Cosmetic dentistry Birmingham

What Causes Crooked Teeth and How to Straighten Them?

What Causes Crooked Teeth and How to Straighten Them?

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Do you know what is the first thing people notice about you when you meet them for the first time? It’s your smile and your facial appearance. So, if someone has a charming smile and a set of perfectly aligned teeth, they will be perceived as more attractive and approachable. Similarly, people with flawed smiles or crooked teeth are considered unattractive. 

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, don’t let them come in the way of your self-confidence. There are various treatment options available to straighten crooked teeth and help you enjoy an attractive smile. So, what causes crooked teeth and how to straighten them? If you’re looking for an answer to this question, then you have come to the right place. This blog will explain everything you need to know about crooked teeth and their treatment. So, read on! 

Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

Crooked teeth should be straightened for various reasons. 

  • Smile and Facial Aesthetics – crooked teeth can significantly affect one’s smile and facial aesthetics. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that people with straighter teeth and attractive smiles were perceived as more approachable and attractive than those with flawed smiles. 
  • Oral Health Maintenance – another reason for having straight teeth is one’s oral health. Did you know that it is more difficult to ensure optimal cleaning with misaligned teeth? Therefore, crooked teeth are at a higher risk of developing oral health-related complications such as gum disease, and tooth decay. 
  • Physical Health and Well-being – did you know that optimal food digestion is highly dependent on our teeth? Straight and optimally aligned teeth allow for optimal chewing and food digestion, while crooked teeth make it harder to break down food into smaller pieces. This can lead to physical health-related problems such as generalised weakness and indigestion. 

How To Fix Crooked Teeth?

The most effective way to fix crooked teeth is by straightening them through orthodontic treatment. This is because orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign clear aligners addresses the underlying issues and helps restore one’s smile and oral health. 

However, many people do not want to wait for many months to have their teeth straightened with aligners or braces. In such cases, there is a cosmetic alternative available with composite bonding and veneers. In the cosmetic treatment option, your dentist will mask the tooth misalignment aesthetically by using tooth-coloured cosmetic bonded fillings or porcelain veneers. Although this is a quick-fix solution, it does not fix the underlying problem of tooth misalignment. 

What’s The Best Solution For Teeth Gap And Receding Gums?

In gum recession, the gums start to move downward from their position due to underlying gum disease. This not only makes the teeth appear longer, but gaps also start to form between the teeth. This compromised aesthetic condition can be fixed with braces or clear aligners. Alternatively, your dentist may use veneers or composite bonding to cosmetically fix the issue. 

Are Braces The Only Solution For Crooked Teeth?

Many people find metal braces inconvenient and unaesthetic. If you have also been avoiding orthodontic treatment because you don’t want to wear those conspicuous braces, then there are other options available to straighten your teeth. For example, you can straighten your teeth using Invisalign clear aligners, which are an inconspicuous, convenient, and more comfortable alternative to braces. 

Can A Cosmetic Dentist Fix A Crooked Tooth?

A cosmetic dentist can use various treatment options to fix a crooked tooth. For example, cosmetic bonding is one of the most commonly used options for fixing damaged teeth. Similarly, porcelain veneers can be applied to crooked teeth to restore their aesthetics. Finally, a large aesthetic defect on a tooth can also be fixed with porcelain crowns. Your dentist will recommend a cosmetic treatment option based on the extent of the aesthetic issue. 

Can Veneers Fix Receding Gums?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to grow gums back once they start receding. So, the only treatment option in this case is to apply a veneer on the exposed tooth surface. Besides, your dentist can also perform gum grafting to restore the optimal height and position of the gums. 

Which Is The Right Age To Get Teeth Braces For Uneven Teeth?

The best age for getting braces in children is 10 – 14. At this stage, all the permanent teeth have come in, and the bones are actively growing and flexible. So, when the braces apply forces on your teeth, the jawbone and facial muscles will adapt accordingly and allow for easier tooth movement and alignment. So, it is advisable to start orthodontic treatment at an early age. 

Can I Get Dental Bonding Instead Of Braces?

