In this blog I would like to discuss some topics about AESTHETIC DENTISTRY. Over the years, it has been a privilege for me to help so many people improve their smile and confidence. In modern dentistry, there are a wide range of treatment options to suit every individual’s needs and budget. Having increased confidence because of a healthy and attractive smile helps people in their personal relationships and also their career.
Q: How did you get involved with Extreme Makeover?
A: Extreme Makeover UK had three series on Living TV. I was privileged to treat many cases on all the series. The TV producers were looking for a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist to join their “dream team” of a plastic surgeon, hairdresser, fashion expert and fitness personal trainer. I was selected because of my advanced training in the USA, the equipment and facilities we offer, and also the fact that I teach dentists (from UK and Europe) cosmetic and laser dentistry. Creating the life changing transformations for the people treated on the TV programme has been one of the highlights of my professional career.
Q: I have got crooked teeth and do not really want to have braces for two years. What are my other options?
A: There are revolutionary braces systems such as 6 Month Smiles and The Inman Aligner that can correct crooked teeth, or even close gaps in as little as three months! 6 Month Smiles is a fixed braces system with tooth coloured brackets and a tooth coloured wire. It is a perfect solution for adult patients wanting a discreet option and faster results. The Inman Aligner is a removable brace that is worn for 20 hours a day and can be taken out for cleaning and eating.
Q: Can teeth whitening damage teeth?
A: No. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective technique that is scientifically proven. The treatment involves the use of custom fitting whitening trays and a very small amount of whitening gel (carbamide peroxide). You need to apply the gel to the teeth for 1-2 hours a day for 2-3 weeks. The whitening occurs via an oxygenation process within the structure of teeth. Problems can occur if you have ill fitting whitening trays or if you use certain “over the counter” whitening products. For the best advice and your total safety, it is always best to have professional teeth whitening with the dentist. I personally recommend the ZOOM whitening system, the No.1 whitening system in the world.
Q: What are porcelain veneers?
A: Porcelain veneers are one of the best solutions for creating a long lasting and stunning smile. Problems such as crooked teeth, chipping or damaged teeth, discoloured fillings and worn down teeth can be corrected with porcelain veneers. Veneers are precision, laboratory made thin facings of porcelain that are bonded to the front aspects of teeth using a strong dental adhesive. To get the best result, it is important to select a dentist that is very experienced in these procedures, and who also uses skilled and artistic dental technicians for a natural looking whiter smile.
Q: How can I have a nicer smile if I have many missing teeth?
A: There are many cosmetic treatment options for replacing missing teeth. Removable dentures can be comfortable and look very natural. If you have a few missing teeth, or no teeth at all, then cosmetic dentures offer a good choice. However, for a fixed option, one has to consider a bridge or dental implants. A bridge is when one or more anchor teeth are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Implants involve the surgical placement of small titanium cylinders in bone (a comfortable procedure under local anaesthetic). After about 2-3 months, anchors can be connected into the healed implants, followed by the fitting of porcelain crown/bridge work.
Q: What is the most cost effective way of improving a smile?
A: “A Mini Makeover”. This is a combination of cosmetic contouring which involves the smoothing of the edges of uneven teeth by artistic minor reshaping of the enamel. This is followed by affordable teeth whitening to enhance the colour of the teeth. Any small gaps or chipped/discoloured teeth can then be improved using “cosmetic bonding” i.e. the use of high quality cosmetic white fillings (matched to the new colour of the whitened teeth). This is a conservative treatment option that is cost effective.
Q: Do you offer finance options to make treatment more affordable?
A: Yes, absolutely. Many clients opt for 0% interest free financing. This means you can have the ideal cosmetic treatment immediately and pay in monthly instalments to suit your individual budget. It is possible to get 0% interest free financing over 24 months!
To discover how to have an enjoyable dental experience telephone 020 85000544.
Ashish Parmar, Smile Design by Ash, 6 Chigwell Rise, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 6AB