Long may it last: Is my new smile permanent?

Posted on: August 7th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

You may have had braces fitted in your teenage years only to find that over time your teeth have moved back to their original position and are as crooked or overcrowded as they were originally.  Perhaps you are now contemplating whether or not to have braces or aligners fitted to repeat the treatment and correct your smile again but are of the opinion there is little point if they are going to move once your treatment is completed. The reason for the failed treatment is not in most cases because the straightening treatment did not work but because you were either not advised to wear retainers or failed to do so. Your smile will last if you follow a few simple rules as set down by the Straight Teeth Suite.

The most important part of teeth straightening treatment are the retainers.  Whether you have had fixed braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth, once they are removed a retainer will need to be fitted to keep your teeth permanently in their new position. Without a retainer, teeth can move into the spaces or position they were in before.  When you undergo an orthodontic treatment, the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth require some time to adjust to the new position they are moved into, by your treatment. This time span is crucial and must be used intelligently, to maximize the effect of having worn braces to straighten your teeth to achieve a beautiful smile.

The best retainer is a fixed retainer.   This is a small wire fixed to the reverse side of the teeth and held in place with a white filling material, so it is very discreet. Retainers allow the gums to adjust slowly to the new bone structure and keep the teeth perfectly aligned, at the same time. You are the only person, aside from your dentist, who need know the fixed retainer is there.  Not only is it invisible but it is comfortable.  Very soon you will forget you are wearing the retainer.  It remains in position indefinitely protecting your teeth from moving.

In addition, the Straight Teeth Suite recommend a removable retainer worn over the fixed retainer only at night.  The ‘belt and braces’ combination of the fixed wire and removable retainer ensures good stability while you sleep. Patients who have adhered to this type of retention treatment over a period of more than eight years are the patients whose teeth have remained in position and are happy with their smile.

For all of you who have successfully endured dental treatment and worn braces for anything from six months to two years to straighten your teeth, the relief of finally having your braces removed and seeing your new smile light up your face is a magical moment. Long may it last.

Contact the Straight Teeth Suite here for an appointment to talk about braces and retainers to keep your smile for life.

The Best Ways To Make Your Smile Stick

Posted on: July 31st, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

If you have recently completed your straightening treatment, having worn braces for many months, you will be relieved when they are finally taken off, and you have the pleasure of your new smile unencumbered by brackets, wires or aligners.  The Straight Teeth Suite  explains the need for retainers, how they work, and how they will keep you smiling.

Which Retainer?

There are three types of retainer:

  • Your best option is a fixed retainer worn indefinitely to hold your teeth permanently in their new position.  A fixed retainer is a discreet wire bonded to the back of your teeth where it can’t be seen.  It is comfortably positioned, and you will soon forget it is there.
  • A removable retainer, worn at night, will help prevent your teeth from moving.  This is essential in the early weeks following removal of your braces, and you need to adopt the habit of wearing it regularly.  The plastic vacuum formed retainer is moulded from impressions of your straightened teeth and worn to hold your teeth in place. Without your retainer, your teeth will undoubtedly move.
  • The most cautious option is a combination of both a fixed and removable brace.  The removable brace is worn at night, two or three times a week to be certain your teeth will not move.

Why you need to Wear a Retainer

  1. A retainer keeps your teeth in their new position.
  2. Teeth need time to fuse in place.
  3. Without a retainer teeth can move back into their old position.
  4. The forces of biting and chewing put more pressure on your teeth.
  5. If you lose, or gain, weight and age, your face will change shape putting pressure on your teeth.
  6. Some patients are prone to grinding their teeth when asleep, and these constant forces can damage your teeth.

Before considering braces to straighten your teeth, you need to know the importance of committing to life with a retainer.  After all, you don’t want anything to dent your smile and burst your bubble, so think of your retainer as the protector of your new smile.

Anything we haven’t covered on retainers? Post your comment below and we’ll make sure to answer.

