Category: Blog

At the start of a new year, we all look at ways of tightening our belts to recover from the excesses of Christmas. Want to find ways of maintaining a healthy smile without blowing your budget? Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we have several ways to help you save money on your dental care.

Attend for regular, routine appointments

It may be easy to postpone your routine appointments if you do not feel you have any problems with your teeth, but it is much easier to fix any problems 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.

Set up a payment plan

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we want you to achieve your desired smile. To make this goal achievable for everyone, 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.

Maintain 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 at least 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
• Cut down on how often you consume sugary foods and drinks.

 

If you would like to find out more about cutting the cost of your dental treatment, do not hesitate to call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01622 682029.

A recent survey revealed that 3 in 4 UK adults don’t 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.

Teeth Whitening

Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are able to offer two different whitening treatments.

At Home Teeth Whitening – Following your consultation the dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create custom whitening trays. The treatment will be customized so that it can best fit around your daily routine.

In Surgery Teeth Whitening – You will need to attend the surgery for a 45-minute appointment during which a peroxide gel will be applied to your teeth. This is then activated using a blue light. This treatment will provide instant whitening results. The gel will be applied, activated, and then washed off at least three times during the session.

Veneers

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain which are attached to the front of your teeth to improve the appearance or color of your teeth. They can also be used to close small gaps where teeth straightening treatments would not be appropriate.

Cosmetic Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure where a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the teeth to improve the shape and close gaps between teeth. The resin is hardened with a special light, which will bond the material securely to the natural tooth.

By using cosmetic bonding it is possible to ensure that the minimum amount of tooth structure is removed. This helps to enhance the potential life of your teeth

Dental Implants

If you are missing some teeth, dental implants can provide the closest possible replacement to having your natural teeth back. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants are secured to the jaw using a titanium post, so they will not shift or move, allowing you to live life to the full, talking, eating and smiling with confidence.

Teeth Straightening

Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of adults turning to teeth straightening procedures to help improve the appearance of their smile.

Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre are able to offer Invisalign, Six Month Braces, Quick Straight Teeth, Social Six, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces and Inman Aligner. The wide variety of different treatment options means that no matter what the problem we will have the teeth straightening procedure to help.

Facial Aesthetics

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we are your local facial aesthetics specialists.

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

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 01296 712264 and see what our highly trained team of dentists can suggest to help you achieve your perfect smile.

The Christmas holidays are one of the most joyful times of the year. Cue the parties, delicious foods, and drinks that hit the right spot- what’s not to enjoy? But while we’re having the time of our lives, our skin has other plans. The late nights and overindulgence begin to take a toll on our skin, so by the time the big day comes around, our skin isn’t feeling so merry and bright. Facial treatments can help you to stay festive and fabulous throughout the Christmas holidays. With many different types of facial treatments available, you can target just about any skin concern to look and feel your best on Christmas Day.

Lucious lips

The most popular beauty treatment all year long, it’s time to book your Christmas lip filler appointment. Boosting volume and definition as well as hydrating the lips, lip filler can be a major boost in confidence for many of us.

Slim the face

Many of us are self-conscious about our face looking too bulky. Anti-wrinkle injections can be injected into the masseter muscle. This works to relax the muscle, making the face appear slimmer.

Tackle a trio of wrinkles

Wrinkles and fine lines can become increasingly prevalent and pronounced on our faces during the colder months, making us look tired and older. For a quick refresh and rejuvenation, anti-wrinkle injections can be used to tackle the trio of most common wrinkles including forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet.

Skin Peels

Chemical peels have long been the best way to take your skin back to the drawing board, and our fabulous Skin Peels are certainly no exception! As the perfect treatment for those afflicted by seasonal acne, unsightly scarring or all manner of tonal inconsistencies, this powerful, three-step facial can be adapted to meet your skin concerns head-on, with your skin tone and type also playing a leading role in our approach to treatment.

