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My next article will focus on the alternative to white fillings, which are porcelain onlays and inlays. These are, on the whole, laboratory made restorations for the teeth. These are often required when extra strength is required to protect the underlying tooth that cannot be afforded by direct white fillings. There are many advantages to porcelain inlays and onlays.

1. They are biocompatible and therefore there is no issue with any toxic component. 

2. They have similar wear strengths to tooth enamel. 

3. They do not shrink. 

4. They do not take up moisture over time leading to material distortion. 

5. Porcelain does not change colour or stain. 

6. Porcelain can be used to restore heavily broken teeth, even those with only a third of the remaining underlying tooth available. 

7. Porcelain can be adhesively bonded to the underlying tooth, creating a super seal from bacteria. 

8. Porcelain inlays and onlays require less tooth preparation than conventional crowns. 

9. As they are made in the laboratory, the technician will be able to create all manner of contours and adaptations that would not be possible with a direct filling. 

10. Porcelain inlays and onlays look just like teeth! 

If you would like totally biocompatible porcelain restorations for your teeth, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0207 7311162 or e mail info@progressivedentistry.co.uk

Following on from my previous article regarding metal fillings, I will now provide 10 reasons why white fillings are superior to metal fillings: 

1. White fillings actually adhere to the tooth surface creating an excellent seal.

2. White fillings require less preparation of the tooth than metal fillings.

3. White fillings do not contain mercury.

4. They are easily repaired if damaged.

5. They can be used on front and back teeth.

6. The wear strength of the latest materials are far superior to previous generations and therefore similar to tooth enamel.

7. White fillings can be used to repair worn, chipped and fractured teeth in a procedure called cosmetic bonding.

8. They can be used as an intermediate restoration for complex cases. For example: tooth wear cases, temporary veneers and crowns.

9. White fillings can be used to cure sensitive teeth. 

10. White fillings look great and just like teeth! However, it is vital that white fillings are placed correctly. In 99% of cases, they must be placed under rubber dam. This is a special rubber sheet which isolates the tooth from moisture and bacteria. The technique must also be correct and follow a strict protocol. Failure to follow these guidelines will lead to failure. At Progressive Dentistry, I insist that we use the very best materials and techniques to ensure optimal results. Anything less will not do.

If you are considering replacing metal fillings with white fillings, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our telephone number is 020 7731 1162 or e mail us on info@progressivedentistry.co.uk

One of the most common questions we answer is whether metal fillings should be replaced. I have complied a list of 10 points about metal fillings and why I think they have had their day and alternative treatments should be sought:

1. Metal fillings contain up to 50% mercury.

2. Mercury is a toxin.

3. Mercury is continuously released from metal fillings via a vapour form.

4. Metal fillings do NOT stick to teeth, they are mechanically wedged in to place.

5. Metal fillings require the tooth to be cut deeper than white fillings as they rely upon an undercut in the tooth i.e wider base than top surface.

6. Metal fillings corrode over time leaving areas open to bacterial leakage.

7. Metal fillings cannot be repaired.

8. Metal fillings leach ions within the tooth to give a grey appearance.

9. Metal fillings cannot be placed next to gold crowns as this may lead to a galvanic effect and increase the corrosion rate.

10. Metal fillings look awful.

Modern replacements include composite resin fillings and porcelain inlay and onlay restorations. My next article will list points why these materials are superior than metal fillings.

Article written by Dr Nissit Patel

If you would like to know more about removing metal fillings, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 7731 1162 or e mail info@progressivedentistry.co.uk

Teeth straightening is now a very popular treatment to improve the cosmetic appearance and why not! If teeth are crowded, out of alignment, suffer from spacing issues then they should be treated with orthodontics such as invisible braces. One of our most popular invisible braces is the lingual brace. This is placed on the inside of the teeth making it the truly invisible brace. If the thought of fixed braces on the outside of your teeth fills you with fear, then this is the solution for you. Dr Nissit Patel has a great deal of experience in invisible braces and lingual braces. A case study is presented below:
 

Our previous article focused on dental implants replacing several teeth. This case demonstrates the replacement of one missing tooth at the back, a molar tooth. This is a very common situation. You may ask: 'why do I need to replace a tooth at the back of my mouth. It is not visible and I don't really miss it.' 

However, there are a number of reasons why you should replace missing molar teeth:

1. Molar teeth are designed for chewing food. If you have a missing tooth especially a missing molar, then the force of chewing is placed upon other teeth. This can lead to further damage. 

2. Replacing the missing molar will prevent the opposite tooth from moving in a vertical direction; this is called over eruption and can cause significant problems with the bite. 

3. Replacing the tooth will prevent the adjacent teeth from drifting and tilting. 

4. Dental implants prevent further bone loss. This will prevent a sunken look in the future years. 

5. Self-esteem is dramatically improved with a full set of teeth.

Below is a case of a missing molar tooth, expertly replaced by Dr Nissit Patel:
 

Our dental hygienist is now able to offer dental hygiene treatment using the revolutionary Flash Pearl powder for that sparkling smile. Traditional powders and pastes could make the teeth sensitive and actually cause abrasive damage to the teeth. Flash Pearl is gentle and causes no surface damage, removing dental plaque, calculus and stains with ease. Your mouth will feel fresh like never before! We are able to offer walk in dental hygiene appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and selected Saturday's. There is no need to make a dental appointment, so why wait? Why not Contact us today to book your dental hygiene appointment for a sparkling smile.

Our case of the month for January 2013 is a wonderful smile transformation using an invisible brace. Initially our patient came to very upset about her smile. She hated one tooth in particular, which is very evident from the photographs. We transformed the smile with a lingual brace, the only truly invisible brace. The photographs below highlight the very best in cosmetic dentistry in London.
 

We are pleased to announce that we now have dental AND hygiene appointments available on Wednesday evenings until 7pm. We also have appointments early Tuesday morning, during lunchtimes and Saturday morning (limited availability). To make the most of these priority appointments please contact us and book in advance.

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. There are many dental implants to choose from and many dentists that provide and beyond. However, how do you choose a dental implant dentist? There are 3 simple questions that should be asked:

1. Level of training and experience

2. Evidence of case studies and testimonials

3. Evidence behind the proposed implant

Once this has been established, then trust within your dental implant dentist is a crucial factor. Price should never be the deciding factor in such an important decision. In our case, our answers to the above questions are:

1. Dr Nissit Patel has a wealth of experience and has trained at the most advanced institutes and universities. He has achieved the title of Master of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics with distinction, awarded by King's College, London.

2. Dr Nissit Patel has a large portfolio of cases to demonstrate excellence in dental implants. His patients are also happy to provide testimonials.

3. Dr Nissit Patel uses Astra implants, which is one of the most researched dental implants and evidenced based.

If you would like to know more about dental implants in Fulham, London or further afield, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please view our case studies and before and after treatments on dental implants.