FREE CONSULTATION 0113 245 4868 Ask us about 0% Finance
Book Online

Repairing Gaps and Chips with Cosmetic Bonding

July 15th, 2015

2823674_blogEven the smallest chip can make you feel self-conscious when you smile, but thankfully we have an incredible treatment ready and waiting to restore the beauty of your smile and boost your confidence. If you have minor cosmetic flaws, such as chipped, worn or misshapen teeth, gaps between your teeth or uneven tooth edges, cosmetic bonding offers a simple and affordable solution.

So, what exactly is cosmetic bonding?

Cosmetic bonding is a single-session treatment that offers incredible aesthetic benefits to patients with mild imperfections. Bonding involves layering dental composite to re-shape the teeth and reduce the size of gaps between them. Dental composite is a putty-like substance that comes in a range of shades to match your natural teeth. Your dentist will use their skills and expertise to carefully prepare the teeth and layer the composite to build up worn edges, improve the shape of the individual teeth and repair chips. Once the composite is in the correct place, your dentist will shine a curing lamp onto it to set it. Although composite is not as hard as natural tooth enamel, it can last for many years.

The benefits of bonding

Bonding offers an array of benefits and it can really make a difference to the way you feel about your smile, as well as the way it looks. Treatment can usually be completed in under an hour and the results are visible instantly. There’s no drilling, no injections and the outcome is fantastic. Even though the changes may feel minor at the time, when you look in the mirror you’ll notice an amazing difference.

If you would like to find an effective and completely stress-free solution for aesthetic issues and you dream of a perfect smile, call us today to find out more about cosmetic bonding and schedule an appointment.

Root Canal Treatment is More Comfortable Than Ever Before

July 14th, 2015

585811_blogIf you’re one of the many people who feels instantly uncomfortable when the words root and canal are mentioned in the same sentence, we have great news! Using the latest techniques, our experienced dentists offer comfortable root canal treatment to put an end to your dental woes and restore your beautiful smile.

What does root canal treatment involve?

Root canal treatment is a very important and effective dental procedure that can make the difference between keeping and losing a tooth. This procedure is usually used to treat a dental infection when it has spread to the pulp tissue. This is the living part of the tooth and contains the nerves and blood vessels. Once the pulp is infected, the blood supply to the tooth is reduced and there is a high risk of further infection and dental abscesses, which are very painful. Root canal treatment helps to stem the spread of infection and preserve the tooth.

Many people feel anxious when root canal treatment crops up in conversation and it does have a bit of a bad reputation. However, treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and we use advanced techniques to achieve optimum results with minimal discomfort. We can assure you that you’re in the safest hands and we will ensure that you are completely comfortable during the procedure.

What actually happens when you have root canal treatment?

Before treatment begins, the tooth is numbed completely to prevent you from feeling pain. Once the effects of the local anaesthetic have come into play, your dentist start the procedure by drilling into your tooth and cleaning and clearing the root canals. All the decayed tissue is taken out and the canals are given a very thorough clean. The root canals are then filled using a material known as gutta percha and sealed. After root canal treatment, it is common to crown the tooth. A temporary crown is usually fitted and a permanent crown placed around two weeks later. The new crown helps to restore and strengthen the tooth and it can also have amazing aesthetic benefits.

Make Your Smile Clear with a Dental Veneer

July 13th, 2015

3492515_blogStudies show that most of us long for a more attractive smile and with amazing treatments like dental veneers around, a perfect smile is more accessible and obtainable than ever before. If you want to look and feel like a red carpet star very time you speak in public or pose for a photograph, veneers could be the answer.

About veneers

Veneer treatment is amazingly effective, but it’s also really simple. We create custom-made veneers to suit your dental needs and design a new aesthetic that matches your idea of the dream smile. Veneers are extremely thin and light shells, usually made from porcelain, fixed onto your natural teeth to produce a stunning new look. We can use single veneers to cover imperfections and issues such as a stained tooth or worn edges, or we can fit a full set of veneers for those who dream of a flawless, sparkling smile. We use veneers to transform the smile and they are also a versatile option for common cosmetic problems, including gaps between the teeth, chips and misshapen teeth.

Veneer treatment: what does the process involve?

You may be surprised to hear that with veneers, we can transform your smile in just two to three weeks. Before you start treatment, we invite you to a consultation to discuss the treatment in detail and check your teeth. During the consultation we also talk you through the process and ask if you have any questions. If you decide to go ahead, we then start preparing your teeth, a process that involves removing a very fine layer of the tooth surface. This stage is necessary to make room for the veneers and facilitate bonding when the new veneers are placed on your teeth. We then create impressions of your teeth and these are used by highly skilled dental technicians to manufacture bespoke veneers. Around two weeks later, we will schedule another appointment to fit your veneers. We place them on your teeth, check that you are happy with your new look and then fix them firmly onto the teeth.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers should last for several years, but the exact lifespan will depend on the type of veneer, the material used and the way you care for your veneers. When you have your veneers fitted, your dentist will talk you through the cleaning and maintenance process so that you can enjoy your new smile for years to come.

Life-Changing Lingual Braces

July 12th, 2015

4207449_blogIt’s no understatement to say that a new smile could change your life and with lingual braces, you can achieve the dream of a perfectly straight smile in secret. Lingual braces offer an incredibly appealing option for people who are reluctant to have braces because they don’t want the hassle or stigma of wearing visible braces. These braces are fixed to the back of the teeth, so you won’t notice them when you smile and they will be completely invisible to other people.

At City Dental Leeds, we are proud to offer some of the world’s leading orthodontic treatments, such as STb Social 6 braces.

The ins and outs of STb Social 6 braces

Have you ever dreamed of having a flawless smile without having to show off a bulky, unattractive brace every time you speak or smile? If you have, STb Social 6 braces could be the ideal match for you. These sleek and light braces are attached to the back of the teeth, meaning that you can smile with confidence, safe in the knowledge that nobody will guess that you’re in the middle of treatment.

STb Social 6 braces are specifically designed to treat issues that affect the social 6. This is the name given to the front six teeth on the top and bottom arches. Although this treatment can benefit most patients, it is ideally suited to those who only have minor issues that require limited movement.

These braces use friction-free technology to move the teeth very quickly and they are smaller and less cumbersome than traditional fixed braces.

How long does treatment take?

The treatment time is one of the best perks of STb Social treatment. Unlike some systems, which take years to work, this treatment can transform the look of the smile in a matter of weeks. The average case is complete within 16 weeks.

If you’re ready to transform your smile and you like the sound of lingual braces, what are you waiting for? Call us today to start your journey to a stunning smile!

Simple Solutions with Dental Crowns

July 11th, 2015

18625044At City Dental Leeds we always strive to provide simple, hassle-free and effective solutions for dental problems and our incredibly natural looking and durable crowns are a great option for those who have damaged or broken teeth. If you’ve had a dental infection or you’ve been caught up in an accident or injury, call us today and we’ll soon have your smile back in shape.

About dental crowns

Dental crowns are a type of restoration used to bolster damaged and weak teeth and improve oral function. Crowns are placed over the existing tooth structure and they have amazing benefits for the aesthetic of the smile as well as your oral health. We often recommend porcelain crowns because this ceramic material is incredibly strong, as well as being a very close match to the natural shade of the teeth. Porcelain crowns also boast an iridescent finish that will make your smile glow.

We usually use two sessions to complete crown treatment. The first session is used to plan treatment, prepare the tooth and create an impression for the dental technicians and the second session is designed to fit the crown. We work with the best dental technicians and use the finest quality materials to produce hard-wearing, aesthetically pleasing crowns and our dentists have extensive experience in this form of treatment, so you’re in good hands!

Why would I need a crown?

