Is it really necessary to swap silver fillings for white fillings?

Do you have metal fillings? You may want to consider changing them for white fillings. If so, we can help you. At Wimbledon Dental Care we offer a range of treatments including swapping metal to white fillings. Wimbledon Dental Care is conveniently situated on The Broadway- perfect for anyone wanting to pop by for an appointment on their lunch break.

What are the disadvantages of silver metal fillings?

Risk of damage to your teeth

Metal expands and contracts depending on the temperature. By exposing your mouth to range of temperatures, for example while eating hot food or enjoying frozen ice-cream, your metal filling with also expand and contract. Over time there is a risk that the tooth will crack as a result.

Discolouration

As the years pass, there is a chance that the metal from your silver filling will turn the tooth slightly grey in colour.

Unattractive appearance

Due to silver fillings being so noticeable, it can lead to feelings of insecurity.

What are the benefits of white fillings?

Wimbledon is a bustling place for business and socialising; a smile can be everything. There are good reasons why you may want to consider white fillings.

Durability

White fillings are known for their strength and long-lasting wear. They should last for decades if looked after properly!

Good appearance

White fillings mould perfectly into the cavity of your tooth. The appearance of your smile will be brighter with white fillings.

Increased confidence

With fillings that blend in perfectly with your own teeth, you’ll feel happier to flash you smile, giving a boost to your self-esteem.

With so many reasons why, swapping out metal to white fillings in Wimbledon makes sense! If you have further enquiries, or you would like to book a consultation, then drop by and see us at Wimbledon Dental Care.

If you have been dreaming of an all-white smile, then you are in luck! This treatment is growing in popularity in Wimbledon. Metal to White fillings is a possibility that we provide, and our dentist is more than happy to explain more details of how this procedure works.

Have you dreamt of straighter teeth?

Do you look in the mirror and feel a sense of dismay or regret when you see that your teeth are not straight? Do you look on at celebrities with their straight teeth and wish this could be you? Well, we are here at Wimbledon Dental Care to help you attain the results that you dream of. More and more adults are turning to their dentist in the realisation that it is possible to have straighter teeth in Wimbledon. No longer does having braces need to be a long two-year process – due to advances in dentistry. Before, dentists thought the only way possible was to shift all the teeth including the molars at the back, which would take years to correct. Now, with adults mainly concerned with how the front six teeth look, we can offer the six-month smile. It takes only six months to fix the modern day braces and move the visible front teeth to make them all much straighter. What a revolution, for anyone looking for straighter teeth! Wimbledon Dental care welcomes you, if you would like to book an appointment to see if your teeth would benefit from Six Month Smiles.

Will anyone at work notice my braces?

Modern day braces are much more suitable to anyone who is looking to improve their smile and retain their social life. The brackets and wires are both teeth-coloured, blending perfectly in with your teeth. So there is no need to have to hide your smile in the months it takes to straighten your teeth out. Instead, you can smile all you want at work and at your next work party, knowing you are on your way to straighter teeth. Wimbledon residents or visitors are all welcome here at our dental practice, please simply give us a call to book an appointment.

What customer service do you offer?

We are here to ensure that you feel happy every step of the way. From arriving to our surgery, you will be welcomed in by our warm and friendly staff. Our trained and caring dentists will make you feel welcome at every step of the way, whether you are getting your braces fitted, tightened or removed. We are all here to make sure your visit is a perfect one.

Crowns & Bridges

Losing a tooth can be an upsetting experience. Decay, injury and accident can all result in lost or extensively damaged teeth, and we know just how distressing this can be. That’s why at Wimbledon Dental Care we are confident we can help you to get your smile back.

One of the most common restorations for extensively damaged or broken teeth is a dental crown.

Dental crowns are carefully made to fit perfectly on top of a tooth that has been weakened by decay, has a very large filling or has been broken as the result of an accident. If you need root canal treatment to clear out infection in a tooth root you will also need a crown to give your tooth added strength.

