Connect 4 to get a perfect smile!

January 27th, 2012

 

If you’re tired of dentures and are looking for a quick and easy way to get fixed, secure and great looking teeth, All-on-4 dental implants could be for you.  Take a look at what the procedure involves and whether it could be the right option for you.

What is the All-on-4 procedure?

All-on -4 is a technique where a metal and acrylic fixed bridge (i.e a srewed in denture) is attached to 4 dental implants. Strictly it refers to 4 implants in the lower with the back implants tilted back on an angle and immediate loading of these implants with the fixed bridge, a so-called teeth in a day protocol. However it is generically used as a term to describe a metal and acrylic fixed bridge (i.e. teeth you can’t remove) on 4 or 5 implants.

At Woodborough House we offer All-on-4 implants to those who are looking for a quick and easy procedure on dental implants. Dr Nick Fahey will analyse and assess your case and construct All-on-4 dental implants which are specific to your needs. Using SGS software (click to see pic of the All-on-4 using this software), the All-on-4 dental implants can be made accurately and concisely. Many people will find that this is the ideal choice for them, especially if they are in the process of losing their teeth or are currently denture wearers.  In an age where people nowadays have less and less time, this is a great option for suitable candidates.

However, anyone who has an extremely bad grinding habit, uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smokers as well as people who are medically compromised. However, most people can be treated.

Preparing for the All-on-4 procedure

To prepare for this procedure, it’s vital to obtain excellent oral hygiene and stop or minimise smoking altogether.  Post-operative instructions for the All-on-4 dental implant procedure which should be followed include eating a soft diet for 3-4 weeks and careful oral hygiene, as well as antimicrobial and hot salty mouth rinses.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved but these can be minimised with good planning from the outset and use of tools like CBCT and guided surgery.  Repeat dental visits will be required as with any restorations, they require ongoing maintenance just like all kinds of dental work. So therefore ensuring you have good oral health is important to keep the restoration work for a satisfactory period.

Success

The success rate at Woodborough House for the All-on-4 dental implant procedure is 96% which is high and many patients report being thrilled by the results as it helped to increase their confidence and improve their self-esteem, whilst allowing them to eat and smile without the fear of their dentures coming loose or worrying about the appearance of horrible or gappy teeth.

You can view some of Dr Nick Fahey’s All-on-4 case work here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about dental implants or to book an appointment, please call Woodborough House on 0118 984 3108 where one of our members of staff will be happy to assist you.

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Are your perfect teeth arriving on time?

January 20th, 2012

Are you looking to straighten your teeth as quickly and efficiently as possible? Perhaps you have a wedding or a special occasion coming up and you want to show off your straight smile, but in the meantime it’s looking less than perfect. Don’t want to spend years wearing a brace? Then the Inman Aligner could be for you!

At Woodborough House, we offer the Inman Aligner as an orthodontic appliance to help quickly move your teeth into the right direction and to cosmetically enhance the appearance of your smile. Our dentists are certified users of the Inman Aligner and have a lot of experience working with the device, which means they have done extensive training to be able to prescribe the aligner.

What is the Inman Aligner?

The Inman Aligner is a discrete removable brace which you can take in and out. It is used to produce minor tooth movements, making it ideal for use on the front of your teeth.  The Inman Aligner can be removed before eating, drinking or brushing/flossing your teeth.

Anyone who requires a minor rotation on the teeth or which may need some tipping or tilting of their front six teeth can wear the Inman Aligner to achieve an enhanced smile.

Why is the Inman Aligner so fast?

The Inman Aligner works very quickly and typical treatment times can be completed in around 6 months, but the effects of the teeth straightening can be seen much faster – usually within a few weeks or so in the right cases.

Why choose the Inman Aligner?

The great thing about the Inman Aligner is that it’s removable, which means it can be taken in and out at will. The fact that it’s cost effective and works relatively quickly is also a winning factor when it comes to choosing the right orthodontic device.

Results

Patients can expect to see great results from using the Inman Aligner. This includes any mild crowding in their front six teeth being completely aligned.

Advice

Everyone will be different, so see your local Inman provider to see if you are a suitable case. If so, then wear it as much as you can for the duration of your treatment time. Remember,  don’t look back – look forward to your new life and your newly straight smile!

To book an appointment or to learn more about the Inman Aligner, please call 0118 984 3108 where one of our team members will be happy to help you.

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Would you love a smile that’s fit for the crown?

