How many visits are needed? The composites themselves are done in one appointment. We will always book a consultation appointment first. Most people will have a review appointment after to ensure they are completely happy.
Will I need an injection? The great majority of all cases are completed pain-free and without the need for local anaesthetic.
Will my teeth need to be drilled? In most cases composite is applied with no obvious drilling to the natural tooth. For cases that require tooth adjustment, you will be advised beforehand in the consultation appointment.
How long do composite veneers last? As with most cosmetic dental procedures they will eventually need replacing. Typically we see good results of up to 5 years for composite veneers and 7 years for edge bonding, dependent upon care.
Is there a minimum number of teeth recommended? There is no minimum recommendation for this. In order to gain optimal aesthetic results most individuals require approximately 8-10 composite restorations. This allows for a more uniform and symmetrical smile.
Composite bonding or porcelain veneers? Composite bonding is a single session treatment option which is great to correct smaller imperfections, chips, cracks and minor spacing between the teeth.
Veneers on the other hand are lab made ultra thin sheets of ceramic material which are shaped to fit onto the teeth. They usually require some removal of natural tooth structure to create enough space for the veneer to attach to the tooth. They are normally recommended for larger imperfections of the teeth and as they are lab made, are more costly than composite bonding.
What is the composite bonding procedure? The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned and then prepared with a gel that roughens the surface microscopically. The putty like composite resin material is then applied using special instruments and brushes to sculpt to the desired shape, often in several layers. Using a special light, the material is then hardened. Further layers can then be added accordingly. The procedure is then completed with smoothing of the tooth surface and polishing.
Do dental implants hurt? There will be minor adjustments to the teeth, but this is minimal, especially if the teeth have been straightened previously How will I know if I like the look of veneers? The dentist providing the veneers will look at the current shape of the teeth, their colour, your facial and gum contours as well as things like lip position and tooth symmetry to make a decision on the character and profile of the veneers. However, the dental lab can perform a waxed version attached to a study model of your teeth so you can see and even trial the smile before any treatment begins.
How long does dental implant treatment take? Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible
What is a bone graft? Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible