The Effective Guide to Dental Brace Care

Posted on: September 25th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

We are all individuals and all have different needs.  Your dentist at the Straight Teeth Suite is very aware that once you have your dental braces fitted you may encounter a few issues you may not have been expecting.  Different patients respond differently to braces. To preempt this and to be sure you are fully informed in advance, we have compiled a comprehensive list of what you can expect, especially in the first few days.

Braces can be quite uncomfortable when they are first fitted but don’t worry; it is only temporary.  You have something that now feels alien in your mouth, and it feels awkward to chew.  We recommend a soft diet, in particular, nourishing soups while you adjust.

It is important to keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy and avoid any breakages to minimise your treatment time and successfully straighten your teeth.

In the first few days following the fitting of your new dental braces you might experience:

  • Sore Teeth and Lips – which might feel uncomfortable for a few days or a couple of weeks.
  • Pain – which might resemble a headache in severity.  We all have different pain thresholds.  Some people don’t feel any pain while others need Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to help.
  • Bite Issues -If you have had bite guards placed at the back of your mouth, biting may be a bit awkward at first. This may cause a some discomfort that will go away in a few days as you adjust.
  • Rubbing – Braces, for some patients, cause pressure points as they move your teeth to the ideal position and might rub on your lips. If the wire is rubbing against your gum or lips, you can use the dental wax that comes in your brace kit provided by your dentist. Break a little piece off, soften and mold it with clean fingers and press it over the rubbing bracket and wire to protect your lips. But remember, if you are going to have a hot drink or something to eat, take the wax off first and place it back after you have finished.

Brushing your teeth and gums at least twice a day for three minutes is highly recommended to keep your mouth healthy. Don’t just focus around the brackets. Make sure you brush your gums as well. You can use teepee brushes to clean in between the brackets, where regular brushing won’t allow you to reach, and get rid of any trapped food. Your dentist or hygienist will help you pick the right size brush for you. Use a good mouthwash after you have cleaned your teeth.

If you notice any redness or swelling, let us know. Keep regular appointments with the hygienist to ensure your teeth clean and healthy and that plaque around the teeth and any of the brackets is totally removed.

Protect your braces by not eating hard, crunchy, or sticky food, such as chewing gum, toffees, and hard sweets, as the force can break a bracket.  It is advisable to cut your food into small pieces rather than biting into something like an apple. When chewing and eating, take your time, especially if you have had bite guards placed at the back.

Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pens, and pencil tops or opening bottles with your teeth. These actions can obviously cause breakages. If you have a clear brace, such as the 6 Month brace, then your brackets and elastics may stain over time; they become discoloured with tea, coffee, red wine and some foods.

We hope you have a trouble-free experience with your braces.  However, don’t hesitate to contact the Straight Teeth Suite if you have a problem regarding your brace whether it is with pain or a breakage.

Gaps in Your Smile: Teeth Straightening

Posted on: September 11th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

A diastema is a space or gap between two teeth often called, especially in childhood, ‘gappy’ teeth.  Gappy teeth are most often apparent between the two upper front teeth. However, gaps can occur between any two teeth. A discrepancy between the size of the jaw bones and the size of the teeth can cause gaps between teeth or crowding of teeth. If the teeth are too small for the jaw bone, spaces between the teeth will occur. If the teeth are too big for the jaw, teeth will become crowded. If you have gappy teeth, the Straight Teeth Suite have a number of solutions to help you achieve a beautiful smile.

Spaces between the teeth develop for different reasons.  Sometimes teeth are missing or undersized, as with the upper lateral incisors, the teeth next to the two upper front teeth. This can cause the central incisors to develop a space. In some patients, the tissue that extends from the upper gum and connects just above the upper front teeth, known as the labial frenum, is extended and prevents the space between the teeth from closing.  Childhood habits, such as thumb-sucking, over time, push the front teeth out of place creating gaps.  Periodontal or gum disease results in bone loss and displacement of teeth.

One option, if the gaps are very narrow, is to close the spaces with small, white fillings. If the gaps are a little wider, porcelain veneers, made by the best technicians to match your teeth, can give a fully functioning and aesthetically pleasing result.  The third option, if the shape of your teeth is acceptable, is to close the spaces through teeth straightening. A variety of treatments such as 6‐months braces, clear aligners, or conventional, fixed braces can all be used to close the gaps depending on the case in question.

