Clinic

General Dentistry

At our practice the patient is key, whether you are seeing us for a routine exam, a cosmetic treatment or an emergency appointment we aim to put your wishes first and listen to any expectations you may have. We pride ourselves on providing a relaxed and welcoming environment for patients to feel as comfortable as possible visiting the dentist. We continue to enhance and improve our skills to make sure we stay up to date and professional at all times.

You the patients are key to our business and we hope to keep you all smiling and happy with your oral health for years to come.

NHS

We provide NHS and private treatments at the practice.

Unfortunately currently we are almost full to capacity for NHS patients, we do have a limited number of spaces which become available from time to time. We will endeavour where possible to register children at the practice. If you are interested pop in or call the practice to go on our waiting list.

NHS Charges

Band 1 – £26.80
Band 2 – £73.50
Band 3 – £ 319.10

At Happy Smiles we will offer the full range of NHS dental treatment your dentist believes is clinically necessary to achieve and maintain good oral health. This means that we will provide any treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.

NHS dental treatment does not include cosmetic treatments that are not clinically necessary, such as teeth whitening. Cosmetic treatments like this are used to improve the appearance of your teeth and make them look more attractive, and are only available privately.

Even where treatment is clinically necessary the dentist will offer you a treatment option that is clinically appropriate.

If you have any problems with your teeth or mouth between check-ups, contact the practice to make an earlier appointment.

Bridges

A bridge is a way of replacing missing teeth, usually made from either porcelain and/or metal. This can restore both aesthetics and function.

The tooth to replace the missing one (pontic) is usually attached to either one or two teeth (abutment). This can be done in a number of ways as a resin bonded bridge /a fibre bridge or as a fixed bridge. There are a number of factors which can decide the best option for each individual case. Book in now for a consultation to assess and discuss the best option for you.

Bridges are usually made over two appointments the first stage as a preparation and impression appointment with the fit around a week later.

Fibre Bridges are a single visit treatment as the bridge is built up and contoured by the dentist at the appointment.

What is a crown?

A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.

Crowns are used for several reasons:

• as a protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
• as a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
• to correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration.

How are crowns made?

If you decide to go ahead with a crown after discussion of your options, The teeth to be crowned are prepared. This involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. This reduction of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth. At the final visit usually a week later the crown is tried in to check the colour and bite are correct. If the patient and dentist are happy then the crown is then cemented in place with a dental cement.

How long do crowns last and how do I care for them?

Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.

Ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice or bones. Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.
Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment.