Blog

Dental veneers – what do I need to know?

Looking for an easy way to revamp your smile? Veneers could be the solution. Once reserved for A-list celebrities, they’re now available at Kiln Lane Dental – and it’s fair to say, they’ve become a very popular option. Here’s everything you need to know before booking your first appointment.

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are, essentially, wafer-thin shells of porcelain. Bonded to the front surface of the tooth, they are designed to improve cosmetic appearance – whilst also providing additional strength and resilience. They’re custom-made and, depending on your needs (and what you wish to achieve), it’s possible to have either one or multiple veneers fitted at the same time.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers aren’t permanent, but they do last a very long time. In fact, as long as they have been fitted by a professional cosmetic dentist – such as Kiln Lane Dental – they can last for up to 20 years or more. It’s also vital that you take care of them properly. Annual routine check-ups are recommended and, to maximise the lifespan of your new veneers, we also recommend six-monthly hygiene visits.

Does the procedure hurt?

No – getting veneers isn’t as painful as you think. Of course, everyone’s pain threshold is different and you’re likely to experience slight discomfort whilst the veneers are being fitted. But anaesthetic can be used if necessary, and our dentists are trained to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Do porcelain veneers look unrealistic?

Absolutely not. This is a common misconception, often caused by photos of celebrities and their dazzling white teeth – but in reality, veneers are intended to re-create a natural-looking smile. They’re made bespoke to suit you. Our specialist dentists will suggest a shade of porcelain that matches the rest of your teeth and will help to create a smile that is impressive yet realistic.

man selecting a shade for his veneers

Are dental veneers right for me?

If you’d like to repair damaged teeth or improve their appearance, dental veneers are a great option. But, bear in mind, you need to have good oral health – and, during your first consultation, the dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination to make sure you’re suitable for veneers.

You also need to be fully committed to the aftercare of veneers. The procedure involves filing down a thin layer of your natural enamel and, as veneers don’t last forever, you must be prepared to both look after them properly and have them replaced in the future. If not, alternatives – such as composite bonding, Invisalign or whitening – may be a better option for you.

How much do veneers cost?

This depends on how many you wish to have fitted. It’s true, dental veneers are expensive, but they don’t necessarily have to break the bank.  We often find that patients are pleasantly surprised by the cost – especially as veneers are a long-term investment, intended to create your ‘dream’ smile.

Get in touch for veneers in St Helens

If you would like to find out more about dental veneers,  please feel free to get in touch. Our team of dentists are highly skilled and experienced in this area. They’re happy to answer your questions about veneers and can offer tailored advice on whether it’s the right dental procedure for you. Simply call us today on 01744 25776 for a chat and book a consultation at our St Helens-based clinic.

Do you need an emergency dentist in St Helens?

Dental emergencies can be scary and painful – and to make a full recovery, it’s important to seek professional help as quickly as possible. This is why we offer same-day appointments, here at Kiln Lane Dental. We’re proud to be one of the leading emergency dentists in St Helens and we strive to help everyone with an urgent dental problem.

What is a dental emergency?

Generally speaking, a dental emergency is something that requires immediate action – something that can’t wait until your next routine check-up. They’re usually caused by an accident or injury and, as such, may involve severe pain, excessive bleeding and damage to one or more teeth.

Our team of emergency dentists in St Helens can help with:

Extreme toothache

Mild or intermittent toothache doesn’t count as an emergency. But if the pain is severe, and cannot be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, it may be time to contact our specialist dentists.

Dental avulsion

If a tooth has been completely knocked out of its socket, you must seek immediate help. Time is of the essence in this situation, as tissue, blood vessels and nerves are all exposed to potential damage.

A loose tooth

A wobbly or dislodged tooth can be caused by physical trauma or dental infection. To give the tooth the best chance of survival, you should book an appointment as soon as possible.

Missing crowns and fillings

If you’ve lost a crown or filling, the tooth below can become very sensitive. This sensitivity can be painful and therefore, in most cases, it’s worth paying our dental team a visit.

Fractures

A small chip in the enamel of a tooth isn’t an emergency. But a fracture suggests that damage has occurred to the inside of the tooth, as well as the outside, and you should seek urgent help.

How do I get a dental emergency appointment?

If you experience a serious dental problem out of hours, services can be provided by NHS England. Either call your dental practice or NHS 111 for advice on how to get urgent care in your area.