January 13th, 2012

 

Are you after a dazzling, white smile like Kate Middleton? The ‘ideal’ of a bright, beautiful looking straight smile is one that most people dream of. Not only is it easy on the eye, but can also really help to transform your teeth into a royal, winning smile. Best of all, it can be created to look as natural as possible.

Here at Woodborough House we use leading cosmetic makeover technologies and techniques to transform your smile. From whitening to implants, dentures to crowns and bridges, our skilled team of cosmetic dentists and our specialist prosthodontist (Dr Nick Fahey) are here to help you make the most of your natural features and transform your smile.

Dental Bonding

In some cases, teeth whitening alone cannot resurrect a beautiful smile. At Woodborough House we use the latest dental bonding techniques to professionally repair slight cracks and chips, and to conceal troublesome stains on your teeth. This is achieved by coating the teeth with a thin layer of composite resin, which is carefully colour-matched to the natural hue of your teeth. As the composite resin hardens, our clinicians skilfully sculpt it to evenly cover and fill any damaged areas. This can be completed in one visit to the practice, and is a cost-effective way to achieve the smile you want.

Porcelain crowns

Woodborough House is committed to maintaining the highest standards in amalgam-free dentistry. As part of this, we offer high quality all porcelain crowns to patients with severely damaged teeth. Before the placement of any porcelain crown we remove the damaged portion of your tooth and reshape the remaining part so it is the perfect fit for your new crown. An adhesive is then used to fit the crown securely to your tooth. The new crown can be matched to your natural tooth colour to ensure it looks and feels like a natural part of your mouth.

This procedure includes 2 visits to the practice, and can last 10-15 years.

Dental Bridges 

Woodborough House can also provide patients with dental bridges if you are missing one or more teeth and do not wish to be treated with dental implants. Missing teeth can promote a general weakening of the jaw structure as teeth often shift to compensate for the gap, so it’s important to ensure any potential movement is minimized through the installation of a dental bridge. Using only the finest ceramic materials, our dental bridges are created to look and feel as natural as possible.

Amalgam-free fillings

Traditional amalgam-based silver fillings can often corrode and leak, staining the filling and in many instances giving the tooth an unsightly ‘black’ appearance. Today, amalgam-free fillings are growing in popularity due to both the aesthetic and health value and at Woodborough House we offer a full range of amalgam-free filling options that also blend more naturally with the colour of your teeth. We also offer an amalgam removal and disposal service and follow strict protocol established by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology to ensure the total safety of both our patients and staff.

Dentures 

Using the latest advances in computer-imaging technology, at Woodborough House, we are able to create your new dentures one tooth at a time. We begin by designing a digital portrait of what the finished product will look like. From this digital imagery, we design then create your dentures. We blend and fashion each tooth so it fits as perfectly and naturally as possible. We work hard to ensure that every step of the process is as precise as possible, to give you absolute confidence and a stunning set of new dentures that look just like real teeth.

If these cosmetic dental procedures sound like a great way to enhance your smile in terms of a smile makeover, why not give us a call on 0118 984 3108 where one of our staff will be happy to help you book an appointment.

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A bright resolution! Make 2012 a year to smile for

January 6th, 2012

 

Is your smile in need of a little help? Perhaps you have discoloured teeth from drinking too much mulled wine or indulging in too many chocolates over the festive season! But with a little tooth whitening, your teeth can look good as new this year.

Tooth whitening is not only a great way to brighten your smile but it can also help to give you a more youthful appearance. Here at Woodborough House we have several different treatment options available to patients who wish to lighten their teeth.

What we offer

We offer an “in-house” procedure known as Zoom.  This requires you to stay in surgery as we apply the teeth whitening solution. This is a one or two hour session depending on the shade of your teeth. We then provide bespoke dental trays for you to take away after Zoom to continue whitening at home.

An alternative to in-house bleaching are the “take-home” teeth whitening kits we provide. This will enable you to undergo whitening in the comfort and privacy of your own home and gives you complete control. The kits include specially moulded dental trays which are inserted over both upper and lower teeth. These can be worn over night, during the day, or at weekends for up to two weeks. This option is great because you have the trays for life and so are able to top up your whitening whenever you feel necessary.

Pricing

Zoom whitening with trays costs £695.

Home bleaching costs £399.

You are able to purchase more solution if you feel you want to brighten your smile any time after treatment. We also sell other products that complement the tooth whitening process, such as whitening toothpaste.

