Why you shouldn’t put off your routine dental appointment

dental appointment

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre know that coming to the dentist is no-one’s favourite outing. It is, therefore, easy to see how, a routine appointment at the dentist can get placed on the backburner.

However, putting off a trip to the dentist can have a dramatic effect on your oral health. Even those who take excellent care of their teeth put themselves at risk of serious oral conditions without a regular dental examination. The next time you think about postponing your appointment, consider these reasons and see if they change your mind.Gum disease

Gum disease

Gum disease can affect anyone at any age. Gum disease can occur even in those who take good care of their teeth. Just because you brush and clean interdentally daily does not mean that you are using proper technique. Gum diseasestems from areas missed with regular oral hygiene and once gum diseaseis present it is very difficult to reverse the effects and can lead to much larger oral health issues.Tooth Decay

Cavities develop long before they become painful

Tooth decay occurs long before you feel any pain, so waiting until you are in pain before scheduling a dental appointment is a bad idea. By waiting too long you are far more likely to need extensive treatment such as root canal treatment, a crown or in worst case scenario the tooth may need to be extracted. If a problem is detected early, it is much easier to treat and reducing the need for time consuming and costly dental procedures.

Regular cleaning helps to reduce the build-up of stains

By attending for regular hygienist appointments, it is possible to remove tartar and plaque build-up that it would not be possible to remove at home. The hygienist is also able to remove stains ensuring that your teeth remain bright and white.Dental Plaque

Skipped dental appointments just mean more later

When you regular postpone dental appointments, you may think that you are saving  yourself time and money, but in the end you are just putting off the inevitable. Waiting until you experience a problem, means that you will require more extensive dental treatment in the long run, which is likely to require far more time away from work and leisure than a regular dental examination.

So don’t delay, to schedule aroutine appointment at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, simply call 01622 682 029 and our team will be happy to help.

Spring clean your smile

Spring clean your smile

Spring is now on the horizon after what feels like the longest, wettest, greyest winter; the days are getting longer, and the sun is beginning to shine, it is the time of year when we turn to spring cleaning our homes so why not your oral hygiene.

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have therefore identified five spring cleaning tips for your smile.brushing technique

Perfect your brushing technique

It is important to ensure that when you are brushing not only do you use the right equipment but also that your technique is correct. Be sure to use a brush with a small head that will allow you to reach right to the back of your mouth and take care to follow a routine to ensure that you brush all your teeth and gums. Brush for at least 2 minutes twice a day and use small, gentle, circular motions and angle the brush at 45 degrees so that you can clean the gum line effectively.

Spit, don’t rinse!

After brushing it is best to spit, not rinse, as this will allow the fluoride in your toothpaste to stay in contact with your teeth for as long as possible. Fluoride is beneficial to teeth because:

  • it helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel
  • it reverses early signs of tooth decay
  • it prevents the growth of harmful oral bacteria

When bacteria in your mouth break down sugar and carbohydrates, they produce acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel. This loss of minerals is called demineralization. Weakened tooth enamel leaves your teeth vulnerable to bacteria that cause cavities.

Fluoride helps to remineralise your tooth enamel, which can prevent cavities and reverse early signs of tooth decay.equipment

Update your equipment

Ideally you should replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn or splayed to ensure that you are brushing effectively. It is also important to ensure that you do not brush too hard as this can cause damage to the teeth and lead to toothbrush abrasion, the team would therefore advise that you use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Clean interdentally

By cleaning interdentally, you will be able to reach those areas that brushing alone misses, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. There are a wide range of interdental cleaning aids available. If flossing is not easy, why not try tape, interdental brushes, floss picks or an air flosser. No matter how you do it be sure to clean interdentally to keep your teeth looking their best.

Ensure that your diet is tooth friendly

Foods such as nuts, fruits (such as apples), cheese, chicken and vegetables are all teeth friendly. It is also important to try and limit the quantity of sugary foods you have. Ideally these should only be consumed at mealtimes to reduce the number of sugar attacks your teeth need to deal with each day.

If you need any help or advise on improving your oral hygiene routine, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book a hygienist appointment.

