HEALYdental

Sealants are a protective plastic coating that are applied to the chewing surface of the teeth that are most at risk of decay. The chewing surface of a molar tooth naturally has grooves or fissures that are often hard to keep clean especially in young adolescents. The process is often simple by preparing the tooth surface then applying a special solution or coating that flows into these fissures. It is a pain free process as no injections or drilling is required. Sealants can protect your children's teeth so that they may lessen the chance of fillings in the future.

The days of unsightly, amalgam fillings are gone and white bonded composite fillings are now the material of choice by the majority of dentists. They are made from a plastic resin and filler and are bonded to the teeth. They are the most widely used filling material on the market due to their excellent appearance. They come in a number of shades so are able to be matched to the colour of your teeth.

Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over your teeth. They can be used for heavily restored or decayed teeth to protect the remaining tooth structure and they can also be used cosmetically to improve the appearance of your teeth. They are often constructed in porcelain that is matched to the existing colour of your teeth with a gold or metal core for strength. Sometimes at the back of your mouth where strength is vital a gold crown can be constructed.

For more information on crowns please contact our dental office.

A bridge is used where there is a tooth missing in the mouth. The teeth either side of the gap are prepared as per a crown then a series of impressions are taken and sent to the lab for the dental technician to construct the unit. A plastic temporary bridge is constructed in surgery and cemented until the permanent unit is completed at the laboratory - this generally takes about 2 weeks. Like crowns, the porcelain is matched to the existing colour of your teeth.

Veneers are thin, custom made 'shells' that are permanently bonded to the front of your anterior teeth. They can be used cosmetically to improve broken, chipped or stained teeth and are generally made of porcelain. Veneers are used to improve the overall appearance of your teeth, not only the colour but also the shape.

Implants are used to replace a missing tooth in the mouth where either crowns or bridges aren't a suitable option. They are an excellent way of replacing a tooth as other teeth aren't involved or compromised in the procedure.

The implant is made from titanium metal and is secured in place until such time as it fuses to the bone. A referral to a specialist is necessary for this first surgery stage of an implant and it is left in position for a few months until fusing occurs -this period of time may vary from patient to patient. Often a temporary plastic denture or tooth is placed until the healing process is complete.

The rest of the process is similar to having a crown constructed.

The advantages of implants are they are a long lasting, fixed alternative to a removable denture, the construction process is less invasive to adjacent teeth as in bridges and aesthetically they can improve the overall cosmetic look of your teeth.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening is a bleaching process that lightens the colour of your teeth. Prior to whitening, your dentist will need to check your teeth to ensure they are suitable for this process. At Healy Dental we provide 2 methods of whitening - the take-home whitening kit and the in-surgery Britesmile whitening system. Both methods are very effective in whitening your teeth but do vary on price.

Colgate Visible White

This home whitening kit uses a customised tray system made especially for your mouth where a gel is placed in the clear, plastic tray that fits over your teeth. This is worn for a period of 30 minutes daily. You are able to repeat this process on a daily basis over a period of 3-10 days until the degree of whiteness has been achieved.

Britesmile In-Chair Whitening

This in-chair whitening system is a 2 hour process whereby a whitening gel is applied directly to your teeth and is activated by a special blue light for 20 minutes. The gel is then washed off and the procedure is repeated up to 3-4 times until the desired degree of whiteness is achieved. We take before and after photographs so you are able to see the visible change in the colour of your teeth.

Clenching and grinding your teeth can be a contributory factor that can lead to headaches, damage to teeth and fillings and can even cause neck pain. Most people are unaware that they may clench their teeth whilst sleeping. With the construction of a laboratory made 'Bite Soft' anterior bite splint it can prevent further pain, discomfort and damage to teeth. It not only insulates teeth from wear, prevents cracking and chipping of teeth, protects crowns, bridges and implants but also relieves jaw and neck pain.