Our blog

Some thoughts and news from the Chapel Road Orthodontic Practice

3/05/13 – BRUSH DJ CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR ORAL HYGIENE

Brush DJ is an award-winning, NHS approved, free toothbrush timer app that plays 2 minutes of music taken from the user's devise to encourage brushing for an effective length of time.

The app also allows users to set reminders to brush twice a day , floss , use a mouthrinse and when next to see their dentist or hygienist.

Click here to visit Brush DJ.

1/5/13 – A Mention in the Daily Telegraph

The ‘Doctor’s Diary’ column of the Daily Telegraph has been discussing mouth ulcers and their treatment recently.
I sent in my own Homeopathic ‘mouth ulcer cure’ and it was published in the column on 29th April.
Here it is:-

I find that Nat mur 200 (the 200th Centecimal potency of Natrum Muriaticum - potentised common salt) is extremely effective both for apthous ulcers (ordinary mouth ulcers)  and Herpes simplex (Cold Sores).
The Nat mur pillules are dissolved under the tongue three times a day for two days and can be relied on to be very effective.
My old Oral Medicine lecturer used to say that mouth ulcers went in two weeks if treated (topical corticosteroids) and a fortnight if not (!)
With Nat mur they go in 48 hours as many dozens of my patients know.

21/2/13 - My Own Treatment - I'm Finished!

I've recently completed some Orthodontic treatment myself and the full case history can be seen by clicking here.
The whole process was surprisingly straightforward - I never once had a painkiller and never lost any sleep because of the brace.
Naturally, I had the 'world's best brace' - Damon Clear and was done in just 8 months.
Thrilled.
A big 'thank you' to our therapists Sarah and Marie for carrying out the treatment and also to Dr Humphrey for her contribution too.

18/12/2012 – Open Evenings

Both were well attended and I had the privilege of delivering a lecture on 25 years of changes in orthodontics

At Chapel Road we are very proud to be at the forefront of modern Orthodontic treatment and it was a pleasure to show numerous cases and techniques to colleagues.

The cup cakes were specially made by Marie, one of our therapists and were delicious.

You can view pictures of the event here:

http://chapelroadorthodontics.shutterfly.com/

15/12/12 – 25th Anniversary

Today is the 25th anniversary of the opening of my Orthodontic practice here at Chapel Road, Bexleyheath.

It seems hardly credible that so much time can pass in the blink of an eye.

What a journey it has been – a lifetime’s commitment for me and a wonderful opportunity to practice the art, for the benefit of my patients.

Here’s to the next 25!

29/10/12 – The nicest 'Thank You Card' we've ever had

We were all truly touched to receive this card recently, which said:

"Dear Chapel Road Team,

We would like to say thank you to everyone for all that you have done.

Your professionalism and kindness hasn't gone unnoticed. Harry was incredibly self conscious of his teeth and had mastered the art of covering his smile.

As a mother, to watch the changes in my son has been an emotional experience.

I've witnessed his confidence increase as his treatment has progressed and he's become a much happier young man. What you've achieved goes far deeper than appearance and for that I'm truly grateful.

Be proud of what you do, you've changed my son's life – and that is not an overstatement!

What you do is brilliant."

Gosh, how lovely – it's why I keep doing this job, honestly.

22/10/12 – Dr Damon and Us
Three of us just got back from the European Damon Symposium in the South of France (it’s a tough job) where we enjoyed three solid days of clinical presentations by some of the world’s best Orthodontists.

I met Dr Damon again and the three of us (Therapists Sarah and Marie and myself) are pictured with him here.

It was all so inspirational and we return to Chapel Road, determined to lift the standard of what we do even higher.

The whole conference was about the Damon brace and how to use it.

I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – the Damon brace is simply the world’s best orthodontic appliance and is capable of achieving superb smiles in ways that couldn’t have been dreamt of just a few years ago.

The old saying still holds true – “The half life of orthodontic knowledge is 5 years” – it’s so important to keep up with the best of international knowledge.

I am inspired, yet again, by Dwight Damon’s genius.

20/10/2012 – Our NHS Quality Check Results
Every now and again, the NHS does a quality check on a cross sample of treated cases from all Orthodontic practices.

It was our turn recently and I was very pleased with the result.

Five cases were assessed and all were found to be ‘good’.

The report contained the comment “All 5 cases were nicely presented and showed treatment to be of a high standard”
Reassuring

3/9/2012 – a great set of sayings

The Paradoxical Commandments
by Dr. Kent M. Keith


People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centred.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favour underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

20/08/12 - Congratulations

Many congratulations to Louisa, one of our Trainee Orthodontic Therapists who has successfully passed the ‘NEBDN Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing’.

