Invisalign: all you need to know
The Invisalign system has revloutionised the approach to teeth straightening, allowing people of all ages to wear removable ‘braces’ that are practically invisible
While traditional ceramic and metal braces are still used, particularly for teenagers, Invisalign removable aligners have made the process of getting your teeth straightened easier and more accessible.
What are Invisalign braces?
Invisalign is an innovative system for straightening teeth that uses clear aligners instead of traditional metal or ceramic braces. It is a form of orthodontics that is less invasive and easier to use.
Where can I get Invisalign braces?
They are available in the following Dental Care Ireland practices:
Greystones: Greystones Braces & Invisalign in Co Wicklow
Kilkenny: Braces & Invisalign Callan Dental in Callan
We will also be rolling them out in other Dental Care Ireland practices in the coming months, many of which already do orthodontics.
Is there a dentist near me that does Invisalign?
If you are living in Wicklow or Kilkenny, our practices in Greystones and Callan offer this service.
How much does Invisalign cost?
This varies depending on the amount of work your teeth need. Find a general guide to fees for all treatments in Dental Care Ireland practices.
How long do Invisalign braces last?
Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to advise you on this as it will depend on the severity of the issue. In general, they are usually worn for about 12 months, with patients recommended to keep them in for 20-22 hours a day.
Do Invisalign braces work?
Yes, these clear aligners have been shown to be very effective for straightening teeth. It is worth bearing in mind that they will not work for everybody and more severe problems will need traditional orthodontic treatment.
How long does it take to get Invisalign ftitted?
You will need to visit your dentist or orthodontist at least twice to get assessed and to be measured for your own unique ‘trays’ or aligners. A 3D impression is taken of your teeth and the team will assess how they want your teeth to move. You will then be given different aligners to use as your teeth being shifting.
Do Invisalign braces hurt?
In general, they don’t but you may experience some discomfort.
Are Invisalign aligners worth it?
They have been shown to be an extremely effective method for straightening teeth in patients of all ages and there is not a huge price difference between them and standard orthodontic treatment.
What’s the difference between Invisalign and normal braces?
The aligners are almost invisible, meaning people feel more comfortable wearing them. However, in many cases, traditional ceramic or metal braces are still used.
Can children get Invisalign?
Yes, they can be used by teenagers instead of traditional orthodontic treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will advise you on what is the best system for your child’s particular situation. Sometimes it is simply better to use metal or ceramic braces.
What do I need to do once they are fitted?
Your dentist or orthodontist will give you all the advice you need about using these clear aligners. They should be worn for 20-22 hours a day in order to get the best results in the shortest timeframe. They also need to be removed when eating or drinking; you should then brush your teeth before re-inserting them.
To find out more about all teeth straightening options available from Dental Care Ireland, go here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/specialist-treatment/orthodontics/
You’ll find a list of all our practices nationwide, with full contact details here: www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/
Dental implants: your questions answered
In this week’s Q&A, Dr Ed Madeley, Periodontist at our Greystones practice in Wicklow, answers some common queries about dental implants
Q: What are dental implants?
A: Dental implants are artificial roots that can be used to anchor crowns, bridges or dentures, providing a permanent solution to missing teeth. The implants are embedded in the jaw, so they create a false tooth that both looks and feels real.
Q: Why are dental implants used?
A: When natural teeth are lost, the bone supporting these teeth begins to shrink away, leading to bone loss. Dental implants act to help prevent this bone loss and ensure your mouth’s bone definition is maintained.
Q: Can I replace a single tooth with a dental implant?
A: Yes. If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant and crown may be an ideal solution. The implant provides a foundation for a ceramic crown to replace the missing tooth, preventing further bone loss.
Q: Can dental implants be used to replace all my teeth?
A: Yes. In cases where a number of adjacent teeth are missing, implants may be used to support a bridge. This protects remaining healthy teeth and also prevents further bone and tooth loss. If most or all your teeth are missing, multiple implants can be placed to securely anchor a denture.
Q: How do I know if I am a suitable candidate?
A: During an initial consultation, your implant clinician will assess your suitability based on a number of factors, including your overall oral health, whether single or multiple implants are required, whether any bone or tissue grafting is needed, and the healing time required.
Q: How long does the treatment take?
