Silver fillings. They sound so classy, but let’s face it, silver fillings are not really silver. They only look a bit silver, and once they are in your mouth, they actually look more dark grey to black. And not classy at all.

At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, a lot of our patients are moving from silver to white fillings.

Why change from silver to white?

Although amalgam is deemed safe, it does contain mercury and some people believe that amalgam fillings can lead to ill health. This is one reason why some patients choose to have all their amalgam fillings replaced with white composite fillings.

White fillings are put into the tooth in a different way from amalgam. Layers of white composite are packed into the cavity and then cured with a UV light. Once the layers are built up and the last layer is cured, the dentist can then sculpt the surface of the filling so that it has the grooves and ridges that one finds on the chewing surface of a natural molar. This cannot be done with amalgam, which only gives a flat chewing surface. When you have lots of fillings in your molars having a good chewing surface on each one can make quite a difference to processing your food, and to the pressure on each tooth.

Another great reason to go for white fillings is that the dentist only needs to remove the decayed part of the tooth. Amalgam fillings require the removal of healthy tooth tissues as well. This means a bigger hole, and thinner sides to the tooth, which weakens it. So teeth filled with white composite are stronger than those filled with amalgam, and therefore likely to last longer.

And lastly, white fillings look great. You can laugh your head off and not worry that those you are with are being treated to a display of your dental history. All they will see are rows of lovely, strong white teeth.

If you want to make the move from silver to white fillings, why not give us a call. You can do them all at once, or one by one as your old silver fillings start to wear out.

There’s nothing quite like beautiful white teeth for giving your smile and your spirits a lift. It’s no wonder really that teeth whitening is the world’s most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. In Sutton, white teeth are incredibly popular too, among our patients at Benhill Dental Practice.

Why choose teeth whitening?

We have wondered about what makes this particular treatment the one that most patients gravitate towards when they are dissatisfied with their smiles. We have reached the conclusion that it is because it is so quick and easy, and that it doesn’t require the teeth to be altered in any way. Even mildly wonky teeth can look so much better if they are a healthy white colour, so people often choose this treatment when they are testing the waters of cosmetic dentistry. They may go on to have other, more permanent or invasive, treatments afterwards.

Teeth whitening also makes for a great top-off treatment for people who are having a lot of remedial work done, or have another cosmetic treatment such as getting their teeth straightened with braces. If they have been wearing fixed braces for several months and it is time for the great unveiling when the braces finally come off, patients often choose this time to have their beautiful and newly straightened teeth whitened. It really gives their smile a dramatic lift after all that hard work wearing braces for so long, and they leave our dental practice with huge beams of their faces.

And that’s what it’s all about really – being able to smile broadly. It feels wonderful and does wonderful things to the body, releasing large amounts of serotonin to lift the spirits.

Your options

At Benhill Dental Practice, we offer 2 ways to whiten teeth. You can come into the practice for power whitening. This takes about an hour and you just lie back and relax, while a more concentrated whitening gel on your teeth does its work. Or you can whiten your teeth at home with a less concentrated gel, wearing custom-made mouth trays for several hours, or overnight, each day. This takes about 2 weeks to get results.

If you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums, you may find yourself spending a lot of money on restorative dental care. By practising preventive dentistry, you can safeguard yourself from gum disease and reduce the chances of tooth decay.

At Benhill Dental Practice, we believe that prevention is better than cure and we emphasise the importance of ongoing good oral hygiene in Sutton. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care with regular visits to the dentists for check-ups and cleanings. Our friendly and experienced hygienist, Debbie, is particularly interested in educating children on the long-term benefits of good oral care.

Why are dental appointments important

Visiting the dentist and the hygienist on a regular basis is very important for the health of the teeth and gums of patients of all ages. During your appointment, your hygienist will clean your teeth and gums thoroughly ensuring that all traces of plaque and tartar have been removed. This procedure involves the use of special equipment and pastes to ensure a thorough and effective cleaning, especially in those areas of the mouth that are difficult to reach with brushing alone.

