Author Archives: Brightside Dental

Brightside Dental – Smile of the Month March 2022

Aneka has been a Brightside Dental patient, under the care of Dr Ketan Shah for many years, since she was at school. She hadn’t visited us for a few years but was prompted to book for an appointment by her mum who had decided to have treatment to improve her smile.

Aneka attended for a consultation. She was mainly concerned about her crooked front teeth and the colour of her teeth.

Treatment options to improve her smile were discussed. Aneka then began her treatment with Invisalign clear aligners to straighten her teeth, starting the journey with her mum who was having the same treatment!

Treatment carried out:

  • Invisalign teeth straightening
  • Teeth whitening
  • Composite bonding of upper incisors

Initially, Aneka wasn’t concerned about her small front tooth on the upper right side, however once her teeth were straightened and whitened, she decided to have composite bonding on that tooth and her three other front teeth, to improve the shape. This is a straightforward and non-invasive treatment, which as you can see, can make a huge difference to a smile.

The process was completed in two years, with delays due to covid and Aneka’s availability to visit the practice. Aneka now has an even better smile than she could have ever imagined and feels much more relaxed and confident. She shares her story here:

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice at 020 88884401 or email: [email protected].

Brightside Dental Smile Of The Month – February 2022

Eileen first visited Brightside in 2017 and saw Dr Ketan Shah. She had not seen a dentist in over five years and had numerous problems with her mouth.

She had been unhappy with her smile for a long time, in particular the crooked front teeth and the colour of her teeth.

Treatment options were discussed that could help improve her smile. Eileen then proceeded with Invisalign clear aligners to straighten her teeth, followed by a course of teeth whitening, and finally composite bonding on her front teeth to rebuild the chipped edges where the teeth had become worn over time.

The process was completed within a year and in under 10 visits in total. Through remote virtual monitoring, Eileen did not have to allow any significant time to visit us and we could regularly keep an eye on the progress of her treatment.

Eileen now has the smile she has long desired and along with it, the confidence to speak and smile without covering her mouth.

She has since joined the Brightside Membership Club and is now attending regular assessments and hygienist visits to maintain the health of her mouth.

Eileen shares her story here:

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice at 020 88884401 or email: [email protected]

Brightside Dental Smile Of The Month January 2022

Dane had been a regular patient at Brightside Dental, seeing Dr Ketan Shah for over four years. In 2017, he expressed an interest in improving his smile with orthodontic treatment. An assessment was carried out for treatment suitability and the findings discussed with Dane.

He was interested in having the treatment, but it wasn’t the right time for him to go ahead. We continued to see Dane regularly for his dental maintenance and almost four years later, he decided it was the right time to go ahead with straightening his teeth.

Dane chose to have fixed cosmetic braces, which were fitted just before the arrival of Covid-19 and the first lockdown. Fortunately, Dane had no issues with his teeth during this treatment and we carried out regular reviews via video consultations.

Once treatment could progress, we continued with the teeth straightening followed by a course of teeth whitening. Total treatment time was around 18 months. Dane was very pleased with the process and the outcome of the treatment, giving him the confident smile, he always wanted. See what Dane has to say about his experience:

We have many regularly attending patients who are interested in a specific treatment but then go ahead at a later date. If you have an interest in a particular treatment, do let us know so we can provide you with the information you need to decide if it’s right for you.

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice at 020 88884401 or email: [email protected].

New Year… New Membership Club

We are delighted to kick off the year in a really positive way, with the announcement of our new Patient Membership Club.

The new club will benefit you if you visit the practice on a regular basis and want us to help you maintain the health of your mouth in the best possible way, along with having the peace of mind that your preventive dental care is covered.

It enables you to spread the cost of your regular care and delivers member benefits and reductions.

Join our club…

It couldn’t be easier to join the Brightside Club – unlike most insurance policies, you don’t need to be dentally fit to join. We offer a selection of plans to best meet your own requirements and will guide you to ensure we recommend the right level of plan for you.

10 reasons for you to join…

• Oral health assessments included (value £49.00 each) *

• Dental hygiene treatments included (value £82.00 each)

• Complimentary x-rays as clinically necessary (small x-rays value £14.00 each; large x-rays value £45.00 each)

• Digital scans as clinically necessary – usually £45.00 each

• 10% reduction in the cost of private dental treatments **

• Convenient monthly direct debit payments spread the cost of your regular dental care throughout the year

• Members don’t need to be dentally fit to join our plan and benefits commence immediately

• Regular maintenance can lead to reduced treatment needs and costs, as issues can be identified at an early stage

• Minimum savings of at least one month’s membership payment compared with pay-as-you-go

• No joining fee (usually £10.00).

If you would like more information, or to join, you can phone the practice on 020 88884401 or email: [email protected].

Brightside Dental Smile Of The Month December 2021

Donald regularly attended Brightside Dental following his first visit in 2015. In late 2019, he decided to look into options to improve his smile. Donald’s main concerns were that his upper front teeth were discoloured and he
had spaces between his teeth. He had had braces in the past, but his retainers broke and were not replaced. His teeth subsequently moved.

He saw Dr Paarth Darbar for a consultation and extensive planning. The first plan involved six porcelain veneers on the upper front teeth which would improve the colour of the teeth and close the spaces. The issue was that the teeth would look wide in size.

Donald was referred to Dr Ketan Shah to assess whether orthodontic treatment would be an option to improve the positions of the teeth before improving the proportions and colour.

After looking at all the options in detail, the following plan was agreed:
-Teeth straightening using Invisalign clear aligners
-Professional teeth whitening
-Veneers to improve the upper front teeth

Donald’s Invisalign aligners were fitted in March 2020—less than two weeks
before the first lockdown due to Covid-19. Although the practice was closed for almost three months, we were able to provide Donald with his aligners and monitor treatment via video consultations. This meant he was able to continue with his treatment with minimal delays.
Donald’s teeth were fully aligned in just over a year. We then reviewed the
progress and cosmetic appearance at that time, along with revisiting treatment options for further cosmetic improvement.

Donald’s plan was changed to place Smilefast composite veneers rather than porcelain. This had the benefits of being a faster treatment option. It was also less invasive as more, healthy tooth tissue was preserved and significantly less costly.

Donald’s full treatment took under 16 months and we achieved (and exceeded) his expectations of how much his smile could be improved.

See Donald share his experience here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHa9vBPZHaY

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice at 020 88884401 or email:
[email protected].

Brightside Dental Smile Of The Month November 2021

Maxine has been a patient at Brightside Dental for over 10 years. Over time, she became increasingly unhappy with her smile and had a consultation with our Principal Dentist Dr Ketan Shah to find out about options for improvement.

A comprehensive assessment was carried out and a treatment plan agreed with Maxine, based upon what she wanted to achieve, and to fit around her lifestyle and budget.

The following treatments were carried out:
• Invisalign clear removable aligners to straighten and improved the position of Maxine’s teeth
• Boutique teeth whitening brightened Maxine’s smile
• A missing tooth was replaced with a dental implant and crown

Total treatment time from consultation to completion was around 15 months and was carried out by Dr Ketan Shah and our Oral Surgeon Dr Shahrokh Navaee.

Hear what Maxine has to say about her experience:

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice at 020 88884401 or email: [email protected]

Brightside Dental Smile Of The Month October 2021

Karina first visited Brightside Dental in 2019 for routine dental treatment. She had a consultation with our Principal Dentist Dr Ketan Shah as she was unhappy with her smile and wanted to find out about options for improvement.

A comprehensive assessment was carried out and a treatment plan agreed with Karina, based on what she wanted to achieve and also to fit around her lifestyle and job as a busy NHS nurse.

The following treatments were carried out:

  • Invisalign clear removable aligners were used to straighten and improve the positions of Karina’s teeth
  • Boutique teeth whitening
  • Replacement of failing and unsightly metal amalgam fillings with tooth- coloured composite restorations and a porcelain inlay
  • Composite bonding and enamel reshaping to improve the shape of the front teeth

Total treatment from consultation to completion was under 10 months with appointments made around Karina’s long working hours. We managed to give Karina the smile she always wanted in a predictable, safe and cost-effective manner.

Here’s what Karina has to say about her experience:

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice at 020 88884401 or email: [email protected].

Brightside Dental Smile Of The Month August 2021

Adil first visited Brightside Dental in summer 2020, just after the first lockdown. He heard about the practice through his father who had treatment with one of our team members.

Adil’s main issue was that his front teeth were crooked and that the fangs
(canines) really stood out. He saw Dr Ketan Shah for a consultation and following extensive planning, the following treatment was agreed and carried out.

-Hygienist treatment to improve gum health
-Teeth straightening using Invisalign clear aligners for just under nine months
-Professional teeth whitening
-Composite bonding and enamel reshaping to make the teeth proportions more even.

The total treatment took less than a year and involved only nine visits at the
practice.

One big concern both Adil and Dr Shah had prior to starting treatment was the effects of Covid-19 and if the practice would have to close again. Dr Shah had been researching the latest technological solutions in dentistry and decided to introduce Dental Monitoring. This is a fantastic system which allows the patient to take a scan on their smartphone once a week. This is a simple process and takes only a few minutes. The system incorporates the latest A.I. technology available in dentistry today and is the most accurate way for us to track treatment progress along with many other areas, such as improvements needed in cleaning.

Dental Monitoring was the single biggest reason Adil needed so few
appointments and his treatment was completed around six months ahead of the initial estimation. Second to this was Adil following our advice to the letter. We have since been using Dental Monitoring routinely for our Invisalign patients and are finding treatment is progressing more smoothly, faster and saves patients time.