In this particular case, the patient, in agreement with his dentist, chose the braces known as the 6-month smile.  As the name implies, the braces take a short amount of time to gently, and safely move the teeth into their new position, closing the gaps.

Vanity VS Valour: The very best reasons to Straighten Teeth

Posted on: June 25th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

You may be considering teeth straightening treatment and braces for many different reasons.  Some patients have their teeth straightened because they have crooked teeth that are causing health issues as they cannot clean their teeth effectively, or their bite is impaired making it difficult to eat and they lisp.  Other patients simply don’t like their smile.  Whatever the motive,  be it vanity or valour, the Straight Teeth Suite in Nottingham can help you. We all want to smile spontaneously,  look our best and have confidence in our social lives. That’s not vanity, and it is certainly not self-indulgent. It’s a meaningful, intelligent act, especially if it gives you the courage you need in the big wide world.

The Straight Teeth Suite have treated thousands of adult patients who were facing a life-changing event, and their new smiles gave them the resolution and the self-assurance to face the day.  To want to look your best is only natural and makes perfect sense. We get a lot of patients who are in the public sector, for example and have to speak in public or meet clients face-to-face. You might be a teacher, a policeman, a politician or a bank manager, no matter what career,  a beautiful smile, and straight teeth not only makes you happier and more self-confident but actually enhances your job prospects leading to promotion and success. Straight teeth and smiles make successful people.

And brides-to-be invest a lot of time and energy in their special day that of course, they want to look their very best.  After all, photos of the wedding will be treasured for many years and brides and bridegrooms, want to feel relaxed and smile spontaneously for the camera. The Straight Teeth Suite get so many cards of ‘thank you’ from appreciative patients to say how much we’ve changed their lives and how we made the day so special by improving their smile and making them feel good about themselves.

However, we do get a few patients who feel ashamed and think the very act of wanting their teeth straightened is somehow self-indulgent and extravagant, “I want to straighten my teeth but my husband says I’m just being vain.”  Straight teeth are not just for Hollywood stars or the fortunate few who were born with straight teeth.  It’s not about vanity; it’s about improving your quality of life. To desire straight teeth and a beautiful smile you feel happy with, not only boosts your ego but actually improves your mental health on a much deeper emotional and lasting level, turning shy people from introverts to extroverts.  We don’t call this vanity but valor, as armed with straight teeth and an attractive smile you can take on anything and win!

For your free consultation contact the Straight Teeth Suite in Nottingham here and be vain!

One of the Crowd: Correcting Overcrowded Teeth

Posted on: April 10th, 2018 by freshadmin No Comments

You are not alone if you find your lower teeth are overcrowded and are frustratingly difficult to keep clean.  Many people with crowded lower teeth would like to resolve the problem not only to improve the way their smile looks but to make it easier to clean their teeth and prevent further problems.  You might be one of the crowd when it comes to people with crooked teeth but to the Straight Teeth Suite you are unique, and they have lots of options to straighten your teeth and keep them clean and healthy.

If your lower teeth are overcrowded, you may find they are stained and plaque has built up between your teeth.  No matter how well you brush or how often you see a hygienist the problem is getting worse, and you find it difficult to floss between your teeth.  The best way to resolve the problem is to straighten your lower teeth.  When straightening your teeth you will also resolve a number of oral health issues:

  • You will achieve a beautiful smile
  • Your teeth will be easier to clean
  • You will prevent periodontal/ gum disease
  • You will prevent cavities between your teeth
  • You will prevent wear and tear and chipping of your teeth

There are a number of choices when it comes to braces and straightening your lower teeth. Depending on the severity of the individual’s case, a clear aligner such as Invisalign or Smilelign is an excellent choice.  A clear aligner is made from a mould taken of your teeth.  The aligner is made to fit perfectly over your teeth and is never a case of one size fits all; no two mouths are ever the same.  Your aligner is invisible, easy to wear and can be removed while you eat or clean your teeth.  It is replaced every two or three weeks as your teeth move to their new position. In as little as ten weeks for simple cases, provided you wear the aligner all the time, you will achieve your new smile and become confident in keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy. More complex cases will take a little longer.

An alternative to clear aligners is a fixed brace such as 6-month braces or a Damon Brace. As with traditional braces, these are fixed to the teeth with brackets and the wires are tightened to move the teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, the wires and brackets can be tooth coloured making them almost invisible.  And, as with the aligners, the complexity of the individual case will determine how long treatment takes.

If both your upper and lower teeth are crowded or misaligned and you would like a beautiful straight smile you may consider having both treated together or individually.  Make an appointment with the Straight Teeth Suite here for a diagnosis and they will recommend the best treatment for you. Soon you will stand out from the crowd with your new smile.

Great Expectations in Leicester- Your guide to Six Month Braces. Part Three

Posted on: November 9th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

One of the treatments most people turn to in Leicester is the well-known Six Month Braces procedure. This is a fast and discreet treatment to straighten your front teeth with invisible braces. Now that you’ve read our first two blog posts (Part 1 & Part 2) in this Six Month Brace series, you’ll probably have further questions. Here are answers to help you decide.

Do Six Month Braces Hurt?

Pain is subjective. Some people cope with it better than others. Some patients find that the teeth are quite tender, and some complain that the wires and the brackets are uncomfortable whilst others sail through their treatment with no problems at all. This is why, when you have your braces fitted, you also receive instructions on how to cope with any discomfort and other issues. You may be advised to use painkillers or dental wax to cover any sharp edges.

You don’t have to worry too much about this problem because, after about two weeks, you will get used to your braces, and any discomfort from the brackets or the wires will diminish.

Is The Six Month Braces a Safe Procedure?

Absolutely. This brace option is very safe. Your dentist will make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy prior to fitting your braces so that there are no unexpected issues. Six Month Braces braces are lighter than conventional braces, and there are few risks involved.  Provided you avoid contact sports or other activities that might cause facial injuries, it’s very unlikely you will have any issues while wearing the braces.

What should I avoid eating and drinking?

While wearing Six Month Braces, you must avoid eating hard things like toffees or biting into a crisp apple. You don’t want to break your brackets and nor do you want to get food stuck in the wires. It’s really important that you follow the advice of your dentist. More information will be given to you when your braces are fitted.

Also, it’s advisable to avoid fizzy drinks as they can harm the enamel of your teeth, making the enamel weaker and more prone to cavities. Furthermore, if you drink a lot of tea, coffee, or red wine you could stain the brackets. They need to be kept clean.

Can I play sports?

Many people asked if Six Month Braces interferes with sports. It doesn’t, but you need to be especially careful if you play contact sports. Getting hit in the face will not be good for both your face and teeth, especially if you wear braces. A mouthguard will save your braces and your teeth.

Will the brace affect Speech?

There are many questions regarding the ability to speak and the possibility of developing a lisp or other impediment. Well, great news; the Six Month Smile brace does not interfere with your speech, and you will sound perfectly normal. No changes there.

For any questions, concerns, or queries, please feel free to contact the practice and book your FREE consultation. To read Your Guide To Six Month Braces part 4 CLICK HERE

Are Six Month Braces Right For Me In Nottingham – Your guide to Six Month Braces. Part Two

Posted on: November 9th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

Winter is here, and it is time to hibernate. But you don’t have to hide away in Nottingham while you achieve a new smile in time for next Spring. We all want to be the best we can. The goal is not perfection but to be the very best we can no matter if we are tall or short, blonde or brunette, at the top of our game or content in our role.  But if we are ashamed of our teeth, and we have a crooked smile, we never quite achieve our best, and our self-esteem suffers.  The people we admire don’t have unevenly spaced teeth or an annoying gap in their upper incisors.  Their teeth don’t overlap or protrude.  They are happy and unselfconscious. They have the beautiful smile you wish for.

Six Month Braces can make your wish come true in time for Spring.  It’s like someone waving a magic wand and in just six months giving you the smile and self-esteem you have always wanted.  This affordable, safe and effective brace solution works for most adults and has become a popular treatment in Nottingham.  In this blog we address some of your questions and shedding light on the procedure.