Debbie can also help you treat active gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss and bad breath. Gum disease can go unnoticed for a long period of time, but sometimes early symptoms include sensitivity, swelling and red gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should have your gums checked up by a dentist or hygienist straight away. The quicker we diagnose the problem, the better for your oral health.

Besides cleaning your teeth and gums at the dental practice, our hygienist will also offer helpful advice on effective brushing techniques and aftercare. Moreover, we offer teeth whitening treatment for patients who wish to brighten their smile and regain their confidence in their appearance.

Protect your health with preventive dentistry

Oral health is linked to overall health, therefore, preventive dentistry is important to your overall wellbeing. Oral diseases can hinder your ability to eat, chew or speak properly, affecting your basic daily routine and self-confidence. More importantly, children who suffer from oral diseases may experience development problems.

Do your teeth feel painful when eating or drinking something hot or cold? Extreme temperature changes can cause your teeth to expand and contract to create small cracks on the enamel that allow these sensations to reach through to the nerves. Sensitive teeth can be painful and even affect your diet.

At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we will examine your teeth carefully and determine the cause of the sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be the result of the underlying layer of your teeth being exposed, gum disease, clenching and grinding as well as vigorous brushing. In any case, our experienced dentists will help you identify the source of the problem and treat it before it becomes extensive.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by different factors but it is usually associated with exposed dentine – the hard tissue that sits beneath tooth enamel. Human teeth are made of protective outer layers and an inner layer of dentine which protects the nerve of the tooth. When your teeth lose their outer layers, dentine is exposed to different factors that can cause pain, including extreme temperatures, acidic foods and drinks as well as brushing.

The exposure of the dentine, on the other hand, may be caused by tooth erosion, fractured teeth, broken fillings, decay, aggressive brushing and receding gums among others.

How to treat sensitive teeth

If you have sensitive teeth and suffer from pain and discomfort, we can help you by creating a customised care plan for you. Our dentists may recommend desensitizing toothpaste which can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth. In some cases, we may also recommend fluoride treatment for strengthening tooth enamel and reducing pain. Occasionally, exposed tooth surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin. Patients are also advised to reduce the intake of acidic foods and drinks and take good care of their gums to reduce gum recession. Your dentist may also advise replacing old and leaky fillings as well as restoring cavities on your teeth.

Sometimes, sensitive teeth can be confused for cavities or abscesses that are not still visible. In any case, if you notice any change in your teeth’s sensitivity to temperature, contact us today.

Although good oral health is associated with white, healthy teeth, the health of the gums surrounding our teeth is equally important. Gum disease is among the leading causes of tooth loss worldwide, while inflammation and recession of the gums can create many oral health problems.

No matter how often you brush and floss your teeth, a regular toothbrush cannot clean every single crevice in your mouth. Your teeth may look and feel healthy, but if you fail to visit your dentist for regular check-ups, you will experience mild gum disease at some point.

At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we are passionate about oral hygiene and we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure.

During your consultation appointment, our dentists and dental hygienists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, look for signs of inflammation and bleeding and evaluate your gum health. If you require treatment, we will create an individual treatment plan detailing all the procedures and costs involved.

Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day

This is really important for your oral health. While many people brush their teeth diligently, they forget to brush along the gum line as well as their tongue. This helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that live on the surface of the gums and the soft tissue. During your appointment, our dental hygienist will show you effective ways to brush your teeth and gums.

Floss once a day and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash               

Flossing is as important as brushing in maintaining a good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. A toothbrush can’t always reach in between your teeth in order to clean them properly. Dental floss can remove food and bacteria residue from difficult-to-reach areas in the mouth. Extra protection is also guaranteed when you finish your oral hygiene routine by rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash.

Visit your dental hygienist

The most important thing to do in order to keep your gums healthy is to visit your dental hygienist at least every six months. They will be able to determine the health of your gums and perform a thorough cleaning, which helps eliminate the bacteria on your teeth before it moves to your gums.

