Oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is paramount if you’re trying to enhance your smile – and at Confident Orthodontics, we help you keep your smile in top shape with professional dental cleanings. we also offer direct access to our hygienist so patients don’t need to be in orthodontic treatment or referred by their dentist to see us.

The importance of hygiene during orthodontic treatment

During orthodontic treatment, it is even more important to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Orthodontic appliances can provide extra places for plaque and bacteria to hide, and it can be difficult to keep your teeth and appliances clean without a professional cleaning.

If you need restorative dental work done, we may have to put your orthodontic treatment on hold – prolonging your treatment times. That’s why being proactive about the health of your smile is the best course of action during treatment.

Our hygienist can also give you advice on the best way to clean your teeth and appliance during treatment.

Hygiene appointment FAQs

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about our oral hygiene appointments:

Where is Confident Orthodontics located?

Confident Orthodontics is located near Junction 25 in Taunton. We have free parking available at our clinic.

What days and times does your dental hygienist work?

Our dental hygienist works every Tuesday from 9am to 5pm and 1 x 4 Saturday every 4 weeks, from 9am to 4pm.

How soon can I book a dental cleaning?

We have availability as early as next week.

How much does a dental cleaning cost?

Under 18’s

30 mins for new patient appointment £60.00.
20 mins for regular appointment £40.00.

Over 18’s

45 mins for new patient apointments £85.00.
30 mins for regular appointment £60.00.

For more complex cases our hygienist may create a treatment plan if required which means costs may vary but will be discussed with you at your new patient appointment.

What is your cancellation or do not attend policy?

If you cancel your hygiene appointment with less than 48 hours notice or fail to attend, a fee will be applied.

Book your oral hygiene appointment

You can book your oral hygiene appointment without a dental referral. Simply contact our team to book your appointment today.

Gum disease

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth when it comes to oral hygiene. If you don’t take good care of your smile, plaque build up can lead to gum disease, which comes with a whole host of health issues. In fact, it is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the gum tissues that weakens the tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. This leaves your teeth at greater risk of sensitivity, decay, and even loss. Some symptoms of gum disease include:

- Red and swollen gums
- Gums that bleed after tooth brushing
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gum lines
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is another name for gum inflammation, and it is usually the precursor to full-blown gum disease (periodontitis). Many people get gingivitis at some point in their lives, but with treatment, it doesn’t need to develop into gum disease.

In the early stages, gingivitis can cause gum irritation and bleeding, but your teeth should still be firmly rooted in place. There isn’t any irreversible tissue or bone damage at this stage. If you have gingivitis, you may be able to reverse it by practising proper oral hygiene and going to regular dental cleanings.

When gum issues progress into periodontitis, the gum and bone pull away from your teeth, creating pockets that bacteria thrive in. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause permanent tooth loss.

Treatment of gum disease

At Confident Orthodontics we have a range of treatments for gum disease. If caught early, you may be able to turn things around through simple changes to your diet and oral care routine, which we can help you with.

If you have progressed into periodontitis, our dental hygienist can give you her best recommendations after assessing your smile in person.