Dental Implants

If you are considering single tooth implants or an implant bridge then you will most likely be eligible for dental implants, irrespective of age or bone density.

You will be eligible for full mouth dental implants if:

• You have a lot of missing or loose teeth.
• If you have a long history of gum disease (periodontitis).

You may not be eligible for full mouth implants straight away if:

• You have more saveable teeth than damaged or missing teeth. In this case, single implants or implant bridges might be more appropriate.
• The older you are, the lower your bone density can be. This may affect the success of your implant treatments. Contact your dentist to book a consultation to assess your eligibility.
• You are unable to get finance due to credit issues.

Why Get Dental Implants?

There are many reasons to get dental implants including:

• Confidence: Do people comment on your teeth or smile? Do you hide your teeth when speaking or laughing? Does this reduce your self-confidence?
• Pain when you bite or chew food: Do you actively avoid choosing certain foods because they cause pain or discomfort? Do you crave your favourite food but make alternate choices?
• Have ongoing issues with dentures: Are your dentures uncomfortable, do they slip?
• Premature ageing: Missing teeth create bone loss, which may cause your cheeks to sink in and make your lips pucker. This can make you look older than you are.

Smoking & Dental Implants

Many dentists will not provide dental implant treatments if you smoke. Smoking affects your bone density, increases your recovery time and reduces your success rate. It also creates long-term issues with your oral health.

Yorkshire Dental Suite do provide dental implants for smokers under certain circumstances. Please contact us to discuss your options.

There are 5 grades of dental implants available from your local YDS dentist.

• Temporary implants: Created from acrylic, these are 3D printed on-site from your scans. You wear these while your final implants are being created in our in-house dental lab. This gives you Teeth-in-a-Day™. Make sure you avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods while wearing your temporary bridge.
• Porcelain crown: Used in implant procedures where an individual tooth is being replaced these implants are created from zirconia coated with layers of porcelain. This achieves a hard wearing result that looks and performs better than a natural tooth.
• PMMA implants: Ideal for the budget conscious patient, PMMA dental implants combine a hard wearing hand-painted acrylic bridge with a titanium bar to give you a confident new smile, fast.
• Monolithic zirconia implants: Milled from solid block of zirconia ceramic, these implants are incredibly strong lasting around 15 years. Each bridge is hand painted to blend naturally, and create a beautiful, and confident new smile.
• Diamond cut implants: This treatment combines a titanium base, zirconia bridge and individually positioned crowns to achieve the most natural and hardwearing result.

Types of implant prosthesis

There are many different types of dental implants, giving a wide range of options based on your individual circumstances. From single tooth replacements and full mouth implants, to overdentures, pterygoid and zygomatic implants that work around bone loss issues, speak to the team at Yorkshire Dental Suite to discover which is the most suitable treatment for you.

Single Tooth Implant

A tooth implant replaces a single tooth with a titanium post that is secured through your gum and into your jawbone. An abutment is secured to the implant, extending up and out of your gum. A porcelain crown is then secured to the top of the abutment. It uses an interior screw that is hidden in the surface of your new tooth.

Multiple Teeth Implants

Multiple teeth implants replace 2 or more adjacent teeth are also called dental implant bridges. Instead of replacing each tooth individually, a single implant can support up to 2 teeth. This reduces the amount of surgery and saves you money. Need more teeth replacing? Bridges can be any size. For example, a bridge holding up to 14 teeth can be supported by a minimum of 4 implants.

Like a single tooth, teeth implants use a post, abutment and interior screw. Instead of a porcelain crown, teeth implants use a hard wearing and natural-looking zirconia bridge containing several teeth. Each bridge is secured to one or more implants.

All-On-4 Dental Implants

All-on-4 dental implants is a popular name given to a full jaw of teeth on a zirconia bridge supported by 4 implants. All-on-4 implants can be positioned on either the upper or lower jaw. Please speak to your dentist to discuss your options and eligibility.

All-On-6 Dental Implants

All on 6 dental implants is the name given to a full jaw of teeth on a zirconia bridge supported by 6 implants. This increase is typically used when 6 implants are needed to make the bridge strong and secure.

