Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dentistry
Here are some frequently asked questions about dentistry. If you can’t find an answer to your question feel free to call our practice or use our contact form here.
General Dentistry |
Cosmetic Dentistry |
Other |
General Dentistry
Frequently asked questions about general dentistry will appear here soon.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Q. What kind of people have cosmetic dental treatments?
Cosmetic dentistry is no longer the preserve of models and film stars. With new minimally invasive techniques and painless treatments, cosmetic dentistry is now readily accessible for almost anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.
Q. Will it be obvious I have had treatment?
This depends on how radical the changes are but usually people who know you well will notice the improvement to your smile. Others will notice how good you now look but often find it hard to tell why. And those who have never met you before will just think you have a great smile!
Q. How much can be done?
Smile rejuvenation
If your smile has faded or darkened and your teeth have areas that are a little chipped or worn then smile rejuvenation may be the treatment of choice. This combination of tooth whitening and cosmetic contouring will revitalise your smile in only one or two appointments.
If your teeth are not suitable for whitening or if you want to achieve an even whiter appearance you may consider porcelain veneers, which can improve other cosmetic problems as well.
Even if there has been significant tooth surface loss, resulting in a reduction in lower face height and multiple missing teeth it is still possible to rebuild the entire dentition and re-establish function and appearance.
Instant orthodontics
Many adults prefer not to wear braces for 1-3 years choosing instant orthodontics instead. Custom-made porcelain veneers or crowns are used to straighten crowded teeth, reduce protrusion or close gaps, often in only 2 appointments. This concept has been developed to new levels in recent years, making surprisingly radical and natural-looking changes possible.
Tooth replacement
Implants and new aesthetic bridge techniques ensure that even if you have missing teeth there are still ideal aesthetic treatments available to restore your smile.
Full mouth reconstruction
Even if there has been significant tooth surface loss, resulting in a reduction in lower face height and multiple missing teeth it is still possible to rebuild the entire dentition and re-establish function and appearance.
Q. Is it expensive?
This varies depending on the services provided and the number of teeth treated. The costs reflect the value of the time taken and the skill of the dentist as well as the equipment, caliber of technician and materials used. The Crofts Dental Practice’s many satisfied customers are testament to the value of their investment, in many cases enhancing quality of life by improving self-image and self-confidence.
Fees are discussed openly and clients are given a treatment plan with a full breakdown at the consultation.
Q. Will the treatment hurt?
We endeavour to make the whole experience as relaxed and stress free as possible. Modern techniques mean that even if you do require a local anaesthetic, this can be undertaken with the minimum discomfort.
Q. Do I have to take special care or change eating habits after treatment?
Porcelain veneers and crowns don’t stain and are designed to take as much wear as your natural teeth. But you should never use your teeth as tools - such as cracking nuts or opening bottles. Clients should follow a normal oral hygiene routine to maximise longevity of their own teeth and any new restorations alike. If you are prone to clecnhing or grinding your teeth in your sleep; you must inform the dentists as you may require a protective guard.
Q. How many appointments do I need?
This depends on what treatment is required after the initial consultation. As a guide however, major smile improvements, including porcelain veneers, can usually be completed in a week or two with only two or three appointments.
Q. How long will my new smile last?
The longevity of your new smile is directly related to how well you look after it. An after-care programme will be recommended to promote the health of your teeth and gums. As guidance, in the case of veneers or crowns we would expect them to last at least 15 years. We advise that whitening treatments should be repeated every 2-3 years.
Other
Q: Do you offer free cosmetic assessments for new patients?
A: Yes. We offer a complimentary ten-minute coscmetic assessment of new patients, the result of which will be a recommendation of how we think your treatment should proceed. This is not a free check-up or general dental consultation.
Q: Why Crofts?
A: Because we’re truly different, offering you a customised, personal and effective approach to your oral health. Perhaps the best proof of this is that most people who visit us choose to become patients and stay patients.
Q: Do you take NHS patients?
A: We do not take NHS patients. We will provide you with a highly personal service supported by the very latest technology. We do not feel that we would be able to provide this type of service if we treated you as an NHS patient. Please come and talk to us and see what we can provide, we are confident we can come up with a treatment plan to suit your budget.
Q: What is the cost of treatment?
A: Although we do provide price guidelines , to us you are unique and the price of your treatment will depend on the results of an initial assessment or check-up. We will always provide an estimate of cost before treatment begins. Bear in mind that our emphasis is on prevention, and thus on reducing your costs in the long term.
Q: Do you provide treatment in the early mornings, late evenings or weekends?
A: We are open late on alternative wednesdays. For significant treatmentsm, please talk to a member of the treatment team to see if weekend appointment could be arranged.
Q: Do you provide emergency treatment?
A: Emergencies are seen on the same day where possible during regular opening hours. For out of hours emergencies, please use the telephone numbers on our contact page for details about emergency treatment.
Q: Do you have dedicated parking spaces for customers?
A: No, but there are two pay and display car parks a two minute walk from the surgery.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: We accept all methods of payment execpt for American Express and it is possible to arrange a finance facility through your own insurance.
Q: Do you provide general dentistry as well as cosmetic dentistry?
A: Yes, very much so. We have special interests and skills in some areas of cosmetic dentistry, but our focus is on education and prevention, which is a large element of general dentistry.
Q: Do you treat children?
A: Yes. Check-ups are free for the children of registered patients.
