Blog

At Archway Dental Surgery, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. In addition to providing Invisalign in Cornwall, we also focus on educating our patients about gum disease prevention and home care. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental issue that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. If left untreated, there is the potential for tooth loss or other complications.

There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage, characterised by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. With proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, gingivitis can be reversed. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, where the bone and fibres that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. This stage requires more extensive treatment to prevent tooth loss and further damage.

Daily oral hygiene routine

Preventing gum disease begins with a consistent and effective daily oral hygiene routine. At Archway Dental Surgery, we recommend a number of steps to maintain your gum health.

Twice per day be sure to brush for at least two minutes, reaching all surfaces of your teeth and gently brushing along the gumline.

Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline. If you find traditional flossing difficult, consider using interdental brushes or a water flosser.

Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.

Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with us at Archway Dental Surgery. During these visits, our dental professionals will assess your gum health and provide any necessary treatments to keep your gums healthy.

How clear braces support gum health

Invisalign in Cornwall is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, clear braces can also contribute to better gum health. Traditional braces can make it difficult to clean all areas of your teeth, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate. Clear aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Furthermore, straightening your teeth with clear aligners can help prevent gum disease by reducing the areas where plaque and bacteria can become trapped. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which helps prevent the development of gum disease.

Recognising and addressing gum disease

It is crucial to be aware of the signs of gum disease so you can address it as early as possible. Symptoms include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, bad breath, and receding gums. If you notice any of these signs, contact Archway Dental Surgery for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your gum health. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco products can all contribute to better overall oral health.

At Archway Dental Surgery, our team is committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. By following these home care tips and considering clear aligners for improved oral hygiene, you can effectively prevent and treat gum disease. If you are interested in learning more about Invisalign in Cornwall or have concerns about your gum health, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our experienced dental professionals are here to guide you on your journey towards optimal oral health and a confident smile.

As a forward-thinking dental practice, we at Archway Dental Surgery applaud every attempt in the industry that focuses on improving treatment methods for improved outcomes and a more comfortable patient journey. One treatment plan that excited us all when it first reached dental shores is Invisalign in Cornwall.

There are multiple reasons why Invisalign in Cornwall has received such great fanfare. The entire concept of the teeth-straightening approach that Invisalign in Cornwall is based on is a remarkable one. For so many years, patients wanting excellent dental alignment had to wear fixed metal braces for however long their treatment plan was.

This type of orthodontic process created challenges, especially for adult patients. The development of Invisalign considered these challenges and the perfect solutions to resolve them. Because of its out-of-the-box concept, patients on the Invisalign treatment have found the method to be more comfortable, convenient and effective in giving them a more confident smile.

As the Invisalign orthodontic device looks completely different and works differently from traditional braces, the number of questions patients have about it comes as no surprise. To appreciate the way Invisalign works, it is important to first look at its design.

How different is Invisalign’s design?

There are no metal components used in the design of Invisalign’s aligner-based braces nor do they require a dental practitioner to attach them to teeth. So then, what do they look like? Invisalign aligners are made from flexible medical-grade thermoplastic material. These aligners are flexible enough to be removed and inserted easily by patients. They are fully customisable to meet each patient’s dental specifications, enabling them to fit snugly onto teeth.

The secret to Invisalign’s aligner-based braces is the intuitive SmartTrack technology that each aligner carries. This technology allows for the gentle and precise movement of teeth when each aligner is worn in the correct sequence.

Each patient who is suitable for the treatment plan gets a series of aligners that need to be worn for the duration of treatment, with each aligner changed according to a strict interval change schedule.

What are the benefits of this approach to straightening teeth, and how are they made possible?

Why do patients choose Invisalign?

The first appeal of aligner-based braces is the fact they are incredibly discreet. Invisalign uses a clear plastic material, so it is barely detectable when worn in the mouth. This makes it a great choice for teenagers, adults or anyone who does not wish others to know about their orthodontic treatment.

Convenience is another huge advantage to Invisalign aligners. Dental practitioners allow for the removal of the aligners for two reasons only. The first is at meal times, and the second is when cleaning the teeth.

Being able to remove the orthodontic device before eating removes the challenges of dietary restrictions, as is necessary when on traditional orthodontic plans. Patients need not worry about what they eat as there is little chance of their devices being damaged.

The ease of oral hygiene obligations is another benefit. Much time can be saved by not having to be mindful of metal brackets and wires that can get in the way of brushing and flossing.

Patients will have to attend a consultation to determine suitability for the Invisalign treatment plan. To schedule your consultation, please give us a call at Archway Dental Surgery.

If you are thinking about straightening your teeth then you need to speak to us at Archway Dental Surgery and find out about Invisalign in Cornwall, one of the most popular teeth straightening options across the world. To begin with, we will carry out a thorough assessment of your teeth, looking for any signs of cavities or decay. We will assess the alignment of your teeth and this will help us decide which type of orthodontic treatment is necessary for you. We will also assess your periodontal status and your bone health to determine whether you require dental treatment prior to orthodontic treatment and if so this will be put together as part of an individually tailored treatment plan. If we are happy with the health of your teeth and gums then you are ready to straighten your teeth with Invisalign in Cornwall.

Before you begin Invisalign in Cornwall, we will recommend that you undergo a professional clean with your hygienist if you have not done so in the last six months. Regular visits to the dentist and regular hygienist appointments are very important for maintaining good dental health. During your Invisalign treatment you should also continue to visit the dentist and hygienist to make sure that you do not develop any dental health complications whilst straightening your teeth and also to make sure that your teeth and gums remain clean, strong and healthy throughout this time.

Achieving optimal results

The process itself can take between 6 and 18 months and this will depend on how crooked or wonky your teeth were to begin with. Most patients complete the treatment within 12 months. It is important that you adhere to the instructions that are provided to you with regard to wearing and looking after your aligners, so that you can achieve optimal results. This means that the aligners need to be kept in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours of the day. The aligners need to be removed at meal times or if you are drinking anything other than water. When looked after properly Invisalign aligners are almost invisible in the mouth. If you drink anything other than water whilst wearing your aligners then you are likely to stain them and this will affect how they look in your mouth. If you do not take them out to eat then you risk damaging your aligners and also you will not be able to bite or chew your food. By taking the aligners out of your mouth you can enjoy your favourite food and drink, clean your teeth thoroughly by brushing and flossing and using a fluoride mouthwash before replacing the aligners back into your mouth.

If you do not wear the aligners for the prescribed period of time then this will affect the end results. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth by approximately 0.25 mm. Our dentist will track your progress at regular intervals and it is important that you retain your previous aligners in case you need to wear one of them for a longer period of time than originally planned. Also if you lose your current aligner then you can always wear the previous one until you receive a replacement. Speak to us at Archway Dental Surgery today and find out more about Invisalign and how you can straighten your teeth successfully very soon.

Studies show that if you are happy with the appearance of your teeth, you are more likely to visit the dentist on time and maintain a good dental hygiene routine. Those who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth are more likely to avoid the dentist and may neglect their teeth from time to time. This can be highly detrimental to your dental health. A beautiful smile requires regular visits to the dentist, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing after meals and using a fluoride mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and fresh at all times. By avoiding the dentist you can have stains, plaque and tartar build up on the surface of your teeth. This can not only affect the appearance of your smile, but it can also cause a range of dental health issues. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile then you need to speak to us at Archway Dental Surgery and find out about the different options that are available for you.

Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign in Cornwall is an excellent way of beautifying your smile and improving your dental health at the same time. Invisalign in Cornwall is a cosmetic orthodontic treatment that has been designed for the modern generation. It was first established in 1999 and since then it has helped correct more than 14 million smiles worldwide. It continues to be a highly popular choice of teeth straightening. Most of the treatment can be carried out in the comfort of your home, which means it is highly convenient and you do not have to take days off work and spend hours at the dental practice. Rather Invisalign in Cornwall is designed to fit around your lifestyle. Invisalign uses transparent, BPA-free thermoplastic aligners to straighten your teeth. The aligners work as a sequence to push your teeth in gradual increments to a neater formation. Different patients require different numbers of aligners and the treatment can be completed in 6 months or can take up to 18 months to 2 years depending on your individual orthodontic needs. The more misaligned your teeth are the longer the process will take, however you can achieve fantastic, long-lasting results and you can enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile for the rest of your life.

Visit us online and take a look at our ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures to find out how patients have benefitted from Invisalign here at Archway Dental Surgery. Book an appointment for a smile assessment and we will find out whether or not Invisalign is the right choice of treatment for you. We will carry out a dental health assessment and you will undergo a three-dimensional scan to put together a digital treatment plan for you. We will discuss the length of the treatment and help you make a thorough and informed decision. With Invisalign you can achieve a beautiful new smile at your convenience and your discretion, so speak to us at Archway Dental Surgery today to find out more.

Are your teeth a source of embarrassment to you? Let us help you release the real inner you! Archway Dental Surgery is a family practice that has been established for four decades. We have a friendly, exuberant, passionate and experienced team ready to take care of you from arrival to final treatment. We have been using Invisalign in Cornwall to help put smiles on patients’ faces, discreetly.

A treatment with a pedigree

Misaligned teeth have been a problem for thousands of years and have been treated in many different ways. In 1997 a new and revolutionary method was created. Over the ensuing decades the techniques, and equipment rapidly evolved into a coordinated system that is appropriate for the modern lifestyle. We use Invisalign in Cornwall because it has been a pioneer not only in the development of a new dental appliance, but because of the equipment that is used to support the treatment.

Accuracy, speed and comfort

The introduction of digital equipment, algorithms, hardware and software have helped Invisalign in Cornwall to be able to take oral scans of your mouth using a scanner that takes over three thousand images of your mouth in a second. The advantage of this is that the various systems allow us to produce precise images and calculations to straighten your teeth. Everything is done digitally so there is no dental putty required to make a mould. Your treatment plan is quickly and accurately produced and communication between the laboratory and us is instant. To help you to decide on whether to pursue the treatment or not we can produce a virtual image of how your smile will look after treatment, before we even begin. This technology was not available decades ago and it has eliminated any guesswork.

A gum shield?

The traditional blocks on the front of your teeth, wires and bands have been replaced with an appliance that resembles a gum shield. Generally these gum shields are called aligners. This appliance fits over your teeth and is made from a clear dental material so it is inconspicuous. We refer to the gum shields as trays and a number are produced based on your particular condition. Each tray has its own job to do and is shaped by computer software to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. To be suitably efficient each tray needs to be worn in a particular sequence for a minimum of two weeks. The trays must be worn for at least twenty-two hours per day. They can however be removed to allow you to eat, drink and to brush and floss your teeth.

Release your new smile

At the end of the treatment, it is necessary to wear a final aligner which will hold your teeth in their new position. You may remove this final aligner to allow for brushing and flossing as well as eating and drinking. After a few weeks you will be able to remove this final aligner and display with pride and confidence, your radiant smile, which you have been hiding from the world.

When people have mild to moderate alignment issues, they may feel reluctant to smile freely in public. If this is you, you may have been considering looking into what the options are for treating your teeth’s alignment. Whether you have crossbite, under or overbites, crowded or gapped teeth, finding a treatment that is suitable may feel overwhelming. At Archway Dental Surgery, we like to make realigning your smile as easy and convenient as possible with Invisalign in Cornwall. This is because results can be achieved in as little as 9 to 18 months with Invisalign’s removable plastic aligners that are virtually impossible to see, when you are wearing them. If you want a discreet treatment, Invisalign is Cornwall is the way to go!

How it works

When you wear the aligners over your teeth, they push the teeth into the correct position, over a period of time. You will need to change between the aligners that we provide you with as each one is designed to apply a certain amount of pressure. The aligners are made bespoke for you and we use iTero digital scanning technology to get the measurements of your mouth. We use these to have your aligners made by the clever people in Invisalign’s laboratories. We will give you enough aligners to use for 6 weeks and then all you need to do is come and see us for a check up and we can give you more. We can also use the scan to generate an image of what your smile will look like after the treatment has come to an end, before you’ve even received your first aligners. This should be very encouraging for you and we hope that it allows you to feel excited about taking the plunge and getting your teeth realigned.

Why should I get my teeth realigned?

While it’s obvious that realigning your smile will give you a beautiful grin, there are also health benefits for doing so. By ensuring your teeth are in the appropriate position, it should make it a lot easier to clean your teeth effectively. You could also find that it is easier to chew your food and you may then reduce jaw pain associated with issues connected to this. You may also develop clearer speech as a result of your teeth being in the appropriate position.

Aside from these health benefits, you could also find that realigning your smile with Invisalign is a great option for you, because it enables you to have some freedom and control when it comes to your treatment. You only need to have the aligners in your mouth for 22 hours, so you have a couple to take them out for meals and cleaning your teeth. You could even have some time left over to remove them for special occasions or playing sports – whatever you like! The aligners should also be comfortable to wear, because they are fitted precisely to your mouth, but also because there aren’t any wires or brackets to catch the inside of your lips on. Instead, the plastic is very smooth and comfortable, whilst also being highly durable, so this should reduce the risk of you damaging them and requiring an emergency appointment.

Archway Dental Surgery and Invisalign

As members of the BDA Good Practice accreditation scheme, we are committed to delivering excellent care and at Archway Dental Surgery, Invisalign is just one of the treatment options we have for realigning your smile. Come and see us for a consultation, where we will examine you and discuss the suitable treatments for you. If you do opt for Invisalign, a fabulous smile will be just months away, so start today!

‘Time and tide, wait for no man’, Geoffrey Chaucer’s statement is as profound today as it was in the fourteenth century. At Archway Dental Surgery we have embraced the advances made in technology and dental science, because we know that we must move with the times. Treatments for dental misalignment have moved rapidly ahead from the days of uncomfortable metal braces and a ‘one treatment suits all’ approach.

Targeted dental treatments

There are a number of new braces and aligners designed to correct specific conditions, because we know that we are all different and therefore we all need to be treated slightly differently. Invisalign in Cornwall uses the high precision iTero 3D scanner which produces accurate and detailed images of the interior of a patient’s mouth. There is no need for dental putty and it’s much quicker and more precise than previous scanners. It also provides predicted digital images of what your teeth will look like after treatment, even before your treatment commences.

Accuracy delivers successful results

Because Invisalign in Cornwall employs a different method to traditional braces, the creation of precise results is key to the treatment. Unlike braces which traditionally work using blocks attached to your teeth with wires and bands, Invisalign in Cornwall uses plastic trays. These trays resemble gumshields and a series is produced, each with a slightly different orientation which moves your teeth gradually to the desired location. The trays are manufactured from a dental grade polyurethane and polyester thermoplastic which are clear and therefore unobtrusive. This makes them suitable for young people and adults alike.

Eliminating dental misalignment

There are many reasons why it is better to correct a dental misalignment than to leave it untreated. If your teeth do not meet up correctly you are unable to chew your food properly which can cause you to suffer from gastric discomfort. Because your teeth may be crooked, overcrowded or you have an overbite, underbite or other similar condition, you may find that you are unable to brush your teeth properly. This can cause pockets to form around your teeth and gums which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Invisalign will help to straighten your misaligned teeth and the possibility of suffering from any of these conditions. Of course then there is the self-consciousness that you may have developed whenever you want to smile. Often people will hide their mouths when they smile because of this self-consciousness.

Rewarded with your smile

As a dental practitioner there is nothing more rewarding than a patient smiling after treatment. Invisalign is one of those treatments that brings a lot of relief and joy to our patients and we enjoy seeing the results after treatment. To think that wearing a simple device that looks similar to a gum shield could produce such amazing results would not have been believed many years ago. Of course there is a lot of complicated science, technology and technique to get to the final result, but it is satisfying to know that a treatment like this is available. If you have a dental misalignment condition, Invisalign is here waiting to put that broad, radiant smile on your face.

If misaligned teeth were not treated when you were a child three decades ago, you were normally left to go through life with your condition. This was partly due to metal braces being the only serious treatment available and they were cumbersome and uncomfortable. The twenty-first century with all its amazing advances in technology has sped up dental development in a variety of areas. Orthodontics is one of the areas that has seen incredible progress, especially in relation to correcting dental misalignment. Our practice, Archway Dental Surgery delivers Invisalign in Cornwall and, using the latest computer-aided equipment, has added to the more than eight million people worldwide who have benefitted from this treatment.

Discreet and suitable for all ages

Invisalign in Cornwall is a discreet and comfortable method of correcting a large range of dental misalignment problems. If a patient is already struggling mentally with the embarrassment of a dental condition, adding to it by attaching a brace which accentuates the problem seems counter-productive. Fortunately dental science and technology have been hard at work over the years, making orthodontic appliances that are less conspicuous and more comfortable. Now patients of all ages have access to a variety of targeted treatments that are discreet.

We are all different

As dentists we understand that no two patients are the same and that it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination and assessment of all conditions to determine the correct procedure. Invisalign in Cornwall uses an amazing piece of equipment to produce thousands of 3D digital images of the interior of your mouth. These images are accurate and clear, allowing us to identify your particular problem and produce a successful and personal treatment plan quickly.

Let us help you smile confidently again

Misaligned teeth can cause a number of medical and mental problems that are relatively easy to correct. If your teeth do not meet properly as they were intended to, you will not be able to masticate your food properly which can cause digestion problems. Certain dental misalignment conditions can also accelerate tooth decay and gum disease, so it is advisable to have this condition corrected. Embarrassment or feeling self-conscious when you smile can also cause some mental anxiety and being able to produce a broad, confident smile would alleviate this anxiety.

Treatment is comfortable and discreet

Because Invisalign is made from a dental material which is clear you can wear your aligners knowing that they are almost invisible. The duration of the treatment is determined by the particular condition concerned, but on average is between a year and eighteen months. A series of personal aligners, called trays, are produced, based on your examination. Each aligner must be worn for at least twenty-two hours per day. They can be removed to eat and drink, and to brush and floss your teeth. Aligners are changed around every three weeks to a month, based on progress which we will assess at each visit.

A settling in period

Once the treatment has been completed it will be necessary to wear a final retainer to hold your teeth in place while they settle. This retainer is also made of a clear dental material which is inconspicuous and needs to be worn until you are given the all clear, to ensure that the repositioning of your teeth remains stable.

Invisalign in Cornwall is part of a dental revolution that has seen more than eight million patients, worldwide, benefit from this form of treatment. Unfortunately we are not all born with straight teeth and some of us have to have a correctional procedure to address any dental misalignment. Invisalign in Cornwall is here to help you with a treatment that is comfortable and quick.

Computer aided procedures

The latest technology is being used in dentistry to help ensure accurate and safe procedures in many areas of the profession, including orthodontics. Using the latest computer hardware and software our practice, Archway Dental Surgery, is able to eliminate many of the old techniques and procedures associated with dental misalignment correction. Invisalign in Cornwall uses the iTero digital scanner which provides accurate and detailed 3D digital images of your oral cavity, eliminating the use of dental putty and other outmoded procedures. The communication between our practice and the laboratory is also immediate and helps to speed up the process.

Get a glimpse into the future

Using the amazing Invisalign digital equipment we can produce an image of how your teeth will look after treatment, even before treatment has begun! You can immediately get an idea of how the dental improvements will look and discuss with us if you have any questions.

Can you help correct my condition?

No two people are the same and therefore treatments must be tailor-made to suit a particular patient. Using Invisalign we are able to correct many dental misalignments that were previously only treated with conventional braces such as crowded teeth, crossbite, overbite, underbite and deep bite.

How are they different to braces

Braces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all generally use blocks, wires and bands in some shape or form to move your teeth. Invisalign works slightly differently and looks more like a gum shield which fits over your teeth, eliminating the use of blocks, wires and bands. These gum shields are referred to as trays and a treatment plan consists of a series of these trays. Invisalign is also made from a multilayer polyurethane and copolymer thermoplastic which is clear and therefore inconspicuous.

What is involved in the treatment?

The first part of the treatment is to have a thorough examination to assess your condition and decide which treatment plan is best. Thousands of digital images are produced of your oral cavity and  we will communicate digitally with the laboratory to produce your personal set of Invisalign trays. We will fit the first tray and you will be required to wear each tray for at least twenty-two hours per day. You may remove the tray to eat and drink, and to brush and floss your teeth. Every few weeks it will be necessary to have a new tray fitted until the final tray of the treatment is used.

The final reveal

Once treatment has been completed it will be necessary to wear a final retainer to hold your teeth in their new position while they settle. Proper and regular dental maintenance must always be maintained, but now you will be able to reveal your broad, confident smile of lovely straight teeth to the world and your family.

Shhhh! It should be a secret, but we have to share! If you have misaligned teeth, you might be wondering what treatments are available. Some patients are choosing Invisalign in Cornwall, and if you met them, you probably wouldn’t even realise that they have anything in their mouths realigning their teeth. Why? Because Invisalign, as its name suggests, is almost invisible when worn. At Archway Dental Surgery, we offer Invisalign to patients with mild to moderate alignment issues such as crossbites, over or underbites and crowded or gapped teeth. Within as little as approximately 6 to 18 months, you could have improved alignment, and others wouldn’t know how you did it, unless you let the cat out of the bag, of course!

What is Invisalign in Cornwall?

With plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth, Invisalign in Cornwall discreetly manoeuvres the teeth into the desired positions by applying pressure to them. They are transparent, so only the teeth should be visible. They can also be made bespoke to fit your mouth using iTero technology; this digital scan gets the measurements required for your aligners to be made. From this, we can also generate a 3D animation of what your teeth will look like after your treatment is completed, so you can feel motivated from the outset, knowing how good your teeth will look after treatment is over.

What are the other benefits of choosing Invisalign?

Invisalign offers discretion for patients, but it also carries many other advantages. For convenience, Invisalign has got it made! The aligners are removable so that you can take them out for up to 2 hours a day, including when you are eating and drinking. This means that you can continue to eat your normal diet, and you won’t need to avoid chewy or hard foods. You can also take the aligners out when you want to play sports, attend an event or just fancy a little break from wearing them – whatever works for you!

Another benefit of removing the aligners is that you will be able to brush and floss as normal. This means that you can keep your teeth and gums healthy whilst getting a beautiful smile aligned. As your teeth become more aligned, it should also be easier to clean them.

The aligners are durable, being made of plastic; this means that they won’t get damaged easily and, therefore, you shouldn’t need to come for emergency appointments, taking time out of your busy life. Instead, you should only need to come for a checkup every 6 weeks, and we will send you home with the next batch of aligners to use until your next checkup in another 6 weeks.

Anything else I need to know?

To find out whether Invisalign is the right treatment for your specific needs, you will need to book an initial consultation with us. During this appointment, we will discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have. We will also thoroughly examine your mouth and jaw to determine what your alignment issues are and advise you on suitable treatment options. If Invisalign is an option for you, we know it’ll be a challenge to keep it a secret, because we can’t stop talking about it with our patients either!