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5 Reasons Why You Should Visit The Dental Hygienist

Did you know that we offer direct access to our dental hygienist through our walk-in service? As of May, this year, the General Dental Council (GDC) granted permission for members of the public to see the dental hygienist WITHOUT having to be referred by a dentist. Therefore, all you have to do is call us, e mail us or book online to see Jenny directly.

Why is dental hygiene so important? Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the dental hygienist at least twice a year:

1. Dental plaque is the main cause of dental disease - removing plaque will reduce your risks of developing dental problems.

2. Halitosis is caused mainly by poor oral hygiene - bad breath is not a desirable feature!

3. Poor gum health is linked to many systemic diseases such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Why increase your risk when you can see a hygienist straight away.

4. Poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease and ultimately tooth loss - prevention is far better than cure and there is NO direct cure for periodontal disease.

5. Clean teeth look great, healthy and fresh.

You will be amazed at the difference a visit to the hygienist can make. So why wait. Book your dental hygiene visit today- you will not regret it.

7 Facts About Dental Implants: A Reliable Solution for Missing Teeth

We have a certain expertise in a number of dental fields and dental implants is one of these. Dental implants are widely acknowledged as being the best replacement for missing teeth or failing teeth. For those of you that are not aware of dental implants, here are a 7 facts:

1. Implants are made from titanium.

2. Titanium is bio compatible with the human body. It is also used in hip replacements for example.

3. The jaw bone is able to grow around and fuse to the dental implants- a process called osseointegration.

4. Teeth attached to the dental implants are called implant retained crowns. They are not implants.

5. The success rate of implants is very high, approaching 90% in general and higher. This is one of the highest success rate in dentistry.

6. The teeth implants will not decay or ever need a root canal treatment. However, general maintenance is required and thorough cleaning.

7. There are many systems available. Each of these systems will have evidence supporting their success. It is important to discuss this with your dentist.

Our case study involves the replacement of a back tooth with an Astra Tech dental implant.

Lingual Braces – Invisible Braces: 9 Facts

We are often asked to straighten teeth using 'invisible' braces. Our answer to this is lingual braces. If you have not heard of lingual braces before, the term lingual is latin for towards the tongue. Hence the brace is placed on the INSIDE of the teeth, making it 'invisible' to those around you.

9 FACTS ABOUT LINGUAL BRACES:

1. They are technically more difficult than conventional braces and require a higher skill level not only from the dentist but also from the laboratory.

2. They are physically difficult to place- just think about the poor dentist having to break his/her back to place and adjust the brace in the most difficult positions!

3. They are more costly compared to other braces due to the above factors.

4. In some situations, the treatment time can be very quick; as little as 6-16 weeks.

5. The more complicated the case, the longer the treatment time.

6. Speech and eating will be affected initially but this is usually overcome after a few weeks.

7. The tongue will become irritated by the brace for the first few weeks. We provide special 'comfort guard putty' to protect the tongue in the early stages.

8. Retention is vital after treatment. We advise a fixed and removable retainer after the brace is removed.

9. The only truly invisible brace!

If you would like to know more about lingual invisible braces, please contact us for further information. Please feel free to e mail photos of your teeth for some immediate feedback on your suitability.

Tooth Whitening Dental Treatment Using Take Home Trays

Our case of the month for October is a tooth whitening case using one of our most popular techniques: take home trays. Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. Having whiter, brighter teeth that look clean and healthy is desirable and confidence boosting. The treatment is available to all with their own teeth!

THE PROCESS

1. A full clinical examination is required prior to any cosmetic dental procedure.
2. It is highly advised that you visit the hygienist prior to any tooth whitening procedure.
3. Impressions are then taken of your teeth.
4. The specially made trays are fitted and a demonstration is required to show how to use the whitening gel properly.
5. The trays and gel are worn for 1 hour a day over 2 weeks.
6. Whiter teeth!
7. The trays and gel can be used as a top up over the following months/ years. A typical example is presented below:

Stained Teeth?

Patients with stained teeth who come to see us in the quest for whiter teeth ask us about the professional treatments on offer to fulfil their wish for whiter, cleaner looking teeth.

Patients also frequently ask what causes staining and how to avoid it. Most staining is easily removed during a routine scale and polish, but some things that cause staining can also cause long-term damage to natural teeth as well as fillings and veneers.

- Cigarettes, as well as cigars and betel nut/tobacco chewing. Stoptober has started, it's never too late quit smoking.

- Some mouthwashes, in particular Corsodyl. After around a week of use, will start to cause a brown/yellow stain on the teeth. This mouthwash should only be used on your dental professionals advice. Try Peroxyl as an alternative to help tackle gum disease, its oxygen producing formula is great for killing off bacteria. Any strong mouthwash should be used in the short-term only, and doesn't replace the effectiveness of brushing/flossing.

- The mixture of tannin and acid in Red Wine is a well known stain producing drink. White anyone?

- Tea and Coffee both contribute to staining. Try swapping espresso for a milkier alternative to avoid heavy staining and add milk to tea. Beware of some Herbal Teas, they are some of the worst offenders. We notice that good quality (preferably organic) herbal tea will cause less staining than cheaper options

- Richly coloured sauces and spices

- Beware of sports drinks, they are highly acidic, which makes teeth more susceptible to taking on the colouring in the drink. Drink water to avoid this problem, or coconut water after exercising which will help to naturally hydrate you as it is full of natural electrolytes.