Dental bonding can be used as an alternative to braces to aesthetically fix mild to moderate tooth alignment issues. However, it should be kept in mind that bonding will only fix the cosmetic issue and the underlying problem will not be addressed. 

What’s The Most Efficient Way To Straighten One Crooked Tooth?

The most efficient and durable way to straighten crooked teeth is through orthodontic treatment. This is because orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners not only restores facial aesthetics but also restores optimal tooth alignment. So, if you’re considering having your teeth straightened, you should consider orthodontic treatment as the most effective solution. 

If you’re looking for dental practice for braces or clear aligners in the West Midlands, Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic should be your first choice. We take pride in being the best dental practice in town with an experienced and qualified dental team. So, book an appointment today to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options. 

Teeth Whitening Dentists - What Can They Offer?

Teeth Whitening Dentists – What Can They Offer?

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Pearly white and sparkling teeth are an essential component of an attractive smile. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people who have beautiful teeth and charming smiles are perceived to be more attractive and approachable than ones with flawed smiles. If you are also concerned about your coffee or tea tooth stains ruining your smile, don’t worry; you can get rid of these stains and enjoy a beautiful smile, thanks to professional teeth whitening. 

“But why should I get my teeth whitened at a dentistal practice, and why can’t I use an at-home whitening formula?”, you might ask. This blog will answer your question. So, continue reading to learn why professional teeth whitening by a dentist is always safer and gives superior aesthetic results.

How Well Does Teeth Whitening Done By The Dentist Work?

If you search the internet, you will find numerous at-home bleaching products and non-dental cosmetic services claiming to provide amazing teeth whitening results. Unfortunately, most of these products contain substandard ingredients that fail to provide desirable results. Similarly, some non-dental cosmetic services offering teeth whitening often use low-strength bleaching agents while others use excessively high concentrations that can cause complications such as tooth sensitivity and decay. On the other hand, dentists are trained to perform teeth whitening safely and effectively. Although dentists use high-strength bleaching agents to ensure excellent results in a single sitting, they take all precautionary measures to prevent any damage to the teeth or gums. That is why, teeth whitening performed by a dentist always provides better results than non-dentists and at-home bleaching products. 

How Often Can You Whiten Your Teeth With Zoom In One Year?

Although zoom whitening can effectively remove even the most stubborn tooth stains, it should not be considered as an alternative to regular oral hygiene maintenance. After all, most teeth stains develop because of failure to ensure optimal teeth cleaning. Dental experts recommend that zoom teeth whitening should not be performed more than once in a year. This is because excessive whitening procedures may put your teeth at-risk of developing sensitivity and dental cavities. 

How Successful Have You Been At Whitening Your Teeth?

At-home whitening formulas and strips offer varying levels of aesthetic results. As mentioned earlier, many whitening product manufacturers either use substandard ingredients to cut cost, or use dangerously high levels of bleaching agents that can damage your teeth. Regardless, one thing is certain; the aesthetic outcome of at-home whitening systems can never be as good as professionally done teeth whitening by a dentist. 

What Is The Requirement Of The Teeth Whitening?

The main ingredient of teeth whitening systems is a potent bleaching agent. Most whitening systems use carbamide peroxide as their whitening agent. This chemical is extremely volatile and it quickly releases hydrogen peroxide, which penetrates beneath the dental enamel and chemically dissolves teeth stains caused due to the consumption of several foods & drinks:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Tobacco
  • Red wine

Some whitening formulas also use a light source to activate the bleaching agent to enhance its effectiveness. 

Why Is Professional Teeth Whitening Important?

Professional teeth whitening is safer and more effective than other teeth bleaching options. This is because dentists always apply protective materials like vaseline or cocoa butter on the gums, cheeks, and lips to prevent accidental bleaching. Besides, dentists use very high concentrations of bleaching agents, which provide superior results in a single sitting than other non-professionally applied whitening products. Hence, you will feel a noticeable improvement in the shade and colour of your teeth after a single sitting of professional teeth whitening. This is why professional whitening should be preferred over other tooth bleaching options. 

Are Home Teeth-Whitening Kits, Worth It?

At-home teeth whitening products have the advantage of being cheaper and more convenient. In addition, you can use these formulas in the comforts of your own home and according to your schedule. That is why people tend to prefer domestic whitening products to save time and money. Unfortunately, at-home whitening formulas do not provide the desired results as they are not as effective as the ones used at a dental practice – and require repeated application and treatment. In the end, many people ultimately need to visit their dentists for teeth whitening after they fail to achieve the desired results with domestically used whitening products. 

How Useful Are The Teeth Whitening Kits And Products?

You may benefit from teeth whitening kits and products if you have minor teeth stains. However, if you have obvious teeth stains, whitening formulas available in the supermarkets or convenience stores may not be sufficient for you. You may have to use the formula repeatedly to achieve the desired results, which carry the risk of making your teeth sensitive and vulnerable to tooth decay. So, if you want the best aesthetic outcome, you should consider visiting a dentist for your teeth whitening. 

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic dentistry procedures worldwide. Whether you have curry, tea, coffee, red wine, or juice stains on your teeth, you can get rid of them through professional whitening. If you are looking for the best cosmetic dentistry practice Sollihul, you should go to Sollihul Dental Centre and Implant Clinic. We offer dental services for your entire family in a comfortable and relaxing environment and at affordable rates. Whether you need veneers for your crooked teeth or braces for your kids, we are there to take care of all your needs. So, book a new patient appointment today and let us give you a lasting and healthy smile.

Veneers For Crooked Teeth

Veneers For Crooked Teeth-Everything You Need To Know

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Some people are born with perfectly straight, sparkling white teeth; On the other hand, others may have some facial defects that ruin their smile and facial aesthetics. If you have crooked teeth that make you shy away from smiling or speaking publicly, cosmetic dentistry can help you! This article explains one of the most effective and time-tested options for fixing crooked, misaligned, or chipped teeth – dental veneers. So, continue reading to find out how you can enjoy a rockstar smile with dental veneers. 

What’s A Veneer?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, veneers are wafer-thin shells of composite resins or porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Dental veneers are used for a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental issues without the need for excessive removal of the natural tooth structure. 

Can I Get No Prep Veneers If I Have Crooked Teeth?

No-prep veneers, also called lumineers, are extremely thin shells like veneers – only much thinner – that can be applied directly to the teeth without the need for tooth removal (in most cases). As a result, lumineers are an ideal option for fixing minor cosmetic defects. However, in excessively crooked teeth, your dentist will first restore them with a suitable filling material and then apply lumineers over them. This is because the lumineers are so thin that they do not play a protective or supportive role – they only enhance the aesthetics. Therefore, a pre-requisite for lumineer placement is that the teeth should not have extensive structural damage. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a procedure in which your dentist will restore grossly damaged or stained teeth by applying a tooth coloured filling material over them. Dental bonding is performed at the dental chairside and is typically suitable for restoring mild aesthetic or structural defects. On the other hand, dental veneers are prepared in the laboratory. Hence, they are much stronger and aesthetically pleasing than composite fillings. Besides, veneers are also relatively long-lasting and do not get stained easily. Therefore, if you are looking for the best aesthetic outcome, you should go for veneers. 

Who Qualifies As A Good Candidate For Dental Veneers?

Any individual having crooked or chipped teeth is a potential candidate for porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are ideal restorative options in the following cases:

  • Cracked or chipped teeth 
  • Permanent teeth stains 
  • Mild teeth gaps 
  • Mild teeth overlapping 
  • Smile makeovers 
  • Tooth recontouring 

Are Veneers Harmful To Teeth?

One may think that since veneers require removal of the healthy tooth structure for their attachment, they will be harmful to one’s oral health. But, that is not the case; only a very thin layer of the enamel is removed, which will not harm your teeth. However, if you don’t maintain optimal oral hygiene around your veneered teeth, it can lead to secondary tooth decay and other complications. 

Can You Get Veneers Without Straight Teeth?

Although the ideal option for straightening misaligned teeth is orthodontic treatment with either braces or Invisalign aligners, there are cases in which dentists can cosmetically straighten mildly misaligned teeth with veneers. However, braces and Invisalign aligners are still the choice treatment option for fixing more complex alignment problems. 

Are Veneers Good For Teeth?

Veneers are used for restoring the aesthetics, structure, and function of grossly damaged teeth. Therefore, teeth straightened or restored with veneers become structurally more robust and possess excellent aesthetics – blending in perfectly with the existing healthy teeth. So, yes, veneers are suitable for restoring damaged teeth. 

Can A Teeth Gap Be Hidden By Veneers?

Another use of dental veneers is cosmetically restoring teeth gaps. Your dentist will fix this problem by attaching slightly wider veneers that fill the teeth gap. So, the veneers basically cosmetically “mask” the cosmetic issue. If optimal treatment is sought, the gap should be closed with orthodontic treatment options like teeth braces or clear aligners. 

Can You Get Veneers For Overlapping Teeth?

As discussed earlier, the best treatment option for misaligned, gapped, or overlapping teeth is orthodontic treatment. However, some people cannot afford the treatment, while others do not like to wait for months to achieve the desired aesthetic results. In these cases, dentists suggest an alternative cosmetic option with veneers. In some instances, dentists can fix minor teeth overlapping with porcelain or composite veneers. 

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The clinical service life of dental veneers depends on various factors, including the type and quality of the used material, skills and expertise of the dentist and the laboratory staff, and, more importantly, oral hygiene maintenance. According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, well looked after dental veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Generally, porcelain veneers are stronger, durable, and more stain-resistant than composite-based veneers. 

At Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a charming and beautiful smile. That is why we offer premium cosmetic dentistry services to the residents of Solihull and surrounding areas. Whether you need implants for missing teeth, Invisalign aligners for your kid, or professional teeth whitening to get rid of your coffee or tea stains, we offer all dental services under one roof.

If you would like to consult with our dental team, you can book a consultation appointment here. Our friendly, experienced and qualified team looks forwards to serving you and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile.

Dental Hygiene Cleaning - Is It Really Necessary?

Dental Hygiene Cleaning – Is It Really Necessary?

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Our mouth is the gateway to our entire body. Anything we eat or drink first goes through it and then passes to the rest of the body. If there is an infection inside the oral cavity, it can travel along with the food we eat and the air we breathe – even through the bloodstream – and cause serious, even life-threatening medical complications. That is why the American Dental Association emphasizes taking good care of our oral hygiene. 

While brushing and flossing and excellent for keeping our teeth and gums clean, these measures are sometimes not enough to prevent gum and periodontal issues. This is where professional dental cleaning becomes important. The National Health Service recommends visiting your dentist for a health checkup based on your oral health risk status. For individuals with low oral health risks, visiting their dentist once or twice a month should be enough. However, more frequent checkup visits are needed for high-risk individuals. 

What Is The Dental Hygiene Cleaning Appointment?

During a professional cleaning appointment, also known as a scale and polish procedure, your dentist will remove the plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth and below the gumline. Both plaque and tartar offer an ideal environment for the harmful bacteria which utilise sugars from the food debris and release toxins that damage the gum tissues and jawbone. 

Your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler, whose tip vibrates at a very high frequency to break away the adherent plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth to stop the further progression of periodontal inflammation. Before starting the procedure, your dentist or dental hygienist will apply a topic anaesthetic agent over your gums so that you don’t feel any pain while your teeth are being cleaned. 

How To Turn Around Personal Dental Hygiene?

The American Dental Association offers the following tips to up your oral hygiene game:

  • Brushing and Flossing – the importance of brushing your teeth twice daily, and flossing at least once a day cannot be overstated, as these measures are your first line of defence against tooth decay, tartar buildup and gum inflammation. Dental experts recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. 
  • Tooth-friendly Diet – a diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, essential nutrients and fibre-containing foods not only makes your teeth stronger but also prevents gum disease and other dental complications. 
  • Fluoride Mouthwash – a fluoride mouth wash is helpful in neutralising the harmful bacterial and making our teeth more resistant to teeth cavities. 
  • Additional Oral Health Care Products – adding an interdental brush to your oral hygiene routine will go a long way in making sure you maintain healthy teeth and gums. This is because an interdental brush is helpful in removing food debris from tight spaces between the teeth where the bristles of a regular toothbrush cannot penetrate effectively. Alternatively, you may use a Waterpik for interdental cleaning. 

Should We Go For Teeth Cleaning?

Many people believe that teeth cleaning can make their teeth sensitive or weak. This assumption is not true. Professional teeth cleaning is a safe procedure, provided it is performed by a qualified and experienced dentist or dental hygienist.  In fact, it is an excellent preventive procedure to minimise the chances of developing periodontal inflammation. So, in short, yes; you should go for teeth cleaning according to your dentist’s recommended schedule. 

What Is Fluoride On The Teeth Treatment At The Dentist?

Fluoride is a mineral that possesses antibacterial and tooth-strengthening capability. Research has shown that fluoride products, whether in the form of water fluoridation, food supplements or professional application using fluoride varnishes and gels is effective in killing harmful bacteria that cause teeth cavities and gum problems. Besides, fluoride ions penetrate into the deeper layers of our teeth and replenish the lost mineral content, making them stronger and more resistant against decay. 

If your dentist feels that your teeth are at a higher risk of developing gum problems or caries, they will recommend fluoride application. Professional fluoride application is performed using custom trays. Your dentist will fill the trays, one for each jaw, with the fluoride gel and ask you to wear it for a certain period of time.  

Is Dentist Fluoride Treatment Necessary?

Most US states perform water fluoridation to prevent dental problems. Furthermore, our diet also contains fluoride in sufficient quantities. Therefore, professional fluoride treatment is not necessary for everyone. Your dentist will determine your need for fluoride therapy based on your oral health status.  

Do Dentists Recommend Electric Toothbrushes?

According to the American Dental Association, both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective in achieving optimal dental cleaning, provided they are used properly. Hence, the use of electric toothbrushes is more of a preference than a necessity. However, electric toothbrushes might be a suitable option with physical or mental disabilities, or those who lack the manual dexterity to use the regular toothbrush.  

How To Know The Right Toothbrush Bristles To Choose?

Many people think that using hard-bristled toothbrushes offer superior teeth cleaning. This is not true. In fact, hard toothbrush bristles can cause tooth wear and gum recession. Dental experts recommend using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Soft bristles not only prevent gum recession but also stimulate the gums mildly, thereby improving your overall periodontal health. 

What Is The Correct Way To Use A Toothbrush?

Always use a toothbrush that carries the seal of approval of your local or federal dental regulatory authority. Choose a toothbrush that has a head wide enough to allow you to insert and remove it from your mouth easily. 

While brushing, hold your toothbrush so that the bristles are angled at 45-degrees with respect to the long axis of the teeth. Start by brushing the front surfaces of your teeth in an up-and-down fashion, making sure to clean each tooth quadrant for at least 30 seconds. Afterwards, do the same for the back surfaces of the teeth while making sure not to ingest the toothpaste. Once you’re done, spit out the excess toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water. 

If you are looking for a family dental practice in Solihull, look no more. At Soihull Dental Centre and Implant clinic, we have the expertise and facilities to look after the oral health of your entire family. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you a lasting and beautiful smile. 

Teeth Whitening For Sensitive Teeth: How to Get it Done

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Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth

A beautiful set of white teeth is something that many people desire. In fact, the global teeth whitening market is predicted to reach 7.40 billion dollars by the year 2024. However, some people are reluctant to use a teeth whitening kit because of their sensitive teeth. 

Thankfully, there’s a solution to this problem. If you’re ready to become confident in your teeth, take a look at the information below to learn more about blue light teeth whitening and more. 

Blue Light Teeth Whitening: What Is It?

