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Fixed braces
Standard braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are fixed to the teeth that will push and pull the teeth into a more desirable position. This is a process which can take a considerable amount of time, and requires regular check- ups and adjustments.
Metal braces are traditionally used for NHS Orthodontic Treatment or as a more reasonably priced fixed brace solution should you opt for private orthodontic treatment. With metal braces there are options to brighten them up with coloured elastics.
Ceramic braces are a clear alternative to metal braces and allow the natural look of your teeth to shine through. Made from a translucent glass material, the brackets neither stain nor discolour, maintaining their original appearance all the way through to the end of treatment.
Quick Straight Teeth™
The Q Fixed System is an invisible braces system that uses only clear brackets and tooth coloured wires making the clear braces virtually invisible in the mouth developed by Quick Straight Teeth™. These invisible braces work by only concentrating on the front 6 to 8 teeth and can correct mild to moderate problems quickly. As they are worn for only a very short time in comparison to traditional braces they can be a fast, cost effective way to get straight teeth.
Read more about Quick Straight Teeth
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is a discreet tooth coloured bracket and wire orthodontic braces system that focuses on straightening only the front 6 to 8 teeth (i.e. only the teeth that show when you smile). This means the treatment is much faster than conventional orthodontics, which focuses on all of your teeth. Therefore it is primarily used to treat crooked teeth, misalignment, unsightly gaps, or a misplaced midline.
Damon® System
The Damon System uses different technology; a slide mechanism replaces the usual wire brackets and elastic set-up, which leads to quicker treatment times, more comfortable braces and a system that can exert stronger forces on teeth that are badly out of position. The ceramic and stainless steel parts are less obvious, making the treatment better for those who are concerned about wearing braces.
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Lingual braces
There is an increasing demand for invisible braces amongst adults seeking treatment who feel unable to wear visible appliances for either professional or social reasons. They are also becoming increasingly popular with older teenagers.
Lingual appliances are placed on the inside surface of the teeth and as such are truly invisible. They work in the same way as conventional braces, just the other way around. They take a little longer to adapt to and are more expensive due to their customised manufacture but they do provide a real option for patients who, for whatever reason, do not want anyone to know they are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
The Incognito™ Lingual System is a new generation of braces for people of all ages. As the name suggests, no-one will know you are wearing them unless you tell them. They are created using state of the art CAD-CAM technology and are completely customised to each patient and the prescribed treatment.
For more information on the Incognito™ Lingual System visit www.hiddenbraces.co.uk
Advantages of Lingual Braces:
- Invisible from the front
- Comfortable
- Effective for all treatments
- Customised
- Fast working
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Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces have a unique ligation system that eliminates the need for elastic or metal ties and reduces friction. This means that the applied forces are lighter and the appliance requires less frequent adjustment. Furthermore, the appliances are easier to keep clean and it is possible to treat more problems without the need for tooth removal.
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Aligners
An aligner (clear braces) will gradually move your teeth into an aligned position through the use of clear plastic trays that fits neatly over your teeth. Rather than having wires tighten every few weeks you will receive a new aligner tray to wear until your treatment is complete. You need to wear your aligners at all times during treatment apart from when eating, brushing or flossing teeth. Aligners will only work if you're wearing them!
There are a number of aligner systems available to support you achieving a straighter smile including;
Your dentist will discuss with you whether an aligner or a brace system will suit your requirements and then which system is available to you.
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Removable braces
We sometimes use removable braces to correct bite problems and also influence the growth of the jaws in children. Timing and skill in the use of removable braces is essential for success so your dentist will discuss the options with should your child require any orthodontic treatment.
Although removable braces can be removed from the mouth by a patient, they will only work if worn as prescribed.
(We reserve the right to charge for all lost removable appliances and current NHS replacement charge is £66.75).
More sophisticated removable appliances are available to teenagers and adults.
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Retainers
Once the active period is completed, your braces are removed. The next step is called retention.
Retainers are utilised to hold your teeth in their new position until your bone, gums, and muscles adapt to the new teeth positions.
You must wear your retainer as instructed, otherwise your teeth may move back toward their original positions and the benefit of wearing your braces will be lost. We will determine how long you need to wear your retainer. The time scale varies with each patient; in some cases, permanent retention may be necessary or advisable. In these instances, thin metal wires are attached to the inside surfaces of the anterior teeth either in addition to or instead of removable retainers.
The retention period is an important part of your overall treatment and should not be neglected. Remember to wear them in your mouth, not in your pocket. Retainers work when you follow our instructions:
- Clean after every meal
- Clean all parts with a brush
- Handle with care
- Retainers are easy to lose; if you take them out remember to place them in your retainer case for safety.