Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry

So many patients we have met over the years have put off addressing crooked teeth, thinking they are too old to have them straightened. A youthful smile can make you feel great, and its never too late to look and feel your best. We can help transform your smile whether your problem is crooked teeth, spaces, or teeth that stick out. Whatever your reasons for coming to see us, we can straighten your teeth, and remember; there is no age limit to having an unforgettable natural smile.Our dentists at Alington Dental can offer a full array of treatment options for straightening your teeth.

How do braces work?

We can offer all types of braces at our practice, and below is a quick guide to the treatments we can offer. All of these braces are suitable for patients from seven to 70 years.

Orthopaedic braces

These are designed to expand the jaws that support the teeth in order to unlock the bite and allow the teeth to spread into the ideal position. These braces are best suited to the growing jaws of children to minimise future crowding of the teeth and, in most cases, the unnecessary removal of teeth in their teens. They are generally removable and unseen to the outside world. Fixed braces may be used at a later stage, but early treatment with orthopaedic braces can help to dramatically shorten the time with fixed braces.

Fixed braces

These are small brackets bonded to the front of the teeth with temporary cement. A wire fits into the slots on the brackets and gently straightens out, moving the teeth with it. They are commonly referred to as ‘train track’ braces, but are also available in tooth colored ceramic to blend in with your smile and make them less obvious. Fixed braces are good for closing spaces between teeth and correcting more severely rotated and tilted teeth.

Aligners

These braces are made of clear plastic and are practically invisible to the eye. They work by taking impressions or a scan of your mouth to make a set of aligners which you change each month. The aligners move the teeth a little more each time they are changed. They are ideal for mildly crooked teeth and for patients who do not want to wear fixed braces.

Lingual braces

These are braces that fit on the inside of your teeth and push them outwards to expand the jaw that supports the teeth. We use the A.L.F appliances, which can also be used in conjunction with fixed braces where teeth are very crooked, the jaw shape is too narrow, or to speed up treatment in cases where teeth are not removed.

Retainers

After a course of active orthodontic treatment, patients will typically wear retainers, which maintain the teeth in their improved positions while surrounding bone reforms around them. The retainers are generally worn at nighttime for a year, and are removable. Sometimes your dentist may advise that you have a fixed retainer on the lingual (inside) side of your teeth, which is a wire joining the teeth together.

For more information please visit the Patient Information page of Triple O Dental Laboratories, who make all our braces: www.tripleodentallabs.com/patient-info

How long do braces take?

This is dependent on each unique situation, but as a guide we would advise a period of six to 18 months. The more expansion and straightening required, the longer the treatment will take. We try to straighten teeth without removing teeth, which is one factor that helps to speed treatment up. With adults wearing lingual braces as well as fixed braces, the treatment time can be reduced dramatically. We recommend you attend for an adjustment appointment once a month.

This case was a 38-year old patient treated with A.L.F. and fixed braces in just nine months.

Are braces painful?

When the braces are first put on, the soft tissue in the tongue and cheeks will feel something is new. There may be some initial rubbing and irritation of the mouth, but this generally disappears after two weeks. The teeth may also ache a little after each adjustment as new pressures to move the teeth are applied. This only lasts for two to three days.