Tag: 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.

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Orthodontics

New Super Slim Inman Aligner 3 Month Brace

Posted on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017 at 6:31 pm by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

The Inman aligner is one of the most popular types of braces available here at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge. While all of the systems provided by Dr David Keenan are short-term, cosmetic braces, the Inman aligner allows most patients to complete their treatment in the quickest time, usually just 3-4 months.

Super Slim Inman Aligner

With any braces, patients have to learn to adapt to speaking while wearing the appliance. Until now, the main disadvantage of the Inman aligner was that it could take patients a while to adapt their speech. However the new Super Slim Inman aligner takes care of this, and it’s lighter, thinner and more discrete than before!

The bow is three times thinner than before;
The plastic is more transparent and so more ‘invisible’;
Patients can adapt their speech faster;
There’s no reduction in effectiveness;
The new Super Slim Inman aligner can actually improve treatment times, as patients are less likely to remove the device and will wear it for longer each day.

Here’s an example of a patient who has been wearing her new Inman Aligner for just two weeks. Her braces are so discrete it’s hard to either see or hear that she’s wearing them!

You can read much more about the Imnan aligner on the orthodontics section of our website and we regularly add photos of patients before and after treatment to our Instagram feed. If you would like to arrange a free consultation appointment with Dr Keenan to discuss the Inman aligner or any of our orthodontic systems, please call 01 668 3242.

Dental Health, Orthodontics, Tooth Whitening

Great Results with Short-Term Braces

Posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 at 9:14 am by Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge.

We’re often asked many of the same questions by patients who come in for our free orthodontic consultations: “what are my options?”, “what kind of results can I expect?”, and “what will it cost?” While nothing can replace the one-on-one advice you can get at a visit with Dr David Keenan here at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge, here are the topline answers to these frequently asked questions!

What types of braces are available at Pembroke Dental?

The best thing about short-term orthodontic treatment at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge is that we provide every type of system available – Six Month Smiles, Inman Aligners and invisible braces (clear aligners) – and we can combine different systems if needed. This is different from some other practices who will simply offer the only system they provide. Plus we have years of experience with all our systems.

Whether your main concern is about how long treatment will take or how noticeable your braces will be, we have a solution. Some braces are worn for as little as a few weeks, while others are invisible and not noticeable during a typical face-to-face conversation.

Details about Six Month Smiles, Inman Aligners and invisible braces (clear aligners) are on our website. Each system has its particular advantages, whether it’s getting results quickly or being as discrete as possible. The most appropriate solution for your case will depend on your individual circumstances. Why not contact us today for a free consultation with Dr Keenan and find out which braces are suitable for you*?

What results can be expected? Before and after pictures – some great results.

While it’s well and good to talk about straightening your teeth, nothing beats seeing actual results! Here are some examples of results achieved with patients who underwent treatment in Pembroke Dental in the last year:

Six Month Smiles

Beverly, age 35, Before & After

This patient presented a challenging case but in just six months we achieved a result she is very happy with. She was fitted with Six Month Smiles on her upper and lower arches and followed by a course of at-home whitening treatment (which we offer for free to patients who are having this Six Month Smiles treatment). Dr Keenan adds: “We complimented this with some composite bonding to even the shape of her upper front teeth. This is something that we occasionally undertake after orthodontic treatment to achieve the best possible cosmetic result”.

Invisible Braces (clear aligners)

Emma, age 25, Before & After

This lady was concerned about her lower teeth which were overcrowded. We used a combination of clear aligners on her upper arch and an Inman Aligner on her lower arch, followed by at-home teeth whitening to achieve this result in just five months. Dr Keenan says “The clear aligner system is a great compliment to the Inman Aligner. Excellent results can be achieved very quickly”.

Inman Aligners

Michelle, age 21, Before & After

This patient was bothered by a relapse in her upper teeth, having had orthodontic treatment as a teenager. She was only concerned with fixing her lateral incisors which stuck out. “The Inman Aligner is the ultimate orthodontic appliance for cases that require simple movements to align crooked front teeth,” according to Dr Keenan. In just three months the upper front teeth were straightened using an Inman Aligner. (This patient decided not to avail of 50- off whitening treatment after finishing with braces, which we offer to patients having Inman Aligner treatment).

What are the costs involved?

Many patients are worried that orthodontic treatment will be very expensive. In fact, many tell us that they wanted to get braces when they were younger but their families couldn’t afford it. Now they want to go ahead themselves and get braces but they’re worried that it will cost a fortune and by the time they’ve saved up for it, it will be too late!

Firstly, be reassured that it’s almost never too late to get braces. And secondly, you don’t need to wait until you have the full cost saved up and pay it all in one lump sum. The initial consultation is free of charge, so it will cost you nothing to come in for a chat with Dr Keenan and ask him any of your questions about orthodontic treatment and short-term braces.

At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge we also offer interest free finance over the course of your treatment. This means we take a deposit at the first treatment appointment and we’re happy for you to pay the balance of your fees at your visits over the course of your treatment – it’s like repaying a bank or credit union loan but without the interest added!

Another major concern patients come in with is that of ‘hidden’ costs. Fear not! The prices of our treatments are listed on our website for anyone to read. At Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge Dr Keenan will explain the treatment plan and associated costs to you clearly and simply. Dr Keenan may also recommend some complementary treatments to you, such as a visit to the dental hygienist or a retainer at the end of treatment. These are to make sure you get the best results from your orthodontic treatment and are happy with the results. In fact, with Inman Aligner treatment at Pembroke Dental Ballsbridge we offer a 50- discount on teeth whitening, or you can get free teeth whitening when you opt for Six Month Smiles on both upper and lower teeth.

You can also claim tax relief on orthodontic treatments going back four years. You may already be familiar with the Med 1 form for medical expenses, but a Med 2 form also exists for certain dental treatments, including braces. You can claim tax relief at the standard rate of 20-. Some patients complete this online through the Revenue website, but if you would like us to do the Med 2 form for you at the end of your treatment, please ask!

What’s the follow up?

Patients also ask how long they can expect the results of their orthodontic treatment to last. The answer to that is indefinitely, once you comply with any follow-up advice, such as fitting a bonded retainer or wearing your removable retainer consistently.

Do you have any other questions about short-term adult orthodontics? Read more on our website or contact the office by email or phone 01 6683242 for a FREE consultation with Dr Keenan.

*In a small number of cases short-term orthodontics are not suitable for an individual patient. In these cases Dr Keenan is more than happy to refer patients to a specialist orthodontist to explore other more appropriate treatment options.