As we’re sure you can imagine, the treatments listed above are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we have to offer at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre. To find out more about how we can help you get your skin ready for Christmas, call us on 01622 682 029 today.

Are you struggling with your Christmas shopping this year? Although oral hygiene gifts may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list, they are essential to keep our pearly whites healthy and clean.

If you are fresh out of Christmas shopping ideas, you have come to the right place! Check out our list of 6 must-have items, from the dentists at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre.

6 Gift Ideas to Make Everyone on Your Christmas List Smile

1. Sugar-Free Chewing Gum: Not only is sugar-free gum a perfect stocking filling, but it is also great for your oral health. If you chew sugarless gum 20 minutes after you eat a meal, then you will be less likely to develop cavities. The gum helps wash away food particles by increasing saliva production. It also helps neutralize cavity-causing bacteria.

The acid in your mouth not only causes cavities, but it can also cause enamel erosion. Because chewing gum helps reduce acid, it can help protect your enamel. If you have a stronger enamel, then you will be less likely to develop cavities.

2. Toothbrush Timer: Most people know you’re supposed to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, but how many of us actually time it? A toothbrush timer makes it easy to keep track of how long you’re brushing, and it’s the perfect size for a stocking filler!

3. Professional Whitening Treatments: At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, teeth whitening is one of our most popular dental treatments we offer. Teeth whitening is a safe, fast, effective and an affordable treatment that can drastically improve the appearance of teeth.

4. An Electric Toothbrush: It’s the gift that keeps on giving! Not only do electric toothbrushes make great gifts, but they can improve your loved ones brushing habits and oral hygiene.

5. Water Flossers: Water flossers are gentle and less likely to cause gum irritation, inflammation, and bleeding. They are also able to clean out the periodontal pockets in our mouths where both toothbrushes and traditional floss can’t reach and are an effective way for all individuals to keep their mouths clean and happy.

6. Sports Mouth guard: Does your child play contact sports such as rugby, hockey, or lacrosse? If you have a sporty child, consider getting them a mouth guard for Christmas. Custom-made mouth guards are safer, more comfortable, and more likely to be used. They can also be customised with team colours, logos, glitter, etc.

We hope our list of dental inspired gifts helped help diminish your shopping woes.

Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre your local dentist in Maidstone, Kent is a mixed NHS and Private Dental Practice. Our experienced dentists are highly trained to ensure that your needs are listened to and met. Our dentists will ensure all treatments are conducted in a calm and relaxing environment. Whether you are looking to maintain your healthy smile or craft the smile of your dreams, we can help.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our patients a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you all again in 2023!

A broken tooth stops you from smiling and shatters your confidence. Some of the common causes of the tooth breaking are eating hard food like hard boiled sweets or an ice cube, falling accidents, tooth injury or cavities.

However, the good news is that modern dentistry has the solutions to most dental problems.

Some of the dental treatment options for broken tooth are:

1. Dental Crown
Dental crowns can be useful in covering the entire affected portion of tooth and restore the tooth’s shape and appearance. Typically, crowns are made of metal, porcelain, and ceramic. Dentists consider it one of the safest options to fix or restore decayed or broken teeth.

2. Veneers
Veneers are the most popular cosmetic, restorative solution for improving your smile. Porcelain veneers are hand crafted, fine pieces of porcelain that fit over your tooth in the same way a false nail fits over your fingernail. They can be used to correct a variety of different flaws including chipped, damaged, crooked, gapped, or discoloured teeth

3. Dental implants
If your tooth is broken beyond repair and needs to be extracted. Dental implants provide a safe, reliable, and established cosmetic treatment to replace missing teeth. It is a safe titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to replace the missing root. Once the screw has settled in the jawbone the tooth-coloured crown is then placed on it.

4. Bonding
Many dentists consider dental bonding one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures, providing a strong, durable and long-lasting finish for the damaged tooth.

