Insider facts about braces
Our team are teeth straightening experts, and we love sharing our knowledge and passion with our patients.
This month, we’re revealing five insider facts about braces from our specialist orthodontists in London. We hope you learn something new. If you have any questions about braces, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Most people are suitable for braces
You may be wondering if you’re suitable for braces, maybe because of your age or existing dental work, for example, veneers or crowns. Thankfully, there are very few barriers to orthodontic treatment.
There’s no age limit for braces, and in most cases, adult treatment is very straightforward. If you have veneers, crowns or dental implants, we can usually work around them.
Some patients also wonder if their case is too simple. While braces can achieve dramatic changes, they’re also great for making smaller adjustments.
Before we start your treatment, we’ll meet you for a complimentary consultation to confirm all your smile straightening options.
You can preview your results
During your free consultation, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth using our iTero scanner. We’ll create a 3D model of your teeth and jaws, and, more excitingly, show you your projected outcome.
If you don’t want to wait for your free consultation, you can even try on your new smile at home using the Invisalign SmileView app.
Invisalign is as effective as fixed braces
When clear aligners were first introduced, they had their limitations. However, now Invisalign is just as capable as fixed braces. Most cases are suitable for fixed braces or Invisalign – the choice is yours. Occasionally, we may recommend one type of brace over another to give you the very best result.
In terms of speed, one treatment isn’t consistently faster than the other because there are so many variables. Some braces claim to be faster, but usually, they’re just designed to treat straightforward cases like mild crowding.
Braces protect your natural teeth
Braces make the most of your natural teeth without causing any damage. If you look after your teeth and gums during your treatment, your smile should stay healthy throughout.
If you opt for veneers or crowns, your dentist may need to remove some of your protective enamel to accommodate your new teeth. Once enamel is removed, it can’t grow back, and you’ll always need to wear veneers or crowns.
Teeth contouring and bonding are less invasive cosmetic options that work brilliantly combined with braces. Our all-inclusive prices for braces include contouring as standard.
Retainers are essential after braces
You’ll need to wear retainers indefinitely after braces to maintain your results. Otherwise, your teeth could move, undoing your beautiful new smile.
We offer two types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth to stop them from relapsing. Eventually, you’ll only need to wear your removable retainers at night. Store them safely in their protective case and replace them if they start to wear out.
Fixed retainers fit discreetly behind your front teeth. They’re not visible and consist of a very thin wire, so you’ll quickly adapt to wearing them 24/7. You’ll need to brush and floss carefully around your fixed retainers and contact us if you have any problems.
To learn more about braces and receive personalised advice from an expert, contact us to arrange your complimentary consultation.