Author Archives: Meadowbank Dental Practice

Continuing daily life whilst receiving treatment with Invisalign Edinburgh

Invisalign; what is it?

Comfy, tailor-made trays which realign the teeth, whilst allowing you to continue your daily life with little impact, may sound like a dream rather than reality, but rest assured, with Invisalign Edinburgh this dream can be your reality. These snug-fitting aligners are created from a series of digital scans which are taken during your initial consultation and to the outside world, are barely noticeable. This discreet, cosmetic appeal, combined with a practical and effective realignment treatment, ensures that patients work towards the smile they are after.

Understanding your side of the commitment

Many dental treatments and procedures are primarily carried out by the dental team, with the general aftercare being your responsibility. However, Invisalign Edinburgh is unlike other orthodontic treatments and focusses on putting the responsibility and commitment back into the patient’s hands. Whilst this may sound a little daunting, rest assured you are supported 100% of the way by your dental team, but the treatment fits easily into your daily routine without the need for continuous adjustments within the dental practice.

But what about your commitment?

The first thing to remember is that each set of aligners is removable and therefore it can be all too easy to forget to put the aligner back in after your daily oral clean. Or it may be that you are going out and do not want to be wearing the aligners. Each aligner is intended to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day with removal being intended only during meal times and for your oral hygiene regime. Continuously removing or forgetting to replace the aligner delays the end result and can gradually undo the positive steps towards a straighter smile. After all, aligners become ineffectual when continuously removed or left on the side. It is therefore important for you to find ways, should you need them, to remind yourself to replace the aligners each time they have been removed.

The next responsibility that falls into your hands is to follow the plan which has been created for you. As a patient with this treatment you receive a series of aligners which you gradually work through, changing them along the way as per your dental team instructions. Each aligner is used to push the teeth into a certain position and then, once advised by your dental team, you will move on to the next aligner. This may not be immediately after your appointment and may be a week down the line, it is therefore important for you to take note of the plan, work towards it and seek support from your dental team should you so need it. Realigning the teeth needs to be a gradual process and therefore requires a large commitment from you. At no point are you alone during this treatment, so although you are in charge of the daily care and change-overs, rest assured that the goal you have in mind is our goal. Treatment with Invisalign Edinburgh is still a team effort rather than a solo mission, it merely puts more control back into the patient’s hands.

Why the rise in popularity?

As society continues to focus on the cosmetic appearance of each individual, it is no wonder that older teens and adults want a discreet treatment available for straightening their smile. Whilst tackling a potential insecurity the last thing anyone wants is to replace it with an alternative embarrassment and therefore perfecting your smile with transparent aligners has become the perfect solution.

Back to basics

At Meadowbank Dental, we know that dental hygiene Edinburgh has saved more teeth than all other forms of dentistry and cleaning combined. And best of all, it is relatively simple!

Let’s have a look at some of the advantages of seeing our hygienists regularly.

Dietary guidance

As obvious as it sounds, there are several things you may be consuming in your diet that may be damaging your teeth. And not all of them are as obvious as sugary drinks.

Many patients are surprised to learn that relatively benign things that are actively encouraged by doctors, such as fruit, contain high levels of sugar which can build up and cause damage to your enamel.

Our hygienist can offer you the best advice available on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, by focusing on your diet as a starting point and then looking at other areas of your lifestyle too, such as smoking and the consumption of alcohol.

Cleaning guidance

Dental hygiene Edinburgh focuses primarily on cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar.

And while our hygienist team can offer you an in-depth clean once a year, they can also offer you guidance on how to best clean your teeth at home. This means exploring the softness of the bristles on your toothbrush, the toothpaste you are using, the mouthwash, showing you how to use interdental brushes and even how to use good old fashioned floss.

We can also show your children how to clean their teeth properly too, ensuring that the chances of them succumbing to tooth decay and gum disease later in life are greatly reduced.

Plaque removal

A key benefit of attending check-ups with our hygienist is that we can remove plaque from your teeth alongside tartar.

