Richard Charon at Newbury Smile-Makers

Save a life. Know how to spot a stroke victim

2011-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

This was passed to me by a very old friend. Someone I have known since I was about 7 or 8 years of age, I guess.

He is my very close cousins's closest friend. That cousin, not quite 60, had a stoke just over 2 weeks ago and then a second one a few days later. He survived and is still in hospital having tests. He has lost the use of his left side but fortunately has full mental and speech faculties. This is still a devastating blow to him and his family, naturally. He was, it seems a reasonably healthy individual before the stroke. It happened out of the blue.

This is the message passed to me:

kind regards to all

Richard Charon

You may have received this already but it can’t do any harm to know

Stroke has a new indicator
They say if you e-mail this to ten people, you stand a chance of saving one life. Will you send this along?

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue

I will continue to forward this every time it comes around!

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters..... S. T. R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today.)R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

I have done my part. Will you?

Our Expansion Plans

2011-11-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to announce that we are on the point of signing a lease for the premises immediately adjacent to Newbury Smilemakers, with an entrance on the first floor at 57 Cheap Street, above Bravos Hairdressing Salon and two steps from our premises.

This will give us:

1) A new consultation area, particularly suited to anxious and phobic new patients who can talk over their problems and discover the best potions for them to overcome their fears and receive the dental care they want. Also a discreet lounge area for all patients to discuss their treatment options with us.

2) More storage and admin areas - Unexciting but essential for us with an improved rest area for our team.

3) An education/training seminar room.

The work to create these new areas will be undertaken in December/January

More details will follow, as they become available

A lovely new Invisalign Smile

2011-10-12T23:55:00.000-07:00


A very happy Laura

Before


After

Find out more about Invisalign®

Laura did and now she has a confident smile

BEFORE

AFTER

If you'd love an even smile without wires or train track braces

Please call us on 01635 47757

to book a free initial discussion

Protect yourself and your children from dental injuries

2011-09-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

Rugby, Hockey, Judo and even football. School and college terms are approaching. It is time for protecting your offspring ( or yourself!) with a custom-made gum shield.

Shop-bought ones are cheap. That's it. Just cheap. They don't work and they are not better than nothing.

Dental injuries are painful, upsetting disfiguring and likely to have lifelong consequences. including multiple and potential expensive dental repairs, often over many years.

Oh and a correctly fitted, custom mouthguard , made form a professinally taken accurate impression of your teeth and mouthy can also protect from concussion too.

There are a wide range of colours to choose from too or mix n'match!

Call us for more information. 01635 47757

Not all toothache is caused by bad teeth

2011-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons for toothache or pains around the face and jaws. Most commonly it is due to a bad tooth (decayed) or poor gum health - sometimes an abscess in the tooth or the gum may be involved.
However, a little dental detective work may reveal a less obvious problem but readily fixable problem
Today I received this story from one of my regular patients.

"After suffering with discomfort on he right upper side of my mouth for probably in excess of 2 years possibly more, I spoke to Richard about it, I did not know how really to describe it other than a tenderness/aching sensation which I could not pinpoint to any one tooth just a generalised area, it was not constant but usually worse at the end of the day, I suppose I began to just put up with it because I had no idea what it was but it was really annoying and was getting me down. Richard suggested that it could be connected with my 'bite' being wrong, after he had ruled out any other likely cause. We went ahead with the procedure to adjust my bite to correct it and the relief was almost instant. Now I rarely get the aching sensation, and if I do it is much less severe or long lasting than previously, if it gets to a level where it becomes less tolerable I know I can return to have things checked out in case more adjustments need to be made. So if you think something is wrong but don't know what it is then this is something worth considering having checked out."

So if you have an uncomfortable tooth don't delay - call today on 01645 47757.

City and Guilds Level 4 award

2011-08-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

July 2011

I am delighted to announce that I have achieved a City and Guilds Level 4 award in
"Preparing to Teach in the Life-long Learning Sector" after a short-course at Newbury College last spring. This is a basic, recognised teaching award designed for people running skills or educational workshops, on a part-time basis, which I took to support the teaching courses I run for other dentists and their teams in Inhalation Sedation for anxious dental patients.

Richard Charon BDS

Somnowell: Introducing A new anti-snoring solution service

2011-08-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm girding my loins for a 7-hour round-trip by rail tomorrow, to further assess a high tech and high quality solution for snoring, sleep apnoea, TMD and bruxism (tooth grinding). The seminar will be given by the inventor, a consultant orthodontist. This is not a cheap, shop-bought or internet solution but it is intended to be a long-term one. I am aiming to introduce this service soon. The solution to these health issues can have many beneficial life-changing results. The testimonials on the Somnowell website are very impressive.
If you think you or someone you know might benefit and you are within striking distance of Newbury, please contact us on 01635 47757

Teeth Cleaning Heaven!

2011-08-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Do you just hate the thought of having their teeth cleaned? Even though having teeth cleaned professionally is an important part of your well-being and health routine?

If so. We may well have the answer. Happy Air Sedation.

We are nationally known for our expertise with this simple sedation technique, mainly used to help people with dental anxiety BUT even if you are not normally anxious about visiting the dentist (and well over -50% of people are), Happy Air Sedation, will totally transform your experience of having teeth cleaned.

You will be aware of the treatment but will not mind a bit about it. You will feel calm, relaxed, with a "far-away" sensation. Your arms and legs are likely to feel warm and floaty and you won't care less about having your teeth cleaned. Your mouth, teeth and gums will be much less sensitive too. Does thois sound like an improvement to what you are used to or have been putting up with?

Happy Air Sedation will provide such a different experience for you and you will recover within a few minutes and be ready to leave the practice after 30 minutes, with a totally clean and sparkly smile.

The science bit...

By the way, it is very important to maintain healthy gums. It will mean fresher breath and much more.
As many people now know, more adults lose teeth from poor gum health than through tooth decay, so keeping healthy gums helps keep your teeth for life. More than that, connections are now being made between gum health and your heart and even strokes, possibly more besides.

So why wait.? Call us today to discuss this option. 01635 47757

I just wish I'd found Newbury Smilemakers earlier

2011-07-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

Another terrific testimonial received 24th July 2011.

Dear Richard & Chris,

As promised, please find below my testimonial for the treatment I had last week:

'Having had a stubborn wisdom tooth removed a few years ago, I wasn't particularly looking forward to having another one extracted. Until I met Richard & Chris at Newbury Smilemakers! They put me completely at ease about the treatment and, with the help of Richard's 'Happy Air', the treatment went amazingly quickly and smoothly. In fact, I couldn't believe it when Richard said it was over - I'd only been there a few minutes! Post-op has been great too - no swelling and I've barely needed the painkillers! I just wish I'd found Newbury Smilemakers earlier - I'll definitely be going back and recommending them.'

Hope it isn't too long and can be used for the website.

See you again next time I need any dental treatment.

Thanks,
Emma

Are you still wondering whether to to take the plunge to come to see us for your dental health needs, smile makeover or just to find an empathetic and experienced dental team? Why not pick up the phone and speak to Chris on 01635 47757. ( PS It is our day of today, Monday 25th July, so please wait until tomorrow !)

Our latest testimonial

2011-07-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Here is one I received via Linkedin from an ex-BNI member in Newbury, Ian Morgan.

Dear Richard,
I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation: "A superb dentist who specialises in pain free dentistry. If you are nervous of going to the dentist then look no further; I cannot recommend him highly enough."
Service Category: Dentist
Year first hired: 2008
Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Thanks Ian, this is very much appreciated and indeed a little unexpected which makes it even nicer

"To anyone who dreads the dentist as much as I do…"

2011-07-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

A dental phobic's story

"To anyone who dreads the dentist as much as I do…"

The following testimonial is long but worth reading. I received it in 2003 but it is still worth reading if you or someone you know, dreads a dental visit, please read on and then go to this link.

Background

Marie is a moderate to severely anxious patient. Fearful of needles. We dentists see these people daily.   Perhaps you are that way inclined too? We discussed how we might be able to help her, including the option of using Relative Analgesia (Inhalational Sedation / Happy air) at a free, after-hours (chaperoned) consultation, to discuss her dental fears and offer the alternatives for her.  

Her immediate reaction to the mention of "happy air" was - "Oh No!" I asked what she was saying no to. " I don't know but I don't want it" she replied.   I said " What is it that you don't want" ........and so on for a few moments.

I then said. "You know this happy air is nothing like the old-fashioned gas that puts you to sleep and makes you feel horrid. In fact you would be quite awake but relaxed.
Do you think you would like that ?

"Well the rest as they say, is history. We arranged a short, no treatment, trial run for her and at a further session began her treatment plan.  Afterwards she was so grateful and surprised (and told me so) that I asked if she would write a few words to explain to others what she had experienced Here is what she wrote. More than a few words though..

21st November 2003 

To anyone who dreads the dentist as much as I do…..I am a 32yr old Insulin Dependant Diabetic who is petrified of Dentists, not just scared, I’m the sort of person who would do or go through anything else so long as I don’t have to go near a dentist. From an early age I have always hated them, would do anything to get out of going near one, unless I was in agony. At the age of 18, I had three days and nights of pacing the floor, swirling my mouth with whiskey and eating pain killers like sweeties, anything I could get my hands on to kill the pain.

The result… I stuffed a towel in my mouth and kept forcing the tooth until it gave way, yes I pulled my own tooth, only it was the wrong tooth! Needless to say I had to give in and visit my dentist. It wasn’t a memorable visit! Since then I have had numerous problems and have done my best to get around them any way I can, so long as I don’t have to get in that chair.

In December 2002 my teeth started playing up again, after 6 weeks of eating pain killers, again like sweeties I had to admit to myself I needed help, So in January 2003 I started looking for a dentist, I was getting married in June and didn’t want everything spoilt because I was in pain, but I had told myself there was no way I was going to let a dentist near me unless he knocks me out..I found a dentist purely by chance, flicking through the yellow pages, it advertised they could help people with severe phobia’s, with different type of treatment. I thought this is my man he can knock me out and I won’t know a thing about it!  

We’ll call him Mr. Richard Charon!!   I emailed them first to see if there were going to be able to help me, advised them straight away that I was a diabetic, but this didn’t put them off, Richard and his wife/partner Chris told me not to loose hope, there are many things that can be done and why not come in for a chat to see how you feel.   The minute I walked in the door I was greeted by Chris, she was lovely, so kind and reassuring, she knew it had taken a lot for me to even walk up the steps and through the front door. Then Richard appeared and I braced myself, as I knew he’d want me to sit in that bloody chair!

But no, he sat down in reception with me and we just chatted about everything and anything and gradually moved onto my medical history, because I have a disintegrating jaw bone I explained to Richard that I had already lost a number of teeth including my top front ones and in place is a plate.

I am very insecure of this because I was only 23yrs when told I would loose my front teeth and then lost them at 27yrs, as there was nothing more to be done.   However…The downside of being a diabetic… It’s not safe to be sedated as your blood sugar levels could change dramatically, causing even further problems. Richard said we could look at the "Happy Air", laughing gas, as I call it,.
He said we could try it out first just to see how I felt, he wouldn’t do any treatment but just wanted me to see how relaxed I could feel.  

I decided to book my next appointment for the following week, I knew if I left it any longer I would back out. The day of my treatment dawned and I was petrified, I wasn’t in pain anymore as the infection had been cleared by antibiotics so I thought what the hell, cancel, you don’t need any treatment, your fine, you never have to see them again there’s plenty of dentist’s around. But I sat myself down and thought long and hard about it, these were nice people, a nice dentist you don’t find many who are willing to help you all the way, I was running late so I called and spoke to Chris and explained how nervous I was, she told me not too worry, she would be here when I arrived and would help me all the way.  I walked into reception and Chris instantly knew I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible, she sat me down and promised me I would be ok, she said the gas & air really does work you won’t feel a thing.   She said I’m not lying I’ve had it done myself. Richard came into reception to check I was ok and then brought me into the treatment room, there was no turning back now I was in the dreaded chair!   

The little breathing piece was put over my nose and Richard explained how he wanted me to breathe so that he could ensure the equipment was working correctly and that I was receiving what I needed. I felt ok because Richard talked me through everything he did, he explained exactly what would be happening, how I would start to feel. He said you will start to feel nice and warm, like your snug in your bed, your toes may tingle a little bit, which is quite normal.  I kept on breathing the gas and air and felt, well quite frankly wonderful, Richard could have shoved 10 more needles in my mouth and I couldn’t have cared less, I was so relaxed just lying there.

My treatment completed Richard said its all over Marie, just lie there and relax, your not receiving any more of the magic mixture just some oxygen to clear your head. Within a minute or two I was sitting up in That Chair, which was now like my best friend!      After a few minutes Richard was right I did feel warm, felt a little floaty aswell not drunk just dreamy but it was a nice feeling, before I knew it the injections had already been done and I had gone through them without screaming, bursting into tears or having a panic attack.

Richard was wonderful, I was very emotional and on the verge of bursting into tears, but he reassured me everything would be OK, we would look at every option possible to find what suited me best. Richard them managed to examine all of my remaining teeth without too much protesting from me.

I felt fantastic, yes my mouth was numb on one side, but hey I had just had a tooth removed.   Do I still have a fear of Dentists, well probably yes, somewhere deep inside me, it won’t disappear overnight, and no doubt there will still be a few nerves there the next time I have treatment but whilst I know Richard can help me I will happily attend any check up or treatment session needed. So long as my happy gas is their if I need it.

I couldn’t believe it, I told Richard it was amazing stuff and I felt amazing. I walked out to Chris on reception and could have hugged her, she never lied to me, she promised it would be OK and it was.
I felt so good I went back to work in the afternoon although this was against Chris and Richard's advice.

Marie

If you feel that we could help you too, then please go to this link.
or call us on 01635 47757 for a free discussion. Don't wait until you are in dire trouble or dental disaster strikes !

A huge confidence changing smile

2011-07-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

For at least a dozen years I have used the following strap-line:

Changing Smiles - Changing Lives

Here is a lovely testimonial from one of our patients who recently completed her smile transformation that proves it.

Here is her new smile:

For the technically-minded: I used a combination of the hi-tech. Invisalign® (virtually invisible) smile alignment system, first of all and once the teeth were correctly aligned, I replaced an old tired crown, made one new crown and replaced an old "Maryland" adhesive bridge. The two middle teeth have had nothing done to them except to realign them.

and here it is close-up

Now are you ready for the "Before" picture to appreciate the transformation?

