Category: Blog

Brushing alone only cleans 60% off tooth surface. Over time food and plaque can build up between teeth. This can result in gum disease and decay. This is why it is so important to use interdental cleaning aids to clean those areas that brushing alone misses.

There are a number of different options available, so you are sure to find one to suit your needs.

Interdental Brushes

These are little brushes which fit between the teeth. They come in different sizes and are colour coded depending on the size. They are quick and easy to use and very useful for removing plaque from back teeth and around fixed braces.

Floss

Floss can come in many forms: waxed floss, waxed dental tape, minted floss, fluoride coated floss. The type that is best for you depends on your dexterity, what types of restorations you have and what you prefer.

Superfloss

This type of floss is made of increments of soft tufts and standard floss. Super floss is ideal for cleaning around braces, bridges and between wide gaps.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are perfect for people with challenged dexterity or bigger sized hands. They are quick and easy to use, and also have tension control which allows the floss to surround the sides of the tooth with each flossing action without breaking.

Waterpik

This is a type of water flosser, also called a dental water jet. It works by squirting a bit of water between the teeth under pressure and thus removing plaque. We do advise you use the water pick in conjunction with one of the conventional methods to ensure maximum plaque removal.

Still confused, book an appointment with the hygienist and they will be able to advise you of the best interdental cleaning aids to meet your needs. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book an appointment today.

This February be sure to look after your teeth and gums to help keep your heart healthy!

Study after study have shown that people who have poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.

In this month’s blog we are going to look specifically at the link between gum diseaseand how it can cause or make heart disease worse.

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is inflammation of the gums. It can lead to the breakdown of the gums, teeth, and bone tissues that hold them in place. Heart disease refers to a broad set of conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Heart disease is caused by the narrowing or blockage of important blood vessels.Gum diseasemay increase the risk of heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria may eventually lead to narrowing of important arteries.

Gum diseaseis also currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. So, this Valentine’s be sure to make oral hygiene a top priority for a healthy heart and show stopping smile.

Signs of Gum Disease

The main signs of gum disease are:

• Inflammation of the gums, causing them to be red, swollen and to bleed easily
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Irregular mouth infections

 

If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your dental team immediately.Regular visits to your dentistcan help with early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Gum diseasewill affect most people at some point in their lives and if treated effectively it should leave no lasting damage. Gum diseaseis caused by a build-up of plaque on the surface of teeth and gums. There are bacteria present in the plaque that have been found to be the leading cause of gum disease.

Treatment

Normally the first sign you will experience if you have gum diseaseis gums that bleed when you eat or brush your teeth. You may also notice you have bad breath.

At each check-up the dentist will assess your teeth and gums for any sign of gum disease. They will use probes to measure the amount of gum present around the teeth and may take x-rays to determine if there has been any bone loss in your jaw.

The dentist will remove the plaque and tartar present on your teeth and will refer you to the hygienistfor ongoing cleanings. The hygienist will also be able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to ensure that you remove plaque effectively at home, through tooth brushing and interdental cleaning.

If left untreated gum diseasecan progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and can lead to the loss of bone which anchors the teeth to the jaw. Over time teeth may become loose and even fall out.

So why wait call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centreon 01622 682 029and book an appointment with the dentist or hygienist to ensure that this Valentine’s Day you can smile proud and keep your heart healthy!

We understand that for many patients visiting that dentist can be a nerve wracking and stressful experience. Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we will always try wherever possible 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. Many aspects of your general health can directly or indirectly affect your oral health. 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. This may be because you are experiencing problems with your teeth and gums or have a special occasion looming which means you want your teeth photo ready. Whatever the reason the dentist will be able to take this into account when designing your ideal treatment plan.

Assess your teeth and gums

The dentist will then inspect your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This will include thorough examinations of the facial musculature, the jaw joints, the upper part of the neck, followed by the inside of the mouth including the directly visible throat area, the tongue, the cheeks, the palate, and the floor of the mouth. 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. The better the health of your gums, the less discomfort you may feel. An intra-oral camera will also be used to aid the discussion of the state of your oral health.

X-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 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 029and book a new patient consultation to find out how we can help you get you smile ready!

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, our new year’s resolution is to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

A recent survey revealed that 3 in 4 UK adults do not like smiling for the camera. A bright white smile can not only help you to appear younger and more attractive but can also help to improve your confidence and self-esteem. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and our dentists will ensure that your treatment plan is tailored to ensure that you achieve the results you are looking for.

What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your teeth?

Tooth Colour

Silver or amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with natural, tooth-coloured composite fillings, while teeth whitening can improve the colour of stained or dulled teeth.

Alignment and Spacing

Teeth that are crooked, overlapping or have gaps between them can be straightened and aligned when necessary, through teeth straightening procedures and improved with veneers.

Missing Teeth

One or more missing teeth can negatively affect the appearance of your smile – as well as affect your bite and increase your risk for tooth decay – making replacement an integral part of oral health and facial aesthetics. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, bridges or partial dentures.

