Teeth straightening, also know as orthodontics, is a long term commitment so finding the right method for you and your lifestyle is important. Orthodontics isn’t simply about straight teeth, it can make a difference to your appearance, your bite and your overall oral health.
In the ideal situation, our teeth would bite down in a very specific way to optimise function and oral health. Unfortunately, our teeth are almost never naturally perfect. This can cause problems with chewing, oral hygiene, speaking and aesthetics.
Orthodontic treatment is normally done when we are teenagers - our teeth have developed to a point where any problems are clearly identifiable and it is therefore the best time to treat them for the long term. However, the good news is that many of these orthodontic conditions are very treatable, even in adults!
It is becoming more and more common for adults to improve their smile with braces. Many adults did not have access to orthodontic services when they were in their teens. Many parents were unaware of what orthodontics could achieve and for many teens, orthodontics and wearing braces was socially unacceptable a few years ago. Fortunately, things are different now with celebrities like Tom Cruise happily smiling for photos with braces on.
Learn moreOrthodontic treatment can be provided at any age, even though most people think of pre-teens and teens when they think of orthodontics. Orthodontists recommend starting the process while the child is still growing. By taking advantage of growth spurts, and with Invisalign Mandibular Advancement we can hope to move the teeth and jaw into a better alignment quicker and the results are likely to be more stable.
From the scanners we use to comfortably gain a model of your teeth to the state of the art processes used to create your bespoke aligner brace or retainer, digital dentistry is a vital part of modern Orthodontics.
Learn moreWhen you have your appliance fitted, we will show you how to look after the appliance and your teeth.
It is paramount that to keep your teeth and the appliance clean throughout the treatment, you will need to attend regular appointments so your brace can be adjusted, or to collect your next set of aligners.
Clean your teeth and the brace thoroughly after each meal. It is best to leave around one hour before brushing. Pay special attention to every tooth and the gum line around it. For removable appliances, your Orthodontist will be able to show you the best techniques for cleaning your aligner or brace.
Clean your appliance over a sink full of water to avoid damage if you drop it. Use a separate toothbrush for cleaning your brace. Gently brush the brace with toothpaste and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