Can I Get the Six Month Braces Treatment in Nottingham?

The answer is Yes. However, you will first need a consultation.  The dentist will check your teeth and see if Six Month Braces is the right treatment for you by looking at the amount of crowding, spacing, your bite, and what you wish to achieve.

The Six Month Braces procedure concentrates on only moving the teeth that show when you smile, not your whole mouth. The emphasis is on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite. Not everyone is eligible for this treatment, but your dentist will advise you of a suitable alternative.

 

What Problems Can Six Month Braces Fix?     

 

Crowded Teeth

Six Month Braces can fix crowded teeth. However, it depends on the intensity of the problem. Some people have severely crowded teeth and, in this case, the only option is an alternative brace and possibly extraction of some teeth. But the majority of cases can be fixed by Six Month Smile braces.

Teeth with Spaces

Six Month Braces work exceptionally well at correcting teeth with spaces. However, with spaces,  treatment may sometimes last a little bit longer than the treatment for crowded teeth, so you just need to be a bit more patient. The results are amazing, and that makes the extra treatment time very worthwhile.

Correcting Overbite and Crossbite

If you have minor overbite issues, this procedure will be able to correct them but your dentist will confirm if you’re a good candidate for the Six Month Braces.

Cross bite issues can be corrected with Six Month Braces depending on where the problem is.  If it’s one of the teeth in the front, it works well, and the results are fantastic. However, if the cross bite is further back, it is more challenging, and the dentist might suggest having another type of brace.

With Six Month Braces, once you have the braces fixed, your teeth should begin moving very quickly. Most patients are amazed of how fast their smile improves, and the results are obvious in the first couple of months. In addition to the speed of the procedure, the braces are barely visible. Many patients who choose this procedure are adults and, according to their feedback, people hardly notice their braces.

Are you ready to take control of your image and your beautiful, new smile? Book your FREE assessment for Six Month Braces HERE. In Part 3, we will look at any further questions you might have.

How To Choose Your Brace Package in Loughborough – Your guide to Six Month Braces. Part One

Posted on: November 9th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

Deciding to get straight teeth in Loughborough is the first step. Now you have to find the right treatment for you. One of the most wanted procedures is Six Month Braces, you can straighten your teeth quickly and discretely.This method is fast and easy. The braces are discreet, and your speech is not affected. This blog is the first in a series of four blogs addressing your questions and shedding light on the procedures available to you. In this blog, we look at the Six Month Braces and the alternatives.

What are Six Month Braces?

You may be old school and think all braces are the train track variety of yesteryear only worn by children and teenagers. But braces, like everything else, have advanced with modern technology, and now adults who missed out in their teens are wearing braces. Six Month Smile utilise clear braces that are attached to your teeth with a tooth coloured wire to straighten gently or align teeth in an average time of just six months. They are so discreet it will not be immediately apparent you are wearing braces.

Having Six Month Braces vs. Alternative Braces

According to many patients, Six Month Braces are known for being more comfortable than conventional braces. However, both pain and comfort are subjective.  One patient will hardly notice they are wearing braces whereas another will feel the discomfort and irritation of something alien in their mouth for a few weeks.

Nobody can promise you that getting straight teeth is going to be entirely pain-free. But the Six Month Braces are made of very light wires, making the treatment more comfortable than conventional braces. The emphasis is on low force rather than tightening, to get the teeth moving.  

Invisalign or Six Month Braces?

There are also quite a lot of cases that can be treated with Invisalign, a popular alternative to Six Month Braces. While Invisalign are discreet, clear, molded brace that fit over the teeth, Six Month Braces involves fixed braces, so you don’t have to worry about taking them in and out, every time you eat or drink. Both methods are discreet so not everyone will notice you are wearing braces but Invisalign can take longer than Six Month Braces.

A Gorgeous Smile Is Not as Expensive as You Might Imagine

When deciding to straighten their teeth, many people think about the pain first, but they are also quite cautious the price might be excessive for their budget. The cost does depend on the complexity of your problems. However,  we are confident that the treatment we offer is both efficient, effective, and represents great value for all our patients.  You can spread the cost with a monthly payment plan. We have various options that allow you to pay as you go, or we can set up a structured finance plan to spread the cost out on a monthly basis.. We treat every case individually, and this will be discussed during your consultation appointment.

