All posts by Catherine McCanny

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOURS

 

Holiday

The practice is now closed for the Christmas holidays.

Our open hours are;

Monday 25th December – CLOSED

Tuesday 26th December – CLOSED

Wednesday 27th December – 9am – 1pm         2pm – 5pm

Thursday 28th December – 9am – 1pm         2pm – 5pm

Friday 29th December – 9am – 1pm         2pm – 5pm

Monday 1st January – CLOSED

Tuesday 2nd January – 9am – 1pm         2pm – 5.30pm

If you require urgent care outside these hours please contact 111.

BE MOUTHAWARE: 45 SECONDS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

M C

Are you able to recognise the changes in your mouth? That’s the question posed by St Michaels Orthodontics Ltd as they support a charity campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

The orthodontic practice, based Wakefield is urging West Yorkshire residents to be more Mouthaware and recognise the early warning signs of mouth cancer, ahead of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

With awareness of the disease remaining alarmingly low, St Michaels Orthodontcs say that a simple 45 second check is often all that’s needed to identify anything unusual and be able to then seek professional guidance.

  • Early diagnosis transforms our chances of beating mouth cancer from 50 per cent to 90 percent so it is crucial that we know what to look out for and that we do not hesitate in seeking advice from a health professional.
  • A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area, can all be potential signs of mouth cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth.
  • Quite often it is easier to notice lumps and bumps on the outside of the body or to dismiss a mouth ulcer as benign. Most of us will spend at least a few minutes every day in front of a mirror brushing our teeth so while we’re there it makes sense to have a quick look inside the mouth.
  • If you keep a lookout for these symptoms then a simple 45 second check really could save your life.
  • If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please speak to your dentist or a doctor.

Mouth Cancer Action Month takes place throughout November and is organised by the Oral Health Foundation.

With around 7,000 Brits diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, the disease is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers, with cases rising by a third in the last decade alone.

Survival rates of mouth cancer have not improved in the last 20 years and the oral health charity is concerned that too many are mouth cancers are being diagnosed at a late stage, significantly reducing our chance to beat the disease.

CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE added: “Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth including the lips, tongue, cheek, throat and gums.

“Mouth cancer can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, impacting on their breathing, eating and speech. Reconstructive surgery could also change their appearance while the experience often has an impact on confidence and self-esteem.

“By developing a greater understanding about the early warning signs and symptoms, the lifestyle factors which increase our risk, and recognising where to go if we notice anything unusual inside our mouth, we can detect mouth cancer early. This will not only improve our chances of beating it but will also reduce the amount of invasive surgery needed to treat it.

“During every dental check-up, your dentist will do a visual examination for mouth cancer and look for anything that might be a cause for concern. That’s why it’s so important to keep regular dental check-ups – it’s not just about the health of our teeth and gums – a trip to the dentist could really be a life saver.”

To book an appointment with St Michaels Dental Practice please call 01924 383369

To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www.mouthcancer.org

 

 

Frequently asked questions about your NHS referral

Frequently Asked Questions about NHS Orthodontics

Q. What is NHS Orthodontics?

A. Each year the practice is allocated a contract with a set amount of funding to use for free orthodontic treatment. This funding is available to people under the age of 18 years who require treatment on the grounds of dental health. However restrictions now apply to who is eligible for NHS treatment. In addition, the amount of annual funding provided to us is limited. As a result patients who are eligible for NHS treatment may have to be placed on a waiting list until more funds become available.

Q. Why do some people qualify for orthodontic treatment and some do not?

A. One of our Orthodontic Specialists will assess if your child is eligible for NHS treatment using an assessment scale called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This is made up of 5 grades, 1 is the least severe and 5 the most. NHS treatment is available to those who grade at levels 4 or 5 on this scale.

 

IOTN

 

Q. Do all Orthodontists use the IOTN?

A. Yes. All orthodontic specialists who carry out NHS treatment in England and Wales use the IOTN to grade their patients.

