News

How long does it take to straighten teeth?

Published on 04/05/2023

Teeth straightening procedures help to improve the appearance of crooked or overcrowded teeth no matter what you age is. Here at Leigh Dental Centre, we know that deciding to undergo teeth straightening is a big decision. So in this month’s bog we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about teeth straightening

1. Do I have to have teeth extracted?

It may sometimes be necessary to remove teeth to ensure the best possible outcome for your teeth straightening treatment. The dentist will need to perform a full assessment to determine the best treatment plan to meet your needs. 

2. What is the age limit for teeth straightening?

The is no age limit for teeth straightening. The only criteria is that you are dentally fit, which does become more difficult as you age. 

How long will it take to straighten my teeth

3. How long will it take to straighten my teeth?

This will depend on the number of teeth to be moved and the complexity of the overcrowding. Some treatments can be completed in as little as 12 weeks while more complex cases can take up to 2 years. The dentist will be able to provide you with an expected timeline prior to you starting treatment.

4. Do you offer Invisalign?

Yes, we do, and it is one of our most popular treatment options. Invisalign’s clear plastic aligners are virtually invisible so no one will be able to tell that you are having treatment. This makes them a great choice for professionals in a client facing job or teenagers who don’t want to be seen to be wearing braces.

5. Is teeth straightening painful?

You will experience some discomfort for a few days following a change in aligners or an adjustment of your braces, but this should be easily managed with over the counter painkillers.

Aren’t braces solely cosmetic?

6. Aren’t braces solely cosmetic?

Many people do get braces for cosmetic reasons, but straight teeth also have many health benefits. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Straight teeth also helps to spread the biting pressure evenly across all teeth, reducing the risk of wear and tear from an uneven bite and temporal mandibular joint problems.

7. Will I need to wear retainers following treatment?

In order to ensure that your teeth do not regress back to their original position, no matter what teeth straightening treatment you undertake, you will need to wear retainers.

8. Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we are able to offer payment plans. We want to ensure that monetary considerations should not prove to be a barrier to accessing teeth straightening and with our 0% finance you can spread the cost into manageable monthly amounts.

We are currently not able to offer face to face consultations, but if you are interested in undergoing teeth straightening do not hesitate to contact Leigh Dental Centre on 01702 472929 or email info@​leighdentalcentre.​co.​uk and we will be able to book you in for a telephone/​video consultation to start your journey to straighter teeth.