Full Mouth Dental Implants

Full mouth dental implants replace all of your teeth. This treatment uses a full zirconia bridge supported by a minimum of 4 dental implants on each jaw. With our Teeth in a day treatment, you can have a whole mouth of new perfectly straight white teeth. This is a pain-free procedure that lasts around seven hours.

Dental Implant Dentures

Dental implant dentures, also called snap-on dentures or overdentures, securely attach to dental implants. This keeps them in place and prevents slippage. They are also removable, allowing easy cleaning.

Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implants are used when your bone density is low, a bone graft is not advised, and implants cannot be attached in the normal way. Zygomatic dental implants attach higher up into your zygomatic bone, bypassing your jaw.

Pterygoid Implants

Pterygoid implants are used when your bone density is low, a bone graft is not advised, and implants cannot be attached in the normal way. Pterygoid dental implants attach higher up into the tuberosity region, bypassing your jaw.

Implants are made up from several medical-grade components. Each is designed to deliver a natural looking and long-lasting smile. They do this while minimising the risk of rejection by your body.

What Is A Dental Implant Post Made Of?

A dental implant post screws into your jawbone and is created from grade 5 titanium. This helps your body to accept the implant and reduces the risk of rejection. Titanium is harder than steel, ensuring a secure fit that stops your implant from becoming loose.

What Is A Dental Implant Abutment Made Of?

A dental implant abutment is made from grade 5 titanium and screws into a post. This post extends up and out of your gum so that a crown, bridge or arch can be attached. This helps your body to accept the abutment and reduces the risk of rejection. Titanium is harder than steel, ensuring a secure fitting that stops your abutment from becoming loose.

What Is A Dental Implant Crown Made Of?

A finished dental implant crown is made from porcelain and is created unique for each tooth being replaced. Porcelain achieves the most natural looking result and can be coloured to blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

A temporary dental implant crown is made from acrylic and put in place while your mouth heals. They are not as durable as porcelain. Care must be taken not to bite into hard, crunchy, sticky or staining foods while they are in place.

What Is A Dental Implant Bridge Made Of?

An arch or dental implant bridge is made of monolithic zirconia. Each bridge is milled from a solid block of zirconia. This is coated with ceramic that has been sculpted to give the appearance of natural teeth and gums. This combination is hard wearing and does not decay like a natural tooth.

A temporary dental implant bridge is made from acrylic and put in place while your mouth heals. They are not as durable as zirconia bridges. Care must be taken not to bite into hard, crunchy, sticky or staining foods while they are in place.

Whether you’re having a single tooth implant, a row of teeth replaced or full mouth implants, our dental implant procedure has been designed to maximise your comfort. We guarantee the premium results you expect.

The Dental Implant Consultation

Virtual Consultation

Shortly after you have made your enquiry, a member of our consultation team will call you to discuss your options. Using Facebook Messenger, Apple Face-Time, Google Meet, or WhatsApp, the team will review your case. We take cursory photographs and check your eligibility. During this call we will fully answer your questions, outline your next steps, and give an idea of pricing and finance options.

Examination & Scans

Visiting your local Yorkshire Dental Suite clinic, you will meet your dentist. They will perform an oral examination. This includes a review of your medical history, oral examination, photographs, x-rays and scans. The health-check identifies any issues that could prevent implantation from being successful. It gives us the information we need to create your unique dental implant crown, bridge or arch. Your implantologist will again answer any questions you have. They will create and discuss your treatment plan. You can also request a digital preview of how your new teeth will look, and confirm pricing and finance.

You will be advised to stop smoking as this can increase the chance of implant failure.

Remedial Work

If you have issues that could prevent your implant procedure from being successful, you will be offered additional treatments. These should be addressed before the procedure can be started. Remedial work can include:

 – Bone Graft

Bone loss is caused by missing teeth. Using donor material, your dentist will reinforce your bone to provide a secure base for your implants. Alternatively, ask about pterygoid and zygomatic implants that work around this issue and are included without any additional expense.

 – Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums, receding gums, pain and loose teeth. Your gums need to be healthy for implants to be successful. Treatment can include hygiene appointments or Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) to deep clean below the gum line and antibiotics.

