Your smile makeover
If you’re thinking about improving your smile, a consultation with Dr. Jackie Bracken is an excellent place to start. Jackie is a specialist orthodontist with an extensive background in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers.
Our beautiful orthodontic practices in Clonmel and Newbridge are dedicated to straightening teeth, but we can liaise closely with other dentists and specialists to plan your dream smile.
If you are happy with the size, shape and colour of your teeth, orthodontic treatment will move them into the perfect positions. If you have any other concerns about your smile, we can explore complementary treatments like teeth whitening, bonding and dental implants.
Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular accompaniment to braces that we offer in-house. Professional teeth whitening kits are a safe and effective way to brighten your teeth at home. You can build up your results gradually, and top-up the whiteness of your teeth as needed.
Before we start your treatment, we’ll carry out a thorough examination to make sure your teeth and gums are suitable for whitening. Unfortunately, teeth whitening isn’t recommended for under 18s.
Contouring
If your teeth are very slightly chipped or misshapen, you could benefit from teeth contouring, or shaping, as it’s also known. Your dentist will very carefully contour the edges of your teeth by removing tiny amounts of enamel.
Your enamel protects your teeth, so contouring is best for subtle tweaks. When teeth contouring is performed correctly by a skilled clinician, it’s quick, safe and painless.
Bonding
Teeth bonding is another technique to improve the shape of your teeth. Instead of removing enamel, it builds up your teeth using tooth-coloured composite. In experienced hands, the results can be amazing and indistinguishable from your own teeth.
Teeth bonding isn’t a permanent solution, so you may need top-up treatments from time to time. In most cases, it’s completely reversible and won’t cause any damage to your natural teeth. For some patients, it’s an excellent alternative to veneers.
Veneers
If your teeth are misshapen or stained and contouring or bonding can’t achieve the desired result, dental veneers may be an option. A dental veneer disguises your natural tooth behind a thin façade. You can make your teeth whiter, longer and more balanced within a few appointments.
The downside of veneers is that they can often be destructive to teeth. Your dentist will most likely need to remove some enamel to fit your veneers, which is irreversible. If your teeth are simply crooked, braces are a much kinder long-term solution.
Crowns
A dental crown can help to completely cover a broken, decayed or damaged tooth. Your new crown will be expertly crafted from porcelain to fit over your natural tooth, which will be filed down to a small peg.
Your crown will look just like a normal tooth and should last for many years with some TLC. If you are missing a tooth, crowns can be fitted either side to support a fake tooth, which is known as a bridge.
Implants
Dental implants are another way to replace missing teeth. A titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone to support a crown. Implants don’t damage the surrounding teeth, and your new tooth will feel and function just like your own.
If we’re planning a dental implant, or any cosmetic treatment, after braces or Invisalign, we can move your teeth into the ideal positions. By leaving just the right amount of space or moving a specific tooth into a precise position, we can minimise damage to your teeth and enhance your finished smile.
To start planning your smile makeover, contact us to arrange a consultation with Dr. Jackie Bracken. You’ll enjoy a comprehensive orthodontic assessment, a digital preview of your projected smile and time to ask us all your questions.
