Blog | Ashford Dental

Fresher Breath This Valentines day

As Friday the 14th February rapidly approaches we at Ashford Dental Care would like to offer some advice how to make you extra kissable to your partner.

Bad breath can be caused by diabetes, bronchitis and other medical conditions. However the main cause of bad breath is the micro-organisms within the mouth. Once we have eaten and have a full stomach we never really consider what remnants of dinner and lunch are left behind in between our teeth.

Regular brushing and flossing can tackle most of the problem as well as a regular scale and polish. Here is a video link for flosssing instruction.

However many of us forget to clean something very obvious within the mouth, The Tongue.

The tongue is covered in many tiny bumps and pits, these provide the perfect habitat for all those nasty smelling micro-organisms to live in. One example is a fungus named Candida Albicans. This fungus species is also associated with Thrush so as you can imagine it is not something you want to be cultivating within your mouth.

These microorganisms produce sulphur compound gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide . Sulphur gases often smell like rotten eggs. If you can keep these pesky bugs to a minimum then this should improve your breathe.

Now to remove these bugs it might be worth investing in a tongue scraper. They are small and feature a plastic handle and a curved loop on the end. This curve allows the device to fit to the shape of your tongue, so that when you pull the scraper down the tongue it will scrape off the germs and bacteria. Alternatively you could use a wet toothbrush with no toothpaste however the shape of the brush and bristles are not designed for the texture and shape of the tongue, and you may only have a limited amount of success. Below is an image of a tongue scraper and how to use it. If your tongue is cut or sore, it is not wise to use the scraper until it is healed. There is no set amount of time for cleaning your tongue, just simply clean until you are satisfied.

Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/products/tongue-scrapers-really-help.htm

However if this makes no difference to your breathe it could be related to gum disease, cavities or a health condition. Therefore is it important to discuss this with your Dentist and Doctor and to have regular check ups.

Technology at Ashford Dental Care

State of the Art Equipment and Technology The Cerec SystemAn advanced CAD/CAM computerized system for the in-office fabrication of all dental restorations in a single visit.With the Cerec system we can create a permanent porcelain crowns, onlays and veneers in one office visit! Fewer office visits, less drilling, fewer injections and less time out of your hectic schedule. The Biolase Dental Laser; is used by us for a variety of treatment procedures. Many types of patient care are more patient friendly with a laser than with alternative traditional methods. We have devoted training time and expense to be able to bring you the many advantages of this exciting new technology. The dental laser uses a beam of light in place of a scalpel to perform delicate gum surgery. Benefits of the laser include less discomfort after surgery, virtually no bleeding and reduced risk of infection. Some minor procedures can actually be performed without anesthesia. Among other uses, laser surgery offers a patient- friendly approach to enhancing a smile by reshaping the gum lines. Lasers are also being used to speed up the bonding process. Digital OPG Ortho Pathopgraph An important tool to help us diagnose complicated oral health problems. Digital OPG technology generates a wide range of images of the head, teeth and airways in under one minute and also reduces radiation exposure to 20% of conventional imaging systems. The images allow us to detect oral abnormalities such as oral cysts and buried teeth. The Digital OPG images are also a perfect tool for treatment planning of other dental procedures such as dental implants and diagnosis of TMD. IntraOral Cameras Allow us the ability to share with you a tooth-by-tooth view of your dental health. This allows you to see problems such as worn-out, defective fillings, fractured teeth, decay, bleeding gums and plaque. . Computer imaging improves communication between you and your dentist by allowing both of you to visualize, evaluate and agree on treatment before you invest your time or money. By having the opportunity to see what we sees you can better discuss the treatment plan for restoring your mouth to optimal health The CASEY and GURU Patient Education System Interactive patient education systems specifically designed for the modern dental practice. Featuring full-motion video, 3-D graphics, computer animation and easily understandable narration Both the CASEY and GURU systems allows you to fully visualize our treatment plan and how you can obtain that healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. T Scan One of our newest and most exciting technologies is the T-Scan Computerized Occlusal Analysis System. This powerful diagnostic tool allows Dr. Patel to accurately measure occlusal timing and force. The T-Scan occlusal analyzer has met this challenge, and we are now able to effectively reduce the risk of:

Implant failure
Traumatized teeth
Severe gum recession
Tooth notching
TMJ discomfort
Unstable splints
Porcelain failure
Fractured teethThe heart of T-Scan technology is a disposable, extremely thin, flexible sensor. By biting and chewing against the sensor, a three dimensional view of your bite is displayed on our computer screen. We can then easily adjust the bite and check our work with the sensor. The process is repeated until the biting forces are equalized.Is an important tool to help us diagnose complicated oral health problems. Digital OPG technology generates a wide range of images of the head, teeth anActiveFolder

Air abrasion Air abrasion can help the dentist provide better care while providing you greater comfort during your visit. If the whine of the drill sets your nerves on edge, you may be an excellent candidate for air abrasion. This advanced new technique painlessly removes microscopic amounts of tooth decay, sparing healthy tooth structure in the process. A thin direct stream of aluminum oxide particles driven by compressed air at high velocity “blasts” away decay with virtually no loss of healthy tooth material.

Parking in Ashford Town – Ashford Dental Care

We all know that sometimes parking can be a problem, especially when you have somewhere to be.

We at Ashford Dental Care would like to help our patients as much as possible and reduce the headache and worry involved with finding us. Click our postcode to find us TN23 1JJ. In the event that Satellite navigation fails and cannot seem to find our road try TN23 1YB instead which is the postcode of County square the main shopping center.

We are located centrally on the upper high street next to the The Music shop, diagonally opposite Argos and opposite to The Royal Bank of Scotland and Ashford Sewing shop and in easy walking distance from most of the local car parks around and within the Town Center.

In an effort to make life easier for our patients and those visiting our practice, below is a map of the stores in Ashford in relation to parking and our practice. We have conducted our own research so that you can plan your visit. A map has been included below showing the nearest car parking opportunity available. We recommend you allocate more than your appointment time so you do not incur any charges in the unlikely event that the surgery is running unexpectedly late.

Below are the postcodes and the approximate rates, however I would suggest taking more change just in case the parking has increased since the time of this blog. The postcodes have been included so that satellite navigation systems can be used. However I cannot guarantee the accuracy of Sat Nav.

Your can also pay online or via your mobile. There are two different apps for this which can be downloaded to your mobile from the app store.

The first app is Parkmobile and this operates in the below locations in association with Ashford Borough Council . You can register your card and pay via the app or by calling the number and registering. The phone number is 020 3003 2523. They have locations both within car parks and on the road. However there is a no guarantee a space will be available.

There is also Ringo on 02030460010, an app is also available.

This only operates in the Park Mall Car Park, this is location 9232

Appointment lengths are approximately as follows-

Examination – 30- 40mins

Scale and Polish- 30- 40 mins.

Periodontal Consultation- 1 hour

Fillings and Restorative appointments- 1 hour and over depending on how much treatment is required this will be explained to you at your examination appointment.

The above all serves as a guideline so that you can plan your visit to us.

This information was correct on the 4/02/2014 however prices and time restrictions are subject to change,

Ashford Dental Care is not responsible for vehicles left in parking areas, and are left at your own risk.

Please check all signage, we would not want you to incur any penalty charges.

All information is provided by Ashford Borough Council or the NCP website and can be viewed on the links below.

http://www.ashford.gov.uk/ashford-town-parking

http://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/ashford-park-mall

http://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/ashford-county-square/

Twisted crowded Teeth – Cosmetic and Aesthetic options

Twisted crowded teeth

Although orthodontics is most often the best way to correct crowded teeth, it is not the only way. Less expensive and less time- consuming methods may be used if the problem is not too severe. Although the teeth may not be in perfect alignment, creating the illusion that they are may allow you to achieve your esthetic goal.

Crowded or crooked teeth may require a combination of techniques described below. Your ideal treatment, for example, may include orthodontics to reposition the teeth followed by bonding, veneers, or crowns to improve esthetics. The choice of treatment ultimately depends upon your commitment of time and money, as well as your dental and esthetic needs.

Cosmetic Recontouring

Cosmetic contouring is a simple and painless reshaping procedure in which tooth structure is contoured with finely ground diamonds. It’s used to improve the appearance of the teeth by giving the illusion of uniformity and alignment.

Although its simplicity generally makes it the most preferred therapy, cosmetic contouring is not right for everyone. Cosmetic contouring may be the best option if you:

Have only slightly crowded teeth
Do not wish to have an anesthetic administered
Prefer a relatively inexpensive and quick procedure
Agree with a compromise solution

Before selecting cosmetic contouring:

Your dentist should evaluate the effect contouring may have on your teeth. Your bite must continue to be correct if the
health of the teeth, as well as the proper distribution of pressure during normal oral functioning, is to be maintained.
The thickness of the tooth enamel must be checked, the removal of too much enamel can expose the dentin, resulting in discoloration and possibly sensitivity.
A conflict may arise between maintaining optimum function and achieving maximum esthetics. In these cases, the final decision should be based on a trade-off among esthetics, the degree of bite change, and the health of the teeth.
A plaster cast may be constructed so that you can see the limitations in your particular case.
Cosmetic contouring should not be performed on children’s teeth. It can cause slight sensitivity—not only during the procedure, but afterward—because they have a larger amount of sensitive pulp tissue.

Bonding–Quick compromise

If cosmetic contouring alone cannot shape up your smile, it can be combined with composite resin bonding to “build out” the fronts or backs of the teeth to fall in line with neighboring teeth. The result is an illusion of straightness that can be quite pleasing.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the treatment of choice when the top priority is keeping the teeth natural and unaltered. It is, without a doubt, the best way to correct malpositioned or crooked teeth. With orthodontic treatment, the teeth eventually will become aligned proportionally, making it your safest bet for a long-lasting, economical, and esthetic solution.

In years past, orthodontics was shunned by many adults because treatment was lengthy, and traditional metal braces were conspicuous and unattractive. Now dentistry has seen the advent of tooth-colored brackets, lingual (“behind the teeth’) braces, and removable appliances. The newest orthodontic treatment is “invisible” braces (such as invisalign), a series of clear, removable, transparent matrices that are changed every 2 weeks. Each matrix moves the teeth to a specific position according to the custom computerized plan until the ideal placement is achieved. Most minor crowding can be corrected in 4 to 12 months, while more complex problems can be resolved in 18 to 30 months. However, compliance in wearing the appliance approximately 22 hours a day is mandatory. Invisible braces are easy to maintain with proper home hygiene and require less time in the dentist’s chair since there are no wires or brackets to replace, making them a great option for adults. An added benefit is that, if advised by your dentist, you can place bleaching gel inside the matrices and bleach your teeth at the same time you are straightening them.