Crowns are made of natural, tooth-coloured material, so they will blend in seamlessly with the shade of your teeth. To have a crown fitted, your dentist will need to prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit precisely. After they have done this they will take an impression of your tooth and send it off to our laboratory for your crown to be made. You may have a temporary crown fitted until your permanent one is ready.

We also recommend crowns to replace old, discoloured fillings in some cases, while if you have a dental bridge or denture your dentist may also use a crown on surrounding teeth to support it. Crowns are strong and durable and will enable you to bite and chew as normal.

If you’ve lost a tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge to replace it. Bridges comprise a false tooth with either crowns or wings attached to adjacent teeth to support it. Usually, bridges are made of a precious metal base, which makes them hard-wearing and durable. For teeth near the front of the mouth porcelain may be added to the base for a more natural appearance.

You will need at least two appointments to have a bridge fitted; at the first your teeth will be prepared and impressions taken, and at the second your bridge will be carefully checked and fitted.

For patients who have several missing teeth, bridges may also be secured in place by dental implants.

White Fillings

Fillings. They are one of the most common dental procedures around, and most patients will find themselves in need of a filling at some point in their life.

In the past there were few choices for patients who needed a filling. Fillings were made from metal amalgam and were grey in colour, making them very noticeable, particularly if they were located near the front of your mouth.

While white fillings have been around for many years, they were traditionally considered less strong and durable than their metal amalgam counterparts, and were not considered suitable for the back teeth where the majority of chewing forces are exerted.

Over recent years, materials and technology around white fillings have advanced greatly and they are now considered practically as strong as metal amalgam fillings. They are made of composite resin material that is durable as well as natural-looking. At Wimbledon Dental Care we use the highest quality composites, including Heraues Venus and TPH Spectra, which are well-known for their strength, excellent performance and natural appearance. We have hundreds of happy patients who will testify to their quality.

It is perhaps more accurate to describe “white” fillings as “tooth-coloured” fillings, because your dentist is able to select a colour of composite that closely matches your natural teeth. That means they blend in perfectly, and nobody will notice they are there.

Often with metal amalgam fillings it is necessary to remove healthy tooth tissue as well as areas of decay to place the fillings. As dentists we don’t like to remove any more tissue than is absolutely necessary, which is why we are delighted that with our white filling technique only decayed areas are removed, making it a minimally-invasive procedure that is better for your dental health.

While we don’t believe in carrying out procedures for the sake of it, we know that many patients would like to replace their old, amalgam fillings with modern white ones. If your metal fillings are worn, discoloured or old, or if you want a more natural-looking smile, we’ll be happy to discuss replacing metal fillings with white composite fillings.

Dental Hygiene

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common disease in the developed world? Knowing that it’s also preventable is a sobering thought, and something we want to do something about. Good dental hygiene is essential in helping to prevent tooth decay.

Another scary statistic is that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the UK. Again, gum disease is preventable with a strong dental hygiene regime. It’s also a very common condition and comes in two forms: the milder gingivitis and the more serious periodontal disease. As with all diseases, the earlier gum disease is caught the better, and the easier it is to treat. If you think you may be suffering from gum disease, you should book an appointment with a hygienist as soon as possible. As well as treating the condition, they can advise you on how to stop it recurring in the future.

Everybody should visit the hygienist, at least every six months, for a scale and polish, which will thoroughly clean your teeth by removing any stubborn plaque or tartar. Some people need to visit more often, and you should always follow your dentist or hygienist’s advice. Regular visits also enable us to monitor your oral health, so if there are any early signs of gum disease or decay, we can treat them sooner rather than later.

