tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85813250196294722392024-03-16T01:09:14.783+00:00Wetherby Orthodontics, Our BlogMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-10386034562826772232017-06-28T23:37:00.000+01:002017-06-28T23:47:47.262+01:00Grenfell Tower, dental forensics, and the state of NHS dentistryPlease don't read this blog if you may be upset or offended by discussion about the fate of the Grenfell Tower residents. This is my own personal opinion.
I'm sure, like me, you're well aware of the recent tragedy of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in London two weeks ago. I was shocked by the scenes which seemed impossible in a developed country, and have been incredulous at the Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-61319783960050195632016-10-19T12:34:00.001+01:002016-10-19T12:34:35.849+01:00Can you tell someone's age by their teeth?
This question has been in the news today in relation to verifying the age of child migrants wanting to enter the UK. It has been suggested that their teeth should be examined to determine their age.
In my first year at dental school I was taught to identify different types of teeth and had to learn the ages that teeth came through into the mouth. In addition I had to learn the ages each Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-52136411132450132582015-11-17T14:44:00.002+00:002015-11-17T14:50:46.409+00:00Incognito Expert Forum, Nice
At the weekend I visited Nice, France for an expert forum on Incognito lingual braces. I've been using braces hidden behind the teeth for 9 years, and now use the Incognito brand almost exclusively for this type of treatment. Incognito braces are completely custom made to the specialist's prescription, leading to fantastic results and a great 'wearing experience' for the patient. This was a Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-20095978705687630092015-02-24T16:06:00.002+00:002015-02-24T16:07:10.632+00:00Why have orthodontic treatment?
You may think the answer to that question is easy, you have crooked teeth, so you need them straightening with orthodontic treatment. But why should we straighten teeth? This paper published in the current BDJ looks at the value of orthodontic treatment, and I found it a really interesting read.
I often quote the three main reasons for orthodontic treatment as dental health, dental function Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-47348889978578269962015-02-04T11:46:00.001+00:002015-11-17T14:48:58.363+00:00'Hello my name is...' and dental charges
On Monday on Radio 2 Jeremy Vine's lunchtime discussion programme had two topics that were particularly relevant. Firstly a discussion on dental charges and especially whether these should be displayed, and secondly doctor Kate Granger talking about her 'Hello my name is...' campaign. (You can listen to the discussions on iPlayer from half way through the programme.)
I always worry when I hearMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-64544189250512030122014-03-22T09:12:00.000+00:002014-03-22T09:12:44.870+00:00I won!
Just a quick blog while I'm on the train home with an update from last night's Aesthetic Dentistry Awards.
I'm returning with rather more luggage than I arrived, as I am bring back four awards! This is my fourth time at these awards (they used to be called The Smile Awards) and after three Highly Commended certificates I really wanted a trophy.
I'm absolutely delighted to have been awarded allMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-62076764422718751042014-01-14T10:35:00.000+00:002014-01-14T10:35:22.133+00:00Favourites
I have a confession to make *takes deep breath*
I have favourite patients.
There, I said it. I don't mean in a Bruce Forsyth "You're my favourite" sort of way. I mean that I have patients I really love to treat. It's a bit like being a parent, you're not supposed to have favourite children, you're supposed to love them all equally. But sometimes you can't help preferring some more than Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-70100475455109082192013-11-29T18:15:00.001+00:002013-11-29T18:18:02.305+00:00Student memories
This rather ugly example of classic 1970's concrete architecture houses the Leeds Dental Institute (as well as the medical school and other related courses). Of course, when I started as an undergraduate dental student in 1989 it was two separate entities, the Dental School and the Dental Hospital.
It might not be the most attractive building but I have very fond memories of this place, Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-35128491297411067772013-10-29T12:30:00.002+00:002013-10-29T12:31:04.726+00:00Submerging deciduous teeth and the value of x-rays
In dentistry and medicine we try hard to reduce the amount of x-ray radiation we use, it is a basic rule of radiation protection. This means we should only use x-rays when we really need to, when it could potentially alter our treatment. I take less radiographs now than I did when I qualified as an orthodontist. The standard I was taught as a dental student for orthodontic assessment was a Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-14326150422466517162013-04-09T15:28:00.001+01:002013-04-09T15:39:27.087+01:00Don't believe the hypeA story in the dental press caught my attention today, quoting research from America that has shown that injections of dental anaesthetic in young children might stop wisdom teeth developing in the future.
Wow, that seems pretty amazing doesn't it? That a simple injection might stop the wisdom teeth developing, reducing the risks of pain, infection and surgical complications in the future. The Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-756933482958471392013-03-18T13:44:00.001+00:002013-03-18T14:47:31.984+00:00Which brace is better?
On Saturday I attended the British Lingual Orthodontic Society (BLOS) spring meeting. (For those who don't know lingual orthodontics is the treatment of misplaced teeth using braces that are attached to the back of the teeth, rather than the front.) I am a committee member for BLOS and having helped with organising the meeting I'm pleased to say it was a really great day.
The meeting was Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-19861417719683597622013-03-12T12:59:00.002+00:002013-03-12T14:06:12.621+00:00Too Old for Braces?
Prospective clients often use the phrase 'at my age...' or 'I thought I was too old for braces'. So I thought I'd have a look at who my 'typical' adult patient is.
You might be surprised to hear that last year more than half (59%) of my patients were aged 17 or over. The proportion is growing each year, when I started the practice in 2006 adults made up about a third of my clients. I think Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-18113268570145523972012-06-27T13:23:00.000+01:002012-06-27T13:23:33.613+01:00Inspiring places, inspiring peopleEvery now and then there are a few days which make a difference. Over the last two weeks I've had several experiences I found inspiring.