Occasionally, the orthodontist may recommend that a tooth or teeth be extracted prior to realigning the teeth to make space, particularly in case where crowding is causing bone loss between the teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

In many cases, porcelain veneers can also provide a reasonable compromise when you want to avoid orthodontic treatment. Crooked and crowded teeth laminated with porcelain veneers will usually give the result of a polished, natural looking smile.

Crowns

Crowns are another way to correct teeth. Although they may be more costly and time-consuming than most of the previously discussed cosmetic procedures, they can produce a more dramatic change and may be a preferable alternative, particularly when teeth are erupting, damaged, or receding at extreme angles from the root structure.

If you think you may want to crown your crooked teeth, it’s wise to spend a little extra money for a wax-up or trial smile. This will allow you to see the intended result before your natural teeth are prepared. You can make a serious mistake by crowning crooked teeth and thinking they will look terrific. You may not be happy with the result since the final crowns may be much thinner than your own teeth. In such cases, you will not only have lost the money spent on crowns, but you will probably end up undergoing the treatment you should have gotten in the first place-orthodontics.

Choose crowns with caution

Crowns have limited use for crowded and crooked teeth because the orientation of the teeth to be crowned must be aligned with the surrounding teeth. If they aren’t, the crowns won’t be able to compensate for the difference. In other words, the same problem that existed with the natural teeth may also exist with the crowns.
Tooth size is another major factor to consider because each tooth needs to be- or at least appear to be—proportional. The more teeth that are treated, the less obvious any distortions will be. If only one or two teeth are crowned, however, there may be a noticeable difference between the crowned teeth and the natural ones, depending on the space involved. Careful cosmeticcontouring of both the teeth to be crowned and the adjacent teeth may make the final result appear more harmonious in size.

Cosmetic Contoring	Bonding	Porcelain Veneers	Crowns	Orthodontics
Treatment Time
About 1 hour or less	1-2 hours per tooth	2 office visits; 1-4 hours each (more time needed for more extensive treatment)	2 office visits;1-4 hours each for up to 4 teeth (more time needed for additional teeth or more extensive treatment)	6-30 months, depending on amount of crowding and method selected
Maintence
Brush and floss daily	Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per yearEat wisely-bonded teeth can chip more easily than your enamel Push floss in and pull it through teeth rather than popping it out See dentist for repair as necessary	Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per yearTake special care when biting into or chewing hard foods Get yearly fluoride treatment Brush and floss daily Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist	Avoid biting down on hard foods and iceGet yearly fluoride treatments Brush and floss daily Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouth-wash as prescribed by your dentist	Brush and floss daily with special careHave a professional cleaning 3-4 times per year Schedule adjustment checkups every3-4 weeks during treatment Wear retainers indefinitely, at least a few nights per week
Results
Immediate reshaping of tooth structure, making crowded teeth appear to be the appropriate size and straighter	Straighter teeth in 1 office visit	A polished, natural-appearing result that can make teeth seem straighter and is more stain resistant than bonding	The best esthetic results in terms of reshaping teeth	Crowded and overlapping teeth can be straightened
Treatment Longevity
Indefinte	5-8 years	5-12 years	5-15 years (directly related to fracures, problems with tissues, and decay)	Generally permanent if retainer is worn at least a few nights per week
Cost
£90 to £180 per arch	£150 to £180 per tooth (repairs may cost £145 to £180)	£400 to £600 per tooth	£400 to £600 per tooth	£1500 to £3500 depending on the number of teeth involved and the appliance used;lingual braces may cost up to £3000 more per arch
Advantages
Less expensive than other forms of esthetic treatmentPermanent results Immediate correction Minimum treatment time Generally painless; no anesthetic required	Conservative (little or no tooth reduction)Less expensive than veneers or crowns No anesthetic required Teeth appear and feel straighter	Less wear and chipping than bondingExcellent bond to enamel Minimal staining and loss of color or luster More proportional results due to lab construction Long-lasting results -Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well	Teeth can be lightened to any shadeLess time required than orthodontics Less staining than bonding Last longer than bonding or veneers Offer greatest opportunity to improve tooth form	Straightens misaligned teethPermanent results for most people if retainers are worn Little or no tooth reduction required Usually less expensive than veneers, crowns, or bonding, depending on number of teeth involved Improved tissue health due to better cleaning access following treatment
Disadvantages
Does not reposition teethImprovement may be limited by functional considerations Can cause discomfort for children with large pulp canals Does not improve color	Does not reposition teethDoes not address gum inflammation due to crowding Can stain or chip more easily than veneers or crowns May require frequent repair Teeth may appear and feel thicker	More expensive than bondingDifficult to repair if the veneer cracks or chips Margins may “wash out” and require repair	Can fractureRequire an anesthetic Not a permanent solution More expensive than contouring or bonding Irreversible Can trigger pulp irritation Can induce tooth sensitivity for a short time	Time consumingTeeth may return to original position if retainers are not worn May take a few weeks to get used to appliances Brackets can irritate soft tissue Thorough cleanings are more difficult during treatment

Broken tooth options Ashford dentist

Broken teeth

The main reasons for broken and fractured teeth include aging or incorrect fillings, bad bite, grinding/clenching or eating very hard food on a weak portion of your tooth or filling.

