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Meet our Drogheda Dentist

Previously known as Wellington Quay Dental Centre, our Drogheda practice joined the Dental Care Ireland group in early 2021.

For over 25 years, the practice on Dyer Street has been led by prominent Drogheda dentist, Dr Cormac Reynolds. Throughout the years, it has expanded to incorporate specialist and cosmetic dentistry services.

The team working alongside Dr Reynolds includes oral surgeon, Dr Eimear McHugh and specialist orthodontist, Dr Pat McSherry, as well as dental hygienists Aisling Reynolds and Majella Sheridan. The clinical team is supported by new practice manager Lyndsey McGuinness, who manages the day-to-day running of the practice.

As Dr Reynolds explains: “Although our name is changing, the practice team and ethos remains the same. Our goal is always to provide the highest quality treatment for our patients in the most comfortable environment. We also place strong emphasis on keeping abreast of new developments within the sector. As part of Dental Care Ireland, our patients will benefit from the very latest equipment and technology.”

With state-of-the-art facilities, patients at Dental Care Ireland in Drogheda have access to a full range of treatments, from check-ups and cleaning to teeth whitening, orthodontics and dental implants.

Dental Care Ireland Drogheda is part of a growing network of 21 established, family dental practices nationwide.

To book an appointment with our Drogheda dentist or find your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice, please contact us here

Five Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in Ireland. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection and eventually loss of teeth.

The first signs of gum disease are red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Other symptoms include bad breath, gum recession and sensitive or loose teeth.

Practising good oral hygiene is the most important action that a person can take to prevent and treat gum disease. Here, Dr Oonagh O’Regan from our Ennis practice, shares five ways to help keep your gums healthy.

#1 Brush twice a day

A thorough brushing routine is key to maintaining a healthy mouth and gums. It is recommended to brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing at night.

#2 Floss daily

To help remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, floss daily or use an interdental brush. Ideally, floss before brushing so that any released particles can be removed from the mouth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.

#3 Use a fluoride toothpaste

Using a fluoride toothpaste helps keep teeth strong and prevent dental decay. Be sure to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing, so that fluoride remains on your teeth for as long as possible.

#4 Quit smoking

Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. As smoking weakens the immune system, it makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they have been damaged.

#5 Schedule a dental exam

Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease early. In addition to a good dental hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease.

To book an appointment at your local Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here

Wedding Smile Q&A

With the summer wedding season underway, Dr Meabh Long from our Claregalway practice, answers some common questions on how to achieve a healthy, radiant smile ahead of your big day.

Q: How can I fix crooked or chipped teeth for my wedding?

A: Improved technologies mean that a range of comfortable, minimally invasive and even invisible solutions now exist to improve the appearance of teeth. From clear braces to porcelain veneers and dental implants, it has never been easier to achieve a picture-perfect wedding smile.

Q: How far in advance should I book a dental appointment?

A: If you are concerned about crooked, chipped or missing teeth, early preparation is key. The ideal time to book a dental consultation is at the start of your engagement, as some treatments will require at least a year to complete.

Q: Can I straighten my teeth in less than a year?

A: Some of the latest teeth straightening treatments, such as Invisalign Go, can correct mild overcrowding, gaps or alignment issues in as little as 3-6 months. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs.

Q: How can I remove staining on my teeth?

A: Superficial staining from food and drinks such as tea, coffee or red wine, can often be removed with a professional clean. During a scale and polish treatment, your dentist or dental hygienist can thoroughly clean all deposits and stains, scale away tartar build-up and polish the teeth.

Q: Will professional teeth whitening help?

A: Yes, teeth whitening brightens the shade of your teeth and helps to remove discolouration. Your dentist will first need to examine the teeth, mouth and gums, to assess your suitability. They can then develop a bespoke whitening kit which you can safely use yourself at home.

Q: How long will teeth whitening take?

A: Teeth whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for 2-4 hours per day for approximately 1-4 weeks, depending on the shade you aim to achieve. For best results, be sure to factor enough time into your wedding planner.

Q: Should I make changes to my usual dental routine?

A: In the run-up to the wedding, it is important to maintain your basic dental routine at home. Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and drink plenty of water. Try to avoid foods and drinks that tend to stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, balsamic vinegar and even berries.

For a sparkling wedding smile this summer, Dental Care Ireland is offering 20% off teeth whitening until 30^th June. To find out more, contact your nearest practice.

Selling Your Dental Practice?

If you are a dentist thinking of selling your dental practice, whether to eliminate the administrative aspect of running a business, or to manage your retirement plan, Dental Care Ireland offers a unique, localised approach.

Set up in 2015, Dental Care Ireland is a growing network of established, family dental practices nationwide. To date, the group employs over 250 team members across 20 practice locations.

Dublin-based CEO, Colm Davitt, explains: “Essentially, we acquire long-established practices in local communities, with a view to helping them reach their full potential. We work with dentists at various life stages and with different career ambitions. By providing management and administrative support, we give them the clinical freedom to focus on their patients.”

In addition, Dental Care Ireland invests in upgrading practices with latest facilities and technology. A practice manager is assigned to each practice, while a central team provides support in operations, finance, quality and compliance, IT, HR and marketing.

“Each practice is upgraded, depending on individual practice requirements, to include new state-of-the-art facilities and latest technology. We also support the development of new services and treatments, education and training for staff, as well as more convenient opening hours for patients. We are very sensitive to clinical freedom and to the individuality of each practice and location,” says Davitt.

Dental Care Ireland currently operates practices in Dublin, Meath, Carlow, Mayo, Offaly, Wicklow, Galway, Kilkenny, Clare, Cavan and Louth.

According to Davitt: “Our aim is to have a national network right across the country so we are open to considering all locations if the opportunity is right. We are locally-based and solely focused on the Irish dental market.”

To find out more about selling your dental practice and joining the Dental Care Ireland group, you can contact us here.

Teeth Straightening for Adults

Since the start of the pandemic, dentists have reported a significant rise in demand for cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth straightening.

Although many people still associate orthodontics with traditional metal braces, there are now plenty of clear or invisible options available to patients.

Ahead of World Orthodontic Health Day, Dr Maghnus O’Donnell, a specialist orthodontist at our Navan practice in Meath, answers some common queries about teeth straightening for adults.

Q: Am I too old for braces?

A: As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no upper age limit to orthodontic treatment. More and more adults of all ages are choosing braces later in life, both for cosmetic reasons and to correct long-standing dental issues.

Q: Can I straighten my teeth discreetly?

A: Improved technologies mean that a range of comfortable, minimally invasive and even invisible solutions now exist to improve the appearance of teeth.

Aligners, such as Invisalign, straighten teeth using a series of clear and removable plastic aligners.
Ceramic braces are tooth coloured so that they blend in with the teeth.

Q: Which treatment option is best for me?

A: The type of orthodontic treatment that is suitable for you depends on the type of orthodontic problem you need to have corrected. Your orthodontist can advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs. In some cases, a combination of Invisalign and traditional braces may work best.

Q: Is Invisalign suitable for everybody?

A: Invisalign is an ideal treatment method for many patients but it is not suitable for all orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will first need to assess a range of factors including the shape and position of your teeth, and whether you have had previous dental treatments such as a dental bridge, veneer or crown.

Q: What are the benefits of Invisalign?

A: The biggest benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers are virtually invisible. Unlike fixed metal braces, you can also remove your aligners to eat or brush and floss your teeth as normal. As your aligners are built from a 3D scan of your teeth in a lab, progress visits are kept to a minimum of every few months.

Q: When are braces a better choice than Invisalign?

A: With braces, you can treat all dental and facial issues. Even if you have multiple problems with your teeth, braces can treat each one individually. Braces also have more force than the Invisalign aligner to move crooked teeth into the desired position. Outside of the aesthetics of wearing braces, they are often the best solution for straightening your teeth.

Q: How long will orthodontic treatment take?

A: This will depend on the type of treatment and the extent or orthodontic correction required. Treatment typically lasts from six months to two years. An adult’s treatment may take slightly longer than a child’s, because the adult’s facial bones are no longer growing. Your orthodontist will discuss estimated treatment time during your assessment.

Q: Where do I start?

A: If you are an adult considering braces, you should first make an appointment to discuss it with your general dentist. They can determine if your teeth and gums are suitable for orthodontic treatment, as well as recommending a specialist orthodontist.

To find out more about teeth straightening options at Dental Care Ireland, visit our orthodontics information page.

Ballyowen Dentist Joins Group

Dental Care Ireland has expanded its presence in Dublin with the acquisition of two former Centric Health dental practices in Lucan and Citywest. The new partnership will see both practices merge to form Dental Care Ireland Ballyowen, located at Ballyowen Castle Shopping Centre in Lucan.

Previously known as Ballyowen Castle Dental, the practice continues to be led by well-known Ballyowen dentist, Dr Anna Andruchow, along with Dr Adeen Solaiman and all of the existing team.

With state-of-the-art facilities and technology, patients at Dental Care Ireland in Ballyowen have access to a full range of treatments, from check-ups and cleaning to teeth whitening and veneers.

Dental Care Ireland now operates 20 practices nationwide, including six Dublin practices in Ballyowen, Ballsbridge, Cabinteely, Kilbarrack, Knocklyon and Swords.

Colm Davitt, CEO, Dental Care Ireland, says: “We are delighted to broaden our offering to Dublin patients in the Lucan and Citywest areas. As we continue to expand the group, partnering with trusted and established dental practices is hugely important to us. We look forward to working closely with the team in Ballyowen to further develop the practice over the coming months and years.”

To book an appointment with a Ballyowen dentist, please contact us here

Dental Care Ireland Acquires 20th Practice

Dental Care Ireland recently celebrated six years in business, with the acquisition of its 20^th dental practice in Ireland.

Kilbarrack Dental Care in Dublin 5 is the group’s sixth acquisition in the last 12 months, along with Ennis Dental in Co. Clare, Wellington Quay Dental Centre in Co. Louth, Virginia Dental Surgery in Co. Cavan, Farnham Street Dental Surgery in Cavan Town, and two former Centric Health practices in Dublin.

Dental Care Ireland will invest in upgrading and rebranding the practices in 2021, while providing management and administrative support to practice teams in operations, finance, quality and compliance, HR and marketing.

Since its establishment in March 2015 by Colm Davitt, former CEO of Affidea, and his brother Dr Kieran Davitt, a Galway-based dentist, Dental Care Ireland has acquired 25 practices in total, five of which have been absorbed into other practice locations.

According to Dublin-based CEO, Colm Davitt: “Over the last six years, we have acquired some exceptional dental practices, and helped them to reach their full potential. Our significant track record in the Irish market, as well as a strong support team in Dublin, has enabled us to continue our expansion despite the challenges of the last 12 months. Our ultimate aim is to provide a Dental Care Ireland practice in every single county, so we have ambitious plans to grow the organisation further in the year ahead.”

To date, Dental Care Ireland employs over 250 team members across the country, comprising 80 general and specialist dentists, dental hygienists, dental nurses and practice managers, as well as operations, finance and marketing support staff. Practices are located in Dublin, Meath, Carlow, Mayo, Offaly, Wicklow, Galway, Kilkenny, Clare, Cavan and Louth.

To find out more about joining the Dental Care Ireland group, you can contact us here

Six Dental Hygiene Habits

The best way to prevent long-term dental issues is a thorough cleaning regime, coupled with regular dental visits.

If your oral health has taken a back seat during the pandemic, it may be time to spring clean your dental hygiene routine.

Kathy Delaney, dental hygienist at our Cabinteely practice in Dublin, shares her top six dental hygiene tips for a healthy mouth and gums.

#1 Regular brushing

It is recommended to brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, using a medium textured toothbrush with a small head, especially last thing at night. Remember to include your tongue, as it can also harbour bacteria, leading to bad breath.

#2 Replace your toothbrush

It is important to replace your toothbrush at least every 2-3 months, after an illness, or when the bristles start to splay. Similarly, an electric toothbrush head should be replaced approximately every 12 weeks or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, do not apply too much pressure. Allow the brush to do the work for you, and watch the sensor guide on the model.

#3 Floss daily

#4 Rinse with care

#5 Drink water

Drink plenty of water to help minimise acid attacks on your teeth, particularly after a meal. Drinking water promotes healthy saliva production, which washes away leftover food particles and helps deter the growth of smelly oral bacteria.

#6 Schedule a check-up

Regular check-ups allow your dentist or dental hygienist to detect conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease early. In addition to a good dental hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease.

To book a dental hygiene appointment at your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here

Level 5: Frequently Asked Questions

With the continued rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, Level 5 restrictions remain in place nationwide. During this transition period, you may be wondering if dentistry is considered an essential service, and are dentists open in Ireland?

Below we have outlined answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about visiting the dentist during Level 5.

Q. Is dentistry considered an essential service during Level 5?

A. Yes. Dental care is designated as an essential service by the Government.

Q. Are dentists open in Ireland during Level 5?

A. Yes. Dental Care Ireland practices remain open for all patient appointments during Level 5 restrictions. Due to Covid-19 safety measures, we request that patients do not visit us without a pre-arranged appointment.

Q. Are dentists open in Ireland for routine dental care?

A. Yes. We continue to provide both routine and emergency dental care at this time.

Q. Can I travel outside my 5km limit for a dental appointment?

A. Yes. As an essential healthcare service, patients are permitted to travel more than 5km from home to attend the dentist.

Q. What procedures are in place to ensure the safety of patients and staff?

A. At Dental Care Ireland, we continue to implement a number of group-wide procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our patients and staff. These include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Staff and patient temperature checks
Pre-appointment screening
Staggered and lengthened appointments
Increased infection prevention and control (IPC) processes
Addition of air purifier machines

Q. What should I do in the event of a dental emergency?

A. If you have a dental emergency, please call your local Dental Care Ireland practice immediately. A team member will be on hand to advise you on what to do next. Due to Covid-19 safety measures, please do not arrive at the practice without a pre-arranged appointment.

If you have further queries regarding your visit or to book an appointment, contact your local Dental Care Ireland practice.

When to Consider Children’s Braces

There are many reasons why children’s braces can be of benefit, including improved appearance, mouth function and better oral hygiene.

If you think your child may need some orthodontic treatment due to issues such as crowding or a misaligned jaw, you may be wondering about an ideal age to start the process?

In this month’s Q&A, Dr Lían O’Dwyer, a specialist orthodontist at our Knocklyon practice in Dublin, answers some common questions about the timing of orthodontic treatment for children.

Q: When should my child first visit an orthodontist?

A: The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends that you bring your child for an orthodontic assessment at approximately 7 or 8 years of age. Some children may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation as young as age 5 or 6, and others can wait until the baby teeth have fallen out and the permanent teeth are coming into place at 11 or 12 years.

Q: How will I know when my child needs to see an orthodontist?

A: Your family dentist can help you determine if and when to consider orthodontic evaluation, as well as recommending a specialist orthodontist. Starting the process early does not mean a child will get braces right away. It just means the orthodontist will be able to assess the child’s situation and decide the best time to start treatment.

Q: What is the best age for children’s braces?

A: The best time for your child to be fitted with braces depends on the severity and the cause of their misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 8 and 14. Children in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. Your orthodontist will help you choose the optimal time to begin your child’s treatment.

Q: Should my child have all their adult teeth before getting braces?

A: No, it is not always necessary for a child to have all their permanent teeth before fitting braces. It can actually be beneficial to have some baby teeth in the mouth when starting orthodontic treatment. Baby teeth are bigger than the underlying adult teeth and this extra space can be used to alleviate dental crowding.

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take?

A: Treatment typically lasts 12-24 months, depending on the child’s individual requirements. Regular visits for adjustment and progress review will vary in frequency from every five to eight weeks, according to the treatment stage. Following treatment, your child will be advised to use a fixed or removable retainer to keep the teeth in their new position.

Q: Is it possible to correct alignment issues in younger children?

A: In some cases, interceptive orthodontic treatment can be carried out from age 7 or 8, to correct or improve an incorrect bite or malalignment of the teeth. This type of early treatment could last from three months to a year and aims to correct a specific problem during the development of the teeth.

Q: Will early intervention prevent the need for braces at a later stage?

A: A phase of interceptive treatment may remove the need for future treatment or simplify future brace treatment. However, it does not guarantee that further orthodontic treatment will not be required once the permanent teeth have fully erupted.

To find out more about children’s braces at Dental Care Ireland, visit our orthodontics information page.