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Apr 2014
22nd
22nd of April 2014

Dental Implants To Replace Missing Teeth

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. There is certainly no doubt about this in the dental field. Why would you want to wear false teeth when dental implants can be used to provide a natural and secure replacement with long lasting results? For example, please take a look at our case study below. Here we have a missing front tooth. This is usually the worst place to lose a tooth. Just look at the result achieved:
 


Apr 2014
1st
1st of April 2014

Your Perfect Wedding Smile Starts Here

Are you getting married this year? Have you set the date? Would you like straight, white teeth for the wedding day? If the answer is yes, we can help! Depending on your desires, we can help you achieve a beaming smile for your wedding day. For example:
 

Clean Teeth

A dental hygiene visit is between 30-60 minutes, instantly providing a fresher, cleaner mouth and with full stain removal!
 

Teeth Whitening

The usual time frame for teeth whitening is just 2 weeks. However, for more advanced cases a few extra weeks may be required. Our preferred technique is the take home kit using Philips Zoom gel. 
 

Cosmetic Bonding

Composite bonding can be achieved in one visit- a new smile instantly.
 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain or composite veneers require a time frame of at least 4 weeks from start to finish. In those urgent cases, we can speed things up to 2 weeks. 
 

Cosmetic Teeth Straightening

For mild cases, teeth alignment can be achieved in as little as 6 weeks! In general, it is wise to allow 4-6 months for treatment.
 

Advanced Teeth Straightening

For more comprehensive cases, a period of 8-14 months may be required so plan well in advance! 
 

Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be replaced using dental implants in as little as 3 months. However, there are instances when we can provide a new tooth in a day!

Whatever your needs, we have the answer. Why wait, to achieve the smile of your dreams in time for your wedding contact us today.


Mar 2014
20th
20th of March 2014

How Can I Straighten My Teeth Quickly And Discreetly?

One of the most common questions we are asked is how can I straighten my teeth quickly and without anyone knowing. Well, we have the answer- lingual braces. Here are some FAQs about lingual braces: 
 

What are lingual braces?

These are braces placed on the inside of the teeth, completely hidden from view. 
 

Are they suitable for me?

Lingual braces can be used for virtually any condition. 
 

Why are they not as readily available as conventional braces?

Lingual braces are technically more difficult as teeth have a different anatomy on the inside. The surface area is reduced and the enamel surface is very different. It is also far more difficult for the dentist to access the inside of the teeth and make the necessary adjustments-skill is required!
 

Can they be used just to straighten my front teeth

Yes, of course. A technique called Social 6 lingual aims to straighten the front 4 teeth only. The brace is only placed on the front 6 teeth so it is very small, comfortable and quick. 
 

Is it painful?

Remarkably, in most cases no. This is because the forces used are very light but constant. The forces also act in a different plane to conventional braces. However, the tongue may get caught and irritated by the brace and this can be sore! 
 

Will it affect my speech?

Yes. In most cases, there will be some lisping especially with 's' and 't' sounds. This usually resolves after a few weeks.
 

Will I be able to eat whatever I like?

No. It is advised that you stick to a soft diet for the first few weeks and then gradually eat harder, chewy foods as you become used to the brace. It is generally much more difficult to eat with lingual braces than conventional braces. 
 

How much do they cost?

This depends on each individual case. In general, lingual braces are more expensive than conventional orthodontics and are a premium product. For full mouth lingual hidden braces, prices start from £4000 upwards. 

If you have any questions on lingual braces, hidden braces, invisible braces then please do not hesitate to contact us. We provide a free quick consultation over e mail- just send us some photos of your teeth.


Mar 2014
13th
13th of March 2014

The Invisible Transformation: Unveiling a Radiant Grin

Our case of the month for March is a wonderful teeth straightening case. Our client was extremely unhappy with her crooked and uneven smile but was conscious of wearing braces that were visible. After a full clinical analysis and careful treatment planning, we decided on using invisible braces. Take a look at our before and after photos- great end result.
 


Mar 2014
11th
11th of March 2014

Cosmetic Dentistry Guide

Cosmetic dentistry involves many subjects and some of the terms can be confusing. Here is our simple guide to cosmetic dentistry.
 

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry. If you have yellow, discoloured teeth and would like them whiter this is for you. Our preferred method involves using take home whitening trays and 6% hydrogen peroxide gel. We use Philips Zoom and Enlighten systems. These techniques are proven, safe and easily maintained. will not work on dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, bridges, implants and metal fillings. Areas of gum recession and abrasion will also not whiten. It is therefore very important that a dentist undertakes a full clinical examination prior to tooth whitening.
 

