19 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth
Hertfordshire, CM21 9AR
01279 722701

TREATMENTS AT DENTISTRY 19

We are a Private Dental Practice providing all aspects of general, advanced and cosmetic dentistry. This means we can provide more options than ever to restore teeth, enhance smiles and even create beautiful new smiles, safely. These include dental implants and adult braces.

We offer a full range of restorative and cosmetic options, from individual treatments to a full smile makeover

For more information on the dental treatments available at Dentistry19 please click on the links below:

DENTAL EXAMINATION/CHECK-UP

ADULT BRACES (ORTHODONTICS)

DENTAL HYGIENE (INCLUDING AIR POWERED STAIN REMOVAL)

EXTRACTIONS

DENTAL IMPLANTS

REPLACEMENT OF MISSING TEETH WITH BRIDGES OR DENTURES

TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS OR WHITE FILLINGS

TOOTH WHITENING

AIRWAY & SNORNG

A DENTAL EXAMINATION/CHECK-UP AT DENTISTRY 19

A detailed examination of the face, head, neck, and jaw joints will be performed. We screen for gum disease, oral cancer and tooth decay, and this appointment will allow us to arrange any further tests such as xray’s or specialist opinions.

At our practice we focus on prevention and maintaining a healthy, functional mouth as well as listening to the goals you have for your smile.

New patient examinations will be booked for an hour to allow us time to do this thoroughly, recalls are usually 30 minutes.

FAQs

Q. How often should I attend the dentist?

A. Every 6 months to 1 year, we tailor this to your needs and a risk assessment is carried out at every appointment to ensure we are screening for any potential problems at the correct intervals.

COMPOSITE BONDING

Small chips, ridges and irregularities can be cleverly disguised by bonding a small amount of tooth-coloured material onto the tooth. Sometimes this is all it takes to achieve a remarkable smile transformation or complete a smile after braces.

This may involve just the edges of the tooth or full coverage and options will be discussed in detail with you by your dentist. Often this requires no needles/numbing/no drilling of the tooth and can be adjusted until you have the perfect shape!

FAQs

Q. How many visits are needed?

We will always book a consultation appointment first; this is to ensure your mouth is healthy and that you and your dentist can discuss your aims. The composite bonding will be done in one appointment and finally, most people will have a review appointment after to ensure they are happy.

Q. How long do composite veneers last?

Good results are seen for 5-7 years although this does depend on care i.e., nail biters and pen chewers will show chipping/wear earlier on!

Q. How do I know if I want composite bonding or porcelain veneers?

Composite bonding, sometimes combined with straightening of the teeth, is great to correct smaller changes/spacing/chipping. Veneers may be recommended for larger imperfections or changes required but, in many cases, will require some removal of natural tooth to create space for the veneer.

ADULT BRACES (ORTHODONTICS)

Tired of laughing with your hand over your mouth? Tired of always remembering to present your ‘best side’ to the camera? Tired of battling to clean and take care of crowded teeth? There is no longer any need to tolerate any of this and even age is not a barrier to getting your teeth straightened! Research has shown that the biggest barrier to adults getting their teeth straightened is how long the treatment takes relative to what they want changed. The good news is that things have moved on, and we are able to offer a solution for some adult cases on-site at the practice. For children and more complex adult cases we can refer you on to our specialist Orthodontist colleagues for treatment.

Your dentist will assess your needs and look at a full complement of orthodontic options including Invisalign, Suresmile and conventional braces guiding you in the best option for your case.

Invisalign and SureSmile are clear brace systems which straighten the teeth without compromising on aesthetics. The time it takes to complete a case will depend on complexity. Thanks to advances in the technology, we can show you an outcome simulation of what your teeth could potentially look like after treatment. This way you can see the improvement before you commit yourself to having treatment. To start your journey, you will need a consult which assesses your concerns, wants and needs and where we can take a 3D scan to create a potential before and after of your treatment.

FAQs

Q. Who can have these clear brace systems?

Due to the technological advancements over the last few years, there is increased scope in what can be treated with these aligner systems. This will need to be assessed clinically by your dentist.

Q How long do I need to wear retainers for?

Retainers must be worn lifelong at night time in order for the teeth to stay in the same position after finishing treatment. A lot of patients we see have had braces, not worn their retainers and the teeth have moved back (this may sound familiar to you!)

Q Why am I being recommended a certain type of braces; can I choose the one I like best?

This is to do with the complexity of tooth movements. We balance the length of time, the end goal and the amount of movement required when we are giving you our recommendations. But you will always be involved in the decision!

So before you go thinking about destroying healthy teeth by having veneers to straighten them, talk to us about what we can do for you with adult braces.

CROWNS AND VENEERS

CROWNS

Crowns are protective covers for damaged and broken teeth. They are fitted over an existing tooth and can be crafted from natural looking metal-free ceramic materials that blend in with your teeth. Sometimes we have to use gold, metal alloys or a combination of materials to achieve the result necessary to protect your teeth.

FAQs

Q. How will I know when I need a crown?

When a tooth is heavily filled, has lost a lot of tooth structure, or has become weaker, the tooth is likely to need a crown.

