Orthodontics (aka teeth straightening) is the speciality of dentistry that focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws for functional and aesthetic purposes. Technological advancements and techniques make orthodontic treatment more accessible, comfortable, and effective.
At London Dental Specialists, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional orthodontic care. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team of specialists is dedicated to changing the lives of our patients by delivering the best possible dental treatment in a beautiful and comfortable environment.
Our goal is not just to give you a perfect smile but also to improve your overall oral health and well-being. From invisible braces to traditional options, we offer a range of treatments that cater to your specific needs and preferences.
Orthodontics is the speciality of dentistry deals with misaligned or crooked teeth, overcrowding, malocclusions and jaw irregularities. Orthodontic problems cause physical discomfort and affect personal confidence and self-esteem. As with everything in dentistry, it is extremely important to verify the expertise of the dentist that is treating you. In the United Kingdom, the General Dental Council has concluded that the only dentists with independently verified expertise in orthodontics are registered specialists.
Orthodontic diagnosis (from a specialist in orthodontics) involves thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, and jaws to determine the underlying issues causing the misalignment. The orthodontist can then discuss the various techniques include using fixed or removable dental appliances such as braces or aligners to realign teeth or jaw structures.
Treatment plans are discussed with patients, including the process, cost, and length of treatment. Orthodontic appliance maintenance is important in ensuring that your treatment plan is successful.
Monthly/bi-monthly check-ups with your orthodontist will help monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. Different orthodontic treatments available include traditional metal braces that are highly visible. These ceramic braces are less visible as they are made of ceramic material, and invisible aligners (Spark and Invisalign) offer invisibility without compromising treatment results.
Traditional fixed-metal braces are the most common type and can effectively straighten teeth with metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a discreet option with removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place. For those who want an even more invisible option, lingual braces can be fitted behind the teeth for ultimate discretion. Ceramic braces also offer a less noticeable option as they blend in with the colour of your teeth.
With so many options available, it’s important to consult an orthodontist to find the right treatment plan for your needs. But one thing is certain - investing in orthodontic treatment will improve your smile's appearance and boost your overall oral health.
Early orthodontic assessment is particularly important for children because it allows any issues with tooth alignment or jaw growth to be addressed before they become more serious problems.
Early orthodontic assessment of children’s teeth is crucial as it allows potential problems to be caught before they become serious issues, ensuring the best possible orthodontic care for your child.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends early orthodontic evaluation for every child between ages 7 and 9.
This early intervention is essential in preventing further growth and development issues that may lead to more complicated treatments later on.
The importance of early assessment lies in its benefits, which include creating space for new teeth to grow (avoiding crowded teeth) and addressing other potential dental issues. Early treatment also reduces overall treatment time and discomfort for the child while reinforcing good oral hygiene habits.
In addition, early evaluation leaves parents better prepared for the best possible orthodontic care as it gives ample time to plan for the right treatments at the right time. With an understanding of your child’s growth patterns, an orthodontist can guide how best to approach their oral health needs.
The vast majority of adults are suitable for orthodontic treatment. Techniques and appliances like Invisalign, Lingual braces, and ceramic braces are very common amongst adults because they either have superior aesthetics and Invisalign require less frequent visits to see the orthodontist. Plus, you can choose from discrete options that won’t affect your appearance. You may have thought it was too late for a perfect smile, but don’t give up hope just yet. Adult orthodontic treatment gives you incredible confidence because of your beautiful smile.
Orthodontics is not just about appearance; it’s also about improving self-esteem and oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to clean than crooked ones, which means fewer cavities and less gum disease. And when you feel good about your smile, you’re likely to be more confident in all areas of your life.
Financial considerations shouldn’t hold you back either – we offer payment plans or financing options.
If you’re pregnant or considering starting a family soon, rest assured that orthodontic treatment is still an option for you. Braces may require some adjustments during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels affecting the gums and teeth and aligners like Invisalign are safe to use throughout pregnancy.
With so many benefits of adult orthodontics available to you, why wait? Complete the enquiry form by completing the first step towards achieving the perfect smile today!
The main benefits include prevention of gum disease (because straight teeth are easier to clean) and reduction in wear of permanent teeth (because biting forces are spread move evenly around the mouth) and improvement of quality of life due to the optimisation of the smile aesthetics.
A misaligned bite can cause speech impediments that affect communication and self-esteem. Proper orthodontic care can resolve these issues, leading to improved social interactions and overall quality of life.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment extend far beyond aesthetics. Investing in your oral health now will pay off in the future with improved functionality and long-lasting results. So why wait? Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by considering orthodontics today.
And for those who want a discreet option, Invisalign and lingual braces may be just what you need to achieve a beautiful smile without anyone knowing!
If you’re looking for something discreet, near-invisible options are available, including clear, removable aligners, ceramic clear braces and lingual braces (positioned behind the teeth).
Invisalign is the ultimate solution for those seeking a discreet path to achieving a beautiful smile. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear aligners that are virtually invisible and easily removable. This means you can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing, making it an ideal option for adults, teens, and parents.
One of the main benefits of choosing Invisalign over traditional braces is the appearance during treatment and it is least likely to affect your speech. While the exact price of treatment will depend on your specific needs, we offer payment financing plans that make it more affordable than ever before. Additionally, because Invisalign treatment times vary depending on product type and case complexity, you could see your new smile in as little as 6 months!
Maintenance with Invisalign clear aligner is also easier than with traditional braces. You simply remove the aligners when eating or brushing your teeth, which means there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink during treatment. Plus, each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly leading to efficient tooth movement. However, you must remember to wear it for 22 hours per day religiously; otherwise, it does not work as well as fixed braces.
The end result? A beautiful smile that looks just as good as it feels! So if you’re looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth without breaking the bank or sacrificing comfort and convenience, then Invisalign may be right for you!
Invisible fixed braces are a discreet option for achieving a straighter smile, perfect for those who want to avoid the look of traditional metal braces. These braces are virtually invisible from the outside because they are either tooth-coloured (ceramic braces) or fitted inside your teeth (lingual braces).
Not only are these braces discreet, but they also offer numerous benefits. You can wear them at any age and they’re an excellent choice if you play contact sports or wind instruments. However, it’s worth noting that lingual braces are more expensive than other options and may take slightly longer than traditional braces. You’ll need adjustments made every 4 weeks, and speech will be affected for most of the treatment.
To ensure you get the best results possible from your invisible fixed braces, proper maintenance is crucial. Hard or chewy foods should be avoided while wearing them to prevent damage. Discomfort is normal at first, but it becomes less noticeable over time. If you follow these guidelines and attend all scheduled appointments with your orthodontist, you’ll achieve a straighter smile in no time!
Clear ceramic braces are a more modern alternative to traditional metal braces. They are also available in the self-ligating design. Both metal and ceramic braces fit on the outside of the teeth but the clear ceramic braces are much less visible than the metal braces.
Clear ceramic, lingual braces and traditional metal braces work very well across all ages. During treatment, the lingual brace is invisible whilst the traditional metal brace is visible and clear ceramic brace is much less visible than the metal brace. The costs of the lingual brace are also significantly higher than the traditional metal brace.
If you’re concerned about aesthetic appeal and finance, you can go for the ceramic fixed brace or clear aligner, assuming you do not have a problem wearing the aligner for 22 hours per day. If you doubt your ability to make this commitment, choose the clear ceramic (tooth-coloured) brace.
Maintenance requirements also differ between the options – clear aligners are removable, allowing for normal eating and oral care while traditional braces require extra care when brushing and flossing.
Both options have their pros and cons depending on your orthodontic conditions. Ultimately, the final treatment decision is up to you and our orthodontist based on what will work best for your needs.
When you first come in for a consultation at our specialist orthodontic practice, we will greet you and make sure you feel comfortable. They will then assess your dental health, taking X-rays and conducting a clinical examination to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Whether you’re interested in fixed braces (metal, lingual, ceramic) or discreet, removable options like Invisalign or Spark, our orthodontist will discuss all of the pros and cons with you so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
One thing to keep in mind is that the costs involved with orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the type of appliance used and the duration of treatment required. During your consultation, our team will provide a breakdown of all costs so that there are no surprises along the way.
Additionally, our hygienist will educate you on how to maintain optimal oral hygiene throughout your treatment journey and schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure progress is being made.
At London Dental Specialists, we want every patient to feel confident and well-informed before beginning their orthodontic journey with us. That’s why we offer free consultations with our treatment coordinators. We encourage patients to ask questions and take their time deciding before coming in for a paid consultation.
First common myth/misconception is that orthodontic appliances are for teens. All ages can benefit from braces, whether it’s for cosmetic or functional reasons.
Secondly, clear or near-invisible braces are available if you’re hesitant about the appearance of traditional metal braces.
And lastly, discomfort during treatment can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Now that we’ve cleared up those myths, let’s talk about orthodontic hygiene.
Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment is important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing twice a day and daily cleaning between your teeth should still be routine habits, but take extra care to clean around brackets and wires.
Orthodontic wax can also alleviate any irritation caused by the appliance.
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, it’s important to adhere to your orthodontist’s retention plan to ensure your teeth stay in their new positions.
This will include wearing a retainer at night or as instructed by your orthodontist. Remember that proper post-treatment maintenance is crucial in maintaining your beautiful new smile.
The most important aspect of post-orthodontic treatment care is retainer maintenance. Your retainer helps to keep your teeth in their new positions, but it can also harbour bacteria if not cleaned properly. We recommend cleaning your retainer daily with soap and water or a specialised cleaner.
Another crucial aspect is oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums, as well as delay or suspend further treatment. To maintain good oral health, we recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and using an interdental brush to clean around brackets and wires. It’s also important to attend regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
During treatment, diet restrictions may be to avoid damaging braces or wires. After treatment is complete, it’s still recommended that you avoid hard foods like popcorn or ice that could break fixed metal retainers. Soreness after braces are fitted is common for the first few days but can be relieved by painkillers or wax placed over any sore spots on soft tissue areas.
At London Dental Specialists, we’re dedicated to changing our patients’ lives by providing them with the best treatment options available. Our specialists have over 50 years of combined experience, and we use advanced 3D technology to visualise completed treatments.
Orthodontic success isn’t just about straightening teeth; it’s about transforming lives. We have countless patient testimonials that describe how their orthodontic transformations have positively impacted their confidence and overall well-being.
Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting the malocclusion or misalignment of teeth and jaws for functional and aesthetic improvement.
A specialist orthodontist is a qualified dental professional who has undergone additional training to specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of abnormal dental and facial irregularities with the use of orthodontic appliances.
An orthodontic appliance is a custom device designed and fit by the orthodontist to correct specific dental and facial irregularities, such as braces, retainers, and aligners.
No, you don't need a referral from your regular dentist to book a free consultation with a specialist orthodontist.
The NHS only offers orthodontic treatment to children under the age of 18 who meet certain criteria, such as severe dental or facial deformity. Adults seeking orthodontic treatment can seek private treatment.
Dental care includes the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
London Dental Specialists is a private UK dental provider offering a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including braces, aligners, and retainers.
No, orthodontics is a specialist field that focuses on functional improvement as well, such as correcting bite issues and enhancing oral health.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity of the dental or facial irregularity. In general, treatments can take 1-3 years, depending on the patient’s condition and compliance with the orthodontic appliance usage.
Yes, a retainer is necessary to maintain the results of orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will provide instructions on how often and for how long to wear the retainer.
