Author Archives: Meadowbank Dental Practice

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.

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.

What are periodontics?

With periodontics in Edinburgh, you can achieve the smile you deserve. Here at Meadowbank Dental, we strive to provide a top-level of care and help you achieve great results. One way we do this is through the effective use of periodontics in Edinburgh. A bit different to some of the more well-known areas of dentistry this is a specialised area that focuses on the overall health and the well being of your mouth, specifically your gums. This is an effort to combat what is known as periodontal disease. Our team is equipped to help with oral inflammation or dental implants. This is an area of particular specialism in dentistry and if you are looking for an assured level of care and treatment for any gum related illness our team here at Meadowbank Dental are here to help.

What will treatment involve

Periodontal disease, most commonly known as gum disease, has become the most common cause of tooth loss in adults in the united kingdom that could otherwise have been prevented. So in order to act on this your first visit related to periodontics in Edinburgh will begin with getting to know you and your current state of oral health. A thorough examination as well as taking a thorough look at any pre-existing medical conditions will allow the team to fully understand how to proceed with your dental treatment. This examination will reveal any recession in your gums and help u to spot any welling around your gums, these are telltale signs of early periodontal disease or even gingivitis. Your periodontist will take a look to see how your teeth fit together. This will also help them see if any of your teeth are starting to come loose. a measuring tool may be used to gauge the spaces between your teeth. Further tests may also be required such as x-rays, but this will be depending on your existing conditions. All of this is in an effort to get a clear picture of your oral health condition and how we can improve it.

Gum contouring

Another aspect of treating periodontal disease is something called gum contouring, a service that could be offered by Meadowbank Dental. This is actually a type of cosmetic dentistry that can be used to mould a patient’s come and reshape it, this will help to combat issues related to an overly gapped smile, or one that appears to have too much gum. Such cosmetic dentistry will allow patients who otherwise would have been self-conscious or even embarrassed about their gum appearance, smile with confidence again.

Periodontics are an important part of dentistry for the obvious health benefit but also for the benefits to a patient self-esteem and the cosmetic improvements. Either way, if you are considering a treatment like these mentioned then please do get in contact with our friendly team at Meadowbank Dental who are well equipped to help you. We understand that undertaking any sort of dental treatment can be overwhelming or daunting but with reassurance from our qualified dentists, you can be reassured that you are in very capable hands. The very best thing that you can do is talk to us and start the journey to a healthier smile.

Don’t leave missing teeth unchecked: get dental implants in Edinburgh

Finding a solution to missing teeth is not just an aesthetic issue. The worst thing you can do when you have a missing tooth is to do nothing at all. You need your teeth and finding a suitable treatment is the first step in restoring full function, whether that be in aligning them with your other teeth or maintaining the overall shape of your face.

More than just a pretty set of pearly whites your teeth affect the position of surrounding teeth. They are placeholders if you like. If you fail to address a missing tooth the ones beside it may move and drift into the now vacant space where your tooth used to be. This will throw your remaining teeth out of line. But even more than this, the root of your tooth actually stimulates the development of your jaw and cheekbones, without it they can lack the necessary density you would naturally have in these areas.

With clear benefits seen for replacing missing teeth what are the options for you? Continue reading clear advice on your options with Meadowbank Dental, in particular the great option of dental implants in Edinburgh.

Dental Implants, what are they?

A solid favourite when replacing teeth is the dental implant. There are plenty of convincing reasons why this is of benefit so let’s take a look at some of these. These are actually full implants where essentially a new root is produced and a false tooth is then fixed to that.

What benefits come from dental implants?

Let’s see what benefits arise from making the excellent decision to go for dental implants in Edinburgh.

As mentioned before these do not just achieve aesthetic benefits but they do certainly have a great effect on the shape of your face and of course that lovely bright smile of yours. You can grin with confidence again following the treatment.

Eat and be merry! While sticking to a healthy and balanced diet, for your oral health especially, dental implants do away with the need to be overly fussy about what food you eat based on discomfort.

These are potentially permanent solutions to your missing teeth. With the right level of care and advice from dedicated dentists like our team at Meadowbank Dental, these could last a lifetime.

What should you know before getting implants?

It cannot be stressed enough that the first step to getting dental implants in Edinburgh really should be to discuss your options further with our team of dentists at Meadowbank Dental. They may be able to point out any potential set back on your path to a better smile.

Some areas of potential concern may be pre-existing conditions like uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Are you a smoker or do you have gum disease currently? These again are aspects of your treatment we would want to discuss with you at length and potentially bring under control prior to the implants. This allows your treatment the very best opportunity to be long lasting and effective.

Still have some questions? Are you nervous about the idea of dental treatment like this? Hopefully this article is of use to you in getting some background on dental implants but if you want to find out more then talk to our team today who will give you a full picture of what to do next.

Let Invisalign in Edinburgh get your smile back on track

Let your smile shine

At Meadowbank Dental, we recognise the strain that 2020 has placed on a lot of our patients. It has been a challenging year for us all, but we must remember to smile. Doing so has been clinically proven to have an uplifting effect on our mood and general wellbeing.

However, we also recognise that a portion of people out there often find smiling to be a struggle as they are embarrassed or unhappy with having visibly misaligned teeth.

Many people do not seek any orthodontic help, because they are unaware of what options are available. Many believe that they must wear fused metal braces to achieve a straighter smile – which often deters teenagers and young adults.

Seeking Invisalign Edinburgh from us here at Meadowbank Dental provides those who have misaligned teeth with a solution that can comfortably and discreetly realign their smile.

Undergoing Invisalign Edinburgh is so discreet that it often goes completely unnoticed, making it a desirable treatment for teenagers or young professionals aiming to achieve a straight smile.

What is Invisalign?

The Invisalign method is a new cosmetic orthodontic treatment that has been designed to be as minimally invasive as possible. Unlike traditional orthodontics, the Invisalign system does not need to be attached to the patient’s teeth in any way.

Instead, the orthodontic alignment is achieved through pressure points, which are within a custom-made orthodontic retainer. Each retainer is made from a mould of the patient’s teeth and is constructed from thin transparent plastic.

Since its advent in 2001, the Invisalign system has become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic orthodontics globally. Below are some of the main appeals of the Invisalign retainer system.

Comfort – As nothing needs to be bonded to any part of the patient’s teeth, the Invisalign method is typically far more comfortable and less invasive than traditional orthodontic methods.

Convenience – Because the Invisalign system consists entirely of a removable plastic retainer, patients can choose to take out their retainer whenever they choose to periodically. This gives patients freedom that very few other orthodontic treatments offer.

Confidence – As each Invisalign retainer is custom-fitted to cover the patient’s teeth entirely, and as it is transparent, it practically slips out of sight completely. This gives the patients confidence to wear their retainer daily without attracting any unwanted scrutiny.

How do I get Invisalign?

If you feel that your smile could benefit from the discreet orthodontic help of Invisalign in Edinburgh, then the first step would be to speak to one of our experts here at Meadowbank and arrange a consultation.

Typically, following a consultation, the treatment process for getting Invisalign goes as laid out below.

A practitioner will thoroughly examine your teeth for any potential risks – such as gum disease – which may prevent the Invisalign process from being effective.

An impression of your teeth will then be taken, along with photographs of your tooth structure and shape – from which an engineer will create your retainer.

Your custom made Invisalign retainer is then created around two weeks later. After crafting, patients can begin their Invisalign treatment by wearing their retainer for around 22-24 hours a day for the best results.

At Meadowbank Dental, we also allow our patients to see a digital rendering of how their smiles will look after they have completed their Invisalign treatment – which often gives them the confidence they need to commit to the treatment process.

Staying on top of your dental hygiene in Edinburgh

At our dental clinic located within Edinburgh we take huge pride in the high standard of dentistry we provide to all of our new and pre-registered dental patients. Many of our patients may overlook their scheduled biannual appointment at our modern dental clinic, however we strive to ensure all of our patients are aware of the importance of oral health within the walls of our dental surgery.

Why is it so important to maintain a high standard of dental hygiene Edinburgh?

Dental hygiene Edinburgh may often be overlooked by many of our patients, this may be due to a hectic work or social life such as work commitments which make it difficult to pay a visit to our clinic or even due to the belief they follow an adequate dental hygiene routine within the comfort of their own home. Whatever the cause however, paying a regular visit to a patient’s local surgery can make a huge difference to their general oral health.

Expressing the importance of preventive dentistry

At our modern and friendly dental clinic situated within the heart of Edinburgh we offer our patients a wide variety of dental care such as general, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments. However we also choose to advocate the importance of general preventive dental treatments to maintain a high standard of oral health. Despite many of our patients looking to receive tooth whitening, discreet orthodontic appliances, and even dental implants (to name just a few popular examples), many individuals may forget about the priority they should be placing regarding their overall dental health. But why is preventive dental care so important?

Taking the time to take care of your smile

Within the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our specialist team understands how hard it can be to stay on top of your dental health, which is why we strive to make the entire process as simple as possible for our patients. Despite many modern dental clinics expressing the importance of staying up-to-date with oral hygiene, many individuals may be unsure of what to expect from an oral hygiene appointment within the walls of our clinic.

What to expect from a biannual check-up within the walls of or surgery

Biannual dental check-ups are often overlooked by many individuals, despite this however, the maintenance of a high standard of dental care could be argued as the basis for dental health. At our dental clinic within Edinburgh we choose to treat every dental patient as entirely unique, which essentially means they achieve the best possible results for their individual smile, however during a dental hygiene appointment there are several standardised procedures that our specialist team may choose to follow.

So what happens next?

Once you have booked your dental hygiene appointment with a member of our friendly team, then your dental hygiene journey can begin. During a standard dental hygiene Edinburgh appointment patients can expect to receive a general assessment of their mouth, in addition to checking for any signs of general decay and cavities, as well as a thorough deep clean of teeth. This will be alongside advice on oral hygiene care going forward.

What is the role of a dental hygienist at our clinic?

The role of a specialist dental hygienist at our clinic is to ensure our patients’ smiles are free of plaque, therefore preventing the potential development of oral diseases and infections such as gum disease, to name just one common example, whilst reducing the symptoms of poor oral health care such as bad breath.

Do you want straight teeth with Invisalign in Edinburgh?

This extremely popular treatment has allowed millions of people worldwide the opportunity to discreetly and conveniently straighten their teeth without frequent dental appointments. This is with an enormous support base online, as well as a consistent availability of an oral healthcare professional at their side.

Invisalign Edinburgh gives patients the best of both worlds and we are pleased to be able to offer you this solution to your misaligned bite or teeth. If you have a smile that isn’t quite up to scratch, then we invite you to come and talk to us about this option to see whether it is suitable for you.

Not everyone can use this treatment, although advances in the models means that more people can than not. Severe and complex misalignments do respond better to more traditional fixed devices, which give more control over the movement of your teeth, but if you have moderate to minor misalignments, then the initial iTero scan will be able to swiftly provide answers for you.

What is this iTero scan?

Lying at the heart of this treatment is an innovative scanning software that maps the precise movement of your teeth and jaw to realign your smile in the most effective and convenient way possible. We digitally model clear, plastic teeth aligners from these scan results and you wear these over the course of several months, wearing a new one every fortnight or so, to push your teeth into their correct position.

Another benefit of the scan is that we can digitally produce a visual representation of the movement and final result of your smile after completing Invisalign Edinburgh, which inspires and motivates you. A lot of people either have unrealistic expectations or cannot imagine themselves with straighter teeth, so this is a great way of clarifying any thoughts that our patient might have.

How does this treatment differ from others?

Because Invisalign Edinburgh is removable, you can enjoy a type of freedom that is not found with other teeth straightening devices. Although you must wear the device for a minimum of 22 hours each day, you do have more freedom to carry on life as normal, without needing frequent dental check-ups to tighten wires.

Fixed braces are designed to pull teeth into their right alignment, but this treatment pushes. Both are equally effective, it is just a different style of treatment that has been developed over the years where dentists attempt to provide suitable solutions for the vastly different patients that they see.

If you believe this treatment to be a good option for you, we would love to help you on your journey to straighter, more healthier teeth with these clear, plastic aligners. You can enjoy eating the foods you want, nobody needs to know that you’re wearing them and you are certainly in control of your teeth straightening experience. With a good measure of self-control and willpower to see the treatment through to a positive outcome, you too, like millions before you, can enjoy a straighter smile with this treatment.

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