New ways to get straight teeth like celebrities

Posted on: July 24th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

We wonder how many celebrities featured in the news, in magazines and on television who have worn braces to straighten their teeth you can name?  You can’t?  That’s not surprising. Lingual braces are so clever and discreet they can’t be seen.  Nobody will know you have been to the Straight Teeth Suite and are undergoing teeth realignment with Lingual braces unless, of course, you tell them.  

There are some famous people who have embraced their braces and have told the world about their new smiles. Myleene Klass, singer and television presenter of This Morning, flaunted her Lingual braces for all to see.  But, if she hadn’t opened her mouth so wide to let the camera in, no one who have known.

Other famous personalities in the public eye, such as Wimbledon champions, Serina Williams and her sister Venus, Tom Cruise and Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame have all worn braces.  Faye Dunaway, the Oscar-winning actress, wore her braces at the age of sixty- one proving it is never too late to get a beautiful smile.  Members of the Royal family, including Prince William, who wore his braces for years with no one noticing, despite the paparazzi photographing him thousands of times. Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, is known to have had her Lingual braces fitted before her marriage to William giving her a lovely smile for the much-publicised wedding photos.  Her braces were invisible, and only a few close family members knew she had opted to have her teeth straightened until someone leaked the news to the press.

All these celebrities are in the public eye and may be subject to scrutiny. Even if you are not famous, you may feel judged or criticised if you have an overcrowded smile or buck teeth. And, if your bite is misaligned it may be uncomfortable to eat. They are many different reasons, aside from the aesthetic, to consider having braces and realigning your teeth.

You don’t have to be famous to treat yourself like the best.  Lingual braces are available for all.  Fitted to the reverse side of your teeth, they are more comfortable than conventional braces.  As they are custom made, they fit perfectly and are very effective in moving teeth to their desired position in a relatively short amount of time. The brackets are smaller and they are less intrusive so they don’t disrupt your ability to chew or affect your speech.  And best of all, no one will know you have braces unless you tell them.

If you want to be one of the best and have Lingual braces fitted, contact the Straight Teeth Suite HERE

4 Months with Lingual Braces. How I Learnt to Live With Them

Posted on: May 29th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

After 4 months of living with Lingual braces, my teeth are free, and I have the smile I have been dreaming of for the past twenty years.  I can’t stop looking in the mirror to admire my new grin.  It is better than I ever expected.  For the last few months, I have been visiting the Straight Teeth Suite to have my Lingual braces fitted and adjusted, and I am so happy I did.

Day 1:  Having chosen Lingual braces because they are nearly invisible unless I open my mouth really wide, the day has come for my dentist to fit them. I am excited and nervous at one and the same time. The whole procedure lasted about forty minutes.  Firstly, my teeth were thoroughly cleaned with a water jet.  The brackets were then fixed to the reverse side of my teeth where they can’t be seen using a special adhesive.  As the dentist pressed on each of the brackets to get a strong bond, the pressure was uncomfortable for a moment, and my jaw was starting to ache from keeping my mouth open.  And last of all, the wires were threaded through the brackets. Armed with a bag of essentials including Ibuprofen, toothbrush, mouthwash and dental wax, I made my way home. I was not in any pain yet, but I will let you know how I got on.

Day 2. My first 48 hours with Lingual braces were no better and no worse than I had been warned.  I had a little pain, a lot of discomfort, I lisped a bit, and I found it hard to chew.  After taking a dose of Ibuprofen, the pain disappeared.  My tongue was sore where I had rubbed it on the brackets so I put some dental wax on the wires and brackets, and that really helped.  I had plenty of soups in the fridge and dipped my bread to soften it, so I didn’t go hungry.  I was lisping for a while but practiced using the Rainbow Passage developed by some speech therapists. I didn’t sound too silly. It was useful to practice in front of a mirror and exaggerate the words. Singing along to my favourite songs helped too. My mouth felt really dry overnight, so I kept a glass of water by my bed.

Day 31. A month after my braces were fitted and I could already see a difference in the position of my teeth.  I wasn’t expecting this so soon.  The gap between my lower incisors, right at the front had completely closed.  It is a big confidence boost to see the braces are actually working.  My lisp was much better. In fact, I only lisped when I talked too fast or had bits of food stuck in the brackets.  I brushed my teeth at least six times a day. Not only did my mouth feel much nicer after brushing but it helped with the lisp too.  I had moments when I could forget I was wearing braces which were a real bonus.It can be very tiring being conscious of something alien in your mouth all day.  When I had my braces fitted I was told to avoid biting into anything hard or chewy. Four weeks on I had devised a menu plan to make this more bearable.  Porridge, scrambled eggs, granola with yoghurt and fruit, for breakfast.  Soup, fish and mash, jacket potato with tuna, pasta and sauce, or omelette for lunch or dinner.  And puddings of chocolate mousse or ice cream made up for not being able to eat sweets or biscuits.

Day 60.  Two months later and my wires were adjusted for the first time. It wasn’t too uncomfortable and only took a little time. The best thing was my protruding tooth has now moved to connect with the wire. For the first week, my gums ached again, and I took some more painkillers.  My lisp had totally vanished by this time, so everything was great. I also visited the hygienist who professionally cleaned my teeth.  She was able to get in between the brackets and wires and my teeth felt smooth and clean.

Day 90.  More than halfway through my treatment and I had my wires adjusted again. My teeth had moved dramatically during the past three months since I first had my lingual braces fitted. I was already feeling happy to show my teeth when I smiled, something I avoided doing before.

I was prepared for another week of discomfort after my appointment but this time,  I didn’t need to take the painkillers.

Day 120. At the third adjustment for my braces, the dentist used a stronger wire. He said my teeth were moving well.  My gums were sore again for just a few days but I didn’t have any tongue pain from rubbing on the brackets, and I could eat most things. I was already more confident and actually wore red lipstick for the first time in my adult life.  I even started practicing  smiling for the camera in time for the braces to come off.

Day 143.  The end of the journey, I had my braces removed, and I felt amazing!   I hadn’t actually thought about how the dentist would remove the brackets. When I saw the clamp, a bit of panic set in. The dentist literally pulled the brackets off. One yelp and it was all over.  I had a tiny wire fixed behind my teeth to hold everything in place before my retainers were fitted.  I love my smile and any discomfort, trials and suffering were undoubtedly worth the effort.  If I have any regrets, it is that I didn’t have braces and a beautiful smile sooner.

If you are considering Lingual braces, contact the Straight Teeth Suite for a free consultation HERE

Why Is It Important To Wear Retainers After Having Braces?

Posted on: March 13th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

At the end of every brace treatment, patients are required to wear retainers. At the Straight Teeth Suite, we provide our patients with two sets of retainers, either removable or permanent fixed retainers, and then a set of removable retainers. Removable retainers look much like this here.

It’s a clear, plastic appliance that will keep your teeth straight, and you will have to wear it permanently for six months and remove it when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. For the six months following that, you will need to wear it every night. For the final stage, we advise you to wear it 3-4 nights a week for the rest of your life.

Fixed Retainer or Not?

If your bite permits it, we do recommend having a fixed permanent retainer. We refer to this as a bonded retainer, and it is a little wire that sits behind the back of your front teeth and keeps them straight. If you have a permanent retainer, you only need to wear your removable one at nighttime for the first 12 months. After that, again, you can go to 3-4 nights a week. However, please note that all retainers are meant to be used for life, regardless of their type.

Note: If you have a permanent bonded retainer, you won’t be able to floss in between your teeth.

