Traditional Metal Braces in Herne Hill

Initial Consultation and Assessment for Traditional Metal Braces

At London Dental Specialists, your journey to a straighter smile begins with a comprehensive consultation and assessment for traditional metal braces. This crucial first step allows our expert orthodontists to evaluate your dental needs and create a personalised treatment plan.

During your initial visit, you can expect the following:

• Thorough Oral Examination: Our orthodontist will carefully inspect your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment to assess your overall oral health.


• Digital X-rays and 3D Imaging: We use advanced technology to capture detailed images of your teeth and jaw structure, providing a complete picture of your dental anatomy.


• Discussion of Your Concerns: We encourage you to share your smile goals and any concerns you may have about your teeth or bite.


• Treatment Options Explanation: Our specialist will explain how traditional metal braces work and discuss whether they are the best option for your specific case.


• Cost and Timeline Overview: We'll provide a clear breakdown of the expected treatment duration and associated costs.

The consultation typically lasts about 45-60 minutes, giving you ample time to ask questions and make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

To ensure a smooth and productive first visit, please bring the following:

• Your dental insurance information (if applicable)


• A list of any medications you're currently taking


• Your medical and dental history


• Any previous X-rays or dental records you may have

Next Steps After Your Consultation

Following your assessment, if traditional metal braces are deemed suitable, we will:

1. Create a customised treatment plan


2. Schedule your brace fitting appointment


3. Provide you with pre-treatment instructions and care guidelines

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to ensuring you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your orthodontic journey. Our expert team is here to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have about traditional metal braces.

Customised Treatment Plan for Traditional Metal Braces

Following your initial consultation, our expert orthodontists at London Dental Specialists will create a tailored treatment plan for your traditional metal braces. This comprehensive plan is designed to address your specific dental needs and achieve optimal results.

Key Components of Your Customised Plan

• Detailed Analysis: We thoroughly examine the data collected during your consultation, including X-rays and 3D images, to develop a precise strategy for tooth movement.


• Treatment Timeline: We provide an estimated duration for your orthodontic treatment, typically ranging from 18 to 24 months for traditional metal braces.


• Adjustment Schedule: Your plan will include a proposed schedule for regular adjustments, usually every 4-6 weeks.


• Specific Orthodontic Techniques: We outline the particular methods and mechanics we'll use to address your unique dental issues, such as overcrowding, gaps, or bite problems.

Personalised Care Approach

At London Dental Specialists, we understand that each patient's orthodontic journey is unique. Your customised plan will take into account:

• Your age and overall oral health


• The complexity of your case


• Your lifestyle and personal preferences


• Any potential challenges or special considerations

Treatment Visualisation

To help you better understand your treatment journey, we may provide:

• Digital Simulations: Visual representations of how your teeth will move over time


• Before and After Comparisons: Projected images of your smile transformation

Financial Planning

Your customised plan will also include:

• A detailed breakdown of treatment costs


• Information on available payment plans and options


• Guidance on potential insurance coverage

Next Steps

Once your customised treatment plan is ready, we will:

1. Schedule a follow-up appointment to review the plan in detail


2. Address any questions or concerns you may have


3. Make any necessary adjustments based on your feedback


4. Set a date for your brace fitting appointment

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing you with a clear, comprehensive, and personalised roadmap for your orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way towards achieving your perfect smile.

Traditional Metal Braces Treatment Procedures

At London Dental Specialists, our expert orthodontists perform the traditional metal braces treatment with precision and care. The procedure involves several key steps to ensure optimal alignment of your teeth.

Preparation and Cleaning

Before applying the braces, we thoroughly clean and dry your teeth. This crucial step ensures a strong bond between the brackets and your tooth enamel.

• Professional cleaning: Removes any plaque or tartar


• Tooth conditioning: Application of a special solution to prepare the tooth surface


• Drying: Ensures a moisture-free surface for optimal adhesion

Bracket Placement

The next step involves carefully positioning and attaching the metal brackets to your teeth:

• Precise positioning: Each bracket is placed in a specific location on the tooth


• Bonding: A dental cement is used to secure the brackets


• Light curing: A special blue light hardens the adhesive, firmly attaching the brackets

Archwire Installation

Once the brackets are in place, we insert the archwire:

• Wire selection: We choose an appropriate wire based on your treatment plan


• Threading: The wire is carefully threaded through each bracket


• Securing: Small elastic bands (ligatures) hold the wire in place

Final Adjustments

Before you leave, we make final adjustments to ensure comfort and effectiveness:

• Wire trimming: Any excess wire is trimmed to prevent irritation


• Comfort check: We ensure the braces feel comfortable in your mouth


• Care instructions: Detailed guidance on maintaining your braces is provided

The entire process typically takes about 1-2 hours. You may experience some initial discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the braces, but this usually subsides within a few days.

Follow-up Appointments

Regular follow-up appointments are essential for the success of your treatment:

• Frequency: Usually every 4-6 weeks


• Adjustments: Tightening or changing of wires to continue tooth movement


• Progress monitoring: We track your progress and make any necessary modifications to your treatment plan

At London Dental Specialists, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality care throughout your traditional metal braces treatment. Our team is always available to address any concerns and ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Post Traditional Metal Braces Treatment Care

Proper aftercare is essential following your traditional metal braces treatment at London Dental Specialists. This final step ensures your newly aligned teeth remain in their correct positions and your smile stays beautiful for years to come.

After your braces are removed, our orthodontists will provide you with a comprehensive aftercare plan that typically includes:

• Custom retainers: These devices are crucial for maintaining your teeth in their new positions. We offer both removable and fixed retainer options based on your specific needs.


• Regular check-up schedule: We'll establish a follow-up appointment schedule to monitor your teeth and ensure they remain properly aligned.


• Thorough oral hygiene instructions: Detailed guidance on how to care for your teeth and retainers to prevent any dental issues.

Types of Retainers

At London Dental Specialists, we provide two main types of retainers:

• Removable retainers: These include clear plastic retainers or Hawley retainers (with a wire across the front of your teeth). They can be taken out for eating and cleaning.


• Fixed retainers: These consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth, providing continuous retention without requiring patient compliance.

Retainer Wear Schedule

Your orthodontist will recommend a specific wearing schedule, typically:

• Initial phase: Wearing your retainer full-time (except when eating or brushing) for the first 3-6 months


• Maintenance phase: Gradually transitioning to nighttime-only wear


• Long-term care: Continuing with nighttime wear indefinitely to ensure lasting results

Ongoing Dental Care

To maintain your new smile, we recommend:

• Regular dental check-ups: Every 6 months to ensure optimal oral health


• Professional cleanings: To remove any plaque buildup and prevent decay


• Prompt attention to any concerns: Contact us immediately if you notice any shifting or discomfort

At London Dental Specialists, our commitment to your dental health extends well beyond the active treatment phase. We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your post-treatment journey to ensure your investment in traditional metal braces continues to provide you with a confident, healthy smile for years to come.