Services
What we do
Services
Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening or bleaching is an effective method used to lighten the colour of teeth. However there are some possible downsides that patients must be aware of. It is not a permanent solution and bleached teeth can become more porous and absorb food stains over time. However the procedure can be repeated and the whitening effect does last several years. Occasionally patients do experience some (usually temporary) sensitivity.
Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin shells of ceramic material that cover the front surfaces of teeth, providing a dramatic change in appearance. These are bonded to teeth that have been prepared by having a small amount of enamel removed, so they don’t appear too bulky. Long-lasting veneers can change the size, shape or color of teeth, and even close small gaps between.
Crowns
Crowns are artificial covers (sometimes called “caps”) that replace the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gum line. Fabricated of metal, porcelain fused to metal, or all-ceramic (porcelain), crowns are cemented to a prepared tooth with intact roots. They are often needed after a root canal procedure, or to repair fractured, broken or misshapen teeth.
Bridges (aka Bridgework)
Bridges use the existing, healthy teeth (called abutment teeth) on either side of a gap to support one or more artificial teeth. A series of linked crowns is fabricated as a single unit, which is then attached to the prepared abutment teeth. Bridges are a time-tested tooth-replacement method, but require special attention to cleaning, and potentially compromise the structure of the otherwise healthy abutment teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental Implants offer a way to replace an entire tooth (both roots and crown), and are considered today’s gold standard. Implants consist of a screw-like titanium metal posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw. Implants becomes fused with the jaw bone (osseointegration), providing a solid anchorage for a lifelike crown. Implants can be used to replace single or multiple teeth, or to support other types of dental restorations, such as dental bridges or dentures. While implant surgery is usually performed by other specialists, prosthodontists often design and place the implant crowns. Implants are initially the most costly tooth replacement method, but often prove to be excellent value in the long run, as they can last a lifetime.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Conventional dentures help to restore your missing teeth and gums when all of your teeth have been lost. When dentures are constructed well, they harmoniously restore a natural appearance to your smile. You may have dentures that are severely worn and need replacement or just need an upgrade or a spare set of dentures.
Dentures are available in many different types, including full, partial, and implant-supported varieties. They can improve the aesthetics and functionality of an individual who is missing teeth—particularly when the dentures are manufactured to a high standard of workmanship and fitted correctly in the mouth. However, wearing dentures typically requires an adjustment period, and some find them uncomfortable in certain situations.
Jaw Joint Disorders and Bite Problems
The temporomandibular area of your body includes the muscles and joints around your jaw and is often referred to as the TMJ. Many people suffer from TMJ problems leading to noticeable symptoms when yawning, chewing, or sleeping. A
prosthodontist can help you identify the best treatment to help you with your problems.
Many patients grind or clench their teeth, and may also habitually bite their fingernails, chew on objects such as pens and pencils, or chew the insides of their cheeks. Bruxism is the technical term for grinding and clenching of the teeth that may cause facial pain and patients who do so are called bruxers. Often this ‘bruxing’ behaviour causes patients to unintentionally bite down too hard at inappropriate times, such as during sleep. Most patients aren’t aware of these habits until too late, when damage to the teeth has occurred and it is drawn to their attention. About one in three people suffer from bruxism, which can be treated by a Prosthodontist.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Full mouth rehabilitation is the term that Prosthodontists and Restorative Dentists often use when rebuilding the dentition and supporting structures after any diseases such as gum infections or dental decay have been stabilised. Full mouth rehabilitation is generally only required when your bite has collapsed, and/or you have multiple missing or heavily filled teeth. A range of advanced dental procedures such as crowns, bridgework, implants, partial or full dentures can be used to restore your bite to its original height.
Temporary restorations and provisional denture prostheses are often used to trial any proposed changes before the final restorations are made, allowing you to have input into the way things look and how you smile. These temporary restorations are often worn for a few months while confirming everything is working in harmony and that no further disease has appeared, giving you the added opportunity to show those who are close to you what your teeth may look like.
The initial stabilisation phase of a full mouth rehabilitation can take months to years depending on your response to slowing any disease processes that were present beforehand. It is important that your remaining teeth and gums are healthy before commencing full mouth rehabilitation. This is your insurance policy to ensure that any complex treatment performed later is less likely to fail. The timing of treatment often varies significantly between patients, influenced by the individuals state of health prior to treatment and how well they respond to treatment and homecare advice.
Composite Resin Build Ups
Composite resin restorations are white filling materials placed directly in your mouth to build up the natural contours and bite of your teeth according to a diagnostic wax-up (plan of the final result). They are often placed as the first stage (Stabilisation Phase) of a full mouth rehabilitation before more definitive treatment with crown and bridgework is contemplated. Composite resin restorations can be placed relatively quickly in a single visit, whereas it takes multiple visits to place crowns and bridgework if fabricated in a laboratory.
If your bite has collapsed, or if your existing teeth need modification (closing spaces or shape) then composite restorations may be suitable for you.
If only your front teeth have worn because of grinding or erosion, then we may need to correct your bite at the front only. After placement of the composite it may feel as if you have too much tooth structure. A limited number of people have noted tenderness in their jaw joint following increases in the level of their bite. Most people successfully tolerate a moderate increase in their bite especially if their bite has closed over time due to loss of tooth structure.
