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

We are pleased to announce that we now have dental AND hygiene appointments available on Wednesday evenings until 7pm. We also have appointments early Tuesday morning, during lunchtimes and Saturday morning (limited availability). To make the most of these priority appointments please contact us and book in advance.

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. There are many dental implants to choose from and many dentists that provide and beyond. However, how do you choose a dental implant dentist? There are 3 simple questions that should be asked:

1. Level of training and experience

2. Evidence of case studies and testimonials

3. Evidence behind the proposed implant

Once this has been established, then trust within your dental implant dentist is a crucial factor. Price should never be the deciding factor in such an important decision. In our case, our answers to the above questions are:

1. Dr Nissit Patel has a wealth of experience and has trained at the most advanced institutes and universities. He has achieved the title of Master of Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics with distinction, awarded by King's College, London.

2. Dr Nissit Patel has a large portfolio of cases to demonstrate excellence in dental implants. His patients are also happy to provide testimonials.

3. Dr Nissit Patel uses Astra implants, which is one of the most researched dental implants and evidenced based.

If you would like to know more about dental implants in Fulham, London or further afield, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please view our case studies and before and after treatments on dental implants.

We are extremely proud to have been nominated again for the Best Dental Practice in London. We strive for excellence and will continue to improve, innovate and provide the very best in dental care for patients in Fulham, London and all over the UK.

We do not believe in average or mediocrity. We always strive for excellence. An example of this is below, where the patient presented with two heavily decayed teeth. Once the decay was removed, Dr Nissit Patel prescribed a porcelain onlay and a composite white filling. 

The difference is clear with completely tooth like restorations.
 

Our case of the month is a fantastic tooth whitening case. The treatment involved using custom made tooth whitening trays and 6% hydrogen peroxide gel from Philips Zoom. Please view the before and after photographs: