Advantix is supposed to work against ticks as well as fleas but there are worrying reports of adverse side effects with some dogs (e.g. some reviews on the big S American river site) so I won't try it.

I use Advantage for flea prevention (which has no side effects on my dog) but it doesn't prevent ticks.  I reckon physical removal is the best for ticks.  I use a tick remover because I find them difficult to remove with fingernails (and I'm not very keen on them!).