Teen and Adult Braces London

Misaligned teeth are a problem for many people, both young and old. It is only normal for people who have such problems to crave correction and have straight teeth. Having straight teeth does not only improve your smile, but it also boosts your confidence, and helps in good oral hygiene. It is common for people to correct their misaligned teeth during their teenage years. However, some people often decide to take such decisions in their adult life.

There are different types of teeth straightening available now, with a good number of them doing the work discreetly. However, finding the right type for yourself can be a major problem. Here in this guide, you will find answers to any question you might have concerning choosing the right brace for yourself as an adult, or your ward who need orthodontic treatment. The solution you can find here ranges from the various types of braces to their cost, and how to make your treatment suit your budget.

Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic London has helped a lot of people get their misaligned teeth straightened. Besides orthodontics, we offer several other dental treatments and procedures, and we are highly sought after. Visit our clinic today at London for more information and enquiries.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Braces and how they work
• Who can have orthodontic braces?
• Types of braces
  • Invisible braces /invisalign
  • Metal braces
  • Lingual braces
  • Self-ligating braces
  • Ceramic braces
• Cost of braces
• Finding an orthodontist or dentist with the most suitable prices
• Alternatives to braces
• Retainer after braces
• Eating restrictions
• Knowing when you need orthodontic treatment
• Conclusion

BRACES AND HOW THEY WORK

As there are several types of braces available, so do they work differently. The main aim, however, is to get the teeth straightened, so this wide range of braces carry out the same purpose in their way. You should know that not all dental problems require dental braces.

Some may require surgery or some other procedure, but there are three significant reasons why your dentist will recommend dental braces for you.

• When you have gaps or spaces between your teeth that need to be closed (Gapped teeth)
• When your upper and lower teeth do not meet as it should, with this affecting your bite. This is also called malocclusion. (Underbite or Overbite)
• When your teeth are crowded, out of place, or crooked.

The above-mentioned problems can occur naturally and can affect your everyday life and eating habits. Know that they can lead to more severe problems if they are not treated.

Such problems include;

• Strain or headache from muscle and jaws
• Problems with eating
• Difficulties with speech
• Higher chance of damage to prominent teeth
• Problems resulting from the inability to clean properly
• The problem of self-confidence due to teeth misalingment

WHO CAN HAVE ORTHODONTIC BRACES?

Dental braces can be worn at any time. However, treatment is usually most effective when the jaws are still in development, which is usually around the teenage age. Nonetheless, treatment does not usually begin until most of the adult teeth have erupted. This is generally around the ages of 10 - 14 years of age.

Nonetheless, reports have shown that adults are now more fitted with braces, with the numbers being up to 80% as of 2018. More adults seeking teeth straightening through dental braces are mostly for aesthetic purpose and beauty of their smile. The President of the British Orthodontic Society, Alison Murray, reported that many adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment were satisfied with their increased level of self-esteem and the increased quality of life.

Even with the fact and knowledge that traditional metal braces are the most common choice of braces, more adults still go for invisible and clear aligners like Invisalign, which offers both comfort and discretion during teeth straightening. One thing about braces is that your teeth must be in good condition before treatment. Also, oral hygiene must be maintained, even before you begin treatment. Otherwise, if your teeth have already been damaged, probably by decay or gum disease, or there have been situations of restorative work like crowns, then you may not be a suitable candidate for dental braces. Other treatment options you may be asked to consider can be dental implants or veneers. This will serve very well in improving the appearance of your teeth.

For more information regarding your suitability to dental braces or other forms of orthodontic treatment, visit our clinic at London, or call us to book an appointment.

TYPES OF BRACES

Earlier on, traditional metal braces used to be the only option for teeth straightening. Technology has brought to us, various other ways of straightening and aligning our teeth, each with its unique features and quality.

There are the Invisalign clear aligners that offer you the confidence you need while working on your smile. They are invisible to detect, drawing less attention to you and your teeth, unlike metal braces that are also called 'metal mouth ". There is the ceramic braces that is made to match your natural teeth colour. This can also give some semblance of discretion, but not like Invisalign braces and other types, not forgetting the traditional metal braces of course.

Each of these braces are unique,  and each has their benefits and vices, and one must consult an experienced dentist before making a choice.

Some of the common braces include;

INVISIBLE BRACES/INVISALIGN

Invisalign clear aligners have come to be seen as a completely different alternative to traditional metal braces. This is majorly because Invisalign clear aligners are completely invisible when worn. They are quite different from conventional braces and work almost similarly but differently. Invisalign braces use a series of clear aligners to guide and move the teeth into the correct position. The aligners are worn over the teeth and with time, gradually guide the teeth to the right position.

Invisalign is often referred to as removable braces; however, the correct term is clear aligners. Invisalign is not the only brand of invisible braces available. There are other brands of invisible braces available, but Invisalign is seen as the most popular and well-accepted brand by people.

There are also different types of Invisalign braces available. We have;

• Invisalign Full
• Invisalign Lite
• Invisalign I7
• Invisalign Teen

Each of these types of Invisalign works differently, with varying times of treatment and ages. Invisalign Full is the most widely known and is for adults with teeth alignment problems. Its duration of treatment ranges from 12 - 18 months. Invisalign Lite and Invisalign I7 are for minor dental issues, and duration of treatment is 7 months and three months respectively.

Invisalign Teen, on the other hand, is made specifically for teenagers. It is the only type of Invisalign with unique features like indicators that shows whether or not the teen wears them for the required amount of time, and extra aligner trays for replacement in case any tray is lost or damaged.

Invisalign treats various orthodontic cases. Even though about 90% of people are eligible for treatment through Invisalign, you still need to be sure if you are one of them. You can do this by taking an Invisalign Smile Assessment. You can visit our clinic at London to take the test. It will only take a short time, and it will help you determine if Invisalign is right for you or not.

INVISALIGN TREATMENT

Invisalign treatment involves taking a scan of your mouth by the orthodontist or dentist, to create a 3D image of your teeth, which will later be used to plan your treatment. This is the first step in treatment, and is the consultation. Invisalign treatment is done with a series of aligner trays that are changed every two weeks for a new one. Besides the two week change, you will still have to go for check-ups every six weeks. This is just a formality, meant to check on the progress of the treatment. The good side to Invisalign treatment is that there is no need to worry about wires being broken or emergencies.

The Invisalign braces are removable; this means you get to remove them each time you wish to eat, drink(except for water) and clean your teeth. You are expected to wear the braces for at least 20 or 22 hours daily. The remaining two hours is the time for cleaning, eating and drinking. This helps to prevent the chances of gum and teeth decay and infections.

In summary, Invisalign braces have been known to offer more effective orthodontic treatment, with almost the same cost as other braces. Treatment with Invisalign braces takes about 12 - 18 months – it could take longer or lesser time, depending on the severity of the problem. After treatment, you will have to wear retainers every night to maintain the treatment. If you wish to get Invisalign braces, contact any Invisalign dentist near you, or visit our clinic at London.

PROS OF INVISALIGN CLEAR ALIGNERS

1. It is almost invisible
2. It is easy to clean
3. It is removable
4. It is comfortable, with no metal parts

CONS OF INVISALIGN BRACES

1. It is more expensive than other braces
2. It can take a longer time before treatment is completed
3. It takes dedication for treatment to be completed on time
4. It has to be removed each time before brushing, eating and drinking

METAL BRACES

Some people believe that there is only one type of metal braces, and that is the traditional fixed metal braces. While traditional metal braces are the most sought-after option when it comes to metal braces, there are other types of metal braces.

They are;

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have come a long way from the 'train tracks' we used to know or used to see, to less heavier, smaller and even less apparent braces. These braces can be uncomfortable; however, it is the long periods of wear that causes the discomfort. The initial fitting does not cause pain and should take about 1 or 2 hours.

Treatment with traditional metal braces takes about 18 - 24 months, during which you will have to take special care when cleaning your teeth and the braces, to avoid tooth decay.

What Are Metal Braces Made Of?

The metal brackets used in the metal braces are made from Stainless Steel of high grade. Sometimes, they can be combined with titanium.  There is a flexible metal wire, equally made from Stainless Steel or other material, that is threaded through each metal bracket. Small rubber bands or metal ties secure the wires, and the teeth can be manoeuvred into the appropriate position by simply tightening the wire in different places.

The metal braces also have different components including;

• Presence of metal bands around the molars to help with alignment
• It may require you to wear aheadgear at night to aid with the treatment. However, this is only when significant correction is needed
• Different teeth can be connected with chains or large rubber bands, and they can be pulled in specific directions

This type of treatment allows you to choose your desired colour of the elastic band on each of the brackets. Also, another good side to this is that they cost less than some other types of braces.

Pros Of Traditional Metal Braces

1. They are the cheapest type of teeth straightening treatment one can get
2. You have the option of choosing your desired colour

Cons Of Traditional Metal Braces

1. They can be very uncomfortable and painful
2. It places restrictions on certain foods
3. They are easily noticed

Lingual Braces

This is another type of metal braces that carries out treatment discreetly. This is similar to traditional metal braces; the only difference between the two is that they are placed behind the teeth. The fittings go inside the mouth and is not easily noticed. They are also called incognito or hidden braces.

Lingual braces can either be standard fittings or they can be moulded to the shape of the person's teeth. The good thing is that they go behind the teeth. Lingual braces are not completely invisible like Invisalign or other invisible braces; they can still be visible when the mouth is widely opened — the point is that it is not easily noticed like traditional metal braces.