Adil speaks about his experience with Dental Monitoring here:

Adil achieved the brighter, straighter, even smile he always wanted all during the height of the pandemic and is overjoyed with his new smile and increased confidence as a result.

If you would like to know more about how we could help improve your smile, you can phone the practice or email: [email protected].

9 Top Tips For UK Mini-Breaks

Since the pandemic started, many have spent their time mostly at home – from work from home setups to home schooling for kids. Now that the infection has been substantially decreasing and the vaccine being available for many, we all deserve some fresh air and discover new horizons.

However, for many of us there is still a lot of hesitance and uncertainty around travelling abroad this summer. Here are some ideal spots to spend to within 4 hours of London:


1) Abergavenny – A thriving town, Abergavenny is the gateway to
South Wales where you can enjoy a relaxing short break or longer holiday amidst stunning countryside. The town itself is set against the Brecon Beacons National Park and Black Mountains. Ideal for Breathtaking scenery and is nestled within the beautiful Usk Valley.
Distance from London: 2hr 40 mins by train


2) Rye – When you visit Rye, you’ll find a slew of vintage and eclectic shops and some rave-worthy restaurants lining the secret passages, winding laneways, and cobbled paths. This makes it one of the most charming village in England.
Distance from London: 1hr 10mins by train


3) Oxford – The historic city of Oxford is an excellent choice for a
weekend break. From the Radcliffe Camera to Saxon Tower – there are plenty of iconic landmarks in Oxford to make up a full weekend exploration. There are a wide range of places to relax after a busy day of sightseeing and a wide choice of cosy cafes, pubs anddining.
Distance from London: 1hr by train


4) Brighton – Brighton is a super-cool south coast town that has pebble beaches, cheap boutiques, and magnificent architectural gems. Regency
monuments vie for space, from chalky white pavilions with onion
domes to regal theaters and clock towers. Tops places to visit includes
the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Pier, the Lanes, and the picturesque
Devil’s Dyke.
Distance from London: 1hr by train


5) New Forest – The New Forest is a great choice for long weekends or mid-week short breaks away from the city. Swap the humdrum of the daily commute and a fast-paced lifestyle for the serenity of the forest and the chance to take life a little slower.
Distance from London: 2hrs 30mins by train

6) Cotswolds – Cotswolds is a magical place for a short break which is defined by its honey-coloured stone and rolling hills. Running through
Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire makes the Cotswolds easily accessible to visitors. Cotswolds in kown for its long footpaths and bridgeways to explore.
Distance from London: 2hrs 20mins by car


7) Bath – Bath is one of the prettiest cities in the south of England. It is one of the best day trips from London because it’s in easy reach.
Distance from London: 1hr 20mins by train


8) Isle of Wight – The Isle of Wight is a great seaside destination, situated just off England’s South coast and less than 2 hours from London. White chalky stalks stretch out into the English Channel, sandy beaches make for the perfect afternoon setting and you can even follow in the royal footsteps of
Charles I and Henry VIII to the islands castle. You can visit the Shanklin
theater, the private beach of Queen Victoria and the Isle of Wight
Donkey Santuary.
Distance from London: 1hr 30 mins by train, 50mins by ferry


9) Burnham Market, Norfolk – Burnham Market is a picturesque village, near Norfolk’s rugged north coast, 30 miles from Norwich. The countryside around the village is unspoilt and teeming with wildlife. It also has an extensive selection of shops galleries and restaurants and number of holiday cottages.

Brightside Dental – Smile Of The Month July 2021

Alpa was recommended to see Dr Ronit Patel at Brightside Dental by a friend and wanted to improve the look of her smile. She was getting married soon so wanted to get her treatment completedbefore the wedding. Her main concerns were with the alignment and the colour of her teeth.

She had previously had orthodontics as a teenager; however she was not completely happy with the result, and after losing her retainer her teeth started to move again. This is a very common problem we encounter – most of our adult teeth straightening patients had braces when younger but stopped wearing their retainers.

Alpa’s main issues were her crowded lower teeth, spaces between her upper teeth and the colour of her teeth. After a comprehensive assessment, Ronit identified that the spaces were caused by missing ipper second incisors on both sides.

Through detailed treatment planning, we developed a solution for Alpa. The treatment combined clear aligner teeth straightening using Invisalign, Boutique home whitening, fixed and removable retainers and then composite bonding (where a coloured resin is applied to teeth) to improve the final appearance of her teeth.

The whole process took nine months, afterwhich Alpa was thoroughly happy with the result and ready to get married with the great smile she wanted for the big day!

Our aim at Brightside Dental is to carry out minimally invasive treatment, ensuring we maximise cosmetic outcomes whilst preserving the health of the teeth . Alpa’s case did not require any extractions, and the composite bonding did not require the use of any drilling.

If you would like to find out more about how we can improve your smile, please contact us on 020 88884401.