• We love to look after clean, healthy mouths. We provide reassuring, simple, affordable care
• We believe that "The Best Dentistry Is No Dentistry"

Where appropriate, this is one of the most important services we provide, for the long term care of more complex dental problems

• We make accurate models of the teeth which are mounted on an anatomical articulator (like an artificial jaw joint), to diagnose the relationship between the bite and the jaw position
• We spend time considering the effects of the function, or dysfunction, on the health of the teeth and the whole body
• We take accurate, x-rays of the teeth, skull and jaws to build up a comprehensive diagnosis
• We evaluate the jaw and neck muscles
• We assess the health and condition of the TMJ's (Temporo-Mandibular Joints)
• We consider the state of existing restorations (crowns, fillings, bridges, implants, dentures) and evaluate whether they are having a positive or negative effect on the health of your teeth, mouth and body
• Our impressions for all study models are poured within minutes in our own laboratory, for the most accurate results
  

Management of gum disease and periodontal disease is important for your general health and for the health of your mouth

• Every examination includes a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) to diagnose any gum or periodontal disease, and assess how successful your cleaning techniques are
• Your BPE score will determine the gum treatment you need: from cleaning instruction and a “scale & polish”, often in conjunction with your examination, to more extensive diagnosis and treatment in the case of advanced gum disease
• Working closely with selected specialists, we may refer people with complex periodontal problems for specialist, tailor-made care. This combined approach, where two dentists confer and treatment plan together, has brought excellent results in many of our patients

We have not used amalgam restorations in our practice for 28 years

• The new generation of tooth-coloured materials (composites) offer an aesthetic alternative to conventional amalgam fillings
• The composites adhere to the tooth and reinforce the intrinsic strength of the tooth
• They have improved wear characteristics, which closely mimic the natural tooth
• They have improved colour stability and can be virtually invisible on front teeth
• In two independent studies of back teeth, more than 85% teeth filled with large amalgams had cracks in the tooth, which can lead to a vertical fracture of the tooth as well as considerable discomfort. Vertical fractures of teeth are irreparable if the crack extends onto the root, leading to the loss of a tooth

• A lot of time and expertise goes into our crown and bridge preparations
• We use the very best, most accurate impression materials and techniques, which have been verified by a leading metrology company Renishaw
• All cases are prepared on anatomical articulators (which mimic the movement of the jaw) using only the very best technicians
• Tooth-coloured zirconium or high quality gold and porcelain are used in the crown and bridge construction
• Particular care is taken to assess the fit of the crown and bridgework prior to fitting it. This prevents premature failure, making your investment last for longer
• Most importantly the functional occlusion (the bite) for the crown and bridgework is accurately prescribed, so that the result is comfortable from the first day it is fitted and works in harmony with the rest of the bite

• We consider this one of the most overlooked areas in dentistry, and one of the most important to ensure a healthy, long lasting, comfortable dentition 
• This usually starts at the diagnostic stage of treatment, but we also carry out regular re-assessment with all examinations
• Symptoms of bite problems can include:
  • tooth sensitivity
  • gum pocketing
  • abnormal wear on the biting surfaces and edges of the teeth, and on the necks of the teeth (sometimes incorrectly attributed to brushing too hard)
  • muscle pain which manifests as headaches, neck pain, frozen shoulder, arm tingling and numbness, backache etc…
  • pain and noises in the jaw joints ( TMJ's)
  • reduced ability to open the mouth wide
  

• Used as a diagnostic, maintenance and treatment therapy
• We use mostly Tanner Mandibular Appliances, but also upper universal appliances in certain cases
• All appliances are carefully made in our own laboratory, by the dentist, to maintain quality control
• The appliances are made from hard plastic, with the lining material fitted directly to you in the surgery to ensure a perfect fit
• All appliances are then carefully adjusted in the mouth to give a stress free, neutral bite. This allows the jaw muscles to relax, and many related symptoms to subside
• Wearing an appliance at night will protect you from the effects of night time tooth grinding (bruxism)
• Appliances can be designed to incorporate features that reduce snoring, and improve sleep apnoea

• We refer all surgical implant work to tried and trusted surgeons, who can provide the level of care and expertise we require for our patients
• It is very important that implants are placed in an ideal position for both appearance and function
• We pre-plan with the surgeon and technician where the implant should be placed and which type of implant is used
• After the initial surgery, we will oversee the healing phase. After the implant has fused to the bone (osseointegration), we then fit the crown, bridge or precision attachment to the implant
• With careful planning, implants have proved to be a very reliable restoration with a good long term prognosis

• We believe that there is no place for this toxic material in a modern dental practice. However, removal of existing amalgam fillings is done only when appropriate and with a careful procedure: 
  • Rubber dam is always placed over the tooth or teeth, to create a barrier and avoid any ingestion of amalgam
  • Amalgams are removed with a special cutting bur that creates no dust
  • Plenty of water and high volume suction are used throughout, which is then filtered through a special amalgam trap
• Mercury vapour is a toxic, heavy metal poison that accumulates in the body. If an individual is susceptible, there can be severe and serious symptoms from mercury toxicity
• Amalgam fillings do not adhere to tooth, so teeth with large metal fillings in them are susceptible to fine and more substantial cracks
• Amalgam has an electro-chemical reaction with gold, accelerating the breakdown of the amalgam

• These can provide an excellent and affordable restoration, with superb natural appearance
• They are also good  for restoring the bite, function, health and appearance when there has been multiple tooth loss
• Removable bridges enjoy the same dedication and care in our hands as fixed crown and bridgework
• They can provide a very satisfactory temporary or long term restoration, especially in conjunction with implant support or precision attachments, magnets or anchors on remaining support teeth, which enhance their retention and comfort (and your confidence)

• This treatment is at the pinnacle of preventive treatment, to establish a healthy aesthetic dentition which is in good function and, therefore, long lasting and comfortable for life. This is a fundamental part of setting our young patients on the path of “minimal intervention” and healthy mouths for life
• We aim to start treatment as early as necessary, to allow maximum development of the bone, and try to avoid extraction of teeth. Usually treatment begins with a brace to help develop the jaws to the correct size
• Orthodontic straightening of the teeth starts at around age 12 when all the adult teeth are through and the baby teeth have fallen out
• We offer treatment for adults too, to improve appearance and function of the teeth
• We can also offer Invisalign and Clearstep invisible aligners (like a thin, clear gumshield) for some adult cases

Read more ...

• When you believe as passionately as we do that teeth are important for health and that it is ideal to maintain a full dentition, it follows that we devote a great deal of time and care to preserving them. Hence we have given Root Canal Treatment (RCT) a high priority within the practice
• It is important to have secure and healthy foundations to support our high quality restorative work
• We have invested in high quality microscopes to aid in difficult molar root canal treatments and complex re-treatments
• We keep abreast of the latest teaching in root canal treatments
• We are able to deal with most root canal treatments within the practice, but occasionally will refer to an endodontic specialist for very complex cases

Read more ...