Harmony and Balance

Uneven, chipped, and cracked teeth can be cosmetically bonded for an improved appearance, and a gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the overall look of the smile.

Fuller Lips, Smile and Cheeks

An un-shapely or ageing face can be improved or rejuvenated with facial aesthetics procedures.

Our fully trained team of dentists at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want from your smile makeover.

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are able to offer:

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without damaging the tooth itself and there are two main forms of treatment available: In surgery teeth whitening and at home teeth whitening.

The darker your teeth, the longer your teeth will take to get lighter, but your dentist will be able to advise you on the expected time frame.

Teeth Straightening

In the past few years there has been a significant increase in the number of adults looking to improve the appearance of their smile using new teeth straightening methods. Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we are able to offer Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, Quick Straight Teeth, Social Six, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces and Inman Aligners. So, no matter what the issue, we will have a solution to meet your needs.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Veneers can improve the colour, shape, and position of your teeth. Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. Your dentist at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centrewill give you an idea of how long each individual veneer should last.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth by inserting a titanium screw into the bone and placing a crown, bridge or denture over it. The titanium screw fuses with the patient’s bone and provides a solid base on which a restoration can be placed.

Facial Aesthetics

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are experienced at providing facial and skin care treatments. We provide a wide range of facial aesthetic treatments that are aimed to help you look and feel great again. Facial aesthetics can be used to give you a more youthful and confident appearance easily and painlessly. All of our treatments are carried out by Dr Gill, who has undergone extensive training to qualify in the latest facial aesthetics treatment, ensuring you will always receive the right treatments and products to meet your needs.

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.

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we are able to offer a wide range of facial aesthetics treatments to help ensure that you are always looking your best no matter what 2022 has in store.

• Wrinkle Reductions

Wrinkle reduction treatment 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.

Prior to treatment you will need to attend for a consultation. But once confirmed suitable treatment can be completed in as little as 10 minutes with very few side effects. The full effects of treatment are visible within 2-3 weeks and should last between 3-5 months. After this time repeat treatment will be required.

• Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are a popular and versatile treatment, that plumps, volumizes and lifts the skin leaving it smooth, contoured, and youthful.

With dermal fillers, the results are instant, but will improve over the two weeks following treatment and you will be able to return to work or social events immediately, with no visible signs of treatment. Dermal fillers should last around 6-12 months at which point you will need to attend for repeat treatments to maintain the improvement.

• Lip Enhancement

Lip enhancement treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment procedure aimed at improving the appearance of your lips by adding shape, structure, and volume to them. Lip enhancement treatment is a popular treatment which improves your appearance and boosts your self-esteem.

Lip volume could deplete with age and sometimes wrinkles, and fine lines may appear on your lips giving you a general tired and aged appearance. Lip enhancement treatment are all clinically approved and can help reverse these symptoms safely and quickly.

• Nose Reshaping

The size and shape of your nose can have a big effect on your overall appearance. It is the central feature of your face, and if it is not in proportion or is hooked or bent, your self-confidence can really suffer.

Non-surgical nose reshaping has become popular in the last 10 years due to the cost and lengthy recovery times required for surgical nose jobs. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty also known as nose reshaping is a medical procedure which involves the altering or reshaping of the nose with injectable fillers. By filling in depressions, smoothing out sharp angles and improving the symmetry of the nose, these injectable fillers can give it a more streamlined appearance without surgery.

The procedure can be performed quickly and easily – it usually takes between fifteen and thirty minutes and results are immediate.

The fillers used in non-surgical nose reshaping are temporary and will be broken down by the body naturally after time. Results last anywhere between 8 – 10 months depending on the type of dermal filler used.

If you would like more information about getting 2022 ready, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book a consultation today!

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 we are able to offer both in surgery and at home 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 produces 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.

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!

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, until Friday 24thDecember. 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.

There are a number of key steps involved in using Invisalign to straighten your teeth.

In this month’s blog we look at these key stages.

• Attend a consultation appointment

Using the iTero Element scanner, your dentist can take a fast and precise 3D digital scan of your teeth determining if you are a suitable candidate and mapping out a custom treatment plan.

• Moulding Process

Digital scan, photographs, and x-rays create an accurate model of your mouth and teeth. These are sent to the Invisalign laboratory for your custom aligner trays to be created

• Start wearing your aligners

When you pick up your first custom aligners, your dentist will examine your smile, ensuring high standards from start. With your trays fitted, and your aftercare program clearly explained, you’re ready to go! Your Invisalign aligners are virtually transparent and easy to take out, so you can eat and brush your teeth as normal.

• Regular appointments

You’ll have check-ups roughly every 6-8 weeks to check your progress and collect your next set of aligners. Your dentist will check your tooth movements, and tray fit. before providing you with your next set of trays. Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in 6 months, and you’ll start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

• Straighter teeth

After a period of time, your teeth will have straightened out and you will have the smile you desire.

