Conventional Orthodontics

We can also carry out traditional full or part-mouth orthodontics when treatment is needed to correct other elements such as more severe crowding, or if the teeth do not meet together properly. This is the treatment method of choice for children, where the aim is to provide the best treatment without compromise. Brackets and wires can be metal or tooth coloured, and treatment times will be dependent on the teeth to be moved and the type of brace used. Metal brackets and wires are more noticeable, but can be accessorised with coloured bands for those with a sense of fun. Ceramic brackets and wires are less noticeable, and more discrete.

Your Step-By-Step Guide To treatment with Fixed braces

Fixed braces are the gold standard in orthodontics – they are able to achieve almost any tooth movement either on their own, or in combination with elastic bands between the teeth, or other accessories. They can achieve great results quickly for certain tooth movements.

Fixed braces straighten teeth using a sequence of wires, fitted into brackets which are cemented onto the teeth. The wires are generally changed at each visit. The same brackets stay on your teeth all through treatment, and the braces are working 24 hours a day.

Your treatment will be carefully planned by your dentist using all the information obtained at the ‘records’ appointment. Digital impressions are taken with a state-of-the-art scanner to produce a 3D model of your teeth, which can be analysed by your treating dentist to determine the movements needed for each tooth. Your optimal and customised treatment plan is then discussed with you, you choose which type of brace you prefer, and treatment can be started.

We’ll see you every 6–10 weeks to check your progress and change the wires as necessary. We review progress with treatment photographs at each visit to make sure we are on track.

As soon as your teeth are straightened and you are happy with your aligned teeth, the braces can be removed, and the teeth polished to remove any remaining cement.

When you reach the end of your treatment, you’ll get those all-important retainers to keep your smile looking amazing. You’ll need to wear them indefinitely to prevent your teeth from moving, and this can be combined with tooth whitening to give you an amazing smile. We’ll discuss your retention options, and help you to make the right choice for your needs.