Dr Thomas Sealey will present a hands-on workshop alongside Dr Mide Ojo at the BACD Annual Conference 2022. About their session entitled “Smilefast activation course: a new workflow in delivering direct composite restorations”, Thomas says:

“Whether you are a new dentist or a highly experienced one, SmileFast can offer you a more streamlined and simpler pathway to deliver smile makeovers. It’s a truly well-rounded solution that has changed many dentists’ lives and career directions for the better.

“By the end of the workshop, and with the additional resources we provide, delegates will be confident to start taking their patients along the SmileFast journey of planning and delivering a new and improved smile.”

About the event in general, Thomas adds:

“Not only does the BACD have world-class speakers and a varied range of educational workshops, it also hosts some excellent vendors and fantastic social events. It’s a great opportunity to learn, explore new technologies and techniques, as well as meet friends and let your hair down. A great event that always exceeds expectations.” 

Register online today!

BACD 18^th Annual Conference

“On the Shoulders of Giants”

10-12 November 2022

ICC Wales

Register today at www.bacd.com

The early years of our lives, when we’re busy growing, changing and challenging those around us, are the most important.

It’s a time where we go through incredible developments – physically, emotionally and mentally. Our capacity for learning develops, as do our responses to everyday challenges. Another important factor is our understanding of good habits that will set us up for a life of good health.

At the moment, oral health in young UK children is still not where it should be. An oral health survey conducted by GOV.UK in 2020 found that 10.7% of 3-year-olds in England had experienced tooth decay.[i] Another survey, from 2019, demonstrated that 23.4% of 5-year-old children in England had experienced tooth decay.[ii] Children from deprived areas are also more likely to have poorer oral health.[iii]

Why does it matter?

Tooth decay comes with it a host of unpleasant complications, such as pain that can cause many sleepless nights. This can be unbearable for even the steeliest of adults, so for children these issues are a serious problem.

To help families improve their oral health behaviours, the whole dental team must work together to deliver relevant advice and guidance. Interestingly, a recent study found that just one conversation with a dental nurse can reduce the risk of further tooth decay in young children.[iv]

The National Institute for Health and Care Research conducted the study, and the research team at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust trained some dental nurses to have conversations with families whose children were having teeth extracted, giving them advice on how they could prevent future tooth decay. The outcomes of these conversations were compared to the outcomes in children who had been given standard advice about regular visits to the dental practice. Two years later, the children who had not had the conversation with a dental nurse needed more fillings, whereas the children whose families had implemented dental health goals had healthier teeth. The latter group also had a 29% lower risk of developing new tooth decay.

This fantastic study demonstrates the importance of dental nurses in bridging the gap between patients and positive oral hygiene routines. Dental nurses truly are invaluable assets to the dental team.

We make the role work for you

Here at Colosseum Dental UK, we understand the importance of equipping families with the skills they need to maintain great oral health. We also recognise that our dental nurses are instrumental to this effort.

So, we make sure that our dental nurses have everything they need to not only deliver this care, but feel secure and appreciated in their roles.

Our exceptional standards of clinical governance and support mean our dental nurses have the freedom to explore their career possibilities safely and effectively. We encourage career progression, and provide great training and learning opportunities – we also support training in new specialisms or areas of management.

We’ve invested millions into giving our clinics a make-over, and stocking many of them with advanced tools and equipment. Plus, our teams are comprised of professional, likeminded people, which helps us to foster a productive and supportive working environment.

Now on to the really good stuff… 

That’s not all we offer, though.

We provide secure hours with flexible working options. So, our dental nurses have the flexibility to work in various practices and areas of the profession, like in a locum role, but with all the benefits of an employed contract, such as sick pay, a pension and GDC fees and indemnity covered.

Also, other advantages of a role with Colosseum Dental UK include a workplace nursery scheme, discounted gym membership, a holiday purchase scheme and your birthday day off, among plenty more!

Support in all the right places 

At Colosseum Dental UK, we want all of our patients, of any age, to enjoy the benefits of great oral health.

We know that our dental nurses are one of the driving forces behind oral health education, and so we ensure those working with us are well-rewarded for their continuous efforts – because we care more.

If you’re interested in a career with us, why not get in touch today to find out more?

For more information, please visit https://www.colosseumdental.co.uk/careers/job-opportunities/dental-nurses

#WeCareMore

[i] GOV.UK. (2021b). Oral health survey of 3-year-old children 2020. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/oral-health-survey-of-3-year-old-children-2020#:~:text=The%20oral%20health%20survey%20results [Accessed 22 Jun. 2022].

[ii] GOV.UK. (2020b). Oral health survey of 5-year-old children 2019. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/oral-health-survey-of-5-year-old-children-2019 [Accessed 22 Jun. 2022].

[iii] ukhsa.blog.gov.uk. (n.d.). Health Matters: Child dental health – UK Health Security Agency. [online] Available at: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2017/06/14/health-matters-child-dental-health/ [Accessed 22 Jun. 2022].

[iv] Pine, C.M., Adair, P.M., Burnside, G., Brennan, L., Sutton, L., Edwards, R.T., Ezeofor, V., Albadri, S., Curnow, M.M., Deery, C., Hosey, M.T., Willis-Lake, J., Lynn, J., Parry, J. and Wong, F.S.L. (2020). Dental RECUR Randomized Trial to Prevent Caries Recurrence in Children. Journal of Dental Research, [online] 99(2), pp.168–174. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0022034519886808 [Accessed 22 Jun. 2022].

Stress is a prevalent force in the modern day, and every individual will experience it, in some capacity, during their daily life. While stress can be manageable, under certain conditions it can become detrimental to both physical and mental wellbeing. As a dental professional, it’s important to be aware of how stress can manifest in the body and what effects this can have on oral health.

The many faces of stress

Stress presents differently depending on the individual, and it’s generally accepted that there are three types of stress: acute, episodic acute and chronic.[i] Acute stress is considered short-term and can be the result of common, day-to-day stressors.[ii] It can be experienced multiple times throughout the day, but because the symptoms of acute stress do not last long, it’s not necessarily perceived as “unhealthy”. In fact, it can encourage individuals to adapt more effectively to the situation and can promote proactiveness.ⁱⁱ

However, frequent bouts of acute stress, otherwise known as episodic acute stress, can trigger more undesirable reactions in an individual. One might experience episodic acute stress if they, for example, take on too much responsibility at work or have a tendency to catastrophise certain situations. It’s generally considered that episodic acute stress is not continual, though, and there will be periods where an individual’s stress levels return to normal. Persistent, or chronic, stress results when it exceeds our ability to cope, leading to serious physical and mental consequences; this could potentially result in worrying behaviours such as self-harm or violence.

Stress and oral health  

Links between stress and health are well-established, with researchers noting that the relationship, while complex, is still evident.[iii] When stress becomes unmanageable, there is likely to be a “breakdown of bodily resources”,ⁱⁱ and stress has been linked to countless health issues, including constipation,[iv] sleep disorders,[v]and depression.[vi] Oral health is another area of wellbeing that can be affected by stress, in ways that may not be entirely obvious to the individual, meaning that certain symptoms could go unnoticed for long periods of time. Researchers[vii] have theorised that chronic stress can trigger oral diseases in two ways: firstly, those suffering from stress may use certain habits as coping mechanisms, such as taking drugs, smoking and a poor diet, which are all risk factors for poor dental health. Secondly, chronic stress can lead to the dysfunction of physiological systems, altering the way that the body maintains stability and therefore affecting the development and progression of disease.

A study^vi found an association between chronic stress and untreated tooth decay and periodontal disease.[viii]Stress has also been linked to bruxism,[ix] with research noting that while morphological and pathophysiological factors are often cited as causes of bruxism, psychosocial factors are becoming more apparent.[x] Studies^ix have noted that those who experience awake bruxism are more likely to have jaw pain and/or limitations of jaw movement than those with sleep bruxism. As you well know, bruxism can lead to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), such as trismus.[xi] Trismus is often painful and can seriously impede a patient’s ability to speak and masticate. It can also impact their ability to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Treating trismus holistically  

Trismus can vary in severity, meaning there will be different management strategies and treatment pathways. When treating patients with this condition, dental professionals should continue to prioritise patient education. This way, patients can conduct their own background reading and better understand the potential triggers of trismus. They’d also be able to recognise whether their own behaviours, such as clenching the jaw when stressed or grinding the teeth, play a role. With this awareness, patients can begin to unlearn these parafunctional behaviours and take steps to reduce the stress in their lives, if this is indeed what has triggered their trismus.