Daily brushing of your teeth is important, but on occasion, there may be a part of your mouth that has been missed due to the position of your teeth or even your brushing technique. Left on its own, this can increase the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. So our team will aim to remove stubborn plaque that is present above and below the gum line to promote better long-term dental health.

Better oral health

When comparing how many teeth have been saved by general dentists against those by hygienists, there is no real comparison. Dental hygiene Edinburgh as an area has not only saved hundreds of teeth and the aesthetics of many smiles, but it has prompted better oral health too.

By having plaque removed from your mouth regularly, you are improving your oral health and reducing the chances of complicated secondary issues from forming, such as periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Not only that, but left on the teeth, plaque has been linked to many health conditions which include cardiovascular issues and even an increased risk of other chronic conditions like diabetes.

Whiter smile

The main benefit of regular trips to see our hygienist is a whiter, healthier smile.

This is because when we perform a scale and polish, we are not only removing plaque, but we are also whitening your teeth.

For more information or to book an appointment with our hygienist, call our surgery today.

Having issues with your gums?

Have you noticed that your gums are either sore, painful, or experience bleeding during and after you brush your teeth? Maybe you have noticed that your gums are swollen and you are unsure as to why this is. If you are currently experiencing any of the above symptoms and are based in Edinburgh, you may want to consider visiting our dental practice; Meadowbank Dental, where we offer dental treatments within periodontics Edinburgh.

An insight into gum disease

Known to be one of the most common dental problems in the UK, gum disease occurs when there is a plaque build up on your teeth and it is not removed. This is because plaque is made of bacteria and although some of the bacteria may be harmless, some can be harmful and affect the health of your gums if not removed quickly enough.

How we can help you at Meadowbank Dental

Based in Edinburgh, our practice Meadowbank Dental is dedicated to providing both professional and high quality dental care for all our patients; whether new or existing. We ensure that we keep up to date with latest dental advancements to ensure that our patients are receiving the best dental treatment and our team of dental professionals also strive to ensure that you are well looked after at every step of your experience with us, whilst doing our best to make sure we meet your individual needs.

At Meadowbank Dental, we offer high quality dental treatments in various areas of dentistry. For example, if you are looking to improve your smile, we can offer dental treatments within cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers or even orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign.

We also offer at our practice, dental treatments within what we refer to in dentistry as periodontics Edinburgh, which focuses on treating diseases of the gums and additionally the bones that support the teeth.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

If you are worried about whether you have gum disease or not, it is advised that you visit our practice so that an experienced member of our dental team can thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and mouth in order to confirm whether this is the case.

If you are experiencing either swollen and/or painful gums, bad breath, receding gums or you notice your gums may bleed after you brush or floss your teeth, it is highly likely that you are experiencing the early stage of gum disease which is known as gingivitis.

When you visit our practice, we will recommend that you see our dental hygienist, who will be able to clean your teeth by removing the plaque build-up and also provide you with detailed advice on how to develop an effective oral care regime to reduce the risk of gum disease and ensure that your teeth, gums and mouth remains healthy.

In some cases, if the gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into a more serious form of gum disease, which is known and periodontitis. Peridontitis damages soft tissue in the gums and can lead to tooth loss along with other serious dental health conditions.

At Meadowbank Dental we understand how serious gum disease is which is why we have our experienced associate dentist who is able to treat periodontal conditions.

Does the idea of dental implants scare you?

Apprehension is usually due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of something. Many of us are still anxious about going to the dentist, but these days there really is no need for you to be concerned. A great deal of time is spent by dentists and dental staff in reassuring patients and making them feel comfortable and relaxed. New techniques and equipment have reduced the pain that we used to experience and most procedures are now virtually pain-free. Part of our preventive dentistry regime is to encourage parents to bring their children in at as young as one year old. Their introduction into the surgery allows them to become familiar with the noises, smells and equipment so that they are relaxed and calm when visiting the dentist as they grow older.

If it should become necessary for any of our patients to have teeth replaced, to alleviate any tension, we explain all the procedures necessary when we perform dental implants Edinburgh.

No longer necessary to live with missing teeth

Meadowbank Dental has invested in the latest equipment and our staff attend regular seminars and training to maintain our high standards of service delivery when performing dental implants. Implantology has made enormous strides over the decades and particularly over the past fifteen years. Our own Doctor Bharadwaj has an impressive history of training in the field of implantology and even lectures on the subject. For many years dentures and bridges were the treatment of choice to replace missing teeth and while they have improved immensely they are still not a permanent solution. Recent advances in bone-augmentation techniques have brought about quicker and more enhanced integration of the bone. These advances have allowed for earlier and immediate implant replacement to be effective. Now there is no need for you to live with teeth missing or with unstable dentures.

Why are implants better than dentures?

Dental implants Edinburgh are designed to work in the same way as your natural teeth which are anchored to your jaw by a root. Our natural teeth work well because they do not move as they have a root, unlike a bridge or dentures. Bridges require teeth or a tooth to which they can be anchored which over time can lead to problems.

What is the implant procedure?

Dental implants Edinburgh work on the basis that you must have a root that provides stability to your tooth so that there is no movement, especially when eating. Before we recommend implants we will always conduct a thorough oral examination with X-rays and a 3D scan. We will also want to know your entire medical history including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, and any supplements that you have used. We will then discuss if implants are the correct treatment for you and your condition. Once we are all in agreement that we are going to proceed we will draw up a comprehensive treatment plan. On the day of the procedure we will make a small incision in your gum to expose your jawbone. We then drill a small hole into your jawbone where the implant will be placed. A titanium post is inserted into the hole which will act as the root. You will then need to wait a few months while the bone and gum grow around the titanium post. Once this process is complete you will be required to return to our surgery where an abutment will be fitted to the post. This abutment is the piece into which the crown or artificial tooth will be placed. Before the final stage of the crown being affixed you will need to wait a further two weeks for your gum to heal from the abutment placement. You will then return to have the crown fitted which will be shaped and coloured to match your natural teeth.

After the dental implant has been fitted

For about two weeks we will advise you to eat soft foods to allow the site of the implant to heal properly. If you experience any discomfort contact us. After this two week period we will ask you to come back to the surgery so that we can assess your progress. After this visit you should be able to gradually return to normality with eating, drinking and oral care.

Do you take your dental hygiene seriously?

When it comes to teeth a lot of people believe that they can just have a check-up and that is all that’s needed for them to be okay. If only this was the case. At Meadowbank Dental we endeavour to make sure that all of our patients know how important it is to take care of their teeth properly if they wish to keep them both strong and healthy. We provide a variety of treatments surrounding dental hygiene Edinburgh. If you wish to find out more about what treatments we offer or you are simply worried about the condition of your own teeth then we recommend that you arrange an appointment to see one of our practitioners, as they will be able to advise you on which treatments will benefit you the most, as well as informing you about habits you should be trying to adopt at home.

Our dental practice can help

If you have been trying to find out more about dental hygiene Edinburgh you have come to the right place. At Meadowbank Dental we are not satisfied until our patients have a smile that they love, and a big part of achieving that is having an appointment with one of our practitioners for a scale and polish as well as a professional, thorough clean. At this appointment you will have any hardened plaque and tartar removed from the surfaces of your teeth. Your gums will also be cleaned properly, making sure there is no plaque gathering in the pockets at the bottom of your teeth. Once your teeth are completely clean you will have them polished too, which leaves them looking cleaner and fresher in a majority of circumstances. Having a professional clean regularly will help to keep things such as gingivitis and gum disease at bay, as well as helping to avoid things like general tooth decay.

Things you can do at home to help maintain strong, healthy teeth

A lot of people believe that when it comes to dental hygiene Edinburgh only a professional can help. Whilst it is important to have regular check-ups and professional cleans, there are also things that you can be doing at home to ensure that your teeth stay as strong and healthy as possible. For example, brushing your teeth twice a day is a must. Once first thing in the morning before you have eaten anything, and once last thing at night before you go to sleep. This will help to reduce plaque build-up, but it is important that you do not brush your teeth within an hour of eating food, as eating food weakens your enamel and brushing them can then damage it more. Alongside brushing, it is important to be flossing your teeth at least once a day too. This prevents anything from being caught between your teeth. Mouthwash can also be used to eliminate bacteria from around your mouth. If you are worried about which products to use then your dental practitioner will be able to recommend products that are suited to your individual situation.

