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Dental Practice Description for Accessibility Why Choose Us 5 Great Reasons to Choose Us Outstanding Customer Service Highest Quality Clinical Skills Relaxing, Stress Free and Peaceful Environment Affordable Dental Excellence An experience that exceeds your expectations When you arrive at Cowbridge Dental Care, you could be forgiven for thinking you had come to the wrong place. Our practice prides itself on it’s friendly, relaxed, lounge type environment away from the traditional sights and smells of a dental practice. From the comfortable leather chairs and flat screen television in the patient lounge, to the fresh flowers and daily newspapers, you can’t help but feel at ease. All the team are caring and friendly and fresh coffee or tea is always available. Our goal is to offer you an experience that exceeds your expectations by taking the time to get to know you on a personal basis so you can feel secure in any treatment you choose. All the team at Cowbridge Dental Care are passionate about what they do and go out of their way to look after you. We invest in our training, equipment, premises, and techniques to provide you with the highest quality clinical skills in an environment that is relaxing and stress free. We take time to listen to your individual needs and requests, encourage questions at all stages and explain all proposed treatment options before providing you with a written estimate so you are able to make informed decisions about your dental care. Book your appointment with us today by calling 01446 773284 or by emailing us. About Us Our Dentists & Hygienists Dr Jon Ayres BDS (Wales) Principal Dentist GDC No. 75975 Since graduating from the University of Wales, Cardiff in 1999, Jon has worked both in practice and in the Consultant Restorative Clinic in Prince Charles Hospital gaining considerable experience in clinical techniques and in dealing with nervous and phobic patients. Jon is a member of the British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry, the Association of Dental Implantology and is committed to continually developing his knowledge and expertise. Jon has always been passionate about providing the highest standards of dental care but wanted to do so in an environment centred on the patient. Establishing Cowbridge Cental Care in 2006 provided him with the opportunity to realise this dream and expand the care he offers across all areas of aesthetic dentistry. Dr Suzanne Noorbhai Associate Dentist GDC No. 76342 Dr. Andy Matthews Associate Dentist GDC No. 65114 Jane Grant Dental Hygienist/Dental Therapist GDC No. 5582 Hilary Phillips Dental Hygienist GDC No. 5282 Hilary Hathway Practice Manager/Administrator Beverly Cook Receptionist GDC No. 155971 Dawn Phillips Qualified Dental Nurse GDC No. 113560 Margaret Lewis Qualified Dental Nurse GDC No. 117404 Wendy Hinam Qualified Dental Nurse GDC No. 173928 Charlotte Bodman Qualified Dental Nurse Promises & Expectations We Promise To: Welcome you into a caring and professional environment. Listen with respect and respond to your concerns. Clearly state the cost of proposed dental work in advance. Do our absolute level best to keep to time. Maintain extremely high standards in safety and sterility within the practice. Invest constantly in acquiring new skills and technology. Guarantee our dental work for a minimum of 12 months. Make no charges for appointments changed or cancelled where 48 hours notice has been given. We Ask You To: Arrive in time for your appointments. Look after your teeth and maintain your oral hygiene using the techniques that we will teach you. Attend maintenance and review appointments as advised. Help us by paying for your dental work as requested. We accept cash, cheques and most credit and debit cards. We also provide monthly payment plans that cover all routine preventative work, which includes insurance and a discount of 10% on the majority of further treatments. Give us feedback - patients’ comments are invaluable to us. Please recommend us to family, friends and colleagues if you are happy with the treatment you recive with us. Treatments Cosmetic Dentistry Teeth Whitening Teeth are stained by the foods and drinks we consume. Smoking further stains teeth and the natural bright, white shade becomes darkened. Teeth whitening is a successful and simple method of lightening the colour of your teeth. The degree of whiteness achieved will vary from patient to patient and with the type of bleaching process chosen. Home Whitening A custom made mouth tray is created. A whitening gel is placed in the tray which you then wear whilst asleep or for short periods during the day. Results are normally seen over 2 weeks. Porcelain Veneers If your front teeth are stained, chipped, or malaligned, veneers will give you a good life-like appearance with minimum tooth adjustment. A veneer is a porcelain facing on the front of your teeth, just like a false finger nail, making them look good as new. Veneers are made out of porcelain and are used mainly for aesthetic reasons. Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is needed. Porcelain veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others. White Fillings By using different shades of modern 'composite' materials, your teeth can now be restored to look as good as new. Old and unsightly silver fillings can be replaced to give you back confidence in your smile. Dental Decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth becomes softened by acid attack, producing a cavity or hole. Your dentist will remove all the decay before rebuilding your tooth. Gum Contouring and Teeth Reshaping Aesthetic recontouring of your teeth involves small, minimal adjustment of your teeth to reshape and level your smile. By altering the way your teeth reflect the light we can help to camouflage twisted or misshapen teeth without more invasive procedures. Your gums frame and drape your teeth. Like a beautiful picture in the wrong frame, if the levels and shape of your gums aren't right, your smile may not look right. By altering the shapes of your gums, we can lengthen your teeth and improve your confidence in your smile. We can shorten, smooth or level your teeth to improve your smile line. We can lengthen and harmonise the appearance of your gums by reshaping them. Air Polishing Tea, coffee, food colourings and smoking are but a few things that over time can stain and discolour your teeth. Using a combination of air, a special sodium bicarbonate