Growing Smiles: A Parent’s Guide to Building Lifelong Dental Habits in Guiseley Families

As parents, we all want the best for our children – which also means ensuring that they develop healthy habits that will benefit them all their life. One of the most crucial – yet often overlooked – aspects of child development is building proper dental hygiene routines. The habits your child develops during their early years will have a significant impact on their oral health in adulthood and even later in life. This makes your role as a parent absolutely vital in this journey.

Why Lifelong Dental Habits Matter

Building healthy dental habits right from early childhood isn’t just about preventing cavities. Good oral health is linked to overall health and wellbeing. Children who create poor dental habits have an increased risk of experiencing tooth decay, gum disease, and health complications associated with poor dental health as they grow. Taken one step further, dental issues can impact a child’s self-esteem, how they socialise, and their educational experience particularly if they experience pain or discomfort there are issues happening to their mouths.

Repeatedly, research has shown children who obtain proper oral hygiene care at an early age, maintain proper oral care as they grow. This means, that the time you commit developing healthy dental habits today are going to be worth it for years to come, and could possibly save your child from painful and costly dental health procedures.

The Crucial Role of Parents

Parents are the first and most influential teachers of their child. Kids tend to mirror the actions and habits of their parents. This means, your attitude towards oral hygiene, the routines you establish, and the priority you set with respect to dental care will eventually have an impact on your child’s oral health.

Your role is more than simply reminding your child to brush their teeth—you have the larger responsibility to create an environment that promotes a positive association with oral hygiene, making tooth brushing enjoyable versus just something he/she has to do, and ensuring he/she understands the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Essential Strategies for Building Lifelong Dental Habits

Here are some key strategies parents can follow to build lifelong dental habits:

A Parent's Guide to Building Lifelong Dental Habits in Guiseley Families

Start Early and Be Consistent

Good dental habits are developed long before your child’s first tooth comes in. Gently cleaning the baby’s gums with a soft cloth after every feeding helps create an oral care routine. After the first teeth come in, you can introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is important to create a routine to brush the teeth two times per day, from the very beginning, to solidify the habit of oral care as part of daily living.

Also Read: Braces vs. Aligners in Everyday Life: What Guiseley Patients Wish They Knew Before Choosing

Make It Fun and Engaging

Make brushing enjoyable! Think about colourful toothbrushes, playing your child’s favourite song during brushing time, creating a reward chart for consistent oral care, etc. Many parents in Guiseley have success with some of the electric toothbrushes designed for kids. They commonly have timers that sound out and options that make it fun with games. 

Lead by Example

Children learn more from what they see than what they are told. Make sure you yourself are demonstrating excellent oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth with your child and showing them proper technique will highlight the importance of family dental care for all ages.

Education Through Age-Appropriate Communication

Help your child understand why dental care matters by explaining it in terms they can grasp. For younger children, you might talk about how to keep the sugar bugs off their teeth. As children grow, you can introduce slightly clearer language explaining how bacteria cause decay, and why we need to keep brushing our teeth often. Books, videos or educational apps can be really helpful in reinforcing this concept.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular visits to a child-friendly dental clinic in Guiseley should begin by your child’s first birthday or within six months of the appearance of their first tooth. These early visits help your child get familiar with the dental environment while also allowing for early detection of any potential issues. Regular family dental checkups in Guiseley also emphasise the importance of professional dental care and help prevent dental anxiety from developing.

Monitor and Supervise

While making the child independent is important, they typically need supervision with brushing until they are around seven or eight years old. Even after they are capable of brushing independently, periodic supervision ensures they are doing it properly and spending enough time on each area of their mouth.

Also Read: Finding the Best Dentist for Kids: Key Factors to Consider

Create a Positive Dental Environment at Home

Ensure your home environment supports good dental habits. Keep healthy snacks readily available while restricting sweetmeats. Provide easy access to oral care supplies, and consider having a special cup for rinsing after each meal. Making dental care easily accessible eliminates barriers to maintaining good dental habits. Your pediatric dentist in Guiseley may help you understand how to create a positive dental environment at home.

Building Healthy Foundations in Guiseley

Living in Guiseley or the larger Leeds area may provide wonderful opportunities to support your child’s dental health. The community’s focus on family wellbeing and health consciousness creates an environment where good dental habits can easily flourish. You may take advantage of local resources, connect with other parents, and participate in dental awareness campaigns, often run by dental practices near you. Remember that building these habits is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.

What Our Patients Say

Choosing a dental practice you can trust makes all the difference. Here’s what local Guiseley families are saying about One Two Three Dental and Dr. Kate Laidler:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Laurie Petrucci
Kate Laidler is an excellent dentist. We have been seen by her for over a decade now and she is always friendly, descriptive and patient with every check up. Highly recommended.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Abi Liddle
I can highly recommend Kate Laidler – she’s provided excellent care to me over the last 10 years and has been checking my children’s teeth since they were toddlers.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ John Marshall
Both my daughter and I have both been for checkups today and were treated very caringly and professionally throughout. Kate Laidler explained everything to us and carried out thorough checkups whilst keenly adhering to Covid-19 guidelines. We were made to feel very welcome and secure during our time at the practice. Our family have been patients there for many years and have been thoroughly impressed with our treatment during that time, especially more recently in such trying times. Highly recommended.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Josh Gamble
Kate Laidler is a really good dentist. She is very efficient and explains what needs to be done to improve your dental health. She is really friendly and welcoming. 5 stars from me.

Conclusion

Establishing lifelong dental habits in your children is one of the most valuable gifts you can provide. The dental health routine you create today will influence their oral health, confidence and overall wellbeing for years to come.

If you are looking for the best family dentist near you to support your family’s dental health journey, the experienced team at One Two Three Dental – a trusted dental practice in Guiseley – is here to help. Our team understands the unique needs of families in Guiseley and is committed to making family dentistry a positive experience for you as well as for your children.

Ready to give your family the right start in dental health?

We encourage you to schedule your consultation with us to find out how we can support your journey towards growing beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

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Braces vs. Aligners in Everyday Life: What Guiseley Patients Wish They Knew Before Choosing

When it comes to deciding between braces and aligners, many dental patients in Guiseley end up being confused. Since this is largely a personal choice, the very experienced adult and pediatric orthodontists at One Two Three Dental here provides key information to help you decide on the right orthodontic treatment option for you.

Speaking of aligners, it must be borne in mind that they can fix the majority of (but not all) orthodontic issues; unlike braces.It is therefore crucial to discuss which option will likely deliver the best outcomes, during your initial orthodontic consultation.

Thankfully, most patients have both options available to them. So, they can choose either of two based on their personal preference and what best matches their lifestyle. Let’s dig deeper into these orthodontic solutions to help you understand which is a better option for you.

Aligners

Usually made of plastic, clear aligners are customised to fit your teeth. Each aligner gradually relocates the teeth in steps towards its ideal position. Tiny bulges of tooth-colored composite resin are carefully placed on specific teeth to help the aligner grip them firmly, which facilitates effective tooth movement. At One Two Three Dental, we offer advanced Invisalign in Guiseley, Leeds, which is a series of removable and nearly invisible aligners.

Braces vs. Aligners in Everyday Life _Heading

Advantages of Clear Aligners:

Braces vs. Aligners in Everyday Life

  • Appearance: Aligners (sometimes referred to as ‘invisible braces’) are less conspicuous than fixed braces, because they are clear and made to fit the teeth. For many patients, this is also an important consideration.
  • Diet: Once the aligners are removed to eat, they won’t affect your diet. You can still be able to consume whatever food you want. On the other hand, it can be discomforting or difficult to eat certain foods with braces – and some may even cause breakages, which might delay treatment and require additional visits to the orthodontist near you for braces to get them repaired.
  • Hygiene: You can brush and floss normally when you are wearing aligners because they are removable. This is an important difference since teeth cleaning can be challenging for many patients with fixed braces.

  • Braces vs. Aligners in Everyday Life:
  • Appointments: Since the movement of your misaligned teeth are planned in advance by your orthodontist, your visits to the best orthodontics practice near you are simple and often fewer, compared to fixed braces. This can be a big advantage for time-poor patients.
  • Comfort: In comparison to fixed braces, clear aligners are more comfortable. While your teeth may be tender during the shifting phase, your cheeks and lips would remain less irritated with aligners since they are made of plastic, making them smoother than braces that are usually made of either metal or ceramic. This may be a key factor to consider for people who play contact or semi-contact sports.

