Q. The gap between my teeth is the same as Lauren Hutton. Can i have bonding done? is this cheaper than a clear step brace. Also i have a right dead tooth with slight discoloration. What would you recommended. Where can i get bonding done as i would like it done in a day and how much would it be?

A. It depends on the size of the gap between the teeth. Bonding may be possible to close the gap completely or reduce it.  Orthodontics would be the best treatment i have treated many similar smiles and it can take as little 6 months by orthodontics.  If you rather have cosmetic treatment I recommend you find a good cosmetic dentist that you feel comfortable with
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. well i have one crooked tooth, very small over bite and just need some rounding of the teeth i want to get invisalign. about how much will it cost and how long willi need them?

A. Invisalign treatment depends and general prices vary from approx £2500 upwards.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. could I use my dental insurance for lumineers

A. it depends on the type of insurance you have.  Also are the veneers on teeth which have broken? it is worth speaking to your insurance company to find out what you can claim.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. hi, I’m 17 I came across this website as a few days ago i managed to chip my front tooth again. It had already been chipped a long time ago but it wasnt as noticable as it is now. I used to go to the dentist often as a kid and had perfect teeth but now they look very unhealthy, I’m not sure how it happened. The enamel on my two front teeth are very thin, and they almost feel lose in the gum? Also im certain I will need a filling on every single one of my teeth, although they do not ache. I have a massive phobia of dentists as i feel embarrassed and I know they will just anger at the sight of my teeth how I did not look after them, and this scares me. What can I do? please help

A. hi many thanks for your enquiry, firstly i promise the dentist will not be angry at the way your teeth look and will just want to try to sort them out and make them look beautiful again. the best thing would be to see a dentist for a consultation, it may not be as bad as you think and you will then be kicking yourself for not going sooner.

Dr Kailesh Solanki
Kissdental
www.kissdental.co.uk
Tel: 0161 748 5250
157 Woodsend Road
Flixton Manchester
M41 8GN
Winner of Best Private dental practice 2007

Q. Dear Dr. Solanki, I am currently having my teeth straightened using Invisalign and will be doing so for the next 8 months. My teeth have become crooked over the years (I am in my late 20’s) as a result of a baby tooth that has been stubborn and remained in my mouth. As such, I am straightening the teeth and then want to remove the cause of the crookedness (i.e. the baby tooth). I’m therefore thinking of removing the guilty tooth and inserting an implant into the jaw. The tooth in question is my upper Canine (I think it corresponds to number 6 on the dental charts). I have read quite a bit of literature but am hoping you can answer some of my questions if possible. 1.) I’ve been told that I will need to wear the final aligner in the Invisalign set for a good 3-6 months to ensure the teeth have time to settle in their final position. Assuming the baby tooth survives the forces from the Invisalign treatment, can I use these 3-6 months to remove the baby tooth and immediately fit the implant into the created hole (I read the treatment would need 3-6 months for the titanium implant to bond with my bone)? If this is so, can I then have the canine position on the inside of the aligner coated white, to look like a ‘fake’ tooth? My reason for this query is that the canine position will be very visible and I was hoping I could use the aligner to help mask the gap in my teeth! 2.) Having looked at implants, I would like an experts opinion on the use of modern all-ceramic crowns for implants. I like the look of the CEREC based crowns using Mark II blocks. However, I don’t know how much of my interest is just down to Vita’s good marketing and whether there are better alternatives on the market! If there is, I would very much appreciate your advice on the subject! What are your opinions of PFMs? 3.) Do you happen to know how much the process would cost with an all-ceramic crown in the UK? 4.) Could you recommend a decent dentist in the Cambridgeshire area that do ceramic crowns + implants? 5.) How common is it for UK-based dentists to stain the CEREC restorations and is this part of the normal procedure or does it cost extra? Thanks so much for the advice! Andy

A. hi andy many thanks for your enquiry. firstly after the invisalign treatment is done, it is essential to wear a retainer for the long term to help your teeth stabalise in to position. during this time it is feasible to place the dental implant into the canine area as long as this can be done. the dentist can then also place a false tooth in the invisalign aligner so it looks like you have a tooth. 