Dental phobia or dental anxiety is a very common condition preventing many people from receiving proper dental care and should not be overlooked. This fear can easily lead to poor oral health, as an anxious patient may do whatever it takes to avoid visiting the dentist. The most common types of dental phobia include fear of pain, fear of the dental drill, fear of the dentist, and last but not least fear of needles.

At Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton, we appreciate that dental phobia is a condition unique to each patient but one we can help you overcome. Most patients are reluctant to visit the dentist because of traumatic, past experiences, which may have involved significant pain. Moreover, nervous patients tend to dislike the idea of losing control to the dentist. Dental anxieties and fears may be general or specific and become progressively harder to overcome as time passes.

This way, a negative circle grows where care is postponed and problems ignored until patients are in need of emergency care due to severe dental problems. Emergency appointments are inevitably more stressful for nervous patients and much more difficult to manage. However, a supportive attitude from your dentist can make a huge impact on your dental care and lifestyle.

Caring for nervous patients

Our practice supports nervous patients without the use of dental sedation. When you visit us, rest assured that your teeth will not be the worst we have seen, and no matter how awkward things seem, we are going to help you and not judge you. We are all about practising gentle dentistry and taking the time to talk to patients so that they feel in control at all times of the treatment. For us, it is really important to provide reassurance, as this will help you overcome your anxiety. Our gentle, caring and professional approach to pain-free dentistry can be testified by many happy patients.

Modern dentistry has come a long way and nowadays most treatments are practically pain-free. Our aim is to prevent any serious problems from happening, but if you experience pain or other symptoms, we will get you out of pain and treat your problem thoroughly to restore your oral health.

Taking good care of your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly will eliminate the need for more complex dental treatment in the future.

Composite veneers (also known as composite bonding) are used extensively to improve the colour, shape, position, arrangement, and in some cases, the texture of teeth in order to make them more attractive. Generally, they can be fitted in one visit to the dentist and are minimally invasive compared to conventional porcelain veneers, which require the tooth to be drilled before placement.

At Benhill Dental Practice, we are very experienced with composite dental materials and understand how best to use them for restorative purposes. Our highly-trained dentists have a deep understanding and experience of the nature of the procedure, since they have applied dental veneers to many patients with great results.

The procedure

Dental veneers are very thin, tooth-coloured leaves made of composite or porcelain, which cover the front of your teeth. Based on your preferences, we can alter the shape of your veneers to make your teeth look longer and or closer together. You can have just one veneer or a whole set – the latter is known as a smile makeover.

Your dentist will prepare your teeth first in order to ensure that veneer and your tooth bond completely. After that, they will sculpt the composite dental material into the ideal tooth shape and structure to fit your tooth. Choosing the right shade, and shaping the material to suit individual oral contours, requires a trained dentist with a thorough understanding of facial and tooth structure.

At Benhill Dental Practice, we craft our veneers out of the highest quality composite material for realistic results. Stain-resistant and smoothly polished, composite veneers protect existing enamel and enhance your smile.

Benefits of dental veneers

Since veneers are individually made for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Unlike natural teeth, veneers are stain resistant and cannot form cavities on their surface. Unlike other tooth restoration treatments, they will usually last for 15 years or more due to high-quality bonding agents and improved cement. Finally, with veneers, as opposed to crowns, your natural teeth remain largely undamaged.

Get in touch

If you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth, contact us today and we will help you figure out whether veneers are the right solution for you.

White fillings have always been considered less long-lasting than silver fillings. But, there are now new materials available that are comparable to silver fillings and these are proving to be very successful for our patients at Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your dental team in Sutton can advise you on how long your fillings should last.

Advantages of white fillings

Since they bond to the tooth, white fillings restore most of the original strength of the tooth. Silver weakens the teeth, making them more vulnerable to breaking. Since broken teeth are very expensive to restore, white fillings can save a lot of expense in the long term.

Teeth restored with white fillings are less sensitive to hot and cold than teeth restored with silver fillings when the correct techniques are used, like those we use at Benhill Dental Practice.

White fillings are mercury-free. Mercury in traditional silver fillings, is viewed by some as being toxic.

White fillings also require less removal of tooth structure. Especially with new cavities, the size of the hole made for the filling can be dramatically smaller with white fillings.

What are white fillings made of?

White fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds. Because resins mimic the appearance of natural teeth, these fillings have been used in front teeth for many years. When they first were used, resin compounds weren’t strong enough to be used in back teeth. This is because high-pressure grinding and chewing require greater durability.

In the past 10 years, technology has improved enough to allow the use of resin material in your back teeth.

Are white fillings right for me?

Deciding which type of filling to use is best made by you and your dentist at Benhill Dental Practice. They will consider the size and location of the cavity, patient history, cosmetic concerns and the cost. Your dentist in Sutton will discuss all the choices available for dental fillings and help you decide which filling is right for you.

Are your teeth stained or discoloured? Do your teeth leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile? If the answer is yes, then there’s no need to fret. Benhill Dental Practice in Sutton provides professional teeth whitening to restore the natural shine to your teeth. Whether you have an important event coming up or just want to be able to smile with confidence again, teeth whitening provides a quick and reliable solution.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening uses a clinically safe amount of bleaching agent to remove stains and lessen discolouration. The bleaching agent comes in the form of a whitening gel that is applied to your teeth. When carried out by a highly trained dental professional, such as at Benhill Dental Practice, teeth whitening is a safe and effective treatment.

Your options

At our modern practice, we offer two types of teeth whitening, depending on your personal needs.

Power whitening is carried out in the dental chair. Your lips and gums are protected with a barrier. A whitening gel is then applied to your teeth and activated using a UV light. After just an hour of treatment, your teeth will appear several shades brighter.

Home whitening involves the use of custom-made mouth trays, crafted to fit your teeth. A whitening gel is applied to these trays, which you then wear for a few hours in the day or night, from the comfort of your own home. Using our custom-made trays means you won’t need to worry about the whitening gel leaking out onto your gums or lips. Results can be achieved in just over two weeks.

In both cases, the extent of the whitening effect will depend on the initial colour of your teeth. Whichever teeth whitening option you choose to take, with our guidance and care you can look forward to a natural-looking finish. While this treatment is a temporary fix, you can prolong its effects.

Minimising foods and drinks that stain strongly and cutting back on smoking will make your treatment last longer. With advice from our experienced dentists, you can make the most of your teeth whitening in Sutton. So get in touch today to enjoy brighter smiles.

Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean to prevent dental problems. The most common ailments include:dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontal diseases and bad breath. There are also mouth diseases, in which good oral hygiene is required for healing and regeneration of the oral tissues. These conditions can include gingivitis, periodontists or dental trauma, such as that experienced after a wisdom tooth extraction.

Dental hygienists

At Benhill Dental Practice, our staff who specialise in dental hygiene in Sutton are called dental hygienists. The hygienist’s main job is to prevent and treat gum disease. This will include professionally cleaning your teeth, by removing plaque and tartar. This is called a scale and polish.

Our dental hygienists’ most important role is showing you the best way to keep your teeth free of plaque. Plaque is a coating that forms constantly on your teeth. Our hygienists will also give advice about diet and about preventing tooth decay, to ensure your dental hygiene is the finest it can be. The hygienist will work with our dental team to give you care that is tailored to your needs.

At Benhill Dental Practice your dental hygienist has been specially trained to carry out scaling and polishing and can spend longer with you than your dentist. They are also experts at teaching you how to look after your teeth and gums. Often your dental hygienist will spend several appointments getting your gums healthy and ready for the dentist to restore your teeth with crowns and fillings.

Why is dental hygiene in Sutton important?

Regular professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, combined with looking after your teeth and gums properly at home, can greatly improve your mouth’s health. A healthy mouth will greatly improve your appearance, help you to keep your teeth and give you fresh breath.

To maintain your dental hygiene in Sutton, we recommend that you follow three simple steps. Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day using a fluoride toothpaste. Also, we recommend you cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks. Most importantly you should visit Benhill Dental Practice regularly to ensure a good level of dental hygiene in Sutton.