Several solutions include:

Recontouring

Cosmetic contouring is a cost-effective and minimally invasive way to repair small chips or fractures in teeth

Cosmetic contouring may be the best option if you:

Have a very small fracture or chip in your tooth
Want to invest a minimal amount if time and money in the procedure
Have teeth that are long enough that contouring will not make them appear too short, aged, and/or worn

Composite Filling

If the cavity left by the removed decay or filling isn’t too large, composite resin can provide a cosmetically appealing filling alternative, particularly in lower back teeth that show when you smile or laugh.

Tooth-colored composite resin offers a conservative but esthetic approach to filling cavities. A composite filling may be the best option if you:
Are getting a small filling in an area that is visible during smiling or talking
Want to keep cost and time of treatment to a minimum
Are willing to accept an option with reduced longevity and resistance to wear and staining
Want to keep as much of your existing tooth structure as possible

Inlays or Onlays

Inlays and onlays are particular types of fillings made of composite resin, porcelain, or gold. An inlay is custom-made to fit the prepared cavity, while an onlay covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth. The primary disadvantage of inlays and onlays is their higher cost relative to traditional composite and amalgam fillings.

Inlays and onlays are durable alternatives for restoring large cavities. An inlay or onlay may be the best option if you:

Don’t mind spending more time and money to get a long-lasting result
Have a large cavity to be filled
Want to avoid staining

What you should know

Gold
doesn’t discolor or stain the teeth and has a longer life expectancy than silver. It can be placed esthetically into upper back teeth ere it doesn’t show; however, it shouldn’t be placed opposite porcelain, because porcelain tends to wear gold rapidly during chewing.

Porcelain
Research shows that bonded porcelain inlays and onlays can equal the strength of natural teeth, making them particularly attractive choices when both esthetics and strength are required. However, extra stress can fracture porcelain just as it can natural teeth.

Composite resin
Although not as long lasting as gold or porcelain, composite resin inlays and onlays are an esthetic and less expensive option.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a highly esthetic option for restoring front teeth. However, they are more expensive than composite fillings and require reduction of natural tooth structure. Porcelain veneers may be the best option if you:

Have front teeth with extensive decay or old fillings that are discolored
Would like to close minor spaces between your front teeth
Are frustrated by fillings that continue to stain or are too visible
Want a smile makeover that will improve tooth shape and brighten tooth color

Crowns

Crowns represent a long-lasting treatment alternative involving reducing the tooth and covering the remainder with a custom-made restoration. Although it’s always preferable to preserve the structure of the natural tooth, if a tooth is severely decayed or stained following the removal of a large filling, placing a crown may be the best option.

Crowns can produce near-perfect esthetic results. However, both the cost and the number of office visits required may make this treatment prohibitive for some patients. Crowns may be the best option if you:

Have extensive decay and/or severe staining following the removal of a large filling
Are looking for the most beautiful, long-lasting result possible
Are willing to undergo more extensive treatment and incur higher costs
Have additional esthetic or functional concerns that can be best addressed with crowns

Composite Filling	Inlays or Onlays	Porcelain Veneers	Crowns
Treatment Time
Approximately 1hour per tooth	Usually 2 office visits; 1-2 hours each per tooth	2 office visits; 4 hours each	2-3 office visits; 1-2 hours each per tooth
Maintenance
Brush and floss dailyUse a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as prescribed by your dentistAvoid biting down on hard foods and ice	Brush and floss dailyUse a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as prescribed by your dentistReduce intake of refined sugars and chewy foods such as caramels	Avoid use of ultrasonic scaler and air abrasives during hygiene office visitsBrush and floss dailyUse a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as prescribed by your dentistReduce intake of refined sugars and chewy foods such as caramels	Brush and floss dailyUse a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as prescribed by your dentistReduce intake of refined sugars and chewy foods such as caramels
Results
Esthetic replacement of old silver fillings or new decay areasMay not be perfect color blend but much improved over metal surfaces	More conservative than a full crownGold is most functional and longest-lasting method of restoring teeth, but large restorations tend to show metalPorcelain can be a highly esthetic replacement for discoloured or metal posterior fillingsComposite resin can match tooth color well	Can be highly esthetic but eventually may darken if the underlying tooth structure becomes darker.	Can achieve the best results in tooth shade, shape and size
Treatment Longevity
5-8 years	Gold: 6-20 years Porcelain: 5-15 yearsComposite resin: 5-12 years	5-12 years	5-15 years
Cost
£90 to £180 per tooth	Gold: £400 to £450 per toothPorcelain: £400 to £600 per toothComposite resin: £120 to £180 per tooth	£400 to £600 per tooth	£400 to £600 per tooth
Advantages
Esthetic (tooth-colored)InsulatingCompleted in 1 office visitExtremely good bond to tooth structureLess expensive than crowns or inlays More conservative than crowns because less tooth reduction required	Well-suited for large cavitiesGold: Longest lasting Wears more like tooth structure Will not fracturePorcelain: Esthetic (tooth-colored) Stronger than posterior composite resin Extremely good bond to tooth structure Will not stain InsulatingComposite resin: May be less expensive than other options	Excellent bond to enamelLess tooth reduction required than crowningColor change is possibleLess staining than bonding	The dentist can improve shape of teethSome realignment or straightening of teeth is possibleCan be all-ceramicThe greatest esthetic change is possible with this option
Disadvantages
More expensive than amalgamWears easilyCan stain, chip, or fractureMay have a shorter life expectancy than silver, gold, or porcelainLess suited for large cavities	More expensive than amalgam Gold: Metal can show Takes 2 office visits Noninsulating (conducts heat and cold)Porcelain: Can fracture Takes 2 office visits (unless it is designed and created by machine in the dentist’s office) Possible wear of opposing natural tooth Composite resin: Wears faster	Difficult to repair if the veneer cracks or chipsIrreversible if much enamel is removedStaining can occur between the porcelain and the margin of the toothCannot be lightened or bleached	Can fractureRequires an anestheticInvolves reduction of a significant amount of tooth structureMore expensive than amalgamMay decay if cement washes out

Ceramic Inlay/Onlay of a tooth is a fantastic solution for restoring decayed, broken or a previously filled tooth.