A: Dental implant treatment can take anywhere between six weeks and six months, depending on your individual needs. After the implant is placed and has healed, your implant clinician will recommend whether you require a denture, crown or bridge.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: No, your implant clinician will always use effective anaesthesia to ensure that the procedure is pain-free and comfortable.
Q: What materials are used in dental implants?
A: It is crucially important that the right material is used for a dental implant as it will in effect become part of your jawbone. Most dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible, non-allergenic and has been successfully used in patients for decades.
Q: How long will they last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, implants can last as long as conventional restorations on teeth. They are extremely durable, and implants can potentially last a lifetime with appropriate maintenance.
Q: What are the benefits of dental implants?
A: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Patients can benefit from an enhanced appearance, increased comfort, improved chewing and speech, and better longer-term oral health.
For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie
Wise words about wisdom teeth
In this week’s Q&A, Dr Ali Logue from our Greystones practice in Co Wicklow answers your queries about wisdom teeth, when to expect their arrival and how to spot the symptoms.
Q: What is a wisdom tooth?
A: A wisdom tooth is the last tooth to arrive in the mouth. Most adults have 32 teeth, including four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.
Q: When do wisdom teeth appear?
A: These typically erupt after the body has finished its development, between the ages of 18 and 24.
Q: Does everybody get them?
A: The number of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, and in some cases, they may not appear at all.
Q: Can these teeth be painful?
A: It is common for wisdom teeth to cause some discomfort and pain, mainly due to a lack of space in the mouth. Not all will cause issues. Where pain arises, however, it is important to visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Q: How will I know if there is a problem?
A: Signs and symptoms of a problem tooth can include:
- Swollen and tender gums
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Soreness at back of mouth
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Bad taste in mouth
- Sleep disturbance
Q: Do all wisdom teeth have to be removed?
A: No, not all of these teeth cause issues. When wisdom teeth become a problem, however, your dentist will usually advise that they be removed to provide long-term relief.
Q: What can I do to ease wisdom tooth pain?
A: Rinsing the mouth with salt water or a medicated mouth wash such as Corsodyl can help reduce bacteria in the gums and thus tackle the source of pain. Alternatively, your pharmacist may recommend an over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen, or a numbing dental gel to help ease initial discomfort.
Q: Can I prepare for the arrival of wisdom teeth?
A: Although it is impossible to stop wisdom teeth coming through, maintaining a good oral health routine will help to prevent infection.
Ideally, brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, drink plenty of water, and try to avoid sugary snacks.
For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie
Greystones dentist provides best care for your family
Greystones dentist provides the full range of treatments for young and old at its newly refurbished practice in the heart of the Wicklow town
Greystones dentist, which became part of the Dental Care Ireland group in April 2018, has built up a professional and family-friendly reputation in the Wicklow area since the practice was founded in 1980.
The practice offers a vast selection of general dental treatments, including check-ups, hygienist services, mouth guards and teeth whitening, as well as specialist treatments such as orthodontics, dental implants, and root canal treatment.
Founded
Our Greystones practice was established initially by well-known local dentist Mr. Gerard Kilfeather as Kilfeather Dental in 1980. It has grown significantly since then and now offers a wide range of general, cosmetic and specialist treatments to the residents of Greystones and the surrounding area.
The practice has also been newly refurbished and now has state-of-the-art facilities and the most up-to-date technology to meet the needs of all patients, from children and teenagers to adults and older people.
The team at Dental Care Ireland Greystones prides itself on offering a professional and caring dental service for all its patients. Led by principal dentist Mr. Gerry Kilfeather, as well as his daughter, Dr Gina Kilfeather, Dr Ed Madeley, and the practice dental hygienist Maria O’Rourke.
Also, note that all our practices, including our Greystones one, are offering 20% OFF teeth whitening treatments for May and June 2019. As a PRSI payer, you may also be entitled to an ‘Exam, Scale and Polish’ for only €15. Call us on (01) 2875133, and the team can check your eligibility for you.
Dental Care Ireland Greystones is conveniently located just off Greystones Main Street, with free parking in our private car park. Our Greystones practice is also fully wheelchair accessible, including a disabled parking space. To find us, check out this map on our website or call us on 01-2875133.
Book an appointment online in our Greystones practice, or call 01-2875133.
To find out more about our Dental Care Ireland practice in Greystones and around the country, go here: https://www.dentalcareireland.ie/practices/
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