Well done! You have completed the orthodontic phase of your treatment. This means that the teeth have been moved into a position that will allow us to either replace missing teeth or reshape your current teeth. 

What is important for me to do?

You must continue to brush your teeth as best as possible. Any plaque, decay or gum disease will prevent the Restorative Dentistry team from being able to complete the treatment.

The better your tooth cleaning the better your outcome will be.

You must continue to wear your retainers as per the advice from the Orthodontic Department. If you do not wear your retainers the teeth will move back to their previous positions.

What are the next steps?

You will be provided with an appointment in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. You will be seen by a dentist who will discuss the case with you and plan how to take things forwards. The first appointment in the department is likely to involve photography and impressions to plan your treatment. In some cases treatment can start without the need for further information.

What will the treatment involve?

Reshaping teeth

Changing the shape of teeth generally involves the addition of composite resin. Through this material the teeth can be made wider, longer and improve the shape. This generally does not involve damaging the teeth and the white resin is stuck to the surface of the tooth. Depending on your case a rubber sheet is fitted to the teeth to ensure dryness whilst the resin is being applied. Your bite may change with the change in shape of the teeth-this is normal. 

Replacing teeth

The majority of cases in the department are managed through the provision of resin bonded bridge. This involves the attachment of a hand made porcelain tooth to an adjacent tooth by way of a strong glue. This is a predictable technique which does not involve damage to the tooth and is supported by a large amount of research. The bridge has two parts. One is a metal wing that attaches to the back or the top of a natural tooth, the other is a porcelain tooth made to match the colour of the teeth that sits on top of the gum. The fitting of the bridge can take up to 2 hours. In some cases a rubber sheet is used to ensure the teeth are dry during fitting. Your bite may change once the bridge is fitted-this is normal.

A new retainer

As the shape of the teeth have now changed your old retainer does not fit as it did previously. The dentist will either make arrangements for a new retainer to be fitted in the Restorative Dentistry Department or within the Orthodontic Department. Please follow the advice on retainer wear as this is crucial for maintaining the outcome we have achieved for you.

Future care

Once treatment is completed you may require a review in the Orthodontic Department. At this point your cleaning will be assessed and any queries you have can be answered. Your treatment in the Restorative Dentistry Department will be maintained by your General Dentist. If the resin needs to be replaced or there are issues with the bridge you need to attend your dentist.

If at some point they need some advice or guidance they can refer to the Department of Restorative Dentistry for a consultation.