Also Read: Unlock Your Perfect Smile: Smile with Invisalign & Teeth Straightening

Disadvantages of Aligners:

  • Compliance: For effective outcomes, aligners are required to be worn at least 22 hours a day. It means to only removed them for cleaning and for eating. Some patients might feel self-conscious about removing the aligners in public.
  • Effectiveness: While aligners are effective in the majority of teeth straightening cases, it is not recommended in some complex cases, where braces are deemed more suitable. If you still choose to go for aligners, the final result may not be as effective as braces.
  • Cost: The cost of aligners in some cases can be higher than braces, but in general it is the same for both. You can discuss the costs of braces and Invisalign near you with your orthodontist before choosing one.

Also Read: How Much Does Composite Bonding Cost in Leeds in 2025?

Braces

Made of metal or ceramic, braces are affixed to the teeth. Rubber bands and metal wires help create the force needed to move the teeth into the right position.

Aligners in Everyday Life

Advantages of Braces:

  • Applicability: While clear aligners are suitable for most cases, braces can treat all types of teeth straightening cases.
  • Variety: There are several types of coloured and non-coloured metal braces. You can also go for ceramic braces that are way more discreet than their metal counterparts.
  • Compliance: Since braces are attached to the teeth, you don’t forget to wear them – and there is no chance of losing them. This might be helpful for those patients who are not quite motivated when it comes to complying with proper wearing of aligners.

Disadvantages of Fixed Braces:

  • Hygiene: Compared to aligners, cleaning the teeth is far more challenging with braces. Without proper cleaning, the teeth could get damaged. This may require removal of your braces early, even before you start seeing actual results of the braces.
  • Diet: Your diet needs to be modified if you choose to wear braces. Hard food items and nighttime grinding may result in breakages, which can stop or slow down the progress of your treatment. Moreover, braces make you more susceptible to tooth decay, so you would need to avoid sugary or sticky foods. A poor diet coupled with poor oral hygiene can take a serious toll on your treatment.
  • Comfort: In general, braces cause more discomfort than aligners since they might rub on the lips and cheeks. Since some individuals may experience this discomfort more than others, it is usually a major factor to consider for people involved in some specific types of activities, like sports.
  • Appearance: Braces (even those made of ceramic) are more conspicuous compared to clear aligners. This may be a key consideration for some individuals based on their personality, preference, hobby and personality.
  • Appointments: The appointments for orthodontic braces near you are generally longer, often requiring active adjustments to be performed. More frequent visits are also required with braces.

Final Words

When it is about choosing between braces and aligners, there are a lot of factors to consider. We hope that the discussion above will come in handy in deciding which of the two options is best suited to your needs and goals. While none of them are either right or wrong, understanding your option and what it would mean to you on a day-to-day basis is crucial. Consider the pros or cons of each that matter to you to make an informed decision.

Say Goodbye to Stains: The Many Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening

The global teeth whitening market is anticipated to reach USD 12.77 billion by 2032 from USD 8.52 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 5.24%. This figure highlights the fact that people worldwide are increasingly embracing teeth whitening treatment to attain a healthy-white smile and realise the incredible benefits associated with it.

If you are planning for a teeth whitening procedure, you might have some idea about the benefits of the teeth whitening process. But, chances are you are not aware of all of them.

The experienced team at One Two Three Dental – a leading dental practice in Guiseley, Leeds – has put together a list of all possible advantages of teeth whitening treatment. The list will provide you with a run-through of everything one can expect from professional teeth whitening.

1. People Will Get More Attracted towards You

It’s a scientifically proven fact that when you meet people, your smile is perhaps one of the key features that not only allows you to attract more people, but it also helps you create a great first impression on them.

With professional whitening treatment for the teeth, one can expect to have a much easier time making new friends and building professional relationships. It will also give you the confidence that your looks would leave a positive impression during such meetups.

2. You Will Observe a Significant Boost in Your Self-Esteem

Say Goodbye to Stains2

A brighter smile means a more confident you. For the majority of people, their physical appearance is a significant factor to consider with respect to their self-worth.

This means, with the professional teeth whitening procedure, you can immediately realise a boost in the way you perceive yourself. With a brighter smile, you will be glowing and people will surely notice the new version of you.

Also Read: Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Matter: Expert Advice for New Patients

3. You Will Have a Healthier Mouth

Maintaining great oral health is the ultimate aim of any dental procedure since it is an important component of your overall health. Poor mouth health may gradually result in a plethora of health issues. These may include problems, such as heart ailments, digestive issues, cancer, organ failure, and even death in severe cases.

