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Improving and Maintaining your Dental Hygiene

March 15, 2022

Brushing your teeth

Here at Face Dental we recommend that everyone should be brushing their teeth twice a day. By brushing your teeth regularly with a high quality toothpaste and brush, you can dramatically reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. We know that keeping up your oral hygiene can often be overlooked, especially when you have a busy schedule. However a daily brushing routine can significantly improve both the long term and short term health of your teeth and gums.

Best practices for your oral health routine:

Use a good quality tooth brush and tooth paste.
Brush for at least two minutes

Use mouth wash

Floss your teeth

Diet

Your diet is very important contributing factor towards your oral health. What you eat can easily turn into food for bacteria in your mouth and contribute to gum disease and cavities. Limiting your intake of sugary and acidic foods can reduce the risk of cavities and the need for future fillings or even dental implants. Cutting out fizzy and high sugar drinks is not only good for your overall health but will also lead to less damage to the enamel of your teeth.

Quit smoking

Smoking is not only bad for your overall health but also your oral health. Smoking posses a wide range of negative oral health implications from oral cancer to stained teeth. People who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and causes gum disease to get worse more quickly than in non-smokers. Gum disease is still the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

Get your dental problems fixed

Sometimes regardless of how well you try to look after your gums and teeth, dental problems such as cavities do arise. If your teeth become sensitive or you notice a small cavity in one of your teeth, visit the dentist straight away. Treating a dental problem as soon as possible can significantly reduce the risk of the problem getting worse or causing more pain.

Conclusion

Consistency is key to maintaining good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and a good diet can help ensure healthy teeth and gums. Regular visits to your dentist can help make sure problems don’t escalate. If you would like to keep on top of your oral health with regular check ups, or are long over due a visit, Face Dental are always happy to accept new patients. Our welcoming and friendly team provide the highest level of care and treatments.

What to expect when visiting Face Dental

February 25, 2022

If you have not attended with your dentist for a while.

You may have been anxious about visiting us during the pandemic – that is perfectly understandable.

It could also be that you are worried that we might ‘tell you off’ for not coming for a while, the treatment may hurt or the cost will be too high.

I want to reassure you of the following:

We want you to feel safe.

Throughout the pandemic, we have followed the strict guidelines advised by the Government and, at all times, the safety of our patients and team has been paramount.

That continues to this day. Your dental practice is one of the safest places you can visit, given the degree of protection we are required to provide.

We want to help you feel good – not make you feel bad.

We understand that life can be busy and complicated and sometimes things slip through the net. We do not lecture people, but will support and encourage you to get the healthy smile you deserve.

We won’t hurt you.

We treat people in the way we would like to be treated – gently and carefully. We are compassionate and will listen to your fears.

We won’t give you a big bill out of the blue.

All treatment options are discussed in advance including costings. You are part of the decision-making process and your budget will always be taken into account. We have interest free finance available and membership plans to cover the cost of your ongoing care once we have helped you achieve oral health.

Hopefully this is good news to you. If you would like to book in for a Healthy Mouth Check then please call us on 02476 501125. You can see what we have been up to since you have been away at our website facedental.co.uk or our Facebook or Instagram page by searching Face Dental.

Best Ways to Protect your Teeth this Christmas

December 22, 2021

The time of the year that everyone looks forward to. While perfect for relaxing and socialising, Christmas food and drink is not so kind on the teeth.

Unfortunately for us, the delicious foods associated with Christmas such as mince pies (don’t forget the brandy sauces), gingerbread men, Christmas puddings and of course advent calendars are all extremely high in sugar.

While you may think excess can be forgiven at Christmas, the high amount of sugar can be very detrimental to your teeth. Resulting in plaque and cavities that could ultimately lead to fillings and even the need for dental implants the following year.

While many will start Christmas with the best intentions of limiting their sugar intake and watching what they eat, you could be forgiven for indulging a bit too much.

With this in mind, Face Dental have put together some tips for looking after your teeth over the festive period.

Brush your teeth
While this one is quite self explanatory and something you should be doing all year round, the importance of brushing your teeth when eating high amounts of sugar is paramount. In the morning and before bed, regardless of your age you should thoroughly brush your teeth to keep plaque under control and reduce the risk of cavities.

Dental floss

Cleaning between the teeth helps improve your overall oral hygiene. This can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Cleaning between your teeth helps remove a sticky film called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds on leftover food or sugar in your mouth. When this occurs, it releases an acid that can eat away at the outer shell of your teeth and cause cavities. Regular flossing can help reduce this.

Drinking straws
Drinking through a straw is generally better for your dental health. Drinking straight from a glass or cup may result in an increased risk of sugar damage and teeth staining. By using a straw less of your beverage comes in contact with your teeth. This is also a great way to reduce the risk of damage to children’s teeth. If possible try to keep fizzy and high sugar drinks to a minimum.

Healthier food choices
Easier said than done. But why not replace Christmas chocolates with healthy alternatives such as Christmas carrots sticks. If this isn’t an achievable goal, then try just limiting your chocolate intake to what’s in your advent calendar (don’t eat them all in one day).

