Author: Dublin18Dental

Invisalign myths debunked

Looking to straighten your smile without the complexities that can come with standard braces?

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At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, our team is proud to be able to offer our patients the world-famous aligner Invisalign Dublin, so you can get the straighter smile you want with the discretion you deserve. Perfect!

In this short article, our team looks at the most prominent myths that surround Invisalign Dublin.

Myth 1- Invisible aligners can’t treat complex issues

When the technology surrounding Invisalign Dublin was invented, it could initially only treat mild cases of misalignment involving the front 6 teeth.

As it has progressed, it has evolved to a more sophisticated aligner, capable of handling protrusions, spacing, overcrowding and even bite issues.

So, if you aren’t sure if you are suitable for one, contact our team for an assessment!

Myth 2- Invisible aligners take longer than standard braces

In most cases, they don’t.

But of course, this will depend on the severity of the dental issue being corrected; if you have a mild to moderate case of misalignment, then your teeth may be straightened in 3 to 6 months. But, if your case is a bit more complicated, our team may state at the initial consultation that it could take up to a year. When compared to the average 3 years that it takes to move adult teeth with standard braces, the advantages are clear. But it is worth considering that standard braces are designed to treat much more complex cases.

Myth 3- Any dentist can use invisible aligners

No, they really can’t!

The dentists at our surgery who oversee invisible aligners have undergone the additional courses and training required to use this aligner effectively. And they have a wealth of expertise with using the aligner too.

If you are hunting for a dentist to straighten your teeth using clear aligners and they state they can do it without having any additional training, move on quickly!

Myth 4- Invisible aligners are pricey

If you are over the age of 18 in the UK, the process of wearing any kind of orthodontic tool can seem terrifying and may put you off of the idea altogether.

But, as is the way with most surgeries that offer aligners, our team at our practice can offer our suitable patients a payment system revolving around financing and monthly repayments. That way, you get to spread the cost without worry and can enjoy your new and improved smile.

Myth 5- You can smoke while wearing aligners

OK, so we will be honest, you can smoke while wearing invisible aligners (we can’t stop you!) but this myth stems from the idea that it won’t cause any issues, which it will.

Smoking, in general, is not great for your general and oral health, but when it comes to smoking while wearing any kind of orthodontic tool, the risks go up. Your teeth are moving and as a result, there may be temporary gaps forming between the teeth and the gums; add smoking to the mix and you have a recipe for infection, cancer and other problems.

If you want to quit smoking before starting your treatment with invisible aligners, contact our team.

Emergency dentist; how we can help you

Need an emergency dental appointment, but aren’t sure what we can do for your aching tooth?

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At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, our emergency dentist Dublin is very proud to be able to offer our patients same-day appointments as well as top-quality dental treatment when they need it most; when they may be in discomfort!

In this brief article, we provide insight into some of the most common dental procedures that our emergency dentist Dublin offers.

Pain relief

It goes without saying that if you are seeing our emergency dentist Dublin, you are probably in a bit of discomfort, whether this is caused by an abscess, decay or a cracked tooth.

And so, one of the first things we can do is offer pain relief, in the form of a numbing or local anaesthetic.

If we have concerns that your discomfort may linger after the appointment, as is the case with abscesses, we may also prescribe pain relief for you to take at home. But be aware that if you have a dental abscess you will need to attend the necessary follow-up appointment with your general dentist, to prevent the infection and discomfort from returning.

Temporary filling

If it has been some time since you saw a member of our team and you are now having a toothache, you may need to have a filling or many fillings applied.

And if that filling is very small, we can aim to fit a permanent one at your emergency appointment, but when a large filling is needed, this will typically be fitted by your general dentist and our emergency team will fit a temporary one.

Temporary crown

A well-fitted crown requires the tooth that it is fitted to having a lot of preparation work performed on it.

And so, in an emergency setting, we do not have the time or the resources to do this and will fit you with a temporary crown. If you have lost a crown and still have it with you, we will aim to restore it fully, but this may be better suited for your regular dentist if the tooth has succumbed to damage or decay. Hence, the temporary crown!

Extraction

If there has been a trauma, or if you have an extremely decayed tooth that is causing discomfort, our emergency team may be able to extract it for you.

This will require us to take X-rays and may require stitching afterwards, depending on whether a simple or surgical extraction is required.

Prescription

If you have had to see our emergency dental team because of a dental abscess, we will likely send you away with antibiotics. This will help to reduce the infection, swelling and discomfort while you wait for the follow-up appointment.

This will need to be taken until the course is completed and even after the root canal or extraction has been performed. Dental abscesses tend to recur if antibiotics do not manage to destroy all of the bacteria, so don’t risk it.

If you are allergic to antibiotics, our team will offer you an alternative.

Botox; your FAQs answered

Do you want to banish the appearance of deep or fine wrinkles from your face? Have you had enough of spending money on face creams that don’t seem to work?

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At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we are proud to be able to offer our patients Botox Dublin, to help you smooth your skin and feel healthy and revitalised.

Here, our team answers common questions that we receive about Botox Dublin, so read on to learn more!

Who is suitable for botulinum injections?

Most people are suitable for Botox Dublin in the context of aesthetics.

As long as you are over the age of 18, are not pregnant or nursing, have a healthy lifestyle and do not have any history of neuromuscular disease, then you should be the ideal candidate for this procedure.

Do they hurt?

This is tough to answer as everyone experiences discomfort differently; the injections may feel akin to a bee sting for some and for others, it may feel like a minor scratch.

Either way, if you are worried about this, talk to our team and we can apply a numbing gel over the site where we will place the injection to help you feel more comfortable.

How do they work?

Botulinum injections work cosmetically by paralysing the nerve that they are injected into; this results in the muscle being unable to contract and thus, the wrinkles on the skin cannot deepen and gradually vanish.

Performed incorrectly, you may end up with what is known as ‘frozen face’ which can be very distressing, but under the care of our team, the result will be natural looking and will allow you to retain a natural glow without a permanent flat expression.

How long do they last?

Typically, the effects of the injections last between 3 to 4 months; after this, many people report that the fine lines and wrinkles that they were looking to diminish the appearance of begin to reappear.

However, there are many variables that can impact how long these injections last; if you are older when you have your first set of injections, they may not last as long as they would in a person who is younger. Also, if you have very deep wrinkles that are being treated with the injections, there is a higher chance of them reappearing sooner than if they were a fine line.

It is important that after you have had these injections that you stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet; if you smoke, do not exercise regularly or consume alcohol every day, this will put your skin and body under additional pressure and will result in a shorter lifespan of the injections.

How often can they be reapplied?

On average, most practitioners will be able to reapply these injections every 6 months, but in some instances, you may be able to have them reapplied every 3 to 4 months. This spacing between treatments will vary and will depend on your age, lifestyle factors, the amount of the botulinum injected and of course, where they are injected. For instance, when these injections are conducted around the eyes, they often have a shorter lifespan.

Sore gums? Our dentist explores the reasons below

Do you ever brush your teeth and feel that your gums are a bit sore afterwards? Or do you frequently notice that your gums are sensitive?

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There is a wealth of articles relating to sensitive teeth and how to alleviate them, but as many as 50% of dental patients experience intermittent episodes of sensitive gums. In this article, we are going to look at why.

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, our dentist Dublin believes that a person’s entire mouth should be healthy and so, if you are experiencing gingival discomfort, you should see our team to explore the reasons why. After all, your gums need care too!

So what are the most common reasons why people experience gum pain? Our dentist Dublin explores them below!

Rough brushing

OK, so we touched on this earlier, but the leading cause of patients experiencing recurrent sore gums, according to our dentist Dublin, is hard brushing.