Additional Dental Aid

As an alternative to dental support, we recommend you get some TePe brushes that come in many colours, with each colour representing different sizes. Your dentist or a hygienist can tell you which one is the most appropriate for you. TePe brushes fit reaches the gaps in between your teeth, allowing you to clean all areas you would normally couldn’t, with regular brushing. You can use them around your bonded retainer and ensure a healthy mouth.

What to Do if you Notice Tooth Movement

If you notice any unwanted tooth movement, please do give us a call, and one of our dentists will assess your case and see if any change has indeed occurred. The bonded retainers will stay in your mouth for as long as you want your teeth to be straight, and they are easy to repair if anything comes unglued. In addition, at Straight Teeth Suite, you also get a yearly guarantee for our retainers.

Important Notes:

  1. We do strongly advise you to keep your removable retainers in a case so you don’t lose them or damage them. Several of our patients have had incidents where their dogs have actually eaten them! So, better keep them in the case than trying to figure out how they have gone missing!
  2. In regards cleaning your removable retainer, just take it out after you have worn it overnight and simply rinse and clean it in cold water. Alternatively, you can get a Retainer Brite that you can use to clean your appliance. Have a cup of warm (not hot) water, add the Retainer Brite to it (it will make a blue solution) and pop your retainer in. Leave for about 15-20 minutes (the solution will go clear) and your retainers are spotlessly clean!

For any other questions considering your oral health, retainers, braces, or anything else related to your oral health, just contact us and we will be happy to have everything clear for you. Book your first consultation FREE of charge and let’s discuss the things that trouble you! The solutions are there…so, what are you waiting for!

My Straight Teeth Journey By Raha Sepehrara in Nottingham: Part Four

Posted on: April 18th, 2016 by freshadmin No Comments

If you have read Parts One, Two and Three, you will already know I am a dentist at Straight Teeth Suite, who has treated thousands of patients in Nottingham, and I have been wearing damon braces, fitted by my colleague, to straighten my own teeth. For more than four months, I have recorded my experience in a series of blogs.

Progress Report

I had a review for my braces just this week, and everything is progressing really well.  My wires were changed, and my teeth feel a little tender.  I know from experience this discomfort tends to last just a day.

I am very, very pleased with how my teeth are looking.  The lower teeth are now nearly straight. The upper teeth, even though I delayed fitting the braces on these until after my baby was born,  have caught up and are now nearly straight too.

Unexpected Gap

We were working to correct my top front tooth just a little more when a small gap developed which isn’t really normal and was unexpected.  Occasionally gaps do form, and these spaces are really important because they help us dentists straighten the tooth even more.  We have to find the required space from the available space to get the best results. Teeth move by very small degrees, and we need all available space, so if a gap develops we can work with it.  When I see my patients,  I know they get quite alarmed that suddenly they have crooked teeth, and spaces in between their teeth. I know it’s all part of the treatment. It’s all completely normal, and it just helps us towards the final results of achieving attractive and straight teeth. Sometimes things look worse before they look better.

My Bite

As the majority of the straightening has been done, we are concentrating on correcting my bite. As I’ve mentioned before, I have a slightly deep bite; my bottom teeth are not totally visible when I bite together. My top teeth slightly cover my bottom teeth.  In my career as a dentist, I’ve seen much deeper bites, but I thought I might as well take the opportunity to correct it now that I’m at this stage in my life where I can finally make time for appointments to go and see our fantastic Anna. I can see such a big improvement.

I have been wearing Damon braces, fixed braces with wires and brackets for just over four months.  Fortunately, I have not struggled too much.  You get used to the rubbing of the brackets, and the discomfort I knew to expect, eventually goes away.  My biggest issue has been the bite blocks, and I have mentioned my battle with these before. To explain, bite blocks are little build ups that, in my case, we put on the back molars, to open up my bite, and I still haven’t  got used to them.