Clinical studies indicate exceptionally high success rates for CEREC restorations.
The CEREC 3D technology enables patients to have treatment in a single stress free appointment. CEREC is capable of producing any single tooth restoration, whether it is an inlay, crown or veneer.

Benefits include:

Single visit
Single local anaesthetic
No temporary
No impression
Less drilling
Minimal removal of tooth tissue
Strong, healthy, metal-free, aesthetic restoration
Excellent biocompatibility
20 year clinical history showing longevity of restorations

Dentist comment:

Dear Dipesh TJust a little note to say Thank you for fixing my ttoth Im so glad I had the cerec it gas made such a differnec when I eat I keep having to look at it and am amazed at the difference. Thank you!

Cerec 3D

The Solution:

A CEREC parital crown produced at the chairside stabilizes the remaining tooth and largely conserves the healthy tooth structure. Today, there is over 10 years of clinical experience with CEREC. 5,000 users, already trust in adhesive bonding and the special properties of CEREC-ceramics.

CEREC restorations can be made and fitted at the chairside. This saves on the hygiene costs of the second session. And your patients gain too: no impressions; no temporaries! Fascinating treatment with an excellent result about which patients are bound to tell their friends, acquaintances and relatives.

Broken Teeth / Fractured Teeth

Although in some cases cosmetic contouring is an ideal treatment by itself, it also can be useful in conjunction with most other esthetic procedures. For example, if you are having one or more of your teeth treated with bonding, veneers, or crowns, your dentist can cosmetically contour adjacent or opposing teeth to create a more attractive and harmonious smile line. Also, cosmetic contouring often is used as a final touch following orthodontic treatment.

Bonding Laminates

Veneers

Although bonding is a quicker and more cost-effective treatment alternative than porcelain veneers, if your adjacent teeth have been rebuilt in porcelain, your fractured tooth should be restored in porcelain. The fractured tooth will match the adjacent teeth more closely because the same material has been used. Porcelain veneers or crowns may also be a preferred option if there are multiple teeth to be restored.

Luminears

The main difference is that Lumineers are made from a special patented cerinate porcelain that is very strong but much thinner than traditional laboratory-fabricated veneers. Their thickness is comparable to contact lenses, and so they are often called contact lenses for your teeth. The main advantage of these ultra-thin veneers is that minimal tooth preparation is required. In other words, very little – if any – of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed through shaving or grinding prior to bonding the Lumineers over your natural teeth. As a result, the procedure is often reversible, since your natural tooth structure is left intact, unlike traditional veneers, where a significant amount of your tooth structure may need to be removed.
Lumineers are so versatile that they can be placed over existing crown and bridge work, without the need to replace them. They are the perfect solution for stained, chipped, discoloured or slightly misaligned teeth.

Crowns

Crowns offer an esthetic solution when little tooth structure remains following a fracture. Crowns may be the best option if you:

Have lost too much tooth structure to allow contouring or bonding
Are willing and able to spend more time and money on the procedure
Want an esthetic solution that allows change in tooth shade and shape

If you fracture a front tooth so badly that there is little tooth structure left, a crown is probably the treatment of choice. If a back tooth fractures, it also may be best to restore it with a crown. The procedure should be performed immediately, especially if the pulp is exposed and living nerves are unprotected.

Cerec 3D

The Solution:

With CEREC you become flexible. For example, by using a thin CEREC veneer with an individually colored undersurface, the surface contour and texture can be modified chairside. Why not give it a try and see just how easy it is to grind and polish CEREC ceramics?

Cosmetic Contouring	Bonding	Porcelain Veneers	Crowns
Treatment Time
15-60 min	1 hour per tooth	2 office visits; 1 hour or more per tooth	Usually 2 office visits; 1-4 hours on up to 4 teeth (more time needed for additional teeth or more extensive treatment)
Maintenance
Brush and floss daily.	Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per year.Avoid biting down on hard foods and ice, and floss carefully as these teeth can chip easily.See dentist for polishing or repair as necessary.Get yearly fluoride treatment.	Have a professional cleaning 2-4 times per year.Avoid the use of ultrasonic scalers and air abrasives during hygiene office visits.Take special care when biting into or chewing any hard foods.Use your back teeth to avoid placing torque on the veneer.Get yearly fluoride treatment.	Avoid biting down on hard foods and ice.Get yearly fluoride treatments.Brush and floss daily.Brush your teeth properly to avoid gum recession that may expose the margin of your crown.
Results
Teeth can appear straighter immediately	Most fractures and chips are easily repaired.	Fractured teeth can be restored or even improved.	Badly fractured teeth can be repaired and reshaped as desired.
Treatment Longevity
Indefinite	5-8 years, with professional finishing once every few years	5-12 years.	5-15 years (directly related to fracture, problems with tissues, and decay)
Cost
£120	£180 to £200 per tooth	£400 to £600 per tooth	Approximately £400 to £600 per tooth; expect to pay much more if a front tooth must be matched to other teeth
Advantages
No anesthetic requiredPermanent resultsNo maintenanceMost conservative optionQuickest option	No anesthetic requiredLittle tooth reduction required.Immediate results.Teeth can be lightened.Less expensive than veneers or crowns.	Less chipping than bonding.Color change is possible.Excellent bond to enamel.Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.Can improve entire smile if treating more teeth.	The dentist can repair the chipped or fractured tooth.Teeth can be lightened to any shade.Some realignment or straightening of teeth is possible.
Disadvantages
Too much reduction can adversely affect the smile line.Your bite may limit how much of the tooth can be removed.In rare instances, sensitivity may be a problem.	Can chip or stainHas a limited esthetic lifeMay not be effective for severe fractures	More expensive than bonding.Difficult to repair if the veneer cracks or chip.Staining may occur between teeth, depending on how the veneer is prepared.Irreversible if much enamel is removed.Usually requires an anesthetic.	Can fracture.Requires an anaesthetic.Tooth form is altered (most of the tooth enamel is removed).Not a permanent solution.-More expensive than bonding.