If you are a bit more vigorous with your cleaning when you brush, this can easily cause the soft tissue of the gums to become inflamed and sore. And, unfortunately, as brushing is done every day, it can quickly lead to an ongoing problem.

If your teeth hurt after you brush, you should book an appointment to see our team; this will allow us to offer you tips on how to brush sensitive gums, as well as enable us to discuss the correct brushing technique and toothbrushes.

Gum disease

Sore gums that bleed can also be a sign of gum disease, even in the early stages.

And as you may know, gum disease is often the result of incorrect brushing technique and an excess of bacteria in your mouth, leading to the gums becoming spongy and sore.

Luckily, gum disease is treatable in minor cases and manageable in more severe ones, with our team being able to provide you with a scale and polish, and bacteria targeting mouthwashes.

Ulcers

More common when you are ill or under stress, ulcers or canker sores can cause your gums to feel sensitive and uncomfortable in daily life.

Sadly, as the cause of ulcers is non-specific, they may resolve themselves when you get better or feel less stressed. However, if your ulcers are larger than a 5 pence piece, are recurring in the same part of your mouth or bleed, then you should see our team for an appointment, as this can sometimes point to oral cancer.

Hormonal changes

This is a more common issue with women, but is not solely exclusive to them, as men experience hormonal changes too.

But, if you are female, you are more likely to experience sore gums if you are menstruating if you are pregnant or are going through menopause. Many teenage girls also experience sore gums due to hormonal fluctuations, so if you have a teenage daughter who has painful gums, it may be worth contacting our team and your doctor for an assessment.

Smoking

It should come as no surprise that if you smoke, you have a higher chance of developing sore gums. The hot air that is breathed in during smoking can cause inflammation and can alter the texture of the gingival tissue, making it more likely to bleed.

Physical health and Invisalign

Did you know that undertaking orthodontic treatment with an invisible aligner can have advantages for your physical health too?

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While many people assume that the wearing of a brace or aligner will only work to straighten your teeth, there are many advantages that correcting a misalignment can also offer to your general health. And in this article, we are going to be looking at some of them.

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we have been helping patients to get the smiles that they want using braces and aligners such as Invisalign Dublin for years and know all of the advantages that these treatments can provide for our patients.

So, what are some of the key benefits for your physical health when you use Invisalign Dublin as opposed to living with misaligned teeth?

Better eating habits

With straighter teeth, you are more able to eat and chew harder foods, thus having better dietary habits.

With Invisalign Dublin, you can do this while undertaking the treatment, as the aligner makes no demands on your diet, allowing you to start that healthier diet while your teeth are moving into line.

Fewer stomach issues

Your mouth is the first part of the digestive system and so, your teeth are needed to grind up food to help with digestion.

If your teeth are misaligned, this becomes a lot trickier and so, you may end up with larger pieces of food hitting your stomach and thus associated issues such as heartburn and acid reflux.

By straightening your teeth, you enable them to work in synchronisation, thus being more able to grind up food correctly.

Better sleep

Sleep is important for everyone and so, you may be wondering how having misaligned teeth could be linked to poorer sleep.

As you sleep, your facial muscles relax and, if there is a misalignment, you run a higher risk of grinding your teeth in the night. This can cause you to have unsettled sleep, alongside waking up with a headache or stiff neck.

Less plaque

Plaque is more than a sticky substance on your teeth that can cause cavities and gum disease. It is a biofilm that can cause your gums to become more spongy and thus, it can enter your bloodstream.

This is bad as excess amounts of plaque are typically found in the mouths of people who have misaligned teeth, thus increasing the risks linked to plaque in the body. These risks include cardiovascular issues, a higher incidence of strokes, heart attacks, higher cancer risk and even higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

By wearing an invisible aligner, you can straighten your teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing plaque levels.

Clearer speech

OK, so while it may not seem that speech and pronunciation are a physical health concern, both have been linked to clearer communication and in turn, higher levels of neurochemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. Why is that important? Because both of these chemicals make you feel good in social situations and are linked to better creativity and confidence! So, when your teeth are straightened, your speech will become clearer and you are not only more likely to be listened to, but you are more likely to feel good when talking. Great!

