Traditional fixed braces can still be the best, most cost effective option. Some people may find them unsightly, uncomfortable and difficult to clean, but there are various styles to consider which offer different pros and cons. At Cherry Dental, we will explain these options to you to help you make the best choice.
A fixed appliance is the most common type of orthodontic brace. Most patients require the use of fixed orthodontic appliances to straighten their teeth and achieve the best possible improvement of their smile. As there are a few stages we go through to put your braces on, this will mean you may need to have more than one appointment. They can be used either after or at the same time as removable braces or functional braces. We tend to find that a fair number of patients benefit from more then one type of brace although most will have fixed braces.
A thin archwire is fitted to link up all the brackets. Because the teeth are irregular, the wire has to bend up and down or in and out between the teeth. This is the clever bit: the wire, a bi-product of NASA research, has perfect shape memory and will gradually return to its original shape, bringing the teeth with it. As treatment progresses, larger size wires and other wire materials are used. At this time, tiny springs and elastics guide the teeth.
Fixed metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance. Made up of three components, small brackets made of high grade medical stainless steel are glued to the front of your teeth. A thin archwire then connects these braces and elastic bands are attached to provide gentle force to the teeth.
Fixed metal braces are extremely effective in straightening teeth and can correct both major and minor orthodontic problems. Advancements in orthodontic technology have also made the brackets smaller, allowing for a more comfortable treatment experience.
Ceramic braces are much less obvious than fixed metal braces because the brackets are made of a hard, polished ceramic. This ceramic blends in with the colour of your teeth and doesn’t stain, providing a discreet treatment option if you’re self-conscious about having orthodontic treatment. In some instances, it may be possible to consider an aesthetic wire to further reduce the visual impact of the ceramic braces. There are several types of ceramic brackets. A clear ceramic bracket with glass-like appearance allows your natural tooth colour to show through. Ceramic brackets are cemented to the teeth in the same way as metal brackets and with improved modern design they are now easily removed. Ceramic braces are also one of the more affordable treatment options, making them extremely popular with our adult patients.
The length of time varies from person to person because it will depend upon the complexity of each case however as a rough guide, the majority of our patients have their braces on anywhere between 12 and 24 months. During your consultation, your specialist orthodontist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate as to how long the treatment will take. This is not an exact science, and sometimes the teeth move quicker than anticipated, or slower.
We use DentalMonitoring and ScanBox pro to monitor when you need to return to the surgery as we can see when your wires become inactive and brace needs to changes. This can be anywhere from 4 -14 weeks.
As with any Orthodontic treatment, a level of mild discomfort is to be expected. Any pain experienced after the brace is fitted or the bands are changed usually improves after 48 hours and can be easily managed with painkillers if required.
Orthodontics uses devices such as a brace to correct the position of the teeth. Your exact treatment will depend on the problems with your teeth. Each case is individual and is best discussed with one of our qualified dentists.
Treatment time depends on the severity of each case and can take from just a few weeks. If the problem is more complicated, treatment may take longer. The majority of adolescent cases will take an average of 12-24 months. If the brace is worn well, you are likely to achieve good results, within the predicted time frame that will be discussed at your assessment appointment.
You may need orthodontic treatment if your teeth or jaw do not develop in a normal way. This can cause poor aesthetics, discomfort, and make it hard to maintain good oral hygiene.
In some cases, abnormal development of the teeth and jaw can affect the shape of the face, which could result in lack of self-confidence.
Problems with crooked and out-of-place teeth are quite common in the UK. It is now a lot more acceptable to have braces at any age, with huge benefits! Straighter teeth are not only easier to keep clean and healthy but they also give you more confidence when you smile!
More frequently, adults are now choosing to improve their smiles and manage spaces created by missing teeth through a combination of adult orthodontic treatments combined with cosmetic or restorative work. Cosmetic treatments can include straightening of the teeth followed by whitening and adding tooth coloured filling material (cosmetic bonding) to the tooth edges to achieve a more flawless appearance. At The Cherrytree Dental Care this is our 3-step smile treatment!
Often, orthodontics can be combined with the placement of implants, to initially straighten the teeth and create enough space to place successful, long-lasting implants, to restore the full function of teeth as well as improve the overall appearance and boost your confidence.
We are very happy to discuss your individual treatment needs, whether you wish to enquire for simple orthodontic brace treatments or combination treatments to include implants, cosmetic work, etc. We also take referrals from other clinics for orthodontic cases, as well as many other treatments.
In most cases, you can contact us directly or ask your dentist to refer you to our clinic using the online referral form. We provide private fixed and removable orthodontic braces as well as clear braces. If you are under the age of 18 and are likely to qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment, we can advise you of this option and you may have to decide whether to have treatment privately or on the NHS. However, due to high demand there can be a long waiting list for NHS orthodontic treatment.
If you or your child does not qualify for free NHS treatment, or you don’t want to wait for treatment to start, you may choose to have private treatment at The Cherrytree Dental Care. Please refer to our Fee Guide in the Treatments section for an up to date guide to our fees.
