Understanding the treatment options

What is it?
Tooth-coloured composite material is carefully added to your natural teeth to change their shape, repair damage or improve their appearance. It usually requires little or no removal of healthy tooth structure.

When might I need it?
Composite bonding may be considered for chipped, worn, uneven or misshapen teeth, small gaps, or where you would like to make relatively conservative changes to your smile.

What are they?
Veneers are thin restorations that cover the front surface of a tooth to change its shape, colour or appearance. They are usually made from ceramic.

When might I need them?
Veneers may be considered when more significant changes to the appearance, shape or colour of the front teeth are required and composite bonding may not provide the desired result.

What are they?
Crowns and onlays are custom-made restorations used to rebuild and protect teeth. An onlay replaces part of the tooth, while a crown covers more or all of the visible tooth.

When might I need them?
They may be recommended when a tooth has been significantly weakened by a large filling, fracture, decay, root canal treatment or extensive wear and requires more protection than a filling or composite restoration can provide.

Not sure about veneers vs crowns?
A veneer is primarily used on the front surface of a tooth, whereas a crown provides much more extensive coverage. The right choice depends on how much healthy tooth remains, the condition of the tooth and what we're trying to achieve.

What are they?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth with a fixed replacement supported by neighbouring teeth.

When might I need one?
A bridge may be an option if you have a missing tooth and would prefer a fixed replacement, particularly where the neighbouring teeth are suitable for supporting it. Depending on your situation, an implant or removable denture may also be an alternative.

What are they?
A dental implant is placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once healed, it can support a crown, bridge or other fixed replacement.

When might I need one?
Implants may be considered when one or more teeth are missing or cannot be predictably saved and you would like a fixed replacement.

Implant or bridge?
Both can be excellent options. The condition of the neighbouring teeth, available bone, your bite and your wider dental health all influence which is more appropriate.

What are they?
Full-arch implant treatment uses multiple dental implants to support a fixed set of replacement teeth when most or all of the teeth in a jaw can no longer be maintained.

When might I need them?
This may be considered if you have numerous failing or loose teeth, advanced gum disease, extensive failing dental work, or already wear a denture and would like to explore a fixed alternative.

Importantly, having several problematic teeth doesn't automatically mean they should all be removed. Whether teeth can be predictably saved should be considered before making an irreversible decision.

What are they?
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can replace several teeth or a complete set of teeth.

When might I need them?
Dentures may be suitable when several or all teeth are missing, either as a long-term solution or at certain stages of more complex treatment. In some situations, implants can also be used to improve their support.

What is it?
Tooth wear rehabilitation involves rebuilding teeth that have become shortened, thinned or damaged over time. Treatment may use composite, onlays, crowns or a combination of techniques depending on the severity.

When might I need it?
You may benefit from assessment if your teeth are becoming noticeably shorter, chipped or thin; your bite has changed; you have sensitivity; or teeth and restorations repeatedly fracture.

Before rebuilding the teeth, it is important to understand why they have worn down.

What is it?
Full mouth rehabilitation is the coordinated restoration of multiple teeth across the mouth. Rather than treating each problem independently, the teeth, bite, appearance and function are planned together.

When might I need it?
It may be appropriate if you have a combination of heavily restored, worn, broken, missing or failing teeth and require several different treatments as part of one overall plan.

What is it?
Professional tooth whitening uses a prescribed whitening system to gradually lighten the natural colour of your teeth.

When might I need it?
Whitening may be suitable if your teeth are healthy but you would like them to appear lighter. Existing fillings, crowns, veneers and other restorations do not whiten in the same way, so this needs to be considered when planning treatment.

What is it?
A second-opinion consultation gives you an independent specialist assessment of your dental situation and the treatment options available.

When might I need one?
It can be particularly helpful if you have been given a large or complex treatment plan, have received different opinions, are unsure whether teeth should be saved or replaced, or simply want to understand your options before making a significant decision.

That's what the consultation is for.

Two people with what appears to be the same dental problem may require very different treatment. I’ll assess your teeth, understand what you would like to achieve and explain the appropriate options, including their advantages and limitations.