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Whitening treatments for a super summer smile
Whitening treatments are in demand as summer approaches and we have a very special offer just for you
No matter how well we look after our teeth, they are not, by nature, perfectly white, so patients often opt for whitening treatments. Also, because of the different foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis, they can become stained. For example, tea, coffee and red wine are all known to stain teeth as, of course, does smoking. This is why teeth whitening is an increasingly popular option for people of all ages.
And as summer is approaching, all Dental Care Ireland practices are offering 20 per cent off teeth whitening for May and June, so get in touch now!
We all want to have teeth that look good. However, as well as doing a whitening treatment with your local Dental Care Ireland dentist, it is also really important to keep your teeth clean through brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to a dental hygienist.
Obviously, as you get older, your teeth will also become naturally discoloured, but people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s also want to have white teeth and a bright smile, particularly as summer approaches.
There are lots of whitening toothpastes and treatments available in pharmacies but getting it done through a professional dentist is by far the safest, most effective and best value way to do it.
So what does teeth whitening actually entail? Here are the simple steps to a brighter, whiter smile with Dental Care Ireland . . .
Consultation
The first step is to book a consultation with your dentist to make sure your teeth are suitable for a professional whitening treatment. Your dentist will then perform a thorough examination of your teeth. Issues such as gum disease, tooth decay or hypersensitivity may determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for whitening.
Also, whitening only works on natural teeth, so you may have to get crowns, veneers or fillings replaced after whitening to ensure they remain the same shade as your newly whitened teeth.
Impressions
Once the examination is complete, your dentist will take ‘impressions’ of your teeth so whitening trays can be created just for your teeth. He or she will also discuss what shade of white you would like to achieve through the treatment.
Home kit
When your trays have been made, you will be asked to return to your local practice. The Dental Care Ireland team will then provide you with these trays and the whitening kit, which includes tubes of whitening gel for you to use at home.
Your dentist will then talk you through how, when and for how long to use the gel. It is very simple and the whole process has been designed to have minimum impact on your daily life. You will also be provided with detailed written instructions and if you have any questions, the team will be only too happy to answer them.
Treatment
We generally recommend that the teeth whitening trays are used at home for at least an hour a day for between 7 and 14 days to achieve the result you want, though your dentist may have different recommendations for you.
The whitening gel can also cause some discomfort to patients with sensitive teeth, but you needn’t worry about this as it is perfectly normal. It will go away after your treatment is finished. Your dentist can also provide you with specialist sensitive toothpaste to use during your home treatment.
After the initial treatment, we will also make sure you have enough whitening gel so you can do your own ‘top-ups’ if and when desired.
After your whitening treatment, we also recommend that you keep brushing and flossing regularly to help them to stay white. Regular visits to see a dental hygienist will also help.
You can read about the Irish Dental Association’s guidelines on teeth whitening here.
All Dental Care Ireland practices currently offer dental whitening services with a special summer discount of 20 per cent for May and June 2019, so click on the practice nearest you to find out more and to book an appointment: Whitening Ashbourne, Whitening Cabinteely, Whitening Callan Dental, Whitening Carlow, Whitening Castlebar, Whitening Claregalway, Whitening Greystones, Whitening Kells, Whitening Knocklyon, Whitening Navan, Whitening Swords, Whitening Tullamore.
For more on whitening at Dental Care Ireland practices around the country, visit our website here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/treatment/teeth-whitening/
Carlow dentist provides the best care for all the family
Carlow dentist, conveniently located at 83 Tullow Street, has been providing a professional and caring service to Carlow and the surrounding community for many years
Carlow dentist team has built an excellent reputation in the town over the past 30 years due to its professional approach as well as for looking after all your family’s dental needs. Formerly Gillman Dental Clinic, the practice joined the Dental Care Ireland group in 2016 and is now called Dental Care Ireland Carlow.
The team at our Carlow dentist includes two dentists, three hygienists as well as an Orthodontist, an Endodontist and Oral Surgeon. This means that it can look after all your family’s needs under one roof and which is why it has such a good reputation in Carlow.