Louisa has worked extremely hard and we congratulate her on her success!

13/08/12 - Practice Improvements

The practice has a new external appearance!   

Parking: Generally, we do have two/three parking spaces available for patients on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Please remember that we are unable to guarantee parking spaces as these are limited, therefore, we advise you to park in the Broadway Centre car parks e.g. next to Sainsbury's, the Cinema or Asda. It's just a short walk from the practice.

04/07/12 - Thanks

It is a real pleasure to receive expressions of appreciation for what we do. All of us at Chapel Road work really hard to do our best for patients and it is nice to be appreciated.

A ‘Thank You’ received yesterday:

To All the lovely smiley ladies on reception,

Thank you for making Chapel Road Orthodontics such a friendly place to visit. I look forward to many more visits over the years with my children!

Michelle x

25/06/12 - Practice Parking Update

No Parking due to practice improvements.

Generally, we have two or three parking spaces available for patients, however, the practice is currently undergoing improvements to the front drive, therefore, NO parking is available at the practice until the works are complete.

We advise parking in the Broadway Centre car parks e.g. next to Sainsbury's, the Cinema or Asda. It's just a short walk from the practice.

The London Borough of Bexley has introduced ‘Bexley Phone & Pay to Park’ this has replaced the traditional parking meters. To use Pay & Park you will need to contact them on 0208090 3595, quoting location 1500 and follow their automated service. They will request the following information; your mobile number, vehicle registration number and payment card details.
Parking charges are 50p for 30 minutes.

Chapel Road contains "Residents' Parking Bays", which you should not park in at any time.  Traffic Wardens are very active in the area.

25/05/12 – A day at Rowhill Grange

Each year the practice team work extremely hard, as a mark of gratitude to our exhausted employees, a 'spa day' was arranged for them all to enjoy at Rowhill Grange.

A relaxing afternoon was had by all! 

23/05/12 – Race for Life

The Chapel Road Team joins the largest women-only fundraising event in the UK.

Some of us are taking part in memory of a loved one or to give hope to a cancer-free future. But all of us share a common goal: to raise money for Cancer Research UK's groundbreaking work and to help save more lives.

Please support us and make a donation to Cancer Research UK. Your donation will help continue to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

If you would like to support 'Chapel Road Chicks' please feel free to make an online donation.

Click here to donate http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/chapel-road-chicks

23/04/12 - British Dental Associations Good Practice Scheme

The BDA Good Practice Scheme is a quality assurance programme for UK dental practices, and Chapel Road Orthodontics is proud to be a member. By becoming members of the Scheme, practices demonstrate a visible commitment to providing quality dental care to nationally recognised best practice standards. By taking part, we are committed to keeping up-to-date with current requirements in order to provide the best care for our patients!

05/ 03/ 12 - The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are approaching!

Certain roads and public transport routes will be busier than usual and your normal journeys to and from the practice may be disrupted.

Planning in advance will make travel easier for everyone, allowing more people to enjoy the Games and continue their everyday activities.

Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/orn to understand the impacts the Games could have on your journey and to plan alternative arrangements. Please check how your journey to and from the practice could be affected before travelling.

14/3/12 - Our Oldest Patient

Mitchell (Age 71) has very kindly given his (enthusiastic) permission for me to let you know that he is our oldest ever patient.
He first presented at 70 years of age complaining of his anterior bite - something that had troubled him for many decades.
The irregular bite caused problems with eating and he disliked its appearance.

To my surprise, he readily accepted my suggestion of a fixed brace to correct the bite and the result astonished us all.
Mitchell's treatment was finished in just 12 months and he was one of the best patients I've ever had.

Well done Mitchell!

To view the whole case history click here

Before	After
before	During
After	wearing brace

All of us at Chapel Road Orthodontics would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

30/11/2011 – Success with Lingual

Before	During No.1
During No.2	During No.3
During No.4	After

26/11/2011 – The Kate Middleton Brace

01/11/11 - Congratulations

1/11/2011 - Astonishing Progress


The two photos on the right are separated by only 6 months.

Yes, it's the Damon brace again and all concerned were hugely impressed to see the speed with which these teeth have aligned without extractions.

My word, how Orthodontic treatment has moved on in recent years.

19/10/11 - It's strange how things work out

I saw a new adult patient yesterday who came from a unique source.

This 40 year old English man was stood in a bar in New York recently, when a complete stranger came over to him and said something like “Gee man, your teeth are real crooked! You should get them straightened. I’m an Orthodontist – here’s my card”.