Let’s consider dental hygiene in Edinburgh

When we think about things that we need to dedicate time to daily one of the first things we think of is cleaning our teeth, through brushing and flossing. Attaching importance to having a good oral hygiene routine is something that is taught to us as children, we then pass this on and teach the same level of importance to our own children.

When we practise a good oral hygiene routine, it helps us to avoid serious dental issues and the need to undergo invasive dental procedures that most of us would rather avoid. The benefits of having a high standard of oral hygiene are many, from having nice breath to feeling more confident about ourselves, the positive impacts on our lives are clear to understand.

As a leading dental practice in the area, Meadowbank Dental, we see our role as one of being on the front line in the fight for a good standard of dental hygiene Edinburgh. We have a strong desire to help all our patients to achieve the best oral health and hygiene standards possible, we aim to achieve this in a way that has a positive impact on our patients’ lives that is long lasting.

Brushing, flossing, and check-ups

At home, we can brush and floss our teeth to maintain cleanliness, but it is also very important to seek professional advice and assistance, as this will help to clean the areas of the teeth and gums that can not be reached with a toothbrush. Having a regular dental check-up helps our patients to have a good standard of dental hygiene Edinburgh.

At your dental check-ups our dentist can carry out assessments of your oral health and hygiene needs regularly, this will help to track any issues and allow them to make recommendations about any treatments they may feel will benefit you. They can also assess the level of plaque build-up; this will allow them to refer you to our dental hygienist if they feel there is a need and that it would be of benefit to you.

The role of the dental hygienist

A dental hygienist can play a major role in anyone’s oral health and hygiene practices, as they can bring their specialised knowledge and skills into play, applying their expertise to allow you to gain the benefit of their advice as well as their scrupulous dental cleaning.

The dental hygienist can clean your teeth professionally using specialised equipment and pastes, this is a process known as scaling and polishing. This will remove any plaque that has built up on your teeth and allows your teeth to look at their best and appear clean. Another important role of the hygienist is to offer you advice around the best practices and techniques for keeping your teeth clean, this will help to control plaque build-up.

The dental hygienist can also offer help and advice about your gums and breath, this can be a good way to nip any issues in the bud and avoid the need for a dentist when dealing with relatively simple issues.

Your next step

If you want to find out more about dental hygiene Edinburgh then feel free to contact our dental practice. Our reception staff are waiting for your call and will be happy to help with your questions. Whatever your dental needs may be, at Meadowbank you will be well looked after every step of the way.

What are the benefits of periodontics?

Periodontics Edinburgh is a branch of dentistry that focuses solely on restoring gum health. Patients tend to concern themselves mainly with teeth but dental professionals know well the vital importance of gums remaining in a healthy condition too.

In a similar way that high blood pressure is considered a silent disease, so too, is periodontal or gum disease. Many of the red flags (bite changes, receding gums, and separating teeth) that point to gum disease aren’t easily noticeable by the patient until these get to advanced stages in the progression of the disease.

Identifying gum disease or potential gum disease is part of what our competent dentist at Meadowbank Dental does during a routine dental check. By ignoring scheduled dental health checks, a patient’s gum condition will go untreated sparking deteriorating gum and jawbone quality and severe tooth loss. Once our dental practitioner has confirmed the onset of periodontal disease, there is an array of periodontal therapies available. As patients’ conditions vary from individual to individual, a professional consultation is required to find the most suitable treatment plan involving periodontics Edinburgh.

Why patients should look to periodontics Edinburgh

In addition to providing an excellent treatment that protects gum and jawbone health, periodontal therapy provides a number of benefits, including the following:

Contributes to a pleasing smile. A great looking smile is not only concerned with the look of teeth (colour, alignment, etc.) but also includes healthy looking gums. Gums that are kept in good condition is an important factor when evaluating smiles.