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is the most conservative method of restoring fractured, chipped, small, uneven teeth. The technique is non invasive as highly aesthetic tooth coloured composite material is carefully layered over the teeth. Once placed, it is then contoured and polished to a fine lustre. The bonding will require maintenance over time with polishing, repair and eventual replacement. However, as the underlying tooth is the same there is no biological damage and the process can simply be repeated. In our experience, cosmetic bonding is the first choice to repair damaged teeth.
 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are an excellent method of repairing a tooth if there has been heavy damage, severe discolouration or large existing dental fillings. They are the most aesthetic method of providing a new tooth surface. With the latest technology, porcelain veneers are undetectable from natural teeth. They often require preparation of the underlying teeth and for this reason, the technique is not the most conservative. In certain circumstances, porcelain veneers can be placed with minimal or no preparation. This is usually when the teeth are in a good alignment, with no crowding and point contacts. Our porcelain veneer of choice, is E-max by Ivoclar. If you have a gummy smile and the gum (gingival) margins are uneven this presents a major cosmetic issue. One simple method is to create symmetry of the gum line by using a soft tissue laser. This technique is very precise, delicate and allows fantastic healing of the area. However, careful analysis must be undertaken prior to any contouring to avoid invasion of the biological width. What is this, you may ask. Well, ask your dentist. Any dentist with experience and knowledge of cosmetic dentistry should know. If your dentist cannot answer this, then they should not be undertaking the procedure!
 

Teeth Straightening

Cosmetic teeth straightening is becoming the technique of choice prior to any of the above techniques. Moving the teeth in the correct position not only creates a beautiful smile but allows for far better dentistry in the future. Due to the advances in modern technology, teeth be straightened fairly quickly and discreetly. There are techniques such as lingual braces (placed on the inside of the teeth), ceramic braces (tooth coloured braces) and clear aligners such as Invisalign (removable clear braces). These all mean that the traditional metal braces can be avoided. Each person is different and hence each treatment will be bespoke. It is vital that a full clinical examination and assessment is undertaken prior to any treatment. There is no such thing as one size fits all. If your dentist only offers one option, seek a second opinion. One important point to mention is that when teeth are straightened, they must be retained. Our preferred method of retention is by using a fixed wire retainer placed on the inside of the teeth. A removable retainer can also be used at night to doubly ensure the teeth stay nice and straight.
 

Dental Hygiene

For any cosmetic dental technique, the health of the gums must be excellent. Prior to any treatment, a visit or two to the will not only make the teeth look better and improve the gum health but ensure that the future treatment will b successful. The presence of dental plaque is the main cause of failure in dentistry. The lower the levels of plaque bacteria, the less risk of biologic damage and the higher the success rate. Visits to the dental hygienist should be at least twice a year or quarterly for those who require greater maintenance.

We hope you have found this guide to be useful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: - Voted London's Best Practice Dentistry Awards 2013 Tel 0207 7311162 e info@progressivedentistry.co.uk


Mar 2014
4th
4th of March 2014

Dental Hygiene - Why Is It So Important?

Good dental hygiene leads to good overall health. It is as simple as that. There is now overwhelming evidence that links poor oral health and gum disease to many systemic illnesses such as cardiac disease, respiratory issues and diabetes. Therefore it has never been so important to visit the hygienist on a regular basis. We recommend that a visit to the dental hygienist should be at least twice a year.

If you suffer from gum problems or are undergoing major treatments with orthodontics or dental implants, then you will require additional visits. Not only will your teeth and gums feels fresh and healthy, you are also investing in your overall health. So why wait, contact our hygienist first thing in the morning and book your appointment.


Feb 2014
27th
27th of February 2014

Protect Your Smile: Understanding The Causes Of Tooth Wear And How to Prevent It

Tooth wear is becoming an increasingly major problem. The main causes of tooth wear are: 

1. Bruxism - grinding teeth at night time.
2. Acidic diets.
3. Stress causing extra clenching and bruxism.
4. Gastric reflux.
5. Parafunctional habits such as nail chewing, pen biting for example 

These can all lead to teeth that are fragile, weak at the edges, smaller and asymmetrical. This can lead to significant fracture of the teeth and require more advanced treatments such as root canals and crowns. However, if the areas are treated early, future problems can be avoided. For example, please view our case study below: