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Archive for the ‘Invisible braces’ Category

Perfect Clear Braces For Patients In Liverpool

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Somehow we have arrived at a place where braces carry an unfortunate cultural stigma. Until such time as people stop being judged on appearances, or held at the mercy of culturally determined whims, then discreet methods of orthodontic treatment will at least provide brief respite for some from the onslaught of fashion-centric barbarism. If keeping said treatment out of the sight of waspish detractors sounds appealing, then perhaps you might want to investigate Perfect Clear Braces.

What exactly are ‘Perfect Clear braces’?

Well, they are series of clear plastic aligners which will gradual shift those mildly misaligned teeth to a preferred position.

The perks of perfect clear

Firstly, these plastic aligners are pretty much see-through. Their most marked selling point is, to be blunt, that they are ‘perfectly clear’; no one will notice that you are wearing them. There are also, however, some more practical benefits to be found with removable aligners: Your aligners can be taken out when cleaning, thus preventing food and plaque from mounting in hard to clean areas. It also means that you won’t have to purchase any of the cleaning equipment associated with fixed braces. Plus, you’ll be able to eat without fear! Braces are liable to break when you eat certain foods. By being able to take them out at meal times, this will no longer be a concern. There is also zero wire or elastic in Perfect Clear to rub or cut your gums, meaning you will be much more comfortable and less likely to get abscesses than with fixed braces.  They also require less maintenance than their fixed counterparts!

Are there any negative points?

Perfect clear has been known to have a minor effect on one’s speech, often resembling a lisp, which may last for a few days. You will, however, adjust to the aligners quickly and the problem should disappear pretty promptly.

Contact us

We understand that orthodontic treatment is a big commitment and an important decision, so feel free to call us at Liverpool Dental Spa so we can discuss the myriad of brace types we offer.

 

 

Removable Braces For Patients In Liverpool: For Life On The Go

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

If we could relive our orthodontic experiences it would be no surprise if many of us opted for the recently arrived fashionable and flexible removable braces—instead of the traditional brackets that were fitted onto many teeth. One of the amazing things is that many people still aren’t aware of such technological advances in teeth straightening such as Invisalign clear braces, ClearStep and Perfect Clear!

Removable braces

If you are unaware of what exactly these braces can do to help you, then read on. Firstly, they provide the wearer with an unparalleled level of discreetness when undergoing orthodontic treatment. We all know that there is not much worse than feeling exposed and unattractive if your mouth is full of metal braces. However, since many of the removable appliances double up as clear alternatives, you can avoid this feeling altogether.

Discreet

In addition to being discreet, removable braces are removable. They can (and should) be taken out before mealtimes, so you don’t have to worry about smiling with spinach-clogged brackets and wires. You also need not worry about any debris becoming trapped between your teeth (one of the main reasons for dental erosion during braces treatment).

Removable braces are also easier to clean. In fact, you can literally see every angle of the aligner to be sure that your device gets a thorough cleaning.

Removable braces might sound too good to be true, but they’re not! While certain cases of severe misalignment require the force of fixed metal braces, many people can benefit from removable braces. To determine which type of brace would be best for you, drop into our practice in Liverpool and we can discuss your options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfect Clear Braces Available For Patients In Liverpool

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

All the orthodontic patients’ today are looking for higher level of discretion when it comes to braces. Currently there are many innovative invisible aligners available that can be used for discreet treatment, and this includes the very efficient Perfect Clear system.

Perfect Clear uses the unique K positioners to move the crooked or misaligned teeth into alignment. Each aligner is fabricated as per the requirement of each patient, which is why the impressions of the teeth and mouth are taken prior to their creation. Every new aligner will gently and gradually correct the smile.

Perfect Clear braces better than orthodontic options

The K positioners used with the Perfect Clear system remain discreet during the treatment. This makes this treatment a great option for those who would not want to attract any attention to the treatment appliances. Many people who feel that their smile is awkward would not want to wear braces to get it fixed because they do not want to make their situation worse. The solution provided by Perfect Clear braces will suit even those who would like to keep their treatment hidden, as the braces will remain discreet all through the treatment.

Perfect Clear aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning, which means debris and plaque can be effectively remove. This greatly reduces the risk of oral diseases.

What to expect with Perfect Clear Braces

Patients, who are treated with Perfect Clear systems, receive improved appearance of their teeth, smile and face. This overall improvement of the face greatly boosts their self-confidence. This also results in higher standard of dental health. The bite is also levelled to improve the functioning and alignment of the jaw. Initially the Perfect Clear positioners can temporarily affect the speech. Patients might experience a slight lisp for the first few days, after which the mouth will adjust to the new device.

 

 

The Benefits Of Removable Braces For Patients In Liverpool

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Removable braces like ClearStep, Invisalign and Perfect Clear are excellent in terms of offering patients higher level of discretion during treatment. Removable aligners are an excellent solution when it comes to the straightening of teeth, although it’s true that some of the orthodontic problems would require fixed braces to have better tooth movement. Most of the simple treatments might be carried out using a removable appliance.

Benefits

Removable aligners can be easily removed before eating. They give patients the opportunity to freely enjoy food and since the aligners are not worn during eating, debris doesn’t get stuck between the tooth and brace. This makes it easier to maintain dental hygiene and reduces the risk of decay and dental erosion. Dental hygiene is very difficult with fixed braces and because they cannot be removed even while eating, plaque is easily formed. Hence, patients with fixed braces will be required to brush their teeth after every meal; sticky and harsh food will create lot of problems.

Cleaning is easy

Removable aligners can be easily cleaned. As with the fixed braces, these do not have the hard to clean wires and brackets. You can clean them gently with a toothbrush after you soak them in glass of water for 15 minutes. A glass of water should be enough for this purpose.

Removable aligners can be removed for a photo session or when you are out for a special occasion. This way the patient will stay comfortable during their time out and will not need to stay conscious of the appearance of their mouth.

Since removable braces do not need dental glue or cement to attach them to the front area of the tooth, no marks or residue is left behind. So once the treatment is over, patients can simply remove the braces and enjoy the result of the treatment. If you would like more information on the clear aligners we offer at Liverpool Dental Spa then please contact the team today.

 

Look at them move! An update about my ‘Invisaligned’ teeth

Monday, November 26th, 2012

 

I sometimes find it hard to believe that I started Invisalign treatment nearly a month ago! The aligners have been really comfortable to wear and I must admit, some days I even forget that I’m wearing them. I really can’t thank my dentist enough for all of his help and advice about this treatment.

There have been occasions when I’ve had to stop myself from sipping on a really hot drink as I’ve had to remind myself that my Invisalign aligners are in. It’s so easily done! I’ve been wearing this second set for roughly 11 days now and whilst I haven’t noticed any changes from last week, I have noticed that the overall alignment of my teeth is looking a little straighter. When I go to close my mouth for example, my top teeth seem to be more in line with the bottom set.

Let’s compare from before I started: It’s probably quite difficult to tell any changes from the two pictures, but that is the kind of progress I am seeing so far.

Another thing I have noticed is that when I took them off at lunch one day this week, my jaw felt rather odd. I’ve had problems in the past with a clicking jaw, but this time it felt like my jaw was slightly at an angle and I wondered if the Invisalign had caused this or was repositioning the jaw in some way.

I have heard stories of Invisalign repositioning people’s jaw and that this can happen due to the aligners not allowing teeth to touch, as teeth naturally guide the jaw into position. So perhaps this is what I was experiencing. If I notice any further signs of this, I will be sure to inform my dentist.

I’ve had no problems with asking for any dental advice. I go to the Liverpool Dental Spa for my Invisalign treatment and their expertise truly marks them out as forerunners in the field of cosmetic dentistry. If I have any questions or problems Marius and the rest of the LDS team are always there to provide thorough answers and talk me through a number of possible solutions.

I’m so excited, soon I start on my third set of trays, so I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

~Anna

I can’t even feel them!

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

Hi everyone, it’s Anna and I wanted to share with you how I’m doing on my third week of treatment. Some days I even forget they’re in there as they’re feeling really comfortable now. If you look at my picture you can ‘see’ just how invisible my aligners are! I love them!

I started on my second set of Invisalign trays on Tuesday, making sure to put them on the night before and take two paracetamol before I went to bed. This is a technique which the dental nurse at the Liverpool Dental Spa advised me to do as she herself has been through Invisalign treatment and told me that the initial first couple of days are the worst when it comes to putting on a new tray as they feel very tight.

All of the dental team have been very helpful and as some of them have undergone the same treatments which they offer to patients, it means they can provide recommendations based on personal experience.

Progress with the second set of trays

I’ve now had the second set of Invisalign trays on for around 3 days and I can say they are no longer feeling so tight, which again, can only be a good sign. The good news is that the second set – even in the initial first few days, were nowhere near as tight as the first set. They are easy to take on and off and wearing them for 22 hours a day no longer feels so daunting.

Admittedly, it can be hard to make sure to put it back on straight away after eating and I’m finding that I’m eating and drinking everything I want during this time, so I can avoid having to remove the aligners later on, only to have to brush my teeth.

This has meant that my snacking time has been greatly reduced, though I will admit on Valentine’s Day I did take them off for a bit longer than I was supposed to – (the chocolates were just too tempting!)

Drinking with aligners on

I also learnt last weekend not to drink anything but water with the aligners on. I went to the pub on Friday night and drank lemonade through a straw with my aligners in, which I thought would be ok, as I was reluctant to drink alcohol, in case of staining.

However after a few minutes I could feel the sugar from the lemonade under my aligners and my teeth just didn’t feel all that clean after that! I therefore think it might be safer to take them out if you’re planning on drinking on a night out. I know this can seem like a lot of wasted treatment time, but I think so long as you brush your teeth and put them back on before bed, you should be ok. However this might mean extending your treatment time of each tray by a day or two.

Overall, I’d say my progress has been good although it’s hard to tell if there’s been that much of a difference at this early stage. I will keep you posted by getting some pictures taken which can demonstrate the differences in my teeth (no matter how small).

My Invisalign Journey – Week 2

Wednesday, November 7th, 2012

Hi everyone, I’ve noticed quite a few changes with my teeth over this past week since wearing the Invisalign aligners and the good news is they no longer feel as tight. In fact the top set are feeling fairly loose now, which is a good sign and means my teeth have moved. It’s only a few days now until I move on to tray two which is pretty exciting!

Yesterday, I went back into the Liverpool Dental Spa practice for a check-up and to get my next few trays. I have four sets now and the idea is you are given a few so you don’t have to keep coming into the practice all the time.

I can’t rave enough about how fantastic their dental practice looks. The stylish décor definitely makes you think you’re at a spa or a beauty parlour rather than at a dentist. The tropical fish tank and clean open space of the waiting area make it look really peaceful and put your mind at rest.

Take a look for yourself: http://pinterest.com/liverpooldental/welcome-to-our-practice/

Invisalign check-up

I was given a thorough check up by Marius who noticed that I have some swelling around the bottom set and he asked me if I had any experience of bleeding gums. I mentioned that I had noticed some bleeding when I had brushed my teeth, but it didn’t seem like anything major. I was given some special toothpaste, mouthwash and gel to help treat the areas, which hopefully will help.

Personal cleaning

You have to be quite careful when cleaning with braces and Invisalign is no different in this respect. Plaque can build up on the gum line if you’re not careful to brush or floss properly – especially after eating. Which is why you’re encouraged to clean your teeth before putting the Invisalign aligners back onto your teeth.

Progress

Which reminds me, I can now floss inbetween my teeth properly! This might not sound like much but just last week my teeth were crowded and I couldn’t get the floss to reach properly to clean the areas. To my mind, just to be able to reach around the back of some of the teeth shows there has been a vast improvement already.

That’s it for now. For my next appointment I will hopefully get a look on the software as to what my teeth should look like after I’ve completed the treatment, which I will keep you all informed about.

In the next update I’ll talk about the second trays and any progress I’m having.

 

My Invisalign Journey – Week 1

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

On Monday afternoon, I went to the Liverpool Dental Spa to have my first set of Invisalign aligners fitted. As soon as I was welcomed into the practice I was really impressed with the way I was treated as the whole dental team made me feel at ease. Everyone was very friendly and helpful about any questions I had.

Initial Impressions

I remember feeling nervous as I walked into the practice, but the peaceful music and tranquil atmosphere of their reception area soon put me at ease. It wasn’t until I was called into the treatment room that I realised what I was about to do. Thankfully Marius McGovern, owner of the practice asked me if I was ready to go ahead with the treatment and explained everything to me in detail; that I was to have 21 sets of aligners on my top teeth and 16 on the bottom set, meaning that I should finish treatment around November.

I closed my eyes as the six ‘buttons’ or attachments were bonded onto my teeth, but the process wasn’t painful, despite my initial panic over thinking they would look really noticeable. I promise you, they’re really not that easy to see!

The idea behind attachments is that they provide grip on the teeth and aid in their rotation, so they move into the correct place. There must have been about 10 minutes where these were bonded on, though I didn’t feel anything during this process.

After the attachments were fitted, I had the aligners placed onto my teeth and while I didn’t feel anything at first, I was aware that they fitted snugly onto my teeth and the sensation felt a bit like wearing a gum shield.

One of the dental nurses then brought a mirror over to me so I could have a look at my teeth with the aligners on. The first thing I noticed was the attachments on my teeth – but they were the same colour as my teeth and on closer inspection and barely noticeable. I was shown how to clean and maintain the Invisalign aligners and was asked to practise taking them on and off so I could get used to the feeling. It took a few minutes – but I got there!

We had a joke about Invisalign being the best diet to go on as people tend to avoid snacks and hot drinks when they’re wearing them. This is because hot drinks can warp the aligners and if you snack, you are then required to take them out and brush your teeth/aligners to avoid the build-up of food which can lead to plaque. With regard to cleaning the Invisalign aligners, I was advised to just use a bit of toothpaste on a toothbrush and rinse them out using cold water.

I was also given two sets of trays to store them in to keep them safe when they’re not in my mouth. One of the trays is red and one is blue. The blue one is for during the course of treatment and the red one is for previous aligners.

Here’s what it looks like:

It was a strange feeling taking them off at first and I thought they might snap if I pulled too hard – but I was told just to pull them off, from the left, right and then finally the centre to remove them. I was also advised that my teeth would feel sore with these aligners in for the first couple of days, as the teeth adapt and get used to wearing them.

Pain

At first I thought ‘this is easy’ and wondered what all the fuss was about. For me, the pain didn’t kick in until I’d been wearing the aligners for at least 2-3 hours. The pain wasn’t excruciating, but it felt like a dull ache on my bottom set of teeth – more annoying than anything else. I took two paracetamol however and the pain soon subsided. It did hurt to remove the aligners to eat though and the pain was pretty sharp and somewhat agonising when taking them on and off. I just kept on thinking to myself that it can only get better!

Day 1-2

I’m still finding it slightly difficult to adapt to these aligners. The pain taking them on and off is still there and it feels weird to taste the sensation of plastic in my mouth. I can’t get over how invisible they really are and so far no one has said anything about them or commented that they can see them.

Day 2-3

The aligners are becoming more comfortable and don’t hurt as much to take on or off. They’re getting easier to remove too – maybe my teeth have started adapting to them? The taste of plastic is still there, but I’m getting used to it. I am noticing that I’m lisping slightly, but nothing too obvious.

That’s it so far! So what are my overall thoughts about my first few days of using Invisalign?

I’m really impressed by how virtually invisible they are and now my teeth are adjusting it feels pretty comfortable – and not like wearing a brace at all. I have to wear the first set for about 10-14 days before moving onto the next tray and I’m already feeling pretty excited to see the results. Of course there is a lot of commitment involved – 22 hours of wear a day is required, but so far it’s not been as difficult as I at first imagined.

In the next update I will talk more about my progress during this first set of trays and how I’m adapting to it – plus whether I have seen any results yet.

Thank you Liverpool Dental Spa!

 

 

 

What Are The Advantages Of Removable Braces For Patients In Liverpool?

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

Fixed braces aren’t exactly a thing of the past but, in many cases, orthodontic treatment can now be provided by removable braces. There are several types of removable brace treatment, ranging from Invisalign to ClearStep, but they all share many common attributes.

Basic advantages of removable braces

Firstly, the can be removed at mealtimes. Food can get trapped in and behind fixed braces, but this is not a problem with removable braces as they can be removed when eating. Certain foods are a problem for fixed braces: Hard foods such as crusty rolls can break them, chewing gum can get stuck in them and acidic foods (such as soft drinks) can stain orthodontic brackets. By being able to remove your brace at meal times, you avoid damaging it in this way – only your actual teeth will bear the burden of your diet. Speaking of which, being able to remove braces will also help you maintain basic oral hygiene: Fixed braces can make parts of your teeth difficult to reach and can make the 2 minute ritual that little bit more complicated. Again, all of this is sidestepped by a removable brace. Most removable braces are also more comfortable than fixed braces as fixed braces are noted causes of irritation and gum inflammation.

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign is but one brand of removable brace. This type of brace comes with one added advantage however: It is clear. You can wear braces discreetly!

Suitability: Are removable braces for everyone?

In a word: No. Complicated orthodontic procedures are best suited for fixed braces. There are, however, various types of removable braces, some of which are more accommodating than others. Simpli5 braces, for instance, work very quickly; some patients can complete treatment with them in between 3 and 5 months (whereas standard treatment can take up to 3 years). This speed, however, comes at the expense of the range of orthodontic issues they can treat. Simpli5 is best suited for minor corrections. Invisalign and ClearStep, in contrast, can treat a wider array of bite problems.

 

 

 

My Invisalign Journey

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Hi everyone,

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Anna and I’m a Content Creator at ApexHub, a digital marketing and social media agency in Liverpool. I would like to share with you about the dental treatment I’m going to undertake at the Liverpool Dental Spa. I’m really excited to be getting my first set of Invisalign trays on Monday and sharing my progress throughout my journey.

At the moment I’m feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement, but I know that I’m in good hands and that if all goes to plan I will be really pleased with the results.

Why am I having Invisalign?

The main reason that I have chosen Invisalign treatment is because my teeth have some crowding, which means that there isn’t enough space for all the teeth to be accommodated properly, so some of them overlap. After doing a lot of research on the subject and evaluating other teeth straightening options such as Six Month Smiles, I decided that Invisalign is the best option for me as it’s the most convenient for my lifestyle.

From the moment I booked my first consultation, I have been very pleased with the customer service I have received and the way in which I have been treated at the Liverpool Dental Spa. From the first appointment with Dr Marius McGovern where I was told what the Invisalign treatment involves, to my hygiene appointment with his wife Debbie when my impressions were taken, I have had everything explained to me which has made me feel assured that I’m in good hands.

Their dental team has also stayed in contact with me at every stage of the treatment process so far, right up until last week when I was informed that my Invisalign aligners are ready to be picked up.

I will keep you updated about what it’s like to wear the Invisalign aligners and my first impressions of the treatment as I start this exciting journey!

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6 Dentistry Awards!

Winners for National UK Award

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team

Winners for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team
  • > 2008 Best Dental Practice

Finalists for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Practice
  • > 2008 Best Dental Team

Finalist & Highly Commended for

  • > 2007 Best Young Dentist Dr Marius McGovern