When getting teeth whitening by an experienced dental professional, you will have your dental stains removed in a proper manner, which improves their strength as well as your oral health.

4. Professional Teeth Whitening Is a Fast Procedure

Many dental procedures are time-consuming. Plus, with some procedures, it may take some time – ranging from days to weeks – to see visible benefits. Luckily, teeth whitening treatment is not among such slow procedures.

With teeth whitening treatment, you can expect a qualified dental professional to revive your smile in around two week with a at home kit, there are alternatives for inhouse procedures which can also be discussed with your dentist. While some over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products do make similar claims, the quality of outcomes as well as how fast you can see visible results with a professional treatment is simply incomparable.

5. Professional Teeth Whitening Is a Completely Safe Procedure

If you are planning to have teeth whitening with OTC products, you may need to reconsider your decision. This is because a number of OTC treatments are known to cause severe damage to the tooth enamel and the gum.

With a qualified dental professional in Guiseley, you can expect the teeth whitening process to be safe, comfortable and reassuring while receiving the necessary care for your overall oral health. Additionally, you can get expert advice on how to maintain your results.

6. It Will Contribute to Your Personal Hygiene

Let’s face it, people judge you on the basis of their perception of personal hygiene. With stained teeth – no matter if you brush them daily – they will create an opinion about how seriously you take personal hygiene.

Whitening your teeth is a superb option if you want to put your best foot forward and want people to admire your personal hygiene competence.

7. Teeth Whitening Treatment May Benefit Your Mental Health

Professional teeth whitening not only gives you a beautiful smile, but it may also improve your mental health. Poor oral health is known to give rise to many cognitive issues later in life.

When you get your teeth whitened by a qualified dental professional in Guiseley, you actually receive the care you need to lower that risk.

Moreover, if you are constantly worried about your physical appearance, it may result in mental health issues. With brighter teeth white and enhanced confidence, you can keep such worries at bay while putting yourself in a position to stay mentally fit.

8. A Brighter Smile for a Brighter Future

A brighter, beautiful smile can be the gateway to new opportunities in life. It might sound narcissistic, but it is a hard fact that looks directly affect how people perceive you.

With a brighter, attractive smile, you are more likely to be noticed in professional meetings, job interviews and social gatherings. This can also positively affect your earning potential.

9. Teeth Whitened Can be Personalised

Every individual is unique, so is their mouth. Hence, the oral procedures must be customised to avoid unwanted damage and maximise potential outcomes. Sadly, OTC products usually offer a one-size-fits-all whitening solution. Considering these whitening options often cause more harm than good.

However, if you are considering professional teeth whitening treatment, you can be 100% sure about the safety of the procedure. The dental professional involved will monitor every step of the way to avoid any complications and to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the outcome.

10. It Is Affordable to Have Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth-Whitening-2

The medical marketplace is flooded with numerous life-changing procedures. Unfortunately, most of them are not affordable for the average person.

However, in light of the myriad benefits offered by professional teeth whitening treatment, you get instant, long-lasting results at incredibly low prices.

So, if you are looking for a teeth whitening procedure with exceptional cosmetic and health advantages and a high return on investment, getting professional teeth whitening is your best bet.


Final Words

While planning to get professional teeth whitening, it is important to know that there are various health and cosmetic benefits of the procedure. Having said that, it is equally crucial to understand the risks associated with teeth whitening through DIY methods.

For enhanced teeth whitening treatment safety and better outcomes, the procedure must always be performed under the supervision of a qualified professional.

Also Read: When to Seek Emergency Dental Services: A Guide for Local Residents

Remember that a brighter, healthier smile is a professional teeth whitening treatment away!

If you live in Guiseley and are looking to revive your smile with professional teeth whitening, look no further than One Two Three Dental.

One Two Three Dental has been helping people achieve their dream smile at competitive rates for several decades. Leveraging our unmatched expertise and years of experience, we are committed to offering high-quality dental care service and treatments in the welcoming ambience of our beautiful practice in Guiseley, Leeds.

Whether you have recently moved to Guiseley and are searching for a trusted dental practice near you – or you are planning for teeth whitening treatment for the first time, we encourage you to book a consultation with One Two Three Dental today to learn what all we can do to restore or improve your smile.

