St Michael's Orthodontics Team
 

A perfect smile for a beautiful bride!

If you still aren’t convinced that Invisalign is the right solution for you before your big day, read Katy’s blog and then decide! I think you’ll agree with us that she looks stunning!

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I’ve never been particularly vain, but after a recent holiday I was appalled to notice how much my teeth had moved over the last year without me really being aware. One tooth in particular seemed to be twisting and heading towards the back of my head on some mystery exploration known only to him. And then my other half popped the question and my paranoia increased ten fold. A year before the wedding I finally approached my dentist for advice and I was referred to St Michael’s Orthodontics and I found myself having a consultation with the lovely staff there. Being 28, I wasn’t keen on having “tram tracks” which I still associate with teenagers, and being in a customer focused job, I didn’t want more attention bringing to my wandering teeth, so I went with Invisalign. I’ll admit I was a little apprehensive after hearing stories of other adults having braces and being in agony but the calm reassurance of the team at St Michael’s soon put me at ease.

At first, braces feel weird and do take some getting used to. You do need to be a little organised too with regards to carrying floss and mouthwash when eating away from home. The ability to take them out for a rest was a god send and meant that they weren’t too painful; just a little bit tight. As a bride, the braces were brilliant for the pre-wedding diet; you have to leave the braces in for 22 hours out of every 24, and whilst wearing them you can only consume water and if you can avoid binging in the two hours you’re not wearing them, slimming down is a doddle. Win!

Although you may be conscious of wearing braces, no one else can tell and I have some brutally honest friends who I tried this out on! People were shocked when I admitted to wearing braces; they really were that invisible. The other big benefit is that for my hen do, the lovely team took off my attachments (the little cement blobs put on your teeth to make the braces work) so that I was brace free. My teeth weren’t completely finished by my wedding (they were beautiful but not perfect and the St Michael’s team are perfectionists!) so the team left me without braces until after my honeymoon before doing some final adjustments. This flexibility meant I did not panic about having to wear braces on my big day.

I was amazed at how quickly my teeth straightened and how easy and pain free it was. My photographer kept making great comments about my smile and I have never felt more confident that my smile really was dazzling. I am so glad that I got braces, my photos looked amazing and it was such a simple procedure to go through. I have a number of friends now asking questions about Invisalign and considering it for themselves as they have been that impressed by my results. The St Michael’s Team have been amazing and supportive throughout, and their facilities are brilliant. They have provided reassurance and expert advise throughout and I always felt well looked after. If you’re in any doubt please book a consultation and get some advice; I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by the results they’ll get!

KP1 Photos courtesy of David Webb Wedding Photographer

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Invisalign special offer

One day special event

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 Wednesday 13th April

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.

Introducing the iTero® Element™ 

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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%.

*applies to patients who sign up on the night

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A glimpse at your future perfect smile

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Have you ever wondered what your teeth would look like if you had orthodontic treatment? With our new itero scanner you can do just that.

This new technology enables us to take a digital scan of your teeth and to produce a simulation of how your teeth could look. This exciting technology is now available at our practice and we are offering this service free of charge.

This means we no longer have to take impressions for Invisalign treatment. The fit of the aligners is more predictable and we can start your treatment much sooner than before. Why wait till tomorrow to start creating the beautiful smile you have always wanted?

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WAKEFIELD MAN GETS SOMETHING TO REALLY SMILE ABOUT

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Read about Matt’s life changing transformation thanks to Invisalign which featured  in ‘Downtown in Business’.

Matt Raey got more than he bargained for when he looked in a shop window while walking through Leeds city centre. The 21 year old fashion retailer was about to have his life turned upside down in the best way possible.

On his way to work at a then small retail store in the city centre he had walked slap bang into an interactive campaign as part of National Smile Month and the Wakefield man had won free teeth straightening and whitening courtesy of Invisalign Technology and Dewsbury Road Orthodonitist, Dr Catherine McCanny, who guided him through the pain free process.

For the retail manager it couldn’t have come at a better time because he was so embarrassed about his protruding teeth.

Matt’s transformation started when he walked through the Thornton’s Arcade in Leeds where Invisalign had a pop up shop filming passers by as they looked into a talking mirror. As Matthew smiled at his own reflection the mirror started talking to him.

“I had been checking out my reflection in the shop window when a voice shouted ‘Hey You!’ I tried to play it cool, but the window kept showing me all these fun pictures – it was hard not to smile. Then all these people seemed to appear from nowhere, singing and clutching a huge bunch of flowers. I was amazed and really excited when they explained what it was all about.”

“I was so pleased, I had actually been looking into treatment myself. I didn’t like the look of traditional braces, but I really hated my smile, it made me feel so self-conscious, I never showed my teeth in photographs. People used to comment that I never smiled.

