Teeth Straightening – Is It for You?

Teeth straightening can also help to improve the health of your teeth, jaw joints and gums by spreading the biting pressure across all of your teeth. And with your teeth in perfect alignment, you’ll find it much easier to care for your teeth.

The confidence boost you’ll enjoy with teeth straightening is also worth considering. Patients often find a new sense of confidence following treatment, allowing them to excel at work, feel at ease in social settings, and feel more confident pursuing romantic connections.

Still not sure whether teeth straightening is for you? We’ve put together this guide to help you to understand the teeth straightening process and decide if it’s right for you.

Teeth straightening explained

There are a variety of different treatment options available to help change the alignment of your teeth and improve the way your upper and lower arches fit together. 

The first step to determine which one is right for you is to attend an assessment with your dentist. Not all teeth straightening procedures are suitable for all people and all problems so your dentist will be able to advise on the best treatment for you.

Your assessment might include an X‑ray and digital scan to get a better view of how your teeth are currently aligned. This can help your dentist to offer recommendations on the ideal treatment plan for your needs. 

Here at Leigh Dental Centre we currently offer three different teeth straightening procedures. These are Invisalign Braces, metal braces and ceramic braces. Let’s explore each treatment plan in more detail.

Invisalign

Invisible Braces help to move your teeth without the need for unsightly metal brackets and wires. Invisible Braces use nearly invisible aligners similar to Invisalign to give you the smile you desire within six months.

Following a full assessment, the dentist will create a series of Invisible Braces which are changed every 4 – 6 weeks to allow your teeth to more gradually into the desired position. Invisible Braces allow you to undergo teeth straightening without anybody knowing and with the minimum possible discomfort.

Invisible Braces are removed when you eat, allowing you to have a full and varied diet without the need to worry about food getting stuck in your braces or causing damage to the brackets or wires. Invisible Braces also allow you to continue to maintain your oral hygiene routine. By removing the Invisible Braces it is possible to keep both your teeth and gums and the aligners clean and plaque-free.

Invisible Braces are an affordable and effective means of straightening your teeth, no matter what your age.

Metal and ceramic braces

With metal and ceramic braces, you can achieve results in as little as six months. Metal braces are traditional fixed braces that you might recognise from your teenage years. Ceramic braces offer the same treatment plan, but with tooth-coloured brackets and a clear wire to help make the treatment plan more discreet. 

We can focus on both arches, a single arch, or even just straighten the top teeth that are visible when you smile. This allows for greater flexibility and makes the treatment plan accessible to those with all budgets.

How to choose the right braces for you

The main difference between these treatment plans is between fixed braces or removable aligners. The results generated will be very similar, and treatment times are often the same.

You’ll need to consider if you want to be able to remove your aligners during treatment to eat and brush your teeth. If you choose fixed braces, you’ll have to avoid certain foods for the duration of your treatment plan to ensure there is no damage to the brackets and wires.

Another factor to consider is whether you are forgetful. Some patients might forget to replace their aligners after taking them out, or they might misplace them while they are out and about. This can derail your treatment plan and could make the treatment unsuccessful if you don’t wear your aligners for at least 20 – 22 hours per day.

Finally, consider if you have the time to commit to fixed braces. You’ll need to factor in trips to the dentist for adjustments, and your treatment won’t progress without these visits. If your schedule is unpredictable or unforgiving, it could be better to choose removable aligners as there will be fewer trips to the dentist with this plan.

Your dentist can help you to better understand the options available and choose a treatment plan that is best suited to your budget, schedule and lifestyle. 

Next steps for adult braces

In order to help you achieve the smile you desire, Leigh Dental Centre are able to offer 0% finance options and regularly have special offers! 

So what are you waiting for? If you would like to find out more about teeth straightening call Leigh Dental Centre today on 01702 472929 and book a consultation.