orthodontic treatment | Straight Teeth Suite

Understanding Orthodontic Treatment for Children Part 1: Materials, Costs and Check Ups

Posted on: November 12th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

Orthodontic treatment for children has been done for many, many decades. Treatment is very safe, and it’s very important. Ideally, everyone who has crooked teeth, or misaligned teeth should have treatment in those early years, or as teenagers, in order to improve the bite.

It is easier to treat a growing child. The gums are stronger. The teeth are stronger. Everything happens more predictably.

In this two part series we will answer the most frequently asked questions we get from parents considering orthodontic treatment for their children.

What materials do we use?

Here at the Straight Teeth Suite, we tend to fit conventional types of braces on children who have lost their baby teeth because what we want to do is not just improve the appearance of the teeth, but also to correct the bite, or encourage a positive bite.

The majority of our child patients will have either a metal or tooth coloured fixed brace. Most of the time we tend to opt for metal.

A metal brace consists of metal wire and elastics that hold the wire in place. It will also consist of elastics to hook top teeth to bottom ones to improve or correct the bite.

How much would it cost?

Depending on what type of brackets we use, it can be as little as £1,800, or up to £3,000 – £3,500. Obviously, if we decide to go for a ceramic option, it may be a little bit more, but on average, it’s between these two prices.

Results can last for life, as long as your child also wears a retainer. This keeps the teeth straight, and otherwise your teeth will move back to their original position.

Unfortunately there are a lot of adults who had braces when they were children, but as they never wore retainers, they have to go through the treatment all over again. Understanding the importance of retainers from a young age, can be the key in avoiding the treatment a second time around later in life, and incurring another cost.

How often would I need to see the dentist?

With conventional braces for children, we tend to review your child every 6 to 8 weeks, and then approximately every 4 weeks as we get closer to the end of the treatment.

Is the treatment painful?

It can be uncomfortable in the first few weeks, because there will be new pressure on the teeth, and there can be rubbing from the brackets, but it does get easier over time.

Some children cope better than others, and of course, as long as they get regular reassurance then it becomes much easier for the child to deal with. Additional help such as keeping wax for the brackets, and maybe painkillers for the first few days, can also make a big difference.

In Part 2 of this series we will be discussing the importance of early treatment and whether braces are the right treatment for your child.

New Smile in Months with Lingual Braces in Nottingham

Posted on: November 4th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

There are several reasons why people decide not to have their teeth straightened with braces. At the Straight Teeth Suite in Nottingham we’ve seen most of them. Some people think they are just too old for braces. Others are worried about the cost. Many also think that having your teeth straightened is such a lengthy process that it is not worth the effort.

The good news is that the technology we use to fit braces has changed significantly over the last 10 to 15 years, which means a better smile can be achieved within 3 to 9 months. Obviously this is going to depend on the condition of your teeth, but if you visit the Straight Teeth Suite in Nottingham we’ll give you a full, free consultation to make sure that you know what the future holds.

How Can Lingual Braces Help?

If you are between the ages of 20 and 50 you might have thought that braces were not an option for you. Do you really want to go to work with a mouthful of clunky metal, even if it is for the cause of a better smile? Do you want to suffer difficulty in eating and have to clean your braces whilst waiting for your teeth to move into place? And do you really want to spend money on something that might not work anyway?

Times have certainly changed. Lingual braces are designed to be unobtrusive, which means you can smile at work and no one will notice anything different. They’re also much easier to clean than old-fashioned braces, and you shouldn’t have much difficulty in eating either. Finally, the cost can be spread over a period of up to five years, so it won’t have such an immediate impact on your all-important bank balance.

Lingual braces will achieve results quickly, and can be fitted to both upper and lower teeth. They are ideal if you have a gap between teeth that you want to close, or teeth that you want to bring into alignment, and past patients have certainly been impressed with the results.

The use of these self-ligating braces means that we can achieve faster and more accurate results. So if you have a big event coming up in the future (perhaps a wedding or graduation) that you want to feel extra confident for, then we can work towards it and ensure your teeth have been corrected by that date. The braces stay in your mouth 24/7, which means they are always working on your teeth, achieving great results in a matter of months rather than years, as is the case for standard wire braces.

The way it works is that patients keep the braces in until they have done their job, and then put in a retainer at night to make sure their teeth don’t begin to move back to their original positions. Of course, how long a particular brace treatment takes will depend on the condition of the patient’s teeth, which is why we undertake a full assessment at the outset.

At the Straight Teeth Suite in Nottingham we’ve seen countless smiles transformed in our time and we pride ourselves in bringing the right degree of patient care and orthodontic know-how to the table, all at an affordable price. If you would like a free consultation, during which you can ask all the questions you want, then contact us today to make an appointment.

What to expect with Lingual Braces in Leicester – Your guide to lingual braces part 4

Posted on: October 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

If you’re living in the Leicester area and are thinking about teeth straightening treatment, there are a number of aspects of your lifestyle that will be impacted in one way or another. While none of these are serious as such, it’s still important to know what level of commitment you will need to make before you take steps to move forward with the procedure.

Here are a few of the most common questions our patients ask the Straight Teeth Suite team regarding their day-to-day lives and how they can expect to be affected by Lingual Braces.

What lifestyle changes will I need to make while wearing the braces?

The most obvious adjustment is to be extra careful of what you eat. You’ll need to be meticulous with your cleaning to avoid any problems with your cavities, but once you get into the habit of doing so it won’t be much of an issue, as long as you see a dentist and a hygienist on a regular basis.

So what should I avoid eating?

The main things to avoid would be things like toffees – anything too sweet could cause cavities, and anything too hard and chewy that can knock the brackets off would be extremely uncomfortable for you.

Can I smoke during treatment?

A lot of patients do. Obviously smoking is bad for your overall health and your mouth, so ideally it’s best not to do so. However, this isn’t something that is set in stone, and wouldn’t be something we would refuse treatment on the basis of.

Can I chew gum?

No, because it can get caught in your brackets and quite honestly is a nightmare to take off. Because of its consistency, there is every chance that it could pull the brackets off – something that will be uncomfortable for you and cause the treatment to be prolonged.

Will braces interfere with sports?

We always advise our patients to play with a sports guard, and this is particularly the case if you play a contact sport. Your teeth will be sensitive to any form of trauma, so precautions will be necessary to avoid any painful complications.

Can they interfere with playing any instruments?

Lingual ones could do, so it’s something to consider before you commit. We do advise against imitating Jimi Hendrix and playing the guitar with your teeth where possible!

What happens if I have to move house in the middle of my treatment?

As a general rule we would say that if your circumstances dictate that you need to move, please try and stay on to finish the treatment process before you do so. It’s very difficult to find someone that will take over another dentist’s treatment, as we all have different preferences, materials and training. Here at the Straight Teeth Suite we don’t tend to take on patients from other places for this reason. We tend to recommend that if you can come back, please do – you will be able to finish your treatment as planned.

Can I wear lingual braces even though I have had crowns and am missing teeth?

Yes, you can. It’s a bit more challenging, because brackets don’t tend to stick very well on crowns, but yes – it is possible.

I have a stud in my tongue. Will this interfere with treatment?

Well, our team might be a bit scared that you will knock out the brackets, but so far the Straight Teeth Suite hasn’t had any issues with anyone in Leicester.

Does this type of treatment require good molar teeth?

Your teeth will need to be as healthy as possible from the outset, but this can all be determined in your initial appointment. After you decide to go ahead, we will check that your teeth are strong and healthy enough for you to be able to have the treatment.

Does it work on gaps?

This type of procedure has been proven to close gaps rather nicely. One of the team recently reviewed a patient that was quite self-conscious about a gap in between their front teeth, but within three or four months the gap had reduced substantially.

The important thing to remember is that here at the Straight Teeth Suite, we will work with you towards your desired goals.

Once you have arranged your FREE initial appointment, our Leicester-based dentists will be able to go through any further concerns – or indeed anything you have picked up on in this blog – with you in person. This will allow you to establish your aims for your chosen procedure, and us to provide you with help and guidance to ensure you are making a choice that is right for you. Contact one of the team here and start the journey to a healthier, happier set of teeth.