• Retainers

It is important that you wear your retainers following treatment to ensure that your teeth do not regress back into their initial position.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment. If you would like more information about Invisalign and teeth straightening or have any questions do not hesitate to ring the surgery on 01622 682 029.

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre are pleased to be supporting this year’s Mouth Cancer Action Month. Whenever you visit one of our dentists for a routine examination, they will also perform an examination for mouth cancer.

Mouth cancer is one of the few cancers in the UK which has seen cases rise, over the past decade there has been an increase of over 50% in the number of people being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

Oral health checks and visual examinations are the best way to identify any suspicious lesions. Another great reason to ensure you book in for your routine dental appointment.

• Your appointment

When you come in for your appointment the dentist will ask you a number of lifestyle questions. If you smoke, drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol per week, are over 50 or use chewing or smokeless tobacco these factors can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer.

The dentist will then perform a methodical examination of your mouth to detect any abnormalities.  They will use a mirror to check all the tissue in your mouth including your tongue and the sides of your mouth.

If the dentist finds anything that is unusual or abnormal they will refer you to the local hospital for a specialist to perform a thorough examination of your mouth and throat. They may take a biopsy of any affected areas, so the cells can be looked at closely under a microscope.

If mouth cancer is spotted early the chances of a complete cure are very good and the smaller the area or ulcer the better the chance of a cure. However too many people do not visit their dentist for routine dental appointment so often any problems are noticed too late.

Top tips to ensure that your mouth stays healthy

• Visit your dentist for regular appointments so that any problems can be identified early and treated quickly.
• When brushing your teeth look out for any red or white patches or ulcers that do not clear up within three weeks
• Ensure you have a full a varied diet, rich in vitamins.
• Cut down on the amount you smoke and drink
• When out in the sun be sure to use a high factor sun cream on your face and neck and a barrier cream on your lips.

If you are concerned about any changes in your mouth or would like advice on reducing your risk of developing mouth cancer call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment today.

Feel that you’re too old for braces? Think again! Teeth straightening treatment can improve your smile no matter what your age is. There are a number of options now available from clear Invisalign aligners to more traditional fixed braces.

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we work hard to ensure that we provide you with enough information about your teeth straightening treatment so you can make an informed choice about your dental health.

Questions we will answer prior to treatment

1. How will dental braces correct your problem?
2. What type of braces are available to you?
3. How long you will need to wear braces for?
4. What the overall cost of treatment will be?
5. What payment modes we off and when the payments are due?

Types of Braces

The different options include:

• Metal braces – these are the traditional train track braces
• Clear ceramic braces – they work just like metal braces but are less noticeable.
• Lingual Braces – The brackets on these braces aren’t visible as they are attached to the back of the teeth
• Clear aligners – These are clear removable trays, that allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing

Reasons to get adult braces

• Lower Risk of Decay – It might not be a surprise to learn that having crooked teeth can actually impede your toothbrush and floss from accessing all the spaces in-between the teeth. Remember that improper cleaning of the teeth can cause gum disease, tooth decay and other oral health issues. Spaced out and straight teeth are much easier to access and clean.

• Release Oral Discomfort –Did you know that in certain cases misaligned teeth can cause headaches, jaw pain, and difficulties swallowing? This is true for more people than we would like it to be. Thankfully, teeth straightening can help with all those discomforts that arise from misaligned teeth. If you are one of the individuals currently living in discomfort due to your smile, please contact our team. We would love to be part of the solution.

• Correct Jawbone Changes – The body changes as we age, and the jawbone is no exception to that rule. Unfortunately, with age your jawbone can begin to shift which can cause the teeth to crowd in the front of the mouth and become generally misaligned. Teeth straightening can correct this issue.

Invisalign Over Traditional Braces

There are various options available for adult braces. One of the most popular adult braces options is Invisalign. There are several reasons why Invisalign is a top pick amongst adults.

• Firstly, Invisalign aligners are much easier to clean than traditional braces. With Invisalign, you can easily remove the aligner trays and gently clean them in the morning and at night. This also means you don’t have to make food adjustments, as you can remove the aligners when you eat!
• In addition to less cleaning time, Invisalign results in fewer office visits than metal braces as you do not have to come in to have the wires and bands tightened.
• Perhaps most important for the busy adult – Invisalign looks much better than metal braces. They are often barely noticeable, as they are made from transparent material!

A Perfect Smile

We wanted to put this last, but we understand that for most people a perfect smile is the main reason to have teeth straightening. No matter how old you are, a perfect smile will make you feel confident. You deserve to navigate through life with confidence and with a glowing, happy smile. Teeth straightening can grant you that.

The decision to have teeth straightening as an adult can be full of uncertainties. Our team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre is here to help guide you through it. Give us a call on 01622 682 029 to set up an appointment. We are happy to assess your personal situation and to provide you recommendations on which braces would work best for you.