Ashford Dentists

Meet the team

All our dentists adhere to the rules governing the profession under strict guidance from the General Dental Council (GDC) “Standards for Dental Professionals”.

Dr Dipesh KH Patel BDS MClinDent(Prostho) PGCert(Ed) Principle Partner with special interests in Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Sedation treatment GDC No: 071059Dr. Patel qualified from Guys Hospital, UMDS London and completed his UK VT training in North London and completed his research project at Harvard Dental School, Boston, USA. He further gained a more advanced restorative training at the Eastman Hospital in London.He completed his American National Boards Part 1 and 2 and California Bench Exams at UOP, Loma Linda, and UCLA. He went onto complete a 4 year Masters (MClinDent(Prosth) in Prosthodontic/Clinical Dentistry at Kings College , London. After several years in both general and pioneering aesthetic private practice he gained further surgical and implant training and experience from Specialists in implant dentistry from UK, ,USA, Sweden, France, Spain, Germany and South America. He has been practicing dentistry in the UK for the past 16 years, and currently teaches one day a week the undergraduate dental students at Guys Hospital, London. Dr Patel focuses his practice on comprehensive dental care and utilizes the state of the art diagnostic and minimally invasive technology in both Aesthetic and laser dentistry. He uses his technical and artistic skills to help work with his patients to create beautiful healthy, functional, aesthetic smiles.Dr Patel is always happy to discuss any concerns and you may have in an informal friendly and approachable way. He will endeavor to find the best solution for your oral health at a budget you can manage.

Dr Roma Patel BDS Principle Partner with special interests in Facial beauty treatments and Adult and Children’s Dentistry GDC No: 69659Roma qualified from Sheffield University in 1993 and was awarded the bachelor of Dental Surgery and the bronze medal in Paedatric care, as well as the best vocational trainee project in 1994. Roma aims to share her abilities and enthusiasim with others so she may help them improve their oral care. Her philosophy is to acheive health, function and confidence in the dental health of her patientsRoma is always happy to help with any queries or requests. With extensive experience and numerous qualifications, Roma is delighted to guide you through what cosmetic and facial aesthetic dentistry can do for you.Very approachable and always welcoming, Roma is here to make sure your experience at Ashford Dental is both enjoyable and exciting.”

Mr Gerard Balague Viladrich DDS MSc Implantology / Prosthodontics & Periodontics GDC No: 100989We are very pleased that he has decided to join our team as part of our on-going mission to improve our patient’s experiences.Gerard has a passionate interest in Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants, Soft and Hard tissue surgery, Root Recession coverage, Periodontal disease and dealing with nervous patients. We are confident you will be leaving him with a beautiful smile. Biography Gerard graduated as a Dentist in 2005 from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya whilst obtaining a special distinction in Implantology. Gerard took up practice working within an NHS and Private practice located in Wales. Furthering his education Gerard then completed a Post-Graduate certificate in Implant Dentistry from the University of Warwick in 2007. For the next 2 years he would work within a London Practice whilst continuing his special interest in Periodontics and Implantology. In 2009 to feed his strong appetite for knowledge, Gerard enrolled in a 3 year full time MSc Implantology: Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics and Periodontology at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya . During this period he also completed an MSc in Research in Dentistry and Biomedicine as well as a Postgraduate certificate in Forensic Dentistry at the Universtat de Barcelona. If these amazing credentials weren’t enough he is currently a member of the Academy of Osseointegration. Gerard is also a Clinical teacher at the Primary Dental Care Unit as well as Oral Surgery Department at King’s College Hospital in London. He has also presented at conferences within Spain. Hobbies: Gerard enjoys playing the piano, tennis and travelling in his spare time.

Dr Alex Talahani BDS MSc Cosmetic and Family Dentist with special interests in Cosmetic and Smile Design GDC No: 82874Dr. Alex Tahalani’s innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry, means you can now have the smile you want created in a warm, friendly environment. Qualified in 2003 at the Royal London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Alex has spent much of his career educating himself both in the UK and USA. Graduate of the prestigious Hornbrook Group cosmetics institute in Chicago & Philadelphia, Alex has helped many of our patients restore their smiles. Alex is passionate about helping our patients smile with confidence. Whether it’s a small change or complete smile makeover, or just a conversation on what’s possible, Alex will gladly give you his time and help you achieve the smile you always wanted.

