Testimonials

Invisalign and Zoom Tooth Whitening
My crooked teeth had been the source of paranoia for many years. I had become slightly obsessed over time by checking out the teeth of others, with mine always coming off as a very poor comparison. In early 2008, I began to explore options for rectifying this problem. I quickly discounted veneers; having reached the grand old age of 28 with only one filling, I reasoned that my teeth were actually in a fairly good condition and could be made beautiful without filing them away. My friend first introduced me to the treatment of Invisalign. I loved the idea and convenience of invisible, removable braces. Having looked into traditional metal braces, I found them firstly to be more expensive than I had imagined and secondly to be something I couldn't imagine standing up in front of a class and teaching with confidence while wearing them.

My engagement to my partner of six years in February 2008 most definitely sealed the deal for me. I knew if I didn't take the necessary steps now to fix my smile, I would regret it for years to come when I looked at my wedding photos. And so it was with a mixture of trepidation and excitement that I first approached a clinic in the centre of Glasgow on the recommendation of my friend. The façade and interior of the clinic were impressive to say the least. The long wait for appointments and the eventual proposed cost for Invisalign much less so. It was at this stage that I almost resigned myself to living with crooked teeth and practising close lipped smiles for my big day. It is no exaggeration to say that I was more than a little crushed at this point and still remember the teary conversations I shared with my mum on the walk back to my car.

Vowing not to be beaten, however, I visited the Invisalign UK website and began to email some of the practitioners of this treatment asking whether they could offer this at a lesser cost. Dr Nina Holmes was the first to email me back and I am beyond thankful that she did. On meeting with Dr Holmes, the nerves which I had previously held on each visit to the aesthetically pleasing city centre practice dissipated. She was warm, friendly, approachable and the consummate professional. I felt confident and entirely comfortable for her to carry out my proposed thirteen month treatment and was delighted at the mammoth £1500 saving she offered. I knew instantly that this was the doctor for me and that I could trust her to alleviate my fears and do a wonderful job. In the middle of Stepps, just a stone's throw from my workplace, it was also the perfect location.

I would go so far to say that I actually enjoyed my visits to Dr Holmes. Her care felt highly individualised and she listened carefully to my wishes and concerns. I never had to wait to be taken for my appointment; despite a bustling practice, I was always taken on the dot. The receptionists and nurses were always so welcoming and perpetually cheerful. Fundamentally, I felt like I mattered and that my care and happiness was of priority to all staff. Dr Holmes took the time to explain each stage of my treatment, often accompanying this with computer images of my mouth and the progression of the movement of my teeth. Taking my summer wedding into consideration, Dr Holmes even sped up my treatment by three months ensuring my teeth were perfectly straight for my big day. The wedding chat that we so often indulged in was also a welcome addition to my visits!

Towards the end of my Invisalign treatment, and in time for my July 2009 wedding, Dr Holmes also whitened my teeth using the Zoom treatment. Again, she listened to my concerns about my sensitive teeth and catered the treatment accordingly. The results were just phenomenal. I spent many hours checking my teeth out in any available mirror and flashing to all who dared to look in my direction!

I would, one hundred times over, recommend Dr Holmes. Her expertise, patient care and professional approach are all exceptional. Choosing Stepps Ahead practice was one of the best decisions I ever made and I continue to be hugely enamoured with my post-Holmes look.

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2 Dental Impants Replacing a Denture
Despite a little trepidation about taking the step of such a procedure, it turned out painless; discomfort was minimal; professionalism was the order of the day. The secret lay in preparation - detailed and re-asssuring briefings, in pre-operation precautions to reduce bruising or swelling and in a willingness and patience on the part of Dr. Holmes to address all my questions, however witless and paranoid, and always being there, even on a personal mobile, to field concerns. After-care was measured, systematic and attentive. The result - good-bye and good riddance to a awful piece of plastic that had a ritual demise under a hammer, and hello to a free palate and new teeth in my upper jaw. Value-for-money - no worries! never look back!

General and Cosmetic Dentistry
I had always been an NHS patient, but I was gradually realising that as I aged so did my teeth! I was reaching a state where my teeth were breaking up unexpectedly and I was left holding large metal fillings and pieces of teeth. These would be replaced, but others would go.

I decided it was not a check-up I needed but an in-depth appraisal of my dental situation. In my opinion, this was not really available on the NHS so I telephoned Stepps Ahead Dental Care and to my relief they would give me an appraisal and see me within a few days. That was the beginning of a well organised, well constructed programme of dental care.

I was assigned to the lady dentist. She had a bright engaging manner; was articulate and thorough in her explanations; was approachable and receptive thus making dialogue regarding my dental needs purposeful and productive. I was always given a feeling of ownership of my dentistry.

I embarked on treatment involving a series of x-rays, two extractions, metal fillings removed and replaced with natural coloured ones. I had several root treatments involving pins and posts, where appropriate, with the teeth being finally finished with crowns and bridges. All of this was totally painless. She had the lightest most delicate touch I have ever experienced in a dental chair. Whether giving injections or related drilling to deal with the above, it was hard to detect if she had been in one's mouth!

I am almost at the final stage of my treatment and throughout the time I have been able to carry on with my life as usual - meeting people and speaking in company.