FAQs about our emergency dentist answered

Unsure if a trip to an emergency dental team will resolve that toothache? Or are you worried about being judged?

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At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, our emergency dentist Dublin can offer same-day appointments to all of our patients, helping you get back on track and out of discomfort as soon as possible. Perfect!

Here, we answer 5 FAQs that we receive about our emergency dentist Dublin.

Will an emergency appointment relieve discomfort?

Most certainly; our emergency dentist Dublin operates to alleviate the discomfort that can accompany some dental emergencies, such as abscesses or loose fillings.

Depending on the nature of the emergency, we may be able to only offer a reprieve and you will need to follow up with your regular dentist to prevent some issues from recurring, such as a dental abscess.

We are also able to prescribe medications to help with emergency dental issues, such as antibiotics.

Will I be judged?

No; our team at Dublin 18 Dental Rooms will not judge you if you have a dental emergency.

Our emergency team is here to help get patients out of discomfort as soon as possible and to prevent more invasive techniques from being needed at a later date. We will offer you advice, treat the issue and refer you to other services if required.

So, don’t be worried about calling us!

What constitutes a dental emergency?

One of the most common reasons to see an emergency dental team is discomfort. If it is distracting you in your daily life, causing you to miss sleep, then please seek help from our emergency team as soon as possible.

If you notice any swelling in your mouth, to your face or underneath your jawline, you should call us. For other issues such as cracks, chips, oral bleeds (that last for longer than 20 minutes), lost fillings or crowns, you should also seek a same-day appointment.

If during brushing you spot that you have an ulcer that is larger than a 5 pence piece, you should call our team, as this can be a sign of oral cancer and should be investigated as soon as possible. 

Will I need a follow-up appointment?

Potentially, but this will depend on the nature of the dental emergency.

If you are having a cracked tooth repaired, then your dental team will be informed by us, but if you need more substantial work completed such as a root canal, then you will certainly need to see your regular dental team.

If you have a dental abscess, we may be able to resolve some of the pressure and prescribe antibiotics, but for either an extraction or a root canal, you will need to see your regular dentist.

Can I have a tooth removed at an emergency appointment?

This will depend on the condition of the tooth, but our emergency team will be able to remove a tooth if it is damaged or decayed beyond repair.

Don’t worry! We will take the time to perform X-rays if needed and of course provide you with pain relief before we remove the tooth. We may also stitch the area to promote faster healing. For this kind of emergency treatment, you will need a follow-up with your regular dentist.

Botox aftercare advice from Dublin 18

When you are looking for a long-term way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, many non-surgical options can help you. And many of these facial aesthetics can be performed by our team at Dublin 18 Dental Rooms!

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When you have had botulinum toxin injections, you may have some questions about the aftercare. After all, this is one of the most popular ways to refresh your appearance without surgery and, as it is not permanent, you will probably have a few queries as to how you can prolong the effects.

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we are proud to be able to offer our patients facial aesthetics such as Botox Dublin and will ensure that the procedure and the aftercare are handled with the high quality that you deserve from our team.

So, what are some of our tips on managing the aftercare that surrounds Botox Dublin injections? Read on to find out!

Minimal exercise

Many people are health conscious and so many people can be found jogging around their local park or hitting the gym after work.

Once you have had Botox Dublin, you will need to refrain from strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. Why? Because physical activity increases blood flow and, while that is great for your cardiovascular system, it can increase the blood flow to the areas where the injections have occurred, causing the Botox to move away from the pre-designated areas.

So, skip the gym and put your feet up!

No makeup!

OK, so this can seem harsh for people who work in high profile jobs and need to look their best, but after these injections, you should avoid wearing makeup, or indeed applying any kind of pressure to your face for around 24 hours.

Once again, this is to do with inadvertently causing the substances from the injections to move away from where they need to be.

Also, you should avoid other facial treatments for the same period, such as facials, massages, exfoliating scrubs and the application of dermal fillers.

Sleep upright

When you have had these injections, it may be worth investing in an additional pillow to allow you to prop yourself up while you sleep.

You may have guessed it by now, but a key issue that comes with these kinds of injections is that they can often move around under the skin. To prevent this from occurring, it is wise to reduce the pressure on your face when you are sleeping.

Avoid sunlight

It is well known that UV rays can cause damage to the skin, but when you have had these injections, so can the heat of being out in the sun.

Heat equates to flushing and sweating, which increases metabolic activity that can cause the injections to move about.

To be safe and keep your injections where they need to be, avoid direct sunlight for at least 24 hours.

Apply ice

While we stated earlier that you should avoid overhandling the areas where the injections were administered, we do advise our patients to gently apply ice packs to these locations to reduce swelling and bruising.

Our dentist discusses the advantages of veneers

Do you want a whiter smile, but aren’t too keen on traditional whitening techniques?

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At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, our dentist Dublin can assess your suitability for dental veneers; thin, porcelain coverings placed over your teeth for an instant whitening and concealing effect!

Here, our dentist Dublin discusses 5 key advantages of having veneers fitted by our team, so enjoy!

Low maintenance

Veneers are a great way to restore your smile because, in short, they are low maintenance.

When you have them fitted, you will need to see our dentist Dublin every 6 months for a check-up and continue with your regular dental regime, but that’s about it!

If you have concerns that your veneers are becoming discoloured or are falling off, then please call us as soon as possible so we can assess the situation.

Otherwise, just sit back and enjoy the attractive aesthetics that these nifty coverings can provide!

Natural look

As a veneer is fitted to your tooth or teeth, we can colour match it, shade match it and even match its translucency to your surrounding teeth.

If you are looking for a more natural look as opposed to a Hollywood one, this is easily achieved with veneers. The finished result is completely within your control, so talk to our team about what you hope to achieve from having these restoratives fitted.

Conceal cracks

Cracks in your teeth can not only create issues with your confidence when you smile, but they can also act as a magnet for plaque and bacteria, thus resulting in a higher incidence of decay, even if the crack isn’t that deep.

Luckily, veneers can be used to cover these cracks and can also conceal a myriad of other dental issues such as bad spacing, misalignments and asymmetries with teeth.

Our team will be able to assist you in determining if you are suitable to have veneers fitted to conceal all of these issues.

Reduce sensitivity

Many patients suffer from dental sensitivity; that sharp pang that you get when you drink hot coffee or sip cold water.

And while the cause of any dental sensitivity will have to be explored by our team, having veneers fitted may be the answer. Why? Because some sensitivity is caused by microscopic holes in the teeth allowing external stimuli access to the pulp, this can be stopped by placing a layer over the top of the hole.

A veneer is fitted, discomfort reduces and your smile looks great!

Stain resistant

Many people experience dental staining. And as such, many people require their teeth to be whitened regularly to keep their teeth stain free.

However, if you have sensitive teeth, this may not seem to be an appealing option. Veneers can offer a stain-resistant solution that also allows you to get whiter teeth. The porcelain that the veneers are made from is less porous than that of enamel on your teeth and so, even if you drink coffee every day on your morning commute, they are less likely to stain than your natural teeth. Perfect!

If you would like to know more about having veneers fitted, please call our team today!

Invisalign as an alternative to traditional orthodontics

If you have healthy teeth and gums and are looking to improve the appearance of your smile then look no further. Speak to us at Dublin 18 Dental Rooms and find out about Invisalign Dublin and how it can help improve the aesthetics of your teeth. Invisalign Dublin is a highly popular teeth straightening treatment option which provides an excellent alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. First introduced in 1997, since then Invisalign has been firmly established as one of the most popular clear aligners for treating misalignment issues of the teeth.

