Mobile Menu
Close

Search results for "."

{ Progressive Dentistry }

Showing 9 of 564

Dental Implants To Replace A Single Missing Tooth

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. Fact. So if you have missing teeth, your first choice should be a dental implant. The most common scenario we encounter is to replace a single missing tooth. Why replace the tooth? There are a number of reasons:
 

1. For aesthetics especially if it is a front tooth! 
 

2. To restore function.
 

3. To prevent any further bone loss. 
 

4. To prevent drifting of the adjacent and opposing teeth- yes they can move! 
 

5. To maintain the bite. 
 

6. For psychological well being.

In the case of a missing single tooth, there are a number of simple steps that have to be taken to end up with a new tooth:

1. Careful planning. 
 

2. CT scans may be required if the tooth was lost many years ago.
 

3. Careful placement of the dental implant. 
 

4. Often a waiting period of 6-12 weeks is required for healing. This is called 'osseointegration'. 
 

5. Impressions are then required. 
 

6. Final placement of the crown or a provisional restoration is placed.
 

7. If a provisional restoration was placed, a waiting period of 3-12 weeks may be required prior to the final crown.

For example, just look at our case below to see how a dental implant should look:
 


Discreet Options For Straightening Lower Front Teeth

Our case of the month for May 2015 involves teeth straightening of the lower front teeth. Crooked lower front teeth is a very common problem that affects many adults. In fact, there is a term for this as the teeth gradually become more and more crooked - 'late lower incisor crowding'. There are a number of reasons for straightening lower teeth: 

1. Cosmetic 

2. Improved hygiene - often plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) readily forms on the inside of lower front teeth 

3. Improved bite 

4. Prevent further movement 

Just have a look at our case below. He was originally told that one incisor tooth required removal. However, we managed to create a great result without removing any teeth.
 


Dental Implants - The Basic Facts

Dental implants are the most successful way of replacing missing teeth. There is no doubt about this with overwhelming evidence to support their use. If you have thought about treatment with dental implants then please read this article which provides all the basic information.
 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are actually the replacement root(s) of the missing tooth/teeth. The dental implant is NOT the tooth that goes on top.
 

What are dental implants made from?

Titanium which is bio-compatible.
 

Are dental implants they safe?

Long term studies have demonstrated a very high safety record with dental implants.
 

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants have the best success rates out of all the dental treatments. Therefore, as long as they are looked after, you will have many years of use out of your dental implant.
 

How long does dental implant treatment take?

In general, 3-4 months on average. However, if you need a tooth removed prior to dental implant treatment, this will increase the time frame especially if the tooth has to be removed due to infection.
 

Can implants be placed immediately after my tooth is removed?

In some cases, this is possible. However, in most cases, healing of at least 6 weeks is advised before placing the implant.
 

How long do dental implants need to heal?

On average 12 weeks is needed. However, if the implant can be placed very firmly then the waiting time for the new tooth can be reduced. In some cases, a temporary tooth can be fixed to the implant immediately. This is called an 'immediate implant'. This would be more so for front teeth rather than back teeth. If the implant cannot be placed very firmly, then usually a cover screw will be placed and the gum will be repositioned over the top of the implant to allow healing. The healing time in this case is 12-16 weeks on average. This is called a 2 stage surgery as the gum will need to re-opened to retrieve the implant before a new tooth can be placed.
 

How do I clean a dental implant?

This will be much the same as your own teeth. Brushing, flossing, inter dental aids and water jets can all be used. It is advised to visit a dental hygienist regularly with dental implants as they will require extra maintenance especially in the first year or so.
 

How much do they cost?

This will vary per dental practice. The average fee for a single tooth back implant is £2000- £2300. Front teeth may cost more due to additional treatments required to produce an aesthetic result.
 

What do they look like?

Well, here is a photo of a fully restored dental implant. Just like a natural tooth!
 


Straighten Your Smile Discreetly: The Power Of Lingual Braces

If you have ever thought about straightening your teeth but have dreaded the thought of metal braces, then we have the solution - lingual braces. Lingual braces are placed on the INSIDE of your teeth so that no one will know that you are wearing an orthodontic brace.

The days of the 'Ugly Betty' type brace have long gone - invisible lingual braces are the future. One of the most popular types of lingual brace is called the Social 6 brace. This aims to straighten the front 4 (upper or lower) teeth in a matter of weeks. So if you are after a cosmetic improvement to your smile and do not want to wait for months or years for results, the Social 6 brace could be for you. For example, have a look at our case below. A wonderful result in just a few weeks:
 


Dental Implants To Replace Missing Teeth

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. There is certainly no doubt about this in the dental field. Why would you want to wear false teeth when dental implants can be used to provide a natural and secure replacement with long lasting results? For example, please take a look at our case study below. Here we have a missing front tooth. This is usually the worst place to lose a tooth. Just look at the result achieved:
 


Your Perfect Wedding Smile Starts Here

Are you getting married this year? Have you set the date? Would you like straight, white teeth for the wedding day? If the answer is yes, we can help! Depending on your desires, we can help you achieve a beaming smile for your wedding day. For example:
 

Clean Teeth

A dental hygiene visit is between 30-60 minutes, instantly providing a fresher, cleaner mouth and with full stain removal!
 

Teeth Whitening

The usual time frame for teeth whitening is just 2 weeks. However, for more advanced cases a few extra weeks may be required. Our preferred technique is the take home kit using Philips Zoom gel. 
 

Cosmetic Bonding

Composite bonding can be achieved in one visit- a new smile instantly.
 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain or composite veneers require a time frame of at least 4 weeks from start to finish. In those urgent cases, we can speed things up to 2 weeks. 
 

Cosmetic Teeth Straightening

For mild cases, teeth alignment can be achieved in as little as 6 weeks! In general, it is wise to allow 4-6 months for treatment.
 

Advanced Teeth Straightening

For more comprehensive cases, a period of 8-14 months may be required so plan well in advance! 
 

Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be replaced using dental implants in as little as 3 months. However, there are instances when we can provide a new tooth in a day!

Whatever your needs, we have the answer. Why wait, to achieve the smile of your dreams in time for your wedding contact us today.


How To Fix Worn Down Chipped Teeth

Do you suffer from tooth wear? Are your teeth short and jagged at the edges? Are they sensitive? Do they look unattractive? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then just look at our case study below on how to fix them. Here is the answer!
 


How Can I Straighten My Teeth Quickly And Discreetly?

One of the most common questions we are asked is how can I straighten my teeth quickly and without anyone knowing. Well, we have the answer- lingual braces. Here are some FAQs about lingual braces: 
 

What are lingual braces?

These are braces placed on the inside of the teeth, completely hidden from view. 
 

Are they suitable for me?

Lingual braces can be used for virtually any condition. 
 

Why are they not as readily available as conventional braces?

Lingual braces are technically more difficult as teeth have a different anatomy on the inside. The surface area is reduced and the enamel surface is very different. It is also far more difficult for the dentist to access the inside of the teeth and make the necessary adjustments-skill is required!
 

Can they be used just to straighten my front teeth

Yes, of course. A technique called Social 6 lingual aims to straighten the front 4 teeth only. The brace is only placed on the front 6 teeth so it is very small, comfortable and quick. 
 

Is it painful?

Remarkably, in most cases no. This is because the forces used are very light but constant. The forces also act in a different plane to conventional braces. However, the tongue may get caught and irritated by the brace and this can be sore! 
 

Will it affect my speech?

Yes. In most cases, there will be some lisping especially with 's' and 't' sounds. This usually resolves after a few weeks.
 

Will I be able to eat whatever I like?

No. It is advised that you stick to a soft diet for the first few weeks and then gradually eat harder, chewy foods as you become used to the brace. It is generally much more difficult to eat with lingual braces than conventional braces. 
 

How much do they cost?

This depends on each individual case. In general, lingual braces are more expensive than conventional orthodontics and are a premium product. For full mouth lingual hidden braces, prices start from £4000 upwards. 

If you have any questions on lingual braces, hidden braces, invisible braces then please do not hesitate to contact us. We provide a free quick consultation over e mail- just send us some photos of your teeth.