I spent three days in the Lake District attending a course run by Ashley Latter. I've attended two of Ashley's courses before, so I knew it would be worth it. On the first day Ashley and some of the delegates met for a walk. We'd expected poor weather, as the Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-12427718013411638682012-04-18T13:36:00.000+01:002012-04-18T13:36:08.086+01:00How long will I wear my braces?A question I hear daily is "when can I get my braces off?". My normal answer is "when the treatment is finished!".
Of course I do try to estimate treatment time during the planning stages and be realistic about this, and in most cases I get it about right or slightly over-estimate. But it still doesn't stop the question being asked.
At the beginning of treatment teeth appear to move quickly. Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-39503134585461677332012-03-27T15:41:00.000+01:002012-03-27T15:41:37.779+01:00Smile Awards 2012
The Smile Awards were held last week and for the third year in a row I'm delighted to have brought home a Highly Commended certificate, this time for 'Best Aesthetic Practice'.
Like many other industries and professions the dental industry has several awards ceremonies throughout the year, and dentists and practices are using these as a method of both team building within the practice and aMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-34469686436996029712012-03-14T09:09:00.000+00:002012-03-14T09:09:13.239+00:00I hate dental impressions
If you've had orthodontics, a gumshield or bleaching tray made, or a crown you've probably had a dental impression. It seems to be one of the least liked dental procedures, and yet it is a very simple one that doesn't require drills, injections or anything else usually percieved as scary. My patients have at least two sets of these, one at the beginning and one at the end of treatment, the Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-42323912121700383742012-02-09T09:42:00.000+00:002012-02-09T09:42:10.771+00:00Groupon? Not for me!A few weeks ago I had a phone call. "Hello its Mark from Groupon, wishing you a very Happy New Year. And by the way, we've got a front page offer you might be interested in." I politely wished him a Happy New Year but declined his offer and asked not to be called again.
"Why?" you might cry, especially if you love Groupon or any of the similar discount voucher sites, in fact you may even have Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-52547292442678636972012-01-10T16:13:00.001+00:002012-01-11T10:54:38.590+00:00New Year's Resolutions
Have you made a New Year's Resolution? The start of a new year always seems a good time to start or regain good habits. I'm sure many will have some sort of resolution to improve themselves, whether it be a diet, giving up smoking or being more organised.
I'm not one for resolutions myself, though I have promised myself I will spend more time doing the jobs I keep putting off as I'm an Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-62058100602282814882011-11-29T10:01:00.001+00:002011-11-29T10:02:49.491+00:00The Duchess and the French orthodontistOn Saturday the Daily Telegraph carried this article about the Duchess of Cambridge and how 'pioneering' French orthodontist Didier Fillion has used 'micro-rotations' of the teeth to produce 'harmonious asymmetry' and give her a natural look, according to Dr Fillion's friend Bernard Touati.
I do think the Duchess has a lovely smile, I'm so pleased she hasn't gone down the route of porcelain Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-85409519098597661772011-10-26T16:54:00.000+01:002011-10-26T16:54:38.804+01:00Some you loseIts not often that I have a 'failure' to report, but one has happened this week.
A lady in her 60's asked me to improve her crooked lower teeth. Together we decided the best option would be to remove one lower front tooth to create space and fit a ceramic fixed brace to straighten the teeth and close the space. As with everyone I treat we discussed the possible problems she could face especiallyMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-38644611149253216552011-09-01T15:09:00.001+01:002011-09-01T15:09:54.459+01:00What gumshield?September heralds the return to school for many people and the school season for sports like hockey and rugby. You've probably got the PE kit already, but does it include a gumshield?
Gumshields are essential for anyone participating in contact sports, in the UK that mainly includes hockey, rubgy and lacrosse, plus boxing and martial arts like judo, taekwondo or karate. Usually made to cover theMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-69166540805725027952011-08-03T12:47:00.002+01:002011-08-03T12:54:02.663+01:00It's not always about bracesI guess the common perception of an orthodontist is that we fit braces. Of course that is a big part of what I do but I don't advise braces for every patient I see. Take two cases that I have seen this week.
S is 12 and not bothered by the appearance of his teeth. He is pretty adamant that he doesn't want braces, he has thought about this and lists several very valid reasons why. His teeth are aMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-56055686214145781502011-07-13T12:19:00.002+01:002011-07-13T13:39:05.963+01:00"Why is your Invisalign more expensive?"
That's a question I often get asked, and it's usually specifically about Invisalign rather than other type of orthodontic treatment I provide.
Do a quick internet search and you will see lots of offers for Invisalign treatment, some significantly cheaper than others. Have a look at your local orthodontic specialist and they will probably charge more than the general dentist down the road. In Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-48822654645375999892011-07-06T13:43:00.000+01:002011-07-06T13:43:08.617+01:00Porcelain Deficiency Disease?There is an interesting opinion article by dentist Martin Kelleher in the recent Faculty of Dental Surgery journal. He highlights what he terms "porcelain deficiency disease", a made up condition where dentists over-prescribe porcelain crowns and veneers. Unfortunately it has been taken out of context by several tabloid papers with the purpose of shocking the public about "greedy dentists", whichMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581325019629472239.post-18248212842701838322011-07-01T10:34:00.001+01:002011-07-01T10:35:29.542+01:00In Praise of PatientsI treat a really wide range of patients, from about the age of 9 up to 60+. I treat boys and girls, men and women, nervous patients and confident people, housewives, teachers, business men...you get the picture.
One of the lovely things about orthodontics is that because I see my patients every 6-8 weeks over the course of one to two years I get to know them well. I've seen patients through Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07210987147638242557noreply@blogger.com0