the family and specialist practice since 2003 . . .
FAQ
the family and specialist practice since 2003 . . .
Dental Questions?
Aesthetic dentistry
1. What is aesthetic dentistry, and how is it different from general dentistry?
Aesthetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, and smile. While general dentistry prioritises oral health and function, aesthetic dentistry enhances cosmetic aspects like colour, shape, alignment, and symmetry.
2. What treatments are considered cosmetic or aesthetic?
Common treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, tooth contouring, orthodontics (like Invisalign), gum reshaping, and full smile makeovers.
3. How safe are aesthetic dental procedures?
When performed by a qualified and experienced dentist, aesthetic dental treatments are safe. We use high-quality, biocompatible materials and take precautions to protect your oral health.
4. How effective is professional teeth whitening?
Professional whitening is significantly more effective than over-the-counter products. Results can be several shades lighter in just one session and are longer-lasting.
5. Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes, when carried out by a dentist using approved products, it is safe and does not harm your enamel.
6. How long do whitening results last?
Typically 6–12 months, depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking coffee.
7. Can I whiten crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel. We may recommend replacing restorations to match your new shade.
8. What are dental veneers and how do they work?
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve colour, shape, and alignment. They are ideal for discoloured, chipped, or uneven teeth.
9. What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Composite veneers are quicker and more affordable but may stain over time. Porcelain veneers are more durable, stain-resistant, both options provide a natural appearance.
10. Do veneers damage your natural teeth?
Minimal or zero enamel is removed during the preparation. When done correctly, veneers should not harm the underlying tooth structure.
11. How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last 10–15 years or longer with good care. Composite veneers typically last 4–8 years. However please note this is averages for every person is individual.
12. What is composite bonding and how long does it last?
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, gaps, or discolouration. We usually expect it to last around 4–8 years, depending on oral habits.
13. Can bonding fix a chipped or gapped tooth?
Yes. Bonding is a quick, non-invasive way to restore minor damage or close small gaps between teeth.
14. Is tooth contouring painful?
No. It’s a gentle procedure that reshapes the enamel and usually requires no anaesthetic.
15. What are my options for straightening teeth as an adult?
Options include clear aligners (like Invisalign), ceramic braces, or normal braces. We will help you choose based on your goals and lifestyle.
16. How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Invisalign is nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable, but may not be suitable for all complex cases. Traditional braces are fixed and effective for more advanced misalignments.
17. Can I get whitening or bonding during orthodontic treatment?
We usually recommend completing orthodontic treatment first. Whitening and bonding can be done afterward to enhance final results.
18. What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a customised combination of cosmetic treatments tailored to improve your overall smile appearance.
19. How do I know what my new smile will look like?
We use digital smile design tools, mock-ups, and previews to show you what to expect before beginning treatment.
20. Can I choose the shape and colour of my new teeth?
Absolutely. We work closely with you to choose a smile that suits your facial features and personal preferences.
21. How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
Prices vary depending on treatment type and complexity. We provide clear estimates and treatment plans upfront.
22. Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Most cosmetic treatments are not covered by NHS or private insurance unless there's a functional reason. However, finance plans may be available.
23. Are there financing or payment plan options?
Yes, we offer 0% interest finance and flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment.
24. Are the materials used in aesthetic dentistry safe and biocompatible?
Yes. We use CE-marked, high-quality, dental-grade materials that are safe, tested, and long-lasting.
25. Do cosmetic treatments need to be replaced or maintained regularly?
Yes. While durable, treatments like veneers or bonding will need maintenance or replacement over time.
26. Is there downtime after treatment?
Most cosmetic procedures involve little to no downtime. You can usually return to normal activities the same day.
27. How long do the results of cosmetic procedures last?
It varies by treatment. Whitening may last up to a year or more; veneers can last over a decade. Proper care extends longevity.
28. What can I do to maintain my results?
Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid staining foods and drinks, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and attend regular check-ups.
29. How do I choose the right cosmetic dentist?
Look for experience, before-and-after portfolios, reviews, and a dentist who listens and explains options clearly.
30. What qualifications should I look for?
Ensure your dentist is GDC-registered, has training in cosmetic procedures, and ideally is a member of a recognised aesthetic dentistry organisation.
Question with a “Yes” response!
Do you offer teeth cleaning and preventive care services?
Do you accept dental insurance or offer financing options for treatments?
Do you provide emergency dental services for urgent dental issues?
Do you offer teeth whitening treatments to improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth?
Do you provide dental implants as a replacement option for missing teeth?
Do you offer clear aligner treatments like Invisalign to straighten teeth without traditional braces?
Do you use digital X-rays for a safer and more efficient diagnostic process?
Do you provide sedation options for patients with dental anxiety or fear?
Do you offer dental bonding to repair chipped or cracked teeth?
Do you provide custom mouthguards for athletes to protect their teeth during sports activities?
Dental Questions?
Aesthetic dentistry
1. What is aesthetic dentistry, and how is it different from general dentistry?
Aesthetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, gums, and smile. While general dentistry prioritises oral health and function, aesthetic dentistry enhances cosmetic aspects like colour, shape, alignment, and symmetry.
