NEWS - NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH - PAGE 36

After recent changes to the rules, direct access to the dental hygienist is now possible. What does this mean? Well, the main differences are:1. There is no need to be referred by a dentist to see the hygienist.2. You can simply call the practice, even as a new patient, to book an appointment with our hygienist.3. Follow up dental hygiene visits can be booked directly without a dental examination.It is still essential, in our opinion, to see the dentist at least once a year for your dental examinations and … READ MORE

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 me… READ MORE

Do you suffer from a dry mouth or are about to commence a treatment which is known to cause dryness? Or perhaps you wear dentures and find that throughout the day the become increasingly dry and therefore uncomfortable? Here are some tips which could make your mouth more comfortable.* Drink plain water frequently throughout the day and chew on sugarfree gum- preferably citrus flavour.* Suck on sugarfree sweets- the Peppersmith brand is widely available and contains Xylitol which is good for the teeth. Ice/s… READ MORE

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 … READ MORE

Our case of the month for June involves dental implants and ceramic crowns. Dental implants are without question, the very best option to replace teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth or all of your teeth, dental implants should be considered as the first line option. In the past, replacing teeth with implants was a long, drawn out procedure and costly too. However, with the advances in modern dentistry and techniques, the treatment can be delivered quickly, with minimum fuss and is affor… READ MORE

Our case of the month for May 2013 is a combination case of orthodontics using Invisalign clear removable braces, dental implants, ceramic crowns and cosmetic bonding. Due to quite severe tooth wear due to grinding at night and general issues with the condition of her teeth, our patient sought treatment that was designed to treat all the major considerations but with a minimal emphasis. Initially Invisalign was used to straighten the teeth and place them in the optimal position for the planned dental imp… READ MORE

We are extremely excited to announce the arrival of Fastbraces at Progressive Dentistry. Fastbraces is an orthodontic system developed in the USA. As the name suggests, the technique is generally far quicker than conventional techniques.… CONTINUE READING

You may have noticed the increasing number of adverts for the treatment of tooth sensitivity and tooth erosion. Why is this? The answer is simple; our diets and habits.DIET In general, our diet has become far more acidic over the years. For example, you may be surprised to learn that certain fruits have a very high acid content that can dissolve healthy tooth enamel. Citrus fruits are especially acidic. Fizzy drinks are also very acidic. Did you know that a typical cola drink could dissolve your entire t… READ MORE

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 asscociated with the Great British Smile. We have a classic example below: Space behind the central incisor No gaps, perfectly straight teeth! How was this done?In the old days of dental treatment, cosmetic … READ MORE

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 … READ MORE