Once you have arranged your FREE initial appointment, our Loughborough -based dentists will be able to go through any further questions with you in person, allowing you time to be confident in your decision. In Part 2, we will look at if Six Month Braces are right for you.

Is Invisalign right for you in Nottingham?

Posted on: October 7th, 2015 by freshadmin No Comments

 

With such a variety of different dental treatments available, it is sometimes difficult to know which one is best suited to your teeth. If you’re based in the Nottingham area, our team of professionals at the Straight Teeth Suite can provide the relevant care that you need, as well as explain the various pathways that are available to you as a potential patient.

Read on to find out more about how the treatment works, our FAQs and how you can determine whether Invisalign could provide you with the smile you deserve.

What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment designed to straighten your teeth using almost invisible plastic trays, created bespoke for each patient. A succession of aligners will be given to the patient, to be changed every two weeks until the straightening process is complete.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?
For starters, Invisalign is removable. It’s also great from an aesthetic perspective, thanks to its clear appearance, meaning that if you’re someone who is worried about how your dental treatment will look, you will be able to keep it concealed with ease. In terms of comfort, you will also sidestep common issues that plague fixed brace treatment, such as rubbing of wires.

However, from a professional perspective it is the overall level of service provide by the Invisalign laboratory that sets this treatment apart. Through producing what is known as a ‘clean check’ – a virtual film of how your teeth will move during the treatment, whereby every patient is able to see a visual representation of their planned progress. Understanding exactly what to expect from beginning to end is of huge benefit to all parties involved.

Can I receive the treatment at any dentist in Nottingham?

Only certain dentists across the country are registered Invisalign providers. While different brands of clear aligner are available, not all offer the same level of treatment as Invisalign.

How does Invisalign work?

Each set of aligners is replaced every two weeks, at which time the progress of the treatment can be tracked in order to progress to the next stage. This process will repeat until the cycle is complete and your desired outcome has been achieved.

Is there an age limit?

Generally speaking, there is no age limit for Invisalign. At the Straight Teeth Suite, our team are equipped to treat anyone from young adults with a fully formed set of adult teeth to older patients. Providing you have healthy teeth and gums, you will be eligible for treatment, whatever your age.

Am I required to get my teeth professionally cleaned before I begin Invisalign treatment?

It is recommended that everyone pays a visit to a hygienist on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not they are receiving or planning treatment. Doing so ensures your teeth and gums are maintained to a healthy standard, and also makes starting the treatment much easier. With professional cleaning, you will be able to ensure that plaque doesn’t stop or block any movement – something that occurs when it is left to harden – and you will be able to achieve the straight teeth you desire in a shorter amount of time.

Is the treatment itself painful?

This will obviously depend on your personal pain threshold, so it’s difficult to provide an accurate answer without having an initial consultation first. You can expect to feel some initial pressure in the first week or so, but this will ease off.

I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign?

This is something the team would have to assess in your FREE initial consultation. If you are judged to be a good candidate – a status that will be determined by the current position of your teeth and the shape of your bite, among other things – then you will be able to make the switch to Invisalign with ease.

Does the procedure work on overbites?

Thanks to new developments in the technology used by Invisalign, the Straight Teeth Team would be able to use Invisalign to treat overbites. The treatment cycle would likely be longer than average, but it is expected that you would experience the same levels of success in the long run.

Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being considered an eligible patient?

As with all types of straightening procedure, you will be unable to receive the treatment if your gums are deemed unhealthy. Regardless of the type of brace – Invisalign, fixed or otherwise – your gums must be in a healthy state in order for the practice to work properly. Similarly, if you have had a lot of bone recession round your teeth (leaving them weak and prone to wobble), you would not be considered an eligible candidate for Invisalign. This will need to be established prior to commencing with the straightening procedure.

Am I still eligible for Invisalign if I’m pregnant?