Benefits of Invisalign

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign pioneered the first clear aligners; each feature is designed to help reveal the smile you deserve. This is why over 21 million people have transformed their smiles using this nearly invisible clear brace worldwide. Invisalign is designed to treat a wide range of straightening issues, from minor tooth movements to more complex cases. The fantastic 3d treatment planner enables you to see the result of your teeth straightening procedure before starting treatment, enabling you to feel confident in the results you will see.

If you’re considering treatment to straighten your teeth, it’s likely you’re trying to decide between traditional metal braces and Invisalign. You know that Invisalign looks better, but does Invisalign work as well as metal braces?

In this month’s blog, the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have put together their thoughts on the most significant benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces.

No Food is Off LimitFood is Off Limit

With traditional metal braces, there’s an extensive list of verboten foods. Hard foods can cause brackets to break off your teeth when you bite into them, while chewy foods easily get stuck on, in, and around your brackets and wires, creating the perfect breeding ground for sugar-loving bacteria. With Invisalign, you’ll never have to worry about committing a list of forbidden foods to memory. Simply take your aligner trays out before meals and snacks, eat whatever you want, brush (or at the very least, rinse with water), and put your aligners back in place.

Invisalign Is Virtually Invisible

Before Invisalign, so many adults liked the idea of having straighter teeth, but were put off by the prospect of traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a game-changer for anyone in need of teeth straightening treatment. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing your aligners––they’re made with thin, clear plastic that’s almost invisible. Now you can get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted without drawing attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth.

Oral Hygiene Is EasierOral Hygiene Is Easier

Metal braces make good oral hygiene extraordinarily difficult. Flossing and brushing around your brackets and wires takes a lot of time and patience. With Invisalign, oral hygiene is as simple as removing your plastic aligners and brushing and flossing as usual.

You’ll Never Have Orthodontic Emergencies

One of the many inconveniences of traditional braces is the inevitable teeth straighteningemergency. Invisalign aligners are strong––you don’t have to worry about breaking them. That means no emergency visits to the dentist.

Invisalign Is ComfortableInvisalign Is Comfortable

Invisalign aligners are made with smooth plastic that fits snugly against the teeth, in contrast to obtrusive metal brackets. There are no wires poking your cheeks and soft tissue, and no painful wire tightening every four weeks––instead, you’ll switch your aligners yourself at home every two weeks.

You Can Remove Your Aligners

Because Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, there’s really no need to ever remove them. Sometimes, though, our patients have special events that they’d prefer to attend without wearing their aligners––a wedding, giving an important speech at a conference, or even a first date. With Invisalign, removing your aligners for a few hours is not a problem.

Invisalign Is Just as Effective as Traditional Metal Braces

Invisalign isn’t just made with plastic––it’s made from advanced SmartTrack® material, for more predictable, controlled tooth movements. Invisalign is just as effective as metal braces for almost all orthodontic cases.

You’ll Spend Less Time at the DentistSpend Less Time at the Dentist

You spend a lot of time at the dentist with traditional metal braces. Every four weeks, you’ll go in for a scheduled visit where your braces will be adjusted and tightened. Because there are no wires with Invisalign to tighten, you only need to follow up with us every six weeks, and these visits are much quicker than they are with traditional braces. We’ll just take a look to make sure your treatment is on the right track and send you on your way.

Find Out More About Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre Invisalign Services

If you’d like to learn more about whether Invisalign is right for you, contact us today at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on01622 682 029.

Looking to save money on your dental treatment?

Save money

Want to maintain your healthy smile in 2026, without blowing your budget? Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre the team have some top tips to help you save money on your dental care.

Attend for regular, routine appointments

It may be easy to postpone your routine appointments, but it is much easier to fix any issues if they are identified and treated early. Just remember, the bill for a small filling will be much less than when you require an emergency appointment for a large cavity or abscess.

Join our Club

Our membership plans give you the peace of mind of being able to budget for your dental treatment with convenient monthly payments and the optional Supplementary Insurance provides the peace of mind of knowing that you are covered for dental accidents and injuries both at home and abroad.

Join our ClubEssentials

Our Essentials plan is a maintenance plan that covers the cost of your routine treatment. By spreading the cost into fixed monthly amounts, it is possible to save money compared to paying as you go

Comprehensive Plan

Our Comprehensive plan is a plan that provides for your routine and restorative dental treatment and the amount you pay each month is based on a dentist assessment on the health of your teeth and gums.

Set up a payment plan

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we offer dental financing options including a 0% finance facility. This makes large treatments more affordable by allowing you to pay for it over an appropriate period, ensuring that you can get the treatment you need to make you look and feel amazing.

Oral hygieneMaintain good oral hygiene at home

Routine dental appointments will help to cut down on your dental costs, but in order to ensure that you do not get a scare at your next visit, you need to ensure that you stay on top of the day-to-day care of your teeth as well.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Use interdental cleaning aids daily.
  • Change your toothbrush every three months or more often if the bristles become worn

If you would like to ensure you start 2026 as you mean to go on, book your  routine dental appointmentstoday at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new” – Socrates

Have you been putting off starting your journey towards the perfect smile? Are you looking for a brighter, straighter, more complete smile? Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we can offer a wide range of treatment to not only improve your smile but give you a more youthful appearance.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can provide the perfect solution if you are looking for a whiter, brighter smile. Teeth whitening can help to improve the appearance of teeth stained or discoloured by ageing, lifestyle factors and medications, making it a safe and effective way to enhance the appearance of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Benefits

  • Teeth whitening dramatically improves your appearance for a relatively small outlay.
  • Teeth whitening boosts self-confidence and the personal feel good factor
  • A whiter smile tends to minimise the appearance of facial wrinkles, giving a more youthful appearance

Teeth Straightening

Teeth straightening can help to craft your perfect smile. At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are able to offer a range of teeth straightening treatments, ensuring that we have the right treatment to meet your needs, including Invisalign, Six Month Braces and Damon Braces and Inman Aligners.

Teeth straighteningBenefits

  • Teeth straightening can help to improve confidence and self-esteem
  • Teeth straightening allows gums to be kept clean and healthy by easier removal of any plaque or calculus present. In the long term this can help reduce the risk of tooth loss due to gum disease.
  • Teeth straightening reduces wear caused to your mouth and jaw caused by an incorrect bite. Reducing the risk of chipped and broken teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth and can be used to support crowns,bridges and dentures, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced. Dental implants provide a permanent solution to patients who wish to recapture the aesthetic and functional nature of their smile.

Dental implantsBenefits

  • Dental implants restore a lost tooth or teeth so that it looks, feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth
  • Dental implants can be a long-term solution lasting for over 10 years with a very low failure rate, if looked after correctly.
  • Dental implants help preserve your bone levels, helping prevent further tooth loss

Facial Aesthetics

Facial aesthetics can be used to easily and painlessly give you a more youthful and confident appearance. At your consultation we will discuss your concerns in order that we can provide the right solution to meet your needs.

Facial AestheticsBenefits

Ready to start your journey to a brighter, straighter, more complete smile? Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682 029 to book your consultation and see what our dentists can do to help you achieve your perfect smile.

I am dreaming of a white Christmas

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have the perfect way to ensure that this Christmas is white, with a course of at home or in surgery teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is so popular is because it is non-invasive, easy to complete and most importantly it works. Helping to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile for relatively little outlay.

What causes teeth staining?

When you eat and drink staining foods, such as curry, red wine, tea, and coffee, or you smoke – the highly coloured organic molecules can enter your teeth via microscopic pores in the enamel and underlying dentine. In essence if a food or drink has the ability to stain your top or tablecloth, it can also stain your teeth.

How does the whitening gel get rid of these stains?

When you apply the whitening gel to your teeth the small peroxide molecules pass easily through the micropores and encounter the staining molecules that have built up in your enamel and dentine, breaking them down into active oxygen and water. The overall result is that your teeth look brighter and whiter!

What treatment options are available?

