Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQs

I'm a patient at another dental practice. Is that ok?

Yes of course. You won’t leave your current dentist - We treat you specifically for the desired cosmetic dental work. You’ll still use your normal dentist for everything else.

I would like to start my new smile journey now. Is that possible?

Yes, please request an appointment here.

COMPOSITE BONDING FAQs

Is composite bonding for me?

Composite bonding is suitable for most patients. It improves the shape and proportions of the teeth to give a more even and harmonious smile. It can also be used to treat discolouration, chips and cracks in the teeth.

What are the benefits of composite bonding?

Composite bonding will instantly improve your self-confidence and can give you that Hollywood smile you have always wanted. It also improves tooth function and conserves your natural tooth as no tooth reduction/filing is required. 

How long does composite bonding last?

With proper cleaning and maintenance composite bonding will last 5-7 years. You then have the option of having it replaced or removed altogether. 

Does bonding require maintenance?

Your composites will require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. We would strongly advise keeping up your regular dental check-ups and cleans as well as good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing twice daily. You should also avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your composites. The composite material, like your natural teeth can be susceptible to staining as a result of certain foods and drinks eg. Coffee, red wine, curry etc. We recommend having the composites polished regularly by a qualified clinician.

Is the procedure painful?

Not at all. Composite bonding does not generally require any tooth preparation so no anaesthetic is needed. It is normally completed in a single visit so you leave our clinic that same day with your brand-new smile!

Does it damage my natural teeth?

This cosmetic procedure is minimally invasive and generally no tooth preparation is required. You can have the composites removed years later and you will still have your natural, healthy teeth underneath.

PORCELAIN VENEERS FAQs

Are porcelain veneers the right choice for me?

Porcelain veneers are suitable for most patients providing there is no severe crowding or spacing. If this is the case, we would recommend a course of Invisalign prior to having the veneers fitted. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also very important.  

What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?

As well as giving you that perfect smile you deserve, porcelain veneers are extremely durable and will last 15+ years with proper care. The also have the advantage of being stain resistant. 

Will it look natural?

While a smile makeover sounds exciting you may be unsure due to horror stories of fake looking veneers. Our talented clinicians here at Diamond Cosmetic will ensure you have a natural smile paying special attention to the colour, translucency, proportions and ratios, shape and thickness of the veneer to ensure you are delighted with the results.

What maintenance is required?

No specific maintenance is required other than keeping up good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist and hygienist for regular check ups and cleans. 

Is the procedure painful?

You will be given local anaesthetic in areas of the mouth where it is necessary to remove a thin layer of enamel. The anaesthetic numbs the area completely so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Much like having a traditional filling carried out. 

Does it damage my natural teeth?

In the majority of cases, it is necessary to remove a very thin layer of your natural tooths enamel in order for the veneers to bond perfectly to the tooth. Some people may have pre conceived ideas of having “peg like” teeth under their veneers. This is certainly not the case here at Diamond Cosmetic. Sometimes you will not even notice that you’ve had any enamel removed from your natural tooth. 

INVISALIGN FAQs

Is the Invisalign treatment painful?

Some people may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days, at the beginning of each new stage of treatment when they insert a new aligner. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the aligners are working – moving your teeth gradually, helping you to achieve the final results. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.

How much does it cost?

The cost of Invisalign is dependent on the complexity of your case. As a general rule the cost is comparable to traditional fixed braces. And, although only an Invisalign Provider is able to fully determine your cost, prices for Invisalign treatment are generally between £2,500 - £4,500. However, if only minor tooth movement is required, prices could start from £1,500.

Will anyone know I am wearing aligners?

The first thing people notice about you is your smile. An attractive smile gives you more confidence both in your personal and professional life. Invisalign aligners are made of a clear flexible plastic that is virtually invisible when worn unlike traditional braces. 

How often do I change aligners?

You will be advised to wear each set of aligners for 7-10 days before moving on to the next one in the series.

How long does treatment take?

The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the case and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. Typically, treatment can last between 3 and 18 months. During your consultation, you will be given more detailed information.

How long do I need to wear retainers?

In general, you will need to wear your retainers regularly for the first few months. After this you will be advised to wear them every night for a few years to prevent and relapse or movement of your teeth.

TEETH WHITENING FAQs

Is tooth whitening painful?

Tooth whitening is not painful however some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during or the next day after treatment. For those who do experience sensitivity symptoms can be relieved by using an over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth. 

How long will tooth whitening last?

This depends on your lifestyle and diet. Teeth are more likely to stain if you drink coffee, red wine or smoke. We recommend top up treatments every 3-6 months. Additional syringes of gel can be purchased from reception. 

Can anyone whiten their teeth?

In order to whiten your teeth, you must see a dentist first for an examination. This is to ensure you are free from tooth decay and gum disease prior to whitening. 

Is it not suitable for pregnant women, if you are breastfeeding or those under 18 years of age. 

What brand of tooth whitening do we use?

We are proud to provide our patients with Boutique Tooth whitening kits. Boutique was built by a dentist with over 20 years’ experience who wanted to make a beautiful smile accessible to everyone. 

What is the difference between day and night whitening?

Boutique Whitening by Day is a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel. Hydrogen peroxide will break down immediately once you place the whitening trays in your mouth. The majority of the peroxide will be spent within the first 20 minutes of wear; however, we recommend wearing the trays for 60 minutes.

Boutique by Night is a carbamide peroxide gel and comes in both 10% and 16% strength. They are designed for 4 hours wear however we recommend wearing the trays overnight so you can whiten as you sleep. 

Both 10% and 16% gels will give you great results but the 16% will get you there a little faster.  If you suffer from sensitivity, the 10% is a better option for you. 

What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidising agent. The peroxide breaks down to form oxygen free compounds. These then break up larger pigment molecules into smaller, less visible molecules that can be absorbed by the body resulting in whitening. 

Carbamide peroxide is hydrogen peroxide combined with urea. Urea helps stabilise the formula, giving carbamide peroxide a more predictable, and longer shelf life, than hydrogen peroxide alone.

The main difference between the two is that carbamide peroxide is a more stable molecule and breaks down much more slowly than hydrogen peroxide. Carbamides release about 50% of their available peroxide in the first 2 to 4 hours, then the remainder over the next 2 to 6 hours.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down almost immediately. It is thought that hydrogen peroxide produces more sensitivity than carbamide peroxide of a comparable concentration.

How long should each syringe of gel last?

Each syringe should last around 5 or 6 days when whitening the upper and lower teeth. If you use too much gel, it may leak, causing sensitivity and can irritate the gums. If you use too little, the teeth may not whiten as well.

What is the difference between a dentist home whitening kit and one I can buy online?

There are many over the counter methods of tooth whitening but these will have little effect on the shade of your teeth, can dehydrate the teeth and also come with their own risks. 

  • When you buy a home whitening kit online many of them come with standard fit trays or will ask you to create your own moulds. When a mould isn’t perfectly fitted to your mouth, the whitening gel may not sit directly on the tooth which results in non-optimal whitening. Poor fitting trays can also result in the gel leaking into the mouth, which although is rarely harmful is not a particularly nice.

  • Patients need to be supplied with the correct strength gel for their teeth. If the gel is too weak it will not be as effective in whitening the teeth. If it is too strong it can weaken the teeth’s enamel causing pain, sensitivity and occasionally infection. 

  • Tooth whitening should only be done on healthy teeth. Without a proper dental assessment, you can’t be sure your teeth are suitable for whitening.