Teeth Grinding

Because I tend to grind my teeth quite a lot at night, and I clench my jaw muscles when I sleep, I wake up in the morning with my jaw quite tense and aching. I have done this all my life, and I’m probably doing a little bit more now because of all the changes happening in my mouth. Having discussed this with Anna, once my treatment is complete, and my fixed retainers are on, we will have a special type of removable retainer made, which is specially designed to reduce clenching and grinding. We offer this to patients who have the same issue and hopefully this will cure my problem too.

Are you looking to start Damon braces or are you wearing Damon Braces.  Please post your comment below we would love to hear your personal experience.

5 Simple Steps to Teeth Space Creation in Leicester

Posted on: April 6th, 2016 by freshadmin No Comments

If you are considering braces, your dentist may have told you your teeth will have to be shaved to create the space needed, avoiding extraction of teeth.  Don’t be alarmed. As we will explain, the Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester finds this technique to be an excellent and pain-free solution for patients who want their teeth straightened and a great new smile with the minimum of intrusion.

1. What is IPR?

The technical term for creating space between teeth is called interproximal reduction, known simply as IPR.  Teeth are shaved, removing minute slithers of enamel from the sides of the teeth. The amount of enamel removed is barely noticeable to the untrained eye.

2. Why Create Space Between Teeth? 

Put quite simply, there are three reasons IPR may be carried out by your dentist.

  1. IPR  creates the space required between teeth to make it possible for teeth to be straightened using braces.
  2. IPR is performed to avoid the need for extraction of teeth in an overcrowded mouth.
  3. IPR is used to reshape teeth.  Some teeth can look too broad, or be misshapen.  Where teeth are too close together and it is impossible to floss, a little space can be created with IPR.

3. Can All Teeth Have IPR?

Provided the teeth are healthy, and there is plenty of enamel, IPR will help by shaving a little from the teeth.  We must stress this must be the minimal amount, but it can make a huge difference. It is important to keep the teeth symmetric, especially the two front teeth. If IPR is used to reshape one tooth, it follows that its pair will need to be reshaped too.  

4. What Alternatives Are There? 

If space is required to fit your braces and you do not want IPR, it may be necessary to extract teeth. Never be tempted to try and file your teeth!  It requires skill and the correct tools, or this can be painful and do untold damage.  

5. How Is The Space Created?

With IPR, the dentist first diagnoses the problem and makes a plan.  X-ray analysis determines the amount of enamel on each tooth before IPR is considered.  The health and condition of the teeth will also be assessed before treatment begins.  

With an overcrowded mouth, where the teeth are misaligned, the dentist will first determine the amount of space that is needed for the teeth to be able to rotate and straighten.  In some cases, only a few teeth will need IPR, in others, many teeth will need treatment to allow for movement when the braces are fitted.  The dentist will measure and record how much space will be created before fitting your braces.

Oral hygiene and meticulous brushing and cleaning with fluoride are essential following IPR for the enamel to rebuild.  A little enamel removed from your teeth can make your teeth more susceptible to decay if you neglect your dental hygiene routine and frequent visits to the hygienist.

Anything we haven’t covered on creating space for braces? Post your comment below and we’ll make sure to answer.

3 Facts Defining the Cost of Braces in Loughborough

Posted on: February 11th, 2016 by freshadmin No Comments

 

Perhaps you have made the decision to have your teeth straightened with braces but when you look online to try and get an idea of the cost, there are too many variables, and you end up more confused than ever.  The Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough has compiled a list of the differing factors they consider when pricing your braces.  Not only do they fit clear braces but they give clear prices before you commit to treatment.  Hidden braces, not hidden costs.