 – Gum Graft (Periodontal Surgery)

If you have receding gums caused by gum disease you will need a gum graft. This treatment uses donor material to rebuild your gum. It provides a secure and natural-looking base for your implant abutment, crown or bridge.

Teeth In A Day Implant Procedure

The Teeth in a Day dental implant procedure takes around seven hours to complete. This includes several breaks to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the day.

Pre-Treatment Consultation

On the day of your dental implant treatment you will be greeted by our dental team and met by your dentist. They will ensure you are comfortable and guide you to your treatment room. Your dentist will review your treatment plan with you, outlining the events of the day and answer any questions you have.

Dental Sedation (Pain Management)

To ensure your dental implant procedure is comfortable and pain free, you will be offered sedation. To minimise risk, you need to remain awake. However, with sedation you will be close to a dream-like state, allowing time to pass quickly.

Teeth Removal

Any damaged or decaying teeth will be removed. In the case of full mouth dental implants, all of your teeth will be removed. This happens surprisingly fast and is pain free with sedation.

Gum Preparation

To prepare your gums a small incision is made. This gives your dentist access to your jawbone.

Jawbone Preparation

Precision pilot holes are created in your jawbone. This allows your grade 5 titanium implants to be securely fixed in place.

Implant Post Attachment

The implant post is screwed into your jawbone. The position of each post has been precisely calculated. Your crown, bridge or arch are secured, leaving behind a natural-looking result.

Abutment Attachment

Some dental implant procedures use an abutment in-between the post and crown, bridge or arch. Each abutment is attached to a post. This extends up through and out of the gum to provide a secure attachment for your crown, bridge or arch.

Stitches

Your gums will be stitched, allowing them to heal naturally.

Teeth in a Day Result

With Teeth in a Day dental implants you will have a new smile using temporary crowns, bridges or arches the very same appointment. These are worn while your gums heal. This gives our in-house laboratory time to create your new teeth. To achieve the perfect result we use high quality, durable and natural looking porcelain or zirconia.

 – Temporary Crown (Option)

Crowns are used when single teeth are being replaced. Temporary crowns are made from acrylic. They give the appearance of a natural tooth but are not as durable as your final porcelain crown. Each crown is attached to an abutment or implant using a screw that is inserted through the top of the tooth. The screw is covered by a cap that stops it from being visible and achieves a natural-looking result.

 – Temporary Dental Bridge or Arch (Option)

Bridges and arches are used to replace consecutive rows of teeth or a full jaw of upper or lower teeth. They are created from monolithic zirconia. This is a ceramic-coated metal that is sculpted to look and feel like natural teeth. Premium versions have individually positioned porcelain crowns added. Bridges and arches are typically supported by fewer implants. This reduces the amount of surgery required and helps keep your treatment costs down.

Recovering From Dental Implants

You will continue to wear your temporary crown, bridge or arch for the next 3-4 months. This allows your gums to heal. This healing process can change the trajectory of your implants. This is why we do not provide finished ceramic or zirconia teeth straight away on the same day.

Trial Fitting Of A Wax Crown, Bridge Or Arch

Using your original scans and x-rays we create a model of your final teeth. During a trial fitting we will assess the fit. This means taking more scans and identify adjustments that are needed to ensure your final teeth are perfect.

Fitting Your Final Crown, Bridge Or Arch

At the next appointment your final teeth are fit, giving you a beautiful new smile that lasts up to 20 years.

Dental implants cost from £2,800 for a single tooth, while the average cost of full mouth dental implants is £26,995. Prices vary based on the number of implants and type of crown or bridge being used. There is a £95 consultation fee. This covers an oral exam, photographs, scans and x-rays to make sure you are eligible for treatment. Finance is available to help you spread the cost of this life-changing treatment.

Please contact us to discuss your options and get a free quote.

Single Tooth Implant Cost

A single tooth implant costs £2,800. It includes a grade 5 titanium implant, abutment, temporary acrylic crown, a wax crown prototype, a custom-made porcelain crown, internal screw, all dental surgery and selected sedation options.

Please contact us to discuss a tooth implant and get a free quote.

Multiple Teeth Implants Cost

Also called a dental implant bridge, teeth implants costs from £3,500 for an implant and bridge containing two teeth. This includes a grade 5 titanium implant, abutment, temporary bridge, a wax bridge prototype, a custom-made monolithic zirconia bridge, internal screw, all dental surgery and selected sedation options. Prices increase based on the number of implants and size of bridge.