5. Root canal
Both broken and cracked teeth can lead to infections in the tooth roots. Your dentist may suggest root canal treatment to treat the broken teeth in such a situation.  They remove the infection first and then place a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth.

6. Filling
With improvements in filling materials in recent years, white fillings can now be used to repair most teeth successfully and your dentist will be able to advise you on the life expectancy of any restoration. White fillings blend with your natural teeth ensuring that they will not be visible when you laugh or smile.

Do not hesitate to call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 if you damage a tooth. Our highly experienced dentists can then help you find the most suitable option to repair your tooth.

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat and can affect anyone, whether they have their own teeth or not. In the last year 8.700 people have been diagnosed with disease in the UK.

Sadly, more than 2,000 people die from the die every year with many of these deaths being preventable. If the cancer is caught early there is a 90% chance of survival, this however drops to as little as 50% when the cancer is found at a late stage.

Risk Factors
Currently, 91% of mouth cancer diagnoses are linked to lifestyle factors, therefore it is possible to reduce the risks of developing mouth cancer by amending some of our lifestyle choices.

1. Tobacco
The majority of mouth cancer cases continue to be caused by smoking and tobacco use. Smoking accounts for two in three of all mouth cancer cases. The chemicals in the cigarette all enter the body through the mouth, where they transform the saliva which then damages the cells in the mouth and overtime can turn them cancerous. Research has shown that by quitting you can reduce your risk of mouth cancer by a third. So why not use this Mouth Cancer Action Month as the time to stop!

2. Alcohol
Drinking over your recommended alcohol units on a regular basis is another major risk factor linked with the development of mouth cancer. The occasional glass of wine is not an issue, but a bottle in a night could be. Moderation really is the key!

Smoking and drinking together trebles the risk of developing mouth cancer.

3. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of contracting HPV.

4. Chewing and smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is any tobacco product that is placed in the mouth or nose and not burned.Chewing and smokeless tobacco is extremely harmful and can significantly increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

5. Diet
Poor diet has been linked to 30% of all mouth cancer cases. It is important to have a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, this will not only help to reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer, it will also help to keep your body fit and healthy. Mouth cancer risk is lowest in people with diets high in fibre and Omega 3.

6. Family history, genetics, and the immune system
Although we do not know why, there is a slight increase in risk of mouth cancer if you have a close relative diagnosed with the disease.

Mouth cancer can also be more likely for those who carry certain inherited genes. Links have been found for those with genetic conditions affecting the bone marrow, skin, or fingernails.

Signs and Symptoms</strong
There are three main symptoms that should not be ignored:

• Ulcers which do not heal in three weeks
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Unusual lumps of swellings in the mouth, head, or neck area

 

It is important if you notice any of these that you get them checked out by your dentist as soon as possible. Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book an appointment today. If in doubt get it checked out!

Dentists are a very friendly bunch, so it is surprising to learn that around half of the UK population has a dental phobia according to statistics from the Oral Health Foundation.

Even more surprising is that dental phobia beats fear of heights, snakes, and the zombie apocalypse to take number-one spot on the nation’s list of fears.

Around 12% of cases of dental phobia are acute enough to prevent dentist visits altogether, and that’s a real problem when it comes to maintaining good oral health and avoiding unnecessary aches and pains.

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have come up with a few simple steps to help banish dental anxiety for good.

Find the Right Dentist

If your dentist strokes a long-haired white cat and laughs maniacally during treatment, it’s time to find a dentist who’s willing to use their powers for good. Ask around with family and friends to get a recommendation from someone you trust.

Know Your Enemy

Try to find out what exactly scares you. It could be that you are afraid of the drill, or the needle used to administer anaesthetic. Would it put your mind at rest to learn neither of these will be used during your upcoming dental examination? Knowing the source of fears can also help you to start a conversation about how your dentist can help make treatment more pleasant.

Easy Does it

If it’s been a while since you last had treatment, start off slowly with a dental examination or hygiene visit. This approach will help you build a rapport with your dentist.

Ditch Needless Needles

Fear of needles? In many cases, injected anaesthetics can be substituted for a topical gel. Once again, talking to your dentist to let them know your concerns is critical here.

You Were Saying?

When it comes to taking your mind off treatment, distraction is your friend. Some people like to solve puzzles, while others listen to music on headphones. Do not worry – your dentist will not think it is rude. Stress balls, fidget spinners, magazines and other distractions are all fair game.

I Want to be Sedated

Yes, it is perfectly fine to ask. Many dentists, especially those who specialise in dealing with phobic or anxious patients, now offer gentle sedation for the simplest procedures.

Open Wide, Say OM!

Meditation, mindfulness, and calming breathing exercises can work wonders in the battle against everyday anxiety, and the same is true for dental angst. A quick five-minute exercise is often all it takes to dispel dental dread.

Talk to a Professional

If dental phobia continues even after following the steps in our guide, it could be time to talk to an anxiety specialist. Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy could arm you with the coping mechanism needed to get past your fear once and for all, as well as getting to the root cause of anxiety.

Reward Yourself

If you have followed the advice so far, you should be well on your way to repairing dental relations. There is still something you can do after treatment to make the experience more palatable. Treating yourself to a reward can help rebuild positive associations and help make each visit feel like less of a chore. And besides, do you really need an excuse to finally take that long, lazy lunch hour.

Looking for dentists highly trained in treating anxious patients, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book an appointment today.  

Over the years, cosmetic dentistry procedures have transformed countless lives by improving smiles, as well as dental health. From teeth whitening to dental veneers and dental implants, there are many procedures and techniques available today to help you restore your confidence in your teeth and smile.

Read on to take a closer look at some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your smile and overall dental health.

Teeth Whitening

If you are searching for an easy way to improve your smile, teeth whitening may be just the procedure for you. This is, without question, one of the fastest and most convenient ways for you to improve your smile appearance. In addition, teeth whitening is also much more affordable than other cosmetic dental procedures, making this an extremely appealing option for those who want to brighten their smile.

Dental Veneers

Some people are lucky to be born with perfect smiles. However, there is a good chance that many of those flawless grins you encounter have been cosmetically enhanced. Thin, porcelain shells, known as dental veneers, are used to cover up existing teeth and imperfections. This technique is regarded as one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures among patients. Since no two smiles are the same, dental veneers can also be customized to look and feel like your natural teeth, while providing just the right fit.

Dental Crowns

Although dental crowns are mainly considered as a way to preserve a natural tooth by making it stronger while sealing it, this procedure also has an aesthetic component. Porcelain crowns are not only affordable and durable, but they also offer the most natural appearance and blend seamlessly with your own teeth. In fact, their appearance is so natural that no one besides you and your dentist will know that you’re sporting dental crowns.

Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years and one of the ways to improve your smile is through dental implants. Thanks to the visibly impressive benefits, dental implants have been increasing in popularity and make a suitable choice for anyone who has one or more missing teeth. They provide the right combination of functionality and aesthetics, to ensure you have nothing but confidence in the long-term health and appearance of your smile.

Teeth Straightening Treatments

There is more to a beautiful smile than just white teeth. A beautiful, healthy, confident smile also has to do with teeth alignment. Teeth straightening procedures can be used to improve the appearance of crowded, gapped, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. No matter what your age, it is possible to have straight teeth and a smile you can be confident in.

There are a wide range of teeth straightening procedures and your experienced dentist at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will be able to advise you on the best one to meet your needs.

Facial Aesthetics

Facial aesthetics can be used to give you a more youthful and confident appearance easily and painlessly. At your consultation we will discuss your concerns in order that we can provide the right solution to meet your needs. With the careful use of wrinkle relaxation injections and/or injectable fillers it is possible to enhance your natural beauty and rejuvenate your skin.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we provide a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions. From simple teeth whitening procedures to more involved restorations, our experienced team of dentists can help you improve your smile.

