Our case of the month for October is a tooth whitening case using one of our most popular techniques: take home trays. Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. Having whiter, brighter teeth that look clean and healthy is desirable and confidence boosting. The treatment is available to all with their own teeth!
  

THE PROCESS

1. A full clinical examination is required prior to any cosmetic dental procedure.
2. It is highly advised that you visit the hygienist prior to any tooth whitening procedure.
3. Impressions are then taken of your teeth. 
4. The specially made trays are fitted and a demonstration is required to show how to use the whitening gel properly. 
5. The trays and gel are worn for 1 hour a day over 2 weeks. 
6. Whiter teeth! 
7. The trays and gel can be used as a top up over the following months/ years. A typical example is presented below:
 

At Progressive Dentistry, we believe that Dental Implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. Much like natural teeth, if you care for them well, they will last a lifetime. Keeping your implants clean is crucial for long term success. It is recommended that your hygienist performs a professional, thorough clean at least twice a year, using specific implant friendly instruments and non abrasive polish. Home care is also very important, so here are some tips for day to day cleaning: 

- Use a rechargeable electric toothbrush and concentrate on brushing the gum line thoroughly 

- An alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash will help to keep your mouth fresh and the gums in good condition

- Ask your Hygienist to show you how to clean in between the spaces around the implant, using interdental brushes and/or floss. Make sure the interdental brush fits snugly into the space, so the sides are kept plaque free.

- A water pick is a great investment to help you remove trapped debris around the implants. Ask one of our team to help you pick the model best suited to you.

Article written by Jenny Wiggins, Hygienist and Therapist at Progressive Dentistry

In general, we adopt a metal free policy wherever possible. This is especially the case at the front of the mouth where aesthetics are highly important. We now routinely use all ceramic crowns for front teeth. The great advantage of these crowns is that with no metal, the aesthetics are excellent and there is no issue with the dreaded 'black' line visible at the gum level. The photograph below shows a super close up view of some front teeth. One of them has an all ceramic crown. Can you tell which one?
 

We pride ourselves on being progressive and leading the way in modern cosmetic dentistry. In the old days, cosmetic dentistry was more about being invasive and cutting healthy tooth enamel for multiple veneers or crowns. Due to the advances in technology and materials this has all changed. These days, if a tooth does need a veneer or crown, then we will match this tooth with the other teeth as best as possible. This way, the adjacent teeth do not need to be harmed in anyway. Here is a classic example. Our patient required a front tooth crown. After some tooth whitening, a new crown was made in all ceramic. Just look at the result:
 

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:
 

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:
 

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: