Creating your very own diamond smile.

It’s no secret that we find straight, unstained teeth attractive. Studies have shown that people with ‘perfect teeth’ are often perceived as being more fertile, successful and intelligent so it’s no wonder we find dazzling smiles so charming. This doesn’t come as a complete shock when 71% of Brits under the age of 30 believe well-kept teeth is the most attractive feature a person can have.

It’s not surprising when Millenials are faced with great smiles day in and day out on social platforms such as Instagram and more recently on our television screens, with Love Island contestants Connor Durham and Jack Fincham flaunting their Hollywood smiles that people are heading to their own villa and the cheap shores of Thailand to invest in a sparkling new set of teeth.

Many people looking to enhance their smile may have some reservations, and we encourage patients to ask questions and do their research prior to receiving any dental treatment. Keep reading to find out about the different dental procedures available, as well as the cost and implications that may come with achieving a new set of teeth.

If you’re looking to travel abroad

Thanks to heavily promoted ‘dental sun holidays’ in the media thousands of Britons are flying to holiday resorts such as Thailand and Turkey to undergo cosmetic dentistry. Some of the more popular procedures include veneers and composite bonding. It’s important when considering any form of surgery whether invasive or not that you do your research beforehand. Whilst there are many skilled dental practitioners abroad, the costs for this type of dentistry is like to be the same as prices in the UK, especially when you factor in travel costs and accommodation as lavish resorts, plus any returning trips for checkups and further work. This may be something to consider if your reason for having your cosmetic dentistry done abroad is to save money.

The prices for dental tourism may seem appealing however there may be consequences to making this decision further down the line. Dentists in the UK worry that veneers are not a one-time procedure and young individuals travelling across the globe are perhaps not considering this when choosing to go ahead with dental work in another country at a cheaper cost.

Many UK dental practices have patients looking for dentistry to be corrected following procedures abroad. Some may have poor quality veneers fitted and need replacements. There is no guarantee that dentists outside of the UK will complete high-quality, long-lasting work, instead, you might receive a rushed and undesirable result. Millennials and others looking to check-in abroad need to consider the fact that the NHS may not necessarily fix a problem and it could cost you more, in the long run, to pay private dentists or return to the country where the original work was carried out.

Is the procedure right for you?

We encourage you to speak to professionals ahead of making any decisions, especially for younger patients where perhaps a more conservative procedure to veneers would be appropriate. Whilst veneers appear to be all the rage at the moment, shaving down your natural teeth is a pretty big commitment, even more so when the veneers will need to be replaced several times.

There are also many different types of veneers to consider as well as the option of crowns and composite bonding. We advise taking the time to contact your dentist and book a consultation to discuss each procedure in-depth and decide which one would be the best fit for you. It will also depend on the desired look you wish to create as some prefer a more natural look whilst others have no problem showing off their new showstopping smile!

Composite bonding

Composite bonding is a fantastic, pain-free way of correcting decayed, worn, mildly crooked, spaced, misshapen or mildly discoloured teeth. It is a strong acrylic resin that is matched, sometimes in layers, to the shade and translucency of your natural teeth. It also has less initial cost than other treatments and is less damaging to your teeth when compared to veneers or crowns. 

Think the ‘three B’s’ when it comes to composites – braces, brightening and bonding. Clear, cosmetic braces such as CFast or Invisalign are used to push the teeth into their ideal positions, a course of tooth whitening gel will lighten and freshen the natural shade of the teeth, then composite is bonded to any areas of wear, spacing or imperfect shape to create a beautiful, natural and harmonious result. Whilst composite bonding does not require any tooth preparation they are less durable than veneers and can stain over time, so, regular cleaning maintenance will be required. Generally, composite bonding can last up to 8 years with the correct care depending on diet and lifestyle choices such as drinking and smoking. 

Search for composite bonding Liverpool today and book your consultation with one of our experienced and friendly dentists.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers have been available since the 1980s and have revolutionised cosmetic dentistry. However, it is really only in the last 5 years or so that they have caught the public’s attention with the advent of “make-over” television programmes. With traditional veneers, the procedure involves your dentist removing a small amount of enamel from your teeth in order to attach the veneer. An impression will then be taken of the slightly shaved tooth and a veneer will be crafted to be fitted at a later date.

It may take up to a month to receive to have your veneers fitted, so, in the meantime, temporary ones can be used. Shaving your natural teeth cannot be reversed, so it is important to consider all options before going ahead with this procedure and damaging your natural teeth. Again, although more durable than composite’s, lifelong up-keep is still required to keep your veneers looking their best and will also need replacing at some point.

We usually encourage younger patients to consider more conservative alternatives that are perhaps not as damaging to your natural teeth. If you are considering this option you can check out more information on how veneers are fitted here.