SIX MONTH SMILES

I decided years ago that I wanted the Six Month Smiles, but never got around to it.

For those who haven’t heard of the Six Month Smiles, it’s a dental treatment which involves bracing and re-aligning the teeth.

However, Covid-19 happened and after the first lockdown, when dental practices opened their appointment books again, I decided to go for it.

I mean, public gatherings were cancelled for the foreseeable and face to face contact was behind a mask, so it was the perfect time to get them done.

I’ve always kept up to date with my dental appointment and after having the girls we switched to an NHS practice which we attended every 6 months. The girls had complimentary check-ups whilst we paid for ours. I had the odd filling and x-ray but other than that I was considered to have good oral health.

Most appointments were typically a check-up and polish and I was sent off with a satisfactory bill of health as far as I was concerned.

So when I visited a private dental practice for the Six Month Smiles consultation I was shocked with the outcome of my x-ray results.

The first consultation was an oral exam with no obligation, and I was given time to think of the options given available to me. The dentist agreed I could be a candidate but needed to investigate further should I decide to proceed.

The second consultation was an oral exam, x-ray and to discuss eligibility of my Six Month Smiles. After the x-ray the Dentist asked if I smoked, I explained that I smoked in my teens/early twenties and he could tell from the x-ray. He asked if I’d ever been told I had gum disease, which I hadn’t. In fact, I had always been complimented about my teeth and I’d never been concerned about my oral health only cosmetically due to the structure of my bottom teeth which were crooked and slight dis-alignment of the top.

I was shown my x-ray and the dentist asked if I floss my teeth which I didn’t, and I only ever used a normal tooth brush.

He explained that he could see signs of gum disease and that bacteria can hide in pockets between your gums and teeth. As the pockets extend, more tartar, plaque, and germs gather underneath the gums, prompting the loss of bone and connective tissue around my teeth. Without the bone and stable tendons to hold my teeth in their sockets, they become loose and can fall out.

My connective tissue had diminished down to 25% on the x-ray and he explained that another 15 years my teeth would probably start to loosen.

This came as a shock to me and he took his time to show me how to floss with what I would describe as a miniature toilet brush and how to use a thread floss for tight gaps.

When the floss came out, I could see the plaque, he explained how this can end up being linked to heart disease and Alzheimer’s and so practicing oral hygiene by incorporating his tips were crucial.

He also recommended investing in an electric toothbrush so needless to say I improved my oral hygiene immediately and felt a difference straight away.

My mouth and teeth felt super clean and it’s made me more conscious of making healthier choices. It’s surprising what a bit of education can do.

I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that I wasn’t warned of my gum disease earlier as I regularly attended my NHS dental appointments. Surely previous x-rays would have shown up my gum disease so that I could have reinforced the importance of oral hygiene. I’m so grateful of the day I walked into Glandwr Dental Practice. I look forward to sharing the rest of my Six Month Smiles journey with you. The practice offer interest free finance and re-payments can be calculated from their website.

Big shout out to another local practice who also offer orthodontic procedures, Abersoch Dental Practice. It really is worth looking after you smile, and these practices have a great reputation and great Instagram accounts if you want to see some awesome before and after work.