Why Regular Dental Check-Ups Matter: Expert Advice for New Patients

Preventive care starts at the dentist. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for a growing smile. Many people skip dental visits, believing that they are not needed unless there is an issue. But staying on top of preventive dental care can help you avoid such serious conditions as cavities, gum disease, and even loss of teeth. This is why regular check-ups at OneTwoThree Dental are important to keep your oral health in top shape.

How Often You Should Visit the Dentist?

Dentists also recommend coming in for a routine check-up and cleaning at least twice per year. But if you already have dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay, you’ll probably need to go more often.

OneTwoThree Dental: Book Your First Dental Appointment Now and Protect Your Smile For Many Years


Why are regular dental check-ups important?

Dental check-ups help Identifying dental issues in the preseason. Cavities and gum disease tend to evolve without notice. Prevention check up helps in early detection of issues before they get severe thus avoiding long and costly treatments.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

If you have the best brushing and flossing habits in the world, plaque and tartar still builds up over time. Professional cleaning removes stubborn deposits that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

Regular-Dental-Check-Ups_One-Two-Three-Dental2

Preventing Gum Disease

Almost half of all adults aged over 30 suffer from gum disease.Regular visits help to catch gingivitis before it manifests in serious conditions like periodontitis and loss of teeth.

Detecting Oral Cancer Early

Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease, but the survival rates dramatically improve with early diagnosis. Oral cancer screening is a part of your regular dental check-up to catch the disease in the early stages.

Also Read: When to Seek Emergency Dental Services: A Guide for Local Residents

Maintaining Fresh Breath

Chronic bad breath (halitosis),can run due to plaque build-up or gum disease. Regular cleaning and check-ups will keep your breath clean and fresh.

Keeping Your Smile Bright

Regular cleanings by a professional also remove stains caused by coffee, tea, smoking and some foods, so your smile stays white and bright.

Do you want a brighter, healthier smile? Call OneTwoThree Dental today to book your appointment!

Preventing Tooth Loss

Failing to attend regular dental check-ups can result in serious gum disease — the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular check-ups help to treat issues at an early stage, before natural teeth can be lost.

Building Your Overall Health

Regular Dental Check-Ups_One Two Three Dental1

Studies have shown a strong connection between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. Seeing the dentist regularly can reveal health problems lurking beneath the surface.

Reducing Finances on Expensive Treatments

As an alternative, preventative care is relatively cheap compared to treating advanced oral health issues. When caught early, cavities and gum disease can be treated easily without the need for costly procedures like root canals or extractions.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

A bright and healthy smile is the best way to boost your confidence and make a good impression in social interactions. You’ll keep a smile that you can be proud of through regular dental visits.

OneTwoThree Dental – Don’t wait – make your appointment at the dentist today!

What to Expect From a Routine Dental Check-Up?

Step 1: Dental Examination

Your dentist will check your teeth, gums and mouth for any signs of decay, gum disease or oral cancer.

Step 2: X-Rays (If needed)

X-rays may be evaluated for undetectable dental problems such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, or bone loss.

X-Ray_One-Teo-Three-Dental

Step 3: Professional Cleaning

A dental hygienist will clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and polish them up for a smooth surface.

Step 4: Oral Hygiene Guidance

Your specific brushing, flossing and oral health recommendations will come from your dentist.

A preventive or diagnostic visit is critical to prevent common dental problems

Cavities – Can be caught early easing the need for decay removal and expense.
Gum Disease — Deep cleanings help you avoid gum infections and tooth loss.  
Tooth Sensitivity – Find out what’s behind it and get treatment before it gets worse.  
Tooth Loss – Preventive care helps keep your natural teeth in place, avoiding tooth loss from decay and gum disease.
Oral Infections – Early treatment of infections minimizes complications.

Also Read: Growing Smiles: A Parent’s Guide to Building Lifelong Dental Habits in Guiseley Families

Did you know? People who visit the dentist bi-annually are 50% less likely to face serious dental problems than those who miss check-ups.

Cost-Effectiveness of Preventive Dental Care

Many people will miss a quarterly dental checkup due to the cost, yet preventive is always better than treatment. For example:

  • A cavity filling is far less expensive than either a root canal or tooth extraction.
  • Routine cleanings also prevent gum disease, which, if left untreated, will require expensive treatments like deep cleaning or gum grafting.
  • Spotting oral health problems early can spare thousands in possible future dental costs.