Dr Kailesh Solanki
Kissdental
www.kissdental.co.uk
Tel: 0161 748 5250
157 Woodsend Road
Flixton Manchester
M41 8GN
Winner of Best Private dental practice 2007

Q. I broke my two front teeth, two years ago in order for them to be repaired they used the bonding technique. I was told by my dentist that one of my front teeth has a crack up what is left of it and the other one what is left of it is shattered. What I want to know is how long roughly will they last and will I be able to get veneers in the future or will it have to be false teeth (which I really don’t want. Thank You

A. If your teeth haven’t had root canal treatment then the trauma to them is not as bad as it could have been in which case the teeth should last a significant amount of time. It can be difficult to tell you for sure without seeing the teeth or an x-ray. If bonding has been done then veneers or wrap arond porcelain crowns should be a treatment option.
Can your dentist not give you an estimate on how long the teeth will last. If you are unsure with the treatment you have received you could seek an opinion from a restorative dentist. Go to someone who is used to carrying out cosmetic treatments. Ask to see a portfolio so that you can see examples of their work.
If these teeth do eventually fail there is alsways the option of having implants so you may not have to face having false teeth

Dr Komal Suri
Smile Design Dental
www.smiledesigndental.co.uk
Tel: 01296 624163
33 High Street
Wendover Buckinghamshire
HP22 6DU

Q. My regular dentist recommended having my silver fillings replaced with composite fillings. They were in the back 2 teeth on both sides. I wasn’t having any problems before I went in, but the fillings were probably 35 yrs old. She had me in and out of the chair in 30 minutes for each side. I’ve read all the nightmare stories of having this done, and my teeth on the one side are still sore. Is the sensitivity normal, and when can I expect it to go away? I had a second dentist take a look for a second opinion and he says he thinks it might be okay. My bite was adjusted twice. It doesn’t hurt while I’m eating, only after I eat. I’m not sure what to do or if I should just wait it out. This was done mid July. What would you recommend? I’m really upset because I wasn’t having an issue before. Thank you, Susan

A. It does sound like an ” bite ” issue but you would need an clinical Exam

Sorry for the delay during my annual leave

please contact direct if you still require help

Dr Rob Tennet
stjohns.dental@btconnect.com
www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk
0121 643 0610

Dr Rob Tennet
St Johns Dental Practice
www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk
Tel: 0121 643 0610
18 Bennett’s Hill
Birmingham B2 5QJ

Q. Dear Dr Komal Suri. I would like to ask if is possible to make a surgery to put my front tooth in the right position because is pushed out from all of my other teeth. I know i can wear(i don’t know how to write it in english because I’m polish) metal thing that you get from orthodontist. I’ve hear about a very quick surgery that takes few minutes, something that you can pull my tooth and but in back again really fast in the same place. I just want to know if you know something about it and maybe about the price of it. Thank you very much. Sorry for language mistakes. Your sinciarely, Agata

A. It is very difficult to reimplnt a tooth. The only cases in which this is done is when the tooth is knocked out due to some kind of trauma. I wouldn’t advise this type of treatment. It has many more complications and reprecussions that you may not realise. I would never advise a qseemingly quick fix solution to any problem. The best way to have your tooth realigned is to have fixed braces and push the tooth back in to position
Kind regards

Dr Komal Suri
Smile Design Dental
www.smiledesigndental.co.uk
Tel: 01296 624163
33 High Street
Wendover Buckinghamshire
HP22 6DU

Q. Hi i have just had a new crown fitted from my dentist just a month ago, unfortunately it has come off twice within a month. My dentist cut the gum so that the crown would stay on but it still came off. I have had it fitted back on with some stronger cement. What are my options here? because it just doesnt feel right. Can they take it back off and refit it or will that damage the crown and root? My roots at the top are not very stron. Many thanks.

A. It is difficult to diagnose the problem without seeing you but it could either be the crown is too high in your bite so when it is place and you bite your teeth together it is getting an exceessive amount of pressure causeing itto come loose or it could be there is not enough tooth for the crown to hold onto.  I suggest going back to dentist so it can be assessed.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. im getting porcelain veneers and my dentist has prepared my upper teeth(shaved back)ready for my implants and he has put a temporary in until the veneers arrive, but ive been in absolute pain for 2mths, voltarin takes the pain away, but why am i experiencing this pain its in my ears eyes and under my jaw? should i not be getting this done,but my dentist doesnt want to loose a 30 grand job!?and how long can you have a temporary in for? my upper temporary have been in for 2 mths, and my lower temp has been in for 6wks but my lower teeth have’nt been shaved back yet. Am really worried. any advice would be really great thankyou very much!!!!