In the meantime, treatment for trismus can include a referral to a specialist, which may be necessary for more complex manifestations of the condition. Other pathways include the use of medication, physical therapy, changes to diet and also the use of jaw-stretching devices. To improve how you manage TMJ disorders, the OraStretch Maximum Interincisal Opening (MIO)[xii] scales, from Total TMJ, make it quick and easy to measure the opening, movement and function of the mouth and jaw. This disposable solution is available with various rulers, in addition to a trismus guide and a log area for recording patient information. The OraStretch MIO is best used in conjunction with the OraStretch Press Rehab System, which aids patients in improving their jaw mobility and mouth opening by 1-2mm a week with regular use.[xiii]

What can you do?

Stress can easily become unmanageable, which adversely affects many aspects of a person’s wellbeing, and oral health is no exception. When a patient does present with a complication that could be caused by stress, you’re in an ideal position to give them the information, guidance and resources they need to take control of their stress and improve the quality of their life. 

For more details about Total TMJ and the products available, please email phil@totaltmj.co.uk or karen@totaltmj.co.uk

[i] Healthline Editorial Team (2018). The Basics of Stress. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/stress[Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[ii] Verywell Mind. (n.d.). What You Should Know About Acute Stress. [online] Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/all-about-acute-stress-3145064#citation-1 [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[iii] Salleh, M.R. (2008). Life event, stress and illness. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences : MJMS, [online] 15(4), pp.9–18. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/ [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[iv] Chang, Y.-M., El-Zaatari, M. and Kao, J.Y. (2014). Does stress induce bowel dysfunction? Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, [online] 8(6), pp.583–585. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4249634/ [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[v] Han, K.S., Kim, L. and Shim, I. (2012). Stress and Sleep Disorder. Experimental Neurobiology, [online] 21(4), p.141. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538178/ [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[vi] Cristóbal-Narváez, P., Haro, J.M. and Koyanagi, A. (2020b). Perceived stress and depression in 45 low- and middle-income countries. Journal of Affective Disorders, [online] 274, pp.799–805. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032719324541 [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[vii] Vasiliou, A., Shankardass, K., Nisenbaum, R. and Quiñonez, C. (2016). Current stress and poor oral health. BMC Oral Health, [online] 16(1). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010733/#CR18 [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[viii] Goyal, S., Gupta, G., Thomas, B., Bhat, K.M. and Bhat, G.S. (2013). Stress and periodontal disease: The link and logic!! Industrial Psychiatry Journal, [online] 22(1), pp.4–11. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3895311/ [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[ix] Sutin, A.R., Terracciano, A., Ferrucci, L. and Costa, P.T. (2010). Teeth grinding: Is Emotional Stability related to bruxism? Journal of Research in Personality, [online] 44(3), pp.402–405. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2934876/[Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[x] Soto-Goñi, X.A., Alen, F., Buiza-González, L., Marcolino-Cruz, D., Sánchez-Sánchez, T., Ardizone-García, I., Aneiros-López, F. and Jiménez-Ortega, L. (2020). Adaptive Stress Coping in Awake Bruxism. Frontiers in Neurology, [online] 11. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.564431/full [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[xi] Garrett, A.R. and Hawley, J.S. (2018). SSRI-associated bruxism. Neurology: Clinical Practice, [online] 8(2), pp.135–141. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5914744/ [Accessed 8 Aug. 2022].

[xii] Craniorehab.com https://www.craniorehab.com/orastretch-jaw-mio-scales#:~:text=The%20OraStretch%C2%AE%20Maximum%20Interincisal,of%20the%20mouth%20and%20jaw.

[xiii] https://www.craniorehab.com/orastretch-information

Clinicians offering implant dentistry need products they can rely on to promote predictability, functionality and aesthetics for their patients. That’s why so many dentists around the world trust Straumann^®.

Among the broad portfolio is the Straumann^® BLX^® implant system, which is supported by extensive clinical research. Making it ideal for immediacy – as well conventional techniques – the BLX^® is manufactured from Roxolid^® to promote vascularisation,  preserve natural structures and provide a solution for compromised cases. [i] [ii] ⁱⁱ [iii] This is further strengthened by the SLActive^® surface material, which promotes bone regeneration and predictability for confidence with immediate implant techniques.[iv] [v] [vi] [vii] [viii]

The outcome is an implant system designed for exceptional treatment outcomes in even the most complex of clinical scenarios. To utilise high-performance solutions and elevate your standards of care, discover the Straumann^® BLX^® implant today.