If you have any questions regarding stained teeth or how to whiten your teeth, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Caring For Dental Implants

At Progressive Dentistry, we believe that Dental Implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Much like natural teeth, if you care for them well, they will last a lifetime. Keeping your implants clean is crucial for long term success. It is recommended that your hygienist performs a professional, thorough clean at least twice a year, using specific implant friendly instruments and non abrasive polish. Home care is also very important, so here are some tips for day to day cleaning:

- Use a rechargeable electric toothbrush and concentrate on brushing the gum line thoroughly

- An alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash will help to keep your mouth fresh and the gums in good condition

- Ask your Hygienist to show you how to clean in between the spaces around the implant, using interdental brushes and/or floss. Make sure the interdental brush fits snugly into the space, so the sides are kept plaque free.

- A water pick is a great investment to help you remove trapped debris around the implants. Ask one of our team to help you pick the model best suited to you.

Article written by Jenny Wiggins, Hygienist and Therapist at Progressive Dentistry

The Rising Demand For Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent statistics give rise to the argument that cosmetic dentistry is now a surging market; the classic fear of the dentist syndrome that supposedly grips up to three quarters of the UK population is seemingly banished, confined to the realms of overcrowded waiting rooms and metallic train-track braces, as growth in demand for perfect teeth and alluring smiles proves that cosmetic dentistry firms are flourishing.

How Popular Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Research from the private healthcare search engine WhatClinic.com demonstrates just how popular cosmetic dentistry has become. The company surveyed the 11,000 UK dental clinics it currently houses on its website, comparing the number of enquiries clinics received for dental treatments over the past two years.

The results were both informative and surprising:

1. Enquiries for clear braces had risen a colossal 177%.

2. Invisible braces clear, plastic aligners that negate the need for traditional metal braces increased by 60%, irrespective of the larger price tag.

3. Enquires for expensive laser teeth whitening treatments had more than doubled; the 116% rise demonstrates that people are increasingly concerned with the colour of their teeth.

Teeth Whitening At Home

As well as this, at the lower end of the market scale, individuals are able to purchase tooth-whitening kits over the shop counter that can be used and implemented at home, and independent research suggests that sales may have risen by up to 500% for these packages. Many experts relate these escalations to the popularity of reality television shows; cast members are often hand selected based upon their physical makeup, and gleaming white smiles go hand in hand with social and financial prosperity.

No Longer Reserved For The Rich And Vain

Cosmetic dentistry is no longer reserved for the rich and vain; statistics show we are less tolerant of physical imperfections and many dentists now recommend cosmetic treatment to their patients, and, as the cost of teeth whitening treatments has fallen over the past 12 months, many are all too happy to profit from this.

London’s Popularity for Cosmetic Dentistry

London is a prime example of the popularity of this trend; the capital has seen a stark increase in the number of cosmetic dental clinics it now lays home to. One only has to open up Google and run a quick search to discover this for themselves, and the list to choose from is as extensive as it is appealing - 50% discounts and painless promises of a beautiful smile; who wouldn’t want to investigate further?

Celebrities and leading sports personalities further help to endorse the success of the practice; past Grand National winning jockey Liam Treadwell has admitted to being treated in a leading London cosmetic dentistry clinic, proving that the enterprise is gaining momentum for famous and non-famous alike. As he asserted in an interview, I used to think, "Well, God's made me this way and I'm just going to have to live with it. But cosmetic dentistry has proved me wrong.

A Word Of Caution

One should be cautious though, for, as cosmetic dentistry is a highly lucrative market, many are out to capitalise on the success of this rapidly expanding industry. While cheaper costs or alternative treatments may appear advantageous, trusting someone with the health, wellbeing and appearance of your mouth is far more important than saving money or time.

Progressive Dentistry is one of London’s leading dental clinics, and, as well as the general dentistry services they provide, offer exceptional care and quality for those seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments, utilising natural, safe techniques to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, enquire today and be put in touch with a truly expert team, highly trained and extremely experienced to provide you with the assistance you want or need.

Non-Invasive Tooth Enhancement With Cosmetic Bonding

Our case of the month for September is a classic cosmetic bonding case. For those of you that do not know about cosmetic bonding, it is a great technique to enhance a tooth with a completely NON-INVASIVE approach. Teeth can be lengthened, widened, repaired, made symmetrical and gaps closed with this wonderful technique. In virtually all cases, there is NO need for any drilling, any anaesthetic (no needles!) and no unnecessary removal of healthy tooth enamel. Our case shows a typical scenario where a tooth is worn and chipped. The procedure took just 45 minutes and just look at the difference.

Sensitive Teeth? This Simple Tip Might Be Your Smile Saver!

Our dental tip of the week is related to tooth sensitivity. If you suffer from sensitive teeth due to gum recession, then place a pea sized amount of sensitive toothpaste such as Colgate Pro Relief or Sensodyne on to your finger tip and rub this into the sensitive areas. It is important not to wash or brush away the paste so ensure that this is the last thing you do at night after your usual oral health care regime. If the sensitivity does not ease after a few days, please visit your dentist as soon as possible.