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]
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].
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].
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.
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.
19th July has been dubbed “Freedom Day” following an announcement this week by Boris Johnson that the country can move to stage 4 in lifting measures to ease all the remaining Covid 19 restrictions.
This means there will be significant changes to the restrictions that have been imposed on us for many months, such as:
no limits on socialising
legal requirements on wearing face masks will stop but are expected in crowded indoor spaces
school bubbles will be scrapped
theatres and nightclubs can re-open
The planned measures have created divided opinion with many people welcoming the changes and lack of restrictions imposed on us and others concerned that this will lead to increased covid cases.
What do the new rules mean for dentistry?
As things stand, there have been no announcements from the government or our regulators that there are any planned changes to the protocols and restrictions placed on dental services as a result of the pandemic.
This means, we continue with the enhanced measures we work under such as advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) for certain procedures; increased gaps between appointment (fallow time) for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs); and still limitations on the number of patients we are able to see.
We request our patients to also continue following our expectations in order for us to continue serving you in the safest manner, such as:
complete any forms online in advance where possible (please ensure we have your correct email address to help with this)
come for your appointment alone unless you need to be accompanied (such as children)
inform us if you or anyone you are in contact with has possible Covid symptoms
payments taken over the phone or online and in advance where possible to limit contact and possible contamination
wear a face mask when entering the practice
arrive on time for your appointment to avoid people having to wait unduly to be seen
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you need any assistance please email the practice at [email protected]
Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, has had a much bigger impact on dental health in 21 seconds than I have been able to achieve in 21 years as a dentist.
Ronaldo snubs one of the tournament sponsors, Coca-Cola, and promotes drinking water instead. Love him or loathe him, this simple act got the attention of millions of people all over the world and caused the drinks company’s share price to fall by over $4 billion.
This shows the immense power of athletes and celebrities as role models to both children and adults, especially in a time where news can be shared immediately and via many channels.
Junk food and sugary drinks companies sponsoring both sporting events and elite athletes has been an ongoing bugbear of mine, and goes against leading a healthy lifestyle. It is well known within dentistry that although athletes are super fit and in great shape, often their dental health is very poor.
Celebrity rejection, along with the already introduced sugar tax and ban of junk foods/drinks adverts before the watershed, will hopefully help turn the tide on the public’s food and drink choices while unhealthy items are so readily and cheaply available.
At Brightside Dental, we’ll continue playing our part on a daily basis to help our patients maintain optimal dental health.
If you need any advice, please email us or call 020 88884401.
Over the last year, we have found an increasing number of people have chosen to improve their smile. Whether through having more time available while being unable to socialise, spending increasing time on video calls, or having money available that may have been spent on a holiday.
If you have become increasingly self-conscious about your smile from spending hours on Zoom calls, or simply feel that you will benefit from an enhanced smile, Invisalign teeth straightening could be the solution for you.
It’s a great option for improving crooked/twisted teeth or reducing gaps between front teeth.
Invisalign aligners are very discreet. So if you’re on a video call no-one will know you’re wearing them. Plus you can eat and drink without any restrictions, just like with traditional fixed braces. They apply gentle pressure to move your teeth which means you experience very little discomfort during the straightening process.
We have three upcoming Invisalign Promotion Days on 26th June, 30th June and 6th July, during which we are offering a FREE consultation to assess your suitability for Invisalign treatment and savings on any subsequent Invisalign treatment worth over £1300.
This consultation includes:
An assessment of your teeth and gums
A series of digital photographs
A digital scan of your teeth
An x-ray if required
Advice on your suitability for teeth straightening
An estimated timeframe for treatment
An indication of fees
None of us know exactly what will happen in the coming months due to Covid. With current restrictions being extended further, it’s hard to plan for many things. However, if you choose to go ahead with Invisalign treatment following your consultation, you can be sure you will be able to continue your treatment should you be unable to visit the practice, as we can monitor your progress remotely with the most advanced A.I. technology available in dentistry.
To take up this opportunity and find out how we could improve your smile, book your FREE* consultation here now – limited appointments available.
*A £45 fully refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
If you know of any friends or family members who may benefit from teeth straightening, please do pass on details of this opportunity.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call 020 88884401 or email [email protected]. Our team will be happy to help you.
Rafael has been a regular patient of Brightside Dental for many years. We had carried out routine treatment over the years, but now Rafael was looking for a cosmetic improvement.
He had previously tried out over the counter whitening procedures and was not happy with the results. His main concern was a dark front tooth, and the overall colour of his teeth. When younger, Rafael had suffered some trauma to his front tooth. This resulted in the need for root canal treatment for this tooth. Unfortunately, this then resulted in the tooth darkening over time and having a grey appearance. This is a common problem that many people have.
Rafael was unsure on how to resolve the dark front tooth. He thought that he would require invasive treatment with crowns or veneers. While these are options, there was a much simpler way to help the situation.
Our aim here at Brightside Dental is to carry out minimally invasive dentistry and preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. The option of having professional Internal and External whitening to help improve the appearance was discussed by Dr Darbar. The best thing about this was there are no needles involved!
We proceeded to take a digital scan of the teeth (no more messy impressions!!) and a set of whitening trays were custom made and provided along with whitening gel. Rafael then carried out the internal and external whitening over 2 weeks at home at his convenience. He was very happy with the results and now has a brand new smile he can feel proud of!
As mentioned, having a dark front tooth is a very common problem that we often encounter. If you would like to find out more on how we could help improve your smile contact us on 02088884401.
It’s great news that with the further easing of Covid restrictions from 17th May, we are able to see our friends and family, have a meal in a restaurant and that many people who have been unable to work will now be able to.
A common question we are being asked by our patients is whether we will be able to go back to working as normal in the practice on this date.
The simple answer is no. The wider easing of restrictions currently has no impact on dental practices. We will continue to work with enhanced disinfection and safety measures until advised otherwise by our regulators or the Government.
This means limitations on the number of patients we are able to see will remain, while we continue to be obliged to provide longer appointments, leave gaps between appointments for disinfection and limit the number of people in the practice at any one time.
Our biggest challenge is with NHS bookings. As a practice we provide a full range of both NHS and private dental services, with under 20% of our work being carried out under the NHS. Current Government guidelines stipulate we should be performing 60% of our normal level of NHS care.
Please note that, because of these ongoing challenges, we are making NHS bookings in the fairest way we see possible at this time.
Our regular NHS patients will still be able to make NHS appointments, but please be aware there may be longer than normal waiting times for routine appointments. There are still a significant number of people we have been unable to see during the past year who were unable to come to the practice during the lockdowns.
Any NHS patient who has not attended for an appointment with us since April 2018 now has the following options available:
To be placed on the NHS waiting list (however please be mindful we have no timeframe if or when you will be able to be seen)
To be seen on a private basis outside of the NHS on a ‘pay as you go’ basis
We understand that it is very frustrating for our NHS patients who are not able to access the services they would like and to have to wait a considerable time for appointments. Please be mindful that our team are working very hard to help as many people as possible, however our first priority must be to ensure the safety of our patients and team members, and the reality is that we can’t please everyone is these circumstances.
We are in the process of recruiting for a new dentist and a dental nurse to join our team, which will help us be able to see more patients.
Please note that we are accepting new patients at the practice on a private basis and are unable to offer NHS services to people that have not visited us before.
If you have any questions about availability of appointments or need any clarification, please email us at [email protected]. We will be happy to respond to your queries.