Please contact us to discuss teeth implants and get a free quote.

All-On-4 Dental Implants Cost

All-on-4 dental implants cost from £15,995. This features four implants and bridge containing up to 14 teeth. This includes grade 5 titanium implants, abutments, a temporary acrylic bridge, a wax bridge prototype, a custom-made monolithic zirconia bridge, internal screws, all dental surgery and selected sedation options.

Please contact us to discuss All-on-4 implants and get a free quote.

Full Mouth Dental Implants Cost

Full mouth dental implants cost from £26,995 for four implants and bridge containing up to 14 teeth on both your upper and lower jaw. This includes grade 5 titanium implants, abutments, temporary acrylic bridges, wax bridge prototypes, custom-made monolithic zirconia bridges, internal screws, all dental surgery and selected sedation options.

Please contact us to discuss your options and get a free quote.

Dental implants are not painful. During your procedure you will be sedated to make sure you are comfortable and feel no pain.

If you experience severe discomfort and bleeding during your recovery please contact your dentist immediately.

Are You Put To Sleep For Dental Implants?

For safety, we do not put you to sleep during your dental implant procedure. The treatment is intensive, and we need you to be conscious. However, under sedation you will be relaxed and pain free. Your procedure will be finished before you even know it.

Sedation For Nervous & Phobic Patients

Six million people in the UK have a dental phobia. This can mean vital dental treatments are missed and teeth gradually deteriorate over time. If you have concerns over your visit, please discuss these with your dentist. We will tailor your treatment to make your appointment as comfortable as possible.

How To Relieve Pain From Dental Implants

During your recovery you may experience some slight discomfort as your gums heal. This may peak 2-3 days after your surgery as blood clots form. This can be treated with your choice of over-the-counter pain medication.

If your gums become sore please contact your dentist. We will check your implants, discuss how you can improve your oral hygiene, and get treatment for gum disease if required.

What Is The Worst Part Of A Dental Implant?

For many people the worst part of getting a dental implant is having to limit your diet while you recover. This means avoiding hard, chewy and crunchy foods which can damage your implants and irritate your gums as they heal.

Find a specialist in dental implants near you at your local Yorkshire Dental Suite clinic. With nine practices throughout the UK, the very best in dental implant treatments are within just a short distance. We have clinics near you in:

• North East & Humber
• Lancashire & North West
• Central & Midlands
• South East & London

To find your local clinic contact us or visit our dental practice finder.

There are several alternatives to implants, with options to suit a wide range of circumstances. Implants are notoriously expensive. This is because of the scale of surgery and long-lasting results. If you are looking for an alternative explore the options below.

How To Fix Teeth Without Implants

To fix teeth without implants you must identify the main issue and find solutions that fix that specific issue. Instead of having implants you will need to consider combining multiple treatments to achieve the desired effect.

Missing Teeth

To treat missing teeth without implants consider treatments like a dental bridge. This uses adjacent teeth to secure a prosthetic tooth or bridge of teeth. Dental bridges can be part of a removable denture, wired to adjacent teeth or part of a bridge that is secured using dental crowns.

Dentures are an obvious alternative to dental implants; however, this cheap treatment is known for being uncomfortable and inconvenient. Ask your dentist about full and partial dentures.

Loose Teeth & Painful Gums

Loose teeth and painful gums are caused by gum disease. Consider speaking to your dentist about an oral hygiene or GBT appointment to clear up this problem.

Chipped, Broken & Cracked Teeth

Damaged teeth can be cosmetically repaired using veneers. Veneers are attached to the surface of your tooth, giving the result of a perfect smile. You can not have full veneers if you have missing teeth.

• Composite Veneers are the most affordable alternative, offering a perfect straight smile in hours without sedation.
• Porcelain Veneers are a more hard-wearing alternative. These have been made popular by its wide use in celebrity culture.

