Traditional fixed braces for adults and teens
Orthodontics is about more than just aesthetics. Straight teeth function better and are also easier to care for. So while your goals might be aesthetic, you’ll enjoy the added benefits of having perfectly aligned teeth. With traditional fixed orthodontics, you can enjoy a simple and predictable treatment plan that will leave you smiling with confidence.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Traditional fixed orthodontics uses brackets and wires to move the teeth into the optimal position. White or metal brackets are bonded to each tooth and then a wire joins them. The wire can be adjusted to gradually move the teeth. Orthodontics can fix gaps, rotations, misaligned bite, underbite, overbite, crossbite and overcrowding.
You will have an option between white brackets with clear wires or traditional metal braces. You may also have the choice between fixed and removable braces, but removable braces are more commonly used for young children who are still growing or still have some of their baby teeth. Braces are suitable for individuals of any age, including children, teens and adults.
Who can have orthodontic treatment?
To be eligible for orthodontic treatment, you need to have generally good oral health and be able to follow care instructions during the treatment. Traditional fixed braces are suitable for treating a wide range of issues, including overcrowding, gaps, bite alignment problems, rotations and prominent teeth. It’s also commonly used to prepare for other treatments such as crowns, bridges or dental implants.
If you have severe overcrowding, we may recommend extractions before you start orthodontic treatment. And if you have issues with your wisdom teeth, we may also recommend having these removed before starting treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
This all depends on your case. Simple alignment issues could take as little as 12 months to complete, while more complex cases could take up to two years. Metal braces tend to have shorter treatment times than white braces, which is why many people opt for this choice.
With fixed braces, you’ll need to make time to visit the dentist for adjustments every 6-10 weeks. It’s vital to consider this when choosing your treatment plan.
Invisalign
Clear and removable aligners to straighten teeth
If you’re avoiding orthodontic treatment because you are worried about how you will look with braces, Invisalign could offer an excellent solution. This innovative orthodontic system uses a series of clear and removable aligners to gently move your teeth into the correct position. You take them out to eat, drink and care for your teeth, which means no foods are off limits.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic system that uses clear plastic aligners instead of fixed braces. At the start of the treatment, your teeth are scanned and then your treatment plan is designed. You will receive a case of aligners, with each aligner bringing you a little closer to perfect alignment. You wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and take them out only to eat, drink and brush your teeth. Every 10-14 days, you’ll switch to a new aligner.
This treatment plan is popular with adults and teens alike. The nearly invisible aligners are very difficult to see, which means you don’t have to feel self-conscious about your braces. You can also continue to enjoy your favourite foods since you remove them to eat.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
To be a suitable candidate for Invisalign, you need to have an orthodontic case that aligners can fix. During your initial consultation, we will examine your teeth to determine if Invisalign can help, or if another treatment plan would be more suited to your case. It’s a common misconception that Invisalign is only suitable for simple cases; attachments and wings make it suitable for more complex alignment issues.
For the treatment to be successful, you need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day. If you are forgetful or likely to lose your aligners, this might not be the right choice for you. You should also have good overall health and be committed to caring for your teeth throughout the treatment plan.
What treatment options are available?
We offer three different Invisalign treatment plans, including Invisalign Full, Invisalign Lite and Invisalign Teen. We can help you to choose the right Invisalign treatment plan for your needs. We also offer other orthodontic treatments if you aren’t a suitable candidate for Invisalign.
The teen treatment plan is ideal if you do not want to wait for free orthodontics on the NHS and would rather choose private treatment with more flexibility. Invisalign Full is suitable for adults who are interested in straightening their teeth. And Invisalign Lite is ideal for patients with minor orthodontic problems.
Simpli5 Aligners
The faster way to straighten teeth
If you want to achieve a stunning smile transformation without the wait, Simpl5 Aligners could be the ideal choice for you. This innovative removable aligner system focuses on perfecting the top front teeth that are visible when you smile. By only aligning these six teeth, treatment times are significantly faster.
What are Simpli5 aligners?
Simpli5 is a clear and removable orthodontic system that aims to create an aesthetically pleasing smile in a short amount of time. Rather than manoeuvring all teeth into the correct alignment, this system focuses on the top front teeth that are most prominent when you smile. By limiting the focus to a small area of the mouth, treatment times are vastly improved.
You wear your aligner for around 22 hours per day, removing it only to eat and care for your teeth. You will receive a series of 5 aligners that will gradually move your teeth into the correct position. This system can be used on the upper or lower arch, depending on which imperfections you would like to correct.
Who is a good candidate for Simpli5 aligners?
To be a good candidate for Simpli5, you should have good overall oral health and no signs of gum disease. You should also have a mild orthodontic case such as small gaps, rotations or overcrowding. It isn’t suitable for growing children or those with more severe orthodontic issues.
Since Simpli5 aligners are clear and removable, they are popular with adults and teens alike. They offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces and will allow you to eat all of your favourite foods while also ensuring you can care for your teeth with ease. If you aren’t a suitable candidate for Simpli5 aligners, we can help you to choose a more appropriate system that will address your alignment issues.
How long does Simpli5 treatment take?
The final treatment time will all depend on your case, but most treatments are completed in around 3-5 months. You’ll visit the dentist for a checkup every 6 weeks to make sure the treatment is progressing as it should. You will change your aligners at home every four weeks, or as instructed by your dentist. With every aligner change, you’ll get a little closer to perfect alignment and a more confident smile.
