ISSUE ONE WINTER 2009
SMILE
LONDON
the capitals definitive guide to dental care
INSgIyoDu Eneed
Everythin achieve to know to fect er p r u yo smile
TOP TIPS For the perfect kiss
We review London’s best clinics
BOOK YOUR TRIP to the ultimate smile destinations
Take it from our experts
UGLY BETTY TRANSFORMED
SMILE
LONDON
the capitals definitive guide to dental care Welcome to the Precision Press essential guide to oral health, which brings you all you need to know, to make sure you, have pearly whites better than any London pearly king or queen. Thousands of songs are written about lovers’ smiles and we thought it was about time we took note. Celebrities are spending thousands to achieve the Hollywood smile effect. We set out to find out how Londoners can compete to outshine the best set of famous nashers. Smiling figures Did you know 70% of women regard a smile as the most attractive feature in a man, but that in a recent survey a shocking 7% of men last visited a dentist over 10 years ago? Thirteen per cent of people questioned didn’t have a dentist at all – a figure which rises to an even more worrying figure of 1 in 5 among those aged 16-24. However despite the lack of interest in the dentist over half of those surveyed (51%) believe that their chances of getting a better job is probably affected by having good teeth, a nice smile or fresh breath. A further 24% believe that having good teeth affects your career, emphasising that for most people in the workplace, appearance definitely still matters. Those working in sales, media and marketing unsurprisingly are even more convinced of the importance of a big, white smile, with 38% saying this would definitely affect their career opportunities.
Contents Issue one winter 2009
/03 Importance of a winning smile /04 Take it from the experts /05 Something new to smile about /06 Our London clinic previews /08 Straighten up /10 Shine through /12 Dental holiday’s /13 Destination Cyprus /14 Destination Hungary
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When out on the pull consider that studies have shown that 93% of communication between people is nonverbal. Only 7% of what people react to and hear is the content of what is being said. What is most important is the person’s body language and facial expression. A beautiful positive smile helps make people listen to you and respond in a positive way. So if your going to dazzle the boss or the fittie on the corner of the bar, get smiling.
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Useful contacts Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) - www.fgdp.org.uk General Dental Council - www.gdc-uk.org NHD Direct Online - www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk British Dental Health Foundation - www.dentalhealth.org.uk British Dental Association (patient’s site) - www.bdasmile.org BDA Find a Dentist - www.bda-findadentist.org.uk
PRECISION PUBLICATIONS Project Manager - Amy Kennerdale Editor - Rachel Connelly Design - www.point-creative.com
Creative Manager - Louise Baker Publishing Director - James Ellard Photographer - Kerry Schofield
London Smile/ 03/
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Janet Clarke, Clinical Director of Salaried Dental Services for Heart of Birmingham Teaching PCT and was a member of Professor Jimmy Steele's review team that recently carried out an independent review of NHS dentistry in England. What makes a good dentist? This depends on what you are looking for, and the best recommendation is by word of mouth from a friend or family member. I would look for a clean tidy practice, with a friendly receptionist, who puts me at my ease. You can usually tell if somewhere has a nice positive buzz too, with the dental team in smart uniforms. A good dentist will know that many patients are apprehensive about their visit and will ask sensitive questions to find out about you and your attitude to dentists and dentistry. Once they have taken a thorough history, they should examine your mouth systematically and carefully, and then chat to you about what they have found and how the two of you are going to work together to keep your mouth healthy. This should include what you have to do as the patient and what the dentist is going to do. You should have the opportunity to ask questions if you are unclear. Importantly, you should know whether you are being treated on the NHS or privately, and you should know how much your care will cost. After your first visit you should have a clear idea of what will happen next, and should hopefully be feeling confident that together you and your dentist will look after your smile.
Every issue our experts give advice and tips
The Experts
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Dr Mervyn Druian is a founder member of the British Dental Bleaching Society introduced the first power whitening system into the UK and is a leading exponent of in-surgery bleaching.
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What do I need to consider when getting my teeth whitened? The patient needs to be in pretty good dental health,i.e.no toothache,bleeding gums etc. If the patient has extensive fillings or crowns,bridges,implants,veneers
/04 /London Smile
on their front teeth,whitening won't work. Whitening must be done by a dentist or dental hygienist under the dentist's prescription. Don't go to beauticians or non-dentists as damage to teeth and gums often occur and there is no recourse as they are not licenced like dentists. It's best to avoid whitening during pregnancy or while breast feeding. If extensive tooth abrasion has occurred (from years of brushing teeth too hard),i.e. extensive loss of tooth enamel,the whitening may not work very well.
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New techniques in the insertion of implants have made it possible to dramatically increase the comfort of patients
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Dr Taramides, is president of the Cyprus Periodontal Society and a member of the European Periodontal Association who holds a Masters degree from the Lund University in Sweden. Have there been any recent developments in implantology and how long can,I expect my implant to last? New developments in the dental implantology are based on five important aspects: patient comfort, decrease of time needed to finalise, increase the lifespan of an implant, working with less bone and increase the aesthetic result. New technologies have allowed a more sophisticated implant shape and surface which can allow a shorter healing time. In many cases we can finalise an implant work in 2 months or even in some cases, within a week. New techniques in the insertion of implants have made it possible to dramatically increase the comfort of patients and new mini implants make it possible for patients with very little bone to become good candidates for implants. Well placed implants and carefully designed treatment can give a life-long result. That is why good dental implant companies give for their implants a 10-year guarantee for patients.
Smilepod, in Covent Garden
Something new to smile about The latest concept store in pursuit of a perfect smile to hit London. Smilepod, based in Covent Garden, is in fact the UK’s only walk-in one-stop studio to a brighter healthier smile. We sent our brave reporter to face her fears of the dentist and find why people are travelling long distances and what all the fuss is about.
TOP TIPS FOR THE BEST KISS Count to three on each tooth when brushing. Avoid abrasive tooth paste. Chew sugar-free gum to flush away plaque.
Smilepod. 23 Rose Street (off Long Acre) Covent Garden WC2E 9EA. Tel: 0207 836 6866 email: reception@smilepod.co.uk website: www.smilepod.co.uk
Hidden in a secluded precinct in Covent Garden, Smilepod is a step away from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping streets. I walked in expecting a clinical dentist environment with the dreaded sound of the dentist’s drill and the faint odor of foul mouthwash. Instead I found myself in a calm, stylish reception with a good choice of fashion and leisure magazines. The friendly lady on reception asked me to fill out a basic medical form and then I was whisked away for my ‘High Gloss Diamond Polish’. Enticed by the name, this treatment claims to provide stain removal using a high powered air jet and polishing with a special diamond polishing paste, restoring the natural gleam and whiteness to my coffee and red wine stained teeth. Smilepod’s clinical Director, Dr Harvey Grahame, talked me through the procedure so I knew what to expect whist popping bright orange glasses on my face, reclining the chair and turning on the light. The next thing I know I’ve opened my mouth and the cleaning begins. As always
with a dentist (not that I’ve been since I was around 16 years old) I never know how to react to a strange man poking and prodding around in my mouth with dental equipment. I spend the next half hour ignoring what he’s doing and concentrating on keeping my tongue away from the jet and wondering what the hell he’s just removed from between my teeth. In no time at all, he sits the chair back up and announces that it’s all finished. The results are rather impressive and I spend the rest of the afternoon acting like model in a toothpaste advert, licking my silky smooth teeth in mirrors of shops. My teeth are noticeably cleaner and shiny; however the adverse affect is that I’m now critically aware of my preference for red wine. Smilepod specialise in cosmetic non invasive oral health, hygiene and whitening, with no need for a referral, no telling off and no drill. And best of all a fixed price list. Not at all like a normal dentist. Treatments last from 15 minutes, meaning you can pop in on your lunch break.
London Smile/ 05/
Advertorial
London’s best Dentists We scoured the streets of London looking for the best dentist. We wanted to see top notch facilities, technical capability and something that gives it the wow factor.
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hining above the other competitors was the Covent Garden Dental Spa. The clinic is richly decorated with dark wood, mirrors and Buddha style statues. Oil burns in the corner and the smell of lavender makes your shoulders relax and modern chill out music soothes your uncertainties. For those with an absolute terror of the dentist Dr Chigwedere has become famous for having a hypnotherapist on hand to help patients over come their fears. To help you relax further you are offered a complementary drink from a comprehensive menu and the chance to chill out in the clinics massage chair.
Using a miniature camera she takes pictures of your teeth and shows you your problem areas and recommends what you /06 /London Smile
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Once fully relaxed from the intense massage you are showed to your next intriguing chair of the day. Above your head is a flat screen TV where you can select a choice of radio stations and see your patient record. The surprise comes when Dr Flora Chigwedere starts to examine your teeth and you realise that you can see what she’s up to on the screen above your head.