Safety

All tooth whitening products here at Woodborough House are completely safe – all our staff have done it! Sensitivity can be a side effect, but we can provide a solution that will calm the sensitivity and enable you to continue with treatment if you do experience this. This usually only happens if you have sensitive teeth prior to treatment, and varies from person to person.

So if you’re looking to get a bright and brilliant new smile for the new year, why not book an appointment on 0118 984 3108 where one of our friendly team members will be very happy to help you.

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Is your smile looking for some bonding?

December 30th, 2011

 

Are you searching for a beautiful bright smile that not only looks great but is also affordable? You might be thinking that veneers or advanced cosmetic dentistry might be your only option.  But this isn’t the case. Many problems with the way teeth look aesthetically can be changed using dental bonding techniques.

At Woodborough House, we use dental bonding to help to restore your smile – perhaps you have a slight crack or a chip in a tooth, or your teeth are heavily stained and tooth whitening alone won’t help to restore your teeth into beautiful, pearly whites. Maybe you have gaps in your teeth and you feel that if they were filled in your teeth and smile would look better for it. If this sounds familiar, then you could be the perfect candidate for this procedure.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a technique which forms a thin layer of composite resin coating to the surface of the tooth. When it is carefully colour-matched to the shade of your own teeth, it will look completely natural. A composite bonding agent, such as a gel is added to the tooth surface and then exposed to a light source known as a curing light which activates the composite and helps it to set. As the composite resin hardens, it is sculpted by clinicians to cover the surface of the teeth evenly and to ensure that any damaged areas are filled in.

What kind of results can I expect?

The results will look natural, but you can expect to achieve an effect similar to porcelain or ceramic veneers. Dental bonding is in effect, a cosmetic filling for the teeth. As the procedure only takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, you can have a new smile as soon as you leave the practice.

What should I be aware of?

It’s a safe procedure, but dental bonding is not suitable for large cavities as the composite material is not strong enough to cover large areas. Although it is a more affordable alternative to veneers, dental bonding is not as strong as these and it can be prone to staining, compared to your natural teeth or the porcelain materials.

Overall, if you think that with a little tweaking your teeth would look fantastic, then dental bonding can help to give you a great looking smile, at a fraction of the cost.

So if you want to see a transformation in your teeth, call to arrange an appointment, or to book a consultation, please call 0118 984 3108 where one of our team will be able to help you on the journey to a stunning new smile.

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Dental implant surgery goes social in live facebook broadcast

December 23rd, 2011

 

Woodborough House dental implant surgery goes live via facebook broadcast

Woodborough House recently undertook a live surgery broadcast over facebook. Dr Nick Fahey explains how it went and why this was a ground breaking move for the dental practice.

Q:  Woodborough recently did a live surgery broadcast via facebook. Can you explain how it went/why this was a ground breaking move for the practice?

Dr Nick Fahey: Considering this was the first time we had done this and it was done a little on the fly, we were very pleased. We were planning on doing the live surgery for a few dentists for our final ITI study club of the year. However, demand meant that we needed to organise it so we could show the surgery on a big screen as we had 20 or so people attending. It seemed a logical progression that if we were doing this, then why not pump it live onto the world wide web.

Q:  During the live surgery, you used an Ostell mentor. Can you explain why you prefer using this kind of equipment?

Dr Nick Fahey: The Ostell is a resonance frequency device. In effect it measures the stiffness of the implant in the bone. This is one of the tools we use in deciding on our loading protocols or whether we plan on digitally scanning the patient at the time of surgery. Let’s face it, it is better for everybody if the treatment can be completed in as few steps as possible.

Q: Why did you choose to specialise in dental implants?

Dr Nick Fahey: I am a specialist prosthodontist, who is heavily involved with dental implants. I came from a surgical back ground so I feel I offer the best of both worlds, someone who can restore dental implants as well as do the surgery to place them.

Q: How long does the implant surgery procedure take to complete?

Dr Nick Fahey: On the night it was just under an hour to place two dental implants, however we were explaining what we were doing and a simple case can usually be done in 20 minutes. More complicated cases where we place 18 dental implants with immediate loading (teeth-in-a-day) can take all day to deliver.

Q: Explain about the various Straumann dental technology which is used throughout the dental implant procedure

Dr Nick Fahey: We used an iTero digital scanner to intra orally scan the patients dentition, a scanning template was then made on the cadent milled model. This scanning template was worn by the patient when we took the CBCT. This information as well as the digital scan of the teeth were imported into coDiagnostiX, a virtual planning tool for dental implant placement.