Keeping your breath fresh. It is common for patients to look at causes for bad breath above the gum line. Gum problems are another source that leads to chronic halitosis. It should be remembered that bad bacteria and decaying food particles can collect below the gum line as well as above. Periodontal therapies can also target the removal of any unwanted particles impacting the invisible part of the gums.

Identify potential medical conditions. It is surprising how much a dental professional can tell about a patient’s medical condition just by examining the gums. Dental issues, gum disease in particular, can reveal illnesses that are found in other parts of the body. If gums are in poor health then it is very likely that a patient’s cardiovascular health is compromised.

Protect other mouth structures. Parts of the mouth do not work in isolation with many parts such as the gums and jawbone depending on the good health of teeth to remain strong and healthy. When gums are diseased (and if left untreated) this condition can put jawbone density and other structures such as periodontal ligaments at risk.

The onset of gum disease is a highly treatable condition when preventive measures are put in place like scaling and polishing. By seeking treatment for periodontal disease sooner, a patient avoids long-drawn out treatments that can come with a heavy price tag.

One sure-fire way to avoid both the cost and time of correcting complex gum problems is to have our friendly dental practitioner at Meadowbank Dental carry out regular screenings for gum disease, oral cancers while also ensuring teeth are clean, strong and healthy.

Perk up your smile to smarten your life with dental implants in Edinburgh

Why should I visit a dentist?

There are many reasons why it is important to visit a dentist regularly. First and foremost, one should prioritise dental health as it plays a key part in a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Discomfort, distress and pain caused by dental diseases and problems can leave one feeling less productive and apathetic towards life and its challenges. Furthemore, it can also affect an individual’s confidence and self esteem. This will in turn have an impact on everyday life, both in the professional and personal aspects of life. A dentist will guide and advise individuals on the best practices involved in maintaining good oral hygiene.

What are some common dental problems?

There are different dental problems that can have a detrimental impact on a person’s wellbeing and quality of life. Cavities, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, and sensitive teeth are some of the common dental problems experienced by individuals. Here at Meadowbank, we understand how having any kind of dental issue can be a stressful experience, and our aim is to make sure that you can feel secure in both the quality of our care and the efficiency of our treatments.

What are some treatments to these problems?

There are some common dental treatments for the above mentioned dental issues including bridges, crowns, fillings, root canal treatment, braces and dental implants. Below, we have looked into dental implants to provide you with more information before you decide what treatment is best for you!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants Edinburgh are usually recommended for missing teeth replacement. This is a surgical fixture that is fixed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse over a duration of a few months. The artificial tooth closely imitates natural teeth and this process of fusion is called osseointegration. Most of these dental implants Edinburgh are made of titanium, which does not react with the jawbone and the teeth around it.

Why would you need a dental implant?

Dental implants Edinburgh are usually used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. The aim of replacing a tooth or teeth is to replace the function of the tooth as well as the aesthetics. It is important to consider getting a dental implant if you have a missing tooth, as it can generally improve your overall oral health.

What are some factors considered when opting for this treatment?

There are several factors that are taken into account when opting for this treatment.

They include the location of the missing tooth or teeth, the quality or condition of the jaw bone, the health of the individual who will be undergoing the treatment, the cost and the individual’s preference are some of the factors.

A dentist will examine the location that the dental implant might be fixed and decide if the individual is in good health to receive this treatment. These implants don’t have a negative impact on the teeth surrounding it. They are also very stable and don’t stand out, despite being artificial. This is ideal for patients who may feel self conscious about having implants.

Invisalign Edinburgh, helping you perfect your smile

What is it?

When a crooked smile occurs, which is more common than you may think, the first thought of correction is chunky, metal braces that are not necessarily conspicuous and as an adult may fill you with dread. Therefore in some cases, people turn away from receiving treatment believing it is better to keep the crooked smile rather than face the public with a chunky brace. This is where Invisalign Edinburgh comes in.

These transparent retainers, which are removable at home, not only save time but also provide a treatment that you can feel comfortable in and embrace the outside world whilst undergoing this excellent treatment.

How does it work?

