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.

Upside, Downside: The pros and cons of lingual braces in Leicester

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

Braces can be critical to the future of your oral health.  You might choose to have your teeth straightened if they are crooked or overcrowded or to improve your self-esteem with a lovely smile.  Whatever the reason, straightening teeth is not a quick fix and should not be undertaken until you have considered all the facts.  Lingual braces are a great solution for patients who want or need invisible braces.  Maybe you have a very public job where you have to meet people on a daily basis.  You might feel mortified by the idea they may comment on your braces.  In this instance, lingual braces are a great choice but you need to be aware they have their downside as well as upside before you commit.  The Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester will talk you through the pros and cons of lingual braces to help you make up your mind.

On the upside:

The most obvious advantage of lingual braces is that they are virtually invisible. Even when you laugh no one is going to notice as lingual braces are fixed to the reverse of your teeth as opposed to conventional braces fixed to the front.

Lingual braces are made just for you, so they fit perfectly to correct your specific problem. While crooked teeth are a common problem, every case is individual and needs to be treated accordingly.

With lingual braces, there is nothing rubbing on the inside of your cheeks and with the use of a little dental wax, there is nothing to stop you enjoying the pleasure of a sweet kiss.

Although great care must be taken with cleaning lingual braces, as with all braces, any staining or discolouration will not be seen. If particles of food get stuck in the wires or brackets, no one will know before you can brush your braces clean.

With lingual braces your teeth are pushed into the correct position from the inside and you therefore in the end of your treatment can expect a nicer arch shape

One of the main advantages is they show results very quickly.

And the downside:

One of the biggest disadvantages of lingual braces is the cost. They are more expensive than traditional metal or ceramic braces. However, the Straight Teeth Suite are happy to work out a payment plan to help you spread the cost making lingual braces within everyone’s reach.

Lingual braces are difficult to clean. It is awkward to see your braces without one of those clever little mirrors a dentist uses, and you can’t see just how dirty or stained they have become. Visits to the hygienist are essential to help keep your lingual braces and your teeth clean.   As  you should see a hygienist regularly with all types of braces,  lingual braces are no more or less time consuming.

Lingual braces can be uncomfortable at the beginning. Once they are fitted, they can feel a little sore, and can impair speech and eating for a few days. The tongue can get tender but,  with the use of dental wax, this can be eliminated. All braces are uncomfortable at the outset but with lingual braces it does  not take long to get used to them.

We all have different pain thresholds, and people have varying degrees of resistance to pain. The initial pain you might feel  with lingual braces is no different from  conventional braces and can be eased with a dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Lingual braces may take marginally longer to fit, adjust and clean than conventional braces. The Straight Teeth Suite take the same amount of care with traditional braces as they do with lingual braces. They give each patient lots of time to see they are comfortable with their treatment and everything is progressing as it should.

The arguments for and against lingual braces or traditional braces show lingual braces to have a clear, or invisible advantage!

If you would like a consultation to see if you are a suitable candidate for lingual braces, contact the Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester HERE

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 

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.

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.

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.

Does your Child Really Need Braces in Leicester?

Posted on: July 6th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

It is estimated that about 45% of kids require braces to fix misaligned biting issues, among other functional ones, and a profound 75% of children can benefit from having their teeth straightened. Dental braces are usually recommended as a means to fight 2 major problems: (1) jaw misalignment, where the patient either has an overbite (the top teeth are extruded compared to the bottom teeth) or underbite (the lower teeth are protruded and cover the upper ones), and (2) tooth crowding, usually of the bottom teeth (90% of children). All these conditions are collectively referred to as malocclusions, and besides an unattractive appearance, they can be the cause of serious health issues in the long run.

Why Wear Braces in the First Place?

Some people treat their dental conditions for self-esteem and cosmetic reasons, which includes the improvement of the shape of their face. Others seek the real benefits to wearing braces, which allow them to speak more effectively, bite and chew their food easier, and be able to maintain their oral hygiene and health to enhanced levels.

When we Usually Wait

The real question is, how many sets of braces are indeed required? No one can put a finger on a particular number.

  1. Overcrowding

Some research suggests we wait until the child’s late teens when the jaw will have grown to its full size, before the child begins a treatment, even in cases of more severe crowding. In the majority of cases, we usually adopt a wait-and-see approach, unless our case requires otherwise.

  1. Open Bite

An open bite is another form of malocclusion and occurs when the front teeth don’t meet the bottom teeth when the jaw closes and the child bites down. Early intervention in regards this case is not yet proven necessary, given that the bottom and top rows of front teeth keep are growing toward each other as the child gets older. So, it is proposed to wait until all the so-called baby teeth have been replaced by the adult teeth, before proceeding to a treatment.

  1. Overbite

Approximately 30% of children have buck teeth or an overbite, which is a skeletal abnormality that is usually not treated with braces, but other devices that help realign the jaw. You can have this issue addressed when the child is 7-8 years old or during their teens.

  1. Crossbites and Underbites

These conditions are much less common compared to crowding and overbites in kids. The majority of orthodontists feel that they should be addressed early as it might be easier to correct.