To go back to part 1 of this lingual braces blog series click HERE

How Does Lingual Brace Treatment in Nottingham Work? – Your guide to lingual braces, part 3

Posted on: October 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

Of all the popular treatments that are available for straightening teeth, the most popular is undoubtedly lingual braces. Here at the Straight Teeth Suite we are able to provide professional care in Nottingham at competitive rates, but it is important that you are aware of the finer details of the procedure before you proceed.

In part 3 of this blog series, one of our dentists will run through everything you need to know to decide whether you feel the process is right for you.

Am I suitable for lingual braces?

As we touched on in our previous blog, it really does depend on the individual. The whole purpose of the consultation appointment is to take a closer look at your teeth and your bite, and from there we are able to advise whether or not you are a good candidate.

I’m currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to lingual braces?

The short answer is yes, you could. Again, it depends on what stage of your treatment you are in and what you and your current dentist are trying to achieve. Realistically, we need to see your teeth to be able to answer this question properly and provide you with the information you need. Of course, it is possible we will be able to offer the treatment to you; however, there may be an additional charge in order to do so.

How often do I see my dentist once I begin my treatment?

With lingual braces, we tend to see you every six to eight weeks. As we move closer to the end of the treatment the visits may become more frequent.

Is the treatment painful?

As you can imagine, this is one of the most common questions we get asked! As with any dental brace, it may be slightly painful at points. For example, on the front of the teeth you get a lot of rubbing on the cheeks and the lips, whereas with a lingual brace you get this on your tongue. As your tongue is quite sensitive, this can obviously become quite sore.

It’s important to prepare yourself for things like this, in order to minimise the discomfort. Your dentist at the Straight Teeth Suite will give you some wax to use, as well as a mouthguard to wear while you sleep, to protect your tongue further. If you’ve had teeth moved, you may also experience tenderness around the affected area, but this is all completely normal and does improve over time.

What will I look like with the appliances in?

This is a simple one – you’ll look exactly the same as you do without them in. Many people worry about the damaging effect that lingual braces might have on their appearance when they are out and about in Leicester, but you needn’t worry about any severe changes occurring while the treatment is in place.

One thing you may experience, however, is a short period where your teeth may begin to look worse than they did at the start of the treatment. Usually this is hidden by the braces when they are at the front, so you can’t see it as much, but when the teeth are moving at the back you can go through that much-maligned ‘ugly duckling’ stage. Don’t panic, though, this is to be expected as part of the treatment plan – it means you’re progressing and, as we said, it won’t last for long.

How much of the time will I need to wear my product?

A fixed brace will be in all the time, so you don’t need to worry about forgetting to put it in or take it out. Some people are initially put off by this, but lingual braces are actually the more practical option in the long run.

Are there any other additions to the treatment?

It’s important to remember that even when a case has finished, our staff may need to pull clear liners to be worn in order to complete it fully. This is simply to achieve that final finish with ease. It’s not always needed, but it’s worth keeping in mind beforehand, just so that you’re not taken by surprise come the end of the treatment cycle.

Will I need headgear?

So far, we have never offered headgear to a patient. It has not been needed and it is likely that this will remain the case as we move into the future.

How are you going to prevent my teeth from shifting again?

Regardless of what kind of braces you have, you’ll need to have retainers for the rest of your life in order to keep them straight. Without retainers, your teeth will simply move back. What we tend to provide is a combination of fixed and removable retainers, which will be all you’ll need for as long as you have your retainers.

Do lingual braces damage the teeth, roots or gums?

No – there are two very rare complications with braces, but these apply to all types of braces. One is that the nerve of the tooth can die, but this is typically linked to some form of trauma, such as falling over, being hit in the face by a ball or something similar) Incidents such as these damage the nerve, and you may end up needing root canal treatment. It is likely that you may become a bit more sensitive to trauma with braces.

The other unlikely complication is that the root of the tooth can become shorter. This is called recession, and again, is very rare. This depends on the thickness of your gums, but again keep it in mind during your decision-making process. This tends to be linked to very complex treatments, when complicated movements need to be achieved, and these take quite a long time – very unlikely, but you should be made aware of this nonetheless.

Can people still see traces of the braces on my teeth after treatment?