A. It is difficult to advise you without seeing you.  Sometimes teeth can be sensitive after they are prepared.  It sounds like the pain may either be due to the underlying teeth being exposed or your bite may be incorrect. i would recommend you talk to your dentist and ask for some advice, i would like you to be pain free before the final restorations are placed.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. I am currently considering either composite bonding or maybe porcelain veneers to correct discolouration/fluorosis on my front teeth. Only my four front teeth are affected, the two centrals in particular. Otherwise the teeth are very straight. I am hoping if I get veneers that it will be possible to just get the four front ones done, and that these could be made to blend in with the surrounding ones. Do you feel, in your experience, that a good result could be achieved by this? Also, I have a bit of a ‘black triangle’ between my 2 front teeth. My concern is that if this was closed completely, the shape wouldnt look right. Do patients have much of a say in the shape of the final result? My hope would be that the dentist could follow the shape I currently have, as its really just the surface that i would like to improve, not the size or shape. I understand that it’s difficult for experts to give concise answers without a full consultation, however I’d be grateful for any advice on this. Sorry for all the questions!! Thank you very much, Jen

A. It is harder for 4 veneers, 2 veneers and especially 1 veneer to be matched naturally to your existing teeth.  I have manged to achieve this but it does require your dentist understanding shade, form and surface texture of teeth to a very high level.  The temporary stage of veneers allows the patient ot have some input into the final shape of the definitive veneers.  Black triangles can sometimes be treated but it is very dependant on the size , shape and position of the triangle and the surrounding teeth

Dr Julian Caplan
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.avivacosmeticdentistry.co.uk
101 St. Peters Street
St. Albans Hertfordshire
AL1 3EN

Q. From the age of seven years I have been seeing an orthodontist who told me I have an under bite. The problem was not overly obvious initially, but have since had brace work which had lead to the upper jaw resting further back, showing the under bite and making the whole issue very obvious. I am now 22 and I am still awaiting an operation to correct this problem. Besides the issues of eating habits and drooling, I am very self-conscious of my under bite, which can make speaking or eating a very daunting task as I cannot cover my mouth 24/7. I was wondering whether I was waiting for my operation (which has been delayed since I was 18) if there was any possibilities of having some sort of denture temporarily fixed to the upper jaw to give the illusion that there is no under bite or at least less of one. I have a 1cm or so gap between where the top and bottom front teeth meet. Is there anything that can be done in the short term to at least make me feel less self conscious? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks for your help.

A. There are some products on the market that might help if used in a slightly unconventional fashion. You would need to accept a little trial and error as well as comprimise to get a result.
My first thought would be to try a flexible partial denture base. Costs £5-800

Sorry for the delay during my annual leave

Dr Rob Tennet
www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk
0121 643 0610

Dr Rob Tennet
St Johns Dental Practice
www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk
Tel: 0121 643 0610
18 Bennett’s Hill
Birmingham B2 5QJ

Q. i have occlusion problems and i was referred to an orthodontist [ my teeth are slanting inwards and he recommend braces for a year . i would like to know how can he orthodontist push .force teeth outwards also I am 56 years old and I did not have any occlusion problems until a very heavy filling in back molar tooth/ therefore even though my teeth are inwardly slanting the occlusion problem will not be solved therefore I would like to have an onlay to restore occusion in molar would it be possible to have an restoratin put pn pver filling as I want to preserve as much tooth enamel as possible. I would like your advise

A. It is so difficult to advise you without seeing and assessing your occlusion, taking x-rays and examining your mouth. there may be a simple option but i am afraid i just cant advise you without seeing you. I am sorry.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. I have a problem with receeding gums and my dentist (private) states that now he can only give palative care. He does say that my condition is genetic. However I also have bad discolouration and would like to have teeth whitening done. My question is would it be possible to have teeth whitening in view of my receeding gums?

A. Teeth whitening is certainly possible but you must be aware that you may suffer from severe sensitivity to cold during treatment.  if the prognosis of your teeth is limited you have to aware that you are investing in something with a limited lifespan
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. I have a little gap at the front of my mouth not the front tooth the one after i would like to know what i could have done because when i smile i can really tell that the gap it is there.

A. To treat the gap either orthodontics, composite bonding or veneers will usually solve the problem.  Orthodontics can take a little longer but is usually the first tretment of choice.