I am extremely impressed with the quality, the precision, the expertise and the total professionalism of the dentist Nina Holmes. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone, young or old, whether in strong health or with medical concerns. She would have the ability and adaptability to deal with any situation.

I wish her and her new partnership every success. I know it will be well earned.

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Cosmetic Dentistry and Tooth Whitening
I write this testimonial on behalf of myself and my husband. We first contacted the practice in spring 2006 when after days of ignoring toothache my husband was forced to concede he needed attention. He is a very nervous patient stemming from a childhood experience, and was afraid of having any dental procedure carried out. However he was afforded the utmost respect, patience and sensitivity by everyone in the surgery from Dr Holmes the reception staff and hygienist. He is now a lot more confident and has subsequently decided to have some cosmetic work done, which is a minor miracle in itself and a testament to the excellent treatment he received.

Consequently, I decided to convert to the practice also. I believe that it is essential to have a good relationship with certain professionals, and a dentist comes top of that list. After years of having a very unattractive bridge I broached the subject of having this replaced and I have been more than delighted by the level of service provided by Dr Holmes. She explained in detail the treatment, provided a cast showing how my mouth would look on completion of the work, and explained the differences in cost and types of material available for the crowns. I also had the whitening treatment and to say I am thrilled with the change to the appearance of my teeth is an understatement. I only wish I had transferred to Dr Holmes years ago.

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Stepps Ahead Dental Care to our friends, family or anyone looking for a first class dental service.

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General and Cosmetic Dentistry
From childhood I was always terrified of going to the dentist and have vivid memories of my mother dragging me there screaming. In those days I had to be given "gas" to knock me out before the dentist could do an extraction. I grew up with this fear and only attended a dentist if I was in severe pain. So due to this and lack of proper oral hygiene I entered my forties with lots of gaps, fillings and pretty awful looking teeth.

As I had reached a point in my career where I was doing a lot of public speaking I was very aware of my dental inadequacies and decided to get something done about it. My first referral was to the dental hospital who told me I would be on the waiting list for about 2 years and even then the treatment I could expect would be limited to necessaries and not vanity as it was kindly put to me.

I decided to invest in my smile and was recommended to a top consultant in the city centre. The first experience of what expensive private treatment would deliver was very disappointing. Yes I could see where the money was going, the waiting room and reception desks were very plush and the very best coffee and posh biscuits, and up to date magazines were available in the waiting room. Just as well.......the only thing missing was a bed as I spent a lot of time in that waiting room invariably being called in, anything from 30 to 40 minutes after my appointed time. The consultant didn't believe in wasting time with frivolities like keeping me informed of what he was doing, it was just "sit down, head back, open wide". Each time I was treated I felt rushed and the pain killing injections were extremely......painful. By the time I had the bottom set of crowns finished I was very happy with the look but very unhappy with the massive bill and the poor service.

I decided to make enquiries and found Colin Freer at the local Stepps dental practice to be the answer to all my challenges. The magazines in the surgery are not very well thumbed, no-one really gets the opportunity to read them. Every time I have an appointment I am taken on time. The staff are very friendly and make you feel you are welcome and valued. Colin at all times was attentive to my needs, explained what he was doing and why, at every stage. When he administered anaesthetic he took so much time that I felt nothing at all and my gums were totally numbed. His expertise is extensive and he has a wide knowledge of orthodontics as well as his dentistry and cosmetic skills.

I absolutely felt at home in the practice with Gillian taking me through every aspect of the investment professionally and with the charges considerably less than the city centre, even the bill was relatively painless!

Thank you Stepps Ahead Dental Care, I wish you all a great future.

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Porcelain Veneers
Thank you again for my "new look". I couldn't believe it when I saw the result of all your work. Since I was primary school age I’ve had teeth which were a mixture of Bugs Bunny and Dracula and the dentists in the 50s terrified me! As a result I never smiled in photographs and didn’t feel confident.

To be told in my sixties I could have a real smile was great although I was still living with fear of dentists. From the onset I was made to feel comfortable and special by all – receptionists, dental assistants and of course by Dr Holmes. Throughout all the sessions there was no pain, in fact if I could have moved my numb lips, humour was there – I actually had fun!!

The greatest part was the finished result. I never believed it possible. The last session lasted a while and I thought I would be in pain the next day when the anaesthetic wore off but instead I was off for a long weekend of dancing and eating with a SMILE on my face!

Thank you all so much.

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General and Family Dentistry
I have been a patient of the dental practice sited at 5 Lenzie Rd, Stepps since the late 1960s. During this time I have had four dental surgeons take care of me, my current dentist being Colin Freer.

I am currently undergoing a fairly major programme which has included root treatments, an extraction, fillings, crowns and a small plate.

In all his dealings with me, I have found Colin Freer to be thoroughly professional. He is a very pleasant young man who is most meticulous in all work he undertakes. He always explains what work should be undertaken and how it should be carried out.

I have always found the staff at Stepps Ahead Dental Care to be pleasant and helpful and, on occasions when I have required emergency attention, I was seen by a dentist (not always my own) within a very short time. I cannot recall a single instance when I had to bear pain for any significant length of time.

My son and daughter are both patients of this practice and have been since they were born. Both are completely satisfied with the service provided by Stepps Ahead Dental Care.

I have no hesitation in recommending Stepps Ahead to anyone searching for dental treatment of high quality.