Your dentist may recommend a crown in the following circumstances:

  • the tooth is damaged following an injury or accident
  • the tooth has been weakened by a large filling
  • the tooth is severely decayed
  • you have a dental infection that has spread to the pulp tissue (a crown is usually placed after root canal treatment in this case)
  • you are undergoing tooth replacement treatment (a crown is fitted to a dental implant in this scenario)

How long will a crown last?

Crowns don’t last forever, but they should last around five years depending on the material used and how well you care for your crown.

The Inman Aligner Straightens Smiles Swiftly

July 10th, 2015

2904341_blogIf you feel the need for speed, look no further than the Inman Aligner. This rapid removable brace straightens out orthodontic issues in record time.

How does it work?

The Inman Aligner is a really impressive orthodontic system that uses gentle yet powerful forces to move the teeth in no time at all. This device is made up of two main components, a coiled spring and a metal bar. These parts work together to produce forces that push and pull the teeth so they move into the correct position, creating a beautifully aligned smile.

One of the best things about the Inman Aligner is the treatment time, as most cases are completed within four months. However, there are lots of other benefits to enjoy. The aligner is removable, which means you can continue with life as normal without worrying about altering your diet or trying to steer around brackets when you brush your teeth. The aligner is also comfortable and much less visible traditional fixed braces. The only part that can be seen is the metal bar, but it’s very discreet. The treatment process is also really simple. You only wear one appliance and it needs to be in place for around 22 hours per day for the best results.

Who can benefit from the Inman Aligner?

The Inman Aligner is designed with patients who have mild issues in mind. It produces a restricted amount of movement and is an ideal choice for those who need minor correction. This treatment may also be recommended for those who have suffered relapse following previous treatment. This helps to prevent the teeth from moving any more, as well as providing straightening benefits.

If you would like to find out if you are a good match for the Inman Aligner, simply call and book a consultation. Your amazing new smile could be just weeks away!

 

Goodbye Metal Fillings, Hello White Fillings!

July 8th, 2015

2823674_blogIn the past metal fillings were commonly used to fill cavities, but today white fillings are a much more popular option. If you have an old mercury amalgam filling you would like to replace with a brand new white filling, call us and book an appointment today.

The benefits of white fillings

White fillings are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people choose them as an aesthetically-pleasing solution for tooth decay. White fillings are created using layer of dental composite, a versatile material that comes in an array of tooth-coloured shades. White fillings are designed to match the colour of the natural tooth so we can restore your tooth without impacting on the way it looks in a negative way. Unlike metal fillings, once a composite filling is in place, you won’t be able to tell the difference between the filling and the rest of the tooth structure or see the filling when you smile.

As well as being very discreet, white fillings are also safer and more environmentally friendly than mercury amalgam fillings.

What happens when you have a filling?

Before a filling is placed, the tooth is cleaned thoroughly and any decayed tissue is removed from the cavity. Once the cavity is completely clear, bonding agent will be applied and this helps the composite to stick. The composite, which is soft and malleable at room temperature, is then placed inside the cavity and layered until the cavity is completely full. Your dentist will then shine a curing light onto the tooth and this sets the composite. When the filling is firm, any final adjustments will be made to ensure the filling fits the cavity perfectly. In the case of a replacement filling, where an old mercury filling is replaced with a white filling, the old filling is removed first and disposed of very carefully. The tooth is then cleaned thoroughly before the filling procedure begins.

Protective Crown Fittings to Restore Your Smile

July 6th, 2015

529808_blogIf you’ve had a dental drama and you need an effective remedy, a protective crown could be just the ticket. Crowns are restorations used to strengthen and make the teeth more resilient following infection, injury or an accident.

The ins and outs of crown treatment

Crowns are sometimes called caps because they are placed over the top of the tooth. They cover the entire external surface of the tooth and serve to protect weakened tooth from further damage. Crowns are commonly made from ceramics but they can also be manufactured using precious metals. Many people choose porcelain crowns because they blend in with the natural teeth for a seamless aesthetic.

