We believe in the least invasive techniques to create beautiful smiles. If you have crooked teeth, overlapping teeth or teeth that are out of alignment then they SHOULD NOT be cut down for veneers or crowns. This is destructive and will cause harm in the longer term. Due to the advances of cosmetic dentistry, teeth can now be straightened discreetly and quickly to enhance your smile and improve oral hygiene. One of the most popular techniques we use is the lingual brace, which is the truly invisible brace as it sits on the inside of the teeth. Our case study highlights a wonderful result achieved with a lingual brace to straighten crooked lower front teeth.
 

You may have seen the television adverts and large posters from Corsodyl mouthwash. These are quite striking and straight to the point. If there was blood coming out of your eye you would not ignore this. It should not be any different for bleeding gums. Bleeding gums is evidence of gum disease and a sign that something is not right. Healthy gums do NOT bleed. So what should you do?

1. See your dentist or hygienist as soon as you can. Only they will be able to diagnose the problems with the gums and advise accordingly.

2. In the meantime, it is important to keep brushing your teeth and gums effectively. This could involve using an electric tooth brush. A minimum of 2 minutes is required for effective cleaning.

3. Cleaning in between the teeth is crucial. This can be achieved with special inter dental brushes, sticks, floss and flossettes.

4. The use of mouthwash such as Corsodyl can help as a short term cure. It will reduce the level of dental plaque present and aid healing. However, long term use will cause staining of the teeth.

5. Newer devices such as the Waterpik, Philips Airfloss can also be use a useful adjunct to treatment.

The health of the gums is of paramount importance to not only oral health but also general health. This is why we offer DIRECT access to our dental hygienist. This will be available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and even selected Saturdays. We strongly believe in prevention of disease. By maintaining you gum health, you have a lower risk of developing dental disease. It is as simple as that. So do not wait. If you have bleeding gums, bad breath, mobile teeth, gum recession, staining, build up of calculus or you simply have not seen a dental hygienist recently then contact us today.

We can be found on Fulham High Street, close to Putney Bridge underground Station. Fulham Road, New Kings Road and Fulham Palace Road all intersect Fulham High Street and it is readily accessible via numerous buses and there is even parking available at 40p per hour.

Our case of the month for February is a wonderful cosmetic dental transformation using invisible braces called lingual braces to straighten crooked teeth. These are braces fitted to the inside of the teeth so they are the truly invisible brace. Being placed on the inside of the teeth, they act down the long axis of the tooth meaning that teeth straightening can also be very quick. Straight teeth fast! What more could you ask for? Our client came to us seeking a new smile due to crooked upper front teeth, which had been bothering her for many years. Due to the fact that we provide a truly invisible braces, which are completely hidden from anyone else, other treatment options such as porcelain veneers were ruled out.
 

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

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.