Q. Why is the list so long?

A. A large number of patients are referred to us by their dentist for an NHS Orthodontic assessment. Regrettably it is not possible to see everyone straight away given the amount of funding we receive. We therefore use an assessment waiting list system to ensure patients are called for their assessment in turn, which can be up to 40  months. If your child qualifies for NHS treatment and their dental health is of the required standard they will commence treatment.

Q. So what do I do now?

A. We will contact you in writing once your child has reached the top of the waiting list. (Please remember to inform us of any change of address)

We hope this information helps to explain the procedures surrounding NHS Orthodontics but if you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us on 01924 380680 and our staff will be happy to help.

How to care for your Invisalign aligners

So your on the road to your dream smile! 

 

Follow this simple advice to care for your aligners

  • Aligners must be worn for 22 hours per day. They should be removed for cleaning the teeth and for eating and drinking anything other than water. Failure to wear the aligners as instructed will produce unpredictable tooth movements and full alignment of the teeth cannot be guaranteed.
  • Drinking sugary drinks or eating sugary foods with the aligners in your mouth can cause extensive damage to the teeth. The aligners should also be removed for contact sports or swimming.
  • When aligners are fitted, they can feel tight and uncomfortable. This feeling usually wears off after a few hours. The plastic also increases salivation and again this wears off after a few hours. We recommend using chewies to seat the aligners every time you put them in.
  • Your speech may be affected slightly when the aligners are first inserted but this will reduce after the first day or so.
  • Each set of aligners is worn usually for 10 days unless instructed by your orthodontist. When changing to the next aligner it is advisable to change this just before going to bed to minimise discomfort and reduce lisping.
  • Aligners should be stored in a box when not in the mouth to keep them safe. If aligners are lost or broken beyond repair please inform the orthodontist immediately.
  • When the aligners are first fitted and the teeth start to move it is normal to feel some discomfort of your teeth. This is usually worse for the first 24-36 hours and then eases. Painkillers can be taken to relieve this
  • If the aligner irritates the gum, please contact the orthodontist to smooth the appliance. A nail file can used to smooth any rough areas.
  • Tooth coloured attachments are fitted to the teeth to help with tooth movement. Please contact us if any of these attachments come off.
  • Retainer Brite is recommended for cleaning the aligners. Always use lukewarm water to dissolve the Retainer Brite tablets. DO NOT USE HOT WATER as this will distort the plastic.
  • DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE to clean the aligners as this will damage and discolour them.
  • Do not smoke when wearing aligners as the heat of the cigarette will distort the plastic. The nicotine will discolour the plastic.

smile 1

 

How to care for your fixed brace

Caring for your fixed appliance

Follow the instructions below to ensure that you care for you brace as well as possible!

grren monseter                                 Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing is very important. The brace should be cleaned after every meal. This means that you will need to clean your teeth at school or work. You will need two types of brush to clean your teeth thoroughly. The first is an orthodontic toothbrush it has a ’v’’ shape, designed to go around the brackets. The second is called an interdental brush. This one is essential to clean between the brackets and under the wire, areas which your toothbrush will not reach!

All the necessary items to care for your brace and oral health during treatment can be purchased at reception.

blue monster                                   Eating and drinking

You are not allowed to eat sticky foods, toffees, chewing gum etc. as these damage the brace. Sugary foods should be avoided, especially snacking between meals. Tough or crunchy foods such as apples, carrots,pizza crusts and baguettes should be limited and if eaten should be cut into bite size pieces. Do not consume fizzy drinks (including ‘diet’) as these can cause irreversible damage your teeth. Milk and water are the only safe drinks.

purple monseter                                             Mouthwash

A fluoride mouthwash is recommended to keep the enamel of the teeth strong when the fixed appliance is in place. This should be used every night, at a different time to brushing. It should be held in the mouth for a full minute to be effective. The instructions on the bottle should be followed carefully and kept out of reach of young children!

This is NOT a substitute for tooth brushing.

orange monster                                  Pain and discomfort

Initially each time the brace is adjusted your teeth will be quite tender. This usually wears off after 24-36 hours. Your usual pain relief should be used during this period. However, if the pain is excessive please contact the surgery for an earlier appointment. If you have any sore areas caused by the brace rubbing, soft wax can be purchased at reception to place over the brace. This provides protection to the soft tissues of the mouth allowing them time to harden up to the new brace.

Broken or loose parts

It is very important that you check your brace thoroughly for any lost or broken parts. Things to look for are the square brackets sliding along the wire or completely missing and wires which are no longer tucked into the brackets. If you notice this happening or anything else which seems unusual contact the reception on 01924380680 (the repair clinic is run every day 12.30 – 12.50 by appointment only). Remember failure to have the brace repaired can extend treatment times by months!

DO!

Keep your regular dental check-ups with your own dentist.

If you have an out of hours emergency contact 111.

So your getting braces?

Braces

 

If you’re about to get braces, you’re probably wondering why they’re so important, whether or not they’ll hurt and how long you’ll have to keep them. Get the answers here, plus info on eating with braces and cleaning your braces …

Over 202,300 people in the UK started orthodontic treatment 2014-15!

What are they?

Braces straighten crooked or overcrowded teeth.

There are lots of different types of braces, including see-through ones, white ones, and some that stick to the inside of your teeth.

They exert a steady pressure on the teeth to gradually realign them.

Why have I got to have them?

You’ll get a beautiful smile. Your teeth will be easier to clean (clean teeth = less fillings = less falsies when you’re older).

What will happen at the orthodontist?

The orthodontist is the braces expert. They’ll probably take some X-rays, or some photos of your jaw. You may have to bite down on some mushy stuff or have your teeth scanned to record how your teeth come together.

Once you’re fitted with a brace, you’ll return for check-ups every month or so. The orthodontist may adjust the braces to keep the pressure on your teeth.

Will it hurt?

A little. For a few days after you first get a brace, and for a few days after each adjustment, your mouth may feel a bit sore. But nothing that a pain relief tablet can’t handle. If a wire or bracket is rubbing, smearing on some Vaseline or wax should ease it.

How long will they stay in for?

Fixed braces usually stay in for between eighteen months to two years, but it varies. The longest ever recorded? 20 years. He forgot to go back.

Do I have to stop eating?

No. For a few days after they first go in, you may be advised to stick to soft food. The last thing you want is to dislodge them on a chunk of carrot.

How do I keep them clean?

Braces are like magnets for food. Not only does debris look alarming, but it can also accelerate decay. Clean thoroughly after meals and before bed.

Am I a freak?

No way. Over 202,300 people in the UK started orthodontic treatment in 2014-15 and more adults than ever before are having treatment – often through choice. So just sit tight, safe in the knowledge that you’ll have a killer smile when they come off!

BBC Advice factfiles are here to help young people with a broad range of issues. They’re based on advice from medical professionals, government bodies, charities and other relevant groups. Follow the links for more advice from these organisations.

BBC Advice 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ysR0SgtXwfDxJQJ67H8pBZ/braces

BE MOUTHAWARE: 45 SECONDS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

M C

Are you able to recognise the changes in your mouth? That’s the question posed by St Michaels Orthodontics as they support a charity campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

St Michaels Orthodontics is urging everyone to be more Mouthaware and recognise the early warning signs of mouth cancer, ahead of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

With awareness of the disease remaining alarmingly low, St Michaels Orthodontics say that a simple 45 second check is often all that’s needed to identify anything unusual and be able to then seek professional guidance.

Catherine McCanny from St Michaels Orthodontics says: “Early diagnosis transforms our chances of beating mouth cancer from 50 per cent to 90 percent so it is crucial that we know what to look out for and that we do not hesitate in seeking advice from a health professional.

“A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area, can all be potential signs of mouth cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth.

“Quite often it is easier to notice lumps and bumps on the outside of the body or to dismiss a mouth ulcer as benign. Most of us will spend at least a few minutes every day in front of a mirror brushing our teeth so while we’re there it makes sense to have a quick look inside the mouth.

Check

“If you keep a lookout for these symptoms then a simple 45 second check really could save your life.

“If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please speak to your dentist or a doctor.”

With around 7,000 Brits diagnosed with mouth cancer last year, the disease is one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers, with cases rising by a third in the last decade alone.

Survival rates of mouth cancer have not improved in the last 20 years and the oral health charity is concerned that too many are mouth cancers are being diagnosed at a late stage, significantly reducing our chance to beat the disease.

CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE added: “Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth including the lips, tongue, cheek, throat and gums.

“Mouth cancer can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, impacting on their breathing, eating and speech. Reconstructive surgery could also change their appearance while the experience often has an impact on confidence and self-esteem.

“By developing a greater understanding about the early warning signs and symptoms, the lifestyle factors which increase our risk, and recognising where to go if we notice anything unusual inside our mouth, we can detect mouth cancer early. This will not only improve our chances of beating it but will also reduce the amount of invasive surgery needed to treat it.

MC2

“During every dental check-up, your dentist will do a visual examination for mouth cancer and look for anything that might be a cause for concern. That’s why it’s so important to keep regular dental check-ups – it’s not just about the health of our teeth and gums – a trip to the dentist could really be a life saver.”

To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www.mouthcancer.org

Regulation 10: Dignity and respect

dignity

At St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd we work hard to ensure all we treat our patients with dignity and respect.

The results from our previous audit showed that, from the four statements listed on the questionnaire, 100% of patients that took part either agreed or strongly agreed that they were treat with dignity and respect during their visit to the practice.

The results collected from this audit have again given positive feedback to the practice, in which all patients that completed the questionnaire have agreed with the statements.

Results – Dignity and respect April 2017 results

 

Invisalign Teen – Braces that won’t hold you back!

invisalign teen poster

Invisalign is a leading innovator in clear aligner braces. The Invisalign Teen product is suitable for teenagers who want a perfect smile without the inconvenience of wearing fixed braces that can affect your lifestyle. You are free to enjoy the things that make this the best time of your life.

Advantages of Invisalign Teen

• Virtually invisible

• Very comfortable

• Removable so you can remove to play sports or an instrument

• Easier to keep clean as food will not get caught on any fixed wires or brackets since it is removable and wire-free

• Reduced number of appointments with your orthodontist

The teen product incorporates a compliance indicator which fades from blue to clear as a gauge of the approximate wear time so that you can ensure the child’s compliance easily. The aligners are worn 20-22 hours daily and changed every 7-10 days resulting in shorter treatment times for patients.

Invisalign teen

 

We now have the latest Itero 3D scanner which negates the need to take impressions. This allows us to show you the predicted outcome of your treatment right from the beginning and allows progress of treatment to be monitored closely.

Our orthodontist Catherine is a Platinum Elite provider which means she is very experienced in the use of the Invisalign system.

Elite provider

 

For a limited time only we are offering £400 off our Invisalign Teen treatment (offer subject to suitability for treatment)

Contact the team today for your free no obligation assessment on 01924 380680 or e-mail orthodontictc@gmail.com

Inv teen

 

 

Invisalign One Day Special Offer

one day only offer

Wednesday 15th March 2017

2.30-6.30pm

FREE INVISALIGN CONSULTATION

0% FINANCE

*10% OFF TREATMENT

*FREE TOOTH WHITENING

A saving of over £900!

CALL 01924 380680 or e-mail orthodontictc@gmail.com to reserve your place.

*applies to patients who sign up on the night

Introducing the iTero® Element™ 

itero2

St Michaels Orthodontics Ltd offers the latest in scanning technology. This enables us to produce a simulated outcome, which will give you a preview of possible results which can be achieved after treatment. It offers a better experience for patients by eliminating the need for messy impressions and reducing the waiting time from the initial scan to the fitting of your aligners by up to 50%.