It really is the same person. First of all though, this is what she had to say:

I have to thank Richard for the huge confidence changing smile he has given me.

For 20 years you wouldn’t get me smiling in any photo’s and if you did, I would look at them cringing, but now after the Invisalign and other additional treatment, you can’t stop me smiling!

A massive thanks to Richard, Chris and their team…..absolutely brilliant is all I can say, and I will be recommending them to my friends, family and colleagues.

Jeanette

What a terrific testimonial, I think you'll agree. Well here is the before smile revealed ...

and after again

I do hope you are as wowed as she was and our team is too. Here is an extra wow for you- check out and like the video. Thanks.

If you would like to see what can done done to transform your smile, what not call us in Newbury on 01635 47757

Richard Charon

Our Open Day & West Berkshire Mencap donation

2011-07-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

I must offer a huge thanks to my team for their efforts in setting up and running our open day to celebrate our 21 years in Newbury and our new signage and window box display.

The fact that some kind soul deliberately set off our fire alarms in the morning, whilst we were trying to get ready and another kind soul, possibly the same one, pinched our little balloon display outside, to flag up our location, destined for our grandson later, did not spoil the day.
though.

Well 13 turned out to be a lucky number, since that is the number of prizes donated that were drawn and will be passed on by post next week.

By way of thanks to the donors (bar one whose gift came on the day), I ran a continually looping PowerPoint from my i-Mac in the corner of one room, to provide some free advertising/ exposure for the Raffle Prize Donors , well over £1000 worth in all!

Last but by no means least, thanks to Chris Reeves from West Berkshire Mencap who was on hand to receive our own gift of £250 and to local photographer Mike Samuels for the following picture.


Left to right: Chris Reeves: Richard Charon, Chris Charon: front row, Gosia Bednarz and Kate Cidral

Red Nose Day 20 years ago

2011-06-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Whilst looking through old photos to display at our open day tomorrow, I came aross these that may amuse you. They certainly made us chuckle!

These were taken at our Newbury practice (when the layout was very different) two years after Red Nose Day for Comic Relief was launched,

The two dental nurses we had at that time sponsored me to shave off my beard. So I did !

The colour isn't great as I've had to enhance 20-year old faded colour prints but you'll get the idea.

Hey Presto !

S M I L E !!

Open Day Friday July 1st. Prize draw and more...

2011-06-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Few people relish a trip to the dentist, however we are hoping plenty of people will visit our Cheap Street practice for the open day tomorrow (July 1st).

The practice recently celebrated its 21st birthday and the open day is to mark the event and to show off new signage that helps new patients find the first floor dental practice in St. Mary’s House. There will also be a presentation of a £250 donation to West Berkshire Mencap.

A host of prizes, together worth over £1,000 have been donated by friends, clients and suppliers of Newbury Smilemakers, for our free prize draw, for those attending the open day between 2pm and 7pm.

These include a state of the art Braun toothbrush worth over £100, a meal for two at Fallowfields Hotel in Oxfordshire, (a real treat in store), photography, personal coaching sessions, business support and gym sessions and much more.

Please join us for a glass!

“This open day is a chance to showcase the practice to our patients, who obviously have other things on their mind when they normally visit, together with supporters, suppliers and anyone who is curious about what we do or indeed the nervous patients we specialise in can even visit us, certain there will be no treatment!"

If you are reading this then take it as an invitation. RSVP on 01635 47757

“The team will all be here to answer questions and show people around and there will be a photographic exhibition showing how the practice – and indeed we – have changed over the 21 years and we have a patient, talented guitarist Matt Bullivant providing music during the event.”
For all the details please visit www.newburysmilemakers.com/openday

One of my top 3 photos

2011-06-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

That is to say, of the photos I have ever taken, this one ranks amongst my top 3.

From time to time I like to write a blog post which has nothing ( too much) to do with my dental practice. Well almost. I found this photo from about 1971/2 whilst looking through old photos, some of which will be displayed in the practice on our open day on July 1st. Those will be more personal. This on the other hand is something else.

Background

I studied Dentistry in at the University of Manchester Dental School in the early 1970s.

During that time I began to explore photography as a hobby and bought my first serious camera and lenses, second-hand from another dentist working at the Dental Hospital- A Pentax ( probably a Spotmatic) system I recall.

Living in one of the halls of residence, I had the opportunity to use their own darkroom and develop and print my own black and white photos on 10x8 paper- For the photo geeks, probably on ISO 400 film (Manchester was always overcast or raining- well almost always anyway) and using Ilford paper.

One day while roaming the streets of Manchester looking for opportunities to take some candid photographs, I came across this scene on a briefly sunny day.

The chap in the photo was in a world of his own totally oblivious to me, sitting in a garage, amongst a row of terraced houses just behind the Manchester City football ground- Maine Rd. I hope you like it too.

7 year-old had no idea she's had an injection at the dentist

2011-06-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

I'd love to share this with you from our Dental Hygienist. Mia is her 7 year old daughter.

Hi Richard and Chris,

Thanks for seeing Mia on Thursday. She got home, said her tooth was numb to Raymond, (Her Dad) he said, 'oh you had an injection'. She said ' no just some bubble gum stuff'. I didn't enlighten, just to let you know ,you certainly must have a painless tech, as she was totally unaware of even having an injection.

Thanks again.

Kind regards

Nicky

The "Bubble gum stuff" is a numbing gel we use before using The Wand anaesthetic method. It does really smell just like Bubble gum!

You should watch this if you really hate going to the dentist?

2011-06-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to publish our first two video testimonials. I'd like to thanks Mark Oborn, one of the UK's leading specialist, dental, social-media marketing experts, for editing them and finalizing the production.

The first is from Michael, who I have been looking after for a few years. You would never guess it from his unscripted, calm and confident testimonial but when Michael first came to see us, he was almost in tears in the waiting room with a look of absolute terror on his face.

See his transformation!

The second is from a Newbury local social-media guru, Nigel Morgan. Nigel runs a PR company and has been a journalist in a past life, so is not beyond seeing the downside of anything.

I would like to thank both Michael and Nigel. I appreciate the time and candour that both of these patients were prepared to offer, on behalf of us here at Newbury Smilemakers.

If you feel just a little more confident about taking that first step then please do call and speak to Chris Charon for sympathetic and knowledgeable advice on 01635 47757.

You can find much more information on our dentalphobia website, though remember, not all fear of the dentist is a phobia- we understand this too.

For the ladies- don't worry, we have now have two ladies who have volunteered to provide video testimonials for us so look our for these in the next few weeks. If you care to follow this blog on the right hand side of this page, you will automatically be notified of each new blog post.
We will not contact you unless you wish us to.

More information

Richard Charon

Two more great prizes

2011-06-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to their generosity, I can announce two more great prizes for our open day on Friday July 1st. You'll find us here.

One for the ladies .... From Curves Ladies Gym in King St West, (Near the KIng Charles Tavern)
These are for two free consecutive sessions for the month of July- Start to tone up in time for your summer hols! These sessions avoid a joining fee so are worth over £150!

One for the social media types. Mike Samuels, professional photographer has offered a "headshot" photo for your website/Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin accounts etc etc valued at £50.

Remember you can only win if you come along!

West Berks Mencap Donation

2011-06-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

Just to let you know we have had a fantastic response from my e-mail, seeking prizes for the free draw at our open day on Friday July 1st. A huge thanks to all who have donated.

The final newsletter/invitation, which was posted today to a selected group of our clients and will be circulated to selected local businesses too. Some of you ( the first to step up) do get a mention on page 2 !

Here is my blog post about it, to which I have added additional names of those who have donated prizes after the newsletter was printed. I'd be happy to accept any additional ones, if it suits you. By the way I'd also love you to follow my blog too!

I am planning a little PR regarding the open day and our 21 years in Newbury with Nigel Morgan, so hope to get a story in the Newbury Weekly News as well.

West Berkshire Mencap

We also have plans for one or two extra surprises on the day AND we also have decided, in view of the generosity of the donations of our business friends already, that as a practice we would like to make a donation of £250 to West Berkshire Mencap. This is the first time this has been announced.

Once again thank you so much for your support ( you know who you are) which is hugely appreciated.

I will blog a full list of donations when they are all in and counted.

Richard Charon

Summer Newsletter & Open day & FREE PRIZE DRAW

2011-06-08T11:48:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that our latest newsletter is now on-line (for the first time)

We are equally delighted to announce that we are holding

AN OPEN DAY

When?

On Friday 1st July

What time?

2pm to 7pm

Where?

Richard Charon at Newbury SmileMakers

55-6 Cheap St

Newbury

Please join us for a glass of bubbly (or coffee)/soft drinks
and a chat

PLUS

A valuable Free Prize Draw

Plus .... ???

Come and say hello if you are a client or even if you have just been considering calling us!

Due to the enthusiasm and generosity of local businesses (so far), we can offer some fantastic prizes worth well in excess of £500 in total. There are more details in the newsletter, which also went to print today to go out to our patients and local businesses too.

Now Even More Prizes!

We have been delighted with the response of local business to our request for prizes.

We know this is a win-win situation for everyone. We get the prizes to give away, the lucky winners take away something of real value for them or someone they know and the businesses have a chance to impress and deliver their service to a potential new client or customer .

Please see our newsletter (page 2) for the first set of terrific prizes on offer.

Go on click the link - don't miss out!

Now we can also offer

Additional Prizes

in our

Free Prize Draw

From Mike and Barbara Davis of the

Newbury Natural Therapy clinic

One Osteopathy treatment with Mike Davis D.O.

One Chiropody treatment with Barbera Davis

Both are located on the top floor, above us at

St. Mary’s House Cheap St, Newbury.

http://www.michaeljdavisdo-newbury.co.uk/osteopathsnewbury.html

http://www.findanosteopath.co.uk/90169

&

Paul Tebble of Crescent Signs, Faraday Road, Newbury
who produced our new external signage. is offering
a "Printed Stretched Canvas Frame", up to the size of A1, printed with a

digital photo of your choice…… valued at £100!

http://www.crescentsigns.co.uk

We'll let you know if any more are on offer.
In fact if you sign up to this blog on the right or to our facebook page

Facebook Group

you will automatically be updated.

We hope to see you there and good luck in the prize draw
from the
Newbury Smilemakers Team

Look out for our latest video testimonials coming VERY soon

Review of our best testimonials this year

2011-06-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

I have just been reviewing some testimonials from this year and have gathered half a dozen together.
I'm bowled over by their generosity. I hope you will be too.

Our dental care has had an impact on the quality of his life !

“During my recent routine check-up at Richard Charon’s practice, as Richard was doing his meticulous inspection round, he paused to marvel at his own previous handy work, the bridgework reconstruction of my upper front teeth, which he did for me over 10 years ago. …..and as he gave me the ‘ALL OK’, the occasion made me think of the impact that the bridge had made on the quality of my life. Remembering the bad old days of the partial dentures I used to have, with all the usual problems of food getting under the plate, and the denture’s annoying track record of breaking just before an important event or occasion, so as if to cause maximum possible embarrassment. The contrast with Richard’s reconstruction of my front teeth has been ‘10 years of trouble free normal life’ with teeth that feel and look as if they were my own natural teeth.”

“I first found Richard when he was in practice in Reading at my local and nearest surgery. ( During the 1980s) But when he moved to his own clinic in Newbury, I had no hesitation in making the much longer journey so that I would continue to benefit from his skills and level of care which had made such a major impact on improving my dental health.

This experience made me wonder why do people just go to their nearest dentist irrespective of the range of services, skills or quality of care a dental practice may offer, yet most of us happily spend more time researching, travelling for miles and chasing for things a lot less important in life, like when we shop for new sofa!

Needless to say, I soon persuaded my wife to switch her dentist and she too is now delighted with the level of care and service she is getting at Richard’s Clinic with real visible improvements of her teeth.”

S.B.

Praise indeed from another dentist via a happy patient

and here is another we received in March 2011

Restored her faith in Dentists We received this lovely testimonial from one of our patients. Addressed to my wife Chris who runs the practice and is our Treatment Coordinator too.

Hi Chris,
Just to say thanks again to you and Richard for having a go at fixing that
for me yesterday and for explaining about the veneers. Sounds like that is
next course of action. Just a shame I didn't find you earlier as I may have
been able to save my teeth from being in the state they are now! I know you
now have a complaints procedure but I'm not sure if you have a 'compliments'
one. In case you do then thanks again for helping to restore my faith in
dentists and making it much easier to visit the dentist! (the happy gas is
also fabulous!)

Zara

What about this from Feb 2011

300 mile - 7 hour round trip to see your dentist

Would you travel a 300 miles a 7 hour round trip to see your dentist?

This lady did. She wrote a short testimonial whilst filling in a customer satisfaction survey.

In addition to ticking "Very staisfied" in all boxes , she said " Been here 22 years with the practice. I live in mid Wales and travel to Newbury for this fabulous Service". So that is a 7 hour round trip. I guess we are doing something right.... 8-).

She is not alone. Sadly this lady sensibly decided to seek help nearer home rather than undertake the 276 mile round trip especially as her teeth and gums are meticulously looked after by her. But she will still return to see our hygienist !! This is what she said in May 2011

Warm praise for us and our Hygienist Nicky Smith

Dear Richard,

I said I would send an email and here it is....................

The decision to transfer to a more local dentist has been difficult to process. Travelling from Norfolk to Newbury, now that we're retired, is not a good idea. The cost of petrol, combined with the potential difficulties of needing a series of appointments in the future, has really forced me to look locally. I have had a first appointment with the more local dentist - who cares for all three generations of my brother's family. I feel very confident and comfortable with him, both personally and professionally.

He was HIGHLY complimentary about the standard of dentistry I've received during the years that you have been my dentist. He was impressed with the healthy state of my gums and teeth and doesn't need to see me for another year! I'd like to thank you for all the wonderful work you've done to keep my teeth, gums and mouth so healthy. I have felt comfortable during appointments and have every confidence in the professionalism of your skills and the team that you've carefully created.

Chris is a wonderful Customer/Practice relations manager. I have enjoyed the brief chats we've shared either side of appointments. I've also valued the way you and Chris have worked as a team during "big" procedures . On such occasions, I knew I was in very safe hands as you work exceptionally well together.

