Orthodontics
Discover how you can beautifully straight teeth!
Orthodontics (tooth straightening)
Orthodontics (tooth straightening) is an increasingly popular treatment for both adults and children. Orthodontic treatment is much easier and quicker than it used to be, and the latest orthodontic appliances mean that braces are much less noticeable - some are virtually invisible!
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening and improving the alignment of teeth, helping them to look better and also often helping them to function better together.
Why should I have orthodontic treatment?
Most people have orthodontic treatment because they want their smile to look better. But it also has a number of other advantages. Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, which can reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontics can also improve your bite – the way your teeth meet together, making them function better and making jaw joint problems less likely.
What orthodontic treatments are available?
We offer a full range of treatments, enabling you to choose the one which best suits your teeth, your lifestyle and your budget. We currently offer fixed braces with metal and tooth-coloured brackets; and virtually invisible braces Invisalign® and Clearstep™.
- Fixed braces
Get straight teeth with our fixed braces
These are the more traditional 'train track' braces. They are affordable and very effective. For patients who would like a more subtle look, we can use tooth-coloured brackets instead of metal ones.
How do fixed braces work?
After an initial examination, we will talk with you about your orthodontic needs and your expectations, and will advise the treatment that is best suited to you, your lifestyle and your budget.
We will take impressions (moulds) of your teeth so we can create your braces. A week or two later, you will be fitted with your braces. We will advise you on how best to care for your teeth and braces – it is vital to follow this advice to avoid potential permanent damage to your teeth.
You will need to see us regularly (usually every 6 to 8 weeks) so we can check your progress and adjust the wires on your braces. Treatment usually takes 18 to 24 months.
- Invisalign & ClearStep
What are Invisalign® & ClearStep™ aligners?
Invisalign and Clearstep are both a series of clear aligners which gradually move your teeth into place. The aligners fit over your teeth, a little like a thin mouthguard, and are virtually invisible. They are removable, which means you can still eat whatever you want, and it is easy to clean your teeth.
How do Invisalign® & ClearStep™ work?
After an initial examination, we will talk with you about your orthodontic needs and your expectations, and will advise the treatment that is best suited to you, your lifestyle and your budget.
We will take impressions (moulds) of your teeth, and send these to a laboratory. There, they will be digitised to give a 3D computerised image of your teeth, which will then be used to plan your treatment.
Your series of aligners are then created for you. Usually you will wear each one for about two weeks, before moving onto the next one. The number of aligners varies according to each patient’s needs, but is usually between 18 to 36 aligners for both upper and lower teeth, taking about 9 to 18 months for treatment to be completed.
What are the advantages of Invisalign® & ClearStep™?
- Virtually invisible aligners allow for more discreet treatment.
- Patients can eat and drink what they like during treatment, as aligners are removable.
- Patient tooth care is not compromised, as patients are able to clean and floss as normal, without the difficulty of permanent appliances.
- Results can be accurately predicted, as treatment is planned in advance by sophisticated treatment software.
Take a look at some of our other dental services