Dr Marco Carugati (Dip Dent Pisa) Dental Surgeon GDC No: 74087Marco was born on the island of Elba, Italy. He graduated with a degree in Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics from the University of Pisa, School of Dentistry in November 1997. Marco qualified as an Orthodontist from the Centro Studi e Ricerche di Ortodonzia La Spezia in March 2004 and was awarded a Diploma in Orthodontics from the University of Bourgogne in France. In addition, he has completed several postgraduate courses covering topics such as occlusion, endodontics and implantology. He has a special interest in endodontics and is an accredited trainer for a leading dental company.At present, he consults in various practices in Harley Street in London, Kent and Sussex, as well as in practices in Pisa and Milan. He also teaches and lectures to dental students at King’s College Dental Hospital in London, and he is involved in the organization of postgraduate courses for dentists. Marco’s interests include travelling, music, skiing and computing.
Dental Hygienist Mr Paul Fox He is an excellent hygienist who strives to provide clinical excellence within a caring environment.Not only will he address your problem but show you how to improve and maintain your gum health. We all hope you are as excited as we are that he has joined our growing team of Gum Guardians. Biography Paul trained at the Defence Dental School in 2000 where he achieved the Oral B Outstanding Academic Achievement Award Following this he worked within the Army in Germany, Northern Ireland and other parts across the U.K. Paul has worked with other specialists such as Orthodontists and Periodontal Specialists so can handle complex cases. Paul’s other responsibilities also included managing trainee dental nurses and auditing all military hygienists within Germany. Monitoring Hygienists meant Paul as the Lead Clinician annually reviewed working practices and clinical efficiency to ensure standards were maintained and good levels patient care was being carried out. As part of on-going training Paul has also recently qualified to carry out In-surgery tooth whitening. Paul is married with 3 children. Hobbies: He is keen on fitness and is an athletics coach.

Good oral hygiene

What is Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means:

Your teeth are clean and free of debris
Gums are firmly held against teeth and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss
Bad breath is not a constant problem

If your gums do hurt or bleed while brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.
Your dental professional can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.

How Is Good Oral Hygiene Practiced?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress.
In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include:

Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily
Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals
Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste
Rinsing with a fluoride mouthrinse if your dentist tells you to
Making sure that children under 12 drink fluoridated water or take a fluoride supplement if they live in a non-fluoridated area.

Proper Brushing Technique

Tilt the brush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline.
Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes.
Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Proper Flossing Technique

Use about 18″ of floss, leaving an inch or two to work with.
Gently follow the curves of your teeth.
Be sure to clean beneath the gumline, but avoid snapping the floss on the gums.

You should always use fluoride toothpaste as fluoride makes teeth stronger and more resistant to acid attacks. This in turn helps to prevent tooth decay.

Why Brush?
Brushing your teeth combats plaque, which builds up daily on the teeth. Removing plaque not only makes your teeth feel clean, but also helps to prevent bleeding gums, and makes your breath fresher too.

How Often?
Try to brush in the morning and last thing at night. In the morning, this will make your mouth feel clean and fresh. At night, brushing is especially important as it protects teeth against acid attack while you are asleep.

Which Toothbrush?
Choose a soft or medium (not hard) brush with a small head so that you can reach all those difficult corners. Replace your brush once it has become worn, as a worn brush will not clean your teeth properly.

How to Brush
Place the bristles of the toothbrush where the teeth and gums meet.
Then, move the toothbrush back and forth using small, gentle movements to remove plaque from the gum region where it collects
Hold the toothbrush like you would a pen, so that you don’t brush too hard. Use a finger grip, not a fist grip.
Don’t hurry. Make time to clean every tooth surface and make sure you don’t miss anywhere.
Always remove partial dentures and braces before you brush and clean them separately.

Check With the Experts.
Your dentist or hygienist can check that you are cleaning your teeth properly and can remove any tartar that may build up on your teeth and brushing can’t remove. They will be able to advise you whether you need dental floss or other special cleaning aids.

Diet
Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce the harmful acids. So it is important to keep sugary foods only to mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.

Acidic foods and drinks can be just as harmful to your teeth. The acid erodes the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath. This can make the teeth sensitive and unslightly.

A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh produce can help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause bad breath. The diagram below is a good example of what you should eat as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

It is better for your teeth and general health if you eat 3 meals a day instead of having 7 to 10 snack attacks. If you do need to snack between meals, choose foods that do not contain sugar. Fruit does contain acids, which can erode your teeth. However, this is only damaging to your teeth if you eat an unusually large amount.

If you do eat fruit as a snack, try to eat something alkaline such as cheese afterwards. Savoury snacks are better, such as:

Cheese
Raw vegetables
Nuts
Breadsticks.

The main point to remember is that it is not the amount of sugar you eat or drink, but how often you do it. Sweet foods are allowed, but it is important to keep them to mealtimes.

To help reduce tooth decay, cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks and try to sugar-free varieties confectionery and chewing gum containing Xylitol may help to reduce tooth decay.

Sugary foods can also contribute to a range of health problems including heart disease and being overweight.

Still water and milk are good choices. It is better for your teeth if you drink fruit juices at meal times. If you are drinking them between meals, try diluting them with water.

Diluted sugar-free squashes are the safest alternative to water and milk. If you make squash or cordial, be sure that the drink is diluted 1 part cordial to 10 parts water. Some soft drinks contain sweeteners, which are not suitable for young children – ask your dentist or health visitor if you are not sure.