As I've frequently said, Nicky is the best hygienist I've ever encountered. She did a wonderful smarten up job on my mouth during my recent appointment and the work she did on the gum infection did the trick! Nicky has a light touch which is gentle on the mouth and patient. As dental hygiene work can be done annually, I will continue to make appointments with Nicky.

It is with reluctance that I sign off as I'd continue to choose you as my dentist if distance made it viable. I am very grateful for the years of your excellent dentistry that I've been privileged to receive.

Warmest regards to you and The Team,

Ros Nicholls

How would you feel if you were able to send us a heartfelt testimonial like these?

Do these help to make your mind up visit?

Why not pick up the phone for helpful and friendly advice?

01635 47757

Richard Charon

Jordan's 15 mins.of fame

2011-06-04T02:35:00.000-07:00

No sorry not THAT Jordan.

Jordan Poulos is 11 years old and we have known him before he was born so to speak. The son of close friends, (yes they are patients of ours too) , Jordan had his "15 minutes of fame" on BBC Radio Berkshire this morning. Speaking to Nicki Whiteman Footie mad, he has been a regular Reading Royals fan since he was knee-high to a grassopper.

Amazingly Jordan, aged 11, will be taking penalties at the charity match tomorrow at Madjeski Stadium when he will be part of the Reading Legends team v. Tottenham Hotspur Legends,shooting against professional goalies for chariity.

Jordan's dad said " It is a charity match to raise funds for Paul Turner, who until recently was a Reading FC physio. Unfortunately, he developed a rare virus that has virtually blinded him and curtailed his career.
I successfully bid for Jordan to be part of the action "

Here is the link to the radio show:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00h1k7q/Nicki_Whiteman_04_06_2011/
Jordan’s interview starts at 1 hr and 25 minutes into the show.
Want to sponsor him per goal he scores?
Let me know.

Open Day July 1st. Prize draw

2011-06-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our Invitation to You

An Open Day

Friday 1st July 2011 2-7pm

Please join us for drinks and a chat

to celebrate 21 years in Newbury

and our new signage!

Free Prize draw

Top of the range Oral B electric toothbrush RRP over £100

plus other prizes

to be won

RSVP so we can cater !

chris@newburydentist.co.uk

01635 447757

New Signage

2011-05-27T15:58:00.000-07:00

I have just made a video on Animoto called "New Signage quick peek"

Huge thanks to Paul Tebble and his team of Crescent Signs in Newbury for an outstanding piece of work

Paul Tebble

Crescent Signs Ltd

Tel: 01635 48606

I am also working on our latest newsletter to be published in June and I will be announcing the date of our celebration open day and prize draw soon too. (Possibly Friday 17th June)

Dispatches - The Truth About Your Dentist - Channel 4

2011-05-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Dispatches - The Truth About Your Dentist - Channel 4
23rd May 2011

It certainly is not the truth about this dentist!

There are over 24,000 dentists working in the UK profession in over 10,000 practices.
Tonight's programme featured less than 6 practices and less than 10 dentists who allegedly were “gaming the system.”
If these allegations are true, we are as shocked and upset as you are.
Programmes like Despatches are there to expose the malpractice of all in the professions and business – bankers, politicians, business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals and others.
They do so in order to sell programming and advertising – so the more outrageous the better – if you dig deep enough you will always find a story.

Here at Newbury Smilemakers we are very proud of our team, our standards of customer service and clinical care.

We hope that watching the practices and individuals featured in the Despatches programme will have demonstrated the investment that we make in our dental practice, the care that we extend to our patients and the difference that we provide.

The truth about us is that we do care.

(with thanks to Chris Barrow as I missed the program!)

2011-05-08T05:37:00.001-07:00

#dentistry Relaxing and playing grandad- or will be soon after successful course yesterday in #Newbury www.theracoach.blogspot.com

2011-05-06T13:08:00.001-07:00

All systems go 4 tomorrow teaching dental teams the "happy air" sedation method for overcoming dental anxiety. www.the-ra-coach.co.uk

2011-05-03T23:34:00.001-07:00

Why was yesterday such a good day for us? http://ow.ly/4MAqa

2011-05-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

Today was a good 'un. This letter, from one of my young adult patients, greeted my return from the Bank holidays. He now lives in London hence the apologetic opening.

For the technically minded, I used a 'Stick-tech" bridge to replace his two upper front teeth damaged when he was assaulted as a teenager. These are "glued" to the backs of the adjacent teeth. He knows that he may need dental implants when he is older. It was very nice of the new dentist to be so complementary.

At the end of the day, Chris and I got hugs from 2 patients. One, a referral from another dentist to remove 4 teeth for orthodontic purposes for her daughter. The referring dentist had tried twice with local anaesthetic injections but had to give up. With our magic "R.A." and "The Wand®", it all went perfectly today and mum, who watched throughout, just had to give me a hug! She has promised a testimonial too, which will be nice.

The other followed an after-hours interview with a prospective patient in need of some denture rehabilitation. She has opted for "Twighlight Sleep" or intravenous sedation, to overcome her deep anxiety. She hasn't seen a dentist for years, thought Chris was an Angel (well she is really) and I was marvellous. Let's hope we can live up to expectations. We will certainly try.

If you think that any of the above may apply to you and that we may be able to help, please don't hesitate. Pick up the phone and speak to Chris on 01635 47757

2011-04-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

Help a child with a life-threatening illness to smile. Go here to contribute http://newburydentist.blogspot.com/

Help a child with a life-threatening illness to smile

2011-04-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK aims to grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. Support the efforts of Richard and Tom Stock who are cycling from the Berkshire 230 miles to Paris in 3 days. I've known Richard Stock, for 25 years.

They Leave on Friday 29th April and Arrive Sunday 1st April in Paris. Leave a comment & type “NSM”, so they know that social media have helped.

Richard & Tom Stock Cycle to Paris

www.justgiving.com

JustGiving - the easiest way to fundraise and donate to charity online

Top tips to prevent sensitive teeth

2011-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

My thanks to our Dental Therapist Laura Woosey for another great guest blog posts for us.

Sensitive teeth are very common dental problem causing discomfort to many people at some point in their lives.

There are many reasons as to why sensitivity occurs.

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent sensitivity.

1. Brush and clean in between your teeth every day but do not brush aggressively. Plaque is very soft and can be removed without much force.

2. Cut down on acidic foodstuffs especially citrus fruits and restrict them to meal times only. A straw may be used for acidic drinks.

3. Use Fluoride mouthwash between tooth brushing.

4. Use sensitive toothpaste twice daily. Spit out the excess toothpaste but do not rinse with water or mouthwash.

5. Sensitive toothpaste can be used as an ointment and applied to specific areas of sensitivity and left overnight.

6. Most important is to see your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleaning.

2011-04-15T00:42:00.001-07:00

A very good morning to all esp new followers and friends. Have a great day. We are smile fixing tomorrow so our w/e starts Sunday 8-)

2011-04-12T15:56:00.001-07:00

I proudly posted just over a year ago that grandparenthood had arrived. 13 months later..8-)

2011-04-12T15:47:00.001-07:00

Just over a year ago I proudly announced that Grandparenthood had arrived. 13 months on. 8-)

The truth about tooth staining

2011-04-08T04:55:00.000-07:00

My thanks to our Dental Therapist Laura Woosey for her third guest blog posts for us.

Teeth can stain or discolour for a number of reasons, some of which can be prevented.

1. Adequate dental hygiene, brush regularly, ideally twice a day with either a manual or electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have been clinically proven to be more effective than manual toothbrushes in removing plaque, stain and foot that build up between the teeth.

2. Food and Drink: Your diet has a huge impact on staining of teeth. Frequent consumption of chromogenic (coloured) food and drink will produce staining over a period of time depending on the amount consumed. For example: tea, coffee, red wine, curry, and tomato rich sauce.

3. Smoking: People who smoke generally build up more stain than people who don’t. Likewise heavier smokers will build up more stain than social smokers. The nicotine causes this from the cigarettes smoke sitting on the teeth. Similarly chewing tobacco or beetlenut will also cause staining.

Top tips on how to prevent stain build up:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush for at least 2 minutes.

2. Floss between your teeth daily.

3. Try to rinse with water or Fluoride mouthwash after eating or drinking.

4. Consider quitting smoking/chewing tobacco or beetlenut not only to prevent staining but also for the benefit of your general health.

5. Avoid frequent consumption of black tea, coffee and red wine.

6. Add milk to your tea and coffee.

7. A whitening or abrasive toothpaste may be used to prevent staining but it is not a long-term solution.

8. Visit your hygienist every 3 months for professional cleaning and stain removal.

If you have dark or stained teeth, please do contact us to book for an assessment.

Bad breath (halitosis) - your problems answered - Part 2

2011-04-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

My thanks to our Dental Therapist Laura Woosey for the second of several guest blog posts for us.
In our last post about halitosis we talked about looking after natural teeth, here's more about looking after dentures.

5 top tips to keep your dentures sparklingly fresh and clean:

It is important to care for your dentures if you want them to stand the test of time. A build up of plaque bacteria, which is naturally present in the mouth, can cause unsightly staining and bad breath.

1. Keep them fresh and clean by using soft denture brush rather than a toothbrush or electric tooth brush to brush off any plaque bacteria after each meal.

2. Use either soap and water or a denture cream to keep them sparklingly clean rather than tooth paste, which is not only expensive but also abrasive and damaging to the dentures.

3. Clean your dentures over a full sink filled with water or over a soft towel to avoid damaging them if accidently dropped.

4. Do not attempt to clean them in boiling water or bleach, as this is harmful to dentures.

5. Leave your dentures out at night to allow the gum tissues to breath and rest. Soak the dentures in container of water or denture cleaning solution.

2011-03-30T15:56:00.001-07:00

What is RADCT? RA Dental Competency Training. I am excited to announce our new competency training course in RA /IS for Therapists and Hygienist. More info here http://bit.ly/hue1bK. Please like and pass this forward to DCP friends and contacts.

Bad breath (halitosis) - your problems answered - Part 1

2011-03-25T04:56:00.000-07:00

My thanks to our Dental Therapist Laura Woosey for this first of several guest blog posts for us.

Bad Breath – Too embarrassing to mention ?

Most people do suffer from bad breath (halitosis) at some point in their lives. Perhaps this includes you or someone close to you.

Halitosis can have a big impact on your self-confidence and social life, and can be caused by a number of things. There are many reasons why it happens. Here are the common ones.

There are hundreds of types of bacteria in the mouth some good, some bad. However it is the sulphur-producing bacteria that cause the unpleasant odour.

Other types of bacteria cause tooth decay (cavities) whilst others cause gum diseases. If your gums feel spongy or bleed easily, its time to see you dentist, hygienist or dental therapist, for help.

Other reasons for bad breath may include smoking, drinking coffee, sinus and mucous problems, a dry mouth, eating protein rich foods and other foods such a garlic and onions. Often, in combination.

Sometimes bad breath occurs if people have stomach problems such as gastric reflux, frequent indigestion, heartburn or a hiatus hernia. All of these need help from your doctor.

To eliminate simple bad breath, follow these simple steps...

Firstly you must have an excellent oral health routine:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Remember to brush the gums gently as well.

2. Brush the tongue or invest in a simple tongue scraper to remove excess toothpaste, plaque and tongue coating. A high percentage of halitosis comes from tongue bacteria!

There are lots to choose from. Here is a great story about how one inventor used YouTube to get his product known

3. Floss daily to remove any trapped food/plaque from between the teeth that can contribute to bad breath. By concentrating on tooth brushing and inter-dental cleaning (flossing or bottle-brushing) around the gums you will also prevent gum disease which is a major factor of bad breath and tooth loss.

4. Use an alcohol-free, fluoride-based mouthwash after lunch to freshen the mouth and flush out excess food and drink. Look out for oxygenating mouthwashes or Retardex products, which kill the odour-producing bacteria.

5. Use a fluoride toothpaste with a mint flavour when brushing. Try to avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate (a foaming agent), which many do have.

6. If you suffer from a dry mouth, it is important to stay hydrated with frequent sips of water (not fizzy or flavoured). People with a dry mouth are very prone to tooth decay so be sure to keep up you dental examinations if you have this problem. This problem occurs as we get older and if we are taking some prescription medicines. Be sure to talk to your dentist, hygienist or therapist if this troubles you. It is important , so don’t ignore it.

7. Avoid caffeine and regularly chew sugar free gum. Ones containing xylitol are especially good at fighting tooth decay.

8. Be sure to get professional advice too, don’t cover-up if there is an underlying problem, such as sinusitis or gum disease. Rarely, bad breath may be caused

The Power of a Smile by Ron Gutman

2011-03-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here is an enlightening look at the power of a smile by Ron Gutman, founder and CEO of HealthTap.
He also serves as the Curator of TEDxSilicon Valley. This column was adopted from a presentation at the most recent TED conference.

"I found a simple and surprisingly powerful way to significantly improve my own life and the lives of others. So now, whenever you want to look great and competent, improve your marriage, or reduce your stress…or whenever you want to feel as good as when you’ve enjoyed a stack of high quality chocolate without incurring the caloric cost, or as if you randomly found 25 grand in the pocket of a jacket you hadn’t worn for ages…or when you want to tap into a superpower and help yourself and others live longer, healthier happier lives…SMILE."

Ron Gutman

There is much more about the background to his conclusion. It really is very interesting read it here .
So if you are embarrassed by your smile you may be losing out in more ways than you think.

Richard Charon

Just for Red-Nose day

2011-03-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Restored her faith in Dentists

2011-03-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

Today we received this lovely testimonial from one of our patients. Addressed to my wife Chris who runs the practice and is our Treatment Coordinator too.

Hi Chris ,

Just to say thanks again to you and Richard for having a go at fixing that
for me yesterday and for explaining about the veneers. Sounds like that is
next course of action. Just a shame I didn't find you earlier as I may have
been able to save my teeth from being in the state they are now! I know you
now have a complaints procedure but I'm not sure if you have a 'compliments'
one. In case you do then thanks again for helping to restore my faith in
dentists and making it much easier to visit the dentist! (the happy gas is
also fabulous!)

Zara

If you would like to try us to see if we can help restore your faith in dentists, why not call Chris on 01635 47757 . And yes, the happy gas is also fabulous!