The traces are rarely obvious, especially if they are on the back of your teeth. Some people may notice white marks on their teeth, but this is usually due to consuming a lot of sweets and fizzy drinks, things that make your enamel really thin. If your diet and hygiene are good, you shouldn’t have any problems whatsoever.

When should I start seeing results?

And so it comes full circle with our answers for this blog – it all depends on the patient. The complexity levels of each case will determine the speed of the process. One patient treated by the Straight Teeth Suite was so responsive that within three or four months their teeth had almost completely transformed. For all parties involved, it was a fantastic experience and did much to highlight the true benefits of lingual braces and the services offered by teeth straightening professionals.

Of course, we can only cover the basics in these FAQ guides. The best way to discover which path of treatment is right for you is by arranging a FREE consultation. To read the next article of the Your Guide To Lingual Braces series, part 4, click HERE

Start Lingual Braces Treatment in Loughborough – Your guide to lingual braces, part 2

Posted on: October 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

Now that you’ve gone through the basic FAQs in our first blog post in this Lingual Brace series, you’ll probably be wondering how best to move forward with the decision-making process. In order to ensure you’re well informed about the finer details of your chosen procedure and how we operate here at the Straight Teeth Suite, we’ve asked our team to explain in more depth what you need to do to secure an appointment and proceed further with your treatment.

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

Here at the Straight Teeth Suite, we’re comfortable for you to contact us in whatever way works best for you. We have a purpose-built form on the website, but we are equally happy for you to reach out to us via email, phone or our social media channels (Facebook and Twitter), and we can arrange an appointment for you in no time.

What should I ask during a consultation?

The most important thing to ask about is the experience of the dentist that will be treating you. You need to be assertive in order to ensure you are receiving the most suitable care. “Who is going to be doing my treatment? How much experience have they got? Can you show me some previous cases they have worked on?” These types of questions are much more valuable to ask than ones regarding the brand or system of brace you will be using, for example.

A lot of people may ask me what a lingual brace is – can you explain?

Lingual braces are fixed brackets that go on the back of your teeth. One of the advantages of this design is that they really are invisible – you can’t see them from the front, and they straighten your teeth in an extremely discreet manner. The particular lingual braces we use here for teeth straightening in Loughborough is a fixed bracket with a wire attached to it, allowing us to move your teeth where necessary.

In some more complicated cases, we may need to carry out additional kinds of treatment, such as pulling teeth out or shaving (known as inter-proximal reduction) – however, procedures such as these are very rare.

What is the track record for this treatment?

The treatment is extremely popular due to how discreet it is, but also because it gets results. In some cases, it can work exceedingly fast – this obviously depends on each individual patient, and we continually monitor progress to ensure that the treatment is going exactly to plan throughout the teeth straightening procedure.

How much will it cost?

As with all treatments, the cost can vary. The more simple cases average at around £3,000, but cases with added complications and complexities can reach up to around £5,000. That being said, we are confident that the treatment we offer in Loughborough is both efficient and effective, and represents great value for each and every one of our patients.

What payment options are available?

Again, we are flexible in this area. We have various options that allow you to pay as you go, or set up structured finance plans to spread the cost out on a monthly basis, or you can pay up front should you wish to. We treat every case individually, so all of this will be covered during your consultation appointment.

How long does an average treatment last?

It really depends on the complexity. Some cases can take as little as three months, some cases can take twelve, fifteen, eighteen months, but an indication of this will be given at your first appointment. We will make you aware whether you are a simple, moderate or complex case.

Is it better to start treatment early?

Again, it all depends on the individual. If you’re a growing teenager, for example, it’s best to start your treatment earlier. On the other hand, if you’re an adult, when you start is less important. We always advise our patients to consider their upcoming commitments – do you have any deadlines? Do you have a wedding in two years that you want your teeth to be straightened by? Once you work out your short to medium term plans, you can decide for yourself when is the best time to begin treatment.

Do you always have to extract teeth for treatment?

Not always. It really depends on whether or not we need to free up some space for your teeth, and this is something we can address when we first meet you. Some cases may be borderline; in this instance, we are cautious with the process to ensure you are always receiving the right level of treatment. We may not initially decide to take any teeth out, instead seeing how the teeth respond, and then reassess later on.

