a never-ending task.

The make-up of plaque differs from person to person, but one thing’s for sure, one particular strain of bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, is present in every mouth. This type of bacteria is responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

It lives on sugars and starches and it just loves the modern Western diet with all its sugary snacks and drinks and its complex carbohydrates. These all start to be broken down in the mouth by our saliva as we chew. Strep mutans feeds on sugars and gives off acids, plus, if it is given a feast it proliferates. That’s why, after a sugary snack you can feel a kind of fur developing on the surfaces of your teeth. And the more plaque there is, the more acid is being exuded onto the surfaces of your teeth and onto your gums.

This is why it is important to have a good dental hygiene routine. Brushing removes sticky plaque from the surfaces of the teeth. Flossing removes it from between the teeth and under the edges of the gums. These 2 actions also remove any trapped food too.

Along with your twice daily cleaning sessions, you also need to have regular appointments with the hygienist here at Sandown Dental & Implant Clinic. This is so that we can remove any plaque that you have missed and that has hardened into tartar. There is always some you can’t get at and if you leave it once it’s hardened, you will have a permanent layer of plaque giving off acids that will corrode your teeth and attack your gums.

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