Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that you wear to straighten your teeth. They are very different from the traditional metal and wire braces that resemble train-tracks, made famous recently by shows like Ugly Betty.

If you are interested in having Invisalign treatment, your first appointment with the dentist will focus on determining whether this is the best suited option to straighten your teeth, based on your specific oral health needs and your lifestyle. Fortunately, in recent years there have been huge advances in the treatment options available for straightening teeth, known generally as orthodontics.

During Invisalign treatment you wear custom-made removable aligners that are replaced every two weeks with a new set, which help to gradually shape your teeth into the correct alignment. Below is a list of advantages that you can expect from this treatment option:

• Comfort. Invisalign does not have any sharp edges and brackets. The aligners sit comfortably over your teeth and can easily be removed for eating and drinking.

• Freedom: Wearing Invisalign allows you the freedom to do activities during the day such as brushing and flossing. Your aligner must be worn for 20 hours of the day, so for four you have the flexibility to eat, brush your teeth etc.

• Invisible: If your job is public-facing or you are particularly self-conscious about wearing metal braces as an adult, invisible aligners can offer you a more discreet solution.

• Reduced risk of white spots: As Invisalign is a clear set of removable plastic aligners, they do not interfere with the surface of the teeth. Traditional metal braces are bonded onto the teeth which may lead to white spots forming on the teeth which become visible once the braces are removed.

Here at Woodborough House, we can offer you a free initial consultation for Invisalign, to discuss whether this cosmetic procedure is right for you and your lifestyle. Our team of dentists are qualified to answer all your questions and can work out the best treatment option for you. Call us today on 0118 984 3108

Our dentist Sen has recently completed a course on Inman Aligners. As he is interested in the appliance and straightening teeth, he took this opportunity to obtain more information and experience in treating patients who want to use an Inman Aligner.

The Inman Aligner is an orthodontic appliance, which offers our patients a faster solution to straighten teeth, without committing to years fixed braces. It is most effective at correcting front teeth.

The Inman Aligner, can in some cases, take just 6 weeks to straighten certain teeth. The Inman Aligner is not as “invisible” as our Invisalign braces, but it has many of the advantages that the Invsialign system has over traditional braces. It is removable so that is doesn’t disturb your eating and oral hygiene. In addition all movements are achieved with a single aligner so there is no need to change your aligners every week. The Inman alighner is also cheaper than conventional fixed braces. We like the sound of that!

We offer a free of charge consultation with either Sen or Mark, so if you are interested in straighting your teeth, Inman Aligner or Invisalign then contact our reception team. They will be more happy to help

We are all very excited at Woodborough House, as we have a new bit of kit coming to the practice! We have many patients in the dental chair having treatment that requires us to take impressions using putty materials and alginate. We all know this is not much fun. Its especially difficult for patients that have a bad gag reflex or find it stressful having dental impressions taken.It is also an invasive procedure. Well don’t fear……………… Itero is here!!

The Itero is a scanning device that enables us to take accurate dental records and impressions. Itero features parallel confocal imaging which uses laser and optical scanning to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. An accurate impression is the foundation of an accurate study model required for effective treatment planning. After scanning, the machine gives us 3D images to help with treatment planning, crown preperations,  and orthodontic treatment.  Its also a great way for patients to see their dental work on a screen.

Woodborough House is very excited to be able to use this pioneering equipment, and to be one of the first in the UK to have one. No more goop, gagging or discomfort! That is something to be proud of

Today the girls had a lunch and learn session with our Oral B rep’s. We usually have regular sessions with them, in order to keep up to date with the latest and greatest tools and toys supplied by them. Oral B wanted to promote their electric toothbrushes today. Electric toothbrushes are great for patients who want to improve their oral health. They help with removing plaque in hard to reach places, tackle areas interproximally, reduce staining, and give a through clean. they are great for patients with implants, and also fab for cleaning removable retainers (I use mine all the time for that). But an electric toothbrush is no substitute for flossing or seeing your hygienist! If you are interested in investing in an electric toothbrush, or you want to discuss which type would be beneficial to you, talk to our team. I know how daunting it is when you walk in to the chemist or supermarket and you are presented with rows upon rows of toothbrushes, with added extras, bells and whistles. All you want is one that will do the job! Talk to us and we can help

I popped in to Sarah’s surgery today, to see how one of our lovely young patients was getting on with her fixed braces. She works in the village, and has had her braces on for quite a long time now. I actually had mine fixed around the same time as her, so it was a race to the finish line! She has now had them removed and they look fab!! I cant believe what a difference the braces has made to her smile. It may seem like a marathon when you have fixed braces, but the results at the end of the treatment is well worth it. Having fixed braces is a big commitment, and special care needs to be taken when having them on. Good oral hygiene is so important when wearing braces, and making sure you attend all appointments at your orthodontist is also really important. You get to know your orthodontist well as you will be there every 6-8 weeks. She is so pleased with her straighter smile that she has now decided to have them whitened.

If you are interested in having your teeth straightened with either fixed or removable braces, or you would like to have your teeth whitened then please talk to our team.

Today in our lunch hour, we had a rep from Phillips visit us to talk to us about the Sonicare toothbrush range. We like to keep “in the know” at WH so having these regular Continued  Professional Development meetings help us keep on track. As professionals, we have to do these CPD hours in order to stay registered with the General Dental Council. There has been a few re-vamps of the Sonicare toothbrush over the years, and although they are more expensive than the other electric toothbrushes on the market, they are definitely worth their weight in gold! I’ve got one, and I wouldn’t be with out it now. There is also a kids range, which is great for those children who are not brushing as they should. It even plays musical notes (its a shame the adult version doesn’as well). The Sonicare toothbrushes are great for those patients with implants, braces, or if they find brushing with a manual toothbrush hard. They are great for those patients who tend to brush hard, as you let the toothbrush do the work. They are also clinically provine to make you teeth whitee. Big wow!!

We have got demo toothbrushes and leaflets if you are interested in them, so please feel free to ask about them. We want to do all we can to keep you smiling.

A big congratulations to one of our younger patients who recently won gold several times for Reading in youth swimming!  What an achievement!  We are very proud of our young patient and look forward to following her career in swimming.  Go Jordan!  We also have a very excited Woodborough House receptionist today, Sarah has received her first Invisalign aligners!  In eight months time she will have a perfect smile.  Check them out next time you are in, that’s if you can even notice them! Invisalign keeps her smiling!

This week we are introducing new patient assessments.  This is an informal way for new patients to see our practice, meet our team and find out what we have to offer.  And not to mention these appointments are free of charge!  Cathy, our patient coordinator  along with Hayley, one of our nurses, are organising these appointments and will be your guide to our practice.  If you would like to come in and find out more information on dental implants, veneers, crowns, dentures, endodontics, periodontics, cosmetic treatment including whitening and invisalign or if you are nervous and would like to discuss sedation or just meet your dentist before your dental appointment call us to arrange a time with Hayley or Cathy.  They are very excited about their new role look forward to meeting you!

It’s that time again, be on the look out for our latest newsletter on it’s way out to you!  We have all been busy today packing envelopes and licking stamps 2000 in fact!  Our newsletter is packed full of our latest developments here at the practice. Formally introducing our endodontist Raquel and associate dentist Sen, also keeping you up to date with what is going on with all of us nurses. Not to mention the new services we offer including invisalign with Mark Hughes and Zoom! Whitening.  There is also a downloadable version of our newsletter on our home page.  We have  been slowly introducing a txt message reminder service which we are getting great feed back on.  Tell us what you prefer!

One of our nurses, Hayley, has come into work this morning with a smile bigger than ever!  After 18 months Hayley has had her orthodontic braces removed and is overjoyed!  Now she has the smile she has always dreamed of.  She has also started a trend amongst the team, Sarah our receptionist is about to undergo invisalign with Mark so her teeth will look fantastic for her wedding next September.  So next time you are in have a look and see how her treatment is going.  Remember Mark also does free consulations for invisalign so if you have a big day coming up come and see us!