powder and water spray, we can clean away all the stain and plaque painlessly with fantastic results. This is especially popular prior to weddings and as gifts for friends and family. Restorative Dentistry Broken Teeth A broken front tooth can be a very shocking and traumatic experience, but with the latest dental techniques, we can restore your smile and your confidence. Bonding By using different shades of 'composite' material we can rebuild and replicate the natural aesthetics of the teeth. Bonding technology can be used for minor to moderate repairs of front teeth like chipped or broken tooth corners. When your teeth suffer a more extensive fracture a Porcelain Veneer or Crown can be used to make a broken tooth look whole again whilst strengthening the weakened tooth structure at the same time. Crowns A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. They can be made of porcelain or gold or a combination of these materials. A dental crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance: you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place. you may have a broken tooth which needs strengthening and restoring. Bridges Besides having dental implants, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth - a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. A dental bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base which is then covered with aesthetic porcelain to look like a real tooth or teeth. You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side. A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease. Complete and Partial Dentures Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance. Modern denture techniques mimic nature so that only you will know that you are wearing a denture. A complete or full denture replaces all the natural teeth and provides support for your cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak. A denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. A complete or full denture is one that replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures. Preventive Dentistry Dentistry for Children Our aim is to prevent dental disease rather than treat it at a later date. Bring your child to see us as soon as their first teeth start to come through. We will be able to give you advice on brushing and diet, as well as getting your children used to coming to the practice, so we can prevent problems from starting. If necessary, fluoride applications and fissure sealants (tooth coloured sealants) may be applied to the biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay. Hygiene The gums form the foundations and damp proofing of your teeth. Just like your house, if the foundations aren't right, the house will suffer. The same can be said for your teeth. The Dental Hygienist will professionally clean the teeth to remove calculus and tartar deposits as well as most surface staining. This is usually known as scaling and polishing. However, perhaps our most important role is showing you the best way to keep the teeth free of plaque to prevent problems such as decay or gum disease. Bad Breath Dental Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh. The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems. Gum Disease Treatments Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination. What is gum disease? Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. What is gingivitis? Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning. What is periodontal disease? Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out. What is the cause of gum disease? All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing. What happens if gum disease is not treated? Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do not notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this can sometimes make your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult. How do I know if I have gum disease? The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant. Tooth Decay Detection Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat. Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth. Mouth Cancer Screening As part of our routine examinations, we screen your mouth for the signs of mouth cancer. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of abnormalities in the mouth. Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because of late detection. Smoking and higher alcohol intake (especially if you do both) dramatically increases your risk of getting mouth cancer. Visit the practice at once if you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Mouth Cancer Foundation The Mouth Cancer Foundation is a registered charity that raises awareness of mouth cancers and provides information and support to patients, carers and health professionals. Giving Up Smoking It's not easy... So that's why this web site is here. Giving up smoking requires preparation, determination, and support. This site is here to help you with each of these. If you're thinking about giving up, have a look-in. Dental Implants Dental implants offer a permanent solution for your missing teeth. A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped. Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. Often the implant can be placed at the same time as removal of the tooth all on the same day. If an implant has a screw-thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughnesses on the implant surface. In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures. Click here for illustrated information. General Root Canal Therapy What is root canal treatment? Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. Why is root canal treatment needed? If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out. Does it hurt? No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. What does it involve? The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled. What will my tooth look like after treatment? In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance. What if it happens again? Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated. What if I don’t have the treatment? The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible. Will the tooth be safe after treatment? Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth. Where can this treatment be carried out? Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you. What about aftercare? Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups. Oral Surgery (Extractions) Oral surgery can be provided with sedation for nervous patients. Wisdom Teeth Sometimes there may not be room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth and, as they start to come through, they push against the teeth already there or may start to come through at an angle. When this happens, you might feel some pain or discomfort, so the best thing to do is to visit your dentist. The dentist will probably take an x-ray of your mouth to see how - or if - your wisdom teeth are coming through. From this, they will be able to make a judgement on whether or not to take them out, and how easy or difficult it might be. Extractions can also be done under sedation. Extractions Having a tooth out is the same as having an operation and, because of this, you must look after the area to speed healing and to reduce the risk of infection. Here are some pointers: For the first 24 hours, try to avoid eating hot food, don't smoke, don't drink any alcohol and try not to disturb any blood clot which might have formed. Don't rinse your mouth for 24 hours after extraction. After that, rinse gently with warm salty water - half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough. Brush your teeth as normal to keep your mouth as clean as possible. You may feel some small pieces of bone work their way out of the socket - don't worry, this is perfectly normal. There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first two to three days. If you need to, take some ordinary painkillers - aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetomol will be fine. If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been removed, it might be where the blood clot has broken down leaving an empty hole in the gum. This is called a 'dry socket' and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply go back and the dentist will pack the wound to ease your discomfort. Your dentist may have given you some gauze to place onto the area where the tooth has been removed - if not, a clean cloth handkerchief will do just as well (but not a paper tissue). Roll it into a small firm pad large enough to fit over the gap (probably around 1cm by 3cm). Sit up and gently clear away any blood clots around the gap using the gauze or hanky. Put a clean pad over the gap (from tongue side to cheek side) and bite down on it firmly for 10 to 15 minutes. Take the pad off and check whether the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact your dentist Orhtodontics Nowadays, neither adults nor children, need to put up with a crooked or uneven smile. Advances in technology now mean that correction of bite problems can often start at a younger age and take less time. Adults and teenagers can wear braces or ‘aligners’ which are not only ‘nearly invisible’ but also removable for cleaning. So, you can smile during your treatment as well as after! Orthodontics For Children Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for children under the NHS or privately. We offer a wide range of orthodontic options and will discuss with you and your child the various options available. If treatment is to be arranged privately we will discuss with you any cost implications and provide you with a written estimate. NHS We offer NHS orthodontic treatment to young people under 18 years of age, who are eligible for treatment under the guidelines set out by our Local Health Board. Private Those who choose to have private treatment benefit from a greater choice of appliance and do not have to wait on the NHS waiting list. We can use Tooth Coloured Braces or Invisible Braces when we carry out private treatment.” Fixed appliances are the most commonly used braces today, because they allow accurate positioning of the teeth. Today's NHS metal braces are slim line, unobtrusive and comfortable to wear. They can achieve excellent alignment of teeth in short periods of time. The braces are securely fixed onto the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. Little coloured elastic bands hold the wire to the brackets and you can choose your favourite from a range of colours. Fixed braces are now available with clear or Tooth Coloured brackets, dramatically reducing the visibility of fixed braces. They can be provided privately for children and are particularly popular for adults, where aesthetics are of the utmost importance. Orthodontics For Adults It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. An attractive smile with well-aligned and healthy teeth can be achieved at any age. A beautiful healthy smile makes a powerful first impression. When people meet you, the first things they notice are your eyes and your teeth. When you are happy with your teeth, your self esteem is enhanced and you will naturally smile with confidence. Spaces between teeth or teeth that are crowded or twisted can all decrease your self confidence. More and more adults of all ages are taking advantage of modern, aesthetic orthodontic techniques to give them that confident smile they thought they would never have? Tooth Coloured Braces Tooth coloured braces dramatically reduce the visibility of the fixed braces and allow accurate positioning of the teeth without compromising your smile. The braces are securely fixed onto the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient. They are particularly popular for adults, where aesthetics are of the utmost importance. Caring for Your Braces Looking after your braces and your teeth during orthodontic treatment is essential for the success of your treatment. Please select from the different types of braces below for specific instructions on how best to look after your brace. Invisible Braces Invisible Braces are a simple affordable series of clear positioning trays, which gently guide your teeth from their present to the desired position. How does it work? Believe it or not your teeth are always moving, albeit minutely. Clearstep exerts gentle pressure upon the tooth/teeth in the direction in which you'd like them to move. Who does it work for? Virtually everyone. Whether your 7 or 107, if your dentist considers you orally fit enough for orthodontic treatment, Clearstep maybe just what you’re looking for. So, why Clearstep? Well, in comparison to existing systems Clearstep is wire free and does away with the need to bond metal onto the teeth. It is invisible, and removable, allowing you, the wearer, to eat that steak dinner, give that public speech, meet that client without embarrassment or discomfort. You simply remove, brush, floss, rinse and reinsert: Clearstep will do the rest. |