Gwaun Cae Gurwen Dentists

Tooth Bleaching

What is it?

Like hair and skin, teeth vary in colour, some are yellower or darker than others, even when they are quite healthy. Teeth tend to get darker as people get older.

Teeth sometimes become darker if their roots have been damaged or diseased and the 'nerve' has died.

What will my dentist do?

Where the 'nerve' of a tooth has 'died'(through damage or disease) and the tooth's root has been filled, bleach is put inside the tooth, under a temporary dressing. The bleaching agent remains in the tooth for about a week before being cleaned out so that a white filling can be placed.

Home bleaching works like this:

The dentist will give you a special bleach jelly to use at home in a tray that fits closely round your teeth. You will need to put the tray in your mouth for a few hours on several occasions.
The dentist will need to use a putty like material to make moulds of your teeth, so that a tray can be made to fit your mouth. At your next appointment the dentist will check the tray fits correctly and give instructions how to use the tray and bleach at home.

Your dentist will make a note of yout tooth colour using model teeth in different shades before the start of bleaching, so that you can compare it with the colour after bleaching. Your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days during the bleaching process.

Veneers

What are they?

A Veneer is a thin layer of tooth coloured material that is put onto the front of the tooth to make it look better. This is done because the tooth might have been damaged by decay or an accident,or might be badly discoloured for some reason.

What will my dentist do?

Veneers are made out of porcelain by a dental technician.

A very small amount of tooth material needs to be removed to prevent the veneer making the tooth look or feel bulky.
The dentist will use a putty like material to make a mould of your mouth, so that the technician can tell the shape and size of veneer to make for you.
On your next visit your dentist will cement the veneer on to your tooth.

What are the benefits?

Can greatly improve your appearance and they hide imperfections.
Providing the tooth is strong, a veneer is often a better option than a crown.
Can protect teeth from damage due to certain food and drinks

White fillings

What are they?

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or through accidental damage.

What will my dentist do?

Usually numb the area around the tooth with an injection - but some small fillings may not need this.
Remove any decay, together with any old filling material, using a high speed drill.
Wash and dry tooth by blowing water and then air onto it.
Etch the surface to be restored with a mild acid, to help the filling stick better.
Coat the surface with a bonding agent, then place the filling material in to the cavity and shape as required.
Harden the filling by pointing a bright light at it, inside your mouth.
Trim and polish.