If you’re ready to find out what your options are you can contact us here for your free consultation.

The Ultimate Guide to Lingual Braces Part 1

Posted on: October 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

How many people do you know that have naturally straight teeth? When you think about it, it’s much less common than we first assume – the majority of people have some form of imperfection, with any one set of teeth differing from the next. Lingual braces, however, are set to change this one patient at a time.

It’s actually more notable when you meet someone with teeth that are naturally completely straight. Take Hadi, one of the nurses at the Straight Teeth Suite practice, for example. He’s got a beautiful smile and beautiful straight teeth, so the team automatically assumed he’d had braces. Unusually, Hadi confirmed that his teeth were entirely natural – proving that it can happen, but also highlighting how rare it is to have such an aligned set as an adult.

Fortunately, as a potential patient looking for teeth straightening in Leicester, our professional team at the Straight Teeth Suite are on hand to provide treatment to help resolve any issues you may be experiencing. This is the first in a series of blogs addressing your most frequently asked questions (FAQs), and will hopefully shed some light on the procedures available to you here.

Can I get braces with straight teeth?

In short, the answer is yes, but it may not be the best choice for what you want to achieve in the long run. For example, the problem you may have may be something to do with the shape of the teeth, rather than their straightness, meaning that braces would not be the best method of treatment to achieve your desired result.

We’ll carry out an assessment to determine what the best course of action is, and then will discuss the alternatives with you, should braces prove to be an ineffective way of treating your teeth. This might be some composite bonding, veneers or even just a bit of whitening – whatever the case, our Leicester dentists will always act with your best interests at heart.

If teeth are removed, will the rest automatically straighten by themselves?

Unfortunately, this is very rarely the case. Of course, the crowding may be made slightly less severe – especially if you had the treatment done as a child – but it’s difficult to predict exactly what will happen with each individual patient. We’ll keep a close eye on the developments and work towards the outcome you feel is most desirable for you.

Will my teeth straighten as they grow?

Here at the Straight Teeth Suite we sometimes meet children with mixed dentition. This means that they’ve got a mixture of baby and adult teeth, causing them to appear quite crooked, but more often than not the teeth do tend to straighten as they grow.

It becomes more complicated when we reach adulthood, as our teeth begin to crowd out our mouths and can look crooked. Fortunately, with the current teeth straightening procedures we have on offer in Leicester, we can treat the majority of cases with ease.

Why should I get braces?

Let’s be clear, here at the Straight Teeth Suite nobody will ever force you to get braces. What it really comes down to is how conscious you are about your teeth, as there are a number of things that braces can be extremely successful at treating.

Whether it’s more aesthetic concerns, such as how your teeth affect your smile, or hygiene related, perhaps crowding has made them difficult to clean, braces offer a simple yet effective way of tackling the problem. For those that have bite issues – literally meaning those who struggle with biting certain foods, or the way their teeth sit on top of each other – braces also represent the easiest way to overcome these.

Not had your question answered?

Don’t worry, in Part 2 will go into more detail about other queries regarding how best to approach teeth straightening appointments in Leicester and further information about your chosen treatment as a whole.

For any questions, concerns or queries, please feel free to contact the practice and book a FREE consultation.

Why Choose Lingual Braces in Loughborough

Posted on: September 29th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

Many men and women in their early twenties through to their late forties have looked at their teeth in the mirror and wondered if there was anything they could do to improve their smiles. It’s amazing how much importance we place on our teeth, whether it’s their shape, size or their general condition. It seems that teeth are a mirror of our overall health and vitality, in more ways than one.

There are plenty of reasons that someone might want to have some cosmetic work done on their teeth, and we see most of these at the Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough.

Cosmetic Reasons

Of course, there are plenty of cosmetic reasons to pursue teeth-straightening treatments, and lingual braces can close gaps between teeth, as well as align them properly. Your reason may just be because you want to smile at an interview with confidence, but it is amazing how a small change in the shape of your teeth can also change the way you think about yourself.

Health Reasons

There are also plenty of health benefits associated with having your teeth straightened. Misaligned teeth can suffer from more wear and tear, because your bite is skewed and gaps can give bacteria and plaque more chance to get at the enamel and cause decay. Even in later life, small changes in the alignment of your teeth can provide important health benefits.

What are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are perhaps one of the most important recent developments in orthodontic technology. One of the reasons why many adults have found it difficult to pursue teeth-straightening treatment in their later years is that they don’t want the discomfort and visibility of having a brace in their mouth. Lingual braces are largely invisible, which means that people around you will hardly notice that you are wearing something on your teeth. Lingual braces are fixed braces on the teeth’s inner surface; one of the advantages of this design is that they cannot be seen from the front, and so they straighten your teeth in an extremely discreet manner. Lingual braces are permanent, which means they stay in your mouth 24/7. Some people are initially put off by this, but lingual braces are actually the more practical option in the long run. At the Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough we’ve found that the availability of this kind of braces is the primary reason why adults are starting to come forward in greater numbers for orthodontic treatment.

Finding the Right Dentist in Loughborough

When you are looking to undergo something like teeth-straightening with lingual braces you want to find someone who knows what they are doing. Not only do they have to have the right qualifications, but they also need to provide the top level service you expect from a dentist.

At the Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough we start with a FREE consultation that introduces you to the staff who carry out the procedures, and allows you plenty of time to ask any questions you might have.

We’ll check out the current state of your teeth and gums, and we’ll be completely honest about what can be achieved and what can’t. On top of this, we offer a variety of payment methods, which makes the treatment affordable for most bank balances. Finally, we won’t force you into any treatment that you are not sure about; you can go at your own pace and make up your mind in your own time.

If you would like a free consultation to find out how we can help, then contact the Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough today.

Rediscover Your Smile in Leicester Your guide to the Inman Aligner, part four

Posted on: September 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

With any dental procedure, it’s only natural to have worries and concerns about the work that needs to be done. Rather than let patients step into the unknown, the team at the Straight Teeth Suite ensure that you are aware of every step of the treatment through maintaining dialogue from the first step to the last. Before your initial consultation, however, you may want to check out the final part of our 4 part blog series titled: Your Guide To The Inman Aligner for any final questions you need answering – continued below.

Is it safe to have a root filling while wearing the Inman Aligner?

As a rule, the team tend to recommend all other treatments to be completed beforehand, regardless of what it is. From orthodontic to other straightening procedures, it’s best that the teeth are seen to for these issues prior to the fitting of the aligner, but when it as absolutely necessary there can be exceptions. It’s worth noting that, on occasion, teeth that have recently had root fillings can become more fragile – potentially causing complications with the aligner later down the line.

Do I need a full brace to correct two misaligned teeth?

This would depend on your bite and dental profile. It depends on a number of things, so it’s difficult to say without having an initial consultation. Generally it depends on the bottom teeth, but if there were just simple crowding at the front then you wouldn’t necessarily need a full brace.

Could I have an Inman Aligner for both the top and bottom jaws?

This isn’t a path that the dentists would normally choose to take, simply because it can feel extremely bulky within your mouth. If you felt that both jaws were in need to the treatment, it’s likely that they would be treated one at a time – this allows greater precision with the individual aligner, and greater clarity when it comes to seeing the results.

When should I start to feel my teeth move?

Due to the effectiveness of the Inman Aligner, you could expect to feel your teeth become tender within a few days. Every time you come in for a check-up, we’ll be able to track the movement to signify how well the aligner is working – it is a very gradual process, so you may not be able to see progress every single day.

Why do I feel pain whilst eating?

As with any treatment, the area affected becomes more sensitive – this is the same with your teeth. The aligner may initially make it more uncomfortable for you to bite, but if the pain feels too severe then don’t hesitate to contact the team and the relevant pain relief will be made available to you.

Will my teeth feel loose while wearing the Inman Aligner?

It’s completely natural for your teeth to loosen during this procedure, as the pressure will soften the bones around the affected area. It may feel a bit wobbly, but it’s a standard symptom of the aligner. As always, if you feel like there is too much movement going on, just contact the team in the West Midlands and they will take a look for you.

My Inman Aligner has given me blisters. Is this normal?

Again, symptoms such as this are completely natural. With any brace or aligner, it may rub when you eat – especially in the early days, when your mouth is not used to the friction. The Straight Teeth Suite do offer specialist waxes to cover the areas particularly affected, which can be a great help if you are suffering particularly badly. Just contact one of the team, and they will ensure everything is done to remedy this.

How do you clean the Inman Aligner?

It’s recommended that you invest in a good, small toothbrush, as this will allow you to physically remove anything that gets stuck within the aligner. There are also specially designed products that are available from the Straight Teeth Suite that are extremely effective in cleaning them.

Can I stop wearing my aligner early as my teeth already look and feel straight?

It’s absolutely vital that you let the dentists make this decision, rather than opting to do so yourself. Just pop in for an examination and the team will be able to show you the progress made, and how far you need to go with the treatment cycle until it is completed. If they are happy that the objectives of the treatment have been met, you’ll be able to remove the aligner straight away.

My Inman Aligner treatment is finished but I do not feel happy with the results. What do I do?

One of the things that is advocated at the Straight Teeth Suite is open communication between doctor and patient. If you have any concerns or dissatisfactions, don’t hesitate to air them with the team and they will always be on hand to assist you in any way that they can. From the outset, you will be provided with a realistic outcome and the team will always work towards this being met.

The Inman Aligner is one of our most popular treatments here at the Straight Teeth Suite, and as a result we get so many different questions and queries from potential patients as to whether it could work for them. Our four-part guide is designed to alleviate any concerns you may have, but the easiest way to work out whether the treatment is for you is through a consultation with one of the dentist. If you feel like the Inman Aligner could help you rediscover your smile, then contact us today or read Your Guide to Inman Aligner Part 1 for more question and answers.

Don’t get confused when choosing your brace in Nottingham: Your guide to the Inman Aligner, Part two

Posted on: September 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

Knowing the details of any dental treatment is important before you make the important decision as to whether to proceed. Fortunately, the team at the Straight Teeth Suite are able to provide professional advice and guidance to all confused patients – whether in depth at a consultation in Nottingham, or right here on the blog. Following PART 1 , below is part 2 of this series on Your Guide To The Inman Aligner, so you can get more information and see whether this treatment could work for you.

Will the treatment itself be uncomfortable?

While it’s one of the most common questions asked regarding any dental treatment, it’s a difficult one to answer. Of course, some cope better than others with these things, but as a general rule it’s best to prepare for a few days of discomfort following the start of the treatment. It will get better with time, but if you need pain relief then that is an option that is always available to patients.

Is the Inman Aligner comparable to Invisalign or fixed wire and bracket braces?

The main difference is the number of teeth that each treatment covers. The Inman Aligner is extremely effective, but only covers the front four teeth. Invisalign or fixed wire and bracket braces, on the other hand, are treatments designed to be used on a much larger scale and would be recommended if the patient needed more teeth straightening.

What is the cost of the Inman Aligner treatment?

Of course, it all depends on the complexity of the case. On average, it is expected to somewhere between £1500 and £1800.

Is it suitable for children under 14?

As a general rule, the Inman Aligner is not usually recommended due to children that are still growing. In these instances, a conventional brace is considered more suitable.

Am I too old to wear an Inman Aligner?

An Inman Aligner is one thing you’re never too old for. The only prerequisite that the team at the Straight Teeth Suite have is that each patient has strong teeth and healthy gums in order to proceed with the treatment.

How many hours a day should I wear it?

It’s recommended that the Inman Aligner is kept in for a minimum of 18 hours per day, although patients are advise to get as close to the full 24 hours as possible for the most effective results. Ideally, the only time is should be removed is when eating, drinking or brushing teeth.

Is it okay to drink anything other than water when wearing the aligners?

Unfortunately, as with many dental treatments, water is the only thing that is recommended to drink. Any other liquids have the potential to damage both your teeth and the aligner, meaning the treatment must continue for a longer period of time.

Can I have Inman Aligner braces if I have veneers?