You may be advised to have a crown if you have had a large filling in the past, have suffered extensive damage in an injury or  have a tooth infection that requires root canal treatment. We can also attach crowns to dental implants in order to create a new tooth to replace a gap in the smile.

Crown treatment can usually be completed in just two sessions: one to prepare the tooth and make the impression and one to fit the crown. Preparing the tooth involves removing any decayed or damaged tooth structure and shaping the tooth in preparation for the new crown. Once the tooth is ready, an impression is made using dental putty and this is sent to the laboratory to act as a mould for the new crown. The crown can then be made and returned to us. We usually fit the new crown around two weeks after the first session.

Once the crown is in place, we will check it at every routine dental appointment and if you have any troubles, just simply call and book an appointment. Crowns are hard-wearing, but they are susceptible to damage just like natural teeth, so it’s really important to take good care of them.

Build a Bridge to a Better Smile This July

July 5th, 2015

944335_blogIf you’ve lost a tooth, what better way to bring in with the summer than with a brand new smile? With our incredible dental bridges, we can restore your smile and increase your confidence in perfect time for the holidays.

What exactly is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a form of tooth restoration commonly used to replace a lost tooth. There are various types of dental bridge available, but the most common form is a traditional fixed bridge. These bridges are made from a false tooth known as a pontic, which is fused to a crown on either side of the gap. The aim of treatment is to literally bridge the gap between two natural teeth when a tooth is lost through injury, trauma or decay.

Bridge treatment usually involves two sessions, which are around two weeks apart. During the first session, your dentist will talk you through the process and then create an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to the laboratory where your bridge will be made. When the bridge is ready, it will be returned to us and we can then fit it. This process is fairly simple and you won’t need any anaesthetic.

What are bridges made from and how long do they last?

There are various different options to choose from when it comes to materials for dental bridges, including metals, ceramic fused to metal and all-ceramic bridges. Ceramics are often very popular because they look very natural. Bridges are not a permanent solution, but they are hard-wearing and most last around 10-15 years. When you have routine check-ups, your dentist will check your bridge to make sure that it is in good condition.

If you have a missing tooth and you’re looking for a simple, affordable and aesthetically-pleasing solution, look no further than a dental bridge this summer. Call now to book your appointment!

Caring For Your Teeth After Whitening Treatment

July 4th, 2015

18625010The last thing you want after whitening treatment is to develop discolouration that takes the sparkle away from your smile. If you’ve recently had your teeth whitened and you’re looking for simple ways to restore the whiteness and ensure your smile glows for many months to come, here are some helpful tips:

Focus on oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is the best way to keep your smile looking great, as well as preventing dental disease. Brushing not only removes harmful bacteria and food debris before they can combine to form plaque, it also polishes your teeth, giving them a beautiful glossy sheen and helping to prevent surface staining. When you are brushing, take care to cover all four corners of your mouth and angle the brush head so that you can reach the inner and outer surfaces. Set a timer or invest in a brush that has an in-built timer to make sure you brush for the recommended two minutes.

Keep an eye on your diet

Some foods contain staining agents and colourants that discolour the teeth. Examples include red and white wine, coffee, tea, blackcurrants, fizzy drinks and blueberries. If you’re a fan of any of these products and you can’t bear to give them up, ensure that you rinse your mouth out with water after eating and try to use a straw when drinking.

Avoid smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of staining, so if you can avoid smoking and quit, this will really benefit the aesthetic of your smile as well as contributing to amazing health benefits. Our dental team will be happy to help if you decide that you would like to try and give up smoking.

See your dentist

Seeing your dentist is essential for good oral health, but it also helps to keep your teeth looking bright and healthy. When you have a dental check-up, your dentist will check your oral health and have a good look at your teeth and gums. We also recommend dental hygiene sessions.