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Practice Profile: Kells dental practice in great shape
Kells dental practice manager Sandra Crosby discusses her work, what she looks for in staff, and how patients are the team’s number one priority
Dental Care Ireland’s practice in Kells, Co Meath, located on the town’s Bective Square, was officially opened in September 2017, and features state of the art facilities and equipment. Sandra Crosby, practice manager in Kells, says that it’s an exciting time for the practice.
“Our principal dentist, Dr Maura McGuinness, ran this practice for three decades before Dental Care Ireland took over the running of it in May 2015,” she says. “Maura’s still very much here and continues to treat many of her patients. I suppose the main advantages for her are the reduction in administrative headaches, in terms of managing the practice and marketing it to a wider audience.”
Dental implants are becoming very popular
The staff has grown a lot since Dental Care Ireland took over. “We have ten staff here in Kells – five dental nurses, three dentists, one hygienist, and myself,” says Sandra. “We also host an implantologist here once a month. Dental implants are becoming very popular. I’ve been working here for nearly 15 years – and 12 years before Dental Care Ireland’s arrival.”
What is like to have seen Dental Care Ireland partner with the practice? “One of the best things about Dental Care Ireland’s input is investment – we now have a state-of-the-art practice. That really works well considering we already had a great rapport with the community.”
Challenging but interesting
What does a practice manager do? “My job is challenging but interesting – I’m involved in the administration of the practice, and its overall management. That involves upskilling staff and regular meetings and updates, and lots of day-to-day activities. With Dental Care Ireland on board, we can employ more people and can avail of a bigger budget, so it means more work for me!”
It’s great that the Kells practice can take on new staff, so what does Crosby look for in new hires? “We look for enthusiastic, positive people who are easily motivated. We want everyone to be a good fit, and for that they need to be on the same page. We have a great mix of both young and more experienced staff, and it really is a pleasure to come in to work every day.”
Patients are the primary focus
As in all Dental Care Ireland practices, the welfare and satisfaction of patients is of primary concern. “We want to make sure that the patient experience is top quality from the moment someone comes in the door to when they leave and even afterwards,” says Sandra.
“That starts with a welcoming smile from the moment the door opens, as we know that some people get nervous coming in to the dentist. It’s about showing empathy, and caring for patients.
Little things count for a lot
“We like to offer practical help to patients too – we check their entitlements, such as PRSI benefits, before they even come in. Little things count for a lot as well – we keep candles burning to foster a calming atmosphere, and have stress balls in surgeries. Those things add up for patients, and we know they really appreciate them,” she says.
It is clear from talking with Sandra that working in Kells has changed a lot in recent months and years. “In the last few years we have seen plenty of changes in Kells. There has been serious growth in the town, with a new healthcare building and more and more companies moving here. There are great places to rent and we’ve seen a big increase in patient numbers, especially since our new facility opened last August,” says Sandra.
Best-class services
“In the future, we want to continue to offer best-class services, and are looking to increase our dental implant treatment offering. We already offer patients extended opening hours, and our staff really appreciate the connection we have with the community. It’s an exciting time for the Kells practice!”
Dental Care Ireland Kells offers over 100 hours of surgery time and emergency appointments every week. The practice is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am to 7pm; on Wednesdays from 8am to 6pm; on Thursdays from 8am to 5pm; on Fridays from 9am to 5pm; on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm; and every lunchtime. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. See https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/dentist-kells/ or call 046-9240783
Dental Care Ireland offers orthodontics in Knocklyon
Increasing interest in orthodontics in south Dublin and around the country has seen this specialist treatment introduced by Dental Care Ireland
Orthodontics is defined as the treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws. In times past, this treatment was generally confined to children in their teenage years, but this is no longer the case. Interest in orthodontics has risen hugely around Ireland in recent times, and we are pleased to say that we now offer orthodontics in Knocklyon.
Dr Lian O’Dwyer, our resident orthodontics specialist, says that the treatment varies, depending on the patient. “The best age for orthodontics varies from patient to patient. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, there is no age limit to treatment. We are definitely seeing an increasing number of adults availing of the benefits of orthodontics in Knocklyon.”
The technology surrounding the treatment of orthodontics has improved hugely over recent years. The introduction of self-ligating brackets made from ceramic or even titanium has resulted in more controlled, faster, less forceful orthodontic movement of teeth and much more discreet treatment, which has in turn increased the popularity of orthodontic intervention in adults.
It is important to remember that orthodontics isn’t just about cosmetics. There really is a functional side of the treatment. For example, many patients find that some crooked teeth may lead to food regularly getting stuck. This in itself can lead to gum disease. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand the popularity of orthodontics in south Dublin and around the country.
So, how do you know if you actually need orthodontics? A scientific paper from the January 2017 edition of The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dermofacial Orthopedics suggested that the perceived need for orthodontics versus the actual need for orthodontics was about equal. Simply put, this means that if you feel that you need orthodontics, then you probably do.
Orthodontics is a safe, reliable and very effective treatment. If you are interested in orthodontics in Knocklyon, 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 want to book an appointment to talk about orthodontics in Knocklyon, please call our practice on 01-2853666 or to book an appointment online. Our Knocklyon dental practice is open from Monday to Saturday.
Dental Q&A: Co-founders Colm and Kieran Davitt
Dental Care Ireland CEO Colm Davitt and his brother, clinical advisor Kieran, set up DCI to fill a gap in the market – and its stellar growth has been a vindication of their belief and hard work
What was your working background before setting up Dental Care Ireland?
Kieran Davitt (KD): I worked as a general dentist in Galway for 20 years, so I suppose it made sense to bring me on board. There was a serious element of trust with Colm as obviously we’re family. My initial role was in an advisory capacity as we looked at practices we could bring on to join the network. The role has been broad but largely it’s been in an advisory capacity.
Colm Davitt (CD): The idea for DCI came from my own professional background in healthcare. My brother Kieran was in the dental sector, and we saw a great opportunity to provide a high-quality dental network.
Did you view it as a risk in the beginning?
CD: It was a logical opportunity but like any business starting up, it was a big risk. But luckily our expectations were borne out and it’s gone really well. Our dreams were realised!
KD: The context is important – big changes had happened in the dental industry when we started in 2014. There had been huge cuts to the PRSI scheme and medical cards, and we had the after-effects of the recession and cuts to private dentistry. Things were getting busier for both general and specialist dentists. I felt they should be improving and doing things better.
We exceeded expectations in the first 12 months – it was about adapting quickly. There was no real breakthrough moment. It’s been slow, steady growth.
How did you convince dentists to come on-board in the beginning?
CD: We got a little funding from contacts and then got some more. We saw a few practices on the market that fitted our key criteria and we agreed terms. After we developed a network of 5 or 6 practices, people were speaking highly of us and we became credible in the eyes of dentists. Our practices all have potential even if some are faster growing than others.
In the early days Kieran was crucial to getting deals over the line. As a dentist, he could talk their language. Our first deals were landmark deals!
KD: At the start there was an element of apprehension, but when dentists realised what was happening was beneficial for staff, they became convinced. The first practices took some time. It helped that I was a dentist myself. After that, word of mouth really helped us as dentists spoke to each other.
CD: We had never worked together before, so working with Kieran on Dental Care Ireland has been so interesting. He’s someone I completely trust and has my best interests at heart. That’s so important; we don’t row! We also have similar personalities which helps. It’s a pleasure to work with him.
What is the Dental Care Ireland strategy?
KD: Dental Care Ireland looks for clinics of a particular size, with 3 chairs or more. We want to work with the right people as the principal dentist generally stays on for up to five years. There really needs to be a personal fit to grow the practice.
CD: We are opportunistic. If we see the right practice we’ll go for it. We’re not overly concerned with targeting specific geographical areas.
KD: When we look for a practice, first and foremost we’re looking for ones that are well run. We don’t want to turn places around 100%. We want as easy a transition as possible. We see potential in places that don’t have the time to market themselves, and where we can introduce a specialist. It’s even better if there’s 2 or 3 dentists in situ because it makes it easier.
What does joining the DCI network mean for dentists and their patients?
KD: We try and upgrade practices, investing in equipment. We price our treatments competitively – we want to give the best value to customers because they are demanding excellent treatment. Dentists in practices we take over don’t have to worry about administrative concerns – they can focus on clinical work, and they love that. There is more and more red tape coming up all the time, so they appreciate the ability to hand things over to us. It frees them up.
We want to give good quality dentistry – we upgrade practices, and also offer training and seminars. Better trained staff are happier, as are customers. Everyone reaps the benefits.
CD: DCI is a highly ethical company that wants to be high quality in everything we do. We don’t go for a low cost model with low quality. We offer a premium service – and a full range of those services.
For dentists, administration is removed as we appoint a practice manager and support the growth of the practices. With that, stress is reduced as there isn’t as much full responsibility for everything. Patients get convenient hours, better services and treatments, and state-of-the-art refurbishments. This all leads to a better customer experience.
What does the future hold for Dental Care Ireland?
CD: We have a goal of 20-30 practices over the next few years but the opportunity could be even bigger. We could expand into other healthcare sectors beyond dentistry in 5-7 years. We are definitely a couple of years ahead of where we thought we’d be at this stage!
We’ve grown so much in two years, but the idea would be to become the largest dental group in Ireland, with at least one or two practices in each county. We want to be the best in each area and for our patients to completely trust us.
For more information on Dental Care Ireland and to visit one of our practices, see dentalcareireland.ie.
Back to School Dental Tips
Take some time to read this fantastic article from LifeStyle on RTÉ with Dental Care Ireland’s very own Group Clinical Advisor, Dr Paul O’Dwyer. In this piece, Paul outlines 5 top back to school dental tips that you should bear in mind.
Practice Profile: Brand-new Ashbourne practice off to a strong start
Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne practice manager Audrey O’Brien talks about life in the practice, and working in Ashbourne itself
Dental Care Ireland’s practice in Ashbourne, Co Meath, located on the town’s High Street, was officially opened in May 2017, and features best-in-class fittings and features. Audrey O’Brien, practice manager in Ashbourne, says that it’s an exciting time for the practice now that it has been open to the public for a sustained spell of time.
Great experience “Even though we officially opened in May, we’ve been operating for a year now, and it’s been a great experience. The people are so brilliant here, and it’s a pleasure to come into work every day. I’ve worked in Ashbourne before, and I run the day-to-day management of the practice for Dental Care Ireland, making sure that patients and staff are where they need to be at all times.”
The practice employs seven people, and the make-up of the staff reflects a theme in dentistry today. “We’re a young group, and we’re all women!” says Audrey. “We have a hygienist, receptionist, two dentists, two nurses, and myself. What we have here in terms of our staff make-up really does mirror what’s happening in dentistry in general – a significant majority of dentistry graduates are female, which I think is fantastic.”
Always bright But what about the treatments on offer in the Ashbourne practice?
“We offer the standard dental treatments here, along with whitening treatments. It’s a really nice place to work – we’re on the ground floor here; we have a great aspect and it’s always bright, even if it’s raining outside. It’s the kind of place that would cheer you up once you step inside. Our patients say it doesn’t really feel like a traditional dentist’s office, and we like to hear that!” says Audrey.
“We even have a virtual tour of the practice that patients can have a look at before they come in so they know where they’re going!”
Positive impression It’s clear that the staff have made a really positive impression on the community in Ashbourne. “We always try to be nice and friendly so that our patients can have the very best experience possible. Just the other day we heard back from a woman who had brought her mother to us to get dentures. They were both over the moon at how she was treated. We love to hear that kind of feedback – it means a lot to know that you’re making people feel comfortable and secure.”
Ashbourne is a fast-growing, vibrant town, so what does the future hold for Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne? “We’ve got a number of plans in the works,” says Audrey. “We are planning to introduce orthodontic treatments soon, as there is a large market for them in the area.
Lovely vibe “Ashbourne is a young town, but there’s a lovely vibe about the place. There are some really good restaurants and new businesses alongside us on the High Street, and it really seems like the place is feeling the positive effects of the recovery.”
So what sets the Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne practice apart from the competition? “As I said before, it’s all about the way you treat customers, as well as the professional expertise you have,” says Audrey. “Patient care is absolutely paramount, and that’s something that starts from the moment someone walks through the door to when they leave. Our staff are nice and gentle, and that’s what our patients want. That will never change.”
Dental Care Ireland Ashbourne is currently offering 20% of all whitening treatments until the end of August. Get in touch with the team today to book an appointment. See https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/dentist-ashbourne/ or call 01-8350344
Supporting local dentists around the country
In May 2017, Colm Davitt, chief executive of Dental Care Ireland, talked to Irish Dentistry magazine about our network of local dentists across the country and his ambitions to support dentists’ businesses.
What exactly is Dental Care Ireland?
Dental Care Ireland is a new Irish-owned dental group. We set up two years ago, and to date, we have a network of 11 general and specialist practices across the country.
Essentially, we acquire long-established, high quality practices in local communities, with a view to helping them reach their full potential. Our aim is to free principal dentists from administrative burden, allowing them to focus on clinical dentistry.
We invest in upgrading the practices with the latest facilities and technology, as well as providing support in areas such as operations, finance, quality and compliance, IT, HR and marketing. Our vision at Dental Care Ireland is to provide a network of quality dental practices in every single county over the next five to 10 years.
How do you differ from other corporate practices?
Apart from being Irish-owned and -managed, our model is a new concept for dentistry in Ireland. What sets us apart is the fact that all of our dentists are established, local practitioners with a loyal patient base. We work closely with the incumbent dentists to build on the traditions of each individual practice, while ensuring a consistent service for patients across the entire network.
The Irish dental market is very different to the UK and other countries, and we believe that our combined experience and relationships give us a unique understanding of the sensitivities that exist in this country.
What can dentists and their teams expect when they sign up with Dental Care Ireland?
We work with dentists at various life stages and with different career ambitions. By joining Dental Care Ireland, they can expect to be valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their goals.
We basically reduce the management and administrative side of running a business significantly, and give dentists the clinical freedom to focus on their patients. In some cases, we also work with dentists who are seeking to reduce their clinical time commitment.
Each practice is upgraded, depending on individual practice requirements, to include new, state-of-the-art facilities and the 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.
How did you get involved in the dental industry?
I was previously CEO of a leading diagnostic imaging group called Euromedic Ireland (now Affidea), where I gained particular expertise in acquisition through a ‘buy and build’ strategy. This background also gave me a good understanding of the sensitivities involved in running a healthcare organisation and working with healthcare professionals.
My brother and business partner, Kieran, is a dentist based in Galway. Together, we came up with the Dental Care Ireland concept, which would combine Kieran’s clinical expertise and my track record in business development and healthcare management. The balance of both these skillsets has been pivotal to our success.
So where did the idea for Dental Care Ireland come from?
We first looked at international trends towards group dentistry elsewhere. We also explored the challenges facing younger dentists with regards to setting up, such as prohibitive costs and increased compliance.
Since the majority of practices in Ireland are independently owned, we saw an opportunity for a new model here. The model that we developed is very much focused on high quality clinical care, based in the local community. Our marketing tagline is ‘your local practice’.
What kind of practices do you look out for or like to work with?
All of our practices have a long-standing reputation and loyal patient base in their local area. We look for dentists who are committed to remaining with the practice for at least the medium-term, and generally, our practices have a minimum of three chairs.
Our dentists join Dental Care Ireland for a variety of reasons. For some, it is part of a managed retirement plan. For others, they just want to focus on their patients rather than the business, and others have career or family commitments that prohibit them from managing the business side of the practice.
We want to have a national network right across the country, so we are open to considering all locations if the opportunity is right.
What do you hope for the future of Irish dentistry?
I hope that younger dentists will be supported to pursue their career ambitions and that all patients will have access to high quality, convenient dental services.
The restoration of some publicly funded benefits would greatly help many patients across the country and improve the oral health of the nation. I would like to see Dental Care Ireland at the centre of positive developments in the sector in the years ahead.
Note: This article first appeared in the May 2017 issue of Irish Dentistry. It is reprinted here with kind permission
Teeth Whitening Offer – 20% Off
Dental Care Ireland’s Teeth Whitening Offer – gives an amazing 20% off until the 31st August in selected practices only.
If you are interested in improving the colour of your teeth and appearance of your smile, then ask your dentist about our teeth whitening offer. Teeth Whitening brightens the shade of your teeth so they appear brighter and whiter.
What happens in Teeth Whitening?
Firstly, the dentist will perform an examination to determine the suitability of your teeth for whitening. This will include a check-up and may include an X-ray.
Then the dentist will work with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve.
Impressions will then be taken of your teeth so that we can develop a bespoke whitening kit that suits you and which you can use yourself at home.
You will be invited back to the practice to pick up the kit and will receive advice as to how to use it.
Teeth whitening takes approximately 10 days to three weeks depending on the shade you have chosen.
Selected practices are as follows * Ashbourne, Carlow, Navan, Knocklyon, Swords, and Kells.
Teeth whitening demand growing around Ireland
The number of patients interested in teeth whitening is rising, particularly in Dental Care Ireland practices in Dublin 16, Dublin 18 and Swords
There are many foodstuffs and drinks that can stain your teeth, including some of your favourite food and drinks such as coffee, red wine, soft drinks and even berries. This is natural and regular brushing should help to keep staining to a minimum. Also, as we get older the white teeth we may have had as children become naturally pale grey and yellowish due to ageing, and general wear and tear.
There are many whitening toothpastes on sale which some patients find effective in keeping their teeth white. Also, there are a number of whitening strips available that give your teeth a temporary gleam. Most of them dissolve in your mouth in just a few minutes and have a minty taste.
However, more patients are choosing to get their teeth whitened professionally as this can prove to be the best way to keep them sparkling for longer, and improve your smile! This involves a visit to the dentist with a home teeth-whitening kit created just for you.
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. Our whitening kits are tried and tested.
Your dentist will first need to examine your teeth, mouth and gums. This is to better understand if there are any outstanding treatment needs and to assess your suitability for teeth whitening. At this initial consultation, your dentist may take X-rays to help ensure that your mouth is in tip-top condition. He or she will then take impressions of your teeth to make the teeth-whitening trays for use with your 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 to optimum advantage.
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 shortly afterwards.
Initial improvement whitening treatments start at about 10 days and, depending on the sensitivity of your teeth, it may take longer. You should be prepared to dedicate an hour each evening to the couch and avoid food and drink that can stain the teeth such as the aforementioned coffee and red wine. Remember that teeth-whitening only works for natural teeth, so you should let your dentist know if you have any crowns or veneers so they can match them to your new shade.
Experts differ on how long teeth whitening will last in general, as it varies from person to person, if you smoke, how often you brush your teeth, and the food and drinks you consume.
Teeth-whitening can last for up to two years, but your Dental Care Ireland dentist will be able to give you a far more accurate estimate after a consultation.
The following Dental Care Ireland practices currently offer dental whitening services: Ashbourne, Cabinteely, Castlebar, Kells, Knocklyon, Swords, and Tullamore. Get in touch to make an appointment.
Dental Q&A – Cabinteely dentist Dr Mary Crossling
In this article, DCI Cabinteely dentist Dr Mary Crossling talks about how she became a dentist, what she loves about the job, and what the future holds for the sector.
Q: What made you decide to go into dentistry when you were younger?
A: I decided early on that I wanted to be a dentist; I think I was 11! I’ve always enjoyed people’s company, and as I grew older I really developed a love of science and chemistry which obviously helped. After doing dental-related work experience in school, I knew it was the right career choice for me. I briefly considered veterinary studies, but interacting with people on a day-to-day basis was important to me, so dentistry it was!
Q: What do you really enjoy about your job?
A: It’s great to meet so many people from different walks of life in our Cabinteely dentist. It’s really rewarding in particular to work with small children, young adults and older patients. Of course, helping people get rid of aches and pains is one of the best parts of the role, and it’s also interesting to work in a relatively small team here in the practice. That kind of exposure creates a very personal, dynamic environment where we all feel like we’re making a real difference in the community.
Q: Would you recommend dentistry as a career choice?
A: I would say that if you love science, you enjoy the company of people but you’re also not afraid of working independently in a problem-solving environment, then dentistry would be a fantastic career choice. One of the things I’ve been particularly happy to see has been the emergence of so many women in what has traditionally been quite a male-dominated sector. I’m originally from Newcastle in England, and studied there too. In my university class, for example, we only had 11 male graduates out of a class of 70!
Another positive about dentistry is the flexibility in terms of your working hours and week, as well as the ability to practise abroad. I went to Australia and worked with Aboriginal communities, which was fantastic. There’s also lots of sub-specialities such as orthodontics, paediatrics, periodontology, and much more. Dentistry is a great sector in which to work, and advances in technology are making it better all the time.
Q: What advice can you give people about looking after their teeth?
A: It depends on the age of the patient. For example, we would always tell parents to bring their baby to see the dentist once they get their first teeth, so that we can examine them and make sure that any potential issues don’t turn into problems.