2011-03-04T23:10:00.001-08:00

We have a v. busy day including IV sedation smile transformation. Yes we work alternate Saturdays. If you would love to transform your smile but are just too anxious to even think about it, then pick up the phone, speak to Chris and arange a FREE no obligation chat over coffee to see how we can help you. NO check up or dental instruments to be seen !!

2011-02-22T10:42:00.001-08:00

Today I saw 2 new patients. 25-30 men. Both teachers with loads of tooth decay. Beware superfit folk sugar=decay

300 mile 7 hour round trip to see your dentist

2011-02-19T05:11:00.000-08:00

Would you travel a 300 mile, 7 hour round trip to see your dentist?
This lady did. She wrote a short testimonial whilst filling in a customer satisfaction survey. In addition to ticking "Very staisfied" in all boxes , she said " Been here 22 years with the practice. I live in mid Wales and travel to Newbury for this fabulous Service". So that is a 7 hour round trip. I guess we are doing something right.... 8-).

2011-02-17T11:22:00.001-08:00

We say goodbye to Cookie tonight. A totally soft Staffy bitch that we have been dog sitting for 2 months for a friend of our duaghter

2011-02-09T23:54:00.001-08:00

Seeking P/t Hygienist for Alternate Sats in Newbury

2011-01-24T11:56:00.001-08:00

Prevention is better than cure. True in so many fields but always true for teeth and gums.

2011-01-24T09:21:00.001-08:00

#Newbury Minimal Intervention Dentistry. Sound appealing? Watch this space!

The Wand: Dental Pain Barrier Broken for One Patient

2011-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Today I saw a patient for the second time. The first time was 3 months ago. He is a thirty-something chap who hasn't seen a dentist for some years. A French national. Two of his top back teeth are so far gone that they cannot be saved.

He came today to start some simple filling work on front teeth as above but he has had problems. One of the broken- down, top back teeth, due for removal, had been troubling him and another front tooth, due for a small filling had lost a much bigger filling with lots of tooth decay underneath and it needed more urgent treatment.

Well I removed the pieces of the broken tooth and dealt with the large filling in the front tooth. At the end he said; "That is the first time I've been to the dentist and had no pain. You were very professional. If I had known you before, I would have come before my teeth got so bad."

What a shame for this nice chap. Anyway is is on the road to dental recovery now.
.
We used The Wand® to anaesthetise (numb) the two teeth. It is a revoultion and I was one of the UK's first dentists to use it. We have had it for 6 years now and NEVER USE SYRINGES for injections. The Wand® is so much more gentle. A similar but differently designed gadget, that does the same thing, is beng marketed to dentists and patients as Single Tooth Anaesthesia. Remember at Newbury Smilemakers, we have been using this daily for 6 years, so we are way ahead of the game!

This means that often, but not always, a lower back tooth can be put to sleep without numbing the side of the tongue, the lip and the chin which is the normal way this has been done in the past

If you want to know more or know someone who would benefit, call us in Newbury on 01635 47757 and speak to Chris for friendly, professional and knowledgable advice or e-mail chris@newburysmilemakers.com

.

Worth Fighting Through the Snow from Norway

2010-12-21T05:42:00.000-08:00

Today I received this wonderful testimonial from a patient who I have only seen once before to discuss her options. She is an ex-pat, living in Norway, who found our details through our website.

Despite the heavy snow, she made her way here the day after her arrival in the UK on Friday last.
We completed her treatment using Twighlight Sleep Sedation on Saturday afternoon, December 18th during heavy snow here inNewbury. Here is her testimonial received this morning 21st December. I'll add her name once I receive her permission.

Dear Chris and Richard,

Just a quick note to say thank you so much for the treatment this afternoon. After about 12 years of avoiding any form of dental treatment, it was well worth fighting through the snow from Norway for my appointment. Trust and confidence are vital components needed to get me through the door of a dental surgery, and you succeeded where many others have failed!

I can now enjoy Christmas free of the constant nagging guilt of knowing I am ignoring my dental health, so thank you both once again. The appointment may have lasted several hours, but it seemed more like ten minutes, and I am blissfully free of any real memories about the treatment itself, which will make the next visit so much easier.

Wishing you both a very God Jul og Godt Nytt År (as they say in our neck of the woods)

Kindest regards,

Sue Budd

PS: added 22nd December

Feel free to use my testimonial. Once again, many thanks. I'm now facing another challenge: how to fight my way back through the snow to Norway - unfortunately via Heathrow ... fingers crossed!

So if you or someone you know wants to have an entirely different experience of dental care, why not make it a New Year's resolution? Pick up the phone and speak to Chris Charon on 01635 47757 to arrange a FREE consultation over coffee WITH NO DENTAL CHECK-UP to discuss your requirements.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Smiley New Year

Our Jan 2011 Newsletter

2010-12-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

Our Newsletter, designed to kick off the New Year, is at the printer now and will be sent out, by post, to a selected group of patients initially, to test their reaction.

In then meantime for those on-line here is a sneak preview.

I'll take the opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year

Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers Newsletter Jan 2011

Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers: Our Latest Testimonial

2010-12-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

What a great way to finish a cold and frosty day. This afternoon I received an e-mail with this lovely testimonial, from one of my patients. Someone I have been looking after for over 20 years.

It is true we all work hard to earn a living but sometimes it is nice to be appreciated too.

“During my recent routine check-up at Richard Charon’s practice, as Richard was doing his meticulous inspection round, he paused to marvel at his own previous handy work, the bridgework reconstruction of my upper front teeth, which he did for me over 10 years ago.
…..and as he gave me the ‘ALL OK’, the occasion made me think of the impact that the bridge had made on the quality of my life. Remembering the bad old days of the partial dentures I used to have, with all the usual problems of food getting under the plate, and the denture’s annoying track record of breaking just before an important event or occasion, so as if to cause maximum possible embarrassment. The contrast with Richard’s reconstruction of my front teeth has been ‘10 years of trouble free normal life’ with teeth that feel and look as if they were my own natural teeth.”

“I first found Richard when he was in practice in Reading at my local and nearest surgery. But when he moved to his own clinic in Newbury, [in 1989] I had no hesitation in making the much longer journey so that I would continue to benefit from his skills and level of care which had made such a major impact on improving my dental health.

This experience made me wonder why do people just go to their nearest dentist irrespective of the range of services, skills or quality of care a dental practice may offer, yet most of us happily spend more time researching, travelling for miles and chasing for things a lot less important in life, like when we shop for new sofa!

Needless to say, I soon persuaded my wife to switch her dentist and she too is now delighted with the level of care and service she is getting at Richard’s Clinic with real visible improvements of her teeth.”

Many thanks Siamak for your kind words. I like the one about travelling for miles to find the right sofa. I'll have to remember that one.

So if you or someone you would like to benefit as this patient has, please don't hesitate to get in touch on 01635 47757 or to find out much more about us, relax and go to visit our website

The Fastest Tooth-Smiths in the West

2010-10-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were surely the fastest tooth-smiths in the West (Berks. that is) since Doc. Holliday
(He was a Wild West Dentist in case you had forgotten) and delivering the ultimate world-class service. Here is the story ...

We had arranged a lunchtime meeting with David Claridge, someone who I had worked with for many years as a dental technician and who now is a rep. for 3M

He had come, prepared with lunch for the team, to educate us all about 3M mini implants, designed to stabilise loose dentures. We were all gathered around the monitor in the patient lounge. I was crouched down with David just fixing the screen display and volume. The team were settling down with coffee and just starting to tuck into their M&S lunch, when a man appeared at the reception are door, panting, out of breathe, saying, “ Can anyone please help me, I‘m on a coach trip , my front tooth has just broken off and I only have 20 minutes before the coach leaves.”

David and I looked at each other and simultaneously said, “ You couldn’t make this up”.
Quick as a flash, the team sprang into action. One dentist and two dental nurses. Within moments the patient was sitting in my dental chair having a medical history taken. Fortunately he was well accustomed to dental treatment. Unfortunately he presented me with a porcelain dental crown, inside of which was the rest of his tooth, which had snapped off level with the gum.

On one side of the broken tooth was a natural tooth , on the other side of it was a porcelain bridge. A few seconds thought to work out what best to do to get him back on the road.

All the necessary materials were assembled by my two Dental nurses in moments as I snappily called out what was required. In about 10 minutes flat we, painlessly sealed off the broken tooth at gum level, taken digital images for the patient to take to his own dentist, constructed a tooth, by hand, from tooth-coloured filling resin and built this up, bonding it to the adjacent teeth. No time to take any "after" pictures, the patient was out of the chair the moment I said- "Done".

No injections, no pain. Just a temporary tooth and the patient was on his way, together with pictures and a full printed description of the treatment, to take to his own dentist, in time to catch the coach waiting outside and of course, having paid his fee. Phew…. Back to the presentation but that’s another story.

Afterwards the team were all buzzed up. They said they felt like they had been in a scene from E.R.
Still I'd prefer not to spend every lunch-hour this way but sometimes, stuff just happens.

By the way If you know anyone with loose denture teeth that would like an elegant and simple solution please let them know we can help.

Please call and speak to Chris on 01635 47757

What a great day

2010-09-30T11:18:00.000-07:00


Design - Jennifer Charon - Graphic Designer

What a great day we have had at Newbury Smilemakers today. We have seen several new people wishing to join our dental practice.

Some looking for a nicer smile with Invisalign. Some halfway though getting their new smiles with Invisalign including my wife, Chris.

One having jaw or facial pain looking for help if I can give it. We are trying her with a simple muscle relaxing NTI bite guard. Then we met some lovely new people wanting to join our practice who came to talk things over with us this evening. They found us through Twitter- It is amazing!

We also had a team appraisal meeting, which was very positive and will result in some small but very significant and helpful changes to the way we organize ourselves. I even had the team appraise me too!

Then we returned home to find the decorator has done an outstandingly professional job on our lounge, so he is now 1/3 the way through the house redecoration plan. He also tidied up beautifully after himself.

Oh did I mention, he is my son and is happy to accept work withing 30 miles of Newbury!

If you are interested, contact me and I'll pass on the details.

If you would like to meet us to talk about your dental care and you are within 50 miles of Newbury, please call us on 01635 47757.

Invitation to find out how you could get an even smile without using wire braces

2010-09-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Invisalign Presentation Evening

You are invited to

A Presentation Evening with

Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers

Certified Invisalign Practitoner.

Why not call 01635 47757 to find out more

Bring a friend - bring several friends.

Can I lay on an evening for your group or business?

Straight Smiles without "Train Track" braces, Crowns or Veneers

No more gaps, no more crossed teeth, no more buck teeth

DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Why not come and meet us for wine & nibbles and find out about

this revolutionary way to re-align smiles.

From Teens to 60 and any age in between.

Prepare to be amazed!

Learn more about Invisalign

The patented Invisalign® system was introduced to my practice almost 3 years ago and the results are outstanding. Why not come along to find out more. Please bring a friend who may be interested too.

If you have any queries, feel free to get in touch.

Places are limited so please RSVP

or earlier to help our arrangements and

set a date to suit you

St.Mary's House

55-6 Cheap Street

Newbury

RG14 5DH

01635 47757

Invisalign Testimonial: No gaps, No wire braces

2010-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well now, the testimonials are coming in a rush, which is fantastic !

We received this Testimonial from Tom 3 days ago.

Not only was Tom delighted with his new smile but it has given a great boost to his self-confidence AND he was very complimentary about the experience he has had with us.

Tom's before and after pictures

and here is his testimonial

I must take this opportunity to praise the whole team at Newbury Smilemakers for their dedicated hard work in winning such praise from so many of our patients.

Thanks to Chris, Nicky, Rachel and Gosia. Tom's smile makeover was achieved using .......

Invisalign

If you'd like to know more we are happy to offer a free initial discussion. Please contact us on 01635 47757 and ask to speak to Chris.

Dental Tourism - a good idea? A salutory tale

2010-09-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

The internet is full of offers of cheap dentistry. Is this always a good idea?

In fact it could be a disaster. I was recently asked to see the patient of a colleague referred to me by the dental technician we both use.

The patient's entire upper set of teeth had had to be removed, as they had come to the end of their life.
I did not see him before they were removed.

He did not wish to have a denture plate, which is not so unusual today. His choice was to have
all of his top teeth replaced with a removable bridge supported on dental implants.

He elected to travel to Spain for a cheap solution. He had 10 implants placed in his upper jaw bone (so far so good) and plastic replacement teeth, on a metal bar, fitted onto these implants. All of this was carried out in a very up-market clinic (he told me) 2 years ago.

Now one of the plastic teeth, near the front, had broken off and he wished to upgrade the plastic teeth for better quality porcelain ones. Fair enough.

He came to see me for what he thought would be an easy quick fix to his problem. "Just unscrew the
bridge and get your technician to make up a porcelain set. You can do it in a couple of days" he said.

I explained that I could not just unbolt the bridge and fit on a new one- like a pit-stop tyre change without checking the implants were sound first.

I could see that all was not well with the bridge. It was poorly constructed and finished and some of the implant work that I could see was suspect. An initial panoramic 2D x-ray revealed that at the very least 2 of the 10 implants at one end had failed and would need to be removed together with the three end teeth of the bridge.

Given his problem, my immediate advice was to return to Spain as the clinic/ dentist/Oral Surgeon were best placed to do this work for him as they were used to the implant system, which frankly I had never heard of.

His story was that no-one at the clinic spoke English except the head-honcho who could not be contacted as he was travelling the world lecturing.

That being the case I then suggested that he seek the opinion of an implantologist, as I am a general dental practitioner who utilises dental implants but it is not my full-time speciality.

I sent him a detailed written report of my findings and recommendations , in particular that he should have a detailed survey, using a 3D Cat (actually CBCT) Scan, of the entire upper jaw bone and implants, to check all of the implants. I have no interest in this company but their website shows more details about 3D dental CBCT Scans

Well after a delay of about a month, I have finally heard from him. He took my advice. Had the dental scan done and now finds that ALL of his implants have failed and they all need removing, together
(as I had suggested) with a number of his lower remaining teeth, which by the way had been left in a poor state, whilst the upper implant work had been carried out - a no-no in my book.

He now needs extensive reconstructive surgery with bone grafting from his hip bone. As an added complication, as a result of a heart condition, he is in the middle of a one year course of anti-blood clotting medication, so will not be able to have the surgery for at least 6 months.

The cost both emotionally, and in time, energy, effort, surgery as well as hard cash, are enormous.

He thought £2-3000 would give him an new upper set of porcelain teeth as another quick fix. I dare not guess the cost of the full remedial reconstruction but £20,000- £50,000 could easily be a ball park figure.

To use his words, this had been disastrous. I do feel desperately sorry for him as a person but with hind-sight it was a poor decision, based on what seemed like a good a idea. A quick, cheap fix.

The problem with dental tourism is that there is no relationship with the people carrying out the work. You are just another number on a conveyor belt. Moreover IF there are problems, it will mean repeated journeys back to whichever country was chosen to rectify the problem, sometimes just for short visits or paying again, often many times the original fee to rectify a problem here.

Incidentally this is not the first such case I have seen. The previous one I referred to a Professor in London as the poor woman's life had been ruined by inappropriate dental implant surgery in Eastern Europe. He could not suggest a solution other than starting all over again, as with the case I have outlined above

People undertaking dental implant work must ensure full continuity of care. Please check this link to the General Dental Council where you can download a detailed account and check list of issues to consider before going abroad for the cheap option. Caveat Emptor (Let the buyer beware!)

Testimonial from BNI member

2010-09-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have belonged to the Jack O'Newbury BNI (A business breakfast organisation) Chapter for 3 years.

I have received several testimonials from members in the past which is great.

This morning I received a lovely testimonial, read out to 40-odd local business folk, at this morning's meeting, from a fairly new member of the chapter.

One of my main interests and indeed successes as a dentist, is in assisting anxious or phobic patients, so imagine how delighted we were to receive this from Amanda-Jane Huxford Harley , herself a Hypnotherapist and Clinical Psychotherapist, who's profession is helping phobic and fearful people amongst other things!

Thanks Amanda-Jane

Changing Smiles ~ Changing Lives in Newbury

2010-09-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

"Changing Smiles ~ Changing Lives" has been our strap line for about 12 years. We see the results to back this up on a regular basis. Today we received this great testimonial from a lady I have been looking after for over 20 years. She has always had dental problems - including anxiety but finally, when she could put it off no longer, we went forward to a plan we had been thinking about for a very long time.

Today she came into the practice to say thanks with 3 flower arrangements for the team. One each for my two Dental Nurses and one for my wife and Practice Manager/Treatment Coordinator, Chris. Plus a bottle of bubbly for me and this terrific testimonial. Makes it all worthwhile.

So for a smile to be proud of and a dentist to trust,

at Newbury Smile Makers, we have it sussed !

If you are within 50 miles of Newbury just call us on

01635 47757 for a free discussion of your needs.

If you are further afield, well its a long way

but some of our patients come from further than 50 miles too!

White filling or work of art?

2010-09-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hello and thanks for checking my latest blog post.

The idea of "white fillings" isn't new any more. Most people know about them.

I prefer to say "tooth-coloured" fillings, as we aim to achieve a very close match to whatever is the natural tooth colour of that particular tooth. One-size does not fit all. At Newbury Smilemakers we go the extra mile to select a matching shade and blend different shades of the materials we use to achieve a natural result.

Why not find out how we transformed this ugly, cracked, silver filling into a natural looking tooth?

Just click , Its all here !

In this case I completed the transformation in one visit. Sometimes it might be advisable to have a ceramic inlay (which is like a jig-saw puzzle piece) or even a crown made, which does take longer, if the tooth needs it but that's another topic!

If you would love to be able to transform your silver/mercury fillings into beautiful, natural looking teeth and you are within 50 miles of Newbury, please call us on 01635 47757 and speak to Chris Charon our treatment coordinator.

Richard Charon

PS why not subscribe to my blog?

The end of a terrific week.

2010-08-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

The end of a terrific week. We completed two big smile makeovers today.

Both have taken our team over a year to complete.

One lady gave me a cuddle and a kiss, she was so chuffed. Another was an implant bridge case which will greatly increase the quality of life for a man in his fifties.

Then there was a phobic patient we turned around. "You have healed a broken part of my personality" he said with a very warm and long handshake.

Testimonials and pictures to follow soon.

Cosmetic Dentistry- A Newbury SmileMaker Result

2010-08-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

A gappy smile fixed without drilling

I'd like to share this case with you. I have the patient's permission to do so. We transformed this smile just a few days ago.

The problem

This young lady, a 16 year old, came to see me with her mother, as she was very unhappy with her gappy smile.

The issues

Not only were her front teeth spaced but they were individually small and somewhat splayed too. Any type of orthodontic treatment could close the spaces and line up her front teeth but that would open up quite wide gaps further around the corner.

The solution

Although porcelain veneers could be used to cosmetically close the gap, I felt she was really too young yet for these and that as she matures, the gum line will go a little higher so the join would show and then they would need replacing after just a few years.

I decided to make "Gradia"TM resin veneers, which are easily repairable, should the need arise and which are designed to last about 10 years or so. At that time a more permanent solution could be offered using Porcelain veneers. These would have a life expectancy of about 15 years. so these two stages would take her to her early 40s. At that stage she could have new veneers or perhaps crowns which should take her into her 60s.

The material is similar to the composite resin dentists use for "white" fillings.

How we did it

First Treatment Visit

Following the first consultation and a written treatment plan we saw her (and Mum)

for a first treatment visit.

From an initial impression, my dental technician made a preview set of simple plastic veneers that she could come along and just clip on, to see what the effect would look like and be sure she wanted to go ahead. We were able to trim these to a pleasing length for her.

Second Treatment Visit

A second appointment was booked to give her time to discuss everything at home.

We made a final set of accurate dental impressions and the information from the first treatment visit was sent back to Precision Dental Studio in Thatcham. ( They have produced some of the "10 years younger TV dental work) .
They made 4 "Gradia"TM resin veneers which they returned to me to fit

Third Treatment visit
Without any injections or drilling , the four "Gradia"TM resin veneers were bonded on to the front natural teeth and here is the result......

Just a reminder .....

Before and after

What a life-transforming and confidence boosting result !

We offer a free initial discussion, so if you or someone you know would love to have a transfomed smile and would like the chance to discuss it over a cup of coffee (or indeed tea) please contact Chris Charon our treatment coordinator on 01635 47757

A Great New Testimonial

2010-08-06T04:33:00.000-07:00

Today at the Jack O'Newbury chapter of BNI , I received a wonderful testimonial from one of the member's partners. We have not yet completed his treatment but this is what he had to say.

Do you or someone you know have a dental or smile problem that you worry about?

We love to be able to help you.

Call us in Newbury on 01635 47757 and ask for a free discussion about your dental issues.

Click on this image to read it more easily.

Just about all you need to know about us and our services are here

2010-08-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

Newbury Smile Makers Yesterday I successfully treated an 18 year old referred to me by another local practitioner as a "needle-phobic" using RA (“Happy Air”) and The Wand

for "restoration of an upper molar tooth" and the removal of a retained baby tooth.
We interviewed her in the patient lounge area last week to begin gaining her trust.

She then attended for an "RA trial", to assess her suitability and allow her to experience the technique and the feelings it produces.

Yesterday, she was completely relaxed and accepting of the entire procedure without batting an eyelid. The tooth had a large cavity and we needed to start root canal work for her. She was unaware of any of this, though we had told her this might be needed before we started.

The extraction was very simple for her.

Her mother, who was present throughout, was amazed.

Here is a nice testimonial I received from another parent about her daughter’s care helped along with “RA” happy air

I also teach this technique to other dentists. I am The RA Coach !

If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from this approach come contact us at Newbury Smilemakers on 01635 4775 and speak to Chris Charon.

Invisalign - Straight teeth with no wires- a very happy patient

2010-07-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we completed treatment for young man in his 20s. He had always been very conscious and unhappy about his gappy smile and misaligned teeth. Well after about 9 months, his treatment with Invisalign is now completed and he tells us he is delighted with the result.

Before

After

Yes , this really is the same person !

If you or someone you know would love a great smile but without train-track wire braces, call us now on 01635 47757 and speak to Chris who will arrange a no obligation, free, initial discussion, over a coffee without even sitting in the dentist's chair worth £50.00.

More details on the Invisalign web site

Tooth grinding or clenching - a harmful habit.

2010-07-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Tooth grinding - a harmful habit.

Are you (or your partner) fed up with clenching or grinding your teeth?
Are you worried it might be harmful?
Please read on ...
Tooth grinding and clenching is common and can cause many problems:

Did you know that these are just some of the problems that can be caused

Migraine
Chronic headaches
Morning headaches or face pain
Aching muscles in the jaw, neck and even shoulders

These symptoms may be part of TMD. (Tempero-mandibular dysfunction)

Bruxism- is the medical term we use for grinding the teeth.
Can bruxing cause other problems?

Well, yes. Quite a few.

Corners of fillings or teeth which keep chipping of breaking off.
Loosening of teeth, usually if there are gum problems too.
Wearing down of teeth. Sometimes evenly, often in an uneven way.
Jaw joint (TMJ) problems including.

             Aching joints, tender joints
             Clicking, popping of locking jaw joints
             "Lock-jaw"

Front teeth wearing down? A domino effect.

Did you know that, front tooth wear is also usually due to the back teeth not fitting together properly when your jaw is relaxed.

When back teeth don’t line up, this often leads to a habit of pushing the jaw forwards to rest or even rub the front teeth together and so prevent clashing or tripping contacts of uneven back teeth.

In turn this leads to front teeth wearing down and then the teeth lose their shape and beauty and actually wear out, which is often unsightly too. Its a domino effect.

It is so common that you or someone you know may well be suffering in silence with it. In fact, tooth grinding can be so noisy that perhaps your partner is suffering too and not in silence either !

Big jaw muscles

Muscle over development (Masseteric hypertrophy- for the technically minded)

Some people clench the teeth together rather than grind them side to side. There are several reasons why this may happen. This clenching habit, gives the jaw muscles a real “work-out”. Apart from causing muscle fatigue and soreness, over-use this is like “pumping iron” and can sometimes cause very obvious cheek muscle development. So much so that the shape of the face actually changes . Some of my patients actually thought they were just getting “fatter” faces.

Jaw clenching and life stress

Do you think David Coulthard clenches his teeth? It looks like it from the shape of his face.
Perhaps its not surprising in his case!
Is he alone in leading a stressful life? I don't think so. So stress can lead to a "gnashing of teeth" too.

In fact this jaw or tooth clenching action can really cause a disfigurement, which cannot easily be reversed. In time, if the cause of the clenching is addressed or the mini splint used over a long period of of time, the jaw muscles may reduce in size of their own accord, like any other muscle which is not over-exercised. Some people even resort to Botox to artificially cut off the muscle tone in the face muscles.

More useful information

and more here too.

One solution (or part of it- at least)

This can be a complex problem but over 10 years we have found that one simple approach to diagnosis and sometimes treatment is the complicated sounding NTI-tss “mini splint”.

This approach is "conservative" and "reversible."

Try this simple test yourself now .........

What is the NTI-tss mini splint and how are they made?

If you think you have one or more of these problems and are within an hour or so of Newbury and you would like a free initial discussion worth £50, just call Chris Charon our Treatment coordinator for a chat over coffee soon on 01635 47757

Sensitive teeth & some solutions to being long in the tooth!

2010-06-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

Are you "long in the tooth?"
Do you show too much tooth when you smile?
Do you have

Sensitive teeth?
Receded gums?
One long tooth which looks unsightly?
Sensitive, exposed tooth roots?

Here is some helpful advice for you

Don’t brush with a sideways scrubbing action
Change to an electric tooth brush e.g Braun/Oral B or perhaps Sonicaire

There is a wide range to suit all preferences. Our Dental Therapist, Laura or Hygienist , Nicky can help you decide.

Reduce sensitivity by using one of several de-sensitizing toothpastes such as Sensodyne or the new Colgate Pro-Relief.

The innovative Tooth Mousse may also help reduce sensitivity.

Dietary issues
Try to reduce your acidic food and drink:
The obvious ones if you have these often are...
Citrus fruit, esp lemons/lemon juice,grapefruit juice.vinegar and yogurt, some fruit or green teas

Less obvious ones
“Sharp” tomatoes and fizzy drinks (including sugar free ones) Even fizzy water is a little acidic.
When taken hot, the acid effect on teeth is speeded up- beware hot Ribena for example.

All of these have foods and drinks have worthwhile health benefits but IF your teeth are very sensitive then its best to stop eating drinking these things, for a while at least. When you do have an acidic drink or food, then follow up with some plain water but DO NOT brush your teeth as this can assist in causing more rapid enamel thinning.

Using a fluoride mouthwash can toughen the enamel against the acid attack as well as reducing tooth decay.

All of these ideas are very important for your dental health and comfort BUT none of them can re-cover the exposed tooth with new gum - but guess what? We may be able to do this for you, in the right situations.

21st century solution to receded gums

In the right situation we can, using proven “micro-plastic gum surgery”, cover over the exposed/ long tooth or teeth, greatly improving your smile and making the tooth or teeth look more youthful, as well as reducing or eliminating sensitivity more permanently.
This site gives a useful overview of the situation, without being too scary!

This site is from a US dental practice which presents the issues nicely.
Some of the exact details may vary with us as we choose the technique to suit not only each person but each tooth or group of teeth.

I hope you have found this useful

Please call us now on 01635 47757 for a free initial consultation or e-mail chris@newburydentist.co.uk to arrange a discussion to see if we can help you.

What our New Dental Therapist means for you

2010-06-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

Introducing Laura Woosey - Dental Therapist (B.Sc. Hons.)

We are delighted to announce that Laura Woosey will join us at Newbury Smilemakers in July 2010 , on a part-time basis, as a valuable member of our patient care team. Because of this we thought we would explain what a Dental Therapist does and why it is important that you see her at our practice.

What does a Therapist do?
As with all Dental Therapists, Laura will work under the dentist’s written prescription.
This means that your personal, tailored treatment plan will be developed, after consultation with the dentist. Once we have decided together what that plan might be, we offer you any options or choices in a written and costed treatment plan. Here we look at how best to utilize our team for your benefit and in the most cost effective way, to ensure that you receive an excellent standard of care, based on your needs and preferences.

