Category: Orthodontics

Clear Ceramic Braces – Are They The Best Option?

Posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 8:20 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

If you have misalignment or crooked teeth that affect your self-esteem and smile, orthodontic treatment is the answer to your problem. However, when we talk about orthodontic treatment, the first thing that comes to mind is the metal braces – which most people do not like because of their discomfort and metallic appearance. Thankfully, metal braces are not the only orthodontic treatment option available these days. If you are looking for convenient and comfortable braces that are not visible whenever you speak or smile, ceramic braces are a good option.

Ceramic braces are similar in design and work the same way as traditional ones; the only difference is that they are made from tooth-coloured material, making them much more aesthetically pleasing than conventional ones. This article explains everything you need to know about ceramic braces so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right option for your orthodontic treatment.

What Is The Difference Between Clear Braces And Clear Aligners?

While both clear braces and clear aligners are cosmetic orthodontic treatment options, they are different in various ways. First, clear braces are made from tooth-coloured ceramic, while the clear aligners like Suresmile are made from a transparent flexible polymer. Secondly, clear braces remain fixed to your teeth while the aligners are removable. Finally, the clear braces align teeth through the orthodontic wires – which connect the teeth and generate pressure that moves them. On the other hand, the clear aligners are designed to sit on the teeth and generate forces to move them accordingly.

Are Damon Braces And Ceramic Braces The Same Thing?

Both the ceramic and Damon braces are cosmetic orthodontic treatment options that rely on tooth brackets. However, they do differ from each other in various ways. First, the ceramic braces have ties that hold the orthodontic wire and connects it with the brackets. On the other hand, Damon braces do not contain ties or elastics. Instead, they have self-ligating brackets. This makes the Damon braces effective in treating misalignment and allows for improved oral hygiene due to the absence of the ties. Furthermore, Damon braces are available in two versions: metal and clear braces. On the other hand, ceramic braces are made from dental porcelain.

What Are The Different Types Of Clear Braces?

“Clear braces” is a broad term that encompasses various orthodontic treatment options. Broadly, there are two main types of clear braces:

removable
fixed.

Removable clear braces consist of orthodontic aligners such as Invisalign, Suresmile and Clearsmile while fixed clear braces constitute different types such as ceramic and Damon clear braces.

Is Invisalign or Suresmile Really Better Than Braces?

Every orthodontic treatment option has its own merits and demerits. If we consider the overall esthetics, then clear aligners aligners are certainly better than the conventional braces. However, if we consider the efficiency and the scope of orthodontic problems that can be fixed, then fixed braces are expected to offer better results. Your orthodontist will recommend a suitable treatment option for you after careful examination and treatment planning.

What Is More Painful, Braces Or Invisalign?

All orthodontic systems cause some level of discomfort. This is because discomfort is an indication that your teeth are moving and your treatment is progressing accordingly. However, braces wearers often complain of moderate pain, especially a few days after getting their braces or having them tightened. Besides, the sharp edges of the braces often cause soft tissues and make speech difficult. On the other hand, the Invisalign and Clear Smile aligners are designed to fit precisely over your teeth and exert gentle forces to move them without causing significant pain.

How Can I Remove My Ceramic Braces At Home?

Whether you are wearing ceramic, lingual or conventional braces, all these braces are fixed, meaning you cannot remove them at home. The ceramic braces are bonded to your teeth with a strong adhesive, and they don’t typically fall off. Only your dentist can remove them once your treatment has been completed. In case one of your ceramic braces accidentally falls off, you can get it rebonded by visiting your orthodontist.

Do Clear Braces Stain? How Can You Prevent It If So?

Like other ceramic dental prostheses such as porcelain crowns and veneers, ceramic braces can also get stained. However, these braces mainly stain either because of the intake of strong coloured food and drinks or poor oral hygiene maintenance. Therefore, the best way to prevent staining of the ceramic braces is to ensure optimal oral hygiene – by making sure to brush and floss daily as recommended by the American Dental Association.

How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?

How long your treatment will take depends mainly on the severity of your problem and the orthodontic system your dentist uses to realign your teeth. Generally, mild issues can be corrected with braces within 6-8 months, while highly complex and complicated problems may take 24 months.

What Are The Teeth Straightening Options For Adults?