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre the team are able to offer both at home or in surgery teeth whitening:

At Home Teeth Whitening

At home teeth whitening is the perfect treatment for people who want to improve the look of their teeth without interrupting their daily routine. The treatment has an excellent track record and pro-duces incredible results.

Before the treatment can begin, one of our highly trained dentists will take impressions of your teeth; this will be used by the technician to create custom made whitening trays. The dentist will then show you how to apply the teeth whitening gel to the trays. You will then be able to take the trays and whitening gels home to complete the treatment at a time to suit you.

In Surgery Teeth Whitening

In this instance the whitening solution will either be painted onto your teeth or loaded into custom made bleaching trays and then a special light will be shone onto the teeth to help activate the bleaching solution. The treatment will normally take around an hour and during this time the procedure may be repeated with fresh solution two or three times.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat, or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

How long will my teeth whitening last?

Once completed, it will be necessary to top up your whitening every 1-2 years to keep your teeth looking their best.

Benfits of teeth whitening

Improves your confidence – this whitening treatment improves the appearance of your teeth, ensuring that you can feel confident in your smile.

Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective – all our whitening treatments have met stringent testing requirements and are guaranteed to give you the best possible results.

Gives you long lasting results – this whitening treatment can give long lasting results with just a top up required every year to keep your teeth looking their best.

Enhances your oral health – you will be more motivated to keep your teeth looking great following your tooth whitening treatment, improving your oral health.

So, what are you waiting for, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment today and ensure you get your white Christmas!

What to do in a dental emergency

If you attend for your regular dental appointments, the chance of developing a dental emergency should be rare, but unfortunately things happen that are out of our control.

Therefore the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have some useful advice and guidance on what you can do should you suffer a dental emergency over the festive period.

Toothache

If you find that you are suffering from unexplained toothache, ring the surgery as soon as possible and we will endeavour to fit you into one of our emergency appointments.

While waiting to be seen, it is okay to take over the counter painkillers to help relieve the pain. You can also apply a cold compress to your cheek over the painful area. At your appointment, the dentist will be able to find the source of the pain, this may be an infection in the tooth or gum or a chipped or cracked tooth where the sensitive dentine has become exposed.

Chipped or broken tooth or lost filling

If you chip or break a tooth or lose a filling, you will need to book an appointment. The dentist may be able to re-fill or crown the tooth or in the worst case the tooth may need to be extracted. If this is the case the dentist will be able to advise on the treatments available to replacing a missing tooth, this could be a bridge, a denture or a dental implant.

It is possible to buy over the counter dental cement to help relieve any discomfort temporarily.

Knocked out tooth

If the tooth has been knocked out by a direct trauma, trip or fall, if possible, try to put the tooth back into the socket ensuring that it is the right way around. If this is not possible, store the tooth in a container of body temperature milk.

If there is severe bleeding apply direct pressure to the area and in all cases, seek immediate dental help. There is the greatest chance of a successful outcome if you can see a dentist within an hour of the incident.

Lost Crown

If you lose one of your crowns, try to ensure that you keep the crown safe and book an appointment as soon as possible with the dentist. If you are unable to get to your dentist, it is possible to temporarily recement the crown using over the counter dental cement available in pharmacies.

Broken braces or wires

If a wire on your braces breaks or sticks out of a bracket, it can be very irritating. If it is not possible to reposition the wire, place a small amount of orthodontic wax over the end of the wire to help protect your mouth and gums from further damage. Never cut a wire as you may end up swallowing it! Book an appointment to see the dentist as soon as possible.

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will be open as normal in the run up to Christmas. Should you have any problems while the surgery is closed, please call 01622 682 029 and the answerphone message will provide details of how to contact the on-duty dentist.

5 top tips for younger looking skin

Wrinkle Reduction

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre the team offer a wide range of facial aesthetics treatments designed to easily and painlessly give you a more youthful and confident appearance.

Wrinkle Reduction

Overuse of muscles in the face can cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear, these become deeper and more pronounced as we age. Wrinkle reduction treatment after a thorough consultation, may help to relax the muscles under the skin so that when you frown or smile, the treated muscles stay relaxed and do not crease the skin. Wrinkle reduction can be used to help improve the appearance of lines on the forehead, round the eyes and eyebrows and in the neck area.

Dermal fillersDermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the ideal choice for getting plump, youthful, smoother looking skin. Dermal fillers can be used to correct or enhance facial contours, plump up lips, soften the appearance of wrinkles and improve the tone, texture and hydration of skin. Dermal fillers work in harmony with the body’s remaining collagen and elastin to give skin a more full and youthful appearance.

Micro needlingMicroneedling

Microneedling uses a dermaroller with very fine needles to puncture the top layers of the skin on the face. This slight injury to the skin helps to promote the skin’s own production of new collagen and skin tissue, helping to give your skin a smoother, firmer and more toned appearance. Microneedling can be used to help improve the appearance of scars, wrinkles and large pores.

Skin Peels

Skin peels are a great way of treating a range of conditions including wrinkles, scarring, acne, sun damage and pigmentation. They can also help to refresh tired looking skin. Skin peels work through the upper layers of the skin, right down to the lower levels of the epidermis. This helps to give more dramatic, longer lasting results.

PDO Thread Therapy

PDOPDO thread therapy is an effective cosmetic procedure that aims to reduce or tighten sagging skin tissues particularly around the neck, jawline, cheeks and nose to mouth folds and the brow areas. One of the most successful forms of non-surgical facial rejuvenation is PDO thread therapy. These results are created through the insertion of absorbable cosmetic thread under the skin, which lift the facial contours and are then naturally absorbed by the body to kick start the facial rejuvenation process in a minimally invasive way.
Looking for further help and advice on getting younger looking skin? The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre are ready and waiting to help you start your journey. Do not hesitate, call today on 01622 682029and book an appointment.

What to expect at your new patient consultation

New patient consultation

We understand that for many patients visiting that dentist can be a nerve wracking and stressful experience. Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, the team will always try to make your dental visit as stress free as possible and ensure that you feel totally involved in your dental treatment starting with your initial consultation right through until the work is completed.

We set aside 30 minutes for each new patient consultation to allow us to fully examine your teeth and discuss any concerns you have with regard to your teeth.

Prior to your appointment you will be asked to fill in a medical history form. By being aware of any pre-existing health conditions the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre can ensure that you are always provided with the most suitable treatment and will also ensure that we are suitably prepared to manage any medical emergency that may occur appropriately and safely.

The dental nurse will come and collect you from our waiting room.

Once you are comfortably seated in the dental chair you will be given the opportunity to explain your reasons for seeking dental help. Whatever the reason the dentist will be able to take this into account when designing your ideal treatment plan.

Assess your teeth and gumsAssess your teeth and gums

The dentist will then inspect your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This will also include an oral cancer assessment. The teeth and the gums will be visually inspected with special dental instruments that might cause some discomfort but usually lasts for a very short time. An intra-oral camera will also be used to aid the discussion of the state of your oral health.

X-raysX-rays

X-rays will also normally be taken to assess for any decay present underneath the surfaces or between teeth. Any problems picked up on the x-rays can be shown to you on our digital monitor whilst you are in the dental chair.

All details will be recorded onto our computer system and will provide the basis for your ongoing treatment. By completing a detailed patient assessment, we are able to track your dental health between visits and over time.

We would typically advise you to attend for a routine examination every 6 months, as here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre our focus is on preventive dentistry and being proactive with regard to improving oral health. By identifying any problems early, we can reduce the risk of painful toothaches and the amount of treatment needed.

Oral Hygiene RoutineOral Hygiene Routine

The dentist will discuss your oral hygiene routine and recommend oral care products which will best ensure that you remove all the plaque from your teeth. This will normally be a combination of using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and interdental cleaning aids, floss, or interdental brushes to clean the areas between your teeth at least once a day. They will also talk to you about your diet and how sugar and acid present in fruit juice and fizzy drinks can affect your dental health. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and minerals can help to prevent gum disease and protect against mouth cancer.

Following your appointment, we will, if necessary, provide you with a full and detailed written treatment plan, detailing the various costs of options available to you.

Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book a new patient consultation to find out how we can help you get you smile ready!