7 Common Questions Patients ask about Lingual Braces

Posted on: October 9th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

Lingual Braces is a much preferred orthodontic treatment to straighten crooked, crowded or gapped teeth, especially among adults in Nottingham that want to achieve a wonderful smile and perfectly aligned teeth. However, since it is a relatively new and definitely innovative system to get you to the much-desired straight-teeth result, several questions arise. Here are the 7 most common of them, answered one-by-one for you, so you have a clear idea of what to expect from your Lingual braces treatment.

1. How do Lingual Braces work?

Lingual braces is an orthodontic treatment where small metal brackets (and a specially bent metal wire placed into them) are glued on the back of the teeth and apply forces on your teeth able to make them move to the desired position. It is a procedure that results to a beautiful smile and perfectly straight teeth. Lingual braces are perfect to straighten crowded, overlapped, or gappy teeth.

During this treatment, it may be required to do some tooth slenderising (IPR – enamel removal) to create some space for the teeth to move and align.

2. How do Lingual braces look?

Wearing Lingual braces is discreet, and the brackets used are very small to be seen when smiling, unless you tilt your head back or your chin down. Here, at Straight Teeth Suite, we use the most advanced materials and high-end technology, to ensure excellent results at all times. Currently, we are using Innovation L Lingual braces, which are the latest Lingual treatment in orthodontics. These are made up of a small metal base with a small door which holds the wire in place and is used instead of a module (o-ring), used in conventional braces.

3. How long do I need to wear them?

Treatment times vary and depend on the complexity of each case. At Straight Teeth Suite, we have treated simpler cases within 3-6 months, while moderate cases can take 9-12 months. As for more severe cases, it can take 18-24 months to achieve the desired results.

4. How much do they cost?

Prices start from £3000. However, this is only indicative, as the final cost depends on whether one or both jaws need treating. Furthermore, there are also cases, where a combination of treatments may be more effective. For example, we have treated patients by using Lingual braces on the top teeth and tooth-coloured Six Months braces on the lowers.

Case 1 below was treated using upper Lingual braces as the patient wanted something truly invisible, and it took about 10 months to achieve teeth straightening. As for the bottom teeth, we used Six Month braces as it was easier, quicker and cheaper to straighten the lowers with that system, and treatment was completed in about 6 months. Of course, like in any other orthodontic treatment, the patient was provided with fixed and removable night time retainers at the end.

lingual-braces-nottingham-case-1

Case 1

5. Are they painful?

Initially, there is always a degree of discomfort and I always warn my patients that the teeth will ache for the first 2-3 weeks. Please expect some tongue-soreness and possible ulcers due to the braces and wires rubbing. Moreover, you will have a temporary lisp initially that might take you 1-2 months to go away.

Most of my patients complain on those problems but as soon as they see their teeth move so quickly and nicely, they accept the initial discomfort and know it is worth it for the end result.

6. Who is suitable to wear them?

Most patients are suitable; however, we do inform our patients if some movements are easier to achieve with labial braces, meaning braces that go on the front of the teeth. At Straight Teeth Suite, it is our duty to fully inform our patients of all options and understand that some cases are possibly better treated with different systems.

The patient in case 2 shown below had braces as a child and didn’t have retainers for the top teeth so they moved back to their pre-braces position. She then felt she wanted something invisible and opted for lingual braces. Relapse cases are perfect cases to be treated with lingual braces.

lingual-braces-nottingham-case-2

Case 2

Case 3 shows a patient who didn’t like her front teeth and wanted to have the most discreet option to straighten her front teeth alone. So she had upper lingual braces and lower 6 Month braces. The lower teeth were straightened in 6 months and the uppers in about 9-10 months.

lingual-braces-nottingham-case-3

Case 3

Our opinion? If you want to straighten your front teeth only, lingual braces are a great option!

7. Are there any side effects?

Like all types of orthodontics, there may be some risks and complications. The temporary issues have been described above. Other problems maybe tooth decay or gum problems, but could be easily prevented if only you look after your teeth well and have a good diet.

Extremely Rare Issues:

The nerve of a tooth may die. If it happens, it is usually linked to previous trauma to the tooth (i.e. bike accident or sport injury) which would have already damaged the nerve of the tooth.

The shorting of the root of a tooth, which is also extremely rare. If it happens, it is usually linked to very complex treatments with severe misalignment which require long treatments. There is also a genetic component.

However, both complications mentioned have a significantly low instance to occur while wearing Lingual braces.

What has become obvious is that Lingual braces have fantastic results if only applied by professional orthodontists that know their job well. Due to the particularity of this method, you need a dental expert you can trust, so to ensure the best results.

That being said; it is not a surprise that Straight Teeth Suite is established as a leading practice in orthodontic treatments, based on the superb results achieved and the high-end technology used that makes any process easier and more comfortable than ever before.