In short, the answer will depend on how far along with your pregnancy you are, as the team will need to carry out an x-ray prior to the start of your treatment. Speak with your midwife and GP to inform them of your plans, and listen to their guidance – if they feel it would be fine for you to proceed, then the Straight Teeth Team will be more than happy to carry out the procedure.

Will Invisalign help with severe crowding?

Treating severe crowding of the mouth requires a much more conventional approach than using Invisalign, which is fairly new. It’s likely that you’ll need to have some teeth taken out before any further work can be done on the straightening, so we’d recommend a different procedure first before we look at aligning your teeth properly.

Once Invisalign treatment is complete, is wearing a retainer necessary?

Regardless of your age or the type of treatment you require all patients will be required to wear retainers of some shape or form for the rest of their life. Without doing so, it’s likely that the teeth will slowly move back into their original positions – leaving you back at square one.

Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign help correct this?

The team at the Straight Teeth Suite have treated a number of patients who have experienced this. Having braces during your teenage years will of course have been extremely beneficial, but without regular care your teeth can often begin to drift back – Invisalign offers a discreet alternative to help remedy this.

Is there any restriction on what I can eat while in treatment?

We recommend to all of our patients that they don’t eat anything while wearing the aligners in order to avoid damaging them – this is easily avoided by taking them out before mealtimes or when drinking (unless it’s cold water). Your teeth will obviously be somewhat tender after the treatment, so anything that you find hard to chew should also be avoided until you are more comfortable with it.

How often must the aligners be worn?

In order for the process to be completed as quickly as efficiently as possible, the team advise that aligners are only taken out when you are eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth. Keeping them out for prolonged periods will only increase the duration of the treatment cycle.

Will the aligners affect my speech?

Due to the proximity of the aligner to your tongue, it’s only natural that you might develop a slight lisp. However, please rest assured that this is only a temporary side effect – after a couple of days your mouth will become used to the aligner and your speech will more or less return to normal. The team recommend that in the days immediately following Invisalign implementation you take the time to speak aloud a lot, perhaps by reading a book or the newspaper, in order to speed up the healing process.

Can I smoke while wearing the aligners?

As they are made of plastic, smoking may cause the aligners to discolour quite severely. It is advised that you keep smoke out of contact with them in order to preserve their condition and indeed the effectiveness of the treatment overall.

What is the best way to keep my aligners clean?

Invest in a small, quality toothbrush that will fit into the aligner to ensure you achieve the best results when cleaning; after rinsing them in lukewarm water, they will be ready to go back into your mouth and their condition preserved as best as possible. Doing this after each meal will ensure they stay cleaner for longer, avoiding damage later down the line.

How often must I see my dentist after the treatment has started?

This will depend on each case. We’ll look at how well your teeth are moving and then provide you with an informed estimate. On average, you can expect to visit us every six to ten weeks, providing there are no complications.

Does Invisalign cause recession?

While it remains unlikely that this will occur, recession can be brought on if you have a pre-existing condition – you may come to notice this more as your teeth become straighter. It also depends on your gums; if they are thin, or have a thin bone at the front, you may be more susceptible to recession, but in this case it would happen regardless of the type of brace you are using. On the whole, however, it is not something our patients normally need to worry about.

I am experiencing some sensitivity with Invisalign. Is this normal?

It depends what you mean by sensitivity. If you are feeling discomfort due to pressure on your teeth, that is a common symptom of aligning braces and should become more manageable with time. If you are sensitive to hot and cold substances, this may be a different condition altogether – alert your dental practitioner and they will run the relevant tests to ensure this is treated appropriately.

Is it possible to straighten and whiten my teeth at the same time?

While it is possible, it is not advised, simply due to the fact that your attachments are going to be designed to be the same colour as your teeth to keep them as discreet as possible. After whitening, these attachments will no longer match your teeth, so we would recommend waiting until the treatment is finished before addressing colour.

Still need more questions answering? Don’t hesitate to contact one of our helpful team at the Straight Teeth Clinic. We’re always on hand to provide as much information as you need, and all our processes can be explained in detail during our FREE initial consultation to ensure you are entirely comfortable with the treatment itself. If you’re based in Nottingham and feel you are ready to take the first step towards straighter teeth, you need look no further.