It is possible, but it will require a bit more extra planning to achieve the desired results. As each aligner is custom made, we’d need to decide whether to straighten your teeth through the veneers or if you feel that changing the veneers would be more suitable. Either way, we can easily work around them but the planning stage will be slightly longer than usual to ensure the team get it right for you.

Will it affect my speech?

At first, you will experience some slight change in your speech. The aligner itself will cover the tongue’s surface, causing you to have a lisp during the initial few days of the treatment. The easiest way to combat this is to exercise your tongue as much as you can – either talking as much as possible, or reading a book out loud to help your tongue get used to it. After this, the lisp tends to go fairly quickly.

To read the following article part of the Your Guide To Inman Aligners series click HERE.

For any questions, concerns, or queries, please feel free to contact the practice and book a FREE consultation.

Seeking a Straighter Smile in weeks in Leicester: Your guide to the Inman Aligner, Part one

Posted on: September 11th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

It’s only natural to want the best for you teeth. Whether it’s from a health perspective or an aesthetic point of view, there’s no escaping the fact that our teeth are often the focal point of our facial expressions – as soon as we are uncomfortable about our teeth, we become uncomfortable about expressing ourselves freely, too.

It’s important to remember that there are options to take in order to rectify this. Here at the Straight Teeth Suite, we speak to so many different people from different backgrounds that all have the same thing in common – they want a straight smile, and they want to achieve it in the most comfortable way possible.

One of the ways to do this is the Inman Aligner. Not sure what it is? Read on for the first part in our helpful 4 – part guide and see if our Leicester-based team could help you take the first steps towards a healthier, happier smile.

What is the Inman Aligner?

The Inman Aligner is a removable brace that has the ability to straighten the front four teeth in your mouth in as little as six weeks. It’s a simple but proven mechanism consisting of two clear plastic bows, one going up the front of the teeth and the other at the back, pushing the teeth gently towards their correct position.

Is it similar to an invisible brace?

There are some similarities, yes. Like an invisible brace, it’s removable and made of clear plastic bows. It isn’t as discreet, but it’s hugely popular due to the speed of the treatment when worn correctly.

Why would I need an Inman Aligner?

As with all the treatments that is offered here at the Straight Teeth Suite, it will depend on your individual needs. It’s more than likely that, after your consultation, you’ll be offered a range of options as to how to proceed – if the Inman Aligner is one of them, it’s certainly recommended due to its speed and effectiveness.

On the whole, most cases tend to take around twelve weeks. Due to its speed, the team will be able to carry out a lot of pre-planning, allowing you to see each stage of the treatment – something that is great when providing patients with peace of mind. It’s a particularly safe form of brace – the movements that are caused by it are extremely gentle – and for that reason it remains popular with patients.

So how does it work?

The Inman Aligner has nickel titanium coil springs that connect to the clear plastic bows at front and back. These coils are able to put pressure on the teeth through the bows, and because of these your teeth are able to move in the desired direction.

How long does the treatment take?

This is something that can only be determined by the complexity of the individual case. Some cases have been known to take as little as six weeks, while some take twelve or longer. If the teeth are more stubborn, or the braces are not worn correctly, the length of time can become much longer – patients who only wear the braces part time, rather than the recommended 18-20 hours per day, often experience a lengthier treatment period.

After the consultation with one of the Straight Teeth Suite dentists, you will be able to have a much clearer picture of your treatment trajectory.

Do all braces require impressions of the mouth to be taken?

As with all treatments, impressions will need to be taken – this happens for two reasons. The first is to provide a record of how the teeth look in their original position, and the other is to construct the alignment to fit your teeth perfectly. These impressions are an integral part of the process, and allow the dentists to carry out the work with both speed and professionalism.

How often will I need to come in to see the doctor?

At the Straight Teeth Suite, we average around three weeks between appointments. This can just be for standard check-ups, or for adjustments to ensure that the treatment is going on as planned. It’s a great way for you to see the real impact of the treatment and the progress that is being made, and helps the dentist spot any issues extremely early on.

If you feel that the Inman Aligner will provide you with the smile that you desire, contact the team at the Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester today. You can arrange an initial consultation to assess the best way to move forward with your teeth. Continue reading Part 2 to learn more about the Inman aligner and eliminate confusion when it comes to choosing the right type of brace.