Having crooked or mispositioned teeth can cause a series of issues, both mentally and physically. Hating your smile can contribute to a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, leaving you with bigger insecurities about your appearance.
In addition, without straight alignment of teeth, it may have a knock-on effect on your jawline. It can lead to excessive wear on teeth, plaque in hard-to-reach areas and even joint problems in your jaw.
For this reason, fixing any issues with your teeth is essential. We’ve explored some of the main things to consider when finding the best option to regain your best smile.
The Various Options for Braces
Compared to years ago, many options are available for straightening your teeth. All offer a range of benefits and can provide that straight smile you desire.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have come a long way over the past few years. These have been popular for decades, especially amongst teenagers and young adults and are the recommended treatment through NHS services. Small stainless-steel brackets are cemented onto each tooth with a thin arch wire connecting them. The wire is held in place with small rubber bands that can be customised to your desired colour. The wire is adjusted and gradually puts pressure on the teeth to get them to move into the required position. Traditional braces will be in place for several years, depending on the unevenness of your teeth. The more movement they need, the longer the process will take.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are like traditional braces, except that they are installed behind the teeth instead of on the front. This feature helps to hide the brackets and most of the wire. However, if you have significant gaps, they will still show the equipment and, depending on mouth shape and habits, can be seen when you are talking but can easily be hidden for photos. They also come with the same issues as traditional braces regarding cleaning, with the additional challenge of reaching them without being able to see them properly.
Ceramic Braces
This type of teeth alignment treatment works in the same way as traditional braces. The difference is that the brackets cemented onto your teeth are transparent, making them less noticeable and have been a popular choice for adults who seek orthodontist treatment. However, these braces occasionally result in discolouration of the elastic bands and can end up staining your teeth over time.
Removable and Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are plastic moulds fitted bespoke to your teeth, much like a plastic night guard. Patients receive several moulds which help adjust the teeth, replacing them every week or two weeks with results seen in as little as three months. These are perfect for those looking for a discreet option for straightening teeth. As private orthodontists in Manchester, we specialise in the leading manufacturer of invisible braces, Invisalign. These offer incredible results for those wishing to fix the structure of their teeth without unsightly wires and brackets cemented onto the teeth, and they can be removed for eating, flossing, and cleaning.
The Maintenance of Braces
With traditional and ceramic braces, there are many little spaces where food and plaque can get caught, and most regular dental hygiene routines will need improving. It will require you to invest in interdental brushes to reach places the regular toothbrush can’t, and keeping the braces clean between meals is essential. Flossing is difficult and can result in plaque build-up without stringent dental hygiene and care.
Diets also need to change to prevent them from breaking, resulting in more orthodontics trips. For example, apples will need to be cut up, fizzy drinks must be avoided, and crunchy or chewy food may be much more challenging to eat and should also be avoided to prevent the braces from breaking. Many patients also complain of their braces rubbing throughout their treatment which can cause scarred tissue inside the mouth.
In contrast, the Invisalign clear alignment braces need nothing more than the usual maintenance of good dental hygiene. Extra care is advised on the fact that plaque and bacteria can be trapped in the mould throughout the day. You can remove the mould and floss, brush and clean as you would normally. Still, if you are vigilant with keeping the alignment equipment clean and practising excellent regular hygiene routines, they should provide no additional issues.
The Appearance of Braces
Braces often get disregarded due to their unsightly appearance. However, with the digital advancement of treatments, braces are no longer the eye-catching feature shining from your mouth. Even traditional braces have become much more lightweight, and with lingual braces, they can be placed out of initial sight.
If you are worried about the visual appearance of braces, then our treatments using Invisalign in Manchester can offer the perfect solution. They are much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. Their clear appearance makes them practicably unnoticeable and provides the confidence to keep smiling throughout your treatment. In addition, Invisalign braces are also pain-free, unlike traditional and ceramic braces.
The Cost of Braces
Of course, the cost of teeth alignment can be steep. However, unlike some cosmetic dentistry treatments, once your teeth have been aligned, there should be no reason to require further work to keep them straight. Braces not only offer an aesthetical purpose, but they improve the bite and, in severe cases, can even improve the structure of your face, preventing aches and pain in the jaw.
We provide some of the most competitive private dentists Manchester prices, so feel free to speak to us for a more exact price. Traditional braces can start at £1500, with our Invisalign services starting from £2500. We also offer 0% finance on our treatments allowing you to spread the cost of the procedure.
Finding an Orthodontist
Although many dentists across the UK, only an orthodontist can offer correct teeth alignment. Finding one that can work well for you is essential. Although dentists have completed formal training in dentistry, an orthodontist has completed an additional three years of training to understand the health of the jawbone and the alignment of teeth to treat overbites or crooked structures. Specialising as a highly recommended orthodontics in Manchester, we have many years of experience in the field and can provide bespoke care designed around your needs and wishes. We tailor all our services to your unique requirements and have even practised as a sedation dentist to provide you with all the comfort you need to ensure you get the perfect smile. Contact us today to begin your journey of having the best smile for many years.