Advertorial
State-of-the-art equipment
would be suitable for cosmetically and medically. Dr Chigwedere can offer anything from invisible braces and teeth whitening to comprehensive dental treatment. Being positioned in Theatreland has meant that she has had swathes of actors, directors and starlets hurrying to book an appointment in the swanky – very non dentist like – spa. Why Best Dentist in London? Luxury
reception class treatment Modern technology Massage, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy and acupuncture to calm. First
BEST OF THE REST Aqua Dental Spa This clinic offers state-of-the-art dentistry including laser gum disease treatment and speedy orthodontics. It has its own dedicated CEREC ceramic studio for the fabrication of crowns, onlays and inlays, onsite within an hour. Offering both cosmetic and general dentistry treatments in a modern environment located in just behind Bond Street. www.aquadentalspa.com London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic is the first Orthodontic Clinic in the UK to be dedicated to Lingual Orthodontics (braces on the inner surface of the tooth, inside the mouth where they cannot be seen). Great if you want straighter teeth without looking like Ugly Betty. www.londonlingualbraces.com
Covent Garden Dental SpaMain reception
H FREE TOOT G IN WHITEN n of tio on presenta e cl ti ar this
London Smile/ 07/
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Acceledent is being heralded as “a fast track to straight teeth” which can be used whilst watching TV or reading a magazine!
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Advances in orthodontics: People often don’t get their teeth fixed after their teenage years because they don’t want to have the ‘Ugly Betty’ style traditional train track braces that can be uncomfortable and are very conspicuous. But there is an easy answer to teeth alignment many are unaware of - invisible braces.
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ingual braces differ from regular braces in that they are fitted to the inner surface of the tooth, consequently they are completely invisible. An ideal solution for those who require orthodontic treatment but do not wish to compromise their appearance. 3D scanning technology
This has started to appear in clinics, and enables dentists to take a three-dimensional view of the skull and teeth of the patient, providing important detail on bone structure and consistency. This data can be used to create bespoke braces lingual and enables dentists to easily assess risk factors in moving /08 /London Smile
teeth. This is a major aid in planning patient's individual treatment. Many patients are put off by the time braces have to be worn. The average time spent in braces, depending on individual treatment plans, is normally around two years. The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic in London, however, is pioneering a new device that claims to cut down treatment time between 30-50%. Acceledent is being heralded as “a fast track to straight teeth” which can be used whilst watching TV or reading a magazine! The handheld device, incorporates a vibrating plate, which if used for just 20 minutes a day, enhances the orthodontic force applied by braces
or aligners to accelerate the rate of tooth movement. The user bites on the plate, inserted in the mouth, with just enough force to keep in place and stabilize it. The therapy is delivered via micro-vibrations through the plate. This type of therapy was first used on orthopedic patients with osteoporosis. Bone has shown to improve through stimulated.Please check do not know what you are trying to say For a majority of orthodontic problems, including overbites, underbites, crowding, crossbites and gaps between your teeth, invisible braces provide an answer. So stop dreaming about that perfect smile - go get one.
Advertorial
Straighten that smile with London’s best Invisible braces are a convenient, comfortable and discreet way to a Hollywood smile. The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic (LLOC) is the first Orthodontic Clinic in the UK to be dedicated to Lingual Orthodontics.
Most adults seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons; however, many also seek treatment because of jaw dysfunction, excessive wear of individual teeth or problems with dental hygiene. Others want a perfect smile for that special occasion, with brides-to-be high on the clinic's agenda. LLOC (www.londonlingualbraces.co m) is a state-of-the-art clinic. It boasts the most advanced orthodontic equipment in London, offering patients optimum results with maximum comfort. The clinic uses Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) providing a 3-D view of a patient's jaws, teeth and supporting joints. This enhances clinical diagnosis, so that LLOC can identify an appropriate solution quickly. LLOC uses the latest CAD/CAM technology to set up lingual braces so that they fit teeth as accurately as possible. This technology can also reduce treatment time. The
London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic 57a Wimpole Street London W1G 8YP Tel: 0207 486 2883 www.londonlingualbraces.com
Lingual appliances used are the latest STb and Orapix braces which correct the alignment of the teeth, whilst remaining invisible. The appliance itself incorporates smaller brackets which makes it more comfortable, whilst again speeding up treatment. LLOC is also pioneering Acceledent in the UK, which can cut treatment time by 30-50%. The device centres around a vibrating plate which if
used for just 20 minutes a day, enhances the orthodontic force applied by braces or aligners to accelerate the rate of tooth movement. Founded by Drs. Didier Fillion and Asif Chatoo, experts in orthodontics, LLOC can make you smile. No more hiding your teeth behind your hands in social situations or looking glum in photos because you are too embarrassed by your teeth. “Here at LLOC we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of excellence in lingual orthodontics. We use the very latest technology to ensure that our patients get the most advanced treatment techniques available today to put them on a fast track to that perfect smile” explained Dr Asif Chatoo. “Every patient at LLOC in London is treated as a VIP. We want them to feel that they are the most important patient we have. Our emphasis is on the leading techniques in orthodontics twinned with a friendly, personalised service,” explained Dr Didier Fillion, who has practiced lingual orthodontics exclusively since 1987. The clinic has treated a number of celebrities including Sadie Frost, Kelly Brook and TV presenter Steve Jones. London Lingual Orthodontic knows it is never too late to start smiling! London Smile/ 09/
Wise up
on whitening Sadly the colour of your teeth is determined by your DNA and as we get older, our teeth like our hair change colour.
