I asked Dr Uchenna Okoye, clinical director of London
Smiling Dental Group and Oral-B’s smile director, to tells us about some of the most common ways of
perfecting your smile.
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| Dr Uchenna Okoye |
Braces
“There is a big increase in wearing braces, especially as invisible braces are getting more effective. This means that I can create beautiful smiles without having to do any drilling and it is less long-term maintenance. Veneers generally need replacing after 10 years, with braces, once it is done, it stays put,” she says.
“There is a big increase in wearing braces, especially as invisible braces are getting more effective. This means that I can create beautiful smiles without having to do any drilling and it is less long-term maintenance. Veneers generally need replacing after 10 years, with braces, once it is done, it stays put,” she says.
Veneers
A veneer is a thin slice of porcelain which fits over the front surface of the tooth. Some of the outer surface of the tooth may have to be removed beforehand. They are often used to treat discoloured teeth or unsightly teeth and can also be used to close small gaps between teeth.
A veneer is a thin slice of porcelain which fits over the front surface of the tooth. Some of the outer surface of the tooth may have to be removed beforehand. They are often used to treat discoloured teeth or unsightly teeth and can also be used to close small gaps between teeth.
“There are times when veneers are the only option,
especially if speed is important, but
the skill is in making them look natural and 'disappear'. It is one of the
reasons, at the moment, I am teaching American dentists in the States, how to
create more natural smiles,” says Dr Okoye.
I asked her in what situation she would recommend veneers
over anything else.
“If a person’s teeth are too short e.g.if someone grinds their teeth and
has worn their teeth down. I’m doing more of these as I have seen an increase
in bruxing (grinding) due to more stress. They’re also good if someone is in a
hurry e.g. a wedding where they have crooked teeth but no time to wear braces.
“I tailor the type of veneer to different situations e.g.
the type of veneer I would use for someone who grinds their teeth needs to be
stronger [than other types],” she explains.
Dr Okoye also points out that you need to have enough tooth
to support them; a big filling is not a deterrent. “The only proviso is that
the mouth needs to be healthy, especially no gum disease.
Crowns
A crown fits over the remaining part of a tooth like a cap, making the tooth look natural. Crowns encase the entire visible part of the tooth. These are used to restore the tooth to original shape when it is broken or weakened by decay or large fillings. Your dentist will advise what is right for you. Dental implants could provide the solution if you lose a tooth or all of your teeth.
When are crowns better than veneers? “If the teeth are very broken down,” says Dr Okoye. “In the same way that you use a thimble over your thumb to protect it, crowns work in the same way.”
A crown fits over the remaining part of a tooth like a cap, making the tooth look natural. Crowns encase the entire visible part of the tooth. These are used to restore the tooth to original shape when it is broken or weakened by decay or large fillings. Your dentist will advise what is right for you. Dental implants could provide the solution if you lose a tooth or all of your teeth.
When are crowns better than veneers? “If the teeth are very broken down,” says Dr Okoye. “In the same way that you use a thimble over your thumb to protect it, crowns work in the same way.”
In the current economic climate, according to Dr Okoye,
people are looking for long-term solutions that are cost effective.
“This can range from investing in braces to maintaining the existing
colour with whitening toothpaste.”
Dental implants
Dental implants could provide the solution if you lose a
tooth or all of your teeth.
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| Oral-B TriZone 5000, £199 |
Looking after your teeth
Plaque is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease so
ensure you floss once a day and brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
using a fluoride toothpaste as it helps fight decay. Change your toothbrush
every three months.
