Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

20 Clinical United Kingdom Edition November 2013 even teeth needed treatment. Or they may be afraid of ex- periencing pain. These obsta- cles, and indeed many more, to treatment can be overcome by developing effective patient communication and education. The first and most obvious benefit to orthodontic treat- ment is a more attractive ap- pearance and greater confi- dence. And this enhances every aspect of a person’s life from their career prospects to their personal relationships. In addi- tion to this, there are the health implications. Optimum dental function reduces teeth grind- ing and ensures that food is chewed properly, helping the patient’s digestion of meals and snacks. Some patients with se- vere malalignment may even feel they have to avoid certain types of food and so, following treatment, are able to enjoy a wider variety of nourishment and the health benefits of an improved nutritional intake. Straighter teeth are much easier to clean than those that are crowded, as a toothbrush can reach more of the surface area of each tooth. The inter- proximal areas can also be ac- cessed effortlessly, allowing cleaning with floss or interden- tal brushes. If the patient lacks adequate spacing such cleaning proves difficult and leads to in- efficient hygiene, or the patient gives up altogether out of sheer frustration. In all probability, patients with crooked teeth will have more plaque build up and are at greater risk of gingivitis and tooth loss. Improving teeth align- ment also balances the force of the bite more evenly. With a crooked dentition, some teeth are taking more of the force than others, creating problems such as uneven wear and even causing headaches or jaw pain. Patients who feel they are sav- ing money by avoiding ortho- dontic treatment now might be heading for much more expensive dental procedures later in life. If you are thinking about referring orthodontic treat- ment for your patients, con- tact a referral practice with the necessary expertise such as the London Smile Clinic, and discover the best treatment op- tions available for each indi- vidual case. Led by Specialist Orthodontist Dr Preet Bhogal, the clinic develops close working relationships with re- ferring dentists to ensure the best possible patient care for the whole duration of the re- ferred treatment. From the initial assessment to the day the braces come off, the clinic seeks authorisation and ap- proval from the referring den- tist at every stage. Effective orthodontic treat- ment delivered by a specialist dramatically improves patients’ lives. Consider it from their per- spective. A GDP might see what appears to be a very minor case of uneven dentition and not think it worth referring. The patient, on the other hand, looks in the mirror every day and no- tices every perceived flaw. To the patient, achieving straight- er teeth is nothing short of a transformation. Just imagine how patients with very crook- ed teeth would feel if they had the opportunity to gain a more beautiful smile. That power lies in your hands. DT About the author For more infor- mation, please contact 020 7255 2559 or visit www.london- smile.co.uk/refer ‘Straighter teeth are much easier to clean than those that are crowded, as a toothbrush can reach more of the surface area of each tooth’ page 19DTß Faster, easier, safer: experience Constic – the new self-etching, self-adhesive flowable composite from DMG. Constic combines etching gel, bonding agent and flowable in one single product. You thus save treatment steps – and thereby benefit from increased safety during application. Whether for small Class I restorations, linings or fissure sealing: start relying on Constic - the 3-in-1 flowable now! www.dmg-dental.com Constic: Do more with less. The new 3-in-1 flowable: etching, bonding, filling in one step. NEW! AZM_Constic_GB_E_2013_8.indd 1 16.08.13 12:50