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If you’re looking for braces in Dublin, we can help
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you need to get braces in Dublin, get in touch with us
Orthodontics (or braces) has become extremely popular all over Ireland. Up until recently, people assumed that braces could only really be worn by children, as their jaws and teeth were generally softer than those of adults, and therefore would be able to be “corrected” effectively. But now we have seen a huge upturn in the popularity of braces among older people as technology improves.
With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that all our Dublin practices – in Knocklyon, Swords, Ballsbridge and Cabinteely – have an orthodontist on hand to help if you are looking for specialised treatment.
There are different types of braces that you can get. These include Invisalign braces, which work to straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for the patient’s mouth; and ceramic braces which are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth to make them almost unnoticeable.
Of course, traditional metal braces are still an option, and are still used by children and adolescents. However, from an aesthetic point of view, these would not be as effective as Invisalign or ceramic braces.
Dr Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “There are plenty of options if you’re looking to get braces in Dublin. The best age for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment. However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment.”
It is important to remember that there is also a functional reason to get braces – it’s not just because they look good! For example, many patients may find that food is constantly getting stuck in between teeth that are damaged or mis-shapen. This tricky situation can itself lead to gum disease. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand the popularity of braces in Dublin and around the country.
Braces are safe, reliable and very effective. If you are interested in learning more, please contact our friendly team who can talk you through your options and what will work best for you after an initial consultation.
If you’re looking to book an appointment to get braces in Dublin, our practices around the city can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
Are you looking for a dental hygienist in Dublin?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you are interested in seeing a dental hygienist in Dublin, get in touch with us
We all know that prevention is better than cure, and never has that adage been more true than in the dentist’s surgery. Regular visits to your dentist are essential in order to identify potential problems before they start to cause you pain or discomfort, and your dental hygienist plays a key role in preventing these nasty issues arising.
A dental hygienist’s role is to prevent all types of dental diseases progressing. There are a number of ways in which this can be done, including scaling and polishing to stop swollen gums (gingivitis) from appearing or to treat the first sign of them, deep cleaning to aid in the treatment of periodontal disease, and tooth stain removal.
Your dental hygienist in Dublin or elsewhere around the country can also give you excellent dietary and dental hygiene advice so you can help prevent the issues yourself, through the right type of brushing and flossing.
If you’re looking for a dental hygienist in Dublin or indeed around the country, we have plenty of options from which to choose. Lyndsey Neill operates out of our practice in Swords in north Dublin, while Sharon McGovern is our dental hygienist in Cabinteely, south Dublin.
Meanwhile, the President of the Irish Dental Hygienists’ Association, Donna Paton, operates in our Tullamore, Co Offaly practice.
Dental hygiene is a key part of your overall dental health – to ensure that you are getting the care that you need, seeing a dental hygienist regularly and following their advice on diet, brushing and flossing are essential.
Also, bear in mind that due to recent PRSI changes, PRSI payors are now entitled to an annual check up, scale and polish for only €15 – please contact your local DCI practice to check eligibility.
If you’re looking to book an appointment with a dental hygienist in Dublin, one of our practices 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
Dentist in Greystones is the newest DCI practice
Dental Care Ireland Greystones practice manager Rachel Coughlan is delighted that the dentist in Greystones has undergone such a successful renovation
The brand-new Dental Care Ireland practice in Greystones is located right in the heart of the bustling main street on Church Road, and even still it’s a dental practice that has been a part of the community for decades.
Father and daughter team
“The dental practice was opened in 1980 by Gerry Kilfeather, who still works here alongside his daughter Gina,” says Rachel Coughlan, practice manager of the Greystones dental practice. “We’ve been an integral part of the town for nearly four decades now, so it’s great to be able to rebrand while retaining staff who the community know and trust.”
This new arrival to the Dental Care Ireland network of nationwide practices is our first dental practice in Wicklow, and it’s a welcome addition. “Our practice is located in a fine building in the centre of the town and the refurbishment has been a great boost, even though it’s not quite finished yet,” says Rachel.
Bigger dental practice
“We added an additional surgery which means we now have three in total. This also means that we have the capacity to expand even further.”
This is fantastic news for a practice that already boasts an extensive team. “We have two dentists, Gerry and Gina, as well as three nurses, a dental hygienist and myself.
