Our case study today is on cosmetic bonding. For those of you who are unaware of the process of cosmetic bonding, here is a recap:

1. It is a completely NON-invasive treatment for chipped, fractured, spaced and uneven teeth.

2. It is additive i.e we bond to the natural tooth surface.

3. There is no need for any drilling of the underlying tooth. 

4. There is no need for any needles or injections.

5. It is far more affordable than traditional treatments such as porcelain veneers.

6. It is easy to maintain.

7. It is reversible. 

Just take a look at our photographs:
 

Our case of the month for May is one involving tooth wear. Tooth wear is a very common problem caused buy a number of factors and usually a combination of them all. The most common cause is night time grinding or bruxism. This can be hugely damaging to teeth. Did you know that on average our teeth make contact for only about 10-20 minutes of the day. During night grinding, the average contact time is 4 hours! It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out this is far too much contact which will lead to loss of tooth enamel. Just take a look at our case:
 

As we previously mentioned, our dentist Dr Veehar Malde has been shortlisted at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards for the restorative case - full mouth. The case involved a highly complicated reconstruction of the lower arch in conjunction with restorative treatment on the upper teeth. Just take a look at the photos:
 

Our case of the month for January is an amazing smile transformation using cosmetic braces. One of the most satisfying aspects of dentistry is the completion of a long journey and seeing the transformation that can be made. Our case is an amazing transformation. Initially, the overall alignment and bite was very much out of position. A great deal of deliberation and planning is required for such complex cases- there is no need to rush! Here are the before photographs:
 

We are now well into 2015 and what better way to start the year than taking the first steps to a new smile. Our preferred smile makeover is as simple as ABC: A is for alignment - straighten teeth using discreet or invisible braces B is for bleaching- whiten teeth using or brand new Philips LED whitening system C is for cosmetic bonding- create symmetry by bonding the latest cosmetic composites to uneven edges, short or fractured teeth This technique is totally NON INVASIVE! We do not need to drill your teeth, you will not need injections and the process is virtually pain free. For example, please take a look at our case below:
 

Our case of the month for October involves composite bonding of the lower front teeth which were heavily worn and using a principle called the Dahl technique. This technique is not very well known but it is fantastic method for treating worn down teeth where there is no space to restore them. For example, when your front teeth wear down due to grinding, acid erosion, bad habits (biting pens, nails etc), there is often little space to restore the teeth using conventional fillings. In the old days, the teeth may have been cut down for invasive procedures such as crowns or veeners. The Dahl technique involves the careful restoration of the worn teeth directly or indirectly with little, if any, tooth preparation. This must be with precision so that the contact on the new restorations is in such a way that the unworn teeth can slowly re-position and make contact over time. Usually this takes 12-16 weeks to occur but what a concept! For example, just take a look at our case below:
 

At Progressive Dentistry, we are advocates of non invasive treatment to produce the very best results. We believe that treatments kind to the teeth and gums will produce longer lasting, natural results yet still highly aesthetic. For example, this week in the Daily Mail, a double page spread on celebrities who have had their teeth done. This included Simon Cowell, Noel Gallagher, Cheryl Cole (sorry Fernandez Versini), Tom Cruise, David Bowie, Catherine Zeta Jones, Gordon Brown (yes, our ex Prime Minister), Mel C, Nicolas Cage, Demi Moore, Ronan Keating to name but a few. 

The key factor with all of these cases, was the use of porcelain veneers for the smile makeover. Whilst we agree that porcelain veneers can produce dramatic results within a few weeks, the fact remains that this technique requires heavy preparation of the underlying teeth. Therefore, the hardest tissue in the human body- tooth enamel- is completely destroyed. In the long term, there will be consequences. 

Why go for a quick fix when a non invasive solution will last for a life time? For example, take at look at our case below. Our patient hated her crooked front teeth. With the celebrity option, all of the tooth enamel would need to be stripped away for porcelain veneers. Crazy. We opted to straighten the teeth over the period of only a few months, and an amazing transformation was evident. Just take a look:
 

Our case of the month for September is one which involves dental implants to replace missing back teeth. It is crucial to replace missing teeth at the back for a number of reasons. These involve: 

1. To restore function. Without back teeth or molar teeth, it is very hard to chew food. 

2. To prevent unwanted movement of the adjacent or opposing teeth. This could have a detrimental effect on the occlusion (bite) and cause major dental issues for the future. 

3. To prevent the jaw bone from shrinking which can result in causing the soft tissue to shrink. 

4. Aesthetics. Having gaps at the back of the mouth can still be seen. Dark space is not attractive. 

5. For general well being, physical and psychological. In our case, the missing teeth were two molar teeth on the upper right hand side. 

Please view a photograph:
 

We are delighted to announce that Philips Whitespeed Zoom whitening is now available at Progressive Dentistry. Zoom is the most recognized tooth whitening brand in dentistry for good reason. The new LED accelerator offers gentle but fantastic results in only 1 hour! If you have yellow, dark, discoloured teeth and would like them whitened in just one visit, then Whitespeed Zoom whitening could be for you. With every treatment, we provide a take home kit to continue the whitening process and maintain the results. Below is an example of the results that are possible: