Teeth Straightening
Clear Orthodontic Aligners
Clear aligners are a modern way to straighten your teeth without the metal wires and brackets you get with traditional braces. They’re made of clear plastic that fits right over your teeth and gently moves them into place over time. One big plus is that clear aligners tend to hurt less than braces. They put less pressure on teeth and don’t rub against the inside of your mouth. You might still feel slight discomfort because their teeth move, but it’s usually not too bad.
Why Choose Clear Aligners?
- The clear aligners offer a clear, nearly invisible design making them a discreet choice for adults and teens.
- These clear teeth aligners are comfortable to wear and usually don’t irritate cheeks or gums.
- Removable, allowing for easier eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Each aligner is custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, ensuring effective and efficient movement.
The Procedure
An initial consultation, including digital scans of your teeth, to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan outlines the exact movements of your teeth and estimates the length of your treatment.
You’ll receive a series of aligners to wear in succession, each designed to make slight adjustments to the position of your teeth. Typically, you’ll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.
Regular appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment is advancing as planned. Your treatment plan will be adjusted as necessary to achieve the best results.
Once your teeth have reached their desired positions, you may need to wear a retainer to help maintain your new alignment and prevent your teeth from gradually shifting back.
If you’re interested in a clear alternative to braces and want to learn more about how clear aligners can work for you, let’s have a conversation.
Fixed Orthodontic Braces
Fixed Orthodontic Braces are a tried-and-true method for achieving a well-aligned, beautiful smile. These braces consist of brackets attached to the front of your teeth, connected by a wire that gently guides your teeth into their correct positions over time. This traditional orthodontic treatment is highly effective for correcting a wide range of alignment issues, from simple to complex.
Why Opt for Fixed Orthodontic Braces?
- Offers precise control over tooth movement, which is ideal for correcting complex dental issues.
- Proven track record of successfully straightening teeth and improving bites.
- Available in metal or ceramic (tooth-coloured) brackets for a more discreet look.
The Process
The process starts with a comprehensive evaluation by an Orthodontist, including X-rays and impressions of your teeth, to create a customised treatment plan according to your specific needs.
The brackets are carefully attached to your teeth, and the connecting wire is placed. Initially, you might feel some pressure, but this becomes more comfortable.
You’ll visit the clinic periodically for adjustments to the braces. These appointments are essential for progressing your treatment and ensuring your teeth are moving as planned.
While wearing smile dental braces, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid certain foods that could damage the braces. We will provide you with all the guidance you need to care for your braces effectively.
Once your treatment is complete, the fixed braces will be removed to reveal your new, straighter smile. A retainer may be needed to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Retainers
Retainer is a custom-made appliance, typically made of wires or clear plastic, designed to hold teeth in position after realigning teeth. Once your orthodontic treatment has successfully moved your teeth to their desired positions, retainers help to ensure they stay in place while the surrounding gums and bones adjust to the new alignment. This critical phase helps to preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment, ensuring a lasting smile.
The Importance of Teeth Retainers
- They play a key role in maintaining the alignment of your teeth post-treatment.
- It helps prevent the gradual shifting of teeth back to their original positions.
- Available in removable or fixed varieties to suit different needs and preferences.
Types of Retainers
Removable Retainers — Often made from a combination of acrylic and wire, these can be easily taken out for cleaning and eating.
Fixed Retainers — These consist of a thin wire bonded behind the teeth, providing continuous support without needing removal.