“There’s a real family-run element to this dental practice,” says Rachel. “Along with Gina and Gerry, Gina’s husband Ed is also undergoing specialist training, and is offering dental implants and periodontics at the practice.”
Great reaction
As the newest member of the Dental Care Ireland network, what are the team in Greystones looking forward to most from the new way of doing business? “It’s great for us because it really takes away some of the hassles associated with the day-to-day running of the practice so we have more time for our patients,” says Rachel.
“Now, our dentists and staff can focus on what they do best, that is taking care of our patients, instead of being busy with paperwork all the time!”
Even though the refurbishment is still in the final stages, patients in Greystones have noticed the changes that have been made. “We’ve had a great reaction from the public,” she says. “Our patients have been really positive, and the practice itself is now so bright and fresh-looking. We have a lovely kids’ corner with iPads, and the atmosphere is really brilliant.”
Excellent patient care
Even though change is afoot for this dentist in Greystones, some things stay the same. “Gerry, Gina and the team have always been so good with our patients – our primary focus has always been on maintaining excellent patient care, and making sure we can help prevent any dental problems from occurring,” says Rachel.
“It’s really about making people feel happy and comfortable, because we know it can be a bit nerve-wracking to go to the dentist. For particularly nervous patients, we also offer sedation should they need it. We also have candles lit to lend a lovely atmosphere – we want people to be as relaxed as possible and now with our new facilities we can provide an even more comfortable experience for them,” she says.
“The patient experience starts from the moment they call to book an appointment or when they walk into the dental practice for the first time. We are friendly and welcoming, and often offer nervous patients a cup of tea when they’re waiting to see a dentist,” says Rachel.
The future is bright
The dentist in Greystones is seeing huge interest in procedures such as whitening and dental hygiene treatments, and it’s clear that the future is bright. “We are finding that more and more people are calling in to the practice to chat to us, along with our regular patients,” she says.
“After the official launch of the practice, we are expecting an ever bigger impact in the community, as are looking forward to adding more specialised treatments depending on demand. It’s an exciting time!”
The DCI dentist in Greystones is located in Bow Lane off Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow. The practice is open on Mondays from 9am to 6pm, on Tuesdays from 9am to 7.30pm, on Wednesdays from 8am to 7.30pm, on Thursdays from 9am to 5.30pm, on Fridays from 8am to 4.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Call 01-2875133 or click the link above to book online
Are you looking for dental implants in Dublin?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you’re looking to avail of dental implants in Dublin, we’re here for you.
Missing teeth are a nuisance: you can feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about what is, essentially, a very easily-solved problem. Dental implants are a great way to deal with the issue of missing teeth, and are a good, permanent alternative to dentures.
But what is a dental implant? Basically, an implant is an artificial titanium root used to anchor a permanent ceramic crown or removable denture. Implants become part of your jawbone, so the highest-quality material needs to be used. Titanium will not result in an allergic reaction so is a fantastic option.
Once fitted, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. The dental implants will not look out of place in your mouth and the treatment can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the specific treatment that needs to be completed.
If you’re looking for dental implants in Dublin, then get in contact with our dental practice in the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. This practice has been offering high-quality, effective dental care, as well as specialised dental treatments, to patients for well over 25 years.
Our friendly and reliable staff are on hand in a state-of-the-art environment to answer any questions you have about dental implants in general, the treatment and the aftermath, so your mind is at ease when you decide to go ahead with the treatment.
If you are considering dental implants, we encourage you to come in for a consultation with our dental implant specialists Dr Maher Kemmoona, Dr Breandan O’Niadh or Dr Anne O’Donoghue to discuss treatment options.
There’s no need to suffer the pain of missing teeth. Dental implants are a safe, reliable way to ensure that your smile stays as radiant as ever!
If you’re looking to book an appointment for dental implants in Dublin, the Dental Care Ireland practices in the Northumberland Institute of Dental Medicine in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 can offer you the help you need. Our practice in Ballsbridge opens on Mondays to Fridays from 7.30am to 6pm; you can call the practice on 01-6688441
Dealing with bad breath for Valentine’s Day
It’s something that nobody wants to consider, but bad breath affects one in four of us. Make sure your dental health is in good shape by following these tips
Valentine’s Day is a time for love, and is treasured by couples everywhere. A kiss on Valentine’s Day is something many people will be hoping for, but for one in four people, bad breath may hamper their chances.
