Shiraz, Jo and Ayzaaz
Invisalign was amazing… it transformed my smile and I felt it happening slowly but surely every time I changed the trays.’ – Laura Bennett
When asked to choose his preferred orthodontic method, Dr Ayzaaz Akram, co-owner of the Pure Smiles practice with his brother Shiraz, doesn’t sit on the fence. ‘I’ve had fixed braces and removable aligners: the former were painful, proper hygiene was impossible and I really disliked having to keep fishing food out of my mouth. There’s no comparison!’
Professionally, the brothers were early adopters of the now market-dominating Invisalign technology. ‘We first fitted it in 2008,’ adds Shiraz. ‘Back then 90% of patients had fixed braces: today, 90% have Invisalign. Their clear aligners look good aesthetically, are custom-made to be comfortable and can be removed to eat and clean. Quite simply, they fit seamlessly into daily life.
‘We do, however, find one common misconception about Invisalign. Many patients believe that every dentist with access to the system will automatically deliver the same result, and that’s definitely not the case.
‘Experience and expertise are so important. Ayzaaz and I have learned how best to maximise the platform’s capacity: we programme each case – we get into the software ourselves, many dentists don’t – to deliver the best outcome every time. If you had told me 15 years ago what we could do with Invisalign now, I wouldn’t have believed you.’
Preparation in forensic detail is fundamental with each patient. ‘It’s essential to understand what they want to change, listen to any concerns and, for us, to suggest alternative options,’ explains Ayzaaz. ‘We then take a digital 3D scan and photographs, send them to Invisalign and a first version of the solution comes back. We refine that until we are all happy. Most importantly, we can show the patient in advance exactly what their teeth will look like.’
Patients are given a series of different aligners, each of which can be worn for 20 hours in every 24. They are changed in sequence on a weekly basis and every four to six weeks Ayzaaz and Shiraz check that the teeth are moving as anticipated. ‘We’ve had the occasional instance of someone wearing aligners in the wrong order, and that has caused some issues,’ smiles Ayzaaz.
Whether used for orthodontic treatments, such as correcting crooked and crowded teeth, or in a complex case to ensure teeth are perfectly positioned for implants to fit around them, Invisalign has become integral to the brothers’ digital dentistry.
‘It’s particularly relevant to our popular Digital Smile Design service, a makeover process that enables us to create the perfect natural-looking smile for any face,’ says Shiraz. ‘The precision is absolutely amazing: within 0.5mm of the original design.’
Invisalign is suitable for children (from aged five up) and, typically, Ayzaaz and Shiraz have a unique way of making visiting the dentist less intimidating. ‘Every few months we organise a children-only day (the next is on 2 November),’ says Ayzaaz. ‘We dress as Superheroes, have an entertainer here and, of course, there’s a serious point behind the fun: a relaxed child is so much easier to examine.
‘Whatever the patient’s age and whether they need a routine procedure, cosmetic work or surgery, we focus on results that, with the correct hygiene plan, will last for years to come. And, of course, our team always makes coming to Pure Smiles a friendly, welcoming, experience.’
Pure Smiles
257 New Kings Road
Fulham SW6 4RB
750a Fulham Road
Fulham W6 5SH
020 7736 6276
reception@puresmiles.co.uk
https://www.puresmiles.co.uk/
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Photographs: #annabelmoellerphotography
Photograph: #annabelmoellerphotography