Foxrock

The Importance of a Fixed Retainer After Brace Treatment for Patients from Foxrock

Brace Treatment Aftercare

When you have had Orthodontic treatment you know that it often takes a lot of time and money to achieve the perfect results you want. You may have spent a long time wearing braces, with time, effort and money all spent to achieve your ideal appearance. So, why let all that hard work go to waste by not wearing a retainer? In order to stop your teeth returning to the position you were unhappy with a retainer needs to be worn to keep that perfect smile in place.

What is a bonded retainer?

Bonded retainers are small, thin wires that are glued to the back of the teeth in order to keep your smile in its new position.

In simple terms, by not wearing bonded retainer eventually your teeth will return to the incorrect position and all the treatment you underwent and the money you spent will have been a waste of time.

Any special oral care required?

Similar to wearing braces you must be extra careful when you are brushing your teeth, as any kind of wiring in the mouth is merely an extra place where food debris can get stuck, breeding bacteria and ultimately generating tooth decay. It is therefore important for patients from Foxrock to keep a regular oral hygiene routine, as those wearing bonded retainers are more susceptible to the problem of plaque build up and tooth decay. You can get special floss to help you clean thoroughly, which works with the wire to gain as much access to the teeth as possible, so tartar doesn’t build up.

Gently brush around the wiring using a soft bristled brush and make sure you clean them thoroughly. Again, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they are very bad for teeth and are extra difficult to remove with wiring in the mouth.

Patients from Foxrock don’t need to fear a visit to Dublin18 Dental Care

It is well documented that many people feel anxious about going to the dentist. The very idea of sitting in a waiting room surrounded by the sights and sounds of the surgery can often be daunting, so much so that it can cause people to avoid the dentist altogether. At Dublin18 Dental Care near Foxrock we understand that a visit to the dentist is not everyone’s idea of fun, but we will do all we can to make it a positive and relaxing experience.

Why do you feel nervous?

There are a myriad of reasons why people from Foxrock and around Ireland experience dental phobia or anxiousness. You may have had a negative experience in the past, be worried that there is a severe underlying problem or it may be a fear of needles or dental instruments that keeps you away. Rest assured that you are not alone and we can help you overcome your fears.

Distraction techniques

If you feel butterflies in your stomach and suffer from nerves when you think about going to see the dentist, try to distract yourself and think positively. At Dublin18 Dental Care we aim to provide techniques to help our patients feel relaxed when they come into the practice, and we invite all clients to take a moment and relax in their surroundings. We will never pressurise you and will always be on hand to provide reassurance and advice.

Speak to the dentist

If you suffer from anxiety or dental phobia feel free to inform us. We take pride at Dublin18 Dental Care in caring for all our patients needs. We can offer nervous patients sedation to help alleviate the fear of your visit or we can simply talk you through every step of the way to ensure you are comfortable to proceed with treatment.

Once you have come into the practice and grown accustomed to your surroundings, we can then help you get the dental treatment you deserve.

Dublin18 Dental Care is Happy to Help Patients from Foxrock Fight Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental complaints and many adults will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. Gum disease will not cause any serious long-term oral health problems if it is treated quickly; however, if gum disease is left untreated it can develop into more serious conditions. Dublin18 Dental Care is here to ensure patients from Foxrock and surrounding areas do not have to put up with this problem.

There are two main types of gum disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque (bacteria that builds up on teeth and around the gums). Gingivitis can develop if this plaque build-up is not removed.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. An excessive build-up of plaque will cause the gums to separate from the teeth, forming ‘pockets’ of space between the gum tissue and the tooth. Plaque and tartar (a hardened build up of plaque) can build-up in these pockets and prolonged inflammation can destroy the bone tissue that fixes the teeth in place, causing the teeth to become loose and even fall out.

The symptoms of gingivitis include:

Red, swollen gums.
Bleeding gums (noticeable when brushing and/or flossing).

The more serious symptoms associated with periodontitis include:

Dark red/purple swollen gums.
Bleeding gums.
Bad breath.
Receding gums.
Sensitive teeth.
Loose teeth and tooth loss.

How is gum disease treated?

Prevention is, of course, the best way to avoid gum disease and you can maintain good oral hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. It is also important to make regular visits to your dentist. Smoking is also one of the biggest causes of plaque build-up, so it is highly recommended that you quit.

If you are diagnosed with gingivitis then your dentist may recommend that you see a dental hygienist. Hygienists assist in the treatment and prevention of oral health problems such as gum disease, and your hygienist will remove the plaque build-up from your teeth through a procedure called ‘scaling’. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash. If you have developed periodontitis then more complicated procedures are required to remove the plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth. In some cases surgery is required to either remove or strengthen teeth in cases of extensive bone loss.

If you are worried about gum disease make an appointment with Dublin18 Dental Care today.

Dublin18 Dental Care Helps Patients from Foxrock with Discoloured Teeth

Many people with stained and discoloured teeth feel embarrassed when they smile and they often find an excuse to hide their teeth from others. If you are one of these people, then don’t worry – you are not alone. Tooth discolouration is extremely common and can occur due to a number of reasons. Dublin18 Dental Care is here to help patients from Foxrock and nearby areas identify them:

Food and drink

The outer surface of the teeth – the enamel – becomes stained or discoloured over time by certain foods and drinks. Drinks such as coffee and tea, red wine, fizzy drinks like cola and foods that are high in sugar and acid, such as sweets and citrus fruits, are the primary causes of tooth discolouration.

Smoking

Cigarettes or cigars are another contributor to tooth discolouration with nicotine stains often difficult to get rid of.

Genetics

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to control our genetic make-up and some individuals are genetically pre-disposed to tooth discolouration.

Age

Tooth discolouration is a common side-effect of the ageing process. As we age our tooth enamel wears and become thinner, making the tissue inside our teeth (dentin) more visible. Dentin also darkens with age making teeth appear more yellow.

Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics (tetracyclines) can stain the teeth, particularly when taken in childhood or by mothers during pregnancy.

It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and have a good diet in order to keep your teeth looking clean and healthy.

Tooth Whitening

If you are suffering from tooth discolouration and want a beautiful, sparkling white smile again, we have the perfect solution for you at Dublin18 Dental Care. We offer two types of tooth whitening treatments:

1. In-Surgery Zoom!

This treatment takes place in the dental practice and takes up to one hour for instant results. A gel is applied to your teeth and then a special light will trigger the gel and whiten the teeth.

2. Patient Home Kits

Home whitening kits involve tooth whitening that doesn’t need to be carried out in-surgery. With our home-whitening kits you’ll have noticeably whiter teeth in a matter of weeks or even days.

If your teeth are stained and discoloured, or you simply want a brighter, whiter smile, call Dublin18 Dental Care to book a consultation.

Adult Braces from Dublin18 Dental Care Available to Patients from Foxrock

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 near Foxrock Care about Children’s Dental Health

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.

Dublin18 Dental Care is Happy to Provide Dental Check-ups to Patients Near Foxrock

Getting your teeth checked by a dentist is an important part of your general health routine. How regularly you need to be checked varies, depending on how healthy your teeth are. But why are dental check-ups so important?

What will my dentist check?

Your Dublin18 Dental Care dentist near Foxrock will carry out a 15 point dental health check and will discuss any issues or concerns that may arise. When they carry out this examination, they are looking for signs of plaque build up, gum disease and any other potential problems. They will then give you advice on how to maintain or improve the health of your teeth. At the end of your appointment you will receive a full detailed treatment plan and your follow on appointment.

What if something needs treatment?

If your dentist finds something that needs further treatment they will discuss your options. It may be worrying to think about the prospect of dental treatment, but this is no reason to avoid your dental checkups. If there is a problem it is best to catch it early, when it will be easily treatable. Allowing issues to continue may entail lengthy treatments and more cost to you. Your dentist will inform you about every stage of your treatment in detail and you will be able to outline your preferences.

The health of your teeth dictates the regularity of your dental checkups. Following the advice, your dentist will ensure that you maintain healthy teeth; therefore reducing the number of visits you need to make with your dentist.