At the other end of the scale, Dental Therapists have detailed and intensive training in providing, for example simple filling work, all forms of preventive dentistry and all aspects of non-surgical gum treatment and prevention of gum disease. The sort of thing that many people need to keep their teeth in good order. She will be able to tailor a program to your needs.

Laura says this about being a Dental Therapist “By assisting the dentist in providing this level of treatment, the dentist’s time is freed to focus on the more complex, demanding and time consuming treatments that may require hours of planning.”

So what treatments do Dental Therapists carry out?

After your examination and initial consultation, Richard might refer you to the Dental Therapist or Dental Hygienist for one or more of the following:

Panoramic digital x-ray imaging
Initial study model impressions and measurements to help assess your bite or plan your treatment.
These impressions can also be used to make soft vinyl tooth whitening trays, if that is part of the plan.
Photographs to assist the technician and as a record , if smile design, is being considered. Laura would then explain why the method we have chosen is appropriate for you and of course how it all works and how to use the gel and trays, how to care for them and many other aspects of tooth whitening and answer all of your questions.
Either our Hygienist (Nicky) or our Laura our Dental Therapist may undertake dental cleaning, a tailored home care plan, non-surgical treatment of gum disease, dietary advice and fissure sealing for prevention.
Some teeth that I have identified may be checked with the Diagnodent laser tooth decay detector and the results recorded by one of our dental nurses. This means that only teeth that definitely need filling will receive them.
If a tooth has early enamel softening but not an actual cavity, then this may be treated by the Therapist, using a resin seal, after skimming off any stained enamel to prevent a full blown filling being needed.
If there are fillings that are chipped , or new cavities , then then I may refer that part of the treatment to the Laura to be completed before going on to any more complex treatment such as crowns, bridges, veneers, root fillings, or dental implants.
·Once any complex work is completed by me, more photographs may be taken, by whichever of the team is available on the day and further follow up or maintenance visits may be advised with either the Laura or Nicky, perhaps to monitor progress of gum health improvement.

Why is it important to have a Dental Therapist at the practice?

This way of providing comprehensive care for you, we believe makes the best use of our team for your benefit and indeed will have the overall effect of keeping dental costs down for you. So you get the best treatment, from the best person at the best price… sounds like a perfect choice!

More about Laura

Laura qualified as a Dental Therapist, after studying at the Portsmouth School of Dental Therapy for 3 years and passing her BSc degree with Honours in Dental Therapy. The examination is a detailed and intensive test of her knowledge and capabilities. She is registered with the General Dental Council who regulate all Dental Care Professionals.

So a Laura’s training has lead to her being able to provide general dental care. It is equivalent to about half of a full dental degree. So everything a dentist learns for day to day patient care, except the more advanced treatment such as orthodontics, crowns and bridges, root canal treatment or oral surgery.

Laura’s interests include

Yacht and dinghy sailing.
Surfing and wake-boarding.
Various outdoor and physical activities.
Travelling.

We look forward to introducing Laura Woosey to you when the time comes.

Richard Charon at Newbury Smile Makers

This could just save your life or that of someone close to you.

2010-05-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

At this mornings weekly business breakfast meeting f the Jack O'Newbury chapter of BNI, I chose to devote my 60 seconds "sales pitch" to a serious subject. Mouth Cancer. The reason why I chose to do this today was that each week ,we normally tell a brief story of the previous week's matters of business interest.

My story today was as follows:

Yesterday I saw a 57 years old male patient for a review. I last saw him for some routine dental care in September 2009. At that time he came for a visit and mentioned that he had had an odd sensation when swallowing, as if something was irritating the back of his tongue of throat. He had seen his doctor but it was felt nothing to be too concrned about. However he was still perturbed. I made it very clear that he must return to his doctor for a more detailed examination and to take matters further.

He did just that. It transpired that what he had was a malignant cancer of his tonsils on one side- quite unusual but apparently more cases are being seen in recent times. He was a non-drinker and a non-smoker.

The result for him over last Christmas and New Year was 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and an extensive operation of his neck and face area. He has pulled through to date and we wish him well, naturally. As he also knows, time will tell.

CANCER can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites located in the head and neck area.

These "Mouth Cancers" have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma.

Much more vital information can be found at the Mouth Cancer Awarness Foundation

If you have any concerns about anything unusual in the mouth, throat, neck, sinuses, palate or gums PLEASE don't delay, visit your dentist. They are all highly trained in knowing what to look for, if anything is out of the ordianry and will arrange a rapid referral if there is any doubt.

We do change smiles and change lives and just occasionally may even have a hand in saving lives too.

What made me smile today

2010-05-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

From time to time I look back at some of my older blog posts. This one made me smile. Its great to be reminded of how we do walk the walk of our "Changing Smiles ~ Changing Lives" strap line.

Here are just some of the many testimonials we have received over the years.
Can we help you acheive the smile you want based on a foundation of good dental health?

Free initial discussion

If you'd like to discuss your requirements, call and book an appointment with Chris Charon our Practice Treatnent Coordinator. She has a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of every aspect of dental care. You'll find her very understanding.

Please call us on 01635 47757 or e-mail

Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers - where we are "Dedicated to Fear-Free Dentistry"

"Painless Potter"

2010-05-22T05:52:00.000-07:00

At my regular Friday BNI meeting held at Newbury and Crookham Gold Club in Newbury yesterday, I told a short story of what happened when one of my patients, who is due to start her Invisalign treatment in July, when came to visit us, the day before.

Unusually she did need to have a upper wisdom tooth removed to allow the proper movement of her upper row of teeth. This will be able to make a huge difference to he uneven smile.

Today I recieved a great e-mail of thanks from her. She said

" Just to say thanks to you, Richard and the whole team for yesterday, I was amazed how quickly the tooth came out and it was completely pain free, I was nervous which I am not normally, but that soon went...... Very excited about the next steps, can't wait for July."

If you are interested to find out how Invisalign might be able to "fix your wonky smile"
please call us at Newbury Smilemakers on 01635 47757 to book a free discussion.

I am a member of the Jack O'Newbury chapter of BNI.

Jab-Free Dentistry

2010-05-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Painless dentistry & no more dental syringes - really!
In 2004, well ahead of the game, we at Newbury Smilemakers introduced "The Wand" which has been very well received by our patients. "The Wand" is a revolutionary way to acheive painless dentistry without the use of a traditional syringe from the USA. It really is magic!

We believe in bringing the benefits enjoyed by people in leading edge dental practices the world over to our patients in Newbury. So If I could show you a way to painless dentistry, without a syringe, would you be interested?

This new technology, called The 'Wand'(tm), has been heralded as the first major advance in painless dentistry since the anaesthetic syringe was invented by Cook in 1920!!.

The 'Wand'(tm) ,is a state of the art system which uses a very slow and gentle computer-controlled technique that minimises the anaesthetic dosage needed. This means that it can be used to numb just the area needed, not the surrounding face, so no more feeling as though part of your face has disappeared, sometimes for several hours after treatment. Such a plus if you have meetings to attend or people to speak to after your dental visit.

The Wand, as well as using a completely revoloutionary technique, complies with our stringent cross infection control standards. A new sterile delivery unit is used for each patient. These are then disposed of carefully and incinerated by a licensed clinical waste collection service.
When we first introduced the system, we thought we would use it for youngsters and especially nervous people. It is so good that we now use it routinely and all of our regulars who need fillings or minor surgery have tried it. All of them think it is a huge improvment on the old syringes.

If you wish to try The Wand for your next filling

please let us know.

Call us at Newbury Smilemakers

on 01635 47757

or e-mail

Laser tooth scanner prevents drilling. Diagnodent

2010-05-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

Every dentist , every day is faced with a tricky decison. Is that a hole I see before me? Shall I use the "pokey thing" ? Is that a new hole in that tooth? Is it just a bit of staining from food and drink such as tea, coffee, red wine or curry? Can I leave well alone or should I be thinking about some MID or "Minimally Invasive Dentistry". Prevention or a stitch in time? If I leave this will there be a bigger hole in a year or two?

Well here at Newbury Smilemakers we don't use "pokey things" . For the last 5 years we have used a reliable laser tooth-decay detector. The Diagnodent. Painless, simple and quick, normally used by our dental hygienist, the tiny tip of the laser scanner is passed over the biting surface natural fissures to double-check.
It stops me from using the dreaded drill if the tooth can be safely left alone.

Low score 4-10 the tooth can be left alone or perhaps sealed against decay .
Medium score 10-15 then the stained can be skimmed away from the surface of the enamel and then the areas sealed against decay.
High score 15-99 - The tooth has a cavity which needs filling. Usually the higher the score the deeper the hole !

Does your dentist you a "pokey thing"? Do you hate them? Well we don't and we get it right every time with Diagnodent.

Please don't keep us a secret. Let your friends know!

From Zero to Hero(ine)- A dental phobic's odyssey.

2010-03-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a terrific testimonial from one of the two people mentioned in my last blog post. Here is what she had to say in her own words after her visit to us at Newbury Smilemakers.... I have added some links where I felt you might like to know more.

"I just want to say a really BIG Thank you to Richard and yourself as I think I am now cured of my dentist phobia !!!

Testimonial -
Happy Gas Rules is all I can say !!! I have gone from being a total Dentist Phobic to being able to sit in the chair and have a tooth out totally PAINLESSLY in 5 sessions !!!

At the age of 34 I had only been to one private dentist once since primary school as was just so scared, and a total nervous wreck when it came to going. I couldn't even sit in the chair and would start hyperventilating and boo my eyes out but now at the age of 37 I am a total convert and am actually looking forward to my next session.

This is all because I found Richard and Chris via a website search regarding Nervous patients, up they popped and I gave them a call. The first session I couldn't even sit in the chair but they were fine with this and made me feel totally at ease. We then arranged another session where no work was done just a total check up / photos and xrays. My third appointment was to have a trial of the Happy Gas, boy is this good stuff. You are totally conscious and coherent throughout but it just totally relaxes you and although you are aware of what is going on you're just not really that bothered and time flies by so quickly.

My 4th session was because although I had all this done I then left it a year and a half as I didn't have any pain so did not see the point in going, called them with chronic toothache. I have now had my fifth visit and
because I had left it so long I have had to have the tooth out, I could kick myself as it is my own fault. If I had kept going it would have just been a filling. On this 5th session I had a filling and a tooth out and can
honestly say I did not feel a thing and although I was in there nearly an hour it only felt like 5 minutes and all totally painless to boot.

If you are a total Dentist phobic, very nervous, anxious and cry like a baby just like me then please go and see them as they will totally sort you out and actually make your dental experiences an enjoyable one !!

Please feel free to manipulate this text as you feel necessary as not sure if all of it will fit on your website.

Very Best wishes to you both and your assistants

Suzy :)

One VERY HAPPY PATIENT !!! "

Suzy Lovitt
Accounts Assistant
Orion Pharma (UK) Ltd

"R.A." changes people's perception of dentistry

2010-03-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

The power of "R.A." to change people's perception of dentistry

I'd love to share two recent stories from Newburysmilemaker's patients whose future dental care has indeed been transformed by the "Happy Air" sedation service we have used for very many years.
Story 1
We were contacted by the mother of a 10 year old who needed to have two good baby teeth removed to help relieve his crowded row of teeth.
His own dentist had tried to do the necessary but the whole session ended in tears and upset and had to be abandoned.
His Mum found as after a Google search for dentists experienced in helping anxious people and was happy t travel 25 miles to see us. On his first visit we just sat and chatted with the young chap and his Mum in the patient lounge area to hear their story and explain how we could help offering a "test drive"of the "Happy Air" next time.
On the second visit we carried out the planned dry run, letting our 10 yr old sit in the dental chair, with his mouth shut tight and breathing the happy air for a few minutes to experience the nice feeling of relaxation, warmth and cosiness it provides and starting to regain his confidence. He then left having had a positive experience. He returned about a week or so later, full of confidence to have the two baby teeth popped out using the happy air. He was completely relaxed and the whole session passed off completely uneventfully. I expect to be receiving a nice testimonial soon. I'm so pleased that we were able to prevent this chap from becoming a dental phobic.
Story 2
Last Friday we saw a lady who we saw for the first time several weeks earlier with severe toothache and with a great fear of dentistry. Through floods of tears and trepidation, we did manage to treat the toothache using Happy Air Sedation. However her tooth was cracked in a way that was unsalvageable.
She came back to see us, having come to realised that what she had feared was nowhere near a bad as she had feared. We did a filling and removed the tooth that had to go, without the slightest sign of fear or tears.
She left with a beaming smile She was just so pleased with herself. Returning to the patient lounge, her partner was totally incredulous that she was relaxed and smiling. Another terrific result !
If I can help you or someone you know, to experience fear free dentistry please contact us.
At present this method is probably available in no more than 15% of dental practices in the UK and Ireland and the courses I run is helping to increase its availability for anxious dental patients,

Please call 01635 47757 and speak to Chris for freindly and helpful advice

My Favorite Dental Veneer

2010-02-24T01:51:00.000-08:00

Today I saw a great patient for a consultation. I just had to take a photo of my favorite porcelain veneer.

Sad I know but it really is a chameleon. Can you guess which tooth it is? Can you guess how old it is?

Well it is 14 years old. It was made by master dental technician

Carlo Nepute (sadly no longer working as a technician)

This is the one

Did you guess right ?

Invisible mending !

Dental Acid Erosion & Youtube Video

2010-02-22T23:40:00.000-08:00

Dental Acid Erosion

You are what you eat and your teeth are too!

Dental Acid Erosion is a major problem today. Healthier diets mean cutting down on fats, carbs and salt and so on leaving us with higher fibre diet with healthier food and drink. Right? Well maybe.

Many of these healthy nice things[ pics of grapefruit, oranges, yoghurt] are on the acid side. Some are very acidic. Just like eating or drinking too much sugary food and drink, too often, will lead to tooth decay, acidic diets lead to tooth erosion. Here the tooth enamel simply dissolves away, changing the shape of the teeth often in a particular way.

So what are acid foods?

Well in general these are obvious- Anything sour is very acidic: Lemons, grapefruit and all citrus fruit and their juices. Also vinegar, pickles and colas are all acidic too.

Now some of these foods, eaten sometimes, are fine and some are important for their Vitamin C and fibre content, but excessive amounts taken frequently are where the problems begins.

