This presentation is designed to take you through the basic information for dental treatments and their procedures as well as where you can find out more detailed information and where you can have the treatments done.

1. Dental Treatments &
Procedures

2. Introduction
• This document has been created to run you
through the basics of dental treatments and
how they are carried out.

3. Teeth Whitening
• There are few different options with teeth whitening but the
latest and best uses a product called “Enlighten” . The
treatment is carried out by applying a gel to the surface of your
teeth once a day for 2 – 4 weeks (this is done at home). The gel
is applied using a specially designed tray which fits onto your
teeth (similar to a gum shield). Then once you have completed
this period of wearing the tray you will come in to the dental
practice to wear the same trays to help apply a separate
stronger gel in 2 x 20 minute applications, after this the
treatment is complete. It generally last 2 – 3 years depending
on how well you look after your teeth. Click on the title to find
out more. To find out more about getting your teeth whitened
click here.

4. Fillings
• There are two types of filling
• Amalgam: when the metals of amalgam come together they
form a soft material which hardens after a few minutes and
this is what makes your filling. It has been used for over 180
years now and is better for teeth at the back of the mouth as
it is stronger.
• Composite fillings: These are newer and constantly improving,
it works by putting a clay composite where the filling needs to
be and then a bright blue light is shined on it to make it
harden. Right now amalgam fillings last the longer but it is
widely believed that with the research being done composite
will eventually take over. To find out more about getting fillings
click here

5. Orthodontics
• This is the process of adjusting ones teeth so that they are no
longer crooked or abnormally arranged, this also improves the
functionality of your teeth. This is done by applying a brace to
the exterior of your teeth which remains there for a set period
of time, depending on the condition of your teeth before the
brace is applied. In some cases you may need to wear
headgear at night and even have some teeth removed.
Once the treatment is complete and the braces have been
removed it is required that you wear a retainer to keep the
teeth in the correct position; this is only the case for a month or
so but could be longer depending of the condition of your
teeth prior to braces. To find out more about orthodontic
treatments click here

6. Dental Crowns
• A dental crown covers the tooth completely like a “cap” right
up to the gum line. They are used to protect a
weak/damaged tooth , to support a dental bridge or for
cosmetic purposes. In order to get a crown fitted you will need
to make two trips to the dentist; the first trip is to see if anything
needs to be done prior to having the crown fitted so some x-
rays would need to be done. Then the dentist will either need
to file down the tooth to make it fit or use filling material to fill in
the gaps depending on your situation. Then the dentist will
make an impression of your tooth which is sent to a dental lab
and then your crown is made; a temporary crown will be fitted
in the meantime. When the crown has been made you are
called back in to the office to have the crown permanently
cemented in.

7. Dental Bridges
• The clue is in the name here, these literally build a “bridge”
between one or more missing teeth. They are supported by
crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. A bridge can
restore your smile, the ability to properly chew/speak, maintain
the shape of your face and prevent teeth from drifting out of
position. Similar to when you get a crown you will need to an
have an impression made for the teeth surrounding the gap
which is sent off to a dental lab. The process of having a
crown also applies at this point. Once the impression is made
you will be called back in to have the crown fitted (the
process is very similar to having a crown fitted). To find out
more click on the title.

8. Dental Veneers
• This is done for purely cosmetic purposes. A veneers is a wafer
thin custom made shell which is bonded to the outside of the
tooth to improve your appearance. They can be made from
porcelain or resin composite, porcelain veneers resist stains
better than resin veneers and better mimic light reflecting
qualities of real teeth. Veneers can fix teeth that are
discoloured, worn-down, chipped, broken, misaligned or with
gaps. You will need to discuss which veneer will be best for
you with your dentist. To find out more click on the title.

9. Dental Implants
• Dental implants are replacement tooth roots, the provide a
strong foundation for permanent or removable teeth and are
made to match your already existing teeth. They improve
appearance, improved speech, comfort, easier eating,
improved self-esteem, oral health, durability and
convenience. The success rate varies for implants depending
on where in he jaw you get them but the average is 98%.

10. Dentures
• These are false teeth which can be removed at any time and
are made to replace missing teeth. They can be made so that
they aren’t very noticeable depending on how many teeth
you are missing. It can take a while to get used to wearing
dentures, things like eating and speaking can be tricky at first
but after a while you get used to it. They are also to be
brushed and cleaned regularly just like normal teeth, your
dentist can show you how.

11. Source
• All information was found from the following websites
• www.dentalhealth.org
• http://www.webmd.com/
• http://www.bupa.co.uk/
• To find out more about getting any of these dental
procedures carried out and how much it would cost visit this
site http://www.cheadledentalpractice.co.uk/