Then once the surgery was planned a set of coordinates where transferred to the lab for use of a gonyX to fabricate a guided surgery template. This was used for guided surgery, using special Straumann instrumentation.

At the time of surgery due to the high ISQ reading from the Ostell and the subjective feel of the density of the bone, the decision was made to scan this patient at the surgical appointment using the iTero. The advantage of this being we can then have temporary restorations ready for her uncover appointment.

Q:  After the live surgery broadcast – what kind of results did the patient achieve?

Dr Nick Fahey: Fantastic! The patient had no bruising or swelling. She had experienced minimal discomfort and did not even need any sutures removed as it had been a totally flapless procedure. The patient even returned to work the next day! The implants were all stable and we have booked the next appointment for the provision of her temporary restorations.

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What’s porcelain, perfect and gives years of bonding?

December 15th, 2011

 

Christmas is well on its way and what better way to treat yourself or a loved one than with a set of dental veneers. Tailor made to suit your natural teeth, here at Woodborough House we can offer Da Vinci, Lumineers and Macveneers to repair the look of damaged, crooked or discoloured teeth.

A beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence levels and transform the way people perceive you, which is why when you come to Woodborough House we will assess your case individually. We understand that each case differs from patient to patient and depending on how complex the treatment required is, we will determine the most suitable type of veneers for your teeth.

Different Kinds of Veneers

There are numerous kind of veneers and choosing the ones to suit you is what can be decided upon during a consultation. A popular choice is Lumineers which can be custom made for your teeth. The porcelain is bonded onto the front of the teeth without any ‘grinding’ or ‘shaving’ that many veneers require. However, Lumineers may not be suitable in all cases, so it is up to the discretion of the dentist as to whether to advise them or not.

Mac veneers can be a good choice as they are made with pressed ceramics. Made in the US, Mac veneers are stain resistant so they provide protection for your teeth, and can be matched from the inside to the outer shell of the veneer which ensures as close a colour match as possible.

Da Vinci Veneers are another option you might want to consider. Developed in California, these type of veneers employ a thin sheet of porcelain that adheres to each tooth, and once treated, mould perfectly to teeth to help enhance your smile. The veneer will be designed to match and compliment the hue of your teeth, making them look very natural.

Dr Mark Hughes specialises in all of the above veneers and uses them mostly at the Harley Street Dental Studio practice.  Mark collaborates with Dr Nick Fahey to offer these treatments to Woodborough House patients. Dr Nick Fahey, Woodborough House practice owner prefers to use porcelain veneers and utilises one of the best technicians in Europe to see the job done.

Prices for veneers are as follows; Lumineers from £500 per unit, Da Vinci from £700 per unit, Mac veneers start from £900 and veneers with Nick start from £950.

For more information, or to book a free consultation with one of our dentists about veneers, please call 0118 984 3108 where one of our staff will be able to help.

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Need a hand to turn back time?

December 8th, 2011

 

If you’re looking to turn the clock back this Christmas, facial rejuvenation techniques may hold the answer.  Youth is highly prized in today’s image conscious society so it’s no surprise that most people will find themselves thinking about how to reverse the ageing process by removing a few lines here and there.

Facial rejuvenation techniques are the ideal option for those considering non-surgical means of enhancing their looks.  At Woodborough House, we offer these treatments courtesy of Dr Caroline Hewitt, BSc FRCP who is a Dermatologist and Aesthetic Practitioner. In a friendly one on one consultation, Dr Hewitt will assess your needs as an individual and advise you on how to improve your look; anything from correcting one line to many and as a qualified practitioner, Caroline will be able to advise you as to the personal benefits of undergoing these treatments.

Treatments

We offer a range of facial rejuvenation techniques in the practice and these include the use of the botulinum toxin, Restylane and Juvederm.

Prior to treatment, it is worth doing your own research if you are at all unsure about going ahead with any of the procedures to know about the side effects, costs and any follow-ups that may be required. The botulinum toxin is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of the wrinkles and unsightly facial lines that are caused by over activity of facial muscles (eg: frown lines, horizontal forehead furrows and “crow’s feet” around the eyes). However, patients with too many lines may find that surgery is a better option for them.

The side effects of these treatments are minimal, almost always reversible and are reported in only around 1% of patients. These side effects can include bruising, swelling, mild pain and a headache. It’s important that adequate aftercare is carried out after the procedure and patients who have been injected with the botulinum toxin refrain from touching the treated area for 3-4 hours.