That said, our experience has shown that there are very good reasons for going ahead with braces at an early age (that is prior adulthood).

 

Benefits of an Early Intervention

First of all, in case of crowded teeth, your child can wear braces for cosmetic reasons and to be able to clean his or her teeth easier. Of course, both reasons offer significant benefits each. For example, your child might feel uncomfortable with the way their teeth look. Let’s face it, some issues with the teeth can be disfiguring, which, in turns, can make your child lose their self-confidence and suffer poor relationships. We all know, as parents, what this can do to a child – to any person, in fact. We see children getting bullied every day with tragic results, and such issues are not to be taken lightly. So, you will probably need to consider an orthodontic treatment. Also, those that can’t chew properly can experience pain. In this case, undergoing a treatment the soonest possible is considered critical.

Other than that, being able to clean your teeth thoroughly can keep you away from serious  problems, such as gum disease that could lead even to tooth loss and serious inflammation. And we are just scratching the surface of the colossal iceberg here.

However, the one responsible for recommending an orthodontic treatment to your child is your orthodontist; a trusted professional that you know wants the best for you and your family. One that truly cares about how you feel, bears your concerns, and answers your questions patiently. At Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester, we are happy to have cultivated such friendly and family-like relationships with our patients, because our genuine care for them is hard to miss.

To us, your child’s health is as important as it is to you, so contact us, have your first consultation free of any obligations and let’s discuss your child’s options in full!

What makes Lingual Braces so Fast at Straightening Teeth in Leicester?

Posted on: June 15th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

In our fast-paced world, everybody wants to have things done faster, including teeth straightening so they can enjoy a beautiful smile the soonest possible. Normally, traditional wire braces can take up to 2 years to fix biting issues and move teeth to the ideal position. However, with lingual braces, this is no longer the case. They are reputed to take significantly less time to complete the same task as other orthodontic treatments (except perhaps the 6 months braces that is only suited to a very specific group of patients that meet particular requirements), which is why they make a populous option for teeth straightening.

In a nutshell, what are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces is a perfect option for the correction of misaligned teeth with the use of fixed braces that are bonded on the teeth’s inner surface (tongue side), rather than the outside (what you see when one smiles).  Although lingual braces work in exactly the same way as conventional braces, there are significant factors that make them an extremely appealing and fast treatment to straighten teeth (results can be visible even in 6 weeks).

Following is a short list with all the major key-points that make lingual braces distinct.

  1. They Give Full Control of the Teeth

To begin with, lingual braces give full control of the teeth (and full movement) while being entirely invisible (unless someone looks inside your mouth). This means that besides the aesthetic part that is definitely a huge plus, lingual braces allow the orthodontist to control teeth better than with conventional treatments. That way, each tooth moves to the desired position faster.

Note: Lingual braces use much stronger metal than composite brackets, which also contributes to them working faster than other treatments.

  1. They are Self-Ligating

Self-ligating brackets have come to change how things are done. As or now, orthodontists had to use specialised hardware to force the teeth to move. Traditional braces have an archwire and an elastic tie, besides braces, to hold the braces in place and accomplish the task. Self-ligating braces, on the other hand, attach to each tooth separately and don’t require metal ties or elastic bands. Instead, they use a moveable component that entraps the wire, meaning they use the bracket itself to hold the wire in place. To cut a long story short, self-ligating braces allow for faster alignment, reduce friction, improve the clinical efficiency, and oral hygiene.

  1. They are Fixed

Lingual braces are permanent, which makes them more time saving compared to Invisalign braces or any other removable braces, since they stay in the mouth 24/7 and work around the clock, unlike removable ones that only work when you wear them.

Lingual braces can be a perfect option for both adults and teenagers, providing they have healthy bones and gums (a generally good oral hygiene). Overall, lingual braces have more consistent results than traditional or removable braces, plus you spend considerably less time at your adjustment appointment, given that the missing ties make the procedure much quicker.

Needless to say, for any concerns or queries, don’t hesitate to contact Straight Teeth Suite in Leicester and book your first FREE consultation, where we can discuss your case, assess your mouth, and suggest the best options that will help you achieve your dream smile!

Why are lingual braces the most comfortable choice in Leicester?

Posted on: June 1st, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

Of the numerous options for braces, it appears that lingual braces are the most handy. But, what makes them so appealing?

First and foremost, lingual braces straighten the teeth allowing the patient to avoid the obvious appearance of an orthodontic treatment. This means that you can wear braces without anyone noticing it, because the wires and brackets are placed at the back of the teeth and not the front, as with conventional methods. With invisible braces, you have the confidence to smile from beginning of the treatment to end!

