Category: Orthodontics

Orthodontics

How Clear Aligners Move Teeth? The Science Behind Invisalign Dublin

Posted on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 at 2:25 pm by .

How Clear Aligners Move Teeth? The Science Behind Invisalign Dublin

A survey in the UK revealed that 28% of Britishers have either completed orthodontic treatment or are considering having their teeth straightened. Interestingly, over 50% of them considered orthodontic treatment “to look better or improve their appearance” and over 36% of them had their teeth straightened to “increase confidence”. 

If you are also considering orthodontic treatment to improve your smile and self-confidence, then clear aligners are the best treatment option for you. Why? Because clear aligners offer an inconspicuous, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional fixed braces.  

What Is Invisalign, And How Does It Work To Straighten Teeth?

Invisalign refers to an orthodontic treatment system based on removable aligners. The system uses a series of removable appliances called clear aligners. Your dentist will make digital impressions of your teeth and design a set of clear aligners. You will be asked to wear each aligner set (one for each jaw) over your teeth for at least 22 hours a day for 14 days. Each aligner set is designed such that it will exert pressure on your teeth and move them in the desired direction. This way, each aligner set will bring you one step closer to your dream smile. 

Why Is Invisalign A Popular Orthodontic Treatment?

Clear aligner treatment options such as SureSmile have become extremely popular in the UK for straightening crooked teeth. Some of the reasons why they have become so popular are:

  • Virtually Invisible – clear aligners are made of a transparent polymer which makes them virtually invisible when worn. So, you can wear them to work, meetings, or even social gatherings without worrying about their aligners affecting their facial aesthetics. 
  • Comfortable – the flexible polymer used for fabricating clear aligners ensures that they are comfortable to wear and don’t cause soft tissue injuries. 
  • No Dietary Restrictions – with SureSmile clear aligners, there are no food restrictions. Why? Because you can simply remove them while eating. So, once you are done eating, simply rinse your mouth, wash your aligners with lukewarm water, and put them back on!
  • Optimal Oral Hygiene – since clear aligners are removable, you can simply take them off while brushing and flossing. So, they allow for superior oral hygiene maintenance compared to fixed braces. 

Is Invisalign Really Better Than Braces?

Both clear aligners and fixed braces have their own merits and demerits. For example, clear aligners are considerably more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than braces. On the other hand, traditional metal braces are more suitable when treating extremely complex or complicated orthodontic issues involving the bite. So, your dentist will suggest which is the best treatment option for you after a thorough clinical examination. 

Which Takes Longer Braces Or Invisalign?

The time required by an orthodontic treatment option – braces or clear aligners – depends on various factors, such as the type of orthodontic treatment, the severity of the underlying issue, the patient’s age and treatment compliance and more importantly, the experience and skill of the dentist. So, while the treatment type does influence the time required for straightening teeth, it is also affected by many other factors. 

Typically, mild to moderate orthodontic issues can be treated within 6 – 8 months using clear aligners, while more complicated issues may take up to 24 months. 

What Can I Do To Improve The Appearance Of My Smile?

Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, several treatment options are available to fix crooked or blemished smiles. However, the type of treatment required for a smile makeover will depend on the type and severity of the issue. For example, if someone has chipped or stained teeth, they may benefit from veneers or composite bonding. Similarly, if someone has missing teeth, they can get their smile restored with dental implants. Moreover, if someone has crooked or misaligned teeth, then clear aligners are the best treatment option for them. 

What Is The Basics Of Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment is based on the use of various appliances that exert pressure on the teeth to realign them. One of the most popular orthodontic treatment options is clear aligners. These aligners are tray-like appliances that are worn over the teeth. They are designed such that they force the teeth to move in the desired direction. 

What Happens If I’m Not Regular In My Braces Appointments?

The success of orthodontic treatment is highly dependent on treatment compliance. This is because, at every appointment, your dentist will evaluate your treatment progress. So, if you don’t wear your clear aligners according to the dentist’s instructions or are not regular in checkup appointments, your treatment will be prolonged excessively. Hence, a speedy orthodontic treatment is only possible when one adheres to the dentist’s instructions and visits them regularly for checkups. 

Why Should I Choose An Orthodontist For Invisalign?

If you search the internet for dentists offering clear aligner treatment in your area, you will find several practices offering treatment at unbelievably low charges. However, you should beware of them as most of them have novice dentists who will do more harm to your oral health than good. So, if you want to enjoy the best aesthetic and functional outcome of your treatment, you should visit an experienced and qualified orthodontist. 

If you are looking for the best orthodontic treatment practice in Dublin, your best option is Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge. We take pride in having the best dental professionals in town to take care of your teeth and oral health. So, request a free consultation today and begin your journey towards a lasting, beautiful, and healthy smile. 

Orthodontics

Adult Braces: Types, Options, Cost And More

Posted on Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at 3:34 pm by .

Adult Braces: Types, Options, Cost And More

The demand for straightening teeth and smile improvement among adults in the UK has grown exponentially over the years. According to a survey by the British Orthodontic Society, over one-third of the responding orthodontists said they have observed a considerable increase in the demand for orthodontic treatment over the last three years. Interestingly, over 83% of these patients are within the 26 – 55 age bracket. Moreover, orthodontists believe that over 38% of them are influenced by celebrities and social media influencers. 

If you are also concerned about your misaligned teeth that affect your facial aesthetics, no need to worry; You can also enjoy a Hollywood smile with orthodontic treatment. This blog will tell you everything you need to know about adult braces treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. So, read on!

What Are The Various Orthodontic Treatments?

There are two main types of orthodontic treatments; fixed and removable. The fixed orthodontic appliances mainly include braces. Conventionally, stainless steel-based metal brackets were used to straighten teeth. However, many people don’t prefer them due to their conspicuous appearance. Therefore, various aesthetic alternatives have been introduced such as tooth-coloured ceramic and lingual braces. 

On the other hand, removable orthodontic appliances include clear aligners. These are tray-like appliances that are worn over the teeth, and they gradually move the teeth by applying gentle pressure on them.

How Does The Orthodontic Treatment Procedure Work?

Orthodontic treatment involves realigning the teeth in their desired direction. This is done by applying gentle force on the teeth. In the case of fixed braces, the orthodontic wire generates tension that moves the teeth. On the other hand, clear aligners are designed to be snuggly fit over our teeth and apply forces to gradually move them in the desired direction.

How Long Until Braces Start Moving Teeth?

Braces begin applying pressure on your teeth as soon as they are bonded. However, it may take a few days or weeks before you observe any change in the alignment of your teeth. This is because the teeth have to move within the jawbone, which is a slow process and requires the application of sufficient pressure to bring about tooth movement.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take For Adults?

The time required for straightening one’s teeth with orthodontic treatment depends on various factors, such as the patient’s age, the severity of the underlying issue and dentist-related factors, such as the type of orthodontic treatment used, and the dentist’s speciality, qualification, and experience.

How To Get Orthodontic Treatment Without Metal Braces?

If you don’t want to straighten your teeth with metal braces, there are other alternatives available. For example, you can benefit from tooth-coloured ceramic braces or lingual braces. Similarly, you may also get removable clear aligners as a comfortable and virtually invisible alternative to fixed braces.

Will Orthodontic Treatment Be Painful?

Many people avoid orthodontic treatment because they think it will be painful. The fact is that you may experience slight pain or discomfort at the beginning of your treatment, or after every wire or aligner change, but the discomfort should go away in a few days. In fact, the discomfort implies that your teeth are moving and your treatment is progressing in the right direction.

Why To Get Teeth Braces Or Orthodontic Treatment?

The main purpose of orthodontic treatment is to realign the teeth. This can have several aesthetic, oral and general health-related benefits. For example, straight teeth improve smiles and self-confidence. Moreover, straight teeth are easier to clean. Therefore, people with straight teeth have a lower risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease than those with misaligned teeth. Finally, it is easier to chew and digest food with straight teeth. Hence, people with naturally straight teeth, or those who have had them straightened, have better physical health and immunity than those with crooked teeth.

Are Orthodontic Treatments Safe?

Orthodontic treatment, whether done by fixed braces or removable aligners, is safe as long as it is performed by an experienced and qualified orthodontist. You may find numerous dentists offering orthodontic treatment and unbelievably low rates. However, these novice dentists may do more harm to your teeth than good. So, it is always advisable to visit a renowned specialist orthodontist for teeth straightening. 

Can I Use Braces On The Upper Teeth Only?

If you only have crooked front teeth, you may get braces on the upper and lower front teeth only. However, your dentist will advise whether you’re a suitable candidate for getting front-only braces after a careful examination and treatment planning.

If You Need Braces But Don't Want Them, What Do You Do?

If your orthodontist has told you that you need braces, you shouldn’t avoid the treatment. If you are willing to undergo orthodontic treatment but don’t want metal braces,  you may consider other alternatives such as clear aligners or lingual braces. 

Are you searching for a renowned dental practice in Ballsbridge for orthodontic treatment, your best option is Pembroke Dental. We take pride in having the best team of dental professionals in town who provide the highest-quality treatment in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So, request a free consultation with us today and let us take care of your entire family’s oral health needs.

Orthodontics

Clear Ceramic Braces – Are They The Best Option?

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

Clear Ceramic Braces - Are They The Best Option?

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:

  1. removable
  2. 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 .

everything you need to know about clear braces in Dublin

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 .

What to Look for When Looking for a Great Dentist in DublinAre 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.

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