There is a difference between the botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. The former relaxes the muscles whereas the fillers fill and plump up lines wrinkles and grooves to make skin look more youthful.

Expectations

For those considering treatment with the botulinum toxin, it is worth having realistic outcomes and expectations about the procedure. A good way to prepare is to read about all the products and ask the practitioner before treatment if you are at all unsure about anything or have lots of questions. Remember that repeat treatments will be required if you want to maintain the correction, with the botulinum toxin usually lasting for 3-6 months (some shorter, some longer) and fillers lasting for 6-9 months in general.

Most patients who’ve received facial rejuvenation techniques with us have said they love it and are taken care of well and having the treatment has been made in excellent thanks to the good hands at Woodborough House.

To arrange a free consultation, please call 0118 984 3108 where one of our friendly team will be happy to help.

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Dr Nick Fahey’s Dental Implant Days at ITI Congress

December 6th, 2011

Dr Nick Fahey attended the International Team for Implantology Congress in Liverpool last week. The three day event which was held from the 1-3 December attracted a variety of speakers from the dental profession with a special interest in implantology.

Woodborough House is connected to the ITI as Nick is the host and member for his local ITI Study Club. He has been involved with dental implants since 1994 and has been using Straumann implants since 2000.

The three day programme of events at the ITI Congress included notable and high profile speakers such as Urs Belser and Daniel Buser who spoke about treatment planning in aesthetic sites and implant placement with GBR in complex cases on the Thursday morning. The afternoon programme saw implant restorations in extended edentulous spaces in the anterior maxilla and how to handle cases where the aesthetic implant fails.

Ken Hebel spoke about the role of dental implants in a restorative practice and how to market dental implants as a restorative treatment on the Friday morning, which was followed by a series of sessions based on the topic of ‘Is my patient ready for implants?’

On Friday afternoon Stephen Barter demonstrated an introduction to computer guided implant placement. With particular interest to what Nick does, on Saturday, the last day of the event, there were talks from Alessandro Devigus , Daniel Wismeijer and Daniel Thoma on the role of digital photography, digital imaging and computer technology in surgical and prosthetic implant dentistry.

Nick has recorded a vlog at the event and this will be posted in due course.

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Sleep apnoea’s not to be snored at!

December 1st, 2011

 

Have you been warned about your snoring? If you’re waking up your loved ones at night with loud, heavy noises, you might not think much of it. But it could be a sign of underlying health problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). To be sure, it’s best to get checked out, both for your own safety and wellbeing.

At Woodborough House, we can provide a range of solutions to overcome OSA and stop loud snoring. We offer oral devices and a programme of care which can be tailored to suit your needs.  To find out if you’re a candidate for the oral device, we will have to diagnose your situation first.

Snoring

Snoring is caused when soft tissues in the airway vibrate. It can be treated with numerous lifestyle changes including drinking and smoking less and in severe cases, surgery may be a consideration. To determine the best option for you, consulting with a GP, trained dentist or a respiratory medicine consultant can help you to decide if an oral device or a simple change of lifestyle will benefit you.

It’s important you don’t avoid your snoring problem, as it could be caused by Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. Sleep apnoea is caused by pauses or a short absence in breath during sleep. It can cause a reduction in the quality of sleep, which can have a significant effect on people’s lives in the form of symptoms such as headaches, daytime fatigue, irritability and poor concentration. More serious suffers are also at greater risk of heart disease and diabetes. However, sleep apnoea can be treated with a variety of techniques.  Depending on how severe your snoring is will also determine the course of treatment that needs to be undertaken.

Treatments

For mild snorers this can be treated with simple lifestyle changes such as changing your sleeping position, cutting down on alcohol or smoking and losing a bit of weight.  Severe snoring problems will have to be treated with a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) which is a mouthguard to be worn at night, which is effective in around 72% of cases.  The advantage of MAS is its cost and size, its relative discreteness and the fact that it’s only worn at night. For maximum effect it must be worn every night, but most patients come to think of it as simply like wearing a sports guard at night.

Another device is the CPAP – a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine which can be used to help you breathe more easily while you are sleeping. There are also surgical options to consider in more severe cases.

To find out more, why not call our practice to discuss sleep apnoea with one of our experienced dentists. Call on 0118 984 3108 to talk to one of our friendly members of staff and to book a free consultation.

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