Despite the positive benefit of this type of braces being that it is not easily seen, it still has its downsides. The major downside to this is that they are not easily cleaned. To begin with, their position makes them hard to see, and it is not a position that is easily cleaned during brushing and flossing. This makes it take a longer time during adjustments and check-ups. Also, with lingual braces, speech is more readily affected. This is because the wires and brackets are close to the tongue, and they affect speech more than other braces types that are placed outside the teeth. This does not mean that other metal braces do not affect speech; it simply means that they are more evident and take longer to correct in lingual braces than other types.

Finally, the treatment costs of lingual braces are higher than traditional metal especially if they are custom made.

Pros of lingual braces

1. They are not easily noticed, as they are hidden behind the teeth

Cons of lingual braces

1. The treatment takes a longer time than traditional metal braces
2. It is more expensive than traditional metal braces
3. It is difficult to clean and adjust
4. It has greater effect on speech
5. It can cause discomfort

Self -Ligating Braces

This is a type of metal brace that works faster and is more comfortable. Self-ligating braces are almost the same as traditional metal braces; however, instead of elastic bands or metal ties, they use transparent brackets. A good example is the Damon braces.

Damon braces use self-tightening technology, with heat-activated wires to straighten teeth into position. The entire process is gentle, straightening teeth at a much steady pace and provides little or no discomfort. Also, with the absence of rubber bands, Damon braces are more hygienic and easy to clean.

Self-ligating braces work faster than traditional metal braces because they are more efficient when it comes to moving teeth, making them a more affordable option for treatment. They equally require fewer appointments and check-ups with the dentist due to this feature.

Self ligating braces cannot be used by just anyone, as there are limits to the kind of orthodontic problems they can treat. But you would know when you consult with a dentist beforehand. Visit us and consult with our dentists at London.

Pros Of Self-Ligating Braces

1. They are available with transparent materials
2. They are less painful than traditional metal braces
3. They provide a quicker treatment

Cons Of Self-Ligating Braces

1. They are more noticeable
2. It is not suitable for every patient
3. It can get stained if ceramic materials are used

CERAMIC BRACES

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces, both in form and function, however,  ceramic braces are formed from a material that is the same colour and texture as the natural teeth, or a clear material in other cases. This makes them less obvious than the traditional fixed metal braces.

Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces, and this also means they can be uncomfortable as well. However, they are also very useful. Besides the materials being tooth-coloured or clear, the wires used for connecting the brackets can also be tooth-coloured. The downside to ceramic braces is that they can easily get stained if it is not properly cleaned. The materials used to make this type of braces are more expensive than average metal braces.

People still choose to go with ceramic braces because they are similar to Invisalign braces in respect to their discreet nature.

Pros Of Ceramic Braces

1. They are as effective as traditional metal braces
2. They can be tooth-coloured or clear

Cons Of Ceramic Braces

1. They cause the same discomfort as traditional metal braces
2. They are expensive
3. They can easily get stained

COST OF BRACES

Braces can be quite expensive, depending on the type you are going for. Invisalign braces are costly when compared to the traditional metal braces. The cost of the braces can also depend on where you choose to get them. For example, getting braces privately can cost about £1,000 - £5,000 or more. Meanwhile, metal braces for adults can cost around £1,500 - £3,000. However, there are ways you can make them more affordable for you.

PRIVATE COSTS OF BRACES

A lot of people deny themselves from seeking treatment because of the cost of the braces. One must understand that there are no such things as cheap braces. Braces come expensive because not only are you paying for the materials used to make the braces but you are equally considering the input and time of the dentist during each fitting and adjustment.  Adult braces cost a lot, usually in thousands; however it also depends on the style you have chosen,  and the duration of the treatment.

Below is a table indicating the different types of braces and their costs with private dentists and orthodontists.

TYPE OF BRACE	COST ESTIMATE
Invisalign braces	£1,900 - £4,650
Lingual braces	£2,000 - £10,000
Ceramic braces	£2,000 - £6,000
Self-ligating braces	£1,500 - £6000
Traditional metal braces	£1,500- £3,000

 From the table, we can see that metal braces are less expensive. You can go for ceramic braces on the top teeth because of their less visibility, and cheaper metal braces for the remaining teeth. However, if you do not wish it to be obvious that you have braces on, you can go for Invisalign clear aligners for the balance of cost, comfort and appearance.

There are finance options that can come into play if you are having issues with payment. You can get in touch with us by visiting our clinic at London for more information.

FINDING AN ORTHODONTIST OR DENTIST WITH THE MOST SUITABLE PRICES

It is important to get a dentist around you, that will charge you affordable costs for treatment. To start with, ask family and friends for their recommendations. Note that you are not just looking for dentists, you are searching for one who is experienced, qualified and affordable. While it is essential to know that the prices and cost will vary from region to region, it would not hurt to do some research or shop around for the one that suits you.

When you find one, be sure to find out what is included in your quotation, and what you will have to pay for, including mouthguards, retainers, tooth extraction procedures and even check-ups. Also note that even after treatment, you will still have to go for check-ups, so you should consider getting a dentist close to you for convenience. At the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London, we offer dental treatments and procedures. Check us out by visiting our clinic at  London.

ALTERNATIVES TO BRACES

People may have a hard time believing that it is possible to get your teeth straightened without metal braces. It is true that even without metal braces, one can have their teeth straightened. One other way to have the teeth straightened is through invisible braces. Before you can use it, you must take the Smile test, and be confirmed of your suitability. Invisalign is very effective, as it is known to treat 90% of orthodontic cases .

For other people who do not wish to use braces of any kind, there are other ways to get dental problems treated. A good example is the dental retainer. Although it is worn after treatment has been completed, it can also be used to treat minor teeth problems like overcrowding.

Veneers can also be used to improve the appearance of crooked teeth, as well as composite bonding. There is the option of home teeth straightening kits. These are much cheaper than braces; however they may not be very effective.

If you do not know which of these alternatives to go for, speak to your dentist to help you decide. Also, you can get in touch with us at our clinic at London.

RETAINERS AFTER BRACES

When you have completed your treatment with braces, the next thing would be the retainers. The retainer helps to keep the newly corrected teeth in position and prevent them from slipping back to its previous position. Your dentist will inform you on the length of time you will wear one.

There are removable retainers you can wear, and there are fixed retainers as well. Removable retainers are mostly a good option for people who do not want to wear fixed retainers, and for most times, are not worn during the day. However, they can be taken out to eat and clean the mouth. The downside is that they can easily get lost. Fixed retainers are mostly used by people who have just their front teeth straightened.

WEARING BRACES AS AN ADULT

These days, it is increasingly common for adults to seek treatment through wearing dental braces. This is due to the presence of removable and clear aligner like Invisalign. Even with the discretion that comes with invisible braces and aligners, it still requires getting used to. Some adults reported problems with speaking and eating at the initial stage of fittings. However, they got used to it much later.

Cleaning around braces, especially fixed braces, is a whole different issue. There are tools however to make the work easier. Tools like interdental brushes, orthodontic floss, and oral irrigators are there to make the whole task of cleaning easier.

DO ADULT BRACES HURT?

Yes, it is normal for pain to be felt when you wear braces as an adult. It is especially common when you go for adjustments. There is also the possibility that you can feel some irritation to your cheek. This can lead to sores in the mouth, but you should note that every pain and discomfort felt during the treatment is worth it for the desired smile.

Here are some tips for dealing with the pain and discomfort

1. Do not touch the mouth sores with your fingers if you have them. This will only make them worse
2. Cover irritating brackets or wires with orthodontic wax
3. There are painkillers to ease the pain or soreness
4. If you experience discomfort when biting, eat soft foods only
5. Rinsing your mouth with warm salty water can help ease pain in the mouth
6. Anaesthetic mouth gels can be used to numb painful areas

EATING RESTRICTIONS

Wearing braces requires you to stay away from certain foods. While you must avoid some for your comfort, there are still certain foods and drinks you must avoid. With some braces, eating is a problem. However, Invisalign and other removable braces offer flexibility as they have to be removed each time before eating. Also, you must clean your teeth thoroughly before you put them back in.

Some foods you should stay away from as recommended by our dentists if you are wearing fixed braces include

• Sticky or chewy foods like gum or caramel
• Foods that you bite into like carrots, crusty bread, corn on Cobb and apples
• Tough meats and bagels
• Crunchy foods like ice, popcorn
• Hard foods like nuts and sweets

Failure to keep to the rules can cause your braces to be damaged, break or even come off.  Because of this, you must be mindful of what goes into your mouth. Damaging your braces can prolong your treatment or even cause injury in your mouth.

KNOWING WHEN YOU NEED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT

If you think you are eligible for orthodontic treatment or you need orthodontic treatment, the first thing to do would be to consult a dentist near you. Your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist. With consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will confirm if you need an orthodontic treatment or not.

If you are uncertain about the type of brace that is suitable for you, or you cannot locate a dentist, we are available at the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic London. We are always available at our clinic in London. Do well to visit our clinic for a consultation today.

CONCLUSION

There is never a right or wrong time to get your misaligned teeth corrected.  Whether you are in your teenage years or your adult years, you can still get that beautiful smile you desire. With various types of braces, it is easier for you to make your choice based on your preference or budget.

Summarily, we can say that

• There are different types of braces; invisible and metal braces
• Invisible braces are mostly preferred to traditional metal braces by adults and teenagers
• Invisible braces are more comfortable than metal braces

Visit the Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic at London for consultation and enquiries or call us on 02071830755 to get your misaligned teeth straightened.