What can be done to improve my smile?
It’s important to discuss what you want with your dentist. Sometimes tooth whitening and cosmetic recontouring is enough to improve your smile. If tooth whitening is not suitable for you, or you want to whiten your smile even further, you may want to consider veneers which can also improve other cosmetic problems.

If you have considerable wear on your teeth, it is still not too late. Full mouth reconstruction can help to restore your smile and improve function.

If you are missing teeth, implant placement or an aesthetic bridge can help you smile with confidence.

What can be done about old, unattractive, discoloured fillings?
Over time fillings can wear and become discoloured. Advances in dental technology have given options to restore teeth to look natural again. Depending on the size of the filling, some fillings can be replaced with composite resin and larger fillings can be replaced using tooth coloured onlays or crowns which help to bring back the strength of the tooth.

Will having a smile makeover hurt?
We want to make the experience as comfortable as possible that’s why we use special gel on the gums before anaesthetising the teeth. This takes away any discomfort during treatment.

How can I tell if I have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease)?
An early indication of gum disease is bleeding gums. Plaque bacteria causes your gums to become swollen and when brushed they start to bleed. Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with good oral hygiene and visits to the hygienist and dentist. However, if left, teeth can eventually lose support from the bone and become mobile and fall out. Smoking can actually mask the indications of gum disease. Smokers have a lower blood supply to the gums and will not show bleeding gums even though gum disease is present. Ask your dentist for help to quit smoking and improve your gum health.

How long will having a smile makeover take?
This depends on you treatment plan after your initial consultation. Treatment can normally be completed in two weeks, in three or four appointments.

How often should I brush?
We recommend you brush twice daily using either a small head, soft bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush - once in the morning and once at night. Use either floss or tepe interdental brushes once daily to get in between your teeth which are the areas your tooth brush cannot reach.

Is it expensive?
This depends on the number of teeth treated and the type of service you choose. We believe in value for money and our prices are competitive. Fees are openly discussed and you will be provided with a full treatment plan. Finance options are also available so you can make affordable payments over a number of months.

Are amalgam (mercury) fillings safe?
There has been no definitive study to say that amalgam (mercury) fillings are linked to medical problems. However, mercury is a toxic metal which is present in amalgam fillings. It is documented that mercury vapours are released on placing and removing amalgam fillings and are released in small amounts from fillings over a period of time. That’s why we remove mercury fillings using high volume suction and a dental dam making it completely safe for you.

What can I do about stained or discoloured teeth?
Teeth can stain due to a number of reasons. The first step would be to identify why the teeth are discoloured. Certain foods and drink with lots of colouring (for example curries, red wine, tea, coffee) and smoking all cause discolouration. Avoiding these types of food will reduce staining. Teeth can also be discoloured due to medication and pulp (nerve) damage of the tooth.
A visit to the hygienist can sometimes get rid of superficial staining. If a further improvement is preferred, teeth can by whitened using at-home or in-house tooth whitening. If the staining is deep, veneers/crowns are further options for whitening your smile. Ask your dentist about your options.

How often should I have a dental exam and hygiene visit?
We recommend that you visit the dentist every 6 months to help prevent dental disease and carry out screening for oral cancer. We advise a person with a good home oral hygiene regime to visit the hygienist every 4-6 months depending on the individual.