Q. why do I need a crown after root canal treatment?

Root canal treated teeth are more brittle than non-root treated teeth and have less inherent strength. Crowns are placed to provide coverage like a helmet, protecting the underlying tooth.

Q. I do not want a metal or gold crown what can I do?

We offer a range of materials including tooth-coloured crowns, same day or lab made. This will always be discussed with you prior to starting any treatment.

Patient Information Leaflet

VENEERS

Veneers are ideal if you have small, oddly shaped, spaced or discoloured teeth or teeth have suffered surface damage. They are very thin, custom-shaped pieces of porcelain which are beautifully crafted and perfectly colour-matched. With this procedure we can reshape, widen and brighten your smile.

Patient Information Leaflet

SAME DAY CROWNS AND VENEERS

Say goodbye to gooey impressions for many procedures. We now have a camera that can image your teeth in seconds and then transfer this to a computer to manufacture your restoration. So, One appointment, One injection and No temporaries.
For more information:

DENTAL IMPLANTS

"I know I was concerned about my appearance, but if I knew what a difference they would make to my ability to eat, I would have had it done ages ago!"

Quote from an actual implant patient.

Dental implants are used to replace missing natural teeth. By restoring your normal appearance and allowing you to eat, speak and smile with confidence, they feel and function like natural teeth and can give a real boost to both your personal and professional life.

Implants are amazingly strong, fixed, natural looking replacements for missing teeth. With so many benefits, more and more people are choosing implants over dentures and bridges, and they are delighted with the results. Dental implants replace the tooth’s own root, allowing a false tooth to be anchored permanently into the jaw – just like natural teeth. Implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth, individually or by holding a bridge or a denture with several replacement teeth.

Q. What do I do while the implant is healing?

Often a temporary bridge or denture can be provided. This will enable the missing tooth to be replaced whilst the implant is healing without compromising the aesthetics.

Dentistry19 now offers an on-site Implant treatment option for suitable patients. The highest safety standards are adhered to with CT imaging and 3D computerised planning and guidance for all cases. Implant placements are carried out by Dr Lewis Wagner.

Patient Information Leaflet

ORAL HYGIENE

Effective oral hygiene is vital in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, keeping your teeth in optimum condition and maintaining a whiter smile and fresh breath.

At regular hygiene appointments we will remove plaque, tartar and stains from your teeth and show you effective brushing and flossing techniques. Encouraging children to look after their teeth from an early age will help establish a healthy routine and minimise the need for dental treatment in the future.

DENTAL HYGIENE (INCLUDING AIR POWERED STAIN REMOVAL)

Effective oral hygiene is vital in preventing gum disease and tooth decay, keeping your teeth in optimum condition, and maintaining a whiter smile and fresh breath. Gum disease is surprisingly common and includes symptoms such as bleeding, sore gums, shrinking gums, sensitivity, and loose teeth. It is fast becoming the leading cause of tooth loss in the modern day and we take an approach of early prevention.

At regular hygiene appointments we will remove plaque, tartar and stains from your teeth and give you the tools to look after your teeth and gums in the most effective way at home. Encouraging children to look after their teeth from an early age will help establish a healthy routine and minimise the need for dental treatment in the future.

We recommend regular visits to the hygienist to help you maintain the health of your gums. Our hygiene appointments are from 40 minutes + and will be fitted to your needs.

AIR-POWERED STAIN REMOVAL

Is your smile suffering from the “good life”? We have a great device that uses air and a fine powder to remove stains caused by our enjoyment of life, things like smoking, red wine, teas, coffee etc. Gentle on your teeth and a great precursor to Tooth Whitening.

FAQs

Q. What do you mean by plaque/tartar/calculus?

Plaque is the soft build-up of food/bacteria/and products from the mouth. It is soft and can be brushed & flossed away.

Tartar or calculus are hardened plaque which needs to be removed by our hygienist. If left on the teeth this irritates the gums and causes inflammation, bleeding, and overtime this will progress to periodontal (gum) disease.

Q. I have severe gum disease, what can I do?

Severe gum disease is usually correlated with bone loss which can cause wobbly teeth, pain, and possible infections. Treatment requires several sessions of deep cleaning, and we may arrange for input from a gum disease specialist know as a periodontist.

Q. My family have a history of gum disease, what can I do?

There is a genetic link to gum disease which means it can be passed down from previous generations, this is managed by active monitoring and regular maintenance.

Q. How often should I see a hygienist?

Even a healthy mouth will benefit from regular maintenance every 6-12 months and your recall will be reviewed & adjusted each time you attend.

EXTRACTIONS

While we believe natural teeth are the best thing and will always try to maintain them, sometimes teeth are unrestorable or of hopeless prognosis. This may be due to lack of support (gum disease progression) or lack of tooth (large fillings/fractures which are not fixable).

We will numb the area to make the procedure as relaxed as possible and we always book longer appointments to ensure there is no rush and we can ensure your comfort. Once the tooth is out, we will provide you with after care instructions to optimize healing and prevent complications.

