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If seeing yourself on video calls has sparked a desire to upgrade your smile, you are not alone! Since the start of the pandemic, dentists have reported a significant rise in demand for cosmetic dental procedures. Invisalign Go is the latest system that straightens teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible. Ahead of our upcoming Open Day, Dr Jennifer Collins answers five frequently asked questions about Invisalign Go. Q: Is Invisalign Go suitable for everybody? A: Invisalign Go is an ideal treatment option for patients wishing to correct mild overcrowding, gaps or alignment issues with the front ten teeth. It is typically not recommended for more complex orthodontic cases. Q: How long does the treatment last? A: For best results, Invisalign Go aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day. The treatment time varies from patient to patient but it can be as short as 3-6 months. Q: How many

Whether you are dealing with a toothache or a knocked-out tooth, knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make all the difference to easing pain and preventing permanent damage. In this month’s Q&A, Dr Jennifer Collins answers some common questions about dental emergencies, how to know if an injury is urgent, and when to seek an emergency dentist. Q: What should I do if a tooth is knocked out? A: If a tooth is knocked out, try to retrieve the lost tooth and go straight to the dentist. Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. If stored correctly, there is a chance that the tooth can be replanted in the gum. Q: Where should I store the tooth? A: Put the tooth in a cup of milk, or carry it in your mouth, between the teeth and the inside of the cheek. Try to get to an emergency dentist within half an hour. Avoid storing the tooth in regular tap water or mineral water. Q: Can a knocked-out baby tooth be saved? A: Baby teeth are not typically replanted in the mou

Whether you are missing teeth due to decay, gum disease or physical injury, dental implants can often provide an ideal solution. Dental implants are artificial roots that can be used to anchor crowns, bridges, or dentures in order to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Once a dental implant is embedded in the jaw, it can serve as anchorage for artificial teeth. Dr Maher Kemmoona, our specialist periodontist, shares some useful tips on the cosmetic and functional benefits of dental implants for replacing missing teeth. Four Benefits of Dental Implants: #1 Enhanced appearance Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. With implants in place, patients find that they can smile with confidence again, improving self-esteem and often providing a new lease of life. #2 Durability and comfort With proper care and maintenance, implants can last a long period of time. They are extremely durable if appropriate aftercare is in place. As the implant is integrat

Dental veneers are thin strips of ceramic that are permanently bonded to the front surface of your teeth. If you are considering cosmetic improvements to your smile, veneers can enhance the shape, size and colour of one or multiple teeth. Although veneers will not address any underlying dental issues, they can be an aesthetic solution for a variety of concerns such as fractures, chips, discolouration or uneven spacing. It is important to work with your dentist to find the treatment option that is best suited to your individual needs. Dr Colin Maher, our new general dentist, shares five ways that dental veneers can help to perfect and protect the appearance of your natural teeth. 5 Reasons to Consider Veneers: #1 A natural look Veneers are custom designed to blend in with the shape, size and colour of your natural teeth.  Since they are individually sculpted to the specifications of the patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.  #2 A

If a straighter smile is top of your new year’s resolution list, there are a number of minimally invasive and even invisible options to consider. Invisalign Go is the latest system that straightens teeth using a series of clear plastic aligners which are custom-made for your mouth. Dr Jennifer Collins, our lead general dentist, shares four facts to know before choosing Invisalign Go. #1 Suitability Invisalign Go is an ideal treatment method for patients wishing to correct mild overcrowding, gaps or alignment issues with the front ten teeth. It is typically not recommended for more complex orthodontic cases. Your dentist or orthodontist will first need to assess a range of factors and advise you on the treatment best suited to your individual needs. #2 Treatment time  For best results, Invisalign Go aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours each day. The treatment time varies from patient to patient but it can be as short as 3-6 months. As the aligners are built from a 3D scan of yo

Our Christmas opening hours are listed below, along with details of emergency clinics at our sister practices in Cabinteely, Knocklyon and Swords. Northumberland Dental Care will return to normal opening hours from Monday, 4th January 2021. Merry Christmas to all our patients and every good wish for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS @ NORTHUMBERLAND DENTAL CARE Monday, December 21st: 8am – 1pm Tuesday, December 22nd: 8am – 1pm Wednesday, December 23rd: Closed Thursday, December 24th: Closed Friday, December 25th: Closed Saturday, December 26th: Closed Monday, December 28th: Closed Tuesday, December 29th: Closed Wednesday, December 30th: Closed Thursday, December 31st: Closed Friday, January 1st: Closed Saturday, January 2nd: Closed EMERGENCY DENTAL CLINICS Should you require a dentist during the holiday period, our sister practices in Cabinteely, Knocklyon and Swords will be running emergency clinics as detailed below. Dental Care Ireland: Ca

Dr Raphael Bellamy, our specialist endodontist, separates fact from fiction with answers to your most common queries about root canal treatment Q: What is root canal treatment? A: Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is a procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. It involves cleaning, shaping and filling a tooth’s underlying root canal system in order to preserve the tooth. Q: When is root canal treatment necessary? A: In cases of advanced tooth decay, bacteria can penetrate through the surface of the tooth and enter the soft tissue at the centre, called the pulp. If this happens, the bacteria will start to kill the pulp, which increases the risk of infection developing inside the root canal. Endodontic treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and preserve the tooth. Q: What causes infection at the centre of the tooth? A: Inflammation or infection in the tooth’s pulp can occur for a variety of reasons, including deep decay, repeated dent

In this month’s Q&A, Dr Jennifer Collins, our lead general dentist, answers some frequently asked questions about teeth bonding Q: What is teeth bonding? A: Teeth bonding, also known as dental or composite bonding, is a simple and effective way to resolve minor teeth issues using a specially formulated composite material that is matched to the colour of your teeth. Q: Why is teeth bonding used? A: Teeth bonding is useful if you are experiencing a minor issue with one or several of your teeth, such as small cracks, chips, gaps or discolouration. It can improve the appearance of a tooth by restoring or enhancing both its shape and size. Q: How do I know if I am a suitable candidate? A: Your dentist will assess your suitability based on the overall health of your teeth and gums. Bonding is primarily for patients seeking a cosmetic solution for teeth that are otherwise healthy. It is not suitable for repairing very weak or crooked teeth. Q: How long does the treatment take? A: Dent

One of the most common questions we’re asked here at Northumberland Dental Care is; does whitening toothpaste actually work? The answer is yes, and no.  Let me explain; there are two types of staining that affect the colour of your teeth: Intrinsic Staining Extrinsic Staining Therefore, yes – they can remove extrinsic staining but no – they will not remove intrinsic staining. What is intrinsic staining? Intrinsic staining happens internally and can be caused by a multitude of factors including; medication taken as a child, trauma or excessive fluoride consumption. As dentine is darker than enamel, as we age, we wear down enamel and expose more dentine; therefore, our teeth appear darker. This is why the neck of the tooth often looks darker as gum recession causes dentine to become exposed, giving the tooth a darker appearance. The only way to remove intrinsic staining is by bleaching your teeth through professional products administered by your dentist containing

Northumberland Dental Care is pleased to offer a dental examination, scale and polish for only €15, to all those who qualify under PRSI, including self-employed individuals. This includes small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors, and professionals.  Unsure how to claim your PRSI entitlements? No problem, we have answered your more frequently asked questions below: Who can claim PRSI entitlements?  The Treatment Benefit Scheme is available to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions. To qualify, you must have paid class A, E, P, H or S social insurance (PRSI) contributions. The amount of social insurance you need depends on your age. If your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant does not have enough social insurance contributions, he/she may still qualify for Treatment Benefit on your social insurance record. To do this, you must qualify for Treatment Benefit and your spous