New Year’s resolutions for healthy teeth

January is the time for New Year’s resolutions and we have a few simple suggestions on how to have better dental health in 2020

The New Year is the ideal time to start good new habits as well as making sure you keep up the old ones. Below we’ve come up with a few New Year’s resolutions for you to make sure that you and your family maintain good oral health throughout 2020 and beyond.

Keep cleaning

Regular brushing and flossing are the basis for having strong, clean teeth. You may already have a good routine for both, but it’s worthwhile making sure you keep them up consistently. One way is to brush and floss at the same time every day if possible so it becomes a habit you won’t forget.

It’s also worth getting your children into similar habits from an early age. The more of a habit it is, the more likely they are to keep it up throughout their childhood and beyond.

Get check-ups

It is worthwhile visiting your dentist for check-ups at least once a year, though this will depend on various factors, including your age and your general dental health. Check-ups are so important as dentists can see if any problems are developing and make sure they are fixed before they get worse and need more serious intervention.

As it is January, why not make an appointment with your dentist now? Pick up the phone right away or book online immediately for yourself and your family. That way, it is done and you will have taken an important step towards having good oral health for the rest of the year.

You will find a list of our practices with contact details here.

Visit your hygienist

While brushing and flossing regularly are crucial, a dental hygienist will be able to give your mouth a deeper, more effective clean. We recommend that you see a hygienist once every six months so as to make sure you have healthy teeth and gums.

A hygienist will remove any build-up of plaque or tartar which brushing and flossing can’t always achieve. He or she will also polish your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.

Hygienists will also be able to advise you on how to improve your brushing and flossing, as well as spotting any potential problems which may need more serious action.

Claim your dental PRSI entitlements

If you pay PRSI – as some two and a half million people in this country do – you may be entitled to free or discounted dental care under the Government’s Treatment Benefit Scheme. It is worth noting that each year hundreds of thousands of taxpayers do not claim this as they are unaware that they may be eligible.

To find out if you are eligible and to claim your entitlements, visit our PRSI Entitlements page. Again, it is worth doing now so that it is taken care of for 2020. Too many people put it off and then forget to claim their entitlements later in the calendar year.

Look after your children’s teeth

The best way to get children to brush and floss regularly is to make both a part of their daily routine, so that it becomes a habit. It is also worthwhile brushing and flossing at the same time as your children, particularly with younger ones, so it becomes a regular thing you do together.

You should also make appointments for your children to see a dentist on a regular basis, so their development can be tracked. This will allow their dentist to spot problems early and to make recommendations regarding fillings, orthodontics and other necessary dental work.

Eat better, drink better

Obviously, diet plays a huge part in how healthy your teeth are. With the New Year, make sure to cut down on sugary food and drinks. Try to replace sweet snacks with healthier ones and juices with water.

Again, if you and your children do this together, it makes it easier for all concerned. Focus on cheese and yogurt and on vegetables and fruit such as celery, leafy greens, carrots and apples.

Lastly, we here at Dental Care Ireland would like to wish all our patients and their families a happy, healthy 2020.

Happy New Year!

For more information on the services offered by Dental Care Ireland practices around the country and to find the practice nearest you, go here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/

Pregnancy and oral health: your questions answered

In this week’s Q&A, our group clinical advisor, Dr Paul O’Dwyer, answers your queries about pregnancy and oral health

Q: Why do my gums feel swollen and tender during pregnancy?

A: 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 common condition is referred to as pregnancy gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease.

Q: Should I be worried about bleeding gums?

A: If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis 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.

Q: Will my gums return to normal after pregnancy?

A: Gums usually return to normal after delivery, and any sensitivity should also diminish.

Q: Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant?

A: 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.

Q: Will morning sickness damage my teeth?

A: When you experience morning sickness, 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.

Q: How can I protect my teeth and gums during pregnancy?

• 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

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie

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

Mouthguards for kids: look after their teeth!

At Dental Care Ireland, we want to ensure that all our patients have a quality experience and can access any dental treatment. That’s why we offer mouthguards for kids

The new school term is now well underway, and children are getting involved in different sports all around the country. It’s an exciting time for them, as they get to have fun and compete with their peers, but of course their health is paramount.

While playing sports, it is essential that children take care of their teeth, and that’s why mouthguards for kids are so important. Gone are the days when children would lose teeth after a playing field collision due to a lack of protective equipment; now there are a number of types of mouthguard that can help protect their teeth from damage.