To begin your journey with Invisalign Edinburgh you can literally visualise the end result by taking a selfie or uploading a photo on our Smile experience page which will then show you what the result will be after this treatment is completed. Once this small but effective visualisation occurs it is then up to you and your dental team to get your consultation booked in. Whilst an app can show you the end result there are many aspects to consider when choosing an orthodontic treatment and whilst cosmetically retainers are often the personal preference, it is important to have a treatment that will be effective as well as cosmetically appealing. This is why the consultation is of high importance as a series of photographs, x-rays and physical examinations will occur along with a discussion about how misaligned the teeth may be and what the best way forward is.

The Invisalign process

If Invisalign Edinburgh is the best treatment for you a series of aligners will be created based on your photographic images and x-rays. This takes approximately 2 weeks and that is when another appointment will take place to instruct you on how to use the retainers so that they actually achieve the results wanted within the least amount of time.

Each retainer is to be worn for approximately 22 hours a day with removal only occurring during times of food consumption and when carrying out your daily oral hygiene process. This ensures that no food debris gets stuck within the retainers which is the last thing we want to happen when on a zoom call and not hiding behind our face masks!

Following on from the 22 hours a day, each set of retainers are to be worn for a period of time which generally spans over a couple of weeks per set. However, the length of time each set is to be worn will be discussed during your appointment as this can vary from patient to patient and it is important to have the progress monitored by your dental team to ensure the teeth are guided into position gently. It is therefore essential that you attend regular appointments every 6 weeks to monitor the progress.

Once the desired alignment has been reached, a new retainer will be provided which is to be worn ongoing to ensure that the new positioning of the teeth remains rather than reverting to their previous position.

The importance of dental hygiene

Dental hygiene is a vital aspect of everyone’s daily routine. Our aim at Meadowbank Dental Practice is to ensure that everyone has good dental hygiene Edinburgh. Maintaining good dental hygiene can prevent disease and other associated oral problems such as halitosis and loss of teeth. In order to prevent such diseases, it is vital that you have regular check-ups with our professionals who specialise in dental hygiene Edinburgh and can carry out thorough checks to ensure that your teeth are in a satisfactory and safe condition. Our dentists offer a wide variety of services to suit your personal needs and will guide you through your consultations so that you leave satisfied that your teeth have been tended to properly.

Benefits of good oral hygiene

There are endless benefits to having good oral hygiene; not only does it improve the overall appearance and protection of your teeth, but it also prevents any significant dental health issues from occurring. Most major dental problems can be avoided by carrying out simple daily routines such as flossing and brushing twice a day. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home also helps reduce dental bills, as procedures can often be quite expensive. We understand that poor dental hygiene can affect a person’s self-esteem, so here at Meadowbank Dental Practice we put emphasis on educating adults and children about how to manage dental hygiene at home efficiently, so that these issues can be prevented in the long term.

Preventive treatments

It is vital that you visit your dentist regularly even if you think your dental hygiene is adequate.

The maintenance of overall dental hygiene Edinburgh for patients is carried out by a team of our most experienced and professional hygienists, who work closely with our dentists to offer various preventive treatments. This is to avoid any possible future problems which may arise if you do not get the proper professional care that your teeth require. We at Meadowbank Dental Practice offer treatments ranging from plaque removal, to offering advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene. We also highly encourage parents to bring young children for regular dental hygiene check-ups. By doing this, our hygienists will be able to detect early signs of any under- or overbites and can develop an action plan to manage and prevent any underlying problems from worsening over time.

What to expect at a consultation

A consultation at our clinic usually involves one of our dental hygienists evaluating any previous or current issues you may be experiencing. They will then proceed to screen your teeth and check for any signs of tooth decay or other diseases that may be present. The hygienist will then decide what level of hygiene care you require; here at our practice we offer treatments ranging from regular hygiene check-ups for infants, to cancer screenings for patients with possible cases of mouth cancer. Our hygienists are fully trained to carry out a large number of procedures to ensure that you are fully satisfied with your experience and quality of care. Here at Meadowbank Dental Practice we aim to make your visit as comfortable and successful as possible. We take pride in our high quality of care and increasing success rate in preventing and solving dental problems for our patients in Edinburgh.

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