One of the most common cosmetic dental treatments we provide at our Fulham dental practice on a daily basis is composite bonding or composite edge bonding. Now, let us explain what composite edge bonding is exactly. This is where a tooth, normally a front tooth, is enhanced by adding composite ( which is a white filling material). This would usually be to change the shape such as the length or width, to repair a chip or fracture or protect a worn down tooth. For edge bonding, the composite typically just replaces PART of the tooth and there is usually a bevel finish where the composite is blended in with some sound tooth enamel. Most of the tooth away from the edge bonding remains exactly the same.

This is inherently different from a composite veneer where the composite covers ALL of the outer surface of the tooth right up to the gum level.
 

Our case of the month for April 2024 is one using one of our favourite treatments; Invisalign. As you may be aware, Invisalign is the most well know orthodontic system in the world and for good reason. The science and technology behind the system means that we can predictably correct even the most crooked teeth including severe rotations. The key is in the planning. Not all Invisalign is the same! We spend a great deal of time planning each and every case to achieve the best possible results. This case highlights that beautifully.
 

If you are considering transforming your smile this year, we have just the ticket. Attend our Invisalign Open day at our dental practice in Fulham on May 31st for completely complimentary consultations on Invisalign with full assessments, 3D mouth scans, 3D x rays and virtual smile simulations. See your new smile on the day!

All of our packages will include free retainers, free tooth whitening, tooth contouring ( re shaping) and cloud storage of your scans. With our comprehensive package, there will also be a 5 year warranty should you need further Invisalign treatment in the future.

Investing in your smile could be the best thing you ever do. Just see these smile transformations and what our patients have to say about us and the process.
 

Composite bonding is a well know and popular technique that we have been using for over 15 years. The process is generally minimally invasive, requires very little tooth preparation, no needles or anaesthetic and is more affordable than other cosmetic dental options such as porcelain veneers. The procedure can be used for a number of treatments including closing spaces between teeth especially front teeth.
 

We love to create new smiles with the most modern technology and techniques available that are kind to the teeth, are natural and long lasting. In many cases, E-Max porcelain veneers will give the best aesthetic and functional results. This is especially the case when teeth already have been filled and are now starting to show discolouration or are worn and chipped. Porcelain veneers will completely transform a smile by creating new outer surfaces for the teeth. This is shown superbly by our case of the month for February 2024.

Most celebrities and television personalities have porcelain veneers on the upper teeth. If you take a close look, the lower teeth are often slightly darker and a little uneven!
 

Peri implantitis is becoming a major issue for dental implants and it is important to be aware of this when embarking on implant treatment to replace missing teeth. The term relates to a number of factors around implants but the main issues are:

1. Inflammation of the surrounding mucosa ( gum )

2. Increased pocket depths around the dental implant

3. Bleeding on probing

4. Suppuration ( pus oozing from the tissues)

5. Loss of bone around the implant either in a horizontal , vertical or both directions. 

This differs from peri implant mucositis where there is bleeding on probing, possible swelling and inflammation and increase in pocket depths BUT there is NO loss of bone around the implants. Peri implant mucositis is reversible but peri implantitis is irreversible. Diagnosis is essential and the earlier the treatment, the better the diagnosis. Often, the disease may go un noticed, very much like gum disease, but once symptoms develop it is often too late to prevent bone loss. It is essential that regular dental and hygiene visits are maintained after dental implant treatments so that any problems can be spotted at an early stage. In general, we would advise twice yearly appointments or quarterly hygiene appointments if there has been past gum disease present.
 

Our case of the month for December was one using Invisalign Comprehensive to widen the smile line, correct crowding, create a symmetrical smile line and close an open bite. In the past, treatment of an open bite was considered a complex situation which often would involve surgery on one of the jaws. However, with careful planning and utilising all of the technology now at our disposal, we can plan open bite treatments with confidence.
 

Today is the winter solstice and officially the shortest day of the year. Longer days are here to come! We also mark the run into Christmas and our opening times are :

Friday 22nd December 0900-1300

Saturday 23rd December 0900-1430 Reception only

Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day Closed

Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, Saturday 30th 0900-1400 Reception only

New Years Day Closed

January 2nd Normal opening times resume

In the event of a dental emergency out of hours, please leave a message with the offsite reception who are available 24/7 and one of the team will assist you, even on Christmas Day. 

From all of the team at Progressive Dentistry, we wish you a very merry Christmas and Happy New year!
 

We are delighted to announce that Dr Nissit Patel was a finalist for Practice Principal of the Year for London at this years Private Dentistry Awards 2023. The Private Dentistry Awards is held every year in December to showcase the very best in private dental care throughout the UK. To be nominated as a finalist is a great achievement and testament to the dedication of all of the staff at the practice; after all it is all about the team. 

There was also cause for a double celebration with November marking 14 years as Practice Principal for Dr Nissit Patel. In 2009 the practice was barely open with a dilapidated premises, run on paper and with a poor reputation within the local community. The changes could not be more drastic with improvements made every year. We now boast a modern, fully digital practice with the latest technology including both types of dental laser, CBCT scanner, 2 intra oral scanners, surgical microscope, surgical ultrasonic and much more. Our team consists of two dentists, four dental hygiene/therapists, an endodontist, specialist Maxillofacial Surgeon, facial aesthetics medical practitioner and of course, our amazing Practice Manager and assistants. We're planning further investment and improvements for 2024, so watch this space! Stay tuned for exciting updates at our dental practice in Fulham.