The recipient of this bit of unsolicited advice thought about it, Googled Orthodontics when he got back home and came in to see me. He starts with his Damon Clear fixed brace in a few weeks.

Only the Yanks could be so forward – the number of times I’ve wanted to say something similar whilst out and about but would never dare!

1/10/11 – Damon Clear cases starting to complete

As you may have noticed, I am a very keen exponent of the Damon brace system. Quite simply, this new technology allows us to do things that simply weren't possible before. In particular, the proportion of my cases with extractions has fallen from the national average of 70% to a mere 20% as a direct consequence of using Damon.

Just over a year ago we had, for the first time, an aesthetic version of the Damon brace – Damon Clear – which means that the system can now be used on adults.

Previously, adults wouldn't chose Damon because of the appearance of the metal brackets on the Damon Q brace - but now that it looks so good, we can at last, give adults the benefit of Damon.

The early cases are just starting to finish and here's one of the first.

8/8/11 – Case of the Month

Jack completed his treatment with us this week.
He was 17 when he started – rather older than usual – and his treatment took 17 months with the Damon Appliance, without extractions.
I think it’s fair to say that he was delighted with the result and so were we.

The finish occlusal photo (the one ‘taken from underneath’) shows the all important ‘fixed retainer’ – this is a fine, multibraded stainless steel wire, which ensures that no relapse can occur.

It is all too easy to straighten the teeth and then watch them gradually move due to a lack of adequate retention.

A fixed retainer, such as seen here, is required in the majority of Orthodontic cases if the result is to stay superb in the long term.

This fixed retainer will stay in place for many years, completely invisibly, ensuring that Jack’s smile stays great.

It was really nice yesterday to lecture to the London Group of the Faculty of Homeopathy – the society for Doctors who use homeopathy – on the subject of 'Homeopathy as a Adjunct to Orthodontic Practice'.

I had great fun showing numerous clinical slides of various examples of Dental pathology dealt with effectively by Homeopathy.

The audience seemed very appreciative and a lively and informative discussion was had afterwards.

Interestingly, the Chairman of the Group is an NHS GP from Bexley – he practices just a mile away from us.

1/6/11 – Lingual Progress

I'm starting to use lingual braces much more these days.

This is one I put on last week.

The really impressive thing about these lingual braces is that the patients never hassle me to take them off – the old plaintive cry of "When's it coming off?" is rarely heard.

The simple reason for this is that a lingual brace is completely invisible and no trouble, so patients are happy to carry on as long as required.

They are also very quick for minor movements, such as this case.

18/3/11 – Case of the Month

Julie gave me a really big hug after I finished taking her brace off today.

It was so lovely for us all to see the result. Even my nurse was close to tears!

I constantly count myself fortunate to have a job that can do things like this for people.

Sometimes owning and running a small business (which is what a Dental Practice is) can get tough but then there’s a moment like this and it’s all worthwhile.

01/02/11 – Congratulations!

Many congratulations to Louisa, one of our Orthodontic Nurses who has successfully passed the ‘NEBDN Certificate in Radiography’ this month.

Louisa has worked extremely hard and we congratulate her on her success!

25/1/11 - Case Of The Month

Off to a flying start this year with a lovely, dramatic case that shows the Damon appliance in full flight.

In these pictures, note how the case at presentation, had such narrow, contracted arches.

This is exactly the type of case where you really don’t want to take teeth out, despite the crowding, because to do so would perpetuate the smallness of the jaws.

What was required here (and what was achieved) was development of the jaws to accommodate the teeth.

As you can imagine, all concerned were delighted with the result.

This is just the sort of case that I love doing so much.

To see the full case, Click Here

22/12/10 – Simple Lingual Case

The new generation of ‘Simple Lingual Appliances’ is proving very useful for those cases requesting simple alignment of lower front teeth, as this case shows.

Natasha had her lower lingual brace removed this week and was very pleased with the result.
Note that a fixed retainer behind the lower front teeth is essential, to hold the result in the long term – failure to do this will result in great disappointment as the teeth would inevitably move without a fixed retainer.

I use fixed retainers in the great majority of my patients and experience has shown the importance of this.

6/12/10 – Snow!

The most dramatic start to winter in 30 years and, my word, how well we have coped.
At a time of road and rail gridlock, our practice was fully open every day except one and we were surprisingly busy.

I am hugely grateful to our hard working staff for making the effort to get in on days when their husbands and children were often at home.
For my part, it’s been an exhausting week – up at 5 each day to begin the laborious journey through two feet of snow.
First a half hour walk and then a drive on roads, some of which were gritted and some of which weren’t.

My new snow chains were an education.
Sadly, just when I was feeling pleased with them, one disappeared without trace somewhere between home and Dartford.
If found, please return!

8/11/2010 – A lovely Card

Every now and again we receive a lovely card which is a moment we treasure. This lady’s was particularly touching:-

“To all of the staff at Chapel Road Orthodontics.
This is a little note to say thank you so much for making my first visit to your practice so pleasant.
I am absolutely terrified of the Dentist and was very scared about coming to your Orthodontist as I was unsure of what to expect, but I have never felt so relaxed and welcomed as what I did at your practice.
I feel very happy and confident about starting my treatment with Dr Horobin and I’m so excited about getting the perfect smile I’ve always dreamed of!
Thank you once again.
Kind regards,
L.B.”

02/11/10 – Congratulations!

Many congratulations to Dr Carol Humphrey who has passed The Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics of the Royal College of Surgeons.
This is a huge achievement involving three years hard study and several tough exams.
She’s done really well and we’re all very proud of her.
Well done Carol!

01/11/10 –Autumn

Every year in Autumn, our cherry tree makes a fantastic picture as its leaves turn golden yellow.
The show lasts only a few short days – in no time at all, the wind will pick up and scatter the display to the four corners of the garden.
We enjoy it while we can.

19/10/10 – Road Closure

Road closure and restricted on street parking due to carriage resurfacing, on Woolwich Road, Bexleyheath  – The work will commence Wednesday 27th October 2010 and will take 1 day to complete, subject to reasonable weather conditions.

6/10/10 – Rapid Progress

Even a hardened old campaigner like me sometimes gets taken by surprise.
The two photos on the right were taken just three months apart – yes, just three months difference.
What astonishing progress.
The 13 year old girl concerned practically came skipping into my surgery, so delighted was she with her progress.
You won’t be surprised to hear that this is yet another Damon case – only this most sophisticated of braces can achieve such rapid movement.

23/9/10 – A DAY AT THE SEASIDE

It was lovely to see most of my clinical team at the British Orthodontic Conference on Monday, down in sunny Brighton. It’s a long, slow journey by minibus – don’t ask – but the trip was worthwhile. The girls did the lectures while I spent most of my time trawling the trade stands for what’s new and hot to trot. As usual these days, software developments were the big thing. I can now buy an iPhone App for £1,200 that will allow me to access our practice server on my iPhone and see all its data – appointments, statistics etc. But perhaps I won’t bother ....... mmm
A good day.

PART-TIME ORTHODONTIC NURSE REQUIRED

Chapel Road Orthodontics is seeking a GDC qualified dental/orthodontic nurse to join our friendly team.

You will be required to work in a very busy NHS/Private specialist orthodontic  practice, performing a high quality of orthodontic nursing.
Applicants must be qualified and registered with the General Dental Council, able to demonstrate excellent communication skills and work well within a team.
Orthodontic experience desirable, but not essential.
If you are interested in joining our professional team, please email your CV and  covering letter with photo to hannah@chapelroad.co.uk

Download job specification.

Chapel Road Orthodontics have had the pleasure of treating Ashley Glazebrook, helping him to achieve that winning smile!

We were all excited when 'Twist & Pulse' auditioned and climbed their way through the hundreds of thousands of applicants to reach the semi finals of 'Britain's got Talent' 2010. The team were showing their support, voting for the comic dance duo and were delighted when they became the runners up of 'Britain's Got Talent' 2010! We wish both Ashley and Glen the very best of luck for the future and are sure that they will continue to go from strength to strength, in their new found career.

As you can see the team were excited to have the opportunity to meet again with Ashley, after his performance on ITV.

Congratulation 'Twist & Pulse'!

13/7/10 – A Great TY Card

Every now and again we get a really nice thank-you card.

I just love this one.

29/6/10 – Damon Symposium, 2010

I have just returned from the European Damon Symposium in Monaco, where 600 Orthodontists from all over Europe met to learn about the very latest developments in Orthodontics.
Specifically, we studied the world’s best brace system – the Damon Appliance – and the standard of treatment that is being done is staggering.
I had the great privilege to once again meet Dr Dwight Damon and feel very privileged to have done so. He has done more to advance the art and science of Orthodontics than anyone else alive and countless patients have benefitted as a result.
I’ve picked up a lot of tips and can’t wait to put them into action.

21/6/09 – Case of the month

Donnare was delighted to have her fixed brace removed this week.

She originally presented with a very substantial diastema (gap) between her upper front teeth.

This was closed with an aesthetic fixed appliance over a 15 month period.

19/6/10 - A Great Result

Jacqueline was delighted with the change in her smile produced over just a 9 month period.

She presented with a substantial midline gap which closed beautifully.

4/5/2010 – Damon Clear

Great excitement here (again) as I fit our first Damon Clear appliance this morning (see the upper teeth opposite).

This is the new aesthetic version of the world’s best brace and my initial reaction is very favourable – it looks very good.

Lingual braces (see below - 19/4/10) are great for minor tooth movements but you really do need to put a brace onto the outside of the teeth to do major changes.

Damon Clear is going to be a great new tool for our armoury, as it opens up the Damon appliance to adults.

Another huge leap forwards.

29/4/10 - Congratulations
Many congratulations to Marie and Louisa (two of our Nurses) who have successfully passed their Impression Taking Examinations this month. They have both worked really hard and we congratulate them both on their success!

27/4/09 – Case of the month

Max presented at 13 years of age with astonishingly displaced upper teeth.

17 months with the Damon brace, without extractions, produced a stunning result.

Note the all important fixed retainer behind the upper six front teeth.

19/4/10 – Lingual Braces

Great excitement here today as we place our first Lingual Brace.

We’re using the GAC Lmtm system which has the following huge advantages:-

• Completely invisible
• Small and comfortable
• Economical
• Fast results in just a few visits
• Much better than aligners (e.g. Invisalign)
• Ideal for minor alignment cases

Our first patient (one of our nurses) is looking forward to the result and so am I!

15/4/10

Exclusive invite to the Launch of NOW Week

Chapel Road Orthodontics were delighted to be invited to their exclusive launch at The National Portrait Gallery and given exclusive access to the Irving Penn Exhibition.

15/4/10

In The Press!

As part of National Orthodontic Week, we visited The Mall, Bexleyheath and a number of local primary schools within our local community to promote ‘NOW’ by educating the children on the importance of good oral hygiene and the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

We would like to thank the following for all their help and support during Now Week.

• Our Practice Team
• June Morris and Heidi  Claisse – Greenwich and Bexley Primary Dental Care Services
• Christine - The Mall Bexleyheath
• Linda Piper - The News Shopper
• Tracey – Positive Communications
• Barrington and Merton Court Primary Schools
• Dean - Tesco Sidcup, Katie – GSK, Danni - Oral B & Paul - Colgate

26/3/10

Congratulations

Many congratulations to Anne and Julia (two of our Nurses) who have successfully passed their Impression Taking Examinations this month. They have both worked really hard and we congratulate them both on their success!

22/3/10

There’s one in every holiday snap

18/3/2010 – Dramatic Movement

Every now and again, I see progress that amazes me with its speed.

And so it was today.

The two photos opposite were taken just three months apart.

The large anterior open bite (due to previous thumb sucking) is being closed down with anterior box elastics and just look at the effect that these simple elastic bands have had in just 3 months.

5/3/10 – National Orthodontic Week

My staff have been putting on a great show at the Broadway Shopping centre this week, as part of the National Orthodontic Week (NOW Week).

The incredible human toothbrush (alias Natasha) was in full swing and the whole team turned out to help educate the Bexleyheath public about Dental health in general and Orthodontics in particular.

I was really proud of them all.

19/2/2010 – Congratulations

Many congratulations to two of our Nurses – Sarah and Natasha – on passing their Specialist Orthodontic Dental Nurse Examinations this month.

They have both worked very hard to pass this difficult exam and at their first attempt too - we’re all very proud of them.

It would be easy to underestimate the amount of work involved – it’s a huge subject with a high failure rate in the final exam.

Well done!

19 Years on – 4/2/10

A mother brought her 10 year old son in today as a new patient.

“Hello” she said “It’s Claire – you did my teeth 19 years ago”.

She went on to mention that her Dentist had referred her son to a another practice locally but, having been there, the standard of customer service wasn’t what she was used to so she asked to come here!

What a pleasure it is to see yet another case from years ago bringing her own children here and how nice to see that Claire’s teeth still look so great.

Four from the same family – 13/1/2010

A recently completed adult patient bought in this lovely photo.

It shows four of my patients - Mother of the Bride, the Bride, the Bride’s brother and his fiancée.

How lovely to see them all smiling on their great day.

This family group equals the previous record of four members of the same family (previous blog entry 8/8/08) and I feel really privileged to have helped them all.