The dental surgeons at Ireland & Yuill have all been trained in key areas of dentistry.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the straightening of teeth and the correction of the 3D relationship of jaws and teeth. This type of treatment is most common amongst children, but many adults are beginning to realise the benefits of this service. In the US, adult orthodontic work is common and, with new developments in technology, it can be much simpler than you imagine. No longer does there have to be the stigma of a stainless steel smile. For a number of years we have been able to provide orthodontic braces with white brackets and white arch wires. So, with no metal visible, you can go about your daily life without anyone realising that you are wearing braces.
Standard treatment times for orthodontic work can range from 12 to 18 months in more difficult cases.
Cosmetic dentistry
Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us. To make sure a smile is as attractive as possible many people are now exploring the improvements cosmetic dentistry can offer. At Ireland & Yuill cosmetic dentistry is an affordable option with interest-free finance schemes provided through Denplan covering some cosmetic procedures. Please ask your dentist what is covered.
Cosmetic crowns: A good cosmetic crown should be unnoticeable when you smile and can be far stronger than traditional crowns. The total cost of manufacturing and installing a traditional crown is less than the manufacturing costs involved with creating cosmetic crowns. The difference in quality is therefore not just aesthetic, but also in durability.
White fillings: White fillings are a popular cosmetic request as an alternative to unsightly traditional mercury fillings. Thanks to technological advances, white fillings are much stronger today and offer an attractive alternative to mercury amalgams.
Tooth whitening: Tooth whitening is becoming increasingly popular and can be carried out by your dentist safely and with lasting results. At Ireland & Yuill we use the Pola Night system which is a take-home tooth whitening system. Your dentist will discuss your requirements and take impressions for a custom-made tray (similar to a mouth guard). You apply the spearmint-flavoured clear gel to the tray and wear it whenever you want, although most patients find it easier to wear overnight. Pola Night is available in 10% or 16% carbamide peroxide and takes about five to 14 days to work. The treatment can be topped up as required.
Hygienist
Your hygienist or dentist at Ireland & Yuill is there to ensure the health of your gums and bones. It is extremely important to tackle the bacterial plaque growing around the necks of your teeth and the small spaces between gums and teeth. Your hygienist helps to prevent gum disease and other major dental health problems – a very important area of dental health care.
Flossing on a daily basis will help ensure that regular six-monthly visits to your hygienist should be adequate, unless you have immediate gum problems. However, almost 90% of us do not floss regularly and they should expect to see their hygienist at three-month intervals to help limit the damage to support tissues caused by plaque.
Ireland & Yuill recommend regular visits to your hygienist and carry many of the specialist dental products which can help limit the damage of bacteria.
General dentistry
General dentistry is commonly referred to as NHS treatment. Babies can be registered for general dentistry treatment with your dentist as soon as they are born. It is important to introduce your baby to the dental team as soon as possible as babies accept things that are familiar to them. Children receive free dental treatment until they are 18 if they are in full-time education. Mothers receive free treatment until their baby's first birthday.
Much of the work performed in general dentistry is the removal of decayed areas of teeth – leading to fillings, inlays, crowns and bridgework. Root treatment is a frequent requirement where decay has penetrated too far into the nerve structure and the nerve often has to be removed to prevent abscess.
Another common area covered by general dentistry is denture construction – the fitting of artificial teeth mounted in metal or acrylic structures, which are removed at night.
Myofacial pain
Myofacial pain is a common dental concern. In the US it is estimated that 60% of the population grind their teeth during sleep. Only 20% experience myofacial pain from this problem but for this 20% it is a very serious problem. Patients with this type of problem tend to wake at night with aching jaws and migraine-like symptoms which may appear 2-3 hours after wakening. This headache type of pain can last several hours, or even several days at a time. Sufferers may also regularly report unusual and intense pains around the neck, the head, the base of the skull, the shoulders, even in the spinal column. These pains can often become chronic, lasting for prolonged periods of time.
This problem can affect the general health of sufferers in both their private and work lives. The cure can often simply be the creation of a night guard. While this is similar to a sportsguard, it has to be customised to fit your mouth perfectly and rarely has to be worn during the day.
Contact Ireland & Yuill if you feel that this is a problem that affects you.