General dental treatments provided in Dental Care Ireland Carlow include check-ups and cleaning as well as fillings, extractions, bridges, crowns and veneers. Our Carlow dentist also provides teeth whitening treatment which is becoming increasingly popular among our patients. To find out more about teeth whitening, you can also check out the advice of the Irish Dental Association.
Specialist treatments at our practice include the high-quality orthodontic treatment provided by our Carlow orthodontist for all members of the family as well as the effective treatment of periodontal or gum diseases.
As one local Carlow patient of ours said recently: “The whole experience was great, very professional and friendly. I highly recommend this practice to anyone I talk to.” All of our team are dedicated to maintaining this friendly and professional reputation in the town and in the community around Carlow.
If you want to book an appointment with a Dental Care Ireland dentist in Carlow, please get in touch with our team. The dentist is open from 9am to 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays; from 9am to 5.30pm on Tuesdays; from 9am to 5.40pm on Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 9am to 12.40pm on Saturdays. You can also phone our Carlow dentist on 059-9141245.
To find out more about the Dental Care Ireland practice in Carlow and about our practices around the country, go here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/
Kilkenny orthodontist treatments now in Callan Orthodontics
Kilkenny orthodontist treatment for all the family, from children to adults, is available in Callan Orthodontics, within Callan Dental.
Kilkenny orthodontist treatment for all the family is now being provided by Callan Orthodontics in Callan, Co. Kilkenny (Callan Dental). While orthodontic treatment – or the use of braces – was once thought of as being just for children and adolescents, more and more adults are also opting for it, due to advanced technology and the option of clear aligners.
As you probably know, orthodontics deals with the correction of crooked or misaligned teeth which is a very common issue for people of all ages. Correcting this is not just an aesthetic issue, but effective orthodontic treatment will lead to better oral health as well as teeth that are more likely to last your entire life.
Kilkenny orthodontist treatment is provided by our very own Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Jacqueline Clune on Clonmel Road in Callan, which is just 20 minutes’ drive from Kilkenny City and located not far from the Tipperary and Waterford border.
With advances in technology, such as 3D scanners which are available in Callan Orthodontics, come more options for patients who want to undergo orthodontic treatment. Our professional and experienced Kilkenny braces team in Callan and other Dental Care Ireland practices will ensure you have nothing to worry about.
There are now three main types of braces:
Invisalign: These braces straighten your teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. They are popular with adults as the aligners are removable and are barely visible.
Clear/Ceramic Braces: These are tooth-coloured so that they blend in with your teeth and are much less noticeable than metal braces. For this reason, they are also very popular with adult patients.
Traditional Metal Braces: These continue to be the most popular choice for children and adolescents. The individual brackets are then cemented to each tooth, and an archwire is attached to apply gentle pressure to the teeth.
You can also check out the Callan Orthodontics team on Facebook and Instagram.
If you are living in the Kilkenny, Tipperary or Waterford area and are interested in orthodontic treatment for you or your family, book a one-hour FREE consultation with Callan Orthodontics (Callan Dental) in Callan, Co. Kilkenny on our website here.
Meath dentist caters for all the family
Meath dentist in Ashbourne, Kells and Navan, three Dental Care Ireland practices, are providing the county with the very best in dental care for you and your family.
Our Meath dentist practices are located in: Ashbourne (at Unit 21 on High Street), Kells (at 2B Bective Square) and Navan (at 15 Watergate Street). We are delighted that our Meath dentist practices are covering such a large part of the county and providing the families of Co. Meath with the very best in dental care.
Our Ashbourne dentist offers several dental treatments, from root canal treatment, dental hygiene services and general treatments such as fillings and crowns. We are delighted that our dental practice is led by Dr Cliona O’Brien, Dr Claire Burns, Dr David McGibney and hygienist Paula Lyons.
We were also really pleased that this Meath dentist was honoured as the country’s Most Attractive Practice at the recent Irish Dentistry Awards. The entire team at our Meath dentist was thrilled to win this honour.
To book an appointment with the award-winning Meath dentist in Ashbourne, get in touch.
Our dentist in Kells is also a local family-focused dental practice. Formerly run by Dr Maura McGuinness, who now works in our Navan practice, it is now led by Dr Kristin Nason, Dr Graham McGuire, Dr Juan Kelly and our hygienist Sandra Clarke.
At Dental Care Ireland Kells our team of caring and trustworthy professionals offer the full spectrum of dental treatments, from routine to cosmetic dentistry. Book your appointment online today.
Our dentist in Navan is led by Dr William Cosgrave, along with Dr David Kelly, Dr Maura McGuinness, and hygienist Colette Sheridan. It has long had a reputation under Dr Cosgrave as providing a very professional and caring service and has maintained this since joining the Dental Care Ireland group of practices. It also offers a full range of dental treatments in its new purpose build premisese on Watergate Street.
Find out more about or make an appointment with our Navan practice.
You can find out more about the Dental Care Ireland practices in Meath and around the country.
The best dental solutions for your teeth
Everyone has common concerns about their teeth and these days every issue can be solved by the very best in modern dental care
If one thing is certain in life, we will all encounter problems with our teeth of one sort or another. However, there is no need to worry as there are now solutions to every issue, whether this is having teeth extracted, getting fillings or having braces applied.
The best way to deal with all dental issues is prevention. That means regular visits to the dentist as the earlier problems are detected, the more easily they can be solved.
It also means keeping your teeth clean through regular brushing and flossing. Visiting a dental hygienist is also an excellent way to help prevent any issues arising. Dental hygienists can also give you advice on how best to keep your teeth clean between visits.
Here are some other issues which can now be easily solved by your local dental care team:
Staining/Yellowing
Naturally, our teeth are not “Hollywood white,” and as we age our teeth tend to darken into a more yellow colouring, due to our enamel thinning.
Whitening toothpaste can help, but often treatment with your dentist is the most effective way to achieve the desired effect.
It is also worth pointing out that, as we age, it is even more important to take care of our teeth as best we can. This article in Senior Times is beneficial in this area: https://seniortimes.ie/why-care-about-dental-care/
Bad breath
According to the Irish Dental Association, 25% of Irish people are dealing with chronic bad breath (or halitosis) at any given time. In truth, it is a problem that we’ve all had or noticed in others, but it is also relatively easy to deal with.
Brushing only deals with about 60% of plaque build-up in your mouth, so make sure you floss regularly to get to those places where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Bleeding
If you notice blood when you brush, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to give you advice on your oral health, brushing techniques and diet which should alleviate the problem.
Crooked teeth/Gaps
Braces are no longer just for children; nowadays many adults wear braces to fix issues such as crooked teeth or gaps between teeth. Braces are also now quite comfortable to wear, and tooth-coloured ceramic braces or the clear aligners mean they can barely be noticed.
Modern orthodontic treatment is mostly pain-free.
Dental veneers are another option for addressing aesthetic issues.
Damaged teeth
Crowns are usually required when your tooth has cracked or decayed, and there is not enough support left to hold a filling in place. In this case, your dentist may fit a crown over the top of the existing tooth,
If a tooth has been severely damaged or infected, you may need root canal treatment which is a good, long-lasting solution.
Missing teeth
Having missing teeth is no longer the issue it once was. For older people, the answer will often be dentures. However, other solutions include dental bridges, which are essentially a false tooth that is fitted in your mouth to replace a missing one.
Modern implant technology provides an effective solution and also avoids the need to use traditional dentures.
Wisdom teeth
If you feel pain in your jaw where your wisdom teeth are, it is essential to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Other symptoms of a possible wisdom tooth issue can include tender gums, pain when biting or chewing and soreness at the back of your mouth.
While your dentist can advise you on short-term pain-relief solutions, often removal is the only practical, long-term solution.
Gum disease
Periodontal or gum diseases are bacterial infections which destroy the attachment fibres and supporting bone that holds your teeth in your mouth. They can lead to teeth loss.
If you have gingivitis – inflammation of gums – we recommend that you visit a dental hygienist.
Your dentist can also help with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and with the placement of dental implants. If your case is beyond a general dentist, they will refer you to specialist periodontists. For more on gum disease and how to treat it, go here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/specialist-treatment/gum-treatments/
As previously stated, prevention is the best way of dealing with dental issues, so make sure you keep your teeth clean, visit a dental hygienist regularly and get check-ups frequently with your dentist. This a list of Dental Care Ireland practices.
For more on all the different ways to treat dental issues, check out the treatments section of our website: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/treatments/
We are a VHI Direct Pay provider
At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that the patient experience is second to none. That’s why we are a VHI Direct Pay provider
We want to make life easier for our patients. That means offering the very best patient experience, all the time. But the patient experience doesn’t just start when you walk into one of our dental practices; it starts from the very moment you research your visit. For that reason, we are delighted to be a VHI Direct Pay provider.
If you have a dental policy with VHI and want to use the option to direct pay, you need to contact VHI Dental and let them know that you will be attending a Dental Care Ireland practice. VHI will confirm your cover and will also get in touch with us to let us know the benefits to which you are entitled.
As a VHI Direct Pay provider, once this has been done, you can have an examination, a clinical x-ray and a hygienist visit without any cost with Dental Care Ireland. If further treatment is required, a treatment plan will be forwarded from our practice to VHI, and they will let us know if any benefits are due. After the treatment, you pay the balance and most of the cost will be paid directly by VHI to Dental Care Ireland, a VHI Direct Pay provider.
Remember, your dental insurance will still apply even if you don’t want to start a treatment straight away or if your benefits haven’t been confirmed. In these cases, you can fill out a pay and claim form, and will be reimbursed by VHI at a later date subject to benefit approval.
In order to use VHI Direct Pay, you must confirm your cover before your appointment with us. You’ll also need to get separate authorisation from VHI for every member of the plan and for each visit.
Dental Care Ireland is a VHI Direct Pay provider. Please note that your insurance contract exists between the policy holder and VHI. Dental Care Ireland not party to that contract and we will use the proposed benefits per treatment as an indication for your direct pay amounts. Should your plan benefits change, cover be withdrawn or ceased, the full liability for cost of the treatment will be with the individual member. To find out more about Dental Care Ireland, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice
Celebrating our award-winning dentist!
We are delighted to announce that our Ashbourne practice is an award-winning dentist, having scooped the Most Attractive Practice gong at the Irish Dentistry Awards
At Dental Care Ireland, we make sure to always put our patients first. That means that the patient experience has to be outstanding, every step of the way. Part of that experience involves investing in our practices themselves, ensuring patients are comfortable and relaxed in a state-of-the-art environment.
So we were delighted to see our efforts pay off at the recent Irish Dentistry Awards, at which our Ashbourne dental practice was honoured as the country’s Most Attractive Practice! Our entire team at the award-winning dentist is delighted with the honour.
Commenting on the award, Dental Care Ireland CEO Colm Davitt said: “We are so pleased that our Ashbourne practice has been named as Ireland’s Most Attractive Practice. We make sure patients are our number one priority, and this is a fantastic recognition of the work all our staff do to make sure the patient experience is second to none.
“I also want to thank the brilliant team in Mortar and More for their outstanding work in making sure the Ashbourne fit-out went so smoothly. This gives us another platform from which we can keep improving!”
The annual dentist awards highlight excellence in the Irish dental profession. From regular check-ups or toothaches to emergency treatments, dentists nationwide are nominated for going above and beyond normal when it comes to patient care.
Audrey O’Brien, practice manager in Ashbourne, says that it’s an exciting time for the award-winning dentist. “The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day. I’m so glad for the whole team – we’re over the moon that we have received this honour amidst really stiff competition.”
To find out more about Dental Care Ireland and the award-winning dentist in Ashbourne, to book an appointment online or to check your PRSI dental entitlements, get in touch with us by clicking this link and choosing your local dental practice
Dental Care Ireland puts children’s dental health first
Recent bad news surrounding children’s dental health highlights the importance of good dental care from an early age. For that reason, Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide will be offering a free first dental visit to all patients under five for the month of March
In January 2019, it emerged that approximately 84,000 children and adolescents were waiting on a public dental assessment or treatment around Ireland. The Irish Dental Association described these figures as “shocking” and said that children on waiting lists could end up in pain with swollen or infected gums and may need antibiotics or even operations to alleviate pain and treat the issues.
In response, the HSE said that up to one million children up to including the age of 15 are eligible for free dental services. But clearly demand is outstripping supply and something needs to be done to address children’s dental health and this enormous waiting list.
Free first dental visit
It is depressing to read figures like these, which very much emphasise how important it is that children see their dentist from the earliest possible age, and regularly thereafter. For that reason, Dental Care Ireland is doing its part for children’s dental health, with practices nationwide offering free first dental visits to all patients under the age of five for the month of March.
If your child visits their dentist at the optimal time (generally when the first tooth appears when they are six months old), then it stands to reason that they will be comfortable and relaxed in what is initially an unfamiliar environment.
Crucially, at your child’s first dental visit you will be given an insight into how you can ensure your child’s dental and oral health stay as good as possible. Given children’s teeth are smaller, thinner and softer than adult teeth, it is important they are seen very early so that your dentist can spot any tell-tale signs of issues that may develop at a later date.
Ensuring a stress-free visit
There are a number of things you can do to ensure that your child’s first dental visit goes as smoothly as possible.
First of all, go at a time that suits both you and your child. This way, you’ll minimise any stress and put your child at ease. It’s important your child is well rested and fed, and also that you aren’t rushing or vexed. Children can pick up on your mood so ensure you leave yourself plenty of time so that both of you are in good form.
Dental practices are very bright and clean, and it’s important your child isn’t rushed in and out of the practice too quickly. You’ll want to give them a bit of time to acclimatise to this new environment.
Checking for tell-tale signs
At Dental Care Ireland, we make sure that parents are present at a child’s first dental visit, so that you can hear about what the initial examination consists of as well as pick up some tips for maintaining dental health at home. The dental examination usually involves counting the child’s teeth to see how many have appeared so far.
Dentists are also looking for a growth pattern to establish a foundation for what’s present and seeing if there are any tell-tale signs of issues that they can advise on to prevent them becoming a problem.
Overall, the visit should be good fun and enjoyable for the child, so that next time they visit, they aren’t apprehensive.
What take-home messages do you need?
After this first dental visit, you will gain plenty of insights into how your child should brush their teeth, general dental and oral health tips and dietary insights so the whole family can minimise sugary food and drink intake.
If you follow these simple tips, you will greatly increase the chances of both a successful first dental visit for your child, as well as subsequent visits to come. Make sure you always put your children’s dental health first.
Dental Care Ireland prioritises children’s dental health, and is offering free first dental visits to all patients under the age of five for the month of March 2019. If you’re looking to book an appointment in one of our practices around the country, we can offer you the help and care that you need. Dental Care Ireland practices around the country open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours for more information
Bright, new practice for dentist in Navan
Dental Care Ireland Navan practice manager Jessica Tobin is delighted that the dentist in Navan has undergone such a successful relocation
Even though Dental Care Ireland Navan just relocated at the end of January 2019, the practice has deep roots in the community. “Our initial location in Navan was originally a doctor’s practice, and then our own Dr Bill Cosgrave took it over 47 years ago,” says Jessica Tobin, practice manager at Dental Care Ireland Navan.
“He was in his 20s then, and now in his 70s he’s still a huge part of this practice. Even now he still lectures and just received a fellowship in dentistry,” she says.
Great reputation
“Because we’ve been around for so long, we are well established in the community with a great reputation. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of the practice in summer 2016, then we relocated to this lovely, bright practice at the end of January 2019.”
It’s fair to say that experience and local know-how is at the heart of this dentist in Navan. “Dr Maura McGuinness has been here for a year, but prior to that she was in our Kells practice for 30 years, and Dr David Kelly has been here for 13 years,” says Jessica.
“I’ve been working with Dental Care Ireland for three years – initially I was based in Kells, where I now live, but I relocated a little while ago. I grew up in Navan so I’m very familiar with both towns!”
Community benefits
There are a number of staff in our dentist in Navan who can cater for the community’s needs. “We currently have 12 staff working here in Navan – there are three dentists, a hygienist, a receptionist, six dental nurses and myself, the practice manager,” says Jessica.
“We mostly focus on general dental treatments, but one of our dentists does perform minor orthodontic treatments for routine braces work. An orthodontist will be starting with us soon, which is great for the whole team and community,” she says.
Ideal location
The new dental practice has caused quite a stir around the town. “Since we opened the new practice we’ve had lots of interest from locals, and plenty of walk-ins. We’re right in the middle of town beside the shopping centre, close to lots of local businesses with plenty of parking, so it’s ideal,” says Jessica.
“We’re very involved with the community – we offer services to retired nuns and priests just up the road in Dalgan Park, for example. It’s fantastic to be able to give something back.”
The team spirit generated by the staff really helps. “We get on really well as a team. We have regular nights out and just had lunch recently to celebrate the move to the new practice. We’re all different age groups here so it’s a great mix that helps morale. We interact really well together,” she says.
Everyone leaves happy
The primary goal of every Dental Care Ireland practice is to ensure that the patient experience is as good as it can be. So, what does this dentist in Navan do to help put patients’ minds at ease?
“For starters, we’re child-friendly as well as patient-friendly – and look to establish a good rapport with all our patients,” says Jessica. “We’ve been here so long that our staff know most of the patients anyway, so we know if they have special needs or if they need to come to see us at a particular time.
“We have two iPads for children as well as a TV in reception, so people are generally relaxed when they see us. Sometimes patients want to know exactly what’s happening and we are happy to tell them. Others don’t want to know and that’s fine too. Regardless, everyone leaves happy from here. That’s what we want to see!”
Bright, clean and spacious
The patient experience is definitely helped by the new practice. “It really makes a difference – it’s on a corner and the sun is always shining in. It’s so bright and clean, with a spacious reception area. We’re wheelchair-friendly too and have the price list up so people know exactly how much everything costs. We like to be as transparent as possible. We’re just a seven-minute walk from the old practice, so it’s just around the corner,” says Jessica.
It’s a great new addition to a bustling town. “Navan has gotten so busy in the last few years, it’s great to be here. There are lots of nice places to see and it’s full of familiar faces. I love working here.”
The new Dental Care Ireland practice in Navan is located at 15 Watergate Street in the heart of the town. The dentist in Navan is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8am to 8pm, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Call 046-9021372 or click the link above to book online
Ashbourne dentist a real part of the community
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, community dental experience. If you are looking for an Ashbourne dentist, we can help
Our Ashbourne dentist is located on the Co Meath’s town’s High Street, and opened its doors in the summer of 2016 as Dental Care Ireland’s flagship dental practice. The practice was an instant success among the community, and celebrated welcoming its 5,000th patient after just 24 months.
Its appeal has been recognised by being shortlisted in the most attractive practice category for the 2019 Irish Dentistry Awards, which take place on March 1st.
Our Ashbourne dentist follows the Dental Care Ireland tradition of retaining existing staff after the rebrand, to ensure that we keep our links to the local community. It’s so important for us that people recognise and trust our reliable staff members.
We offer a number of dental treatments in our Ashbourne dentist, from root canal treatment and dental hygiene services, to orthodontics and general treatments like fillings and crowns. We’re delighted that our dental practice is led by Dr Cliona O’Brien, Dr Claire Burns, Dr David McGibney and hygienist Paula Lyons.
Audrey O’Brien, practice manager in Ashbourne, says that it’s a fantastic time for the Ashbourne dentist. “The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day.”
The practice itself is a point of pride for the staff, a feature that has proved very popular with patients. It has even starred in a video we made offering tips to make sure your child’s first trip to the dentist is a successful one!
Here at Dental Care Ireland, we pride ourselves on offering a fantastic, professional service with a smile. If you’re looking for an Ashbourne dentist, you know where to find us.
If you want to book an appointment with our Ashbourne dentist, please get in touch with our team. The dentist is open from 9am to 5.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays; from 9am to 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and from 8.30am to 5pm on Fridays.