Book your FREE consultation now to get your quote and ask us about our flexible treatment plans.

Never before was your gorgeous smile with beautifully aligned teeth closer to becoming reality!

 

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!

What brace options are there for teenagers in Nottingham?

Posted on: May 18th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

These days, teenagers have many orthodontic treatments, to fix their misaligned teeth and improper bite. Depending on their particular needs, there is always a suited treatment to their requirements. Undeniably, braces have come a long way, offering more options than ever before. So, if you are considering an orthodontic treatment for your teenager, you will not end up empty handed. On the contrary, because of the plethora of options available, it’s always advised to make sure you compare the choices before you commit to a source of treatment, so that you can find out exactly what to expect.

In detail, your teenager has the following options for braces:

  1. Traditional Metal Braces

No, these have nothing to do with the metal mouth you may be used to. Dentistry has evolved substantially over the last few decades, offering more discreet braces. These braces are made of minuscule, stainless steel brackets that are glued to the surface of every tooth, holding strong and thin wires that sit in bracket slots. Everything is held in place with the use of elastic bands.

Traditional braces apply gentle force on the teeth, causing them to move. They are often the most cost-effective option because the metal brackets are industry-standard.

  1. Ceramic Braces (Clear)

If you don’t like the use of metal, the next best thing is ceramic braces that use tooth-coloured or clear ceramic brackets (e.g. Damon Braces), which makes them more discreet than traditional braces. Most of them are self-ligating, meaning they have a channel that holds everything in place, but you may also find brackets that still use elastic ties for that purpose.

Note: Before opting for ceramic braces, you first need to know whether your teen is a good candidate because these braces don’t correct all kinds of orthodontic issues.

  1. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are braces implanted at the back of your teeth, not their visible side. It is not a treatment that every orthodontist can offer as it requires special training and a high level of expertise. So, before you choose this treatment, it is best to search for truly qualified professionals, as it is them who will be able to treat all orthodontic issues with lingual braces. As it is a treatment that demands high technology, it can be more expensive than the others, but you do get utmost discretion. This is why most celebrities and A-lists prefer this particular option to straighten their teeth.

  1. Invisalign/Smilelign/Clear Aligners

These braces are invisible, removable clear plastic trays, specially created using a mold of your teeth, and are changed as the teeth move. It is the perfect option for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and brings excellent results if used as prescribed.

Personalisation Options

Braces among teenagers tend to become fashion statements, considering an entire industry that has moved forward making brackets in all different kinds of shapes (e.g. stars, hearts, and flowers) and colours (from golden to bright sapphire). The same applies to the rubber bands that hold the wires to the brackets and are changed at every appointment, giving your teen the chance to wear something different, something completely personal, whenever he/she feels like it!

To know whether your teenager is a fitted candidate for the orthodontic treatment you have chosen, please don’t hesitate to contact our Straight Teeth Suite clinic in Nottingham to book a consultation, completely free of any charges and obligations.

Give your children the smile they deserve and watch them grow up with confidence!

How do you know if your child needs braces, in Loughborough ?

Posted on: May 5th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

Every day, many of the patients we meet ask whether their child needs braces or not. The majority of these parents anxiously want a straightforward answer of either “YES” or “NO”. Of course, although the question seems clear-cut, the answer is more challenging that you might have imagined, given the numerous things we have to consider, assess, and evaluate before we reach a confident decision. However, we completely understand your concern as a parent, and here you can find all the information you will need to decide whether you should be seeking an orthodontist’s help or not.

So, what can you, as a parent, do to know if your child needs braces?

Look for the signs.

What does this mean? Let’s take first things first.

Your child should start seeing a dentist the moment their first baby tooth erupts, which is usually between their first 6 months and up to age one. With regular visits to the dentist, your dentist (and consequently, you) will know when it is time for a full or minor intervention for braces, even when not all baby teeth have fallen yet. Some problems are best treated the earliest possible, but others call for our patience and a wait-and-see approach. This means that we may have to treat a child between 6-9 or wait until their late teens.

The signs that reveal a child will most likely benefit from braces include:

  • Irregular, early, or late loss of baby teeth
  • Blocked-out teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Misplaced teeth
  • Biting of the roof of the mouth
  • Biting of the cheek
  • Teeth that don’t meet or meet abnormally
  • Teeth and jaws disproportionate to the rest of the face
  • Shifting jaws of jaws that make sounds

 

Other than, your child may require braces if they have biting issues.

The problems classified as a bad bite are as followed:

  • Having extra teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • An underbite or an overbites
  • Incorrect position of the jaw

 

What is the best age for my child to be evaluated for orthodontic care?