Did you know other things are also quite acid:

Yoghurt
All fizzy drinks
Even fizzy water is slightly acidic.

So what harm does acid erosion cause?

Well to start with only very slight changes in the teeth occur. Often so slight that only a trained eye can spot it. The teeth start to get very smooth and more rounded. They start to lose their proper shape, The pointy bits (cusps) get blunted.

Eventually more obvious signs happen. Back teeth get flatter or jagged on top and also on their sides

Front teeth get thinner either from the front

or the back or both

and eventually the teeth get shorter too!

In the picture above the two left hand front teeth have beeen rebuilt to their original length. The two right hand front teeth show how acid erosion has shortened them.

On back teeth, little hollows start to appear in the tops and at the sides too.

These may stain or may stay the normal colour. Once the enamel cover has disappeared, it can never grow back and once it is gone, the sensitive dentine underneath is exposed, so anything cold to eat or drink causes sensitive or painful teeth. The little hollows get deep and wider until the remaining thin enamel starts chipping off. In turn this alters the bite level and eventually the whole facial profile.

So what can be done about it?
Prevention is better than cure.

Don’t overdo the frequency of acidic foods and drink.
Use a fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste to harden the enamel against dissolving
Don’t brush immediately after an acid tooth bath- instead just have a swish of plain water as soon as possible to dilute the acid.
Other products such as Tooth Mousse®, replace lost calcium but needs to be used almost before any sign are seen.

BUT If the erosion is advanced then this will often require extensive and expensive dentistry to reconstruct the worn teeth so please keep your acid diet under control. Here is an example of how we can treat Acid Erosion:

If you can't see the video here, please watch on YouTube.

This may involve crowns, veneers or ceramic onlays to cover and protect the damaged enamel and also to return the beauty and harmony of the smile as well as improve comfort and chewing ability.

What else can cause acid erosion?

Well if its not food or drink, then the only other place for acid to come from is the stomach. Some people have acid gastric reflux, heartburn or hiatus hernias. These all cause acidity in the mouth and the usual pattern is for the back surfaces of teeth to be affected.

Also all dentists are seeing cases of Bulimia (nervosa). So self-induced vomiting can have a catastrophic affect on teeth depending on how long it goes on for.

Other medical condition, including pregnancy can cause repeated vomiting which can have the same effect, though this is often only for a few weeks and months, not for years.

If you think you , or someone you know might be suffering from acid erosion of the teeth then contact your dentist or call us on 01635 47757

Richard Charon - The RA Coach

2010-02-14T01:09:00.000-08:00

Apart from looking after my patients dental well-being, I have another string to my bow. Since 2003 I have been running courses to teach other dental teams how to successfully use and integrate "R.A." sedation in their practices. People have travelled from far and wide from the UK and Ireland. On Saturday 6th Feb we ran a course from my pratice and this is the report and what Dave and Barbera Naisby from Inverness had to say. Here is the course report and their testimonial.

BNI Testimonial

2010-02-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I attended the Jack O'Newbury BNI Chapter. BNI is an international networking group. I've been a member for just over 2 years now.

This morning was a special visitors day meeting and 20 visitors swelled the normal number of about 35. During the meeting members can, if they wish, read aloud a testimonial to another member for the services that have been provided to them.

I was delighted that Alison Stanton of AMS Worldwide Couriers stood up, put her hand on my shoulder and read out a testimonial for me to a room of 55 local business people, including reps from the Newbury Weekly News and the new Newbury Sound local radio station and Gavin Baine, BNI regional Director

Here is what Alison said
" Testimonial for Richard Charon - Changing Smiles - Changing Lives"

During the Christmas period my 9-year-old daughter, who had never had any dental treatment before, was complaining of a bleeding tooth. She wasn't in any pain but we were going on holiday for a week after Christmas and I didn't want to run the risk of her developing pain whist we were away on holiday.

I called Richard at 9am one morning when the heavens were pouring with snow, not really expecting the dental practise to be open in such weather conditions, and received a very positive response. If I could bring her to the practise Richard could see her straightaway. This I did, and by 10 am Rhian was having her first experience of a filling. When we got home her elder sister said 'did it hurt?' Rhian replied 'not at all. He gave me this nice stuff to breathe and I didn't feel scared one bit'.

Richard handled my daughter with a great deal of sensitivity and understanding. He took the time to explain to her everything he was going to do and what all the different bits of apparatus were for. As a result her first experience of dental treatment was relaxed and stress free. If only my own childhood experiences had been the same.

I would not hesitate to recommend Richard to anyone requiring dental treatment - especially those of a nervous disposition and, in particular, children for whom a positive of dental treatment is essential.

Alison Stanton.

A wow testimonial indeed. Thank you so much Alison.

Me in a different guise circa 1967/8

2010-02-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

This is who I think I'll see when I look in the mirror- Te he !!

Invisalign Presentation Evening 22nd March 2010

2010-01-26T02:50:00.000-08:00

You are invited to

A Presentation Evening with

Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers

Certified Invisalign Practitoner.

Straight Smiles without "Train Track" braces, Crowns or Veneers

No more gaps, no more crossed teeth, no more buck teeth

Monday 22nd March 2010

at 6.30pm

Why not come and meet us for wine & nibbles and find out about

this revolutionary way to re-align smiles.

From Teens to 60 and any age in between.

Prepare to be amazed!

Learn more about Invisalign

If you have any queries, feel free to get in touch.

Places are limited so please RSVP by Monday 15th March

or earlier to help our arrangements.

St.Mary's House

55-6 Cheap Street

Newbury

RG14 5DH

01635 47757

Which testimonial to blog?

2010-01-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas, the New Year and (for now- just) the snow have all gone. Fading into the memory. So I'm delighted to report that despite the same false start that affected almost everyone in different ways, we are getting back to normal here. This includes a number of new enquiries only this afternoon to us at Richard Charon at Newbury Smile Makers, which is great.
I also received a promised testimonial from a very nice patient of ours, who we looked after in the middle of last year. In fact she sent two versions for me to choose from and instead of struggling to decide which to use- I'll use them both! So here goes:

Version 1

I think the best way to provide a testimonial of Richard and his fellow colleagues is to tell a story.
I became a patient of Richard’s just over 2 years ago having not been the best attendee to dentists in the past. As a result I found myself in a situation where I developed two tooth abscesses at the same time. To say this was painful would be an understatement, which I am sure anyone who has experienced this can appreciate. To make matters worse I was due to go on a trip the following week for 6 weeks which my partner and I had planned for the past few years. This would take us to places where most of us would prefer not to have to visit the dentist. To say that Richard and Chris not only promptly diagnosed the problem, found time to see me and resolve the pain as quickly as possible, they also re-shuffled Richard’s schedule to ensure the 2 root canals I needed were performed before my trip. I don’t think anyone could have gone the extra mile in this situation. Thank you again.

Rachel Poole
and version 2 ...

I became a patient of Richard’s just over 2 years ago having not been the best attendee to dentists in the past 7-8 years. As you can imagine this meant I did require quite a bit of work to my teeth and this has ranged from several fillings to a crown to 2 root canals. Throughout all of this from the moment you arrive Richard and his team are a bunch of professionals, from the warm greetings you always receive from Chris to the time Richard takes to talk you through step by step the treatment. I’m lucky not to suffer from dental phobia, but know many people who are. I think the cure for this is a Richard and his team. Highly recommendable.

Rachel Poole

Thank you so much Rachel. It is so nice to be appreciated and for you to have acknowledged the whole teams efforts.

Oxfordshire Twitter meeting asks “Is there is dentist in the house?”

2010-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

This blog post is courtesy of a "Twitter buddy". Joy McCarthy, my first guest blogger,who I met face to face with almost 50 others last night at the first ever Oxfordshire "Tweet-up". Now as a Newbury-based dentist in Berkshire, what was I doing at an Oxfordshire Tweet-up? Well the cross-border arrangement was by special invitation from Anthony Lloyd of Fallowfields Country House, who had organised the event but who is also a Twitter buddy and who has been a guest of mine at the Jack O'Newbury chapter of BNI.
After the open networking most stayed on for the delicious "Tweety-pie" produced on site from Anthony's own Dexter herd.

He and I are living proof that Twitter does generate real business opportunities. Over to you Joy Mcarthy .....

Oxfordshire Twitter meeting asks “Is there is dentist in the house?”

Instead of the usual ‘is there a doctor in the house’, the call was for a dentist at the first Oxfordshire and Berks ‘Tweet-up’, held last night (Monday 18 January) at Fallowfields Hotel, Kingston Bagpuize. The event was the first large-scale business Twitter get-together to be held in the area and was attended by 50 local business people.

During supper, Newbury dentist and Twitter enthusiast Richard Charon, was called to the phone. Karen-Louise Allen, one of the local radio Jack FM team who should have attended the event, had called to say she couldn’t make it. She had accidentally swallowed a dental crown and was there a dentist in the house! Karen-Louise wasn’t registered with a dentist and Richard’s Newbury practice was too far away. However, a room full of business people skilled in networking, brought the power of Twitter to her rescue. Members were asked for referrals for an Oxford dentist who would see Karen-Louise the next day.

Richard Charon comments, “People’s reaction to Karen’s mishap is typical of the Twitter community. Everyone rallied round to help and in seconds we had the name of a possible Oxford dentist for Karen. There was a lot of laughter and good humour, but that and helping other people is what Twitter is about.”

Twitter, the online social networking phenomenon, has a strong membership in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas. The Tweet-up was the brainchild of Anthony Lloyd, owner of Fallowfields Hotel and Kevin O’Brian of Web Power . A dedicated online portal was created where Twitter members could book their places. With the viral nature of Twitter, news of the event spread quickly. The meeting was held in the Fallowfields’ marquee and, after some informal networking, the guests sat down to enjoy supper, with a choice of three ‘Twitter Pies’ on the menu.

“I’m passionate about Twitter” said Anthony Lloyd, co-organiser of the Oxfordshire Tweet-up. “This is the first Twitter get-together to be held in the county and it’s been a great success. Not everyone who attended is a Twitter member, but I don’t think it will be long before they join. It was good to see so many people who have only ever spoken on Twitter, greeting each other like old friends. It is very positive for the business community. Everyone is keen to meet up again and I think the Oxfordshire Tweet-up is set to become a regular event in the local business networking calendar.”

Note to Editors

Fallowfields is a country house hotel in Kingston Bagpuize with over 300 years of history. Once the home of the Begum Aga Khan, Fallowfields offers luxury accommodation set in 12 acres of grounds.

The hotel boasts its own kitchen garden which supplies the restaurant with pesticide-free home-grown fruit and vegetables. The hotel’s farm is home to Dexter cattle, rare-breed pigs, chickens and ducks which provide much of the meat on the restaurant’s menu.

Richard Charon is the Dental Practice Principal of Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers. He specialises in treating dental phobia, dental fear and dental anxiety using various Dental Sedation techniques. Richard also trains dentists in Dental Sedation in both Britain and Ireland.
For more information, please contact:
Anthony Lloyd, Fallowfields Hotel
Tel: 01865 820416
Email: anthony@fallowfields.com
Joy McCarthy, WORD-right
Tel: 01608 642845
Email joy@word-right.co.uk
and of course Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers

Special offers Only for January and February 2010

2010-01-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

We are now celebrating our 21st Year in Newbury.

As part of our celebrations and to thank our patients for their loyalty we are for 2 months only, January and February 2010, giving all of our loyal patients a 21% discount on all our fees for crowns, bridges and dental veneers (excluding laboratory fees).

To take advantage of this great offer, you must book your appointments before the end of February and pay the fees in full at your first appointment once the treatment plan has been agreed.

Please call us on 01635 47757

All you need to know about Dental Sedation

2010-01-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

For the anxious dental patient:

What we can offer you

All you need to know about

Dental Sedation

but were afraid to ask!

Happy 21st Birthday to Richard Charon at Newbury Smile Makers & The Team

2010-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Firstly may I wish you a very Happy, healthy,peaceful and successful New Year and thank you for visiting my blog.

Well the snow has really slowed down the start of our own very special year, as the 4th January saw the beginning of

Our 21st year in Newbury.

So we are no longer the "new boys" in Town. Indeed we have been providing a high standard of private dentistry for all of that time.

Are you new to the area? Why not try us. See what others have to say about us
Are you seeking a change of dentist?
Are you nervous of the dentist ? . or anxious about dentistry ?, we have a wealth of expertise to help you. Just talk to us and let us know you concerns.
If so have you heard about "R.A." but want to know more?
Have you resolved to change your smile or to improve the health of your mouth?
Would you like the time to talk to us in detail about your dental situation?
Would you welcome a free initial discussion with Chris Charon our treatment coordinator or one of our dental nurses to find out what we are able to offer.

Would you like all of this in a warm and welcoming ambience in a boutique-style practice?
Well we have an excellent and highly experienced team waiting to help you.
Whether you'd love to have

Whiter teeth
A straighter smile with invisible braces
A solution for eroded enamel
A solution for any gaps you may have. There are many, so talk to us to find out more.
A better fitting or more natural looking denture
Fresher breathe and sparkling teeth with our extra gentle dental hygienist, Nicky Smith.

What next? Please call us on 01635 47757 to have a friendly chat and decide how we can help you achieve your ideal smile.

Look out for events to mark our 21st year as a dentist in Newbury which will be announced on-line and in the local press during 2010.

Merry Christmas and a review of my 2009

2009-12-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my readers a very merry and peaceful Christmas holiday and a happy and successful 2010

For me, 2009 has been dominated mainly by many great memories and good things happening despite the recession around us.

In no particular order ...

Impending Granparenthood- my son and his partner's first child are due in march 2010

Excitement and pride at my daughter's independant spirit as she travelled by train from St. Pancras to Moscow via St Petersberg and the took the Transmongolian Express via Russia, Siberia,Mongolia then on to China, Khazakstan back to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and home via Thailand and on her return finding her entrepreneurial spirit with interesting plans for 2010

Web 2.0 has been an eye-opener as well as a door opener for me. I have made many new acquaintances some only virtual but in many cases real friendships have been struck up,

having met face to face with some Twitter buddies. More "Tweet-ups" are planned in 2010.

Although I "do" facebook and Linkedin, for me Twitter has reaped the greatest benefit and rewards. Some new business ventures and opportunities have happened and are still opening up as a result of this activity.