For more information about the Straumann^® BLX implant system, visit www.straumann.com

[i] Ioannidis A, Gallucci GO, Jung RE, Borzangy S, Hämmerle CH, Benic GI. Titanium-zirconium narrow-diameter versus titanium regular diameter implants for anterior and premolar single crowns: 3-year results of a randomized controlled clinical study. J Clin Periodontol. 2015 Nov;42(11):1060-70. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12468. Epub 2015 Nov 14.

[ii] Al-Nawas B, Domagala P, Fragola G, Freiberger P, Ortiz- Vigón A, Rousseau P, Tondela J. A Prospective Noninterventional Study to Evaluate Survival and Success of Reduced Diameter Implants Made From Titanium-Zirconium Alloy. J Oral Implantol. 2015 Aug;41(4):e118-25. doi: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-13-00149. Epub 2014 Mar 25.

[iii] Altuna P, Lucas-Taulé E, Gargallo-Albiol J, Figueras-Álvarez O, Hernández-Alfaro F, Nart J. Clinical evidence on titanium-zirconium dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2016 Jul;45(7):842-50. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Feb 3.

[iv] Kuchler U, Chappuis V, Bornstein mm, Siewczyk M, Gruber R, Maestre L, Buser D. Development of Implant Stability Quotient values of implants placed with simultaneous sinus floor elevation – results of a prospective study with 109 implants. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 28, 2017, 109– 115.

[v] Schwarz, F., et al., Bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects at chemically modified (SLActive®) and conventional SLA® titanium implants: a pilot study in dogs. J Clin.Periodontol. 34.1 (2007): 78–86.

[vi] Schwarz, F., et al., Bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects at non-submerged and submerged chemically modified (SLActive®) and conventional SLA titanium implants: an immunohistochemical study in dogs. J Clin.Periodontol. 35.1 (2008): 64–75.

[vii] El Chaar E, Zhang L, Zhou Y, et al. (Superior) osseointegration of super hydrophilic implants placed in defect grafted bones. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2018. (article in press).

[viii] Nicolau P, Guerra F, Reis R, Krafft T, Benz K , Jackowski J. 10-year outcomes with immediate and early-loaded implants with a chemically modified SLA surface, Quintessence Int. (article in press).

Dr Adeola Osekita completed the Anterior and Posterior Composite course with IAS Academy. Adeola shares her thoughts on the programme:

“I was keen to update my workflow on composite bonding and to improve my restorations to achieve a higher standard of more predictable, amazing results.

“The programme definitely met my expectations. I thought the content and format was good, I like Dr Shiraz Khan’s teaching style! He was very engaging and inspiring.

“We did a step-by-step process of class IV restorations, which I found to be thorough and clear. This has given me the ability to improve the blend and anatomy of my class IV restorations. I have also moved from flat posterior composite restorations to creating restorations which are more realistic anatomically. This has also reduced the time spent adjusting occlusion.

“This programme was my only experience of IAS Academy, but I had a great time. Really good facilities and everything was well-co-ordinated.”

For more information, please visit www.iasortho.com or call 020 8916 2024 and press 1.

In many areas of dentistry, the goal for the clinician is to achieve the perfect blend of strength and beauty. This is especially true of restorative procedures that are sought either to rectify damage caused by trauma or enhance small imperfections. Patients might be more motivated by improvement of their smile aesthetics, but they won’t be happy if their restoration requires repairing or replacing just a few weeks or months down the line. There are various steps that dentists can take to optimise restoration longevity without compromising aesthetics.

Aesthetics – a double-edged sword

With the modern world putting so much emphasis on aesthetics, people of all ages and backgrounds can feel the pressure to meet certain standards or ideals. You don’t have to look very hard to find various stories, surveys and more highlighting the impact of social conformity for many individuals. Mental health is a particularly hot topic right now and the pressure to look a certain way can cause significant psychological turmoil for anyone.

This is likely just one of the reasons that conditions like body dysmorphia are growing in the UK and around the globe. In England alone, it has been estimated that one in twenty girls aged 17 to 19 may suffer, though it will be difficult to ever produce accurate figures due to the nature of the condition.[i]

Of course, the desire to change one’s appearance is often much more positive. Many people simply look to make tweaks in order to boost their self-confidence and make them feel more comfortable in their own skin. Where the right motivations are in place, treatment can provide a massive enhancement to an individual’s quality of life.

Indeed, many healthcare institutions have reported an increase in enquiries for cosmetic procedures since the pandemic began. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), for example, found a 70% increase in requests for virtual consultations for plastic surgical procedures during Covid, with many patients intending to proceed with treatments once restrictions lifted.[ii] Similarly, the cosmetic dental market is booming in the UK and abroad with people looking to improve their smile aesthetics for that little extra boost.

It has been suggested that many individuals are not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth.[iii] One survey[iv] found that 40% of respondents were unhappy with their teeth and 48% were planning to undergo cosmetic dental procedures in the future. As this was pre-pandemic, we can expect even more people to be considering similar procedures now that they’ve had time to scrutinise their appearance on-screen for so long!

Combining longevity

Though people are willing to invest in their appearance, they will expect the results achieved to last as well. This means balancing aesthetics with durability – as well as functionality, of course. When it comes to restorative dental solutions, modern materials facilitate results that combine aesthetics with longevity.

The clinician initially has to determine the most suitable type of restoration for each specific patient, which meets their expectations in terms of both aesthetics and longevity. For example, one study found that amalgam offered survival rates of up to 22.5 years, compared to 10 years for composite resins[v] – but amalgam is not a good option for aesthetically-driven patients or those requiring an anterior restoration.

Further still, cement choice will influence treatment success too. There is a range of cement options on the market today, with each offering different benefits for different cases. Resin cements, for example, are often advantageous for the level of strength that they afford. Plus, they are typically quick to cure and are available in tooth-coloured shades to boost treatment efficiency and aesthetics at the same time.

Panavia V5, manufactured by Kuraray and distributed by J&S Davis, is a fine example of such a cement. It delivers high bond strengths for all tooth structures in the self-cure mode, utilising the original MDP monomer to further ensure a bond that endures. With dependable colour stability and an easy 3-step application workflow, Panavia V5 provides an exception solution for every clinician looking to provide strong yet beautiful restorations.

A stunning combination

By using clinically proven products and techniques, clinicians can provide dental restorations that meet many patients’ desires and needs. Though it is important that patients are seeking treatment for the right reasons, they will all appreciate solutions that look good, make them feel great and that last. The right mix of strength and beauty is the winning combination that professionals are aiming for every time.

For more information on the industry-leading products available from J&S Davis, visit the website, call: 01438 747 344  or email: jsdsales@js-davis.co.uk

Author: Steve Brown Director of Sales and Marketing J&S Davis Ltd

[i] NatCen Social Research. England’s first estimates of body dysmorphic disorder prevalence in children and young people. December 2018. https://www.natcen.ac.uk/blog/englands-first-estimates-of-body-dysmorphic-disorder-prevalence-in-children-and-young-people [Accessed May 2022]

[ii] GHP. UK cosmetic surgeons see massive rise in demand for online consultations but urge caution. Global Health & Pharma. 2020. https://www.ghp-news.com/uk-cosmetic-surgeons-see-massive-rise-in-demand-for-online-consultations-but-urge-caution/ [Accessed May 2022]

[iii] Tin-Oo MM, Saddki N, Hassan N. Factors influencing patient satisfaction with dental appearance and treatments they desire to improve aesthetics. BMC Oral Health. 2011;11:6. Published 2011 Feb 23. doi:10.1186/1472-6831-11-6

[iv] Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors. 2 in 5 Brits are ‘unhappy’ with their teeth. January 2018. https://www.cosmeticsurgerysolicitors.co.uk/news/2-5-brits-are-unhappy-their-teeth [Accessed May 2022]

[v] Fernandes NA, Vally Zi, Sykes LM. The longevity of restorations -A literature review. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2015, vol.70, n.9 [cited  2022-05-22], pp.410-413. Available from: <http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0011-85162015000900008&lng=en&nrm=iso>. ISSN 0375-1562.

The brand-new Dentsply Sirona Axano treatment centre, supplied by Clark Dental, has been smartly designed to deliver optimal comfort and convenience. As a result, you’ll be able to provide your patients with an exceptional treatment experience.

This innovative system boasts numerous functions that enhance your day-to-day work. For example, the intuitive Smart-Touch allows you to interact with your Axano treatment centre and customise it to meet your needs. The large 10.3” display is user-friendly, with a high-quality glass surface that can be efficiently cleaned and maintained. Plus, you can also configure the six instrument holders to suit your working preference, so everything is where you need it to be.

The Ambient Light function provides a gentle ambiance with a range of colour options, for a unique atmosphere to suit your dental practice’s aesthetic.

