Orthodontic problems, including crooked, twisted, gapped and crowded teeth, can put many off treatment due to the daunting prospect of bulky, ugly braces being fixed to teeth. If this is the perception you have of orthodontic treatment, you will probably be surprised to hear that ugly braces are a thing of the past and there is now a myriad of options, including innovative appliances and extremely discreet braces.

Treatment options

Orthodontics has come on in leaps and bounds over the course of the last ten years and an amazing array of treatments are now available, including Invisalign and Clearstep, which are clear aligners systems. Other innovative and modern brace systems include Damon braces, Six Month Smiles, lingual braces and the Inman aligner. Invisalign and Clearstep are very popular because the aligners cannot be seen by other people, meaning nobody need know you are wearing a brace.

Damon braces are fixed braces, which are made from very fine wires and brackets and can achieve a great deal of movement in a short space of time and are much more aesthetically pleasing than traditional fixed braces. Six Month Smiles braces are also fixed but work extremely quickly, producing a straight set of teeth in just six months. This is ideal if you are preparing for a major event, such as a wedding or graduation ceremony.

Lingual braces are another ideal option for people who are worried about the appearance of their teeth. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are fixed to the backs of the teeth, meaning they are invisible when you smile; Incognito is a leading lingual brace system.

Why have treatment?

The idea of orthodontic treatment may fill you with dread, but it could make a huge difference to your appearance and, in turn, your self-esteem and confidence. Treatments are now discreet and work incredibly quickly, so you won’t have to wait too long to show off your new smile.

Over the course of the last decade or so, a whole host of innovative treatments, devices and appliances have become available and patients with orthodontic problems now have a huge choice of treatments.

Traditional fixed braces

Traditional fixed braces have always been regarded as a highly effective solution for teeth straightening problems, crowding, tooth gaps, crooked and twisted teeth and issues relating to bite (meeting of lower and upper arch). However, they are highly visible and can be very uncomfortable, especially when the bands are tightened. Braces are also prone to trapping food particles, which can increase the risk of decay and gum disease.

Fixed braces are suitable for most people because they can achieve a great deal of movement. However, many people are put off fixed braces, as they are very prominent, especially in comparison to newer, discreet brace treatments.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are an excellent example of how far the field of orthodontics has come and are the most invisible brace available today. They work in a similar way to traditional fixed braces, but are instead attached to the back of the teeth (known as the lingual side) so they cannot be seen when you open your mouth.

Lingual braces have become popular because they enable people to get a straight, beautiful smile without anyone being able to see that they are wearing braces.

Incognito and STb lingual braces

The idea of lingual braces may seem a little daunting and you may assume that the braces are painful due to the proximity of the brackets to the tongue. However, lingual braces are very fine and discreet and Incognito and STb braces use special technology to prevent friction. Lingual braces are very effective and provide an amazing solution for people who want to have treatment without worrying about how they look during the treatment process. However, they are not suitable for everyone and if you have small teeth or a certain bite, you may be advised to choose a different treatment.

In the past, if you wanted orthodontic treatment you had a limited range of options, which pretty much included variations of the standard fixed metal brace, but this is no longer the case. Thanks to amazing developments in the field of orthodontics, you can have treatment without anyone even realising.

Clear braces

Clear braces provide the perfect solution for people who want straighter teeth but do not want to wear unsightly metal braces for months on end. Treatments such as Clearstep and Invisalign move the teeth using clear plastic aligners, which are invisible to others. Both systems use a series of aligners that are worn for a set period of time before being replaced by the next in the series, until treatment is complete.

Why choose clear braces?

The major benefit of clear braces is that they are invisible to others, which is great if you are worried about how you will look during the treatment process or embarrassed about wearing braces. The aligners are transparent and nobody will be able to tell that you are wearing them. In just a short period of time you can show off a straight, healthy looking set of teeth and feel confident that you have a beautiful smile.

The other major advantage of Invisalign and Clearstep braces is that the aligners are removable, which means you can take them out to eat, drink and clean your teeth. They can also be removed if you are attending a special event or occasion. The aligners are custom-made and move the teeth gently, meaning you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort and there are no brackets or wires to trap food, which will decrease the risk of developing oral health problems.

This revolutionary form of dentistry is brilliant for adults who have always wanted that perfect smile. The six month brace focuses only on the teeth that show when you smile, which are for the most part all people really care about when they are in public.

The six month brace uses the same mechanism of moving teeth as the traditional brace, but uses barely visible wires and brackets which are tooth coloured, to add that little extra confidence whilst wearing them. The six month brace uses gradual forces created by the appliance to ensure a smooth and speedy treatment time.

But the best part overall is: you may get your smile quicker than originally expected as some people have achieved their perfect smile in a much shorter period of time. However, some people may take a little longer.

They are also quite cheap, so why not go check them out and get your perfect smile.

In fact, the appearance of orthodontics isn’t the only thing that has been revamped over the past few decades—the entire practice itself has grown by leaps and bounds and patients of orthodontists can get stunning results in half the time and have access to a whole list of new and cutting edge treatments.

If you are considering a stint with orthodontics, you have more options to choose from today than ever before. From straightforward braces to complex orthodontic treatments, everyone is covered. You can opt for traditional braces, invisible braces or clear braces, plus a variety of new braces techniques such as Incognito invisible lingual brace systems and Damon braces.

Each type of orthodontic treatment addresses a different concern, and choosing what will be right for you is a decision that you should make with the help of your orthodontist. Perhaps you want an option that will allow you to have stunningly straight teeth without the embarrassment and discomfort of orthodontic hardware? If this is the case, you might consider opting for invisible braces such as Invisalign. This type of braces is fitted in the form of trays called aligners. During the course of your treatment, the trays change to reflect your newly forming mouth shape.

If you want to maintain the traditional look of orthodontics without the pain, you might consider Damon braces. Damon braces are improved metal brackets that work via a sliding bracket instead of traditional braces, which were bound by elastic wires. Because Damon braces allow the brackets to move freely, they move with the teeth, creating a much more painless yet effective treatment style.

Whether you choose an invisible aligner, clear braces or an updated version of the traditional methods, modern orthodontics has been adjusted with the wearer in mind. The days of painful treatments and prolonged wearing of braces is a thing of the past; now, you can receive orthodontic treatments for half the time and half the pain.

However, in today’s dental world, dentists are aware of the general feelings of unease people get in the dental chair and as such every practitioner of dentistry, from cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics, will now guide you through each procedure, take the time to listen and answer questions and make sure you are happy throughout your treatment.

Testimony to expert orthodontic treatment and guidance

The whole staff at Umbrella Smiles have treated countless clients and know the most effective ways to help nervous patients through their procedure. Methods such as using “happy gas” or simply talking patients through their treatment beforehand are some of the ways the Umbrella Smile team help clients relax. The following testimonies can all be found in full on the Umbrella Smiles website.

“I usually have a phobia about seeing the dentist, but you made me feel very calm and relaxed about the whole thing (maybe the sedation played a small part ha ha) I will definitely be recommending you to all my family and friends and hope to see you all again soon.”

“What can I say!! Thank you, thank you for giving me my perfect smile! Such a relaxing peaceful atmosphere – tempted to come back just to chill out! Professional from beginning to end, Adam you are a complete star. Thank you again to you all, will be sending others your way.”

The number of calming methods that are used by different dental studios is substantial, at Umbrella Smiles the methods that the individual dentist believes work best are the ones used.

Creating a calming and friendly atmosphere for patients is a primary concern, as is talking patients through the procedure and answering any questions before hand, finally, it isn’t uncommon for patients to ask to be administered with nitrous oxide or ‘happy gas’ to calm them down.

They can provide you with a range of teeth-straightening options from standard Invisalign braces to orthoganthic surgery. Here’s a brief outline of what types of treatment and advice experienced orthodontics offer:

• Invisalign braces — these nearly invisible braces have replaced painful metal braces that cause sores in the mouth and look unsightly. Invisalign braces are versatile in that they can be removed by the wearer for eating, allowing the wearer to continue eating the foods he loves. The speed of treatment with Invisalign braces parallels that of normal braces; the trays are replaced about every two week as the teeth move to their desired position—a much faster speed than with wire tautening when using traditional braces.
• Clear Fixed Attachments — these braces are truly clear. The brackets are created from enamel-coloured ceramic materials in order to reduce the visible impact of braces. These look more like traditional metal braces with a metal wire running across the brackets, linking them all up. This wire can be painted with an enamel-coloured coating, if desired.
• Damon Braces — these self-ligating braces have a locking mechanism to secure the wire in place. These braces are especially popular because the braces move as the teeth move, which mean less pain and faster results.
• Lingual Braces — these braces are also almost completely invisible. The hardware composing these braces is metal, but it is attached behind the teeth and is entirely invisible from the outside. This option of braces is used to produce high-quality results and are used to treat patients who need to undergo complex tooth movement to achieve their desired smile.

With the increase in technology, orthodontics is constantly changing. It is suggested that you consult with a dentist or an orthodontist for which option would be right for you if you are looking to improve or enhance your natural smile.

The cause of relapsed teeth

During the first month after wearing braces the risk of relapsed teeth is extremely high.  The bone and tissue around your teeth need time to reorganise their positioning, which is why it is imperative that retainers are worn until the teeth are completely set.  Stabilising the movement of the teeth can take up to a year, and may take longer if you had gaps between your teeth prior to treatment. For many it is advised to wear retainers for the foreseeable future, to ensure your teeth remain in perfect alignment.

Wearing the retainers

Individually designed to fit your teeth, the retainers help prevent the teeth from going back to their original positioning – with the choice of removable or fixed aligners, depending on how long the retainers will need to be worn.  Your dentist will recommend the most suitable programme for you and your teeth, with some braces requiring full-time wear for 6 months, or fixed aligners requiring wear for at least 5 years.

Brace aftercare

Once the retainers have been worn for the time advised by your London cosmetic dentists, your teeth should remain straightened as long as proper oral health care is maintained.  In order to prevent late crowding, removable aligners can be worn nightly for a longer period, with fixed retainers kept in for 5 years or more.  Many adult patients sleep with their retainers in for the duration of their lives if they want their teeth perfectly straight.

In fact, according to historical evidence, teeth and how to keep them straight was a conundrum plaguing some of history’s greatest leaders. Aristotle and Hippocrates are among the few historical figures that possessed a desire for straighter teeth.

Although we have moved on from these primitive solutions to the problem of crooked teeth, the fact that we still find crooked teeth to be a problem links us with our ancestors, making the appearance of teeth more than a cultural issue—it’s a human issue.

Orthodontics, the practice of making teeth straight, has its roots in Greek linguistics. Although society had become obsessed with achieving the straightest smile possible, it wasn’t until the 18^th century that real advances were made in the technology of orthodontics.

Today, London cosmetic dentists continue to expand with teeth straightening options evolving from static metal braces to pliable, removable invisible braces. If straight teeth are what you’re after, you can now choose from a variety of devices to help you achieve your desired smile.

The length of time needed to fully straighten teeth and the methods employed are generally less threatening today than they were years ago. Straight teeth, with the aid of technological advancements and affordable pricing, are becoming the norm.

The British Orthodontic Society was responsible for ‘The Against All Odds’ award that was presented to Eva earlier this month. The purpose of the award is to illustrate how orthodontic treatment can be used to help turn peoples’ lives around. Eva suffered humiliation because of her teeth and had to deal with bullies throughout her life.  However, today she is the proud owner of the smile she’s always dreamed of.

Eva’s orthodontist Dr. Jonty Meisner has been treating her since 2005 when he recognized the serious effect that Eva’s teeth were having on her psychological development and her health in general. He utilised a variety of innovative treatments that involved the use of fixed and temporary braces as well as high pull headgear.

The treatment has taken a long time, but it has been effective and has significantly improved Eva’s quality of life as a result.

If you’re concerned about the development of your child’s teeth, or even your own then visit a cosmetic dentist or orthodontist. They’ll be able to present you with a variety of options to help your problem. There are plenty of alternatives to braces, such as invisalign, the ‘invisible braces’ , so there’s no need to worry about intrusive braces causing further stigma and humiliation.

However, Eva’s case was an extreme one and it is now good to see her finally able to enjoy the quality of life she deserves thanks to the hard work of her orthodontist.