For dental emergencies in ‘regular’ working hours, things are a little easier. Most dental practices, including Kiln Lane Dental, offer same-day emergency appointments. We’re a well-known emergency dentist in St Helens and we make time in our busy schedule for people who need urgent help. Just give our team a call and we will do everything in our power to see you at short notice.

Do I need to be registered at the dental practice?

No. Unlike many other emergency dentists in St Helens, we’re happy to accept both registered and non-registered patients. If you’re suffering from a sudden and painful dental problem, we aim to fit you in the same day and will try to fix the problem as soon as possible.

How much does emergency dentistry cost?

An emergency appointment at Kiln Lane Dental costs £60, plus the cost of any treatments required. However, by subscribing to one of our membership plans, it’s possible to receive a same-day emergency assessment – completely free of charge. These plans give you priority access to our emergency dentists in St Helens. You will be seen within 24 hours and all temporary treatments (including prescriptions for antibiotics) are included in your normal monthly cost.

Why choose us as your emergency dental clinic in St Helens?

woman visiting an emergency dentist in St Helens

Kiln Lane Dental is an established and experienced dental clinic. We have a history of success, particularly when it comes to dental emergencies, and our team of emergency dentists in St Helens can provide the high-quality dental treatment that you need – when you need it the most.

So why not get in touch today? If you’re in need of a St Helens based emergency dentist, give us a call on 01744 25776 to book your same-day appointment. Alternatively, send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

6 reasons to choose us as your dentist in St Helens

Looking for a dentist in St. Helens? Perhaps you have recently moved to the area or just wish to try somewhere new? It’s an important decision to make and, of course, you should do your research carefully. But keep this in mind – Kiln Lane Dental is one of the leading dental practices in St. Helens. Here are some of the reasons why we think you should choose us.

  1. History of success

We are one of the longest standing dentists in St. Helens – having first opened our doors way back in 1965. During this time, we have evolved from a small one-room dentist into a multiple surgery state-of-the-art practice. Our name has become synonymous with high-quality care and, as a testament to our success, we find the same patients returning to us time and time again.

  1. Specialist staff

Our dental practice is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, including specialist dentists, dental surgeons, implantologists, hygienists, nurses, managers and receptionists. We believe having the right team is essential to providing the best service and, as a leading St. Helens dentist, we are committed to the continuous professional development of all of our staff.

  1. A comprehensive range of treatments

The goal is to offer every aspect of dentistry under one roof and, whether you’re looking for a routine check-up or an advanced cosmetic procedure, we can help. We continuously stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and dental materials and some of our most popular treatments currently include Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and tooth whitening.

  1. Bespoke treatment plans

We believe that getting to know you is the key to success – which is why we offer all patients a complimentary consultation. This is a chance for you to visit our dental clinic in St. Helens and chat with an expert about your dental concerns. You can tell us exactly what you want to achieve and our specialist dentists will create a bespoke treatment plan that is perfect for your needs.

  1. A variety of appointments

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been visiting us for years or just need an emergency dentist – as one of the best dentists in St. Helens, we try to help everyone. Same-day appointments are available for both registered and non-registered patients. We open early at 8am and, on Mondays, we also offer late-night appointments until 6.45pm – which means even those with a busy schedule can easily drop in.

  1. Membership schemes

Our standard fees are very competitive. But we’re also proud to offer patients a monthly membership plan – which includes regular oral health examinations, hygiene maintenance, and a number of other benefits. Subscribing to a plan is a great way to get the dental care you need, at a leading St. Helens dentist, and it could save you over £20 a year on routine appointments.

Contact Kiln Lane Dental today

If you would like to find out more about our dental practice in St. Helens and any of the treatments available, please feel free to get in touch. Choosing a new dentist is an important decision and you’re bound to have lots of questions. So why not give us a call on 01744 25776 and chat to one of our experts? Or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk for more information.

Should I have my teeth whitened?

Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a bright, radiant smile or maybe your teeth are not as white as they once were. If so, a professional teeth whitening treatment could be the solution. This is one of the most popular procedures currently offered by UK dentists and, in the following blog, we highlight the top 5 reasons why you should bite the bullet and book your first appointment today.

5 Reasons to have your teeth professionally whitened

  1. Effective results

Countless toothpaste and mouthwashes that can be bought over-the-counter claim to brighten teeth; but, in most cases, these products only remove surface stains and their effect is barely noticeable. A professional tooth whitening procedure is often necessary to achieve the results that you desire – such as zoom tooth whitening or home whitening kits provided by a specialist dentist.