Regular check ups
Not exclusive to Christmas but a priority all year round. Regular dental check ups can help improve your overall oral and dental hygiene. Spotting potential fillings before they occur can save you both pain and money.

Things To Consider When Whitening Your Teeth

November 16, 2021

We all know that day to day activities such as drinking coffee, eating certain foods and of course smoking can lead to stained and discoloured teeth. However innovative treatments now provide the possibility to whiten your teeth and get your perfect smile back. Whether you’ve noticed the discolouration for a while, or more recently on a Skype or Teams call. Face Dental are here to help.

Over the years teeth whitening has become more and more popular. With claims from beauty salons and Instagram promoted DIY teeth whitening kits, promising to deliver sparkling white teeth. However, with so many different options available for those looking for whiter teeth, it is important to know which treatments are both effective and most importantly safe.

The solution included in teeth whitening treatments contains chemicals that effectively bleach the teeth. As with all types of bleach, contact with the skin and oral consumption can be detrimental. Carrying out teeth whitening at home or visiting an untrained beauty therapist, can lead to burning of your inner mouth and gums, as well as other permanent damage. As with any dentistry or oral health matters, treatment should be carried out by a fully trained dental practitioner.

At Face Dental our highly trained practitioners will always conduct a thorough examination before beginning treatment to ensure that there are no problems with your teeth and gums. You will also have the opportunity to discuss what results you can expect and how to use the whitening system properly. We provide all of our teeth whitening patients with a custom mould, tailor-made to perfectly fit your teeth. This mould will prevent the teeth whitening formula from leaking onto your gums during treatment.

Face Dental use arguably the best whitening gels available. Boutique teeth whitening is a tried and tested teeth whitening treatment that is used around the world by thousands of dentists and patients. It is fully approved in the UK and is the number one choice of dentists for home whitening. The day system uses 6% hydrogen peroxide in a pH neutral solution to protect your teeth. It also features integrated potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity.

If you would like to speak to one of our friendly members of staff to discuss your teeth whitening options please feel free to contact us.

5 things to consider before having Invisalign

November 5, 2021

A fast and effective way of straightening teeth without the need for fixed braces, Invisalign clear aligners have steadily grown in popularity over the past few years. A new discreet and comfortable solution to achieving your desired smile, Face Dental answer some of the most common questions around Invisalign.

1. How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign are clear aligners which are custom made for your teeth. Small, discreet tooth coloured attachments are bonded to the tooth surface. These attachments engage with the aligners as they are worn to guide the teeth into the correct position. You will have a series of aligners, with each one being worn for 7-10 days and the teeth will gradually get straighter and straighter as you wear them.

2. What does Invisalign feel like?
Invisalign aligners are very comfortable to wear! You will feel pressure on your teeth for a couple of days when you first wear them, but other than that you will still be able to talk, eat and more importantly smile as normal!

3. Will Invisalign affect my lifestyle?
Invisalign aligners are very good at fitting in with your day to day routine. You take the aligners out when you eat and brush your teeth, which means you don’t have to change your diet and avoid certain foods like you would with a fixed brace. You can also brush your teeth and floss as normal with no bulky brackets to clean around. You will even still have the confidence to smile for photos.

Invisalign Coventry clear braces

4. Is Invisalign right for me?
If you want a discreet alternative to fixed braces then Invisalign could be right for you!
Using Invisalign Clincheck treatment planning software, we can accurately predict how your teeth will move and show you a before and after simulation of your smile. This technology enables us to plan out your smile before the treatment has even started! We can show you the limitations of treatment in the unlikely case you are not an Invisalign candidate and then explore other options. Otherwise, we can’t wait to sit together and plan out your dream smile!

5. What will happen after treatment?
When treatment has finished, it is very important you wear your clear removable retainers, to ensure your teeth do not move back to the original position. All of the tooth coloured attachments will be polished off, we will take a digital scan of you teeth for your retainers. You can then consider other smile improvements such as tooth whitening or composite bonding to really enhance your new straight smile!

If you are looking to improve your smile or would like to find out more about Invisalign aligners, our knowledgable and friendly team at Face Dental can help. We are Platinum Invisalign providers with years of experience helping patients achieve their dream smile. To find out more about taking the next steps or if Invisalign is right for you, book an appointment with one of our Invisalign specialists.

Anj Lall Dip

December 1, 2018

Anj Lall Dip

Dental Hygienist

GDC Number: 4361

Work days: Monday-Thursday

Anj initially trained as a dental nurse at Birmingham Dental Hospital. Her main interest was dental hygiene so she continued further training and graduated as a Dental Hygienist at Birmingham Dental Hospital in 1992.

Anj has continued to regularly undertake courses such as tooth whitening, dental radiography, impression taking, and the ability to give local anaesthetic, re-cement lost crowns and place temporary tooth dressings therefore allowing her to provide an excellent service for both the practice and patients.