The reason pricing teeth straightening treatment is so complicated is because there are many factors to be put into the equation before a price can be determined. There is no ‘off the shelf’ price as a dentist needs to appraise your specific problem during a consultation and take into consideration these three factors to determine the final cost:

  1. The dentist will assess the condition and position of your teeth.  The more complex the problem, the more work will need to be done.  For example, if your teeth are very over-crowded you may need to have some extracted before braces can be fitted.  Others problems, such as a gap between your upper incisors will be relatively easy to fix and, therefore, less expensive.  
  2. The time your treatment will take.  Some treatments take just four months, and other more involved procedures may take up to two years.  Obviously, the longer the treatment, the more appointments you will need which will be factored into the cost.
  3. The type of brace you need and choose, whether it is a fixed brace, an invisible brace or an aligner, will have to be factored into the overall cost of treatment.  The materials the braces are made from are reflected in the price. For example, ceramic brackets are more expensive than metal brackets.  A lingual brace, fixed to the reverse side of your teeth and hidden from view is a more costly choice than a traditional brace fixed to the front of your teeth.  Not only are the brackets for a Lingual brace more expensive but the manufacturing fees are higher too.

If you would like your teeth straightened but don’t know if it is something you can afford, make an appointment with the Straight Teeth Suite.  We would be happy to discuss the different options with you. You might be pleasantly surprised when your treatment plan works out at a lot less than you anticipated.  On the other hand, perhaps you can’t afford your braces at this time.  The Straight Teeth Suite can offer you a payment plan to spread the cost and make it more affordable.

If you would like to find out the cost of your braces without any pressure to commit, please contact the Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough here

Best Choice of braces: Lingual braces in Loughborough

Posted on: January 25th, 2016 by freshadmin No Comments

 

Straight teeth and a beautiful smile are no longer the domain of the rich and famous.  In the UK, a million people in all walks of life had their teeth straightened last year, not only to improve the function of their teeth and their appearance but to improve their confidence.  A beautiful smile will win friends and influence people, and that is important when trying to get ahead.  If you are confident in yourself, others will be confident in you.  The Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough will help you to make the best choice when considering Lingual braces.

Lingual braces are increasingly popular and becoming a favourite option for many patients when selecting what type of brace to have fitted.  The two principal reasons they are so popular, especially with patients who have jobs where their appearance is important, is because Lingual braces are almost invisible, and they work quickly.  They are so discreet nobody will know you are wearing braces as, unlike traditional braces, they are fitted to the reverse side of your teeth.  The clever technicians at the Lingual brace laboratory make the brackets and archwires to fit your teeth, and they make them light, comfortable and unobtrusive.  They are easy to keep clean and do not interfere with eating or with speaking.  There is no need to fear you will be drinking soup for months or lisping your way through a speech.

Lingual braces work fast.  From the first day they are fitted, they start moving your teeth into the desired, correct position by applying gentle pressure.  In just five weeks you will notice a difference and know you have made the best choice. We treat patients with all kinds of problems from misaligned and overcrowded teeth to poor bites and gaps.  Some cases take just three months to correct and more complex cases rather longer.  The dentist will be able to advise you of the time scale at your first consultation.

Few people understand how their health can be badly affected by a poor bite. How often have you experienced a headache, or shoulder ache or neck pains and have put it down to stress?  An unbalanced bite not only affects your ability to eat certain foods but puts the surrounding teeth under enormous pressure, which causes pain.  Lingual braces can correct this and allow the jaws to fit together properly. Therefore, the surrounding joints and muscles relax, causing significantly less damage to teeth.

If your teeth are overcrowded or crooked, you are more prone to cavities and gum disease as it is difficult to keep your teeth clean and plaque will develop in the hard-to-reach areas.  Left untreated, your gums will become inflamed, resulting in oral infection and potential tooth loss. In such cases, it is imperative to have your teeth straightened.  Lingual braces are a great choice in matters of health and not just aesthetics.

Not all dentists offer lingual braces because of the training and technical expertise that are required. Braces are definitely worth the investment, but Lingual braces have special requirements. Because they are personally made to fit each patient, they cost a bit more, and treatment tends to be more involved. Each tooth has its own separate parts  The Straight Teeth Suite have put together a financial plan to help you spread the cost over time as you choose premium braces; Lingual braces and a great smile.

If you are ready to make your choice and change your life, contact the Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough here.