Orthodontics: Braces, Incognito, White braces
Why Regular Dental Check-ups are Vital for Your Oral Health
Orthodontics; For Adults & Children
Orthodontic braces were historically associated with teenagers. Today, an increasing number of adults are choosing to wear braces to straighten their teeth and correct malocclusions (bad bites). In fact, it is now estimated that almost one third of all current orthodontic patients are adults.
Orthodontics is a specialist branch of dentistry that is concerned with the development and management of irregularities and abnormalities in the teeth and jaws. Many people are confused as to the difference between orthodontists and dentists, but orthodontists have undergone several years of further training in order to qualify as specialists in orthodontics.
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The field of orthodontics largely focuses on treatments such as tooth straightening using orthodontic braces, as well as problems pertaining to the jaw. The aim of orthodontics is to produce a healthy, functioning bite, creating higher resistance to disease processes and improving your personal appearance. Every patient needs customised treatment, planned by the orthodontist and agreed with the patient. In order to decide what treatment is required for you, your orthodontist will need to carry out a full assessment of your teeth which is likely to include x-rays, impressions (moulds of the teeth) and photographs.
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Types of braces
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Lingual braces
Fitted to the inside of the teeth. For any adult or teenager keen to avoid any sign of braces this is the ultimate choice as the brace itself remains hidden. Our braces are bespoke (Incognito) and made of gold to ensure maximum comfort and precision. Incognito lingual braces use forces generated by brackets and wires to move the teeth into the desired position. Incognito braces are finer and lighter than traditional fixed braces and they are precision engineered in Germany using the latest technology. Incognito braces are totally customized to the surface of each individual tooth. This means they are as comfortable as possible because of their low profile.
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Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are pieces of hard plastic that are designed to fit into your mouth like a mouthguard. Clear aligners are great for patients requiring minor orthodontic treatment. Because the retainers are clear, they are virtually invisible to others. You will not need to have wire braces on your teeth, so cleaning and eating are much easier if not just as normal.
This is an aesthetic solution for correcting minor anterior crowding, spacing, and minor relapse. The system corrects teeth incrementally through a series of clear aligner trays, each one generating up to 0.5 mm of movement. Trays are custom-fabricated and hand-articulated.
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Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are ideal for patients who want to look good during treatment but want an orthodontic option less expensive than Incognito. They are similar to metal braces, but the blocks are made of a tooth-coloured ceramic material, making the braces much less noticeable.
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Orthodontics for children
Children should have their first appointment with an orthodontist when they are 7 years old. Early evaluation is necessary in order to prevent certain problems with jaw and tooth alignment. Not all patients are candidates for early treatment or interceptive orthodontics at this age. Most children will benefit from a single phase of comprehensive orthodontic treatment, later in life, when more permanent teeth have erupted.
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Every patient is different and your child might or might not benefit from early treatment. Based on the growth of your child's jaws and other factors, the ideal time for braces might be earlier or later than another child.
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For a safe approach to planning orthodontic treatment for your child, have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 and then return to the orthodontic office, as recommended, for periodic growth checks until your child has reached the ideal time to start braces. This will save you valuable time in treatment and expense, while still providing excellent results.
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Retainers after Braces
A retainer keeps your teeth in place after your braces come off. It takes almost a year for the periodontal ligaments to solidify into their new positions after your braces are removed. That's why you need to wear your retainer exactly as your orthodontist directs. If you slack off or stop wearing it, your teeth could shift and get crooked again, or gaps could open up.
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​Invisalign®
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Invisalign® as a modern, discreet solution for patients seeking to straighten their smiles without the hassle of traditional braces. Invisalign® revolutionizes orthodontics with its virtually invisible aligners, custom-molded to fit your teeth and ensure maximum comfort. This cutting-edge treatment plan consists of a series of transparent aligners that gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. The aligners are removable, allowing you the freedom to enjoy all your favorite foods and maintain impeccable oral hygiene easily. Ideal for both teens and adults, Invisalign® offers a convenient and aesthetic approach to achieving a perfectly aligned smile. Book a consultation with us today to find out if Invisalign® is the right choice for you
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