Today, age is not a limiting factor to getting your teeth straightened. So whether you are sixteen or sixty years old, you can get your teeth straightened. For adults, several options for straightening teeth are available:

Traditional metal braces
Lingual braces
Ceramic braces
and removable Clearsmile aligners.

Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable option for you based on your oral health and orthodontic treatment needs.

Can I Get Ceramic Braces On My Lower Teeth?

It may not always to possible to have ceramic braces fitted on the lower teeth. This is because ceramic braces cause significant wear of the opposing natural teeth. If you have a “deep bite” – one in which there is excessive vertical overlap between the front upper and lower teeth when they come in contact – then your dentist may suggest an alternative orthodontic option.

Finding a gentle dental orthodontic practice is not easy. If you are living in Ballsbridge, Pembroke Dental should your first choice. Apart from a top-notch therapeutic and diagnostic system, we boast a team of highly experienced dental professionals who are there to take care of all your dental problems. So, book a free consultation today to get rid of your misaligned and crooked teeth.

Orthodontics

Everything You Need To Know About Clear Braces

Posted on Friday, January 29th, 2021 at 9:01 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

Crooked or misaligned teeth, especially the front teeth, not only affect your smile and facial aesthetics, but they also make it difficult for you to eat and speak. If you are looking for a comfortable, reliable, and inconspicuous orthodontic treatment option, then clear braces might fulfil your requirements. But are clear braces the right option for you?

This article explains everything you need to know about clear braces.

What are Clear Braces?

Clear braces, also known as the removable aligners, are removable appliances made from a clear, transparent material that makes them virtually invisible when you wear them. After a detailed clinical examination and preparing a detailed, customised treatment plan, your dentist will give you a set of numbered, upper and lower aligners. These aligners will be designed to move your teeth towards an optimal alignment and occlusion gradually.

After wearing each set of aligners for about two weeks, your dentist will ask you to switch to the next set of the aligners. In this way, you will start observing considerable improvement in your teeth’ alignment with each aligner set.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends you wear braces (removable aligners) for at least 22 hours each day for optimal results. Once your treatment is complete, your dentist will give you removable or fixed retainers – to consolidate the treatment and prevent your teeth from moving back to their previous position.

Can You Drink Coffee With Clear Braces?

Unlike the traditional braces, which prevent you from eating hard or sticky foods, you can eat all your favourite foods when it comes to clear aligners. However, you have to remove your aligners when you wish to eat or drink anything. Afterwards, wear aligners back after washing them with lukewarm water.

Manufacturers of SureSmile® and Invisalign both clear aligner brands, advise against drinking hot or cold drinks while you’re wearing your aligners – except cool water. There are two main reasons for this:

Warpage – drinking too hot or cold drinks may result in excessive shrinkage or expansion of your aligners, leading to warpage. As a result, your aligners may not fit properly on your teeth. Therefore, dentists recommend drinking anything hot with your aligners.

Staining – another reason is the potential for drinks such as tea, coffee, and other fizzy beverages to stain your aligners as well as your teeth, especially if oral hygiene maintenance is optimal. An interesting research study found out that among three different clear aligner brands, Invisalign aligners were more prone to staining with coffee intake.

Hence, it is not advisable to drink while wearing your aligners, except plain water.

Can You Eat Curry With Clear Braces?

Since the invisible braces are removable appliances, they offer a distinct advantage over the fixed braces – they can be removed whenever you want to eat or drink anything.

Just like dental experts advise against drinking anything while wearing your braces, eating curry with your aligners is not a good idea. This is because, not only will the aligners affect your taste perception, but the ingredients of curry, especially turmeric may cause your aligners to get stained – defeating the purpose of wearing “clear” aligners.

Therefore, it is best to remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything, especially Curry!

Are Clear Braces Cheaper Than Metal?

The clear braces are made from a high-grade, flexible polymer that offers superior comfort and aesthetics compared to the metal braces. Due to the high cost of material, processing, and fabrication of removable aligners, they tend to be more costly than the fixed braces. However, if we compare the removable aligners’ convenience and comfort with fixed braces, the aligners offer higher long-term cost to benefit ratio.

Will Charcoal Toothpaste Stain Clear Braces?

Traditional teeth whitening remedies are mostly designed to remove stains from the natural teeth. Since our teeth’ chemical composition and the clear aligners are different, any whitening treatment, including a charcoal toothpaste, may not be effective in removing stains from your aligners. If you are concerned about your aligners’ excessive staining you should speak to your dentist rather than use charcoal toothpaste.

Do Clear Braces Get Stained?

Clear braces are made from a transparent plastic material, making them prone to staining if they are not removed while eating or drinking. A research study published in 2020, in the journal Head and Face Medicine, showed that different brands of invisible braces were prone to staining if they were exposed to different drinks for prolonged durations. The study also showed that black tea was the most notorious in causing staining of the removable aligners.

How To Clean Clear Braces?

Manufacturers of clear aligners like SureSmile® recommend that the clear aligners should be cleaned by rinsing them in lukewarm water and remove food debris with a toothbrush – without using any toothpaste as these can sometimes be abrasive to the plastic.

However, you make sure not to wash your aligners with hot water as it may lead to their warpage. Alternatively, you may also use cleaning crystals recommended by your treatment provider.

Should I Get Clear Braces?

Choosing an orthodontic treatment option for fixing tooth misalignment is a matter of preference and clinical requirement. You and your dentist must consider several factors before selecting any orthodontic treatment;

the cost
the expected duration of treatment
the aesthetic outcome
whether your insurance plan covers such treatment.

Your smile and facial appearance speak volumes about your personality. According to a survey by The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people with a beautiful and attractive smile are perceived as more confident and successful – and have higher chances of landing a job.

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth that are marring your smile, then don’t worry; At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge, Dublin we give you a set of perfectly aligned teeth and beautiful smile with virtually invisible removable aligners.

At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge, we want our patients to have a beautiful and charming smile and perfectly aligned teeth. That is why we are offering a free consultation with our dentists so that you can discuss your case with them without any commitment or obligation.

So, what are waiting for? Visit this link and book your free consultation appointment today, and take your first step towards a picture-perfect smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics

What to Look for When Looking for a Great Dentist in Dublin

Posted on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at 5:26 pm by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

Are you looking for a great dentist in Dublin? Whether you just moved to the area, your favourite dentist retired, or you’re just looking for something new, it’s time to make a change and work toward healthy, shiny, and beautiful teeth.

How can you choose, though? Finding the best dentist is difficult when there are so many options and people advertising their practices. How do you go about finding the best dentist for you and your needs?

We know the struggle, and we want to help. We have a few tips that can make picking a dentist in Dublin a breeze. Keep reading to learn how to find your new favourite dentist.

Value Safety and Cleanliness

When you’re choosing a dentist in Dublin, you want to find a practice that values cleanliness, safety, and sanitation just as much as you do.

In a time like the COVID 19 crisis, safety is more important than ever. Because dentists are working closely with patients, cleanliness and hygiene must come above all else.

When you visit dental offices, take a look at how clean they are. You want a sanitary location that pays attention to detail.

Great dental offices have separate sterilisation rooms to better protect their patients, as well as air sterilisers to keep the air clean and healthy. From the tools to the seats, all the way to the air, patients should never have to worry about contamination and risking illness.

Bottom line? You should feel safe with your dentist.

Look for Advanced Technology

How technologically advanced are the dentists’ offices that you’re looking into? Dental technology has come a long way, and you deserve the best of the best.

Modern technology streamlines the dental process — cutting down procedure times and making everything easier and less painful for patients. Outdated dental equipment is less safe, less comfortable, and less time-efficient than updated and modern equipment.

Make Sure Your Hours Align

Do you hate it when you find a dentist that looks great on paper but doesn’t offer hours that work with your schedule? When you work a standard 8-to-5 job, a dentists’ office that’s only open for that period doesn’t work, and those are the most common.

You need to find an office whose hours work for you. You don’t have to take any time off of work to go to the dentist just because their hours are too short. Look for somewhere that offers extended hours that can suit your needs. Whether you’re on the morning shift or the night shift, you can make your appointment for when it’s convenient.

Aim for The Right Dentist in Your Desired Areas

Before choosing a dentist, identify your needs. While general dentistry includes the important basics — like cleanings, basic preventative and restorative care, and some emergency care — you may have needs outside of those general areas.

Dentists can have a special interest in different areas of practice, and not all dentists offer all services.