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The most popular method of teeth bleaching uses a tray system which involves an impression of your teeth being made using dental putty
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The dentine - the soft, pulpy substance below the enamel that protects the nerves and the blood supply to the tooth changes colour, becoming more yellow. However in just the same way we dye our hair in order to trick others about our genetic make up or age we’re now trying all sorts to brighten our teeth through too.
anyone considering having their teeth whitened should consult a dentist first. A dentist will provide a thorough check-up to teeth and gums to establish if tooth whitening is the most effective route to whiten your teeth, as the bleaching agent only works on natural teeth (not crowns or white fillings).
With kits on the internet selling for as little as £14, an at home method of teeth whitening could be tempting. In the same way we’ve all attempted to dye our own hair at home and saw the disastrous effects, teeth whitening DIY style could have direr consequences.
If whitening is suitable then various methods are available. The most popular method of teeth bleaching uses a tray system which involves an impression of your teeth being made using dental putty. Using that impression, a plastic sleeve is made which will fit snugly and exactly around your teeth. The dentist will show you how to apply the bleaching gel into the sleeve and then how to slide it over your teeth correctly.
Risks of going it alone could cause serious health implications, so even though they won’t burn a hole in your pocket they may burn a hole in you instead. Tests carried out by the Trading Standards Institute have found dangerously high levels of hydrogen peroxide in DIY whitening kits, which can aggravate gum disease and cause sensitive teeth or even chemical burns to the mouth. The British Dental Association warns that /10 /London Smile
The sleeve and the gel are then yours to take home to use when you like. The level of whitening is then up to you but may take a number of weeks. A faster method is the use of lasers, which can be quicker; however this treatment leaves little choice over what level of whiteness you can choose.
Treatment abroadIST. CHECK L
With the pursuit of perfection becoming more important in modern society, but with only small change rattling in our pockets, many are looking to go abroad to get dental care and cosmetic adjustments. Here’s our list of things to do to select the best place for your needs.
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Always do your research. An informed patient makes wiser decisions, so make sure to find out what techniques and procedures will be used by the provider.
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Compare and contrast. Compare services, costs and credentials of the health processionals you are thinking of visiting and read patient testimonials to find out about others experiences.
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How long are you willing to be away? Some procedures take longer than others to perform and may require repeat visits. Make sure you factor this into your schedule and budget.
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How far to travel. Although the idea of relaxing on a tropical island in the Caribbean sounds great, will you be comfortable on a long flight and would your doctor deem you fit for travelling long distance? Don’t let the desire for a holiday in an exciting destination become more important than the reputation of the surgery/dentistry/medical treatment you will receive.
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Stick closer to home. If you decide to return for extra treatment or if its necessary to go back for further follow up procedures it will be much cheaper to do this in Europe than in other destinations requiring longer flights.
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Going it alone? Are you prepared to travel alone or will you want to take a friend or relative? Always work out how comfortable you will be travelling and receiving treatment in a foreign country, then factor the cost of taking someone along into your budget.
fully informed, have budgeted ges but always make sure you are make sure the dental Treatment abroad has its advanta ng and you need to stay longer and wro s goe re edu proc a case in enough money aware of your medical history. practitioner is fully qualified and
/12 /London Smile
Cyprus
Crowning Glory
What could be better than arriving back in England looking tanned, healthy, and beaming a bright white smile in the middle of a British winter? Well, without adding a lottery win, a short break to Cyprus is easy on the purse and could make you the envy of all your mates.
WHY CYPRUS
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ith 350 days of sunshine a year the island attracts over 2.4million tourists. The island offers much more than an 18 to 30’s binge drinking marathon in the party city Ayia Napa. Its cultural diversity offers visitors the chance to explore Roman ruins, Greek temples and crusader castles, particularly in Paphos, a UNESCO world heritage site. Add beautiful beaches, excellent cuisine and you can see why it is becoming the centre for dental tourism, offering restorative and cosmetic dentistry at a fraction of the cost back home. Many patients take advantage of Cyprus’s mild spring and autumn weather and the cheaper air fares at this time. Flying time from the UK to Larnaca is four and a half hours and return flights with British Airways start from £139 inclusive. Easyjet is currently offering deals on winter sun destinations, with prices starting at £37.99 each way, flying from Gatwick to Paphos. Healthcare in Cyprus is of high standard, the World Health Organization ranked it number 24 in the list of the world's best health systems (2000), above Germany and the USA. Laser whitening can cost between £700£1300 in a private clinic in the UK but at the Nicosia Dental Polyclinic it’s only £300. Heather Harding, 61 from Leicester visited Cyprus over a period of three years to have full top and bottom jaw teeth implants. Heather explained “I had gum disease and visited a number of UK dentists who said that I needed teeth implants, but that first I would need a bone transplant in my jaw. I wasn’t pleased with what they had said so I
went online and found Dr Therimedis at the Nicosia Dental Polyclinic”. She travelled to Cyprus and stayed with a friend who lives on the island. At the clinic she was overwhelmed by the high tech equipment, friendly and informal but very professional atmosphere. She received a bone density scan and panoramic xrays which determined she was suitable for dental implants and therefore did not need a bone transplant. Comforted by the professionalism of the staff and the thorough assessment she received, she decided to go ahead with treatment. Heather finished the last section of her treatment in April this year. “I’m so grateful to the doctors at the clinic. I’ve had to remember to stop putting my hand in front of my mouth when I talk and I’m starting to realise I don’t need to keep my head down. It’s taken a long time to stop doing that.” Overall Heather managed to have a series of relaxing breaks abroad and returned with the teeth she had always dreamed of, changing her life forever and boosting her confidence.
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Certified doctors and surgeons are trained either in the UK or the US and work in modern facilities designed for comfort and efficiency. Dentists use the latest technology and equipment to provide expert dentistry and cosmetic surgery. The dental and medical personnel involved in health tourism speak fluent English. Techniques and procedures are of the highest standard and the Nicosia Dental Polyclinic offers a ten year guarantee for implants. Less than a five hour flight away. Further info: www.dentalcyprus.com
Steve, before
Steve, after
Heather, before
Heather, after London Smile/ 013/
Budapest house of parliament
Destination
Hungary
Hungary has a fascinating history, the Romans settled in the 1st Century AD creating a thriving metropolitan city, since then it’s been invaded, pillaged, rampaged and bombed. It has survived the devastation of the Tartars and Turks, the Habsburgs and Russians, and still lives to tell the tale despite the fact that it belonged among the losers of both world wars.
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hese days however, Hungary is only invaded once a year by hundreds of thousands of tourists heading for the annual Sziget Festival. One of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe, it attracts an international crowd who make their way to Old-Buda Island, Budapest. In 2009, 390,000 visitors invaded leading it to be recognised as the European alternative to the radical Burning Man festival in the Black Rock Desert, in Northern Nevada. The Hungarians show off their robust characters, leading the party and showing the tourists how to do it. With beer prices costing sometimes less than £1, you’ve got no reason not to give the locals a run for their money. For those revellers who take it too far and loose a few teeth crowd surfing or drunkenly fall over, you’ll be in safe hands in Hungary. If you look at the fantastic medical work to save F1’s Felipe Massa after a spring /14 /London Smile
from another car hit him causing a high-speed crash at Hungarian Grand Prix, you can guarantee that the dentists will be able to the same work on your teeth. Hungary has a thriving dental tourism market because of its high quality treatment at prices 70% less than what is charged back home. The reason dental treatment is this affordable is that the cost of living in Hungary along with the price of beer is much lower. This means that dental equipment is not very expensive, renting or buying clinic space is affordable, as is labour. All these factors translate into cheaper service. Budapest offers the chance for your dental visit to be combined with tours of museums, Roman ruins, castles and thermal baths formed by natural hot springs. Budapest is truly a place to have fun, even with a bad tooth! Precision Recommends : www.batorfi-dentistry.co.uk & www.diamantdent.hu