Member Article

Dentist hopes to corner North East market with revolutionary US method

A North East dentist hopes to disrupt the market with a revolutionary new brace technology imported from the US.

Ewan Bramley, who runs a private clinic at North Shields Fish Quay, says the dental business has evolved into a retail offering where customers tell him what they want.

Now he has his sights set on growth as he introduces the US-patented Fastbraces concept - which has caused quite a stir in the dental and orthodontics industry.

The method negates the need for tooth extractions, numerous clinic visits and can straighten the teeth in less than half the time traditional methods take.

Fastbraces grows the jaw bone to make the teeth fit and move the root and crown all in one stage, as opposed to the more traditional two-stage method with standard braces.

Ewan said: “It’s certainly attractive from a business perspective, as the market for braces is huge. Many people are unhappy with their smile, but few people want to have their teeth hacked down, or to wear braces for two years.

“For me there’s an element of ‘feel-good dentistry’. In the past I’ve had to take teeth out for braces but this is a quick, cost-effective and painless solution.

“I’ve been to hundreds of conferences over the years and never been more excited by a product.”

Ewan has seen 30% of his turnover from ‘invisible’ braces in the last four years.

Cosmetic invisible braces have been a growth area for the dentistry sector, and can incorporate tooth-coloured brackets, brackets hidden on the inside of the teeth and invisalign products.

Ewan added: “I envisage that my turnover will grow 30-40% on the back of Fastbraces.

“Dentistry has changed considerably over the last few years. It’s become less a medical business and more a healthcare retail-orientated business.

“People come in and tell me what they want, and its then my job to advise as to what’s safe and sensible.

“Ultimately I’m not here to control someone’s teeth. I’m here to perform the service they want.”

As the first dentist to bring Fastbraces to the North East, Ewan has had to earn official accreditation from the concept’s US founder, Dr Anthony Vaizis.

The technology has proved so groundbreaking that Dr Vaizis has faced legal challenges from some quarters of the industry who have been worried by its appeal.

Ewan Bramley’s clinic at North Shields Fish Quay

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .