Archive for the “Orthodontics” Category

Clear braces are now available from dentists in London

If you asked a crowd of people what they picture when they hear the word ‘braces’, they would probably describe the famous metal train-tracks. However, orthodontic treatment has advanced rapidly and there is currently a varied selection of appliances which are completely invisible or highly discreet.

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.


6 Month Smiles Treatment at Your London Dentist

If you have crooked teeth or a few gaps that need sorting out and you don’t want to go down the long road of braces – and not many people do want a load of metal stuck in their mouth for a few years – then why not try the advanced treatment in the form of Six month smiles?

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.


The advanced state of orthodontics today

There was a time when orthodontics was characterised by unsightly wires and metal contraptions. Today, orthodontics has moved on and has taken a more streamlined, sleek look, but one that still results in appearance-altering rewards.

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.


Help and guidance from expert dentists

Many people often feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist and dental phobia is one of the country’s most common fears.

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.


Four types of modern orthodontic treatment

If you’ve got a cavity you visit a dentist. If you’ve got crooked teeth you want made straight, you visit an orthodontist. If you’ve got crooked teeth you want corrected using the latest technology, with faster treatment times and an holistic approach to the appearance of your mouth and jaw, you visit an experienced orthodontist.

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.


Set your relapsed teeth straight with braces

Sometimes, after teeth straightening treatment, if proper care has not been maintained then teeth will relapse to their previous crooked position.  But with the correct braces and aftercare, it is possible to straighten the teeth safely and permanently.

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.


Crooked Teeth: Plaguing Humanity Since 348 BC

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, society’s relationship with crooked teeth has continued on in the same way since early civilizations. The association reported that mummies had wires and thick cords wrapped around their teeth to create tension, enforcing the teeth to straighten, have been excavated.

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 18th 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.


Orthodontic Treatment can Change Lives

Teenager Eva Hulme was unfortunate enough to suffer bullying on a daily basis due to the appearance of her protruding teeth. However, extensive orthodontic work has helped to change Eva’s life for the better and she has recently received an award in recognition of this. (more…)


Orthodontists Bearing Their Teeth At TV Show

Dentists have recently condemned the hit American TV Show ‘Ugly Betty’ for its negative portrayal of dental braces. In the show the lead character wears a pair of ‘train track’ wire braces. Orthodontics experts are worried that this could discourage people who need braces, as they may associate the unsightly train track style with orthodontic work. However, it is very rare for adults to be fitted with this style of braces and on the odd occasion when they are they are usually only ever required to wear them for a maximum of two years. The fact that braces are associated with ‘ugliness’, as portrayed in the program, has orthodontists worried about people avoiding having the treatment, when they may desperately need it.

However, if you’re one of these people who need corrective work done to their teeth, but are turned off by the idea of wearing braces then you should consult your orthodontist. They’ll be able to offer you a range of alternative treatments, and if it turns out that you are required to wear braces then it’s pretty unlikely you’ll have to wear the train track style wire braces. Modern braces are much more discrete and if some cosmetic dentistry experts are even able to offer their clients alternative corrective treatments that are just as effective as braces, but barely noticeable.

At the end of the day, you shouldn’t be worried about wearing braces as although popular TV shows may portray them as being typically unsightly, the fact is that most people probably won’t even notice you’re wearing them.


Adult Orthodontics

BracesMany people will have had to wear braces during their childhood to correct teeth growing in at unusual angles. However, there is a small percentage of people who didn’t wear braces when they were younger, even though they really should have. In some cases this has caused a great deal of problems for these people in later life as their teeth may have grown in such a way that they have caused the individuals pain.

Not wearing braces during childhood, despite an apparent need can leave people with many different problems, some of which can be quite serious. However, in the majority of cases these problems will be purely aesthetic, and in the majority cases they can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry. The number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatments has increased sharply in recent years as more people who should have been wearing braces as children become aware of the fact that they can have the resultant dental problems corrected.

It’s quite common for people who didn’t undergo orthodontic treatment as a child to have very overcrowded teeth, as braces were not in place to control the direction of tooth growth. Most people will have this corrected for purely cosmetic reasons, however it some instances teeth that have gown in irregularly can cause some serious and quite painful problems!

Of courses, it would have been much better for these people if they could have prevented the problem in the first place, but thankfully adult orthodontics allows them an opportunity to sort out these problems in later life. If you think you could benefit from adult orthodontic treatment then get in touch with a cosmetic dentist today.


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