Missing a tooth is bad enough but a missing front tooth is just about the worse scenario. There can be a number of reasons why teeth are lost from trauma, infection, decay, pain and expired crowns or posts to name a few. However, with modern day implant dentistry, missing teeth can be replaced with predictability and minimal fuss, with a completely natural result. Our case study highlights a missing front tooth replaced with a dental implant and a porcelain crown. In fact, the new tooth looks even better than the previous one!
 

Our case of the month for January is a dental implant case involving a premolar tooth. The tooth was lost due to infection around a failing root canal treatment. In most cases, the very best replacement for a tooth is a dental implant. After careful planning, a screw retained dental implant was placed. 

What is a screw retained dental implant? Well, here are the advantages: 

1. These types of crowns are screwed directly into the dental implant. 

2. There is NO cement. This is important as excess cement can lead to difficulty in cleaning and cause inflammation around the implant. 

3. The crown is 100% retrievable. This has a great advantages as if the crown needs to be removed for whatever reason, it is simply unscrewed. 

4. They still look natural and life like! Please look at the photos to view how a screw retained implant crown looks and works:
 

Cosmetic dentistry has evolved greatly over the years, with the emphasis now on minimal intervention rather than cutting down healthy teeth. Cosmetic bonding emphasises this new approach as it is a completely non invasive way of correcting imperfections on front teeth, repairing chips and breaks, closing spaces and creating symmetry. Our case study highlights the impact that cosmetic bonding can have:
 

Tooth whitening is the most asked for cosmetic dental procedure especially for Christmas. Whitening teeth is a simple, predictable and non invasive way of producing a gleaming smile. We have a number of methods to whiten teeth. A new system we have introduced is that of Enlighten whitening. This is the only system that guarantees a B1 result, which is one of the lightest dental shades. Therefore, if you have undergone whitening in the past without success, this could be the system for you! Have a look at our case study:
 

We strongly believe in the most minimally invasive techniques to repair and enhance teeth. One such technique is called cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic bonding involves the addition of highly aesthetic composite filling material to broken, chipped, worn teeth to enhance the overall appearance and provide a strong protective layer. The process is really very simple but involves a great deal of skill and artistry. It is not just a case of simply filling a tooth! The steps involved are:

1. Ensure that the surfaces are clean. A hygiene visit may be required.
2. Polish and sharp edges to ensure a smooth surface. 
3. The bonding process begins. This depends on the technique the dentist uses. 
4. The shade/ colour of the bonding material is chosen.
5. The material is layered very carefully under strictly isolated conditions. 
6. The bonding is then contoured and polished to a high gloss ensuring the bite is correct as well. 
7. Complete! Easy as that. 

Here is a case that was recently treated at Progressive Dentistry by Dr Nissit Patel using G-aenial composite.

In the old days of cosmetic dentistry, the lower teeth were often forgotten and treatments were geared primarily to upper teeth. This included treatments such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants. Often, this was a mistake. The lower teeth are VITAL to overall cosmetic dentistry, the main reason being occlusion or the 'bite'. In simple terms, if the dental occlusion is not adequate, then there are long term consequences. This could range from loss of function, increased tooth wear, increased likelihood of tooth fracture and jaw joint problems. In many cases now, we treat just the lower teeth due to phenomenon called 'late lower teeth crowding'. The lower front teeth are the smallest teeth in the mouth and lack of space is often an issue. As we age, the lack of space can become more apparent. A classic example is below:
 

It is a well know fact that a great smile is one of the best features about an individual. The teeth are one of the first things that are looked at when meeting somebody. Those who are embarrassed to smile due to an unsightly smile are often thought of as aloof or unfriendly. This is generally far from the truth. Modern dentistry now allows us to straighten teeth quickly, discreetly and comfortably producing wonderful results. Therefore, if you lack the confidence to smile or hide your teeth with your hand when speaking with others then you must come and visit us as soon as possible. You could end up with a beautiful smile as our client below. Have a look at the photos:
 

In the dark days of dentistry, teeth straightening used to be an arduous process involving many months or years of treatment. However, with the modern advances in cosmetic dentistry, mild crowding problems can often be corrected within a matter of weeks. One of our favoured techniques is the Social 6 lingual brace. As the name suggests, the brace is placed on the front 6 teeth but on the INSIDE of the teeth. Therefore this technique is the truly INVISIBLE brace as it is not detectable to the eye. Seeing is believing. Here is a recent case that was completed to treat mild crowding of the lower front 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.