Invisalign is one of the most popular treatments in dentistry today and it has revolutionised the way orthodontic treatment is performed worldwide. Everyone knows about Invisalign and every dentist offers Invisalign. However, not all Invisalign is the same. The key is in the planning at the very beginning of treatment. For example, we can now plan treatments digitally in 3D with CBCT x rays, intra oral scans , photographs and facial scans which allows us to plan not only the tooth movement but also the roots. This is simply incredible and provides predictable results first time round. Technology is key to this and at Progressive Dentistry, we have the latest Lumina intra oral scanner, CBCT machine and facial analysis equipment all under one roof. 

Take a look at our case of the month to see how Dr Nissit Patel effectively treated our lovely patient with Invisalign. 

Improving ones smile does not have to involve complex dental treatment , multiple visits , drilling of teeth or a high price tag. In many cases, we can use modern, minimally invasive techniques such as composite bonding to enhance a smile in one visit and is also kind to your wallet! 

One of the common trends we are seeing this year is the increasing popularity of metal free dental implants or zirconia dental implants. The benefits of zirconia include: 

1. Superior aesthetics

• Zirconia is tooth-coloured (white), so it blends seamlessly with natural teeth.
• No risk of a grey metal shine-through, especially in patients with thin gums.

2. Metal-free / hypoallergenic

• Ideal if you want to avoid metals or have sensitivities.
• Very low risk of allergic reactions compared to metal-based implants.

3. Lower plaque accumulation

• The ceramic surface tends to attract less plaque and bacteria, which may help gum health.

4. Corrosion-resistant

• Zirconia does not corrode or release ions, making it appealing for patients concerned about long-term material stability.

5. Good soft tissue response

• Some studies suggest improved gum tissue integration and aesthetics around the implant.
   

Porcelain veneers are still regarded as one of the main cosmetic dentistry techniques. In skilled hands, they can look just like teeth. Now, we are not talking 'Turkey Teeth' here! You may have seen many social media sites showing smile makeovers in Turkey with super white 'veneers'. In reality, these veneers are actually crowns that cover the entire tooth surface after the teeth have been cut down to little stumps. This is not cosmetic dentistry but butchery, to be blunt. 

Porcelain veneer treatment should be minimally invasive preserving as much tooth surface as possible. This way, the results are not only biologically safe but also life like and natural. The key detail is in the planning and close collaboration with the dental laboratory and technicians. Our case of the month for February shows a great case following these key principles.