YOU can’t undermine the importance of a beautiful smile. It not only makes you feel good about yourself, but it also makes others feel good about you. You’ll be perceived as smarter and more successful, with a better social life. No wonder why so many people are looking up for the best dental clinic in Turkey for their smile makeovers.

However, not many people are familiar with the different types of cosmetic dental treatments that they can get. Also, they’re not so clear on which treatment would best meet their specific needs. So, here’s a list of the most popular procedures in the world of cosmetic dentistry.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. In this, a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the teeth. This is followed by the heating of the gel with a laser.

Your teeth will begin to look whiter once the chemical bonds, which cause the stains, are broken down. The results of this treatment are immediate, and your teeth will become quite a few shades brighter, so the difference will be noticeable.

Just keep in mind that teeth whitening might not be able to get rid of all kinds of stains entirely. For instance, this may happen if your teeth have been stained by tetracycline (an antibiotic).

Additionally, you should know that teeth whitening is not permanent. Your teeth will get stained again. But you might be able to enjoy the results for a longer period of time if you take good care of your teeth.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is another quite popular cosmetic dental treatment. It’s most suitable for those who have small cracks, gaps, or fractures on their teeth.

For this, first, the surface of the tooth is roughened so that the composite resin can adhere better to the underlying tooth. Once the putty-like resin is moulded on top of it, it’s hardened and buffed into shape.

Many people choose to have this treatment because of how quick and affordable it is. However, keep in mind that the composite bonding material is not as durable, so you’d need to get this treatment again after some time.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of the teeth. They’re more suited for those who have moderate gaps, cracks, chips, and stains on their teeth.

For this, the dentist will begin by “prepping” each tooth, which requires shaving some of the enamel. This is done to make space for the artificial tooth. Otherwise, the veneer will look too bulky and unnatural.

Veneers made from porcelain are the most popular because of their close resemblance to your natural teeth. So they don’t have a hard time blending in with the rest of your teeth.

Veneers can last for a decade or even longer, but again, you need to take good care of your teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as “tooth-shaped caps,” cover the entire tooth, and act as a replacement for it. These restorations are most suitable for those whose teeth are quite damaged or decayed. Therefore, it’s not just for cosmetic purposes.

Just like veneers, dental crowns also require teeth prepping. However, the difference is that more of the natural tooth is shaved to make space for the fitting of the crown.

The structural difference between crowns and veneers does, however, make the former more durable. But crowns are also more expensive than veneers.

Conclusion

All of these treatments are very popular among people seeking a smile makeover. And it is easy to get confused between all of them. Therefore, it is best to consult a medical professional who can guide you in choosing the right treatment for you based on your needs and expectations.

HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD is working with Solva Surgery in North Pembrokeshire to ensure the continued provision of GP services for patients following the resignation of the General Medical Services Contract in December 2022.

The decision to resign the Contract that the Practice holds with the health board was made by the single-handed GP Partner who is retiring in the Spring.

For registered patients this means that services will continue to be provided as normal by the same team in the Practice until the end of March 2023. Patients should remain registered with the Practice while longer-term plans are developed.

The health board is working closely with the Community Health Council to ensure the high standards of care currently provided continue for patients of this surgery.

The views of the local community and patients will be gathered prior to any decision about long term provision for the service, and patients are invited to feedback their views at a public drop-in event to be held at Solva Memorial Hall between 2.30pm and 7pm on January 24.

For those who are unable to attend the event, there will also be the opportunity to complete a questionnaire, online or via a paper copy

The health board is writing again to all patients registered at Solva Surgery to invite them to the drop-in event and will enclose a copy of and link to the questionnaire.

Currently some patients to collect their medication from the Surgery rather than from a local community pharmacy. This is an historic arrangement and under NHS regulations this cannot be continued once the Contract has been resigned. This means that dispensing will cease on the 31st March, regardless of how other services will be provided from then onwards, and all patients will need to go to a community pharmacy to collect their medication.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care for Hywel Dda UHB, said: “The health board would like to reassure the patients of Solva Surgery that the provision of these important General Medical Services will continue for patients.

“We are working closely with Solva Surgery to find the best way to secure services for their patients.

“The health board appreciates the continuing support given by the community to the team at Solva Surgery throughout this challenging period.”

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has published its draft Budget, including funding to ensure social care workers continue to receive the real living wage.

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans will announce recurrent funding of around £70m to deliver the commitment, as part of a Budget that will prioritise the protection of frontline public services.

Welsh local authorities and health boards will be provided with the estimated £70m so that they can implement the real living wage uplift – to £10.90 an hour – with workers feeling the benefit by June 2023.

The real living wage is independently calculated by the Resolution Foundation and overseen by the Living Wage Commission. The uplift will apply to registered workers in care homes and domiciliary care, in both adults and children’s services. It will also include personal assistants who provide care and support which is funded through a direct payment.

Minister for Finance and Local Government Rebecca Evans said: “Despite the challenging economic and fiscal context, we remain fully committed to doing all we can to protect the frontline public services that people rely on.

“I am pleased to be able to maintain our commitment to social care workers, and I will be saying more about how we will protect public services when I announce the full details of the Budget later today.”

The Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan said: “We were proud to be able to provide additional funding in last year’s budget to give social care staff across Wales a much-need pay rise. This further uplift will help to support recruitment and retention.

“Social care continues to face considerable pressure. We are doing all we can to work towards improving employment terms and conditions for the sector.”

Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, said: “The real living wage makes a real difference and puts more money into the pockets of workers on the lowest wages, giving them some protection from the surging cost of living. I am proud we are continuing our commitment to the real living wage in social care as part of our broader commitment to fair work.”

Commenting, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Social Services Minister Gareth Davies MS said: “It is about time the Labour Government delivered on Welsh Conservative calls for a higher wage for social carers, something we called for in the last election.

“It is a shame it took so long to deliver, especially when it would have cost only £9m last year to tie carer pay to NHS pay-scales.

“Now we need to see the other improvements we want for carers from a right to respite to upskilling carers to take on more fulfilling responsibilities. This would be in addition to free bus travel and grants to access education, training, and employment for young carers.

“The Budget has to be one of delivery, and this is what the Welsh Conservatives will be pushing for.”