If you wish to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry procedures, please feel free to contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment.

Our mouth is quite amazing. Where would you be without it? How could you eat without your teeth? Talk or kiss without your lips?

In this month’s blog we look at some things you probably do not know about your mouth, oral health, lips, teeth, and gums.

A smile is an asset

Ninety-six percent of adults believe that a beautiful smile makes you more attractive. If you improve your smile with crowns, veneers, dental implants or teeth straightening you will smile more often. Attractive teeth and good dental health translate into more self-confidence.

The more you smile the longer you will live

Smiling can help you to live longer. Every time you smile, your body produces greater amounts of antibodies giving your immunity a boost.

Your tongue is unique

Long or short your tongue is one of a kind. Your tongue’s imprint is as unique as your fingerprint, and it could be possible to identify someone from the imprint of their tongue. Another unique fact about your tongue is that it is the only muscle in your body to be attached on just one end.

You cannot smell your own breath

Bad breath is a real challenge because you cannot smell your own breath, even if you try by putting your hand over your mouth when you breath. When you talk, the air comes from the back of your mouth, where the stinky odour originates, but that is not so when you just breathe. If you really want to know whether you have bad breath, scrape your tongue, and then smell the scraper or ask someone you trust to tell you the truth

The mouth is a window to your health

Your oral health can signal the presence of a variety of conditions or diseases in other parts of your body, including heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. That is why it is important to have regular check-ups and take good care of your teeth and gums.

Want to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book an appointment today.  

Things you do every day without thinking could be having a harmful effect on your teeth. In this article we look at 5 habits which over time can cause damage to your oral health.

Fizzy drinks & acidic food

Always got a fizzy drink to hand and love citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons? The high level of acidity in these food and drink will wear away your tooth enamel over time. This is known as acid erosion. Acidic food and drinks should wherever possible be limited to mealtimes as this will prevent your teeth from having to deal with large numbers of acid attacks throughout the day.

Your teeth are not a tool

How many times have you used your teeth to tear Sellotape, open a packet or remove clothing tags when you could not find the scissors? Your teeth are designed to chew food, to help you talk and fill out your face and cheeks. Using your teeth as a tool over time can lead to your teeth chipping or breaking and can damage your existing dental work. Those extra few minutes needed to find the scissors, could save you from expensive restorative dental work.

Jaw clenching tooth grinding

Clenching and grinding of your teeth can often happen during times of stress, often unconsciously, and while you are asleep at night. At your regular check up your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and notice the early signs of grinding or clenching. Clenching and grinding puts a great deal of pressure on your teeth and over time you may notice that your teeth begin to fracture or chip as they are worn down. You may also notice that your teeth become more sensitive. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment, this may involve wearing a bite guard at night, building up teeth using filling material to help strengthen them or in severe cases you may need referral to a specialist. Identifying the cause of any stress can also help to remove the cause of any clenching or grinding.

Brushing too hard

You should be brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste as part of your oral hygiene routine. Ideally you should ensure that you wait at least an hour following eating as this helps to ensure that you do not brush away the enamel which softens when you eat and drink. It is also important to ensure that you are not brushing your teeth too vigorously as this could cause further damage to your teeth and gums. In the long term, brushing too hard can lead to sensitivity and even cavities. Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth using a soft bristled manual brush or an electric toothbrush to ensure that you do not cause wear to your teeth.

Nail biting

Nail biting can affect the appearance of your hands and in the long term can also damage your teeth. The regular biting of your nails can lead to teeth becoming cracked or splintered. Overtime biting your nails can also affect your bite as your teeth may shift or move.

All habits can take time and perseverance to quit but in the long-term quitting any one habit can help to improve your oral health dramatically and reduce the need for restorative dental treatment.

You dentist will be able to see the effects of these habits when you attend for your check up so if you have any concerns do not hesitate to speak to the dental team at your next appointment at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre. Call today on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment.