- 213 Valley drive Gravesend Kent DA12 5SG UK
- +44 0147432 8844
- +44 0147432 8866
- valley-drive-dental@hotmail.co.uk
Patient Information
Invisalign treatment
1. Consultation & Digital Scan
The process starts with a consultation with a dentist.
A 3D digital scan or impression of your teeth is taken to create a personalized treatment plan.
2. Custom Aligners Are Made
A series of clear plastic aligners are custom-made using advanced 3D imaging technology.
Each aligner is slightly different, guiding the teeth a small step at a time.
3. Wearing the Aligners
You wear the aligners 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, or floss.
You switch to a new set of aligners every 1–2 weeks as directed.
4. Progress Check-ups
Periodic check-ins (every 6–8 weeks) with your provider ensure the treatment is progressing properly which can be virtual on occasions.
5. Completion & Retainers
Once treatment is complete, a retainer may be provided to help maintain your new smile.
Nearly invisible — most people won’t notice you're wearing them.
Removable — easy to eat, drink, and maintain oral hygiene.
Comfortable — no metal wires or brackets.
Predictable results — with digital planning and simulation.
Invisalign can treat many orthodontic issues including:
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps
• Overbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• However, severe orthodontic issues may still require traditional braces.
Filling Restorations
Dental fillings are a common treatment used to repair cavities (tooth decay) or minor tooth damage (like small fractures or worn-down areas). The goal is to restore the tooth’s shape, function, and integrity while preventing further decay.
Fillings are typically recommended if you have:
Cavities (holes caused by decay)
Chipped or cracked teeth
Worn-down teeth (from grinding or acid erosion)
1. Examination & Diagnosis
The dentist checks for decay visual inspection and lighting and by drying areas plus the aid of X-rays.
2. Numbing the Area
Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area around the tooth.
3. Removing Decay
The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed with a drill.
4. Cleaning the Area
The cavity is cleaned to remove bacteria and debris.
5. Filling the Tooth
The space is filled with a suitable filling material.
The dentist shapes and polishes it so it feels natural and smooth.
| Material | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Composite resin | Tooth-coloured plastic and glass mixture | Aesthetic, blends well with natural teeth | Can stain, less durable than metal |
| Amalgam | Silver-coloured metal alloy | Very durable and cost-effective | Noticeable appearance, contains mercury |
| Ceramic | Porcelain-based | Strong, stain-resistant, very aesthetic | More expensive |
| Gold | Gold alloy | Extremely durable | Very noticeable, expensive |
| Glass ionomer | Tooth-coloured, releases fluoride | Good for kids or near gumline | Weaker, wears down faster |
• Avoid chewing hard foods immediately after a new filling.
• Mild sensitivity is common for a few days.
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future decay.
Scaling Treatment
Scaling dental treatment refers to a common non-surgical procedure involving removal of plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from the tooth surfaces, particularly below the gum line to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal treatment refers to the methods used to treat periodontal (gum) disease, which is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It’s typically caused by plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene. The goal of treatment is to clean out bacterial infection and prevent further damage to the gums, bone, and teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession (loss), bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. It is often done to treat gingivitis or periodontitis.
1. Supragingival Scaling
Removes plaque and tartar above the gum line.
Common in routine cleanings for patients with healthy gums.
2. Subgingival Scaling
Targets buildup below the gum line.
Necessary for patients with gum disease or deep periodontal pockets.
3. Root Planing
Smooths root surfaces to discourage further bacterial buildup and helps gums reattach to the tooth.
Antibiotics may be used to kill bacteria in the case of acute or chronic swellings. Can be topical (mouth rinses, gels) or oral.
• Gum bleeding or swelling
• Tartar buildup
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth in cases of advanced periodontitis
• Manual tools (like scalers and curettes) or ultrasonic scalers are used.
• May be combined with root planing, which smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth.
• Gums may feel sore or bleed slightly after treatment.
• Good oral hygiene is essential to maintain results.
• Sometimes a follow-up is needed to assess healing or perform more scaling.
• Prevents progression of gum disease
• Reduces gum inflammation
• Improves breath and oral hygiene
• Helps in preventing tooth loss
Periodontal treatment
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling: Removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
Root planing: Smooths root surfaces to discourage further bacterial buildup and helps gums reattach to the tooth.
Antibiotics
May be used to kill bacteria. Can be topical (mouth rinses, gels) or oral.
If non-surgical methods aren't enough (e.g., deep pockets remain), surgery may be needed.
Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery)
Gums are lifted back to clean deeper areas under the gums and then sutured back in place to reduce pocket depth.
Bone Grafts
Used when bone has been destroyed. Bone or synthetic material is placed to encourage new bone growth.
Soft Tissue Grafts
If gums have receded, tissue (often from the roof of the mouth) is used to cover exposed roots.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
A special membrane is placed between bone and gum to allow bone to regrow without interference from soft tissue.
Laser Therapy
Lasers can remove infected tissue and bacteria, with less discomfort and bleeding than traditional surgery.
Once treatment is complete:
Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings (every 3–4 months).
Continued good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, possibly antimicrobial rinses).
Monitoring for any signs of disease returning.
Untreated periodontal disease can lead to:
Tooth loss
Gum recession
Bone destruction
Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions
Crown and Bridge Treatment
A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
🦷 When Is a Crown Needed?
• A tooth is cracked, worn down, or broken.
• Large filling with not enough tooth left.
• After a root canal treatment.
• To improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshaped tooth.
• To support a dental bridge.
🔧 Types of Crowns
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) – Strong and tooth-coloured.
• All-ceramic – Best aesthetics, used for front teeth.
• Metal (gold, alloy) – Very durable, less aesthetic.
• Zirconia – Very strong and aesthetically pleasing.
🛠️ Crown Procedure
1️⃣ Examination & Preparation – Tooth is shaped and filed down.
2️⃣ Impression – A mould and/or digital scan is taken.
3️⃣ Temporary Crown – Placed until the permanent one is ready.
4️⃣ Permanent Crown Placement – Cemented onto the tooth.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
🦷 When Is a Bridge Needed?
• One or more missing teeth with healthy adjacent teeth.
• To prevent shifting of remaining teeth.
• To restore chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics.
🔗 Types of Bridges
• Traditional Bridge – Crowns on adjacent teeth with a pontic (false tooth) in between.
• Cantilever Bridge – Attached to one adjacent tooth.
• Maryland Bridge – Metal or porcelain wings bonded to back of adjacent teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridge – Attached to dental implants instead of natural teeth.
🛠️ Bridge Procedure
1️⃣ Tooth Preparation – Adjacent teeth are shaped for crowns.
2️⃣ Impression – Taken for bridge fabrication.
3️⃣ Temporary Bridge – Placed to protect prepared teeth.
4️⃣ Permanent Bridge Placement – Adjusted and cemented.
• Brush twice a day and floss daily (especially under the bridge).
• Use interdental brushes or floss threaders.
• Avoid very hard foods.
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Dentures
🧾 What They Are:
• Made from acrylic resin, a hard plastic material.
• Commonly used for full or partial dentures.
• Pink base mimics gum tissue; artificial teeth are attached to it.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Cost-effective. | Bulkier than metal options. |
| Easy to repair or adjust. | Less durable — can fracture if dropped. |
| Fast to manufacture. | May feel less comfortable. |
🛠️ Treatment Process:
1️⃣ Dental impressions/scan is taken.
2️⃣ Bite registration if required.
3️⃣ Try-in stage with wax models.
4️⃣ Final denture fabricated and fitted.
5️⃣ Adjustments done after initial wear.
🔍 What They Are:
• Made from thermoplastic nylon resin (e.g., Valplast).
• Very flexible, thin, and gum-colored.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Very comfortable due to flexibility. | Cannot be relined easily. |
| No metal clasps – looks natural. | Harder to adjust or repair. |
| Ideal for patients allergic to acrylic or metal. | More expensive than standard acrylic. |
🛠️ Treatment Process:
1️⃣ Impressions/scan are taken.
2️⃣ Denture is made from flexible nylon.
3️⃣ Insert and minor fitting adjustments done.
🔍 What They Are:
• Made with a metal base of cobalt-chromium alloy.
• Teeth and gums attached to the metal frame.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Very strong and durable. | More expensive. |
| Thinner and more precise fit than acrylic. | Visible metal clasps (unless hidden). |
| Better for long-term wear and function. | Not ideal for patients with metal allergies. |
| Clasps offer better retention. |
🛠️ Treatment Process:
1️⃣ Precise dental impressions and bite registration.
2️⃣ Metal framework designed and tested (try-in).
3️⃣ Acrylic teeth and gum areas added.
4️⃣ Final fitting and adjustments.
| Feature | Acrylic | Flexi (Flexible) | Cobalt Chrome |
| Material | Acrylic resin | Nylon/thermoplastic | Cobalt-chromium alloy |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Flexible | Rigid (but thin) |
| Durability | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Comfort | Moderate | High | High |
| Cost | £ (least) | ££ | £££ (most) |
| Repairability | Easy | Difficult | Moderate |
| Best For | Short- to mid-term | Comfort & aesthetics | Long-term wear |
Dental Implants
1️⃣ Initial Consultation and Assessment:
• The dentist examines your mouth and takes X-rays and 3D CBCT scans to evaluate the bone quality and quantity.
• They discuss your medical history and treatment goals.
2️⃣ Treatment Planning:
• The implant type, size, and position are planned digitally using a scan of the mouth and CBCT. The planning results are shared with you via a personalised report.
• If there isn’t enough bone, bone grafting might be recommended before or during implant placement.
3️⃣ Implant Placement Surgery:
• Under local anaesthesia (sometimes sedation), the implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone.
• The gum is then stitched over or around the implant.
• This step is like planting the root of the new tooth.
4️⃣ Osseointegration Healing Period:
• Over several weeks to months (usually 3 to 6 months), the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
• This provides a strong, durable base to support the tooth restoration.
5️⃣ Healing Collar Placement:
• Once healed, a small incision is made into the gum to connect a healing collar for 2 weeks.
• An impression/scan is taken for the final crown and abutment.
6️⃣ Crown or Prosthesis Attachment:
• After this, a connector called an abutment crown is attached to the implant post. The abutment crown mimics a natural tooth.
• This final restoration looks and functions like a natural tooth.
• Natural look and feel
• Improved chewing and speech
• Prevention of bone loss in the jaw
• Long-lasting and durable
• Protects adjacent teeth (unlike bridges)
• Maintains facial structure
• Good overall health
• Sufficient jawbone density or ability to undergo bone grafting
• Healthy gums
• Non-smoker or willing to quit smoking (smoking can affect healing)
• Commitment to good oral hygiene
IV Sedation
• The sedative drugs enter your bloodstream immediately via the vein.
• This causes a rapid onset of relaxation and drowsiness.
• You remain conscious but deeply relaxed, often with little memory of the procedure afterward.
• Your breathing and heart function are monitored closely to keep you safe.
😌 Conscious Sedation is a relaxed state but you can respond to verbal cues or gentle touch.
• Midazolam: A fast-acting benzodiazepine that calms anxiety and can cause amnesia.
• To reduce anxiety and fear during procedures like dental work or minor surgery.
• To control pain and discomfort.
• To help patients stay still and cooperative, especially during longer or more invasive procedures.
• The quick effect and easy control of the sedation level make it very effective.
• You’ll have an IV line started, usually in your arm or hand.
• The sedative drugs are administered gradually to reach the desired effect.
• You may feel warm, relaxed, or drowsy soon after.
• Vital signs (heart rate, breathing, oxygen) are monitored continuously.
• You may not remember the procedure clearly afterward due to the amnesia effect.
• You’ll be monitored as the sedation wears off.
• You might feel groggy or tired for a few hours.
• Because sedation affects coordination and judgment, you cannot drive, operate machinery, or make major decisions for 24 hours after the procedure.
Delivering high-quality dental care tailored to the unique needs of each patient since 1988.