Your complete guide to straighter teeth treatments

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

“Your Complete Guide to Straighter Teeth Treatments” Dr Patel answers the most frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatments

A special report by Dr Dipesh Patel BDS, MFDS, DipDSed, MSc, MPhil, GDC: 83642

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Introduction Hi there, and thanks for downloading our Guide to Straighter Teeth. This guide contains information on how you can enjoy a confident smile with straight and healthy teeth. It goes through some of the orthodontic options we offer to help create that wonderful smile.

We then go on to answer the most frequently asked questions about orthodontic treatment.

As you read through the guide picture your own teeth and how you feel about the way they look. Remember, you should never be too embarrassed to smile – see how the ideas we suggest could make the changes you want in how you look.

Our aim is for you to be able to smile with confidence We offer 3 broad alternatives for straighter teeth:  Invisible Braces with Invisalign & Secret Smile  Rapid Orthodontics with Six Month Smiles & Inman Aligner  Conventional orthodontics with tooth coloured fixed braces with Simply Smile In this guide will look at each of these options in turn the league can think about which one is right for you.

Thinking about your smile at the end of treatment - would straighter teeth be easier to clean, make you feel more comfortable when you eat and of course, make you feel better about your teeth and happy to smile?

Read on to find out more, see the benefits, picture that smile, ask yourself those questions and on a final note, enjoy finding out about smiling and laughing with straight teeth.

Dipesh Patel

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Almost Invisible Orthodontics with Invisalign The steps to a beautiful new smile with Invisalign Step 1: Visit an Invisalign certified dentist During this first step you will need to make an appointment with an Invisalign速 Certified Dentist.

During the initial visit, your dentist will help you decide on your course of treatment.

Step 2 : Your dentist will take precise impressions and photographs of your teeth and bite.

They will then plan your treatment and send this to Invisalign in America. These are then scanned and uploaded into the Invisalign treatment program.

Step 3: Invisalign Sends A Clincheck速 (a computer generated image of the anticipated result). The dentist will review the Clincheck速 and make appropriate changes until he or she are happy. They will want to discuss this Clincheck速 with you and show you how the result is achieved.

Step 4: Invisalign makes you a complete set of aligners.

Invisalign uses advanced technology to transform your bite impressions into a custom-made series of clear and removable aligners. There may be as many as 40 in the series or as few as 7 depending on your individual treatment plan.

Step 5: You receive your aligners in a few weeks During your next visit to your Orthodontist, you will receive your first set of aligners. The aligners will be fitted and any attachments put in place. You will be given additional sets for you to wear before you return for your next visit.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Step 6: You wear your aligners You'll wear each set of aligners day and night for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Total treatment time averages nine months, but will vary from case to case. You'll visit your dentist only about every 6-10 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Step 7: You've finished the treatment!

Congratulations! When you're finished wearing each aligner in the series, your treatment will be complete and you will have the beautiful smile you've always wanted. Your smile will be maintained by clear retainers worn at night in the long-term. These are provided to you at no extra cost at the end of treatment.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign are virtually clear, this means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing, great if you have a job that involves being in front of people a lot.

Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment, so long as you remove your aligners during meals. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.

Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the dentist’s chair getting adjustments.

Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start—so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Rapid Orthodontics with Invisalign Lite

Invisalign Lite aligners work in much the same way as traditional Invisalign braces, however the treatment is designed for less complex cases and treatment time is usually much shorter. Patients are usually given a maximum of fourteen aligners, with treatment often being completed within six months. As with traditional Invisalign braces the aligners are custom-made for the individual to ensure optimum results.

What are the advantages of Invisalign Lite braces?

Many people worry about wearing braces because they look bulky and unattractive. Invisalign Lite is a perfect solution for people who want to improve the overall aesthetic of their teeth without having to wear a brace for a long period of time. The treatment is composed of bespoke clear aligners that are comfortable and require no need for tightening and discomfort is minimised.

Treatment time with Invisalign Lite braces is also considerably shorter than other treatments. Most patients only require around ten aligners and treatment time can be as little as six months.

How much does treatment cost?

Treatment costs are lower than traditional Invisalign braces, as the treatment time is shorter and there is a much smaller number of aligners. However, prices vary according to which dentist you choose and where the clinic is located. You should discuss the total cost of treatment with your dentist before you agree to go ahead, and make sure the quote includes any preparation and aftercare costs.

At our clinic in Bolton Invisalign costs from ÂŁ1800 with interest free and low interest finance options available.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

How long does treatment take?

Treatment time may vary according to the individual case, however almost all treatments are complete within Nine months. In simple cases, treatment time may only be a matter of weeks.

Is the treatment suitable for everyone?

Invisalign Lite braces are not suitable for everyone. They are generally recommended for patients who have minor orthodontic problems, including:   

Slight overcrowding Slightly crooked teeth Tiny gaps between the teeth

Patients who have already had orthodontic treatment may also choose to have Invisalign Lite braces if they have experienced their teeth moving after the treatment. Invisalign Lite braces can help to hold them in the correct place.

If you have more complex orthodontic problems, which require a great deal of pressure and movement, this treatment will not be recommended. A more intensive treatment, such as the traditional Invisalign braces, will be preferable.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Almost Invisible Orthodontics with Invisalign

What is Secret Smile?

Secret Smile braces are fitted to the back of your teeth making them totally invