Orthodontic Treatment Options
More and more patients these days are seeking the ideal smile. Orthodontic treatment allows your dentist to move teeth into a more favorable position to produce the smile you always wanted.
Braces can close gaps, straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Although often done for cosmetic reasons correction of bite issues will have dental health advantages to reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease.
We have all seen the familiar metal braces from our childhood, and although still used widely, there are more discreet options for patients that make an orthodontic treatment far more appealing.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRACES
Metal braces:
These are the most common type of brace used widely under the NHS to treat children with orthodontic issues. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth and wires are used to move the teeth into the desired position. The wire is then periodically tightened to slowly move the teeth in to the correct position.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners have become the treatment of choice now for adults. With a series of near invisible removable aligners that are worn for 20-22 hours per day, up to 2 weeks at a time until the next aligner is fitted, this orthodontic option is both discreet and convenient for patients. Also as the aligner can be removed at inconvenient times this provides a treatment that is more accommodating to people’s lives.
Clear aligners will work best for patients with a mild to moderate misalignment.
Here at Church Street Dental Practice we are able to offer a range of different clear aligner systems to suit both budget and treatment needs. As such clear aligners have become an excellent way to get the desired smile.
We are also able to offer whitened tray aligner systems that make your teeth appear 6 shades lighter while the tray is in place. This is a great option for patients wanting to bleach their teeth after their treatment is complete.
Cosmetic straightening
This follows much the same path as the clear aligners. However, because only the front 6 to 8 are prioritised then results can often be achieved within six months. this is a fantastic option for patients who need minimal adjustments.
ORTHODONTIC AFTER CARE
As with all dental treatment, after care and maintenance is very important. For orthodontic treatment it is important to retain the teeth in the new corrected position. Retainers are required after any orthodontic treatment regardless of which system was used.
Retainers can be either removable or fixed.
Removable:- In this care a retainer, similar to the clear aligner, is made for the patient to wear at night time to prevent the teeth slipping out of the ideal position.
Fixed: - The fixed retainer is a metal wire that is cemented behind the front teeth to prevent movement. This is a permanent option that is discreet in its placement.
Braces are an excellent way to give patients the smile that they always wanted. Please speak to our dentists or staff members for more information about braces and finance options for treatment.
We look forward to making you smile.
