Category Archives: Invisalign

Orthodontist shares recipe for success

A Wakefield orthodontist has been invited to share her recipe for success with an international audience as part of a development programme by a leading US innovator.

IMG_8239

Dr Catherine McCanny is one of only five international orthodontists appointed by Align to share their successful secrets in a series of videos, blogs and seminars that will be streamed around the globe.

From her Dewsbury Road base, the award-winning orthodontist has already filmed her hints and tips to be incorporated into a cook book style format as part of the Invisalign Practice Development Project.

The Project will go live in March with fellow members representing Germany, Spain, Italy and France.

Dr McCanny, who founded St Michaels Orthodontics, was chosen to be the UK adviser due to her early adoption of the Invisalign system  and the mentoring she has already undertaken in the UK as a clinical speaker  and as part of the Invisalign UK Advisory Board.

“St Michaels has been using Invisalign since it was launched a decade ago and we have grown that side of our practice from small numbers of about ten patients a year to over a hundred annually,” she said. Catherine has recently reached the 500 milestone of cases submitted.

“As early adopters we encountered the initial difficulties that deterred other practitioners embracing Invisalign.  When I first started using Invisalign, it was very limited in what it could do, and I only used it for simple cases. However, the innovations that have taken place within the company over the last 10 years and my expertise as an orthodontist allows me now to treat very challenging cases. Initially it forced me out of my comfort zone as I had only used fixed appliances when training.  I then had the challenge of bringing the team on board. I started to use it on some of my staff and they quickly realised the benefits of this system. They were then able to share their own experiences with our patients.

“Developing that side of our practice has demanded investment in the personal development of our team and the installation of cutting-edge technologies.

I quickly realised that the main advantage was an improved patient experience and I was getting excellent outcomes, so the long-term benefits paid dividends.  The whole team here at St Michaels have embraced innovations and technologies such as I-Tero scanning which allows patients to visualise the end result before they commit to treatment” added Catherine.

“Collating all our different experiences into a recipe book system will hopefully give fellow orthodontists confidence to take on board the benefits of digital technology.  Experienced users can watch one video on a specific problem they are facing or practitioners new to Invisalign can use the videos and the book to help them as they start their Invisalign journey.

Hopefully our shared experiences and ideas will help others take the leap of faith and introduce Invisalign as another treatment option to their patients.

 

 

 

 

About St Michaels Orthodontics: 

  • St Michael’s Orthodontics – a team of skilled orthodontists led by Catherine McCanny – is based on Dewsbury Road, Wakefield.
  • Dr Catherine McCanny has achieved Invisalign Platinum Elite Standard for both the quality of her work and the number of treatments she has performed
  • Having graduated from Dental School at Queen’s University, Belfast in 1988, Catherine commenced her specialist training in Orthodontics at Leeds Dental Institute in 1993. She then teamed up with her now-husband, Joe, to build and develop St Michael’s Dental Practice and St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd, which opened in 1998.
  • More recently, Catherine – a member of the British Orthodontic Society – was delighted to win three awards in the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards, including the ultimate accolade of Best Aesthetic Dentist 2013.
  • In 2015, St Michaels Orthodontics won three awards at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards including ‘Best Team’ and again in 2018 where Catherine won the Best Invisalign case and the Best Child/Teenager fixed case.
  • For more information about St Michael’s Orthodontics, please go to http://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk
  • Press Contact
  • Press release issued by: Carmel Harrison PR. For further information, please contact Carmel Harrison on: 07714 708 271. Alternatively, email carmel@carmelharrisonpr.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to smile with confidence?

So you’re ready to change your smile, but how do you choose an orthodontist?

Thinking

For over 20 years, Dr Catherine McCanny has been changing the lives of patients at St Michael’s Orthodontics. Aside from the attractive smile and self-esteem boost that orthodontic treatment offers, there are many other benefits to a straight smile such as improved oral hygiene.
 
No doubt if you are looking to begin your journey to a straighter smile you have done your research and will be familiar with the types of orthodontic appliance available. For many, understandably, the cost of treatment greatly impacts the decision for the practice you will choose for your treatment. “Why does the cost of treatment vary between different practices?” is a question we are often faced with. Many General Dental Practitioners are now expanding their scope of practice into the field of orthodontics, which is a factor that can affect the variation of treatment prices. Generally speaking, the cost of treatment provided by a Specialist Orthodontic Practice will be slightly more, but with that comes many advantages.  

What is an orthodontist?

Dentists and orthodontists both work to improve oral health. A dentist carries out general dental treatment, such as a check-up or fillings, however they may have a special interest in other areas like orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry. An orthodontist would firstly qualify as a dentist, then undergo 3 years of additional training to gain their Masters in Orthodontics. Specialist training means that an orthodontist would be able to carry out complex and comprehensive treatments.

Advantages of treatment with St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd.

We specialise in the field of Orthodontics. Our clinicians exclusively work within the orthodontic field, meaning all the staff know the treatments inside out.

Our Principal Orthodontist has over 20 years’ experience in orthodontics, and more than 10 years’ experience of working with Invisalign. This year our orthodontist Catherine has reached her milestone of treating 500 patients using Invisalign and she has achieved Platinum Elite status, making her one of the most experienced Invisalign providers in the UK.  Last year Catherine was appointed a clinical speaker for Invisalign- a recognition of her experience and expertise in this field.
She is now a member of the UK Invisalign advisory board and has been appointed as the UK representative for the Invisalign Cookbook which she has developed with 4 other European orthodontists in sharing their secret recipes for growing a successful Invisalign practice.

Our treatment packages include: –

  • ITero scan which will show patients how their teeth will look after treatment
  • Additional aligners if needed to fine detail the position of the teeth
  • Emergency or any extra visits
  • Patient care pack
  • Fixed and removable retainers as needed to ensure the teeth remain in position
  • Before and after photographs
  • 3 sets of Invisalign Vivera retainers
  • An 18-month supervision of retention



We offer different finance packages to spread the cost of your treatment (including 0% finance).

We offer a range of orthodontic appliances. Fixed metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Invisalign First…so whatever your preference or concern we’re sure to have a solution.

We have won 17 awards including :-

Best orthodontic practice
Best Team
Best Invisalign case (on 3 occasions)
Best adult fixed appliance case
Best child/teenager fixed appliance case

All our staff are actively involved in the world of Orthodontics. We are all keen to progress with training, and stay updated with the most recent treatment techniques by attending the British Orthodontic conference annually.

We have two members of staff appointed the position of treatment coordinator. Our treatment coordinators are trained and experienced in communicating with patients to find the best way to work with you. They can offer advice, guidance and reassurance help patients discover all their options and what will work best for them.

We hope our guide to the advantages of seeking treatment with St Michael’s Orthodontics has helped in your decision making for your own smile transformation. There are also many benefits to orthodontic treatment with a specialist orthodontist, and as with most things it comes down to personal preference and what you feel would give you the best options.

If you would like to arrange a complimentary chat appointment with our treatment coordinator to find out your options for a straighter smile, call today on 01924380680 or email orthostmichaels@tiscali.co.uk

Breathe easy with iTero technology

The taking of dental impressions is now a thing of the past thanks to our state of the art iTero dental scanner.

iTero pic

This £21,000 high tech scanner not only removes the discomfort from obtaining a dental impression but enables us to provide you with a more flexible, accurate and productive service.

The handheld scanning technology creates a digital ‘dental impression’, producing highly accurate 3D images of your mouth that can be rotated, zoomed and manipulated in various ways.

Scanner image

It provides a record of the exact dimensions of your teeth and gums and, with the magic of technology, we can even forecast what your teeth will look like after treatment.

With the ability to capture up to 6,000 frames per second, our trained staff simply move the wand-like scanner over your teeth and gums, stopping and starting it as often as necessary. The new process is far preferable for patients who no longer need to have impression material in their mouth for several minutes – a method which caused some people to gag uncomfortably.

Being able to send the impressions to the lab digitally means a quicker turn around, saving you weeks of waiting, and with the scanner able to forecast the different treatment outcomes, you will have all the information you need up front to enable you to make an informed decision about the different treatment outcomes available.

The iTero technology is not only improving the overall experience for patients but is in line with the excellent level of service we aim to provide at St Michael’s Orthodontics to ensure patient confidence.

To discover how iTero can benefit you, contact us at orthostmichaels@tiscali.co.uk or check out our websites: https://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk/ or www.invisiblebraces-yorkshire.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wakefield Orthodontist smiles as global stage beckons

AN award-winning Wakefield Orthodontist, who runs a female only practice has been selected as a global ambassador for an international company.

Pic

Dr Catherine McCanny, specialist orthodontist at St Michael’s Orthodontics, Dewsbury Road, has been chosen as a clinical speaker and key opinion leader for Invisalign, thanks to her experience and expertise using the invisible brace system for complex cases.  As the UK’s only second female Invisalign speaker, she wants to encourage more orthodontists to pick up the baton to help patients achieve straight teeth pain-free.

One of the most experienced Invisalign practitioners in the UK Catherine has helped 1000s of patients achieve a better smile without the need for surgery.  It was this track record that won her Platinum Elite Status and prompted the company to invite her to share her knowledge with other orthodontists.

“Invisalign aligns patients’ teeth in an almost invisible way; it is a much more comfortable and efficient alternative to fixed braces.  In even the most complex cases it has eradicated the need for surgery.   Thanks to my experience with the treatment, I now use Invisalign for the most complex of cases,” said Dr McCanny.

“Due to my experience I’ve gone from using the Invisalign on 10 cases a year to now over 80 cases a year.  Eventually, I hope to use Invisalign for 75 per cent of all my adult cases and share this conversion with other dentists and orthodontists through my new clinical speaker role.”

Catherine received her clinical speaker training in Amsterdam earlier this month and will start her new role in Birmingham on 3rd May.

This recent accolade follows her success at the 2018 Aesthetic Dentistry Awards where she snapped up two awards relating to the use of Invisalign plus the treatment of teenagers. 

Catherine added: “I am extremely privileged and honoured to be chosen by Invisalign as a Clinical Speaker.  This international treatment is globally recognised and I hope this showcases St Michael’s Orthodontics as a worldwide centre of excellence.

“I am excited to share my passion of the Invisalign system with my colleagues. We are all trained in using fixed appliances and it is easy to stay in our comfort zone.   However, I hope that by demonstrating how I have treated my patients with Invisalign that other colleagues will start to see the benefits of this system.”

 

 

 

Editor’s notes:

 

  • St Michael’s Orthodontics – a team of skilled orthodontists led by Catherine McCanny – is based on Dewsbury Road, Wakefield.
  • Dr Catherine McCanny has achieved Invisalign Platinum Elite Standard for both the quality of her work and the number of treatments she has performed
  • Having graduated from Dental School at Queen’s University, Belfast in 1988, Catherine commenced her specialist training in Orthodontics at Leeds Dental Institute in 1993. She then teamed up with her now-husband, Joe, to build and develop St Michael’s Dental Practice and St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd, which opened in 1998.
  • More recently, Catherine – a member of the British Orthodontic Society – was delighted to win two awards in the 2018 Aesthetic Dentistry Awards.
  • In 2015 St Michaels Orthodontics won three awards at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards including ‘Best Team’.

 

  • For more information about St Michael’s Orthodontics, please go to http://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk http://invisiblebraces-yorkshire.co.uk

 

Press release issued by: Carmel Harrison PR, The Plex, Margaret street, Wakefield. For further information, please contact Carmel Harrison on: 01924 632263. Alternatively, email carmel@carmelharrisonpr.com

 

 

 

Wakefield orthodontist snaps up two top awards

ST MICHAEL’S Orthodontics are beaming with success after their specialist orthodontist Catherine McCanny snapped up two awards at the 2018 Aesthetic Dentistry Awards.

 

2018 ADA v2

Catherine – who set-up St Michael’s Orthodontics in Dewsbury Road, Wakefield 20 years ago – won the two awards relating to the use of Invisalign plus the treatment of teenagers.

She had submitted two case studies, including photographs before, during and after treatment, showing how the work she had carried out improved the appearance of a 13 year-old boy with very crowded teeth plus highly prominent ‘fangs’ plus a 31-year-old woman who was really unhappy with the appearance of her teeth, especially on the top right.

The practice was also shortlisted for the Best Aesthetic Practice Award, recognising the practice as a centre of excellence and the hard work every team member brings to the patient experience. St Michael’s Orthodontics have previously secured wins at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards in 2013 and 2015.

“I am delighted to receive the recognition that winning these awards brings. I tend to enter such events with no expectation of success, knowing what strong competition I’m up against and to come out on top is a welcome endorsement of the standard of service and outcomes we are delivering for our patients at St Michael’s Orthodontics,” commented Catherine.

“I view the awards very much as a team achievement as it’s the service we all provide that gets results.”

The Invisalign award entry outlined how Catherine used the clear, virtually invisible, aligner system which gently moves teeth into position, to treat a particularly challenging case.

“Invisalign was the only treatment the patient would have but the level of complexity involved saw us taking the use of the system to a totally new level. The patient was on board all the way and by going that extra mile over two years of treatment we achieved outstanding results. We would never have used Invisalign for such complex challenges several years ago but, in doing so, it has given me more confidence to treat more difficult cases with it in future,” said Catherine who also won the Aesthetic Dentistry Award for Invisalign in 2013 and 2015.

“A key factor in the successful outcomes of both case studies that we submitted for the awards was that the patients were willing to work with us. Our teenaged case study involved 27 months of treatment, combining twin block removable braces and fixed braces.

Both patients were extremely dedicated in working with me and as a result, they a had such a difference to their smile and self confidence.

Editor’s notes:

 

  • St Michael’s Orthodontics – a team of skilled orthodontists led by Catherine McCanny – is based on Dewsbury Road, Wakefield.
  • Dr Catherine McCanny has achieved Invisalign Platinum Elite Standard for both the quality of her work and the number of treatments she has performed
  • Having graduated from Dental School at Queen’s University, Belfast in 1988, Catherine commenced her specialist training in Orthodontics at Leeds Dental Institute in 1993. She then teamed up with her now-husband, Joe, to build and develop St Michael’s Dental Practice and St Michael’s Orthodontics Ltd, which opened in 1998.
  • More recently, Catherine – a member of the British Orthodontic Society – was delighted to win two awards in the 2018 Aesthetic Dentistry Awards.
  • In 2015 St Michaels Orthodontics won three awards at the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards including ‘Best Team’.
  • For more information about St Michael’s Orthodontics, please go to http://www.stmichaelsorthodontics.co.uk http://invisiblebraces-yorkshire.co.uk

 

Press release issued by: Carmel Harrison PR, The Plex, Margaret street, Wakefield. For further information, please contact Carmel Harrison on: 01924 632263. Alternatively, email carmel@carmelharrisonpr.com

Announcing the launch of a new Invisalign website

Yorkshire based orthodontic practice, St Michaels Orthodontics, has launched a new website to highlight their Invisalign expertise to patients.

 

Invisalign

Dr Catherine McCanny, specialist orthodontist at St Michaels Orthodontics, was one of the first Invisalign practitioners in the UK and has helped 1000s of patients achieve better oral health, general wellbeing and more confidence using the revolutionary technique.  Invisalign is an almost invisible system of braces that has helped patients achieve straighter teeth without having to use embarrassing metal fixings.

Having been a pioneer for Invisalign and a passionate advocate of the associated long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment, Dr McCanny wanted to provide an improved information portal so developed the website separate from her St Michael’s Orthodontics website.

“There is no one type of patient seeking to have their teeth straightened but everyone who comes to us wants more information about the benefits of orthodontic treatment,” said Dr McCanny.  “We were also keen to provide information for people anonymously to make them feel more comfortable about the process before seeking help or treatment,” she added.

“Today everyone, including executives wanting to improve their confidence at work to retirees wanting to spoil themselves are considering orthodontic treatment as a means of improving their lives, but they want as much information as possible.   Whatever their reasons we want to make sure that everyone is as well informed as possible.”

Dr McCanny achieved Invisalign Platinum Elite Status earlier this year and has applied this expertise to the website.  Now launched, it will be constantly updated with the latest research, news of new methods of treatment available at St Michaels as well as interesting information.

IMG_9374 (1)

Built with the patient in mind, the website also has special features such as a ‘Smile Gallery’ and video testimonials from patients who achieved the smile they always wanted, thanks to Catherine’s expertise and the Invisalign system.  This offers patients a visual documentation of what they can expect from the treatment, helping them to make a clear, informed decision.  

Although Invisalign is featured on the existing St Michaels Orthodontics website, the new website specialises solely on this technique, offering a more in-depth documentation on the different types of Invisalign on offer for patients.

Practice Manager Carol Walter said: “The new website focuses solely on Invisalign which allows patients to research everything they need to know about the features and benefits of Invisalign in one place. The website creates clarity for patients and really helps people to decide whether Invisalign is right for them, ensuring that we are delivering the ultimate standard of patient care at all times.”

Click here to visit the new website: www.invisiblebraces-yorkshire.co.uk/

 

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

 

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%.

 

New iTero technology changing the face of dentistry

iTero pic

Now there is no need to imagine how your teeth could look, with the iTero scanner and the Invisalign Outcome Simulator we can share the possibilities.

You can now view potential Invisalign treatment outcomes with the Invisalign Outcome Simulator at St Michaels Orthodontics. This chairside application is powered exclusively by iTero scanners to help you visualise how your teeth may look at the end of Invisalign treatment, with a simple scan of your teeth we can produce a simulated outcome to show you the benefits possible with Invisalign treatment.

iTero scanners also improve your experience by eliminating the mess and unpleasantness associated with traditional impressions. 

DUAL-VIEW LAYOUT

See your current tooth position side by side to your simulated final positions.

outcome-simulator

 

 

REAL-TIME ADJUSTMENTS

Intuitive touch-screen tools allow real-time adjustments to the simulated outcome allowing you to consult with your specialist about your needs.

 

View the possibilities with your specialist orthodontist.

Contact the practice  for more advice or to arrange your Outcome Simulation today on 01924 380680  or e-mail orthodontictc@gmail.com