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In the past, back teeth that required crowns or large fillings were given gold restorations. This was a sensible decision given that back teeth are used for chewing food and any crown or filling must therefore be able to withstand the high forces. Gold is an excellent material as it is extremely strong and biocompatible. However, it looks like gold and not like a tooth! Due to advanced in modern dentistry and materials, we are now able to provide back crowns that are completely tooth like and contain NO metal. These are called all ceramic crowns. They are also biocompatible and very strong. One example we like to use at Progressive Dentistry is the E-max crown. 

Below is an example of replacing a gold crown with an E-max all ceramic crown:
 

Do you suffer from a dry mouth or are about to commence a treatment which is known to cause dryness? Or perhaps you wear dentures and find that throughout the day the become increasingly dry and therefore uncomfortable? Here are some tips which could make your mouth more comfortable.

* Drink plain water frequently throughout the day and chew on sugarfree gum- preferably citrus flavour.

* Suck on sugarfree sweets- the Peppersmith brand is widely available and contains Xylitol which is good for the teeth. Ice/sugarfree ice lollies are useful for severe conditions.

* Eat food that is moist and not too hot, broths are very good for maintaining hydration.

* Some food and drinks best avoided are: high salt, high sugar, alcohol and caffeinated.

* Avoid mouthwashes which contain alcohol.

* Use a humidifier in your home at night time.

* Quit smoking

Here at Progressive Dentistry, we also recommend a sugarfree, pH neutral product called GC Dry Mouth Gel to our patients which provides further relief to dry mouth sufferers and those who wear dentures.

Written by Jenny Wiggins EDT EDH.

One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in 2013 is the Social 6 lingual brace. This is a brace that is fitted to the INSIDE of the teeth, making it truly invisible. As it is fixed, there are no compliance issues and the technology of the system means that a wide variety of movements can be achieved. 
 

FEATURES OF THE SOCIAL 6 BRACE

1. As the name suggests, it is placed on the front 6 teeth only. 

2. The aim is to correct the front 4 teeth, the canine teeth act as the anchors. 

3. The usual time frame is very quick, from 6-24 weeks. 

4. It is completely invisible to the eye. 

5. The technology of the wires means that very light but constant forces are applied, which means LESS pain. 

6. The treatment is a complex and skilled procedure and not readily available at most dental practices.
 

CASE STUDY

Below is a recent example of a case treated by Dr Nissit Patel at Progressive Dentistry using the lingual braces:
 

Our case of the month for June involves dental implants and ceramic crowns. Dental implants are without question, the very best option to replace teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, dental implants should be considered as the first line option. In the past, replacing teeth with implants was a long, drawn out procedure and costly too. However, with the advances in modern dentistry and techniques, the treatment can be delivered quickly, with minimum fuss and is affordable. Our case involves replacing a missing molar with an Astra Tech dental implant and placing an Empress E-max crown on the adjacent tooth. Please view the before and after photos to see what can be achieved:
 

Our case of the month for May 2013 is a combination case of orthodontics using Invisalign clear removable braces, dental implants, ceramic crowns and cosmetic bonding. Due to quite severe tooth wear due to grinding at night and general issues with the condition of her teeth, our patient sought treatment that was designed to treat all the major considerations but with a minimal emphasis. Initially Invisalign was used to straighten the teeth and place them in the optimal position for the planned dental implant. After this, all ceramic crowns were placed on badly damaged teeth and composite bonding was done on chipped front teeth. Overall, a fantastic result and a delighted patient. Please view the before and after photographs:
 

You may have noticed the increasing number of adverts for the treatment of tooth sensitivity and tooth erosion. Why is this? The answer is simple; our diets and habits.
 

DIET

In general, our diet has become far more acidic over the years. For example, you may be surprised to learn that certain fruits have a very high acid content that can dissolve healthy tooth enamel. Citrus fruits are especially acidic. Fizzy drinks are also very acidic. Did you know that a typical cola drink could dissolve your entire tooth overnight? Shocking, yet these drinks are a normal dietary item. Not only this, but the non diet varieties contain up to 4 large tablespoons of sugar!
 

HABITS

Did you know that over 80% of the population grinds their teeth at night? Teeth grinding will lead to loss of tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. In conjunction with an acidic diet, this is a recipe for disaster! It is not unusual to see tooth wear that would normally be seen in an elderly person in a twenty or thirty year old. If you have tooth wear or sensitive teeth, then please read on.
 

WHAT TO DO

1. Reduce the acid content in your diet immediately. 
2. Chew sugar free gum after eating or drinking acidic foods and drinks. 
3. Do NOT brush your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods or drinks.
4. Use dedicated pastes and gels as prescribed by your dentist to reduce tooth sensitivity and protect teeth.
5. These pastes and gels should be used TOPICALLY. This means applying them directly to the teeth with your finger tip and allowing direct contact overnight.
6. Do NOT rinse with water or mouthwash after applying the topical paste. This will simply wash the paste away.
7. See your dentist immediately if you develop sensitive teeth or notice your teeth chipping, becoming more translucent at the tips or becoming flat.
 

PREVENTION

Prevention is far better than cure. By spotting the signs early, advanced tooth wear or sensitivity can be prevented. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are concerned with any of the issues mentioned.

Spaces between teeth can be unsightly and affect self confidence. A space between the very central teeth is often a fashion statement. Famous celebrities such as Madonna and Vanessa Paradis are recognised by their gap. However, spaces behind the lateral incisors are not so attractive and are often associated with the Great British Smile. We have a classic example below:
 

We believe in the least invasive techniques to create beautiful smiles. If you have crooked teeth, overlapping teeth or teeth that are out of alignment then they SHOULD NOT be cut down for veneers or crowns. This is destructive and will cause harm in the longer term. Due to the advances of cosmetic dentistry, teeth can now be straightened discreetly and quickly to enhance your smile and improve oral hygiene. One of the most popular techniques we use is the lingual brace, which is the truly invisible brace as it sits on the inside of the teeth. Our case study highlights a wonderful result achieved with a lingual brace to straighten crooked lower front teeth.