Dr Julian Caplan
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.avivacosmeticdentistry.co.uk
101 St. Peters Street
St. Albans Hertfordshire
AL1 3EN

Q. Hi experts. Could you tell me how much i could expect to pay for having my existing teeth exracted and new implants fitted. Thanks S

A. It really depends on what you want to have done, how many teeth need to be removed? how many implants are going to be placed? And how are your teeth going to restored?  there are so many options. treatment could vary from £7000-£60,000 and take between 3 -18 months. I know this is a wide range but it just depends on what you want.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. i have two top teeth in front sticking out but mostly the left middle tooth. My smile curves to the left. Its clear, my smile is not aligned~ I feel my mouth now looks like a beaver and my smile lines are now hollow. I was told if your upper mouth gets flatter, you tend to look older. Yet i feel the opposite! Lumineer was one dentists idea, but ppl are telling me braces are the answer. BUT i am afraid getting the braces will make my mouth stick out more now!! And i’ll have to suffer for 2 yrs…Yet, lumineers arent safe as far as grinding, etc. What option would you recommend?? I NEED REAL HELP!!! thanks!

A. Its difficult to give you exact answers without seeing you, but if you are happy with your teeth i would recommend orthodontics to straighten your teeth. Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth and can take beteween 6-24 months depending on the severity of your teeth.  The main advantage of this is that your natural teeth are preserved.  If you are still unhappy after the orthodontics you could have veneers.  With invisalign treatment you can preview the finished look of your teeth before you start so you can ensure you can be happy with the final result.
I hope this helps
Dr Riten Patel BDS

Dr Riten Patel
The Mulberry
www.mulberrydental.co.uk
Tel: 01932 223 479
18 Ashley Road
Walton on Thames Surrey
KT12 1HS

Q. Hello Dr Caplan. I have had a quadruple heart bypass, and my teeth are petty bad to be honest. They are super sensitive to hot and cold, the upper left molars are all gone. I have only one molar on the upper right, and the bottom front gum has shrunk right down to the bottom of my mouth. the remaining teeth have numerous fillings and I have just had yet another abscess under my last molar. I would love to have them all removed and have a set of dentures, but, I’m very worried about having them all removed at the same time, because of the ‘Bypass’ Would it be better to go ask my own local Dentist or would it be better to go to the University Hospital of Wales Dental dept. Would they even take them out? I’m so fed up of being in pain and having to watch every single thing I put in my mouth. Thank you. Yours Sincerely. Patricia Parker.

A. It is likely you are on warfarin.  This can cause a serious problem with bleeding. Your cardiologists should be asked for their opinion before you decide which route to take.  Your INR level will have to be at the correct level before you can have your teeth removed.

Dr Julian Caplan
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.avivacosmeticdentistry.co.uk
101 St. Peters Street
St. Albans Hertfordshire
AL1 3EN

Q. i’ve lost 6 teeth on the top and 1 on the bottom could these be replaced with some sort of replacment as i’m a bit paranoid about it mainly when i’m talking to people or having to smile for photos etc

A. The ways to treat missing teeth are with a denture, a bridge or an implant or a combination.  There is very likely to be a way of treating your problem of missing teeth.  The next step would be to make an appointment with a dentist.  I provide a free cosmetic consultation which allows you to discuss your problems in more detail and to get a very good idea of the treatment options and the likely costs.  If this is of interest to you please contact my practice on 01727854429

Dr Julian Caplan
Aviva Cosmetic Dentistry
Director on the board of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
www.avivacosmeticdentistry.co.uk
101 St. Peters Street
St. Albans Hertfordshire
AL1 3EN

Q. during the final impression for my crown, the impression material pulled off another crown. Should a lub type of gel be put on all the teeth before you begin the impression? I had a very difficult time opening resulting in the crown being pulled off. The dentist reglued the crown, but now I an having a problem with ths tooth. I this a normal experience?

A. If the crown is lose it is quite common for an impression material to be able to pull it off. you did not mention what problem you are having with it now that it has been recemented so it is very difficult to offer you advise. I recommend that you go to see your dentist and tell him the problems that you have been experiencing so that he can assess the situation and advise you.

Kind regards
Dr J Glaister

Dr Justin Glaister
Umbrella
www.umbrellasmiles.com
Tel: 020 7612 9810
11 Harley Street
London W1G 9PF