Blue light teeth whitening is a popular form of whitening that’s alluring to many people. It’s a cool, advanced way of removing stains from teeth and providing a whiter smile.

A standard blue light teeth whitening kit generally works by combining the energy transferred from the blue light with peroxide. The process includes putting hydrogen peroxide solution over the teeth and then inserting a blue light mouthpiece. It’s said that adding the light significantly reduces the colour of teeth than using peroxide alone.

Blue Light Teeth Whitening Side-Effects

A blue light teeth whitening kit looks fancy, but is it safe? Well, everyone is different, and an individual with sensitivity might experience more side effects than others. The lights could cause gum irritation, burning of soft tissue, damage to the teeth, and enhanced tooth sensitivity.

But according to studies performed, blue lighting for whiter teeth doesn’t cause extensive damage to tooth enamel. It’s important to note that blue light whitening is used in dental offices and home kits. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s a good idea to get the procedure done at a dental office.

How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Teeth

Red wine is a drink that many people like to indulge in. Unfortunately, it often causes stains on the teeth. If you have significant stains from red wine, you may not correct them with a standard teeth whitening kit or a teeth whitening pen. It’s best to go to a professional and let them do a proper dental treatment. 

Luckily, there are techniques you can do to help prevent red wine stains and get rid of them after you drink. One of the most effective things you can do is brush your teeth before drinking red wine. Stuck-on food particles take on the colour of the wine. By removing them beforehand, it reduces stains.

You can also eat cheese while you drink red wine. Many people do so because the two pair well together. However, cheese also creates a waxy film on the teeth, which protects them against stains.

Also, teeth wipes are a tool that you can use while drinking to remove stains from your teeth as you sip.

Teeth Whitening Kits: Teeth Whitening Strips Reviews

Teeth whitening strips have mixed reviews. For some, they work well. But for others with severely stained teeth, teeth whitening strips are not effective.

Not only that, but at-home teeth whitening strips aren’t the best option for individuals with sensitive teeth. Instead of using a homemade treatment, let’s our professionals at Lytham Dental Clinic do it for you.

Take a look at our teeth whitening testimonials to learn more from our satisfied clients.

Teeth Whitening Procedure: Teeth Whitening Methods at the Dentist

Professional teeth whitening in the UK is performed by any dentist that’s registered with the General Dental Council. The teeth whitening process at a dental office is split into two methods:at-home and in-office.

The dentist begins by making an impression of your teeth to create a mouthguard. You’ll use your mouthguard at home in conjunction with a bleaching gel. This process generally lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. The gel is required to stay on your teeth for the amount of time specified by the dentist

In the office, the dental provider performs laser whitening. A bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and a blue light or laser is illuminated onto the teeth to activate the whitening. This process generally takes about an hour. Depending on the agreement with the dentist, you might do the bulk of your treatment at home or in the office.

What to Do for Pain After Teeth Whitening

Pain after teeth whitening treatment is normal, and it usually subsides within a few days. To ease the discomfort use a soft bristle toothbrush after your treatment. It will ensure that you don’t further irritate your teeth.

Also, it’s best to avoid hot or cold foods during this timeframe. For instance, you shouldn’t have hot soups or ice cream. Consuming these types of food can further irritate your teeth and cause more sensitivity.

If you must drink a cold beverage, drink through a straw. Doing so helps to prevent contact with your teeth.

Furthermore, over-the-counter medications are effective with relieving pain. In certain cases, your dentist may also prescribe a pain relief medication that’s more potent. Pharmacies generally have better anti-inflammatories and painkillers than what’s available over the counter.

If your pain and sensitivity continue over a few days, reach out to the dentist to see how they can help. They may alter your treatment so that the pain isn’t too severe.

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth: Professional Treatment

Are you afraid to use a teeth whitening kit because of your sensitive teeth? If so, let The Solihull Dental & Implant Clinic help you. We offer teeth whitening and have provided satisfactory results to many patients. Plus, we offer other dental health services like hygiene therapy, veneers, braces, crowns, and more.

If you’re ready to get a brighter smile, call us at 0121 705 3635