Besides the aesthetic reasons, the latest lingual braces are much more comfortable than other orthodontic treatments because:

  • They are built to help minimise the overall discomfort and speech interference.
  • They require fewer wire adjustments, which, to you, means significantly reduced discomfort throughout the treatment. Moreover, it may require to fewer visits, as well.
  • It is an extremely efficient, proven teeth straightening method that delivers the highest quality results.
  • The hidden braces are fully customised with the help of 3D computer technology so that they fit each tooth individually. Unlike older lingual braces, and, of course, conventional treatments, the new generation lingual braces don’t use generic prescriptions. Since no two teeth are alike, the patient gets braces for each tooth separately. On top of that, this customisation in braces allows for less frequent adjustment visits.
  • Just because they are customised, lingual braces have the lowest profile, allowing patients to be able to wear them easily, just like with standard braces. The added benefit is that lingual braces are invisible!
  • You have significantly less impact on your speech as the new lingual braces are up to 70% smaller than what they used to be, which makes them more comfy. Plus, you get less tongue irritation now.
  • It is considerably easier to maintain a good oral hygiene, given that there are fewer wires that restrain brushing and flossing.
  • Brackets are made from gold alloy, not nickel. Since many people have nickel-related allergies, it is a critical to ensure their overall good health.
  • Lingual braces are custom-fit, so you don’t run as much risk of detaching brackets as with other orthodontic treatments. This also mean significantly less re-bonding emergency appointments!
  • You don’t have to remove your aligners and then replace them every time you want to grab a bite. Unlike other methods, lingual braces allow complete freedom to eat and drink whatever you want.
  • You have teeth straightening forces applied on a 24/7 basis. Other treatments don’t work all the time, since you remove them from your mouth every now and then, which prologues the treatment time.

Lingual Braces are Perfect for:

  • Teenagers/adults that don’t want their braces to show.
  • Adults and teens involved in music, theatre, or public speaking.
  • Athletes
  • Musicians (playing wind instruments)
  • Models
  • Adult professionals
  • People worries about damaging their front surface of their teeth.

Want to know more about lingual braces and see if you are a suited candidate for them? Book a FREE consultation with us, and let’s meet in our clinic in Leicester to discuss how you can pursue a fantastic smile and pearly white, straight teeth the soonest possible!

Will my Child’s Crooked Teeth in Leicester, Get Worse?

Posted on: June 1st, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

Many teens and adults in Leicester come to our practice to fix their crooked teeth and enhance their appearance. We can’t stress enough the significance of having your misaligned, or crooked teeth treated the soonest possible. If left unattended, they WILL get worse. Untreated crooked teeth can cause a series of serious problems, such as periodontal disease, which is an extremely difficult issue to deal with that creates enormous amounts of stress on your jaw and teeth. 

 

Why Should I have my Child’s Crooked Teeth Treated Immediately?

Misaligned teeth (teeth that don’t align properly in the mouth) create malocclusion, which affects the majority of adults over the world. If left untreated, it can escalate into a more serious type of malocclusion, and eventually to periodontal disease. What is periodontal disease and what does it do to your mouth and overall health? Crowded teeth cause buildup of tartar and plaque and harbor bacteria. When this happens, you may develop periodontal disease, which could result in tooth and jaw bone loss. The disease starts with bleeding gums or gum redness. You may also notice bad breath. If you don’t get it treated, the gum inflammation will become worse, the gums will recede, and you may see pockets between your gums and your teeth. Then, you will experience bone loss and eventually tooth loss. To avoid all this undesirable and uncomfortable situation, you child’s crooked teeth have to be treated and be properly aligned.

Note: With good oral hygiene, your child may reduce the chances of tooth decay, plaque retention, and periodontal disease. However, they should be regularly seen by a dentist to start an early intervention if a problem arises.

Other than that, crooked teeth don’t allow for proper cleaning and food stays lodged between the teeth for long. This could result in tender and sore gums. Now, if your child also has a deep bite, another form of malocclusion, they can cause premature chipping and wear of the lower front teeth and damage to the palate, as well. The same applies to cross bite and edge-to-edge bite that can result in chipping of the teeth, worn down front teeth, and law joint pain, among others. As for an open bite, your child could experience gum recession, bone and tooth loss, excessive wear on the back teeth (prematurely).

 

Why is periodontal disease so dangerous?

Because it can increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is when the arteries harden and block the normal blood flow to and from the heart.

 

Is there any Chance they Become Worse during Treatment?

The most popular option is Invisalign, with 96% patient satisfaction rate.

YES: You may hear of parents having braces to straighten their children’s teeth saying that their teeth look worse than what they did before (have gaps where they didn’t have, etc.).

This does not mean that the treatment is doing any damage or is ineffective (provided they had their braces fitted by a skilled orthodontist). It is because teeth straightening is a dynamic process that changes the teeth. During the alignment process, especially the first 6 months, the teeth are forced to reposition. You see, they had drifted into a position where they are functional and stable for all these years, and the body had adjusted to the malocclusion by making what is called dental compensations. When straightening the teeth, we are asking the body to make other changes and adjust to the new situation as we unravel the crowding and remove dental compensations. At this phase, you may notice some changes in the alignment of your child’s teeth, get spaces where you didn’t have before, have a couple of teeth look more crooked and develop an underbite/overbite where there wasn’t before. All of this is 100% temporal, necessary, and normal.

 

Have any unanswered questions? We are here to help! Just Contact our office in Leicester today and book your first consultation entirely free of any obligations!

Together, we will find the best options for your child to grow up a healthy adult and face life with a wide, bright, straight smile!