You don’t have to be a professional boxer or rugby player to need a mouthguard. In fact you don’t need to be interested in sport at all, as mouthguards of different shapes and designs can be used for many different purposes. Whatever the reason you need a mouthguard, the staff at Dublin18 Dental Care will be able to give you advice and information before you make your decision.

Quite a number of the enquiries we receive about mouthguards are from patients who grind their teeth while asleep. This is not just an annoying habit, but something that can cause problems with oral health further down the line. Often people don’t even realise they are grinding their teeth, until a new partner mentions it or they decide to try and find out just why they always have such a sore mouth in the morning. Specially-designed mouthguards can be worn at night to prevent damage to both the teeth and jaw. Mouthguards are comfortable to wear and many people get used to wearing their mouthguard at night within just a few days.

Anyone who has had orthodontic work done at Dublin18 Dental Care near Leopardstown will be given a retainer to wear once their braces are removed to make sure that their newly-straightened teeth don’t slip back into their old positions. An Essex retainer is different to the usual style and is more like a mouthguard, made of moulded plastic, which is comfortable to wear and easy to remove and maintain. Patients who are given an Essex retainer should wear it every night and for at least four hours each day, to make sure that they keep their new smile looking as straight as possible.

However, we do still get many enquiries from sportsmen and women about mouthguards that will protect them during their chosen activity and a lot of the time it is parents who are concerned about the safety of a child who has just started playing rugby at school or taken up boxing. Any sport that involves significant physical contact could require participants to wear a mouthguard, in order to protect their teeth in the event of an accidental or, in the case of boxing, deliberate blows to the mouth.

Having a dental bridge fitted is a common procedure and is one of the most effective ways of dealing with missing teeth. The natural teeth either side of the gap are used to anchor the false tooth in place, which helps to create a completely natural smile that no-one would ever know has been created thanks to the wonders of dentistry! Bridges can either be permanent, in which case they are cemented to the natural teeth, or removable, and both can be fitted in just a couple of appointments at Dublin18 Dental Care near Deansgrange.

But why is it so important to have a false tooth securely fitted wherever there is a gap in our smiles? Aside from the fact that gaps, even at the back, look ugly and can really affect a person’s self confidence, gaps can also affect the teeth that remain around them, as well as the general oral health of the patient. Even those who have decided to get a bridge fitted do not realise this, as they have often made the decision to undergo the treatment for what they see as purely cosmetic reasons.

Our mouths were designed to boast a full set of teeth, and each tooth has their own job to do when it comes to eating, chewing and even speaking. If one tooth is missing that dynamic is destroyed and some teeth have to take on jobs they were not designed to do, putting them under unexpected stress.

Missing teeth also means that your whole mouth and jaw area are not getting the full support they need, something which is especially important with the back teeth. Many people who are missing teeth right at the back of their mouth decide that they don’t need a bridge, but over time these empty spaces can cause cheeks to appear sunken and the appearance of dreaded wrinkles.

Finally, an empty area of gum where a tooth used to be is much more at risk of infection, which can cause gum disease. Gum disease has now also been linked to other more serious conditions affecting the heart and respiratory systems. The decision to get a dental bridge to complete your smile is therefore not a vain one and could be a move that could end up saving your life!

Cosmetic surgery and celebrities has always gone hand-in-hand; from Jordan’s breast implants to magazines trying to spot which ageing actresses have had Anti wrinkle injections, both the stars themselves and their fans seem to be obsessed with cosmetic procedures. And now a new trend has developed among younger celebrities desperate to get the edge over their “Hello!” rivals; cosmetic dentistry.

The most common procedure, and one that is very easy to spot in before and after photos, is the fitting of veneers. These act like covers for your own natural teeth, giving you a perfectly straight and dazzling smile; the kind of smile that usually takes years of orthodontic work which is why celebrities with veneers are easy to spot.

Cheryl Cole, Victoria Beckham and her husband David and pretty much the entire cast of the TV show “The Only Way is Essex” have been seen sporting whiter-than-white smiles recently. And dental experts are sure that the quick and easy fix offered by veneers is the answer.

Yet while these celebrities will no doubt have paid top money for their new smiles, the results are not always a complete success. If the veneers are the wrong size or shape, or even too white, then the smile can easily end up looking fake and everyone can spot that you have had dental work done; whether you’re famous or not. David Beckham’s dental work has improved on his own natural smile, even to the extent of keeping his slightly misshapen canine teeth when they could easily have been covered with veneers or pushed into a more perfect position by using braces.

Compare that to some other celebs and their smile stands out for all the wrong reasons. With cosmetic dentistry at Dublin18 Dental Care in South Dublin, less is more and we will do all we can to ensure the results at the end of veneer treatment is all you ever hoped for and more.

Metal braces can be unsightly and make many people think of the TV series “Ugly Betty”. This is a major concern for adults who are unhappy with their teeth, but unwilling to deal with the stigma of being a grown up with a mouth full of metal. Braces are for children, right?

Wrong.

At Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock we can show you different options that will give you the perfect smile without looking too obvious. These include:

Inman aligners, which are braces that look like a retainer or gum shield. An important difference is that they are fitted with spring-loaded coils that sit behind your teeth, which is met by an opposing force provided by a clear metal wire around the front of your teeth. This positions your teeth accurately and, most importantly, invisibly. They are removable for special occasions but should ideally be worn around 20 hours a day.

Invisible aligners are similar to Inman aligners in the way that they are a clear, retainer type brace. They are carefully moulded to move your teeth very slightly and should be worn for two weeks before being replaced with a slightly tighter pair. They are also easy to clean and removable.

Clearstep braces function in the same way as invisible aligners. Importantly they do not affect your speech, as some retainer style braces can give you a slight lisp.

Fixed braces are available for people who want to achieve fantastic results and are not concerned about having visible braces. They are not removable but very easy to get used to.

Dublin18 Dental Care’s 6 Month Smiles uses fixed braces to improve your smile in 6 months. The colour of the wire in the braces is matched exactly to your teeth, so it’s difficult to see that they are there. This is a combination of the discreetness of invisible braces and the reliability of fixed metal braces. Arrange an appointment with your dentist to find out more.

Once you have achieved your desired look it is wise to use a bonded retainer to stop your teeth from sliding back into their original positions. The retainer is small and made of wire and it is attached to your teeth using dental glue for added security.

Dublin18 Dental Care has a vast array of cosmetic dental treatments available, but our primary concern has always been the health of your teeth. It is impossible to achieve a healthy smile if your teeth aren’t at their natural best.

Dental health checks

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly helps maintain the health of your teeth, but it is also important to get checked out by Dublin18 Dental Care near Dundrum every so often (approximately every six months). This means your dentist can check that there are no problems developing and you can discuss any worries you have. Your dentist can also offer advice about how you can improve your oral hygiene routine.

Fillings

Fillings are designed to provide protection against bacteria by forming a seal over a damaged tooth. Composite fillings are white in colour and therefore far more popular than traditional amalgam metal fillings. They often cost more but are worth it for a completely natural looking smile. Cerec onlays combine the sturdiness of amalgam fillings with the discreet nature of composite fillings and able to treat larger cavities.

Root canal treatment

This is a slightly unpleasant but completely necessary treatment that involves drilling into the tooth cavity and removing diseased pulp. The tooth is then refilled with dental putty and sealed. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so it is completely painless and can save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Extractions

Unfortunately, leaving an infected tooth inside the mouth can endanger your health, and that tooth will need to be removed. Usually teeth can be removed under local anaesthetic by your dentist, but sometimes more invasive surgery may be required. No matter what happens, you will always be in the hands of an experienced dental professional who is acting in your best interests. There are many options available for replacing lost teeth, which can be found in other areas of the website.

No matter how large or small, Dublin18 Dental Care is here to deal with all your dental needs.

When you think of dentures certain images may come to mind, such as toothless old folks with their teeth in water and comedy moments with teeth flying across the dining table. However, modern dentures are actually far removed from this stereotype and there are now many different kinds of dentures to fit your individual needs, provided at Dublin18 Dental Care near Dun Laoghaire. These include:

Partial acrylic dentures, which are dentures designed to replace a few missing teeth. They are made out of pink acrylic resin and are usually cheaper than shelling out on dental implants or bridges. It also prevents your other teeth from drifting into the empty spaces left by your missing teeth and eating is made much more comfortable. They can be made far more quickly than the traditional metal framed dentures, but it must be noted that they are less durable.

Full acrylic dentures follow the same basic principle of partial acrylic dentures, but are designed to replace all of your teeth.

Chrome cobalt dentures are more durable than their acrylic counterparts. They are often held in place by clasps attached to your natural teeth, so products like poligrip are not necessary. They are generally thinner and some have an open palate at the top of the mouth to allow more sensation whilst eating. This form of denture takes longer to craft and will cost more than acrylic dentures.

Implant retained dentures are dentures that are assisted by dental implants. If the bone in your mouth is not strong enough to support dentures, implants are placed and the dentures are attached to them. They do not occupy the entire palate, which is better for eating as well as helping patients with a sensitive gag reflex. They are more secure than other kinds of dentures and after a while it won’t feel like you’re wearing any false teeth at all. Missing teeth can cause bone loss, as the teeth reposition themselves, but implant retained dentures prevent this and maintain your natural facial structure.

It is advisable to talk to the Dublin18 Dental Care team to find out what type of denture is right for you.

Want to know the best way to look after your children’s teeth? It’s as easy as A – B – C!

A is for … ADVICE. As a parent, it is important to know that you are doing the right thing for your child. Taking your child to regular dental check-ups at Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock is important, because at these appointments you will be able to get all the advice you need to help ensure your child’s teeth are healthy, strong and well looked after. Dentists draw upon their expert knowledge and years of experience to help you make informed choices about your child’s dental health care. Regular visits to the dentist will help familiarise your child with the practice, reduce their nerves and minimise the risk of developing dental phobia.

B is for… BRACES. Deciding whether or not your child needs orthodontic treatment can be a difficult decision, but the importance of braces should not be under-estimated. Braces can help correct tooth alignment problems, such as gaps, crowding or abnormally shaped teeth. They also correct bad bites, including Overbites (when the upper teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth), Underbites (when the lower set of teeth overlap the top teeth) and Crossbites. Properly aligned teeth not only improve your child’s confidence and self-esteem, they also ensure that your child can eat and speak properly and maintain good oral hygiene in later life. If your son or daughter is worried about wearing the traditional metal braces, ask their dentist about some of the more discreet treatment options, such as our ‘invisible’ braces.

C is for… CLEAN. When it comes to young children and oral hygiene, it is important to establish a good routine. Teeth should be brushed twice a day – once in the morning and once at night before bed. The recommended brushing time is two minutes, and you could even try setting an egg timer to make the process more fun for your child and to let them know when they can stop.  There’s also a good selection of novelty toothbrushes out there to make brushing more appealing for children. To strengthen your child’s teeth and prevent tooth decay, it is important to buy toothpaste that contains fluoride and to monitor their sugar intake.

Dental hygienists don’t just clean your teeth – they are there to check that your teeth and mouth are in good health and offer advice on the best products and techniques required to maintain good oral hygiene. Sometimes a hygienist may even offer you dietary advice if they believe that it will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Neglecting your oral hygiene can cause discolouration or staining of the teeth, gum disease (swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums) and even tooth loss.

Here are some of the things a dental hygienist can do for you.

Scaling and Polishing

By scaling and polishing your teeth, the hygienist at Dublin18 Dental Care serving Carrickmines removes plaque (a yellowish coloured substance that clings to your teeth caused by a build up of bacteria) and tartar (also known as calculus, plaque that has become hard and scaly over time). A dental cleaning helps makes your teeth both look and feel cleaner and will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluoride Therapy

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel. It is applied to the surface of the teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish, to help prevent plaque from forming.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants work in a similar way to fluoride application. A clear or tooth-coloured substance is applied to the teeth (mainly those at the back of the mouth) to form a protective layer that will ‘seal’ the surface of the tooth and make it smoother. This treatment helps prevent plaque build-up both on and around the teeth and protects them from decay.