For young adults, obviously we would recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, but it’s also important to watch your diet. Sweets and fizzy drinks have been highlighted as being bad for teeth, but juices and smoothies can also be very acidic and, although they may be good for your body, they may not be doing your teeth any favours if you consume too many of them. Most of all, people should see their dentist regularly. Don’t wait until your teeth start to hurt before you see us!
Q: What’s it like to work in Cabinteely?
A: Honestly, no two days are ever the same in our Cabinteely dentist. I just love the variety of the work here. As I mentioned earlier, there’s a broad demographic that comes to this practice – from older patients to teenagers – which means our team get to know the whole spectrum of the community. I’ve been working in Cabinteely since October, but even in that time I’ve built up a great rapport with our clients. Part of that is also down to the fact that we have a personal, dedicated service and we’re in a strong community setting. I’ve been in Ireland for six years now, having lived in the UK beforehand, and I just love it here. The people are so friendly!
Q: Having lived in both the UK and Ireland, how do the two countries compare in terms of dentistry?
Obviously the NHS makes a huge difference in the UK, and our public sector has a long way to go to catch up to that level of treatment and care. I think that particular emphasis has to be placed on treating children, older people and those with special needs in the public healthcare system in Ireland. It is promising to see specific dental policies being discussed and planned for the years to come, and we have to hope that they come to pass sooner rather than later. And don’t forget, private patients here on the whole receive excellent care and benefit from the time spent on their tailored prevention and treatment plans.
The Cabinteely practice of Dental Care Ireland is a local, family dentist formerly known as Park Clinic Dental. To make an appointment with Mary or any of the team in Cabinteely, just click on this link. Alternatively, just call 01-2853666
Dental Q&A: Knocklyon orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer
Braces have come a long way in recent years, and now there is a varied choice for both children and adults when it comes to specialized orthodontic work, according to our Knocklyon orthodontist Dr Lian O’Dwyer
How do I know if my child needs braces?
There are many reasons why a child might benefit from braces. Often, your child’s dentist will be the first to notice problems during a regular visit and recommend that you see a specialist orthodontist. The orthodontist can decide whether your child does indeed need braces and which devices would be best.
Some signs that a child may benefit from braces include:
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
What causes the need for braces?
Sometimes tooth and jaw problems can be caused by losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. If there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth they become crowed or crooked. Often tooth and jaw problems are inherited, so if you or someone in your family needed braces, it’s likely that your kids will too.
At what age should my child be examined for orthodontic care?
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 (ages 10-13).
Your general or pediatric dentist will help you determine the best time for evaluation and treatment. The Orthodontic Society of Ireland recommends that you bring your child for an orthodontic assessment at approximately 7 or 8 years of age.
Starting the process early doesn’t 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.
What is the best age to be fitted with braces?
The best age varies from patient to patient. 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.
Some problems, however, are best addressed early, even while mostly baby teeth are present. A specialist orthodontist will be able to advise you on the appropriate time to start any treatment that may be indicated. It is never too late to have treatment. 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 orthodontics.
What types of braces are available?
- Traditional/Metal braces
Metal braces continue to be the most popular choice for children and adolescents. The individual brackets are cemented to each tooth and an archwire is attached to apply a continuous gentle pressure to the teeth. - Clear/Ceramic braces
Ceramic or “clear braces” are tooth coloured so that they blend in with your teeth and are much less noticeable than metal braces. For this reason they are very popular with adult patients. - Invisalign™ clear aligners
Invisalign™ braces straighten 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. Ask your orthodontist if you are a candidate for the Invisalign brace system. - Removable appliances and Functional appliances
- Removable braces are mostly used in early orthodontic treatments for children such as to correct a single tooth, expanding the dental arch or to correct deep bites. Sometimes they are used prior to fixed braces.
- A functional appliance is a removable brace that is used in growing children to help reposition the lower jaw in a more forward position. They are typically used in children who have an “increased overjet” i.e. a large gap between their top and bottom teeth and often a lower jaw which is “short” compared to the upper jaw.
Dr Lian O’Dwyer is an Orthodontist in Dental Care Ireland based in Knocklyon Shopping Centre. Book an appointment with Dr O’Dwyer or contact 01 493 6909