Approximately one third of all adult dental injuries are linked to sports, and studies have shown that the chances of injury are almost twice as high when a mouthguard is not worn. Mouthguards for kids make sense! As such, it is crucial that your child wears a mouthguard while playing contact sports such as rugby, soccer, Gaelic football, hurling or hockey.

There are three different types of mouthguard available in Ireland today: stock mouthguards, which are inexpensive but can be cumbersome on your child’s teeth; boil and bite mouthguards, which are moulded in a basic way to your child’s teeth and jaw structure; and custom-fit mouthguards, which are the most expensive but also the best in terms of comfort and protection.

It is worth discussing your options with your dentist when you visit before the school year begins so that you can choose the best one for your child.

If you would like to enquire about mouthguards for kids in our dental practices around the country, please contact our team. Please refer to our opening times and locations on the website

Mind Your Mouth! Charity Partnership Announcement

Dental Care Ireland Partners with National Diabetes Charity

Dental Care Ireland, a new network of local dental practices nationwide, today launched a year-long partnership with Diabetes Ireland, the national diabetes charity: Mind Your Mouth!

In Ireland, it is estimated that 250,000 people are living with diabetes, 50% of whom are unaware of their condition. Diabetes is a lifelong condition and if untreated can lead to complications, including oral health problems such as gum disease.

The aim of the partnership is to raise funds towards Diabetes Ireland’s regional community support services, as well as increasing awareness about the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes.

Speaking at the launch of Mind Your Mouth, Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor, Dental Care Ireland, said: “People with diabetes can be more prone to oral health problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, poor healing and oral infections. In most cases, mouth complications can be easily treated, but a thorough dental health routine is an essential part of learning to live with the condition.”

Throughout the year, Dental Care Ireland staff across the country will work with the team at Diabetes Ireland to develop a number of fundraising and awareness initiatives, including a dedicated oral health web section, oral health information talks, and a sponsored “brushathon” to coincide with World Oral Health Day in March.

According to Jennifer Brennan, fundraising manager at Diabetes Ireland: “We are delighted to partner with Dental Care Ireland for the coming year. This partnership gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and oral health amongst our members, supporters and the diabetes community. The funds raised through this partnership will also enable us to continue to provide much needed information, care and a range of services to help improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.”

Colm Davitt, chief executive at Dental Care Ireland, commented: “We look forward to working closely with Diabetes Ireland to develop an oral health education programme for people with diabetes and their families, while also raising much needed support funds. It is a fantastic opportunity for our staff members to fundraise in each of our local practice areas, and also to share their specialist knowledge and expertise.”

For information on diabetes and oral health, visit www.diabetes.ie/oralhealth or www.dentalcareireland.ie

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

Our dentist in Cabinteely making a real impression

Dental Care Ireland is committed to providing an outstanding, personal community dental experience. Our dentist in Cabinteely puts that plan into practice

Dental Care Ireland Cabinteely, formerly known as Park Clinic Dental, is our dentist in Cabinteely. Park Clinic Dental was previously owned by Dr Vincent McDonagh, who still works at the practice today as principal dentist. Dental Care Ireland took over the running of this practice in June 2015, and offers a range of dental treatments, including orthodontics and root canal procedures.

Dr Brendan O’Connor is a dentist in Cabinteely Dental Care Ireland, and also works with VHI and the Beacon Hospital. He particularly enjoys the community aspect of the work in Cabinteely. “It’s great to meet so many people from different walks of life in Cabinteely. It’s really rewarding in particular to work with small children, young adults and older patients,” he says.

“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.”

Working as a dentist in Cabinteely is clearly very rewarding in terms of getting to know the community, and it’s a part of the job that Brendan relishes. “Honestly, no two days are ever the same in Cabinteely. I just love the variety of the work here,” he says.

“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.

“In the time I’ve been here, 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.”

If you want to book an appointment with our dentist in Cabinteely, please call our practice on 01-2853666 or click this link to book an appointment online. Our dentist in Cabinteely is open on Mondays and Fridays from 9-6; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9-7; on Thursdays from 9-7.30; on Saturdays from 9-1; and every lunchtime.

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 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. To book an appointment with Dr O’Dwyer click this link or contact 01 493 6909