She undertakes these duties from the dentist referrals but she is also able to see patients directly for oral hygiene sessions and patients seeking advice. She also attends courses to keep up to date with continuous professional development.

During her time at the practice she has also supported management with team work and training of dental nurses and is a valuable member of the dental team at Face Dental Coventry.

On a personal basis she likes to spend quality time with family and friends.

David Law

December 1, 2018

David Law B.D.S (Sheff)

Associate Dentist

GDC Number: 193864

Work days: Monday and Friday

Dr Law qualified from Sheffield University in 2010 and completed his foundation training with us at Face Dental Coventry in 2011 with Dr Osman as his mentor and clinical supervisor.

Dr Law undertakes general dentistry and likes to provide a family dental care service for the practice. His special interests include minimally invasive dentistry and adhesive dentistry, which includes changing old silver fillings to tooth coloured fillings and building up your natural teeth to improve your smile.

He is keen on continuous professional development and attends many courses to keep up to date with the developments in dentistry and translates this in the care of his patients.

Outside of work he enjoys football, ice hockey and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Sian Smith

December 1, 2018

Sian Smith Dip. Orth. Ther. (RCS Edin.)

Orthodontic Therapist and Treatment Co-ordinator

GDC Number: 172766

Work days: Monday – Thursday

Sian joined Face Dental in 2006 working as a dental nurse for Dr Osman and gained her dental nursing qualification in 2008. She then also began working with Dr Kelly during his orthodontic treatment planning sessions.

Sian then developed an interest in orthodontics and completed her certificate in orthodontic nursing and dental impression taking in 2009 and then her qualification in dental radiography in 2010. This led her to a role in orthodontic treatment co-ordination where she had her own sessions discussing available treatment options with patients and planning with them their orthodontic journey.

The practice strives to give patients a better service and experience and also to develop its team member’s skills, so Sian started studying at the University of Central Lancashire in 2013 and graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons as an Orthodontic Therapist.

She now works alongside Dr Osman and Dr Kelly assisting with and carrying out the orthodontic treatments and is our team member responsible for orthodontic quality assurance.

Sian is our first point of contact to orthodontic patients and advises patients on treatment options, appointments and costs and she also manages our NHS orthodontic waiting lists.

Apart from orthodontic treatment, Sian also assists in the training of our other members of staff and has an interest in the use of I.T in dentistry. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends and has an interest in travel, dining and personal development.

Brian Kelly

December 1, 2018

Brian Kelly BDS (Hons), MSc (Orth) (U. London); FDS M Orth RCS (Eng), MDO RCPS (Glasg)

Specialist in Orthodontics

GDC Number: 59692

Work days: Wednesday

Brian qualified as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Guy’s Hospital Dental School, University of London, in 1984 with Honours and Distinction in Orthodontics and Children’s Dentistry.

Brian spent most of the earlier part of his career working in teaching hospitals in London and in 1990 he was awarded the Fellowship in Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FDSRCS Eng.).

Brian’s specialist orthodontic training was undertaken at the Eastman Dental Institute, University of London, where he was awarded a Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1993.

In 1994 Brian registered as a specialist in orthodontics and was awarded the Membership in Orthodontics of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (MOrthRCS Eng.) and the Membership in Dentofacial Orthopaedics of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (MDORCPS Glasg.). Since 1998 Brian has been a part-time Specialist in Orthodontics for Coventry Community Dental Service.

Brian is also the Senior Orthodontic Adviser for NHS Dental Services and a Clinical Adviser for the General Dental Council.

He began working with us at Face Dental Coventry in 2008 and he is responsible for the initial consultations and treatment planning of patients for the orthodontic team at Face Dental and undertakes reviews for patients in treatment with the orthodontic team. In 2015 Brian was awarded the British Orthodontic Society’s Distinction Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the specialty of orthodontics.

Ditesh Panchal

December 1, 2018

Ditesh Panchal B.D.S (Birm)
Senior Associate Dentist

Special Interests: Cosmetic Dentistry

GDC Number: 68114

Work days: Monday-Friday

Dr Panchal graduated from Birmingham in 1992 and has been working at Face Dental since 1994 as a senior associate dentist carrying out general dentistry and has a special interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

Over the years he has undertaken many postgraduate courses and developed an interest in smile makeovers and creating a good, functional dentition for patients with broken down and missing teeth.

He has a certificate in restorative dentistry which he completed in 1997. He achieved his Masters in General Dental Practice from the University of Birmingham in 2017, in which he has learnt many advanced techniques in the restoration of teeth.

He now also mentors young graduate dentists and he is an educational supervisor for the West Midlands Deanery and responsible for the training of newly qualified dentists who come to the practice.

Outside of dentistry, Dr Panchal is a caring family man who enjoys taking his son for a round of golf and keeping fit by playing badminton.

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Ditesh Panchal B.D.S (Birm) Senior Associate Dentist

Ditesh Panchal B.D.S (Birm)
Senior Associate Dentist