it all starts with a smile

Archive for October, 2009

Veneers, Crowns & Implants

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Wendy, 60 from Burton in Cheshire

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“What are porcelain veneers?”

Friday, October 16th, 2009

“Everytime I read a magazine, a celebrity is said to have had veneers. Ican see their teeth look nice, but what actually are porcelain veneers?” 

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded over the front surface of the teeth. They are long lasting, stain-resistant and can be a very natural looking restoration. Porcelain is very versatile; it can be used to lengthen, widen and whiten. We customise them personally to you, choosing the exact shape, colour etc.

There’s a whole host of reasons patients may have porcelain veneers. Placed on misaligned crooked teeth they can give the appearance of perfectly straight teeth, they can cover stained, discolored teeth or be applied to whiten and brighten the entire smile. We can bond longer porcelain veneers to worn or chipped teeth to make them look younger and stronger. Or they can be made to match the surrounding existing teeth, too. We would need to see you for a consultation to determine exactly what it was you needed and whether veneers were a suitable option. Book today!

“I’m really nervous, can you help?”

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009

“I would really like to improve my smile, I know there’s definately some work needs doing. I’ve been putting treatment off for years as i’m afraid to see the dentist, but I know things are just getting worse. Is there anything you can do to help me in some way?”

Our practice is especially familiar of the fearful patient. Making your experience with us a truly calm and comfortable one is our priority. We understand that each patient’s experiences, both past and present are truly unique. A patient manner and gentle touch can be expected by all members of our team. In addition, we offer music CDs, anxiety medication and sedation dentistry to help our patients get the care they want and need. Why not come and visit us, see the practice, meet some of the team and enjoy a coffee? - There’s really no need to venture into see the dentist until you’re feeling more at home here!

“Cap or Crown? What’s the difference?”

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

“I’ve got some caps, and now my dentist has told me I need a crown on another tooth. What is the difference?”

A cap or crown - they’re the same thing and simply refer to complete coverage of the tooth. Caps/crowns are generally necessary when teeth have gotten weak from previous large fillings to protect them from fracturing or teeth that have fractured and now they need support. Crowns are also placed on top of implants or on teeth that have had root canal treatment.

Single Implant

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Daniel, 20 from Heswall in Wirral

Following some trauma, Daniels front tooth needed to be extracted. An implant was placed at the same visit and a temporary tooth placed onto it.

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“My teeth stick out. Is there anything that can be done?”

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

“I have buck teeth that stick out. I was offered braces when I was younger but wasn’t intested at the time. Is there anything that can be done now?!”

Certainly! Sometimes the solution may be as simple as recontouring and reshaping the teeth which can be done very quickly. Other times braces may be required to correct things, these could be traditional fixed braces, lingual appliances or even Invisalign. Cases of buck teeth may also be corrected with porcelain veneers/crowns and in some instances we may to do a combination of repositioning of teeth (with brace work) and then placing some veneers. As each situation is unique, we’ll have a better idea of the answer for you after a consultation. Call or email us to arrange this today!

One of our patients tells her story…

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

The Tooth The Whole Tooth and Nothing But The Tooth

After suffering for many years with my teeth because of my fear of dentists in my early years and subsequent deterioration in later years the dental practice, which I was using was taken over by Mr Ian Buckle a young man who then transformed the practice in to a modern surgery, they have now moved to a second practice not only equipped with state of the art equipment but also allowing a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

 After initial examination by Mr Buckle I was advised to continue with treatment with the Hygienist in an effort to try to save my teeth, which was achieved for the following few years but eventually became apparent that the treatment was not going to work on a permanent basis apart from toothache they were deteriorating in appearance.

 Mr Buckle discussed with me the alternative options and introduced me to his partner Dr Liam Mcgrath an expert in aesthetic and restorative dentistry who finally advised me as to the best way to proceed, Dr McGrath is the sort of man who will fill you with confidence, even as frightened as I have always been of the dentist he took away any fears which I had and made me feel confident and at ease.

 From that moment began a series of meetings between Dr McGrath and myself to fully determine what would be possible in my situation, which depended on the condition of my gums and bone structure.  Once these investigations ie impressions, in depth xrays and scans had been completed the alternatives available to me were presented.

 It was decided that the only way to proceed other than a denture, which I really did not want to consider was t have permanent implants and that after all the tests, which I had had that this was a suitable option, I have to say that apart from being very nervous my primary concern was that after this treatment I may not look the same and that somehow the procedure would change my appearance in some way, once again Dr McGrath assured me that this would not happen and that all would be well.

 I was given a course of antibiotics a week prior to my treatment starting and it was with great trepidation that I walked into the surgery early one Friday morning and after six hours of treatment with no pain simply slight sensations and an extraordinary dedication to detail to my comfort and well being by Dr McGrath and his Dental nurse the treatment was complete.

 I was immediately amazed with the result and appearance of my treatment and although I was given pain killing tablets, they were not required and apart from eating soft foods for two weeks there was no need to return to see Dr McGrath until the agreed appointment although I could have, if necessary gone back at any time had there been a problem.

 At my next appointment I was examined to ensure everything was healing and that any adjustments required were to make cleaning and caring easier which I now do as I would my own teeth.

 My treatment is now complete and I cannot praise the care and dedication of all the staff at Buckle & McGrath, I never thought I would be able to eat and drink anything I wish, naturally without a thought for the pain and discomfort, which I endured in the past in fact I no longer give my teeth a thought except now and then to think how much better they look and I can smile with confidence. 

I will always be grateful to Buckle & McGrath and in particular to Dr Liam McGrath for his kindness and would recommend anyone with any doubts should contact this practice in the knowledge they will be treated with the same care and attention I received.