Invest in your smile today! OneTwoThree Dental affordable professional service with expert staff book now

Conclusion

A healthy smile and overall well-being starts with regular dental check-ups! Inevitably, detecting dental problems early on, and avoiding serious issues such as gum disease and oral cancer, these appointments are vital components of your healthcare practices.

Your Dental Health Matters, Schedule an Appointment at one Two Three Dental Today!

Re-opening For Routine Care

To our valued patients,

Firstly I hope you and your loved ones remain safe and well.

We are pleased to inform you that we will be returning to routine dental care as of Monday the 20th of July including provision of dental health examinations and hygiene appointments. We look forward to welcoming all of you back to the practice over the coming months!

All of the staff here at One Two Three Dental are looking forward to seeing you all, and hopefully the start of things returning to normal. While many things have changed, our commitment to you and delivering exemplary patient care has remained steadfast.

Continue reading “Re-opening For Routine Care”

Is It Better to Use an Electric or a Manual Toothbrush?

Brushing our teeth is one of the most fundamental things that we can do in order to keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy. How and when we do this can also make a real difference, as can the type of toothbrush that we use and how frequently it is replaced.

Patients often ask which of the two is better: electric or manual toothbrushes? Actually, both have their own advantages. Whilst both types of brushes can be extremely effective in keeping the teeth clean, healthy and shiny, each of them has some distinctive advantages, which we discuss further in this blog.

Continue reading “Is It Better to Use an Electric or a Manual Toothbrush?”

Filling vs. Inlay vs. Onlay vs. Crown: What’s The Difference And Which Is The Right One For You?

What is a dental inlay? What about a dental onlay? What is a crown? And when might your dentist recommend either one of them? Fillings and cavities are part of the equation, both of which you may be more familiar with. We’ve put together an infographic to provide you some more information to fill in the gaps and get a better idea of what type of treatment your dentist may recommend if you have a cavity.

The Dental Filling Vs The Inlay

In theory, these two can often be used interchangeably, but inlays are typically reserved for much larger cavities. They both involve removing the existing cavity with a drill and filling that empty space, but how that space is filled is where they primarily differ. With a filling, an amalgam or composite material is used to fill the space, and it’s a much quicker process, involving only a single visit.

With an inlay, the space is filled with a single, solid piece that is usually fabricated in a lab and they are typically made out of a material like gold or ceramic. The inlay must be made precisely to the shape and size of the empty space, otherwise food and bacteria will enter the space, resulting in further decay. The upside to an inlay is that they do not contract to the same degree as a filling after being placed, so there is less chance of the restoration failing for that reason, or creating a gap between the filling and the surrounding tooth structure. Inlays also create a tougher and theoretically more durable surface for use when chewing, and as such, an inlay should be more reliable long term, although the data on that is mixed and inconclusive.

Also Read: Managing your toothache at home.

Onlays Vs Dental Crowns

These are your more major single-tooth restorations, reserved for larger areas of decay where a filling or inlay won’t work due to the amount of tooth structure that must be removed. The primary distinction between an onlay and an inlay is that an onlay will cover a cusp of the tooth, whereas an inlay only fills the area between the cusps. The cavity is still drilled from the tooth, and an onlay is fabricated to the exact size and shape of the space. Conversely, a crown will cover the entire biting surface of the tooth, as well as the tooth structure above the gum line.

Compared to a crown, an onlay is a less aggressive restoration when one can be performed, as less tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place the onlay. The costs are similar, but an onlay is a little cheaper than a crown. As such, an onlay is actually the preferred restoration when possible. However, the caveat here is that an onlay is more difficult to do correctly and more reliant on the skill of the dentist.

Your dentist will talk through the various options available with you and will consider a number of factors including extent of the repair, where in your mouth the filling is needed and the cost, before advising you which type of filling material is best suited for you.

For more information, book a consultation by calling 01943 874476 today.

creating healthy, confident smiles

Making losing baby teeth extra special!

Losing baby teeth can be troubling for a young child, so here’s some special (and simple!) ideas from OhHonestly.net to help celebrate the loss of  your child’s baby teeth. These ideas are something you can do in addition to the Tooth Fairy (or without her) . We do hope you find one or several that you can incorporate into your celebration.  Continue reading “Making losing baby teeth extra special!”