Of course, it goes without saying that a good home care regime is also vitally important to your dental health. That’s why our hygienists provide bespoke oral healthcare advice for all the family. This includes:

The best type of toothbrush to use, and the best brushing techniques
Advice on special tools such as interdental brushes, to clean between the teeth
Flossing advice
The best and worst food and drinks for your teeth
Special advice for cleaning dentures, bridges, braces etc
The best mouth wash to use
Fresh breath advice
How to look after your mouth after oral surgery, to aid recovery
How to clean young children’s teeth, and how to help older children develop their own oral healthcare regime

Veneers

If you’re thinking about having a smile makeover this Spring, you may worry that treatment will be long and invasive. Every cosmetic procedure is different just like every patient’s needs are different, but the good news is, in many cases, fixing your smile can often be much quicker, easier and gentler than many patients imagine.

veneers We’ve found that dental veneers are the perfect way to correct those misaligned, worn or badly-stained teeth that make you self-conscious about smiling in many cases. Dental veneers provide a dramatic smile makeover, so it’s hard to believe that treatment is not only exceptionally quick, but also minimally invasive.

Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the surface of your teeth. They are bonded in place with special, strong dental adhesive, and can be used for a single tooth that is broken, dark or stained, or a full set – between six and eight veneers, in most cases – can be placed over your front teeth for a complete smile makeover.

If you have teeth that are chipped, crooked or worn, you have irregular gaps between them, or have stains that cannot be removed by teeth whitening treatment, you may find your self-esteem if negatively affected. However, you may not want a major cosmetic dental procedure.

One of the biggest benefits of dental veneers is that they preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. There is no need for extensive preparatory work, unlike with other treatments such as cosmetic crowns, and you could have a brand new, beautiful smile in just two appointments. They also look amazing and incredibly natural.

If you’re unhappy with your smile, we’ll see you for a smile makeover consultation. Each face is individual so the best treatment will differ from patient to patient. If we agree on veneers, we’ll take impressions of your teeth so that our skilled technicians can create the perfect set for you. We’ll fit them at your second appointment – it really is that quick and easy!

Whitening

Spring is in the air, which means weddings, family gatherings and other social occasions are on the increase. If you’re one of the many people who feels self-conscious at such events because of your smile, our friendly team at Wimbledon Dental Care can help.

teeth-whitening When asked what they would change about themselves if they could, the majority of people say their teeth. Even with a great dental health regime, our teeth become stained over time, through drinks such as coffee, tea, cola or red wine and through habits such as smoking, as well as from the side effects of certain medications, and even part of the natural ageing process.

Teeth whitening treatment is one of the quickest and easiest cosmetic dental treatments available, is suitable for most patients, and is the perfect way to give your smile that extra boost before a special occasion.

There is a plethora of products available that claim to give you whiter teeth, but the key thing to remember is that you should only have tooth whitening treatment under the supervision of a qualified dentist. Hygienists can also provide teeth whitening, but only on a dentist’s prescription.

While the treatment is suitable for the vast majority of adults, there may be certain medical reasons why tooth whitening is not suitable for you. For example, if you have tooth decay or gum disease, you need to have this treated first. Our dentists can help you with this before you have your teeth whitened. Kits bought online or over-the-counter will be at best ineffective and at worst damaging to your teeth.

We use the tried and tested Zoom teeth whitening system. This system is safe and at Wimbledon Dental Care our patients have enjoyed a 100% success rate. Most of our patients opt for a single intensive whitening session in the practice, followed up by some top-up treatment using bespoke tooth trays and whitening gel at home. It is also possible to carry out the treatment yourself at home, using the trays and gel, which your dentist will demonstrate for you to ensure the best results.

Visit our teeth whitening page for full information on Zoom teeth whitening at Wimbledon Dental Care.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Love is in the air this month in the run-up to Valentine’s Day, and our question for you is, how much do you love your smile? A lot of people are embarrassed about their smiles, for a wide variety of reasons. Missing teeth, crooked teeth, teeth that are chipped, stained or discoloured; there are all kinds of reasons why our patients say they hide their smile away.

At Wimbledon Dental Care we believe everyone deserves a smile to be proud of. That’s why we offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments to help give you confidence back in your smile. Why not show your teeth some love and book a cosmetic dentistry consultation with one of our experienced dentists?

Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of treatments, from quick and simple procedures such as teeth whitening and stain removal to orthodontics and restorations for damaged or missing teeth, such as crowns or bridges.

Here are a selection of cosmetic dental treatments on offer at Wimbledon Dental Care (visit our Cosmetic Dental section on the website for a full list of treatments):

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening uses special bleaching agents to remove stains from on and in teeth. It should only be carried out by a qualified dental professional. We use the Zoom system, which is gentle, safe and has had 100% success rate at our practice.

White fillings

More accurately called tooth-coloured fillings, these are made of a strong composite material that is closely matched to the natural shade of your tooth, meaning they will blend in and be unnoticeable, as well as durable.

Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They can disguise mild cracks and chips, staining and slightly gappy or crooked teeth. Treatment is minimally invasive and produces a gorgeous smile to be proud of.

Six Month Smiles

It’s the new year and for many of us that means new year’s resolutions. Whether it’s improving your fitness, taking up a new hobby or cutting down on a bad habit, we hope you manage to stick to yours.

For a lot of people, the start of a new year feels like the time to give yourself a new look. If you have concerns about the alignment of your teeth that affect your confidence in smiling, we may be able to help, with a revolutionary treatment called Six-Month Smiles.

Crooked, crowded and misaligned teeth make many people unhappy about their smile, but they are often unwilling to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment. What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you hear “orthodontics”? For a lot of people the word conjures up braces, comprising metal wires and brackets, which are very obvious. Traditional braces also have a reputation for long treatment times and discomfort as your teeth are slowly manoeuvred into a new position.

Six-Month Smiles are different. This treatment uses tooth-coloured wires and brackets and focuses on the front teeth – those that show when you smile. That means that the treatment is not just highly discreet, it’s also very fast – taking on average just six months, as the name suggests.

Wimbledon Dental Care is an accredited provider of Six-Month Smiles, and we’ve treated many happy patients. While the treatment is not suitable for cases where major orthodontic work is needed, we are pleased to invite you for a Six-Month Smiles consultation.

One of our experienced team will examine your teeth and decide if Six-Month Smiles is suitable for you. If you need major work then we will refer you to an orthodontist, but for Six-Month Smiles patients we will take impressions of your teeth so we can carefully position your brackets. Once your braces are fitted you’ll need to visit us every four to five weeks so we can make any adjustments. At the end of treatment we will fit a bonded retainer to the back of your teeth to keep them in their new position.

Why not beat the January blues and treat yourself by booking a Six-Month Smiles consultation today?

Metal to White Fillings

No matter how well they look after their teeth, most patients will find they need a filling at some point in their life. In the past, fillings were only made of metal amalgam, which while being very strong and durable to withstand the forces inside the mouth when you bite and chew were also very noticeable because of their dark colour. This was especially a problem if you needed a filling in one of your front teeth.

White fillings have been around for many years, and huge advances have been made so that they are now considered as strong as metal fillings. At Wimbledon Dental Care we use the highest-quality white composite resin material to create fillings that closely match the natural colour of your teeth, meaning they blend in seamlessly.

With amalgam fillings, the techniques used to place them often meant that as well as decayed tissue, healthy parts of your tooth had to be removed too, weakening it. The advanced techniques with white composite resin fillings means that only decayed areas need to be removed, making the procedure minimally invasive and leaving you with more of your natural tooth.

An increasing number of patients are also coming to us with a view to having their old metal amalgam fillings replaced by tooth-coloured white ones. We always advise caution with this procedure, but if your amalgam fillings are near the front of your mouth, are very obvious or are worn or damaged, we can replace them with natural-looking white composite fillings that will blend in seamlessly with your teeth. We’re always happy to discuss this treatment with you at a consultation.

For larger cavities, inlays or onlays may be a better option than white fillings. These are also tooth-coloured and are made of porcelain. They are similar to crowns in concept, but are smaller. Onlays are used for extensive restorations while inlays are used for smaller restorations.

With Christmas party season underway, replacing your old metal amalgam fillings could be the perfect present to yourself to boost your smile and your confidence.

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