The evaluation of your child’s teeth and jaw, as well as the treatment of bite-related problems, can start at various stages of dental development, and it always depends on the case and the child’s growth. Also, your orthodontist will weigh the benefits and risks of treatment or not treating. Some children may benefit from an orthodontic intervention from a young age (6-7 years old), but orthodontic treatments usually begin between the ages 9-14 because the children are still growing and have some (at least) permanent teeth. Consult your pediatric or general dentist to help you determine the ideal time for evaluation and treatment.

Why do children need braces?

The majority of orthodontic issues are genetic, which means that children inherit having too much space between teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, protruding upper teeth, and so on. Some other problems develop because of certain habits, such as thumb-sucking, dental decay, breathing through the mouth, and poor nutrition, to name a few. Or, it could be because there is not sufficient room in the laws for the teeth, which makes the jaws not line up properly or the teeth become crooked or crowded.

 

If you are still unsure whether your child needs braces or not, don’t hold yourself back from contacting Straight Teeth Suite in Loughborough and asking for our advice and help. Book a consultation for FREE and we will be more than willing and happy to clear everything out for you, evaluate your child’s case, and provide you with the best solutions possible so that you child enjoys a lovely, straight smile the soonest possible.

 

Adult Orthodontics – A Fabulous Smile in Six Months!

Posted on: March 12th, 2014 by freshadmin No Comments

The perfect smile is within reach! In just six months, with expert advice and the most advanced solutions available in the world of orthodontics, you could have the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Unlike traditional orthodontics, cosmetic adult orthodontic are discreet and eminently affordable. In addition, cosmetic braces can achieve your perfect smile without invasive extractions or other substantial dental work.

Why The Straight Teeth Suite is different

There are three reasons that we offer solutions that are a cut above the rest.

Our Founder
Dr Raha Sepehrara, who founded and is Clinical Director of the Dental Suite and Straight Teeth Suite, is a pioneer in the field of adult orthodontics in the UK. She has Master Level status in the provision of six-month braces for which she travelled to the USA, was one of the first dentists in the UK to achieve the Master Damon Certificate, and just as much of a pioneer in offering the Inman Aligner. Her depth and quality of experience, across two continents and now covering hundreds of successful consultations, gives her unparalleled experience in identifying the best treatment plan for each individual.

Our treatment options
We offer a range of options so there’s always one to suit your circumstances and your budget. We place our expertise at your service so that you can explore the best adult orthodontic treatment to give you the appearance you’ve always wanted.

In addition to their speed, cosmetic braces offer cost-effective results – their phenomenal results might suggest extra cost, but those systems can actually be cheaper than some of the traditional treatments on offer.

Our brand new website
On our new website www.straightteethsuite.co.uk we have created a Straight Teeth 101 section where we have answered the most common questions people have about the different types of braces we offer; like: How often I have to see the dentist once I begin the treatment? How long will the treatment take? How much will it cost? What payment options are available? Is the treatment painful? What should I do in case of loss or damage of the braces?

The First Step to a Perfect Smile

Whether you begin by asking for a copy of our free guide to straight teeth in six months (text STRAIGHT to 44 115 82 49 841) or want to find out if you are suitable for one of our ground-breaking treatments (via a free consultation at our Leicester, Nottingham or Loughborough practices by calling 0115 824 9855) the route to straighter teeth, a healthy smile and glowing confidence is simple. We look forward to hearing from you, and starting you on the road to the smile of your dreams.

How to Get Gorgeous Straight Teeth

Posted on: February 20th, 2014 by freshadmin No Comments

So you have a date, a wedding, or whatever that is that made you decide that “TODAY is the day to have that drop dead gorgeous teeth”. No more extensions. How do you really get a stunning smile?

There are many ways of improving one’s smile. They are:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Composite white fillings
  • Veneers
  • Crowns
  • Teeth straightening
  • Or a combination of any of the above

At the Straight Teeth Suite, teeth straightening combined with teeth whitening is the most popular method of achieving a beautiful smile.

We offer a variety of straight teeth solutions to fit with every patient’s need and budget. Some of our teeth straightening methods can take as little as three months and can be very discreet and affordable. If you feel conscious about your smile and are dreading a special occasion because of the professional photos, why not consider a treatment like the Inman aligner? This form of accelerated removable brace straightens your teeth in as little as 10 weeks and produces outstanding results. Due to its quick results, this treatment is also one of the cheapest ways to straighten your teeth. Therefore, you don’t have to spend thousands or wait years to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Once your teeth have been straightened, you can have teeth whitening to add the “cherry on the cake”. If you want to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for the Inman aligner, why not book in for a free assessment? If the Inman aligner is not the appropriate option for you, we have many other teeth straightening methods to offer you and we would happily discuss those with you.