We will review you 1 week later to check all is well. Any options for replacement will be discussed with you and these include;

Do nothing and review
Denture
Bridge
Implant

For teeth which are visible when you smile, we are able to make same day dentures to ensure you do not need to walk around with a gap.

REPLACEMENT OF MISSING TEETH WITH BRIDGES OR DENTURES

DENTAL BRIDGES

If a tooth has been lost, a dental bridge can be used to ‘bridge’ the gap between two adjacent teeth. Bridges are generally fixed and matched closely to the rest of your teeth to create as natural a result as possible.

FAQ

Q. When would I have a bridge not an implant?

Dental bridges can be used where there is not enough bone for an implant, or in some medical situations which would advise against implant treatment.

Bridges can also be used as a temporary measure if implants are to be considered in the future.

Q What is the difference between a bridge and a crown

A dental bridge is a false tooth placed where a tooth is missing. This artificial tooth is then attached to the teeth either side.

A crown is used to restore the strength and function of a tooth which may have been root treated, lost a lot of the natural tooth structure, or where it is liable to fracture.

Q I have a missing tooth do I have to replace it?

Not always, but sometimes missing teeth can cause the opposing teeth to over-erupt or teeth either side to drift or tilt. Although it is an option to leave a gap this should be monitored with your dentist regularly and you should understand the risks of not having it replaced.

Patient Information Leaflet

DENTURES

Flat pink dentures are a thing of the past. The latest hand crafted dentures are comfortable and realistic enough to convince even the most discerning onlooker that they are viewing natural teeth and gums.

Dentures remain a cost-effective method of replacing missing teeth.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

At Dentistry19 we are first and foremost about helping you retain your natural teeth. When a tooth has had trauma or a large cavity, the nerve can become infected or even die and cause a painful abscess. With root canal treatment, we can gently clean out the damaged or dead nerve tissue from the root canals.

We then fill the space left with a rubber type filling material so that bacteria cannot re-enter the tooth and we can restore the tooth. It is important to remember though, that there is no guarantee that once a tooth has been root treated it will not worry you again.

Some teeth will settle down for life while others could start causing problems after a few years. There are a number of factors affecting a successful outcome, and we will discuss your individual prognosis with you to allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment. In some cases, we may have to refer you on to a specialist Endodontist for treatment, as not every case can be treated by a general dentist.

FAQs

Q. How long does a root canal take?

A. Root canal treatment can take anything from 1-3 appointments depending on the shape of the tooth & roots and the level of the infection. If the tooth is particularly complex after the first visit referral to a specialist may be recommended.

Q. Is it painful?

A. There can be some discomfort between appointments or in a short period of time following the procedure but this is usually alleviated with over-the-counter painkillers.

THE SMILE MAKEOVER

More and more adults are aware of the value of an attractive smile and patients often attend specifically for a Smile Makeover. The options available today are many and include minimally invasive simple treatments that can make the world of difference to someone. Talk to one of our dentists today to find out what can be done for you to enhance your smile.

Patient Information Leaflet

TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS OR WHITE FILLINGS

If part of a tooth has been lost, either through decay or accidental damage, a filling may be required, to stop future discomfort. Composite ‘white’ fillings match the colour of natural teeth. Many people decide to switch to white fillings when older style amalgams need replacing due to wear and tear. However, if you have dark or discoloured fillings that are visible when smiling or laughing, they can be changed to blend in naturally with the colour of your teeth.

TOOTH WHITENING

Teeth naturally darken and discolour with age, but staining is made worse by smoking, red wine, tea, coffee and sometimes by antibiotics taken in childhood.

Modern whitening techniques, supervised by dental professionals, can have a dramatic effect on your smile in a short time. In fact, whitening is an essential part of most treatment plans that involve teeth visible in your smile - the simplest way to restore the natural youthful brightness of your teeth or just get a nice fresh, clean look!

FAQs

Q. Is teeth whitening painful?

The whitening process is not painful although some sensitivity can occur. Sensitivity is temporary and to help we will start you off with a desensitising toothpaste and you can always ask your dentist for advice.

Q. Are there any contraindications?

If there is any tooth decay, gum disease or any other oral health related issues, we would advise to avoid whitening until this has been treated. We also advise patients who may be pregnant or nursing to avoid whitening.

Q. Is tooth whitening safe?

Whilst whitening is a safe treatment, we do advise that you see your dentist prior to having any whitening to ensure you are dentally fit to proceed. Whitening is not suitable for pregnant women, mothers who are breastfeeding and under 18 years of age.

Q. How long does it last?

We often advise top-up applications for 6 months - 1 year but things like staining and diet will affect the longevity of the whitening. Most superficial staining can be removed at your hygiene appointments.

Patient Information Leaflet

AIRWAY & SNORING

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea can lead to broken sleep for both snorers and their partners. This can have a profound impact on quality of life and can be difficult to treat. For mild to moderate sufferers we can offer mandibular advancement splint therapy, aiming to improve the shape of your airway while you sleep. We work with a specialised lab to offer these appliances and, after a careful assessment with one of clinicians, this treatment may be able to help you.