Dental Implants Vs Dentures

The main difference between dental implants and dentures is that implants cannot be removed and are permanently fixed in your mouth. Implants have many benefits over dentures:

• Implants don’t move. This makes implants more comfortable compared to dentures. It also means you can eat what you like without restriction.
• Implants are easy to maintain. Brush your implants as you would your normal teeth. Follow the extra steps as outlined by your dentist.
• Implants don’t affect your jawline. Having teeth removed without implants may cause changes to your jawline. This can potentially make you look older.

Dental Implants Vs Dental Bridges

Dental implants offer many advantages compared to dental bridges.

• Dental bridges are not as discreet as implants. As a result, people may be able to see the structure of your bridge when you smile.
• Fitting dental bridges may mean permanently altering nearby teeth. This can cause bridges to be a painful choice.
• Without an implant your gum can lean inwards, potentially giving you a puckered face
  Dental bridges can wear down quickly too, resulting in more treatments.

Should I Get Dentures Or Implants?

If you are considering getting dentures or dental implants…

Dentures Pros

• Low Cost
• Easy to maintain
• Partial & full dentures treat different conditions

Dentures Cons

• Slide around and can be uncomfortable
• Lack of tooth root increases signs of ageing
• Limits the food you can eat

Implants Pros

• Permanent solution that lasts up to 20 years
• Bite and chew normally
• Single tooth, bridge and full arch options

Implants Cons

• Comparatively expensive
• Need to maintain good oral hygiene
• Not ideal for smokers

Screwless Dental Implants

These implants use a metal frame to secure implants to the jaw. This frame sits over your gum to provide a stable base. Screwless implants are faster to fit and use a solid crown which can be more comfortable.

False Teeth Implants

False teeth implants secure a traditional denture to your jaw bone using titanium posts. This is a fast and affordable alternative to dental implants and is ideal for patients with a restricted budget.

Implants are a great choice for most people. However, not everyone is suitable for this treatment. You may not be able to have dental implants if you…

• Are undergoing radiotherapy in or around your jaw
• Have diabetes
• Smoke, use chewing tobacco or vape
• Drink heavily
• Take recreational drugs
• Have gum disease

Please be honest when visiting your dentist for an assessment to make sure the right treatment is recommended to you.

What Can Stop Me From Having Dental Implants?

There are many conditions that could stop you from having dental implants. These include:

• Diabetes: Impacts the body’s ability to heal and could affect your recovery.
• Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus: Can affect your recovery
• Heart Conditions: Can be triggered by anaesthesia or sedation.
• Bone Disorders including osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta: Can impact the long-term success of your treatment.

Will I Need Bone Grafting For Dental Implants?

You need to have sufficient bone in your jaw to allow implants to securely anchor in place. If you’re lacking in bone density, a bone graft can help. Bone grafts can take from to 3-6 months to heal before implant treatments can begin. This will be discussed at your dental consultation.

Will I Need A Sinus Lift?

A sinus lift or maxillary sinus floor augmentation surgery is a treatment designed to increase bone density around your back teeth in your upper jaw. Prolonged tooth loss in this region can degrade your bone and cause implants to fail. A sinus lift provides a secure anchor point for dental implants.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take?

From single tooth implants to implant bridges and full mouth dental implants, surgery takes just one day. The result is a new set of pristine teeth.

For bridges and overdentures this will mean wearing temporary teeth until your gums have healed. It will take several months for your gums to fully heal.

Bridges and overdentures take additional time to fully adjust and fit your final set of teeth.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Dental Implants?

It usually takes 2 weeks for patients to fully recover from dental implant surgery. The full healing process takes between 3 and 6 months.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

With care, dental implants last up to 20 years. To achieve this you should:

• Maintain a high level of oral hygiene, brushing and flossing your implants and gums.
• Attend regular check-up’s and dental hygiene appointments.
• Avoiding biting into hard objects that can damage your teeth.
• Avoid foods that can stain your teeth.

Do Dental Implants Last Forever?

The materials used to make your implants can theoretically last beyond their 20-year estimated lifetime. The challenge to longevity is more about the condition of your crowns and if your face shape and condition of your jawbones have changed. This can cause implants to fail, needing replacement.

Smile in a Day is the name given to full mouth dental implants surgery. At the end of your procedure, you will have a temporary set of dental implants secured to your jaw. This allows your gums and jaw to fully heal before your final implant arch can be fitted.

