The perfect smile part two

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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. 

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. 

Whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush is down to personal preference. My favourite is Oral-B Professional Care Triumph Toothbrush 5000 with wireless SmartGuide (£199.99). I use the Precision Clean brush. If you are using a manual brush and want to try an electric try the new The Oral-B TriZone brush head.

By Daralyn Danns

Perfecting your smile part one

Finding a good dentist is hard. If you want to turn to cosmetic dentistry to improve your appearance, then you have to do plenty of research.

Dr Uchenna Okoye

According to Dr Uchenna Okoye, who qualified at the highly-respected Guy’s Hospital London, and is now clinical director of London Smiling Dental Group as well as Oral-B’s smile director, word of mouth is always the best way to find recommendations. She also advises ensuring that your dentist is a member of the BACD (British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) or AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry).

There are plenty of options on offer to whiten, straighten, or repair your teeth. Here, over the next two posts, is a look at the most common.

Whitening treatments

How many of us have hankered after gleaming white teeth? Firstly, you have to consider your colouring, not everyone suits bright, white teeth, it doesn’t look natural. It is all too tempting to be seduced by pictures of celebs with perfect smiles but you need to be careful before undergoing any whitening treatment.

“Don't be fooled by cheap offers, there is always a reason,” says Dr Okoye. “At the end of the day you need to invest time and money to stay safe, otherwise it is best not to do it.

“It should only be done by a dentist or a hygienist under dentist supervision. Anyone else doing it is illegal and dangerous. The General Dental Council is actually prosecuting people as we speak.”

By Daralyn Danns