Fizzy drinks can increase the risk of dental problems. The sugar can cause decay and the acid in both normal and diet drinks can dissolve the enamel on the teeth. The risk is higher when you have these drinks between meals.
You can use a floss holder or an interdental cleaning aid. Interdental cleaning aids include woodsticks or small interdental brushes used to remove plaque from between the teeth. Your dentist or hygienist can explain how to use these properly

New Year New You

The Team at Ashford Dental Care hope you had a fantastic festive season and would like to wish you a Happy New Year.

As its the New Year why not give us as call to help you with this years New Years resolutions.

We are always here to offer advice, if you want to stop smoking we can discuss this with you and offer encouragement and cessation advice.

Alternatively If you want a brighter smile for 2014, why not book a Whitening Consultation with one of our dentists?

We will happily discuss which methods of Whitening will work best for you.

Or even if you wants a bit of a tidy up and stain removal for those New years work parties come visit our Hygienist.

Call the surgery and make your New years Resolutions a reality on 01233 639289.

Below is an image of what effects just whitening can have on the appearance of your teeth.

Although the effect of whitening products does differ from person to person as you can see the smile is brighter and less yellow. The duration of the whitening does depend on what you eat.

After Whitening We recommend that you avoid the following for the next 24 hours:

Red Wine
Dark Colas
Coffee or Tea
Red Sauces
Mustard or Ketchup
Soy Sauce, A-1 Sauce
Smoking

Or anything that would stain a white shirt

White and clear foods you may consume for the next 24 hours:

Milk, Water, Clear Soda
Bananas, Apples (no Peel)
White bread, Flour Tortillas
Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat
Plain Yogurt, White Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese
White Rice, Baked Potato
Plain Pasta and White Sauce
Turkey, Chicken Breast (no skin), White Fish

If you are concerned with the staining on your teeth a visit to the hygienist prior to whitening treatment can have these potential results.

Why not start the New Year with a Whiter, Cleaner Smile with us at Ashford Dental Care.

Consultations start from £30.00

Scale and Polish from £50.00

Happy New Year!!

Our New Stock Items

We have some new exciting products on sale in our surgery from Curaprox.

Curaprox are a Swiss brand that are currently popular in Europe and are trying to establish their brand more in the U.K.

They are not currently available to buy on the high street or in supermarkets.

Here are the products we currently stock and a brief description from Curaprox.

Enzycal Toothpaste

Enzycal is a low fluoride toothpaste containing 1450 parts per million sodium fluoride. It claims to contain three enzymes that strengthen the body’s own antibacterial salivary system. It is A mild toothpaste that is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate free for those who suffer from allergies, sloughing of the gums or lips. The product claims to reduce mouth ulcers by 45%.

Curasept ADS 705 Toothpaste

Contains 0.05 % Chlorhexidine, 0.05 % Fluoride and is a Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Free toothpaste. This toothpaste is ideally suited for use with a chlorhexidine rinse for added caries protection.

This tooth paste claims to contain an Anti-discoloration system which will reduce the incidence of discoloration and taste disturbance. The paste is more of a gel consistency and is suitable for daily use and states it has no burning or irritant effect due to the absence of alcohol.

Curasept ADS 350 Gel

Gingival (gum) gel for application topically. The protects states it protects and maintains gum and fights against plaque and bacteria.

It also contains the Anti- discoloration system. However this is not recommended for use for more than 10 days.

Curasept ADS 220 Mouthwash

Containing the Anti-discoloration system which is claimed to reduce the amount of potential discolouring effects associated with the use of regular use of Chlorhexidine mouth rinses. Claims to slow the formation of plaque and prevent gum and mouth irritations. It is anti-bacterial and contains no alcohol.

Curaprox 5460 Ultra Brush

This is comprised of their patented Curen® which states that even when wet the bristles still retain their firmness. Therefore the filaments are finer for deep gentle brushing. The filaments are soft as to reduce the amount of abrasion from heavy brushing. The head is already angled at 45 degrees towards the gum line making brushing technique easier. The brushes come in many assorted colours.

Curaprox Surgical Mega soft brush

This brush is also comprised of Curen® and is recommended by Curaprox for those after oral surgery or radiation treatment where conventional toothbrushes are too harsh and damaging to the soft tissues in the mouth.

This is recommended as a temporary brush for use during the healing period to encourage cleaning of tender areas while minimising pain and discomfort to the patient.

Curaprox 457 Pocket set

Is an interdental set containing 4 prime interdental brushes that click into place on the UHS 450 holder. The set comes in a discrete box so it is easy to carry around with you. The primes interdental brush heads have a ultra-thin Cural® surgical wire which is nickel free therefore suitable for allergy sufferers. The product boasts ultrafine bristles that have an umbrella affect which fills and cleans in the gaps between the teeth. Curaprox believes the conical design of the wire core prevents early breakage and increase the lifespan of the brush head.

Refill sets are available in various different sizes. It is best to consult your Dentist or Hygienist which interdental is suitable for you.

All these products are available to buy at our surgery but it is important to first discuss which products are suitable for your needs as every patient and mouth is different. Your Dentist or Hygienist will discuss your homecare routine and prescribe the products best suited to you. The information above is provided by Curaprox and only serves as a guideline. More information can be gained by visiting.

http://www.curaprox.com/index.php?c=4&l=14

Our Christmas Opening Hours

If require emergency dental treatment and you are a child under the age of 18 please contact Dentaline on 01634890300

If you are a private patient of the practice Please call 01233 639289 and listen to the instructions given or you are welcome to leave a message.

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.