Common Questions About Invisalign Teeth Straightening Answered

Invisalign Teeth Straightening

Invisalign is a popular, discreet teeth straightening treatment designed to give you the teeth you have always wanted. This innovative procedure has so far helped over 12 million people achieve their dream smile.

So, what is Invisalign and why is it so popular? Here, we will answer some of the most common questions about Invisalign teeth straightening to help you decide if it is right for you.

What is Invisalign teeth straightening?

Invisalign teeth straightening is a 3-step process that aims to straighten out the teeth in adults and teens. You will wear clear aligners that are practically invisible to the naked eye, and there are no wires or brackets to worry about.

The clear aligners are created from a flexible plastic known as SmartTrack. This is specifically created for Invisalign treatment, and it makes the aligners comfortable to wear. They are developed to apply just the right amount of pressure onto the teeth to bring them into alignment.

Each Invisalign treatment is tailored to the patient’s mouth, ensuring natural, effective results.

What are the benefits of Invisalign teeth straightening?

Invisalign teeth straightening offers a range of excellent benefits. These include:

  • Discreet yet highly effective
  • You can remove them when needed, such as to eat or drink
  • There are no wires or brackets that could break

How long do I need to wear the aligners for?

The clear aligners will need to be worn for around 20-22 hours each day. You need to keep them in as long as possible to experience best results. You can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss.

When can I expect to see results?

You could experience full results in as little as six months. However, most patients find it takes between 12 and 18 months to complete the treatment. This will depend upon the complexity of the case.

The aligners will also need to be changed regularly throughout the treatment. Again, this will differ depending upon your specific case. However, you can expect to change them weekly or fortnightly.

How much will Invisalign treatment cost?

The cost of your Invisalign treatment will depend upon several factors. These include the complexity of your case and how long you need to have the treatment for. Your dentist will be able to give you an accurate quote after an initial assessment.

Save £750 on your treatment!

If you are looking to save money on Invisalign teeth straightening, come to our Invisalign open day on Friday 18th March 2022. From 9am until 3pm, we will be carrying out free Invisalign assessments. This also includes a free 3D iTero scan, a free tooth whitening treatment, and you’ll receive up to £750 off your Invisalign treatment.

Be advised that we have limited availability. Call us now to secure your place on 0117 472 1600. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@ckdental.co.uk .

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New App That Helps Children’s Oral Health

Children's oral health

As part of their New Better Health campaign, the NHS has launched a new app focused on improving children’s food choices. The new campaign comes as statistics revealed that more parents fed their children unhealthy snacks throughout the pandemic than before. Since the beginning of the pandemic, obesity in children has risen, affecting 1 in 4 children of reception school age.

The new app comes with a scan, swipe, and swap feature, allowing parents to scan foods and discover healthier alternatives. Here, we will look at the new app and how it might help protect our children’s oral health, as well as their overall health.

What is the new app?

The NHS food scanner app lets you scan the barcodes of foods. It then lets you swipe to discover healthier alternatives. You can then swap to the recommended foods the next time you do your food shop.

The app also comes with additional features to teach you and your children more about the foods you eat. Traffic light ratings are used to help you clearly see which foods contain high, medium, and low amounts of fat, salt, and sugar. All your scans are saved and can be accessed at any time. This allows you to go back and see which foods are the better options.

Could it really help to tackle obesity?

The NHS food scanner app could help to tackle obesity as it clearly shows healthier replacements. Often parents get stuck when it comes to choosing a healthy diet for their children. There is a lot of contradictory advice out there, making it difficult to know what you should and shouldn’t consume.

Another benefit is that it makes parents more conscious about what they are feeding their children. The app has received a lot of praise from those who have tried it. Girls Aloud star Nadine Coyle, states:

“As a busy working mum, I find it hard to say no to my kid’s demands and often give in to snack pressure – even though I know it’s not good for them. I had no idea some foods were so high in sugar, saturated fat, and salt – so it’s great that the app gives you alternatives.”

One of the best things about the app is that it lets you make small changes that are easy to maintain. Obesity isn’t the only health issue the new app could help with. It could also greatly benefit your oral health too.

Why it could also be great for children’s oral health

The app encourages healthier food choices, including cutting back on sugary snacks. This is great news for your family’s teeth. The rise in unhealthy snacks throughout the pandemic is starting to show, with many children requiring fillings and treatment for diet-related damage to the teeth.

Poor oral health can lead to a range of other health troubles. Eating a healthy diet is key to keeping the teeth and gums healthy at any age. Getting used to regular brushing, a healthy diet and dentist visits will mean huge benefits to a child’s health in the long run.

If your children need to see the dentist, we offer dental check-ups for children for £30. Book your appointment at our family dentistry clinic in Clifton Village, by calling 0117 472 1600.

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Common Questions About Dental Implants

Dental implants

Having one or more missing teeth can dramatically impact your smile and your confidence. Rather than hiding your smile, you could fix the problem with dental implants.

Dental implants are a long-term solution that can help you regain your confidence. So, what are they and what should you know before you decide whether to get them? Discover the answers to some of the most common questions about dental implants below.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium screws that are inserted into the jawbone. They cover up missing teeth by replacing them at the root. Once the implant is in place, the bone will start to gradually fuse to it, holding the implant in place.

When the titanium screw is in position, a false tooth such as a denture or crown will be fitted over the top. The false tooth will be carefully created to match the rest of your teeth for a natural result.

Am I an ideal candidate?

Most adults who are generally healthy are ideal candidates. However, if you have gum disease, have had radiotherapy near the jaw, or if you smoke, you may not be suitable for the procedure.

Will the procedure hurt?

One of the most common questions is whether they will hurt when they are inserted. The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic. This means you shouldn’t feel any pain when it is being performed.

After the procedure, you may experience some pain for a few days. This is normal and you should be able to control it with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are concerned about the amount of pain that you are in, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for advice.

Are there any risks and complications?

Dental implants have a high success rate, but there are some risks and complications to be aware of. These include:

  • The implant might not take to the bone
  • Nerve damage
  • Peri-implantitis
  • Gum disease

The risks and complications are small, but it is still worth going over them with your dentist before deciding if implants are right for you.

How long will dental implants last?

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is how long they last. Provided you care for them correctly, you should find they last as long as your natural teeth. Compared to some other solutions, they are a more convenient option. You won’t need to take them out and replace them as they are drilled into the bone. This also means you aren’t likely to lose them like you can with crowns and dentures.

As you can see, dental implants can be a great solution for missing teeth. The procedure isn’t painful, but if you are nervous about it there are options to help you relax, and it provides a long-term solution. To find out if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, call our friendly reception team to book an appointment today on 0117 472 1600.

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Associate Dentist Dr Nicholas Banfield Joins Our Clifton Village Practice

Clifton Village Practice

Our new Associate Dentist, Nick joins us at our brand new Clifton Village practice with fifteen years of general dentistry experience under his belt, working at a very busy Practice in Stroud. But his journey into dentistry may not have followed the traditional route. It actually began with a degree in Biological Sciences and then into research in oral and dental sciences at the Bristol Dental School.

To our delight though, Nick decided it was the right time to move on and he now joins our ever-growing team at our new modern clinic in Clifton Village. He brings with him years of general dentistry experience, a practical approach and a strong passion for preventative care.

Nick’s dental experience

One of the benefits to our team, after being based at one dental practice over such a long period of time? “Over the years, you learn what techniques and treatments work for individual patients and what doesn’t,” he said.

Nick really enjoys building relationships with his patients. Over the years, he has seen the long-term effects of his handiwork. Additionally, as an experienced dentist, he quickly builds trust and rapport with his patients. For this reason, he can quickly put anyone that is nervous at ease.

Describing himself as a very practical person, Nick really enjoys the physical work involved in a patient’s dental transformation.

“Transforming a rotten tooth into one that is totally fixed! It just becomes like second nature,” he said.

Prevention is key!

Nick undertakes all aspects of general dentistry and places a strong emphasis on educating his patients to prevent future dental problems arising.

He sees Periodontal (gum) disease as something that should be treated better in general practice. Therefore, he spends more time than most other dentists on prevention.

“90% of dental problems are self-inflicted and can be prevented,” he said.

“By talking to the patient and finding out more about their daily eating and oral hygiene habits, I quickly find out the real cause of the problem.”

Nick believes that people are taking better care of their teeth and are keeping more of their teeth into old age. However, he sees the British public lagging behind other countries in their dental care. Why?

“Regular examinations and hygiene visits are absolutely key.

“A lot of people do not get the advice and time needed in their dental visits to achieve good oral health. And this can only be done really well at a private practice.”

So Why CK Dental?

One of the key things that Nick enjoys with private dental care is the quality of dentistry it is able to provide. From the availability of better materials and equipment to the time the dentist can spend on each patient. And that is certainly the case at the new practice in Clifton. An independent practice run by a dentist he knows is also a main draw for Nick. And having previously worked alongside Principal Dentist, Cornelius – he is confident about the standards of patient care this practice can deliver and provide.

You can find out more about Nick, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton dental practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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New Year, New Smile! Five Popular Dental Treatments

dental treatments

Every year we resolve to embrace a healthy new way of life, whether that’s fitness related or eating better. If a happier, healthier and more confident smile is also on your list of New Year’s Resolutions – there are plenty of dental treatments for you to consider.

Here is CK Dental’s guide to some of the most popular dental treatments that will enable you to move forward into 2022 with confidence. Offering a wide range of cosmetic treatments, from teeth straightening to dental implants, to a simple winter check-up. We are sure you can find something that will brighten your smile!

Five Popular Dental Treatments To Consider

  1. Straighten up: Invisalign clear aligners have become hugely popular with teens and adults in recent years. These offer a discreet way to straighten moderately misaligned, crowded, or gapped teeth. As well as the cosmetic improvement, the health benefits of Invisalign can include improved digestion, easier oral care maintenance, and reduced pain from TMJ caused by misalignment.
  2. Sparkle and shine: as we get older, our teeth can often become dull and discoloured, leaving many of us embarrassed. Teeth whitening is a highly effective, speedy solution to a less than sparkling smile.
  3. Mind the gap: missing teeth can cause significant problems including issues with alignment, bone loss, and the chance of losing more teeth. Gaps in your smile put you at greater risk of gum disease which can lead to serious health concerns. So, if you’ve got a missing tooth, resolve to get it fixed this year. At CK Dental, we offer several treatment options for filling in the gaps. For example, our dental implants, can deliver a long-lasting and natural-looking replacement.
  4. Embrace healthy habits: there are many health benefits to giving up smoking, committing to a balanced diet, or upping your water intake. But it can also mean reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
  5. Practice makes perfect: adopting regular routines is a must for ensuring good dental health. Brushing and flossing the teeth on a regular basis can help prevent plaque from building up which can result in staining, decay, and gum disease. Regular check-ups with your dentist and dental hygienist are also essential as they can monitor your oral hygiene and address any concerns before they develop into serious problems.

Book your New Year’s Appointment

Would you like to achieve a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile in 2022? Then get in touch to arrange a consultation at CK Dental! If you are not quite sure what dental treatment you need, our friendly and professional team can help advise you.

And don’t worry if you are nervous about visiting the dentist. Our staff will make your dental experience as gentle and comfortable as possible. We can offer all patients conscious sedation – which is a really good option if you have very sensitive teeth.

To book an appointment, or to register as a new patient with us, please get in touch by calling us today on 0117 472 1600.

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Welcome Dental Nurse Beth To Our Growing Clifton Dental Practice

Clifton Dental Practice

We are happy to reveal another new face and part of our growing Clifton dental practice. A very warm welcome to Beth Cains, our new Dental Nurse.

Beth completed her training in 2015 at Bristol dental hospital whilst working at a busy private practice in Keynsham. She went on to join the Cavity Dental Agency, gaining experience in all areas of dentistry, whilst supporting both NHS and private dental practices.

Beth has a keen interest in dental implants, always furthering her knowledge in this area and enjoys assisting Principal Dentist, Dr Cornelius Krause with these treatments.
“I find it very interesting and rewarding. I have done a few day courses concentrating on implants and hope to gain more knowledge as I continue dental nursing.”

With a real talent of putting nervous patients at ease, Beth enjoys being part of a positive dental experience. “I enjoy being a part of their journey, especially when they are anxious as you are able to help put them at ease,” she says.

You can find out more about Beth, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton dental practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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Welcome Dental Nurse Helen To Our Dental Clinic In Clifton

dental clinic in Clifton

We are delighted to welcome Dental Nurse Helen Williams to our new dental clinic in Clifton Village.

Helen comes with over 20 years’ experience since gaining her dental nursing diploma at Bristol dental hospital. She spent 17 years at a specialist Bristol orthodontics practice, where she became lead nurse and an expert in dental X-rays.

Helen has also developed her knowledge in dental and facial aesthetics, and treatments that can help to enhance smiles and faces.

“My love for nursing is seeing patients transform their smiles,” Helen says. “I love seeing patients’ reactions when they have completed their treatment and you hand them the mirror for the first time,” she added.

Now Helen is excited to bring her skills to the family-run dental practice at its new home at 1 West Mall in Clifton Village.

“The practice really appealed to me because of it’s friendly, family run environment,” she said.

Find out about Helen and the rest of the dental team here. To arrange a consultation at our dental clinic in Clifton Village, call 0117 472 1600.

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Our Five Tips To Protect Your Teeth This Winter

Protect Your Teeth

Did you know that the cold winter weather can prove hazardous for your teeth? The drop in temperature throughout the winter months can lead to a wide range of dental issues. This includes tooth sensitivity and the development of cracks in the teeth. So, what can you do to help protect your teeth from the harsh elements?

Discover some of the best oral healthcare tips you should follow below.

Make sure you undergo a winter check-up

The best way to look after your teeth this winter is to attend a dental check-up. The teeth are known to expand during the colder weather. This can lead to cracks developing within the enamel. If they aren’t repaired quickly, they could expand further causing permanent damage to the enamel of the teeth.

By booking an appointment with one of our skilled dentists, we can help identify any potential issues quickly. We can also carry out any repair work if necessary, as well as ensure your teeth are in the best condition for winter.

Don’t neglect your gums

Winter is notorious for being the prime cold and flu season. Did you know the germs that make you ill with a cold are also the same ones that can cause gum infections? If you are prone to gum disease, you are at an increased risk of developing issues during the colder months.

Keep a lookout for any signs of inflammation or redness of the gums. Rinsing the mouth out with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day will also help to keep any germs at bay.

Switch up your teeth cleaning routine

If you already suffer from sensitive teeth, you’ll want to switch up your cleaning routine. Change to a soft-bristled brush if you don’t already use one. You should also make sure you are using a sensitive toothpaste, and that you are brushing twice each day.

A regular routine of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist can really make a difference to your oral health. At CK Dental, our hygienist can give your teeth a thorough clean, and check on your home-care, to make sure your routine is effective.

Protect your teeth with a mouth guard

If you enjoy partaking in winter sports, a mouth guard can prove invaluable during winter. Not only does this reduce the risk of injury to the teeth, but it also helps to protect them from the cold. We recommend that you use a custom mouth guard, which is also something we can help with at CK Dental. That way, it will fit the teeth perfectly, guaranteeing the guard will stay firmly in place.

Drink lots of water

As the weather gets colder, it’s tempting to switch to more hot drinks. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate may be comforting on a cold day, but they can also damage the teeth. You will also find that drinking hot drinks on a cold day can increase tooth sensitivity. So, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep the teeth protected.

These are some of the best ways to protect your teeth this winter. The good news is that we are taking new patient registrations following the opening of our new clinic at 1 West Mall in Clifton. So if you are a new or existing patient, why not book an appointment today for your winter teeth check-up.

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Stress-Related Teeth Problems – Are Your Teeth Giving It Away?

Stress-Related Teeth Problems

A recent survey published within the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry has revealed dental hygiene reduced during the lockdowns. Many people neglected their teeth and oral health, with participants of the study admitting to cleaning their teeth less often.

Stress has been a huge contributor to the decline in oral hygiene. Alongside anxiety, it has also contributed to other oral problems such as teeth grinding. Here, you’ll discover how anxiety and stress could be leading to stress-related teeth problems.

What stress-related teeth problems are dentists seeing?

There have been several dental health issues that have increased since the start of the pandemic. Some of the most common stress-related issues that we are seeing in patients include:

  • Cracked teeth
  • Bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching)
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Bad breath

The reason patients are experiencing these issues is linked to stress. During lockdown, many people didn’t prioritise oral health as they were no longer leaving the house. When we were allowed to venture out, masks meant there wasn’t as much of a need to focus on smile aesthetics.

Higher stress levels have also led to an increase in Bruxism, or teeth grinding. Over time, teeth grinding wears down the enamel, and it can become quite painful.

Finally, a lack of teeth brushing has led to an increase in bad breath. Thankfully, this embarrassing problem is easy to clear up with a visit to the dentist.

Stress over visiting the dentist has also increased

Many patients also developed anxiety over visiting the dentist during the pandemic. Even when practices were open, there was a worry over the safety of procedures. There are also patients who already have a fear of the dentist, so the pandemic heightened their stress and anxiety levels.

Fear of the dentist is a common issue that can cause a lot of distress for some patients. But the good news is that if you are nervous about seeing the dentist, there are ways that we can help you at CK Dental.

How can we help stressed or nervous patients?

At CK Dental, we have created a calm and relaxing environment. Our friendly team understands that visiting the dentist can be nerve-racking for some people, so we will always do our best to put you at ease.

If anxiety is stopping you from visiting the dentist and taking care of your oral hygiene, you may benefit from having your treatment under conscious sedation. You could even choose to have treatment under general anaesthetic. CK Dental is one of the few dental practices in the UK to offer dental treatment under general anaesthetic.

If you need to see a dentist, or if you are a nervous patient and want to feel confident to organise a treatment, or want to learn more about treatments under sedation, please get in touch with us today.

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How to Spot the Signs of Mouth Cancer

Mouth Cancer

By spotting the signs of mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it – with early diagnosis, your chances of survival are nine out of ten.

Mouth cancer affects over 8,300 people in the UK each year. Over the past decade, the number of cases has increased by around a third. While it cannot always be prevented, there are ways to ensure you catch it early enough to increase your chances of recovery.

Here, you will discover how to spot the signs of mouth cancer, and ways you can help manage your oral health to protect yourself against the disease.

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

To catch mouth cancer quickly, you need to be aware of the symptoms. The most common signs include:

  • Persistent painful mouth ulcers
  • Persistent, unexplained lumps in the mouth or lymph glands
  • Pain or trouble when swallowing
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Issues with your speech or changes in the voice
  • Loose teeth

It is worth noting that all the symptoms above can also point to other less serious conditions. For this reason, if you develop any of these signs, you should have them checked over right away.

What causes it?

Otherwise referred to as oral cancer, mouth cancer largely develops on the surface of the tongue, the lips, roof of the mouth, or on the inside of the cheeks. Rarely, it can also develop on the tonsils, pharynx, or saliva glands.
The leading causes of mouth cancer are smoking and drinking alcohol. As tobacco and alcohol are carcinogenic, the chemicals they contain can damage the DNA, leading to cancer. Other known causes include HPV and following an unhealthy diet.

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to mouth cancer due to a build-up of bacteria. When you don’t look after the teeth and gums, harmful bacteria can build up and cause potentially serious health issues.

Prevention tips

It isn’t always possible to prevent mouth cancer. However, there are some prevention tips you can follow.
Cutting down your consumption of alcohol and quitting smoking are the best tips you can follow. You will also want to focus on improving your teeth and gum health. There are a lot of ways to do this such as;

  • brushing your teeth twice each day
  • using a fluoride mouthwash
  • using interdental brushes between your teeth daily, and
  • going for regular dental check-ups

Making sure you eat a nutritious, balanced diet is also important. Vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, are crucial for keeping the gums healthy.

Staying on top of oral hygiene is the best thing you can do to prevent mouth cancer and other potentially harmful conditions.
Sam, our dental hygienist, recommends a check-up every three to six months. She can monitor your gum and tooth health, and remove any hard and soft plaque deposits. She can also check on your home-care routine to make sure that it is effective, and she can give you plenty of advice, such as brushing correctly. If you need extra support with your dental health, book an appointment with Sam today.

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