“Before Invisalign I honestly think I was a lot less confident than I am now. A few months into my treatment, I decided that I would apply for a promotion with a bigger company. My confidence had grown, and I’m sure a large part of that was because of how I felt about myself and my changing my smile. I’m so pleased I did go for the interview, I have now moved upwards with my career, I’m a deputy manager of a large retail shop managing 45 members of staff!”

And it wasn’t the only life change that hit Matt when he smiled in the window!

“People seem to comment about how lovely my teeth are all the time now, and not just my mum! I’ve just started dating someone, and how ‘lovely’ my teeth are, was one of the first things she ever said she noticed about me! “

Matt was treated by Dr Catherine McCanny at St Michaels Orthodontics in Wakefield:
“I am so pleased that Invisalign has made such an improvement to Matt’s smile. He has been incredibly dedicated throughout the course of his treatment, and ensured that he wore his aligners as often as directed. Matt has shared with me that Invisalign has really improved his self confidence in dealing with the general public.”

Carmel Harrison PR

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New to braces? Here are some meal ideas to get you started!

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To celebrate #BreakfastWeek we’ve put together some ideas that are great for all our brace wearers out there!

Breakfast

Porriage or weetbix with cinnamon and banana (Don’t be adding sugar!)

Oats soaked in yogurt with grated apple and soft berries

Scrambled egg with beans

Smoothie (we love banana and mango!)

Pancakes with mushrooms and poached egg

Lunch

Cooked pasta with cucumber, tomato pepper (chopped into small pieces) with mayonnaise and chicken

Tuna salad

Homemade soup

Baked potato with cottage cheese and salad

Egg mayonnaise on soft bread

Dinner

Spaghetti Bolognese

Mashed potato, stewed beef and cabbage

Chilli and rice

Macaroni cheese

Teriyaki salmon and noodles

Risotto

Meatballs and pasta

Foods to avoid while wearing your brace:

  • Hard nuts, hard fruits
  • Crisps
  • Crusty bread
  • Pizza crust
  • Sticky stuff like chewing gum and toffees
  • Foods high in acidity lemons, limes and sodas.
  • Hard fruit and vegetables should be cut into bite size pieces not bitten.
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Christmas holiday open hours 2015

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The team @stmichaelsortho wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The practice holiday open hours are as follows;

Friday 25th December 2015 – CLOSED
Saturday 26th December 2015 – CLOSED
Sunday 27th December 2015 – CLOSED
Monday 28th December 2015 – CLOSED
Tuesday 29th December 2015 – 9am to 4pm
Wednesday 30th December 2015 – 9am to 4pm
Thursday 31st December 2015 – 9am to 4pm
Friday 1st January 2015 – CLOSED
Saturday 2nd January 2015 – CLOSED
Sunday 3rd January 2015 – CLOSED
Monday 4th January 2015 – OPEN AS USUAL

If you require urgent medical attention after 6pm please call 111.

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10 things you need to know when you’ve had your brace fit

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  • It is normal to experience a mild aching in your teeth. If you experience excessive pain contact the practice for advice.
  • During treatment one or two teeth may feel bruised to bite on or feel like they are in the way of your bite.
  • Gaps in your teeth may increase as teeth as moved into their new positions, this is nothing to be concerned about all the gaps will be closed as the teeth are aligned.
  • If any of the square brackets which are stuck to each individual tooth slide or spin on the wire the brace has broken, you will need to telephone the practice to get it repaired.
  • If any metal parts of the brace rub you can cover these with wax until your lips and cheeks toughen up. Wax can be bought at any orthodontic practice.
  • Occasionally the wires may twist and rub cheeks. This will need correcting by your orthodontist as wax will only offer a temporary relief for it. If anything suddenly feels sharp or like it is ‘sticking in’ contact the reception staff for an appointment.
  • Delaying repairs can add weeks to the duration of your treatment.
  • We will work hard to align your teeth but your perfect smile also depends on good oral hygiene! An effective tooth brushing regime is essential throughout treatment to avoid the white ‘chalky stains’ known as decalcification. This is irreversible but easily avoided by ensuring time is taken to remove all plaque using the specific oral hygiene products recommended by your orthodontist. Visit https://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk/6-essential-steps-for-good-oral-hygiene-2/ for more advice.
  • Adjustments to your diet will be necessary during treatment. Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided; this includes ‘low sugar’ varieties of drinks! Sticky and hard foods can damage the brace; this will mean added appointment time and possible delays to the progress of your treatment.
  • During treatment it is essential to continue regular check-ups with your dentist and inform us if you change practices.
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6 ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

So your on your way to a new smile! Follow these 6 essential steps to ensure that you maintain excellent oral hygiene. Plaque left on tooth surfaces can cause irreversible damage called decalcification. These white ‘chalky marks’ are not caused by the brace but by ineffective tooth brushing during treatment.

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BRUSHING

  • 3-4 times a day – Tooth brushing is very important! Brush on a morning, an evening (before bed) and after every meal. This means you will have to clean your teeth during school/work hours. Make sure you brush all your tooth surfaces and get in and around the brackets efficiently. Don’t forget to brush your gums!
  • Brush for at least 2 minutes each time

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TOOTHBRUSHES

  • There are two types of brushes you will need to clean your teeth thoroughly. The first is and orthodontic toothbrush – It has a ‘V’ shape, designed to go around the brackets. The second one is called an interdental brush
  • This is essential to clean between the brackets and under the wire
  • The places your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months to ensure your teeth are getting the best clean.

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TOOTHPASTE

  • Use fluoride toothpaste, it doesn’t matter which one as long as it contains fluoride. Use a pea sized amount on your toothbrush.

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.
  • Hold it in the mouth for a fill minute and ‘swish’ around for it to reach all areas of your mouth.
  • This is NOT a substitute for tooth brushing!

FLOSSING

  • It might seem like you can’t floss whilst your braces are on, but you can. You can get special flossing products for when you’re wearing your orthodontic appliance
  • These include interdental brushes and floss threaders. You can do this at least once a day.

DISCLOSING TABLETS

  • If you or your orthodontist feels like you aren’t brushing your teeth correctly these are perfect for showing you the places that you have missed.
  • Simply chew the tablet and ‘swish’ it round your mouth for a few seconds and it will colour the areas of your teeth and gums that you have missed. You can then brush away the areas that you haven’t reached. Do this a 1-2 times a week to keep you on top of your brushing and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Remember to put Vaseline on your lips to avoid dying your lips a bright colour!

By following these 6 simple rules you can ensure a wonderful new smile.

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Invisalign or fixed braces?

So you’ve made the decision to improve your smile but which brace is right for you? 

Here we give you the pros and cons of both Invisalign braces and fixed braces.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign

      PROS
  • BPA-free almost invisible aligners so you can still feel at ease in social situations
  • No wires or brackets to rub
  • Removable
  • No problems with any food getting caught
  • No foods off limits
  • No changes are needed to maintain good oral health as the aligners are removed
  • Virtual 3D treatment can estimate length of treatment more accurately
  • Less risk of enamel decalcification cause by poor oral hygiene and brackets

CONS

  • Can initially affect speech
  • The aligners can be lost which has a cost implication

FIXED BRACES

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    PROS
  • Better at treating more complex tooth movements
  • Cannot be removed so less self discipline is required
  • More types of brace available to suit your needs
  • The final tooth position is more precise with fixed braces

CONS

  • The wires and brackets can rub and cause discomfort
  • Some hard, sticky foods are off limits
  • Some foods can cause discolouration
  • Cleaning the teeth and brace requires more time and specially designed brushes

The decision to improve your smile is not one to be taken lightly; the expert team at St Michaels Orthodontics can guide you through the process. Call and arrange your free assessment with our Treatment Coordinator on 01924380680 or contact Dawn on orthodontictc@gmail.com. You can also visit https://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk/private/ for more information.

Whatever your decision you won’t regret it!
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The truth about tooth whitening

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What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening is a procedure performed by Dentists to improve the colour of your teeth. It involves a tooth whitening gel either Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide that you place into some custom made trays that you wear over night to lighten your teeth. The active whitening ingredient (Carbamide or Hydrogen Peroxide) penetrates your enamel to get to the discoloured molecules and over a period of 4-5 days you will notice a huge difference in the colour of your teeth. It is the perfect way to finish off your smile after orthodontic treatment!

Frequently asked questions

1. My hairdresser does tooth whitening in her salon is it ok to go there?

The answer is no. Only registered Dentists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Clinical Dental Technicians working to the prescription of a dentist can perform tooth whitening.  The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTC) state that they will not insure any individual to perform tooth whitening. First of all they will not have insurance and secondly they will not have the correct equipment and training.

2. Is it illegal for beauticians to offer tooth whitening?

Yes. The High Court case of GDC Jamous confirmed that tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry and can only be legally performed by a dentist or a dental therapist, dental hygienist or a clinical dental technician working to the prescription of a dentist.

3. Can I book my son in for tooth whitening treatment for his 16th birthday?

No. Under the Cosmetic Products (Safety) regulations 2012 every patient must be over the age of 18 weather they are accompanied by an adult or not.

4. I want my teeth really white! I’ve seen some high percentage tooth whitening gels online will they be ok to use?

No. Firstly as stated before, only registered Dentists, Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Clinical Dental Technicians working to the prescription of a dentist can perform tooth whitening. Regulations allow the maximum use of 6% Hydrogen Peroxide present or released. 10% of Carbamide Peroxide would release a maximum of 3.6% Hydrogen Peroxide therefore 16% Carbamide Peroxide is used in Dental Practices as the maximum Hydrogen Peroxide it will release is under 6%.

For more information on tooth whitening and what St Michaels Orthodontics have to offer –  https://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk/tooth-whitening/



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