At the Practice

This year we have also re-branded our practice and it now known as Richard Charon at Newbury Smile-Makers with new logo and stationary, business and referral cards.

Signage has been delayed as we decide the best way forward. One of the many highlights was the opportunity to see , hear and meet Paddi Lund in Durham thanks to Richard Fretwell of the Guidepost Practice near Morpeth. Following Paddi Lund's lead, we have taken our adverts out of Yellow pages this year with more critical non essentials to follow to add value to our client's experince of visiting us.

A new e-marketing campaign is underway with Mark Oborn resulting in one patient travelling from Norway to seek me just last week and another from Kent 2 months ago!

We have also had great success in training 2 dental nurses who are now highly capable, and an asset to our practice though yet to qualify and register

RA Courses and Teaching

There has been further interest and support for the teaching I do, running hands-on training courses for other dental teams in Relative Analgesia - The Happy Air method of light sedation to overcome dental fear and anxiety. We ran a course in Northumberland in December, our 4th away from Newbury, in addition to the two run earlier in the year in Newbury.

Additionally I have been comissioned to publish two on-line articles on the subject of Relative Analgesia helping to raise my profile as one of the leading UK dental practitioner experts in this field. One for the DentalAngels recuitment agency - surely destined to go far and one for a new on-line prescence for dentists dentinaltubules.com

We now have an extra course scheduled by request for January in Dublin at the specialist referral practice of periodontal specialist Dr. Paual Quinlan. We are oversubscribed for the next course in Newbury in Feb. 2010 and bookings have already been taken for the following Newbury date in May.

Quadrant

Just prior to the Dental Showcase Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham, I became involved in a new venture with three others. The group is called Quadrant and offers a day of learning for dentists seeking ways to take their practices to a new level. Time will tell if it succeeds.

We have a promising start to 2010 with a number of patients lined up to begin some major makeover and rehabilitation dental work.

and finally .... On Jan 4th 2010, my wife, Chris and I celebrate our 21st anniversary at our Newbury Practice. We will be holding several events to celebrate during the year. So watch this space as well as Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin too.

Thank you for your interest and support.

Richard Charon

Nice new testimonial

2009-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Richard,
Many thanks for all your hard work, patience and perseverence. I hope that this testimonial is useful.Please thank 'the girls' for their care.
Best wishes
Sheelagh

"Richard has been my dentist for over twenty years – since he opened his practice in Newbury. His whole team are attentive, approachable and thoroughly professional.
The welcome one receives on arrival is warm and friendly. Chris makes an effort to be as flexible as possible in making convenient appointments and the care provided by all makes for a painless experience.

Richard always shows genuine interest and a great desire to achieve the best possible outcome. He is clearly interested and enthusiastic about his craft and is obviously fascinated by new techniques in dentistry. He explains clearly the treatment suggested and this inspires confidence.

I have recently undergone a lengthy and complex course of treatment where Richard’s meticulous preparation, technical skill and attention to detail throughout inspired trust. I am delighted with the successful outcome."

So if you know someone who would appreciate this level of personal care within 100 miles of Newbury, please pick up the phone and speak to Chris Charon on 01635 47757

Teaching and mentoring other dental teams

2009-12-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

6 years ago I developed a one-day Hands-on Teaching course based in my private dental practice to encourage/enable dental teams to introduce “RA” as a service to their own patients.
So this Friday Chris and I are off to Morpeth, in Northumberland to run our 21st Hands-on teaching course in “R.A” for dental teams . We are being hosted by Richard and Josie Fretwell and the beautiful Guidepost Dental Practice who are Facebook and Twitter buddies !
What is RA? It is also called. Relative Analgesia. Happy Air, Happy Gas or more formally, Inhalation Sedation. It is a technique using a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide to provide light sedation to anxious dental patients.

The strength of the mix depends on the patient’s response. So some people, including adults will be comfortably relaxed with a small dose of Nitrous oxide, others including some children need a much greater amount to achieve the same level of relaxation. It all depends.

Is it a new idea? . Not by any means, although there have been recent improvements for the dental teams in terms of equipment used.

The concept is simple. It provides a light level of sedation giving people of almost all ages a feeling of comfortable, relaxed, well-being which lasts only as long as the treatment session. Once the treatment is completed, the patient will breathe Oxygen for 2-3 minutes and will be ready to return to the patient lounge area and usually later can return to work or school as normal.
Want to know more?
So who benefits?
· Anyone who finds dental treatment scary!
· Anyone who needs lengthy appointments.
· Anyone who tends to feel like they might choke or have a marked gag reflex making dental treatment difficult, including having impressions taken or x-ray pictures in the mouth.

So if you know anyone who you think might benefit from this technique which could quite literally change their whole perception of a dental visit the please make contact with Chris on 01635 47757 or chris@newburydentist.co.uk

Patients from Norway, Canada and Khazakstan !

2009-11-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

On Saturday last I received an interesting e-mail from a lady who once lived in Newbury but now lives in Norway. She has sought me out via my website. She is anxious about dental treatment but has not been able to find a Norwegian dentist to help her. So she will treck from Norway to see me in Newbury, no doubt combining a visit to freinds or family but still ...

We also see several other ex-pats. One from Spain, over this weekend for a horse show in Birmingham needed some running repairs on Staurday. Another couple who now live and work in France are currently under tretament.

For some years I had a US citizen who would e-mail us from Khazakstan, where he spent much time, for an appointment and also an English lady working for an oil company who comes in from Canada to see us.

Within the UK we have regular visits from ex- Newbury folk who live

On the Isle of Skye,
In Norwich,
Nr Taunton,
In North Wales
In Bristol and
In Kent.

It never ceases to amaze me but we must be doing something right.

So if you know someone who would benefit from our very personal and friendly approach, whilst maintaining high standards of dentistry, whether for Smile makeovers or for successful anxiety management please feel free to pass on our details:

http://www.newburydentist.co.uk/
http://www.newburydentalphobia/

Dental anxiety cured -BNI member's Testimonial

2009-10-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

I have been a member of the Jack O'Newbury Chapter of BNI for just over two years and have had the privelage of looking after a number of the member's dental needs.
Recently we took care of a painful problem for one member, who normally steers well clear of dentists! He's not alone of course.
Today he stood up in front of 40 local business people and read of the following testimonial for me, which is copied here. A helium moment for me! Here it is as he wrote it.

TESTIMONIAL FOR RICHARD CHARON
AT
NEWBURYSMILEMAKERS

Richard,
I thought I would write you a testimonial for the outstanding treatment you recently gave me.
I am a very nervous patient when it comes to dentists and the thought of someone prodding in and around a tooth that was already giving me pain, picking up the phone and calling you was the best thing I could have done.
The treatment required and the options available were clearly explained and with your calming voice and music I have never felt more comfortable sitting in the dreaded chair.
My toothache has gone and although I know that more treatment is required I felt that I can no longer be in fear of the dentist, just as long as Richard, happy air and Jean-Michel Jarre are in there to back me up.
I would recommend Richard and his staff to anyone who is looking for regular dental care or emergency treatment. They do exactly what the name says. "NewburySmilemakers" "
yours

John Oram

Paddi Lund in Durham personal thoughts

2009-10-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quick follow up to my last blog post.

Chris and I had a Great day with the North East Private Dentists group in Chester -le- Street, Durham at the Durham County Cricket Club. Having stayed over the night before at the reputedly haunted Lumley Castle Hotel. An exceptional experience in itself even though our stay was short and there were no apparent apparitions.

Paddi Lund delivered an excellent though shortened version of his story and the extreme customer service and added value has provided for over 20 years in his Brisbane suburb dental practice.
At the tea break Chris and I had a chance to meet him and I mentioned that I had heard of him many years ago and now finally had a chance to hear him speak, oh and by the way we were celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary today too.
He called me Roger, I gave him my card, he called me Richard and made his way to the podium for the next session. Towards the end of that session,Paddi gave Chris & I a special mention from the stage for attending on our wedding Anniversary, which was unexpected but very nice.

When he finally gave his curtain call he left the room as we prepared to queue for lunch. He sloped off out of the room but 20 mins later he re-appeared to hand Chris a bunch of flowers by way of thanks to her for giving up a special day to come and hear him speak. Now that's what I call a real wow. Practicing what he preaches. Extreme customer service. A super CNE (Critical non-essential)!

A big Thanks to Paddi Lund, his PA Fletcher Potanin, Richard Fretwell and Prem Sehmi of Walrus Dental Seminars.

We have taken away much and intend to implement as much as we can. Watch out for some new Critical Non-Essentials and some Paddi touches in the months ahead with me Richard Charon at Newbury Smilemakers

Paddi Lund in Durham

2009-10-11T11:34:00.001-07:00

Paddi Lund had become probably the world's best known dental practitioner. An Australian dentist with a remarkable story , he is a one-man marketing phenomenon listened to and admired by dentists and non-dentists around the world. He has written several books and many articles on his unique brand of customer-service driven, dental practice and much more than that, on a template for running a "happiness centred practice/business" . He is currently touring the UK with Chris Barrow , a dental business and personal development coach and mentor of mine and one time dental business coach, who my wife, Chris and I first worked with about 11 years ago. So next week, we will be flying up to Newcastle-on-Tyne and thence to Durham County Cricket Club to listen to Paddi Lund. A first for us. We like to think that we have taken on board many of his lessons but I know we dont' yet implement all of his ideas to the full.

I first heard about Paddi Lund roughly 19 years ago. One of the big four UK banks, of which I was a customer at the time, hosted a full day seminar on business marketing held at Reading University. The day was presented by an Australian marketing company looking to expand into the UK market.

Amongst the many fascinating anecdotes they told, of a variety of their clients who had benefitted from their marketing system, was a "mad australian dentist"- you guessed it - Paddi Lund. Paddi had done amazing things in his small town dental practice. Long before Seth Godin's deliberations in Purple Cow and The Big Moo, on becoming remarkable to succeed in business,Paddi Lund had done just that. He introduced a series of " critical non-essentials" to pamper his clients. An amazing and flamboyant coffee machine with beautiful china cups, "Dental Buns" were baked on the premises and offered in the client's lounge.

Guess what people talked about when they finished their dental visit? Painless fillings or beautiful crowns ? No, it was the customer service and totally unexpected free extras that Paddi and his small team provided.

Pretty soon he had people queuing up. He cancelled his yellow pages ads, took down signage and became exclusive, to the point of requiring people to request acceptance to his practice. He thus built a business around people who liked him, liked the service he provided, were happy to pay for it and to refer friends and relatives by word of mouth.

Well that is just a small part of his remarkable story and we look forward to bringing the best of Paddi Lund's ideas to our practice in Newbury after we have had a chance to hear him up close and personal, as it were.

Amazing Bach Duo

2009-10-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

This post has nothing to do with teeth or Dentistry but I would just love to share this with you. Apologies if you have seen it before. It was passed on to me by a close friend. Enjoy.

Mark Oborn,Testimonials & Dental Fear Stories

2009-09-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

Hello and thanks for finding your way to my blog.

Our SEO project with Mark Oborn is gathering pace. We have recently had 2 new patients as a result of our higher profile on line. More to come soon methinks!

One lady I saw yesterday from the Newbury area said, I have been researching all over the world on-line for my problems, only to find the dentist I want is right here in Newbury!

Perhaps we can hep you too. Have a look a some of our testimonials and some detailed stories in the patients own words. I hope you find some inspiration here.

Another very unusual Blog post

2009-09-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Do you or anyone you know, need a reliable and capable decorator/ tiler, preferably in the West Berkshire/ South Oxfordshire area?

Will consider travelling further afield for larger jobs - otherwise, you guessed it, no job too small and at very reasonable rates. My son Marc, has just been laid off, so is looking for work, naturally. If this is of interest to you or you can pass on the request, that would be great.
References are available. What Dad wouldn't do this for his son!

Newbury Corn Exchange – A Pamper Evening!

2009-09-13T12:40:00.001-07:00

Your invitation to a charity event at Newbury Corn Exchange – A Pamper Evening!

I am delighted to have been invited to Newbury’s Corn Exchange on Tuesday 13th October for the “Pamper Evening”, at the invitation of Liz Chandler of Nature’s Corner. Nature's Corner is Newbury's only independent health food store and is one of the two organisers of the event. Entry to the event is by donation which, will go towards the Rainbow Rooms, part of West Berkshire Hospital and offer comfortable accommodation for patients and their relatives”
Details of the Pamper Evening . It will be followed by The Hot Dots for an evening's entertainment.

I will be demonstrating Invisalign®, a very hi-tech system of smile re-alignment, accomplished without any wires or train-track braces. I will be accompanied by my wife Chris, our Practice manager and Treatment Coordinator. Invisalign® has been the runaway success for us in 2009.”

Here is what one of his delighted patients said after his smile was corrected with Invisalign®.
http://newburydentist.blogspot.com/2009/05/invisalign-testmonial.html
Find out more here http://www.newburydentist.co.uk/38.html & http://www.invisalign.com/

Visitors to Pamper Evening can also use the opportunity to discuss dental fears and phobias and our success in helping people overcome them. For your Free Guide to Fear Free Dentistry see http://www.dentalphobianewbury.co.uk/

Sand Lizard in Newbury

2009-09-13T11:03:00.002-07:00

I always fancied myself as a naturalist. As a youngster brought up in Central London my favorite places were London Zoo and The Natural History Museum. Both were just short bus or tube train rides away. On a wet Saturday I could be found sketching whales or dinosaurs in the N.H.M. Sad I know, but the joy of the natural world and biology drew me at first to Medicine
(aged 11) and I knew I was aiming for dentistry by the time I was 16.

So I was so excited this afternoon when my wife called out from the garden where she had been sweeping the patio. He eagle eyes had spotted a small lizard. I recognised it as a Sand Lizard but even as I write this blog post I am unsure how rare it is in the wilds of this corner of West Berkshire. Here is a description on the Wild England website where it says they "can only be found in Dorset and Surrey in undisturbed heathland with thick vegetation and bare patches of sand". Now there are two areas of heathland that I know of locally ( possibly others too). These are the commons at Greenham and Bucklebury both of which are several miles away. One on the far side of Newbury town , the other across clay woodlands, farmland and village gardens.
Time to contact BBONT

So here are the pics taken with excited shaking hands and a Fujifilm 10 mega pixel camera with macro selected.