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To be able to undergo Invisalign Dublin you will first need to have a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums with our dentist at the practice. Once our dentist is happy that your teeth are clean and that your gums are strong and healthy you will undergo a three-dimensional scan using a specialised iTero scanner, designed by the makers of the Invisalign. This will bring up a three-dimensional image of your teeth within minutes and will be able to show you how you can change the appearance of your teeth following a successful course of treatment with Invisalign Dublin. The scan results are also used to help individually manufacture the aligners which are involved in the treatment. This means that there is no messy impression taking involved. The aligners are highly accurate and precise to enable comfort and effective, predictable results.

How does Invisalign work?

Each aligner is worn for two weeks at a time and is designed to move your teeth by up to 0.25mm. After this you move on to the next aligner in the series and it is recommended that after every two or three aligners, you visit your dentist. This is to make sure that the procedure is coming along successfully and that moving your teeth is not causing any other issues in the meantime. The total treatment time varies from 6 to 12 months depending on the extent of misalignment to begin with. The aligners are highly convenient and can be taken out of your mouth and replaced as necessary. They need to be worn for approximately 22 hours of the day and removed at meal times or for drinks other than water. This is to help maintain good oral hygiene and to make sure that your aligners are clean and intact. It is important that food does not get stuck between your teeth and the aligner which may result in other dental issues. It is imperative that you maintain good oral hygiene whilst undergoing treatment with Invisalign, And you will be able to improve all aspects of your smile. Speak to your dentist and find out more about Invisalign today, as this could be the perfect choice of treatment for you.

Maintain a good dental hygiene routine following the straightening of your teeth and speak to your dentist to find out about using a retainer to help keep your new smile in shape and you will be able to enjoy a beautiful smile and better oral health for life.

The importance of an emergency dentist

A dental emergency can be an uncomfortable, painful and extremely distressing situation to find yourself in. If you have a dental emergency but are not registered with a dentist or have avoided the dentist for a significant amount of time, then do not let this prevent you from contacting us here at Dublin 18 Dental Rooms to find an emergency dentist.

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There are many different types of dental emergencies and our emergency dentist will be able to help address your issue quickly and effectively to ensure minimal complications and less damage to your surrounding teeth and gums. If you have a dental emergency, then you have to contact our emergency dentist as soon as possible to help prevent any chance of infection and further complications in the future.

Toothache

Toothache is one of the most commonly experienced dental emergencies. Toothache can occur at any time; however, it is usually a sign of an underlying dental issue that is progressing or having a harmful effect that needs to be treated immediately. Most dental issues are asymptomatic, but if you are experiencing a toothache, then you must speak to our emergency dentist to find out what may be causing the problem.

Toothache can occur as a result of many different reasons. The main cause of toothache is usually a certain extent of tooth decay that may be happening in your tooth.

Tooth decay can occur as a result of the buildup of plaque and tartar around your teeth; bacteria can thrive on this accumulation and begin to make holes in your teeth. This is known as cavities, and it eventually results in tooth decay.

If you are experiencing a toothache that has not relieved itself within two days or does not subside with the use of painkillers, then you need to speak to our dentist for an emergency appointment immediately to have this addressed.

Another reason for toothache may be a dental abscess, which is also a dental emergency that should be treated immediately. Abscesses can be painful, and the quicker you see your dentist, the easier this will be for you. Issues with your crown or filling can also cause toothache; therefore, they should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tooth.

Sometimes, you may have some form of infection in your mouth, which may also cause a toothache and even result in fever if left untreated. So, speak to our dentist at Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, and this can be treated quickly and effectively with a course of antibiotics. We may ask you to revisit us following your antibiotics course to make sure that there are no other underlying dental issues present.

To help prevent dental emergencies, we recommend that you visit our dentist on a regular basis for checkups and professional cleaning. Do not contact your GP as they will not be able to help you with dental treatment; contact your dentist for an emergency appointment immediately, and you can hopefully begin your recovery very soon.