This is the name given to whole mouth dental implants surgery. At the end of your procedure, you will have a temporary set of dental implants secured to your jaw. This allows your gums and jaw to fully heal before your final implant arch can be fitted.

These bridges replace a row of teeth with a dental implant bridge. This can mean using fewer implants than the number of teeth being replaced. At the end of your procedure, you will have a temporary implant bridge secured to your jaw. This allows your gums and jaw to fully heal before your final implant bridge can be fitted.

These dentures replace your entire upper and/or lower set of teeth with a permanent denture. This is secured to your jaw using titanium implants. Implant supported dentures use 4, 6 or 8 titanium implants to secure a full arch of teeth, giving you a beautiful straight white smile. This means using fewer implants than the number of teeth being replaced. The implants are secured through your gum into your jawbone.

Overdentures replace your entire upper and/or lower set of teeth with a permanent denture. This is secured to your jaw using titanium implants. Overdentures use 4, 6 or 8 titanium implants to secure a full arch of teeth. This gives you a beautiful straight white smile. This treatment uses fewer implants than the number of teeth being replaced. The implants are secured through your gum into your jawbone.

There are many functional benefits to getting dental implants including:

• Gives you the ability to chew again without pain
• Stops bone loss from your jawbone and upper jaw line
• Maintains the health of surrounding gums and teeth
• Helps to keep adjacent teeth stable and aligned
• Natural mouth feel
• Potentially improves your quality of life

The Aesthetic Benefits Of Dental Implants

There are many aesthetic benefits to getting dental implants including:

• Fills gaps in your smile with new teeth
• Replaces worn, misaligned, crowded and discoloured teeth with new white teeth
• Preserves your jawline, potentially making you look more youthful

The cost of dental implants can be affected by the number of teeth requiring implantation. The condition of your teeth, gums and jaw are a contributing factor. The type of bridge/overdenture and time needed to complete the procedure may significantly impact the final cost.

Dental Implant Finance

Get dental implants on finance with Yorkshire Dental Suite. Contact us today to discuss your options.

Dental Implant Payment Plans

The Yorkshire Dental Suite dental payment plan allows you to spread the cost of dental implants. Contact us to discuss your options.

Implants are very durable. 90-95% of implants last more than 10 years and, with proper care, can last over 20 years.

The main weak point of dental crowns is the crown, not the implant. Crowns can become worn or cracked; however, this element can easily be replaced, often without surgery.

Risks And Complications Of Dental Implants

Having dental implants is not without risk. Our team of highly skilled dentists and dental nurses have processes in place to help mitigate the risk of:

• Infection
• Injury to teeth and blood vessels
• Nerve damage
• Sinus problems

Please talk to your dentist if you are worried about any of the above risks.

What Happens If Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants can fail if the implant does not correctly integrate with your jaw.

The good news is that your gum is one of the fastest areas of the body to recover from injury.

As a result, your doctor will simply book you in for a second procedure after your gums have fully healed.

How To Maintain Dental Implants

Follow these steps to help maintain your dental implants:

• Stop smoking as it stains your teeth, slows recovery and affects bone density.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice. Your implants are strong but can be damaged just like natural teeth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Avoid abrasive toothpastes.
• Use mouthwash to help prevent gum disease.
• Floss daily.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.

You can get dental implants on the NHS, but only if medically necessary. The NHS does not provide implants for cosmetic reasons. Implants are a band 3 treatment costing £319.10. It is also worth noting that NHS implants are made from metal and only designed to last 5 years. After this time you will be offered dentures.

This is a stark contrast to the dental implants provided by Yorkshire Dental Suite. These are designed to last up to 20 years and are made from porcelain and zirconia to achieve a natural looking result.

Is There A Government Grant For Implants?

There are government grants for implants available if the NHS costs are still too high. This is in the form of the NHS Low Income Scheme, a solution that offers financial support, covering part of the cost of treatment. At the moment there are no Government schemes that cover the full cost of having dental implants.

How To Get Free Dental Implants In The UK

There is currently no way to get free dental implants in the UK. The lowest cost solution is to have implants from the NHS supported by grants from the NHS Low Income Scheme. You will not be eligible if you are seeking this treatment for cosmetic reasons.