To discover more about the state-of-the-art Axano treatment centre, get in touch with Clark Dental today.

If you’d like to find out more about Clark Dental’s solutions, call the team on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk.

Dentistry has transformed dramatically over the years. As a result, dental professionals have been able to enhance the care they deliver to patients. Alongside the innovative developments to clinical techniques, equipment and technologies, another development continues to rise – patient expectations.

What’s it all about?

Unrealistic expectations are perhaps one of the trickiest things that dental professionals must grapple with, as they could increase the possibility of miscommunication, misunderstanding and potentially affect the treatment outcome. But why does this happen? There are many reasons why a patient might approach their clinician with idealistic prospects, with the biggest culprit being social media. Online personalities often perpetuate the myth of immediacy, showing off, for example, cosmetic work they’ve had done seemingly overnight. While there are some who attempt to be more “authentic” online, many social media consumers are still swept up in the concept of quick treatments and glamourous outcomes, without hearing what’s happened behind the scenes. Other reasons may include opinions and/or experiences from family and friends. It’s always smart to ask around and gain some perspective, but some patients may need to take things with a pinch of salt. Or, perhaps a patient has either researched too much, so they’ve been inundated with conflicting information, or haven’t researched at all and are unsure whether the treatment is right for them at all.

Preconceived ideas regarding the treatment can go in the other direction, too. Solutions such as veneers have become increasingly popular over the years, but have also garnered plenty of negative associations. Headlines continue to recount horror stories where individuals, in a bid to save money, have travelled to other countries to get work done, with often very unsatisfactory results. As such, many patients may not even consider veneers as an option for them. However, new innovations have meant that patients can receive veneers that are more individualised, rather than ones that are visually unappealing. If a patient mentions that they’re looking to improve their smiles without having to undergo lengthy, intensive treatment, then this is certainly a possibility with the right system.

There’s always a solution

As such, if they do not already, clinicians should look to make these new and improved systems part of their dental repertoire. Of course, there will be many advantages for the practice, in terms of profitability but, more importantly, the advantages for patients are also numerous. For many patients, veneers will be an investment, but they will certainly pay-off when the right materials and techniques are utilised. Not simply due to the exceptional aesthetic results, but also for the peace of mind that the procedure will be performed ethically and holistically.

So, how can you educate patients and let them know that they can not only receive treatment that is quick and atraumatic, but that you offer it in your practice? If you have a social media platform, or a website, making an informative post about your veneer system will be a good starting point. For instance, you could display “before and after” photos of patients who have undergone treatment, and include their testimonials. Being able to see results on real people will help individuals to visualise their own potential results. Many clinicians will experience patients who come in for a routine appointment and express dissatisfaction with their smiles. By having veneers as part of your treatment offering, you can gently mention this and potentially open up a line of communication where you can answer queries and manage misconceptions. Your patient may not be immediately interested, but if in the future they change their mind, they know where they can go.

Make your patients smile with brilliance  

Nowadays, appearance is everything and the smile is often considered a person’s greatest asset. Veneers are definitely a viable option for patients who have good oral health and are looking to give their smile a new lease of life, whether for a special occasion or just for a general confidence boost. With so many remarkable solutions available on the market, clinicians have plenty of choice when choosing a direct veneer system that can deliver exceptional and long-lasting results to their patients.  

Every patient is unique and their expectations will be too. As dentistry continues to adapt and improve, patient expectations will undoubtedly rise alongside it. However, with effective communication and transparency, clinicians can help patients recognise their options, as well as improve their treatment journey. 

For more on COLTENE, visit www.coltene.com,
email info.uk@coltene.com or call 0800 254 5115.

Nicolas Coomber COLTENE  National Account & Marketing Manager

What sets EndoCare apart from the rest is our commitment to excellence.

We support patients at every step of the treatment journey, beginning with a pre-treatment consultation where we will discuss treatment plans, ensure they are comfortable and see if we have to make any special allowances to help guarantee their absolute comfort.

When you refer to us, you’ll receive detailed treatment notes following the procedure, as well as our suggested next steps. Plus, we’ll provide your patient with comprehensive aftercare instructions to help maximise the chance of treatment success. And, as we only use the most cutting-edge treatment techniques and technology, you can guarantee your patient is in safe hands.

Even after treatment we’re always available if you have any queries – don’t be afraid to get in touch!

To find out more, please contact EndoCare today.

For further information please call EndoCare on 020 7224 0999

Or visit www.endocare.co.uk