2. What treatments are considered cosmetic or aesthetic?
Common treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding, tooth contouring, orthodontics (like Invisalign), gum reshaping, and full smile makeovers.
3. How safe are aesthetic dental procedures?
When performed by a qualified and experienced dentist, aesthetic dental treatments are safe. We use high-quality, biocompatible materials and take precautions to protect your oral health.
4. How effective is professional teeth whitening?
Professional whitening is significantly more effective than over-the-counter products. Results can be several shades lighter in just one session and are longer-lasting.
5. Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes, when carried out by a dentist using approved products, it is safe and does not harm your enamel.
6. How long do whitening results last?
Typically 6–12 months, depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking coffee.
7. Can I whiten crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel. We may recommend replacing restorations to match your new shade.
8. What are dental veneers and how do they work?
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve colour, shape, and alignment. They are ideal for discoloured, chipped, or uneven teeth.
9. What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Composite veneers are quicker and more affordable but may stain over time. Porcelain veneers are more durable, stain-resistant, both options provide a natural appearance.
10. Do veneers damage your natural teeth?
Minimal or zero enamel is removed during the preparation. When done correctly, veneers should not harm the underlying tooth structure.
11. How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last 10–15 years or longer with good care. Composite veneers typically last 4–8 years. However please note this is averages for every person is individual.
12. What is composite bonding and how long does it last?
Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin to repair chips, gaps, or discolouration. We usually expect it to last around 4–8 years, depending on oral habits.
13. Can bonding fix a chipped or gapped tooth?
Yes. Bonding is a quick, non-invasive way to restore minor damage or close small gaps between teeth.
14. Is tooth contouring painful?
No. It’s a gentle procedure that reshapes the enamel and usually requires no anaesthetic.
15. What are my options for straightening teeth as an adult?
Options include clear aligners (like Invisalign), ceramic braces, or normal braces. We will help you choose based on your goals and lifestyle.
16. How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Invisalign is nearly invisible, removable, and more comfortable, but may not be suitable for all complex cases. Traditional braces are fixed and effective for more advanced misalignments.
17. Can I get whitening or bonding during orthodontic treatment?
We usually recommend completing orthodontic treatment first. Whitening and bonding can be done afterward to enhance final results.
18. What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a customised combination of cosmetic treatments tailored to improve your overall smile appearance.
19. How do I know what my new smile will look like?
We use digital smile design tools, mock-ups, and previews to show you what to expect before beginning treatment.
20. Can I choose the shape and colour of my new teeth?
Absolutely. We work closely with you to choose a smile that suits your facial features and personal preferences.
21. How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
Prices vary depending on treatment type and complexity. We provide clear estimates and treatment plans upfront.
22. Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Most cosmetic treatments are not covered by NHS or private insurance unless there's a functional reason. However, finance plans may be available.
23. Are there financing or payment plan options?
Yes, we offer 0% interest finance and flexible payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment.
24. Are the materials used in aesthetic dentistry safe and biocompatible?
Yes. We use CE-marked, high-quality, dental-grade materials that are safe, tested, and long-lasting.
25. Do cosmetic treatments need to be replaced or maintained regularly?
Yes. While durable, treatments like veneers or bonding will need maintenance or replacement over time.
26. Is there downtime after treatment?
Most cosmetic procedures involve little to no downtime. You can usually return to normal activities the same day.
27. How long do the results of cosmetic procedures last?
It varies by treatment. Whitening may last up to a year or more; veneers can last over a decade. Proper care extends longevity.
28. What can I do to maintain my results?
Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid staining foods and drinks, wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, and attend regular check-ups.
29. How do I choose the right cosmetic dentist?
Look for experience, before-and-after portfolios, reviews, and a dentist who listens and explains options clearly.
30. What qualifications should I look for?
Ensure your dentist is GDC-registered, has training in cosmetic procedures, and ideally is a member of a recognised aesthetic dentistry organisation.
Question with a “Yes” response!
Do you offer teeth cleaning and preventive care services?
Do you accept dental insurance or offer financing options for treatments?
Do you provide emergency dental services for urgent dental issues?
Do you offer teeth whitening treatments to improve the appearance of stained or discolored teeth?
Do you provide dental implants as a replacement option for missing teeth?
Do you offer clear aligner treatments like Invisalign to straighten teeth without traditional braces?
Do you use digital X-rays for a safer and more efficient diagnostic process?
Do you provide sedation options for patients with dental anxiety or fear?
Do you offer dental bonding to repair chipped or cracked teeth?
Do you provide custom mouthguards for athletes to protect their teeth during sports activities?
What are some common dental services offered by dentists?
Common dental services offered by dentists include regular dental excaminations, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, bridges, and implants.
What is the recommended frequency for dental check-ups and cleanings?
The British Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least once every six months for a dental check-up and cleaning. However, the frequency may vary depending on an individual's oral health needs and conditions.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
If you have a dental emergency such as a broken tooth or severe toothache, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. Many dental offices have emergency services available to address urgent dental needs.
How can I improve my oral health?
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash can help improve your oral health. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and quitting smoking can also have a positive impact on your oral health. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help identify and address any oral health issues.