If you’re someone who manages dental anxiety, you may want to look into a practice that offers sedation dentistry. If you’re interested in making cosmetic changes to your teeth, then you want a great cosmetic dentist. They can make sure your teeth are shiny and white, or place veneers if that’s what you’re looking for.

Some dentists choose to offer orthodontic work. Not all dentists are qualified for this, so you need to do your research before committing.

Not all dentists are alike. Choose the best one for the care that you need.

Take Advantage of Online Reviews and Testimonials

We’re lucky to have reviews and testimonials so close at our fingertips. It’s never been easier to look at community opinions of healthcare professionals and other services.

There are some sites designated for healthcare reviews, but you can also look at Google review pages, as well as sites like Yelp. People are happy to talk about great service with a friendly dentist. It’s like modern-day word of mouth.

You want to find a dentist that consistently has five-star reviews. You and your teeth deserve five-star service, right?

Great dentists who are confident in their practice may also have patient gallery pages to show off satisfied customers. They’ll show you before and after pictures, so you can decide whether or not they’re the right fit for your pearly whites.

Make Sure They Make You Comfortable

A good dentist’s office is going to make you feel calm and comfortable. Both the dentist and the staff should treat you like an important part of their practice because you are one!

Dentists should take time to get to know their patients before treatment. Patients should be able to ask questions without any anxiety, and the dentist makes this environment possible.

This can help alleviate patient anxiety. Dental anxiety is common and might be one of the reasons that many people neglect their dental health. When your dentist makes you feel like a member of the family, that anxiety won’t be as prevalent.

If you’re a patient with dental anxiety, asking about sedation dentistry is another great way to get more comfortable. Your dentist should be happy to discuss your options with you before you begin any procedures.

You Deserve the Best Dentist in Dublin

Choosing a new dentist is tough, and it’s a big commitment! This person is going to be responsible for your oral health. Make sure you take your time and choose a dental practice that’s right for you.

You want the highest standards of hygiene, the warmest staff, and the best dentists around. You deserve it.

If you’re looking for your new favourite dentist in Dublin, we want to take care of your teeth. Contact us for a free consultation for cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, or to ask about any other dental needs.

Orthodontics

What are the different types of orthodontics available in Dublin?

Posted on Monday, December 7th, 2020 at 9:32 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

Everyone wants a beautiful smile and straight teeth. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with a stunning set of teeth. But for those that aren’t, there’s no need to fret; there are ways to get the smile you have always wanted.

With so many options to straighten your teeth, you may have wondered what the best orthodontic method is best for you. Traditional braces usually come to mind, but those colourful brackets are not always everyone’s first choice.

Ceramic braces may not be the most popular, but they have many benefits than their traditional counterparts. Here are 7 benefits of ceramic braces that may surprise you.

What Are Ceramic Braces?

While ceramic braces are the same size and shape as traditional metal braces, there are a few key differences. Unlike their traditional counterparts that feature colourful brackets, ceramic braces are either tooth-coloured or clear.

Ceramic braces may even use tooth-coloured wires, so they are even less noticeable than the metallic option. The discrete look of invisible braces is one of the reasons many may prefer ceramic braces to the traditional option.

7 Benefits of Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a great option for people of all ages. Before you go in for your orthodontist appointment, consider these seven benefits of ceramic braces over their traditional counterpart.

1. They’re Tough

Many people believe that traditional braces are the strongest and that no other method could compete. That, however, is a common misconception. Metal as a raw material is tougher, but that doesn’t affect the strength of the design of ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces’ design and application ensure maximum durability for the entire length of treatment. This style is just as strong and sturdy as traditional metal braces.

2. They Don’t Damage Tooth Enamel

It’s always a concern that when your braces come off, your teeth won’t be in the best state. Fortunately, ceramic braces do not damage your teeth’s enamel. This method uses advanced technology to attach with a strong bond with the least damage.

One concern for all braces wearers is the integrity of their teeth’s enamel. The bonding agent prevents demineralization that can change the colour of your teeth during your treatment.

Because ceramic braces offer both adhesive strengths and enamel protection, they’re a great option for those with sensitive teeth as well as those who want to protect their teeth’s integrity.

3. They Work Faster

Once you get your braces on, you probably start counting down the days to when you can get them off. With ceramic braces, your treatment length is often much faster than other teeth-straightening options.

Compared to removable aligners—another discreet option—ceramic braces don’t need to be removed and therefore continue to straighten your teeth. Our Dublin orthodontist can offer Clear Smile braces, getting you your ideal smile in no time.

Ceramic braces are as discrete while offering a shorter treatment time. The length of treatment depends on the initial state of your teeth. Be sure to discuss treatment length with your orthodontist for a clearer picture of how long to wear ceramic braces.

4. They’re More Comfortable Than Lingual Braces

Traditional braces can be very uncomfortable to wear. Cuts on the inside of the mouth and irritated gums are common occurrences with metal braces. However, wearers of ceramic braces don’t experience this as often.

Ceramic braces have smaller, rounded brackets, and the ceramic material offers less discomfort and less irritation in your mouth. Because ceramic is a softer and smoother material, soreness in the lips and cheeks is reduced.

Even though ceramic braces don’t offer a painless teeth-straightening solution, they provide an easier transition. They’re great for children or people with sensitive mouths or teeth.

5. They Don’t Stain Easily Like Invisible Braces

When it comes to invisible braces options, a huge worry is that they will stain, ruining the invisible look. The first ceramic braces were made of plastic and were easily stained by food and drink. But this has all changed with modern advances in technology.

Today’s ceramic braces are much less susceptible to discolouration while maintaining the clear and discrete look that’s sought after. However, being less susceptible doesn’t mean they can’t stain, and you should still practice the best dental hygiene.

If you don’t watch the foods you eat or brush regularly, ceramic braces can stain. So be sure to practice good dental hygiene when you have ceramic braces.

6. They’re Less Expensive on Our Dublin Orthodontics Price List

When considering your orthodontic options, the cost is something that’s always considered. Clear Aligners, SureSmile and Invisalign offer a similar invisible look as ceramic braces. But because of the system of multiple aligners, the treatment can get pretty pricy.

If removing your orthodontic treatment isn’t a factor for you, ceramic braces may be a great option. You can achieve the same invisible braces look but at a much lower price.

The cost of ceramic braces lands around the midpoint of all orthodontic treatments. So ceramic braces are a reasonable and cost-effective option than the other invisible alternatives.

7. They’re Easy to Remove

All orthodontist patients look forward to getting their braces off to reveal their new smile. Once your treatment is complete and the day has come to remove your braces, the job will be an easy one.

Technological advances have made removing the ceramic brackets easier than earlier designs. After the removal, the brackets are much less likely to leave behind demineralized tooth enamel, revealing a bright white and straight smile.

It must be noted that ceramic braces are not like the other invisible braces treatments like aligners that patients can remove on their own. Ceramic braces must be removed by a professional.

The Best Dentist Dublin

A beautiful, straight smile is closer than you think with ceramic braces. While they may not always come to mind first when considering your orthodontic options, ceramic braces offer benefits that traditional braces cannot.

If you’re willing to take on the maintenance and practice good oral hygiene, ceramic braces are a great option to straighten your smile.

Dublin has some of the best dentists and orthodontists, and Pembroke Dental is a five-star practice in the heart of Ballsbridge. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay in the city, Pembroke Dental can offer your top-tier treatments.

Ready to book your appointment? Visit this page and request a free consultation.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Orthodontics

Additional Clinics with Dr André Collins

Posted on Thursday, September 14th, 2017 at 3:00 pm by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

The newest dentist at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge, Dr André Collins is proving very popular. His clinics have been so busy this year that we’re delighted to announce that we’re now able to offer an additional clinic on Thursdays with André, including more early morning appointments, which are always in high demand. This is in addition to the two late evening clinics Dr Collins already offers each week.

Dr Collins has extensive experience in general dentistry, having worked in both the UK and Australia for many years. He also provides cosmetic dentistry and can complement treatments such as composite bonding and highly aesthetic crown and veneers, with adult cosmetic orthodontics, all conveniently under one roof at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

André is also very experienced at using our new CEREC machine. This fantastic piece of high tech equipment allows him to prepare and fit crowns, bridges and inlays/onlays in just one day. We’ll be posting more information about the CEREC machine in the coming weeks, so check back for updates!

To make an appointment with Dr André Collins, please call the office on 01 668 3242.