These procedures and kits employ a teeth whitening gel, which speeds up the whitening process and leads to outstanding results. You will finally have the photogenic smile that you have always wanted, and with the right care and maintenance, the effects of the treatment can last for up to 3 years.

  1. Fast effects

If a special occasion is fast-approaching and you would like to create a dazzling smile for the big day, professional tooth whitening is the perfect option for you. A zoom whitening treatment typically involves 3 sessions or less and, thanks to the use of hydrogen peroxide gel, the effects appear immediately following your first appointment. You could have whiter teeth in a matter of minutes!

  1. Safety

Although over-the-counter tooth whitening products are safe to use, there is still an element of risk, and side effects – such as gum irritation and sensitivity – are very common.

By contrast, there are virtually no risks or side effects associated with professional tooth whitening treatments. Your dentist will start by thoroughly checking your teeth and gums, making sure they are healthy enough for the procedure, and stains will be removed without harming your teeth.

  1. Oral hygiene habits

If you have invested in professional tooth whitening, you are more likely to adopt good oral hygiene habits afterwards. You may brush and floss more regularly, avoid cigarettes and dark drinks, and attend routine dental checks – all in an effort to maintain the whitening effects. These habits will not only improve your smile, but they can also help to prevent disease and improve your oral health.

  1. The full smile ‘make-over’

A zoom whitening procedure is a fantastic way to improve the appearance of your teeth; however, in some instances, additional work may be needed to create a ‘perfect’ smile. For example, if your teeth are crooked or gapped, you may need to consider Invisalign® braces or veneers.

Professional dental surgeries typically offer a wide range of treatments and, during your initial consultation, you should discuss exactly which treatments you need to create the best results.

Contact Kiln Lane Dental for tooth whitening in St. Helens

If you are interested in professional tooth whitening treatments, why not contact our team of experts to find out more. Kiln Lane Dental demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area and, thanks to our current home whitening and zoom teeth whitening services in St Helens, we can help you to achieve the smile of your dreams. Either call us today on 01744 25776 or get in touch using our online contact form and we will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.

­­­­­­­

Top 3 benefits of Invisalign® braces

Invisalign® braces are the ideal treatment for anyone looking to achieve their perfect smile without the hassle and pain of metal braces.

The Invisalign® system is a personal treatment plan which involves creating a mould from your teeth to construct a clear set of removable trays for a straighter and healthier smile.

Using the non-invasive process of digital imaging, 3D digital scans are used to construct tailor-made Invisalign® trays that are fitted in a quick and pain-free manner.

At Kiln Lane Dental, we are certified Invisalign® providers. As such, our expert dentists are able to offer clients this beneficial service, which will completely transform your smile and dissipate any imperfections.

 

Top 3 benefits of Invisalign® braces

 1. Improved confidence

The most popular reason many people invest in Invisalign® braces is that they can correct various dentistry issues such as overbite, underbite, gapped, overcrowding, and protruding teeth.

The Invisalign® system is designed to perfectly align your teeth in order to create your ideal smile without the unsightly appearance of metal braces. Invisalign® trays are the perfect solution for anyone dealing with self-esteem issues, as this discreet treatment will ensure that you are more content with your appearance and help to improve your overall confidence.

2. Comfortable wear

The Invisalign® system is purposely designed to offer comfort to the wearer.

Metal braces can cause a significant amount of discomfort due to the wire irritating gums and teeth. Having an Invisalign® eliminates the need for wires, as our professional dentists will ensure that your trays perfectly match your teeth through the moulding process. This involves the use of polyutherane resin, which is a virtually invisible dentistry mould that holds the trays together.

3. Convenience

One of the main advantages of investing in Invisalign® braces is that they are removable. You simply remove them while you are eating and pop them back in once you are done.

They also allow you to clean your teeth as usual by simply taking out your trays before brushing and flossing – much more convenient than metal braces, which require vigorous scrubbing in order to remove unwanted food.

How Kiln Lane Dental can help you

At Kiln Lane Dental, we can provide you with the full Invisalign® treatment in our St Helens based dental surgery, where our expert dental team can help you achieve your dream smile within less than two years’ time.

If you wish to find out more about our Invisalign® service, you can contact us via email or speak directly to one of our professional team members on 01744 25776.