Hygienists are there to give patients advice and guidance about the best ways that they can look after their teeth. First and foremost, a visit to the hygienist should be seen as a preventative step –  hygienists have been specially trained to notice problems with your teeth and gums at an early stage in order to prevent them developing into more serious conditions.

The different kinds of treatments available at dental clinics are increasing all the time, as new procedures and gadgets are developed by scientists and researchers to help patients get the smile they want. But some dentists, Dublin18 Dental Care included, have taken this one step further and have started offering non-invasive cosmetic procedures. After all, if you have spent time and money getting the perfect smile, you might as well make sure that the skin around it looks as good as it can too!

A lot of people are apprehensive when Anti wrinkle injections are mentioned, which is unsurprising when you consider how many celebrities have abused the treatment so often, to a point when their faces are completely unable to show emotion. But Dublin18 Dental Care near Stillorgan has a wealth of experience.

The effects of one Anti wrinkle injection session can last up to three months and there is no need to schedule a return visit to the clinic before that time has passed. Most women, and men, who are interested in facial treatment end up choosing Anti wrinkle injections because it is quick and convenient. In fact, appointments can be over and done with on your lunch hour. Anti wrinkle injections, which are a purified protein, are administered through a series of injections with a very fine needle, so no anaesthetic is required and the whole process is relatively painless.

While Anti wrinkle injections are perfect for smoothing out unwanted wrinkles, dermal fillers can help skin look younger by making it look fuller and healthier. The collagen-like substance, which is injected into the skin to literally “fill” the wrinkle, can also be used to get those luscious lips that celebrity women love to sport, without worrying about the infamous “trout pout”. Again, the process is quick, convenient, painless and completely safe, with none of the risks that come with surgical cosmetic surgery procedures. Although dermal fillers are more expensive than Anti wrinkle injections, the effects can last much longer, up to a year in some cases, keeping you looking young and feeling good for months.

Let us help you look your best for the start of this exciting new chapter of your life. They don’t call it ‘the big day’ for nothing – with cameras flashing and all the attention on you, it’s important that you feel confident about your smile and can look back with pride at those special wedding photos. So whether you’re the blushing bride or the charming groom, Dublin18 Dental Care can help give you the smile of your dreams.

Teeth Whitening

Want to get those pearly whites gleaming for your big day? At Dublin18 Dental Care in Dublin we offer two different types of tooth whitening treatment:

• In-Surgery Zoom! whitening – have your teeth whitened in the surgery with the latest Zoom! Advanced technology and see the results in less than an hour.
• Patient Home Whitening Kits – receive a kit with everything that you require to get beautiful white teeth from your very own home.

6 Month Smiles

If you’re getting married in the summer and want a quick result and a straighter smile, then you might want to try our 6 Month Smiles treatment plan. If your front teeth are crooked or you’d like to close some of those gaps, these discreet, tooth-coloured braces are a safe and cost-effective way to get perfectly aligned teeth in just six months.

Veneers

Need a bit of extra help to get that perfect smile? If you want a complete smile makeover, why not try veneers? A veneer is a thin, tooth-coloured casing made of porcelain (or similar materials). When veneers are fitted teeth that are broke, stained, crooked or badly damaged are filed-down slightly under a local aesthetic. Next, the custom-made veneers are fitted over each tooth and secured with a special dental cement, which will bond the veneer to the tooth – leaving you with a beautiful set of strong, natural-looking teeth.  At Dublin18 Dental Care we can offer you a whole range of veneers to choose from, including Lumineers and Da Vinci Veneers – why not come in to the surgery for a consultation to see which veneers are right for you?

You’ve already got the man or the woman of your dreams – now get the smile of your dreams to match!