According to the Irish Dental Association, 25% of Irish people are dealing with chronic bad breath (or halitosis) at any given time, but even so, it’s a reality that many people can avoid by following just a few quick steps.
A common cause of chronic bad breath is bacteria in the mouth working to naturally break down food, leading to some plaque lingering on your teeth, tongue and gums. When combined with saliva, this plaque can produce an unpleasant smell.
It’s important to remember that brushing only deals with about 60% of this plaque build-up, so make sure that you floss regularly to get to those places where your toothbrush cannot reach, and limit the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth.
It’s also important to brush your teeth effectively when dealing with bad breath – generally speaking, you need to brush for a at least two minutes and be sure to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial or odour eliminating mouthwash too.
Of course strong-smelling foods such as onions and garlic can affect your breath, but this is often only temporary and will go once you brush and floss.
Predictably, smoking is also a likely cause of your bad breath. As well as the lingering smell of stale smoke, smoking stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you follow the steps above and your bad breath persists, it could be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. Make sure you see your dentist regularly so that you can avoid dealing with bad breath in the first place.
Dental Care Ireland has practices around the country. Get in touch with your local practice for an appointment, and remember you can also book an appointment online
Preparing Your Teeth for Pregnancy
“Women are more prone to gum disease during pregnancy, explains Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland.
“Gums can often become swollen or tender, and may bleed during brushing. The good news is that they usually return to normal after delivery, and any sensitivity should also diminish. In the meantime, keeping up a thorough oral health routine will help your teeth in pregnancy, as well as ensuring plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet.”
Gum Disease
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to the gum tissue, which can cause gums to become more sensitive, leading to inflammation and bleeding. This condition is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. It affects between 50% and 70% of women at some time during their pregnancy.
If left untreated, it can develop into full periodontal disease, which infects the bone and other tissue supporting the teeth. It is important therefore, to keep the teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible during pregnancy, by maintaining a good oral health routine.
Morning Sickness
If you experience morning sickness during pregnancy, think twice before reaching for your toothbrush!
When you are sick, you expose your teeth to acid, which can soften your enamel. If you brush straight away, you can risk hurting your enamel further while it is still sensitive. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash, and wait 30 minutes before brushing.
Dental Treatments
Ideally, schedule a dental check-up before you are pregnant, to ensure that any outstanding or urgent treatment can be completed.
It is safe and recommended to continue to visit your dentist or dental hygienist for a check-up and routine dental work during pregnancy. However, dental x-rays should be avoided while pregnant. Always make sure to tell your dentist that you are pregnant.
8 Pregnancy Dental Health Tips:
- Brush teeth thoroughly at least twice daily, using a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss teeth every day
- Rinse with water or alcohol-free mouthwash after morning sickness
- Introduce a soft-bristled brush for sensitive teeth
- Schedule a dental check-up and professional clean
- Maintain a balanced and varied diet
- Avoid snacking on food or drinks with a high sugar content
- Take note of food or drinks that trigger sensitivity
If you’re looking to book an appointment for you or your child, Dental Care Ireland has 13 practices nationwide, that can offer all forms of dental treatments can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours of your local practice.
A guide to teeth whitening in Dublin
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you’re looking to avail of teeth whitening in Dublin, we’re here for you.
More and more often, people are enquiring about teeth whitening in Dublin, and indeed all around the country. It is an incredibly popular treatment, and for good reason. It helps give people a better smile, and makes their teeth gleam.
Interestingly, one of the biggest misconceptions about dental health is that our teeth are white in colour. In fact, they are more likely to be grey or yellow. Baby teeth look very white, due to a thin layer of enamel which allows light through to your teeth. However, as we age, our permanent teeth grow, which have stronger dentine and enamel. Light doesn’t travel through these easily, so they look darker.
But that fact doesn’t stop people looking to get their teeth whitened!
At Dental Care Ireland, we recommend that the first step in deciding whether or not to whiten your teeth should be taken in consultation with your dentist.
Your dentist will first need to examine your teeth, mouth and gums to better understand if there are any outstanding treatment needs and to assess your suitability for teeth whitening.
He or she will then take impressions of your teeth to make the teeth whitening trays for use with a home whitening kit. You will then receive an appointment to try out the kit and will receive advice and instruction on how to use it in the best possible manner.
Your dentist will also work closely with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. Teeth whitening can take approximately 10 days to three weeks depending on the shade you have chosen.
It is important to remember that whitening your teeth involves a bit of time and effort, but it is worth it. Your teeth occasionally can be a little sensitive after the treatment, but this generally resolves itself shortly afterwards. But remember to keep taking care of your teeth afterwards!
If you’re looking to book an appointment for teeth whitening in Dublin, the Dental Care Ireland practices in Swords, Knocklyon and Cabinteely can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Teeth Tips for Toddlers & Babies
Despite the fact that baby teeth will eventually fall out, the importance of deciduous or “baby” teeth cannot be overstated. A good primary dentition helps your child to establish strong biting and chewing patterns, develop speech, and hold healthy space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.
Baby teeth are just as prone to cavities as permanent or ‘adult’ teeth. When a baby tooth falls out prematurely or is lost to decay, other teeth can tilt into the empty spaces and it can cause delay in eruption, as the ‘gate-keeper’ is now lost. Teaching children to look after their baby teeth from an early age, will also help pave the way for a healthy adult mouth.
Development of Baby Teeth
Even before they appear, baby teeth have begun their journey as far back as the second trimester of pregnancy. They usually start to erupt into the baby’s mouth at about six months, although sometimes earlier. Typically, most children will have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they reach three years old.
The baby teeth usually start to fall out from about six years of age. The first permanent molar teeth are the first permanent teeth to arrive and replace them, quickly followed by the permanent incisor teeth.
This pattern of loss and replacement continues up to around the age of 11 or 12.
Taking care of our baby teeth, therefore, is an essential part of developing good oral health for the future.
Teeth Tips for Toddlers & Babies
1. Getting started
As the first baby teeth arrive at approximately six months, it is often a good idea to introduce the concept of oral hygiene at this time.
In my experience, parents often find it challenging to introduce brushing and establish a good oral hygiene regime at this early stage. As all parents will know, toddlers and infants put everything in their mouths! So, why not a toothbrush?
Aside from being a dental surgeon, I am also a parent. I used to introduce a kids’ toothbrush at bath time, allowing my toddlers to place the brush in their mouths and get used to the idea of brushing.
2. Visiting the dentist
Early attendance at the dentist is the cornerstone of good dental health. The ideal time to bring your child to the dentist is before the age of two, and preferably when the first tooth arrives. This gives you, the parent, an opportunity to ask dietary and hygiene questions, and seek professional advice on best maintenance.
It also allows your dentist to establish a baseline record of your child’s dental health and development, further safe-guarding the establishment of good dental health and preventing the premature loss of vital baby teeth through decay.
3. Establishing a brushing routine
To keep their mouths healthy and help establish an oral health routine, regular brushing is key. For 0-2 year olds, brushing with a toothbrush and water is best.
From 2-7 years, children should brush twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents will still need to provide assistance and supervision with brushing, whilst at the same time encouraging children to manage their own brushing routine.
For children under 7, a mild scrub technique is generally recommended but your dentist is best placed to advise you on the exact technique suitable for your child.
4. Reducing bottle feeding
Most babies will be able to use a cup from approximately six months, and to avoid tooth decay, bottle feeding should ideally be decreased from 12 months old. Parents should also avoid giving fizzy drinks in a bottle. Cooled boiled water and milk are the ideal fluids for development and growth.
5. Baby teeth and soothers
Overuse of a soother can have implications for tooth crowding in the longer-term, and use of soothers should therefore be avoided unless necessary. If choosing a soother, however, opt for an orthodontic one, available in most pharmacies. Avoid dipping a soother in sugar or any sugary snacks.
Dr Paul O’Dwyer BDS, MSc is a clinical advisor at Dental Care Ireland. For further information, visit our children’s dentistry page.
Dentist in Castlebar looking after the community
Dental Care Ireland practice manager Margaret Robinson discusses why the community means so much for the dentist in Castlebar, Co Mayo
“We have had patients coming here since the year dot, and they keep coming back.” These are the words of Dental Care Ireland Castlebar practice manager Margaret Robinson, who stresses the importance of the community to the team in the vibrant Co Mayo town.
Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this Castlebar practice in March 2015, but its ties in the community go back nearly 40 years. “I’ve been working in this dental practice for over 30 years – we’re a huge part of the town and everyone knows us,” says Margaret.
“Since Dental Care Ireland have come on board, we have overseen a complete refurbishment with more comfortable surgeries, seats and a fantastic waiting room, and overall a much more modern feel. Many of our staff have been here for decades.”
This dentist in Castlebar employs 11 staff. “We have three dentists, a dental hygienist, a lab technician, a student nurse, three qualified nurses, and other administrative staff. It really is a great atmosphere – we socialise together and get on really well. Our staff turnover is very low because once you start working for this practice in this beautiful town, it’s very difficult to leave.”
Since Dental Care Ireland have come on board, patients have seen an improved experience all round. “Along with the improvements to the actual practice itself, we also offer flexible opening hours, including early openings, opening at lunchtimes and late on certain weekdays,” says Margaret. “We also offer good treatment plans, and cater for PRSI entitlements and medical card holders.
“When patients come in, we always greet them with a smile. This practice is built around patients. Castlebar is a small town, so that familiarity we have with the community really helps. We are lucky to get Christmas cards in the festive season, and make sure to support families who lose loved ones with bereavement cards. That’s the kind of practice we are.”
The dentist in Castlebar has certainly fostered a special atmosphere. “We don’t want people to feel nervous when they come in here, so we add little touches to put them at ease. We have a couple of iPads for children, we get in new books every month so they’re in good condition, and we light a candle every single day. It makes it so nice and relaxed – comfort for the patient is paramount.
The practical benefits don’t end there, as the whole community is catered for. “We are wheelchair-friendly here in Castlebar, as we want easy access for everyone. That makes a huge difference,” says Margaret.
Dental Care Ireland Castlebar offers a variety of treatments, including x-rays, hygienist treatments, fillings and extractions, as well as specialised treatments like root canal treatment and teeth whitening. It’s a formula that leads to patient loyalty. “I see patients in here that we’ve treated since they were children, and they are bringing in their own children now!” says Margaret.
“I’m from Castlebar myself, and I just love working in this town. We have a great mix of experienced and younger staff who know their business but at the end of the day, primarily want to ensure that our patients are happy with our service. That’s what it’s all about.”
This approach is paying dividends, as this dentist in Castlebar is attracting a lot of new business, alongside its regular patients. “Sometimes it feels like we are catering for ten new patients a week,” says Margaret. “Just today I’ve taken the details of four new patients. It’s really busy here, and we thrive on that.”
The DCI Castlebar dental practice is located on Station Road in Castlebar town, and is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8am to 7pm, and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. Click this link or call 094-9022317
Invisalign braces: the future of orthodontics?
Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing a reliable, community dental experience. If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us
Orthodontics is defined as the treatment of irregularities of the teeth and the jaws. Up until recently, people assumed that braces could only really be worn by children, as their jaws and teeth were generally softer than those of adults, and thus had the potential to be “corrected” effectively.
Fortunately, technology has improved hugely the design of braces, and now the likes of Invisalign braces have resulted in more controlled, faster, less forceful orthodontic movement of teeth. Importantly, these new braces, and others like them, are far more discreet than some of the older models, resulting in a surge of interest from adults.
Barely visible
Invisalign braces work to straighten teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for the patient’s mouth. The aligners are removable and are barely visible, making them particularly popular with adults.
These are just one type of braces that can be used – among other options are ceramic braces which are clear and “tooth-coloured” so they blend in with your teeth to make them almost unnoticeable. Of course, traditional metal braces are still an option, and are still used by children and adolescents.
As technology has improved, so naturally has the prominence of orthodontic treatment acorss the demographic spectrum. A number of celebrities have invested in orthodontics over the past number of years, including Faith Hill and even Faye Dunaway at 61 years old.
Lian O’Dwyer, orthodontist with Dental Care Ireland Knocklyon, says: “The best age for orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment.
“However, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy there is no age limit to treatment, and an increasing number of adults are availing of the benefits of orthodontic, including Invisalign braces.”
If you’re looking to book an appointment for orthodontic treatment, the Dental Care Ireland practices around the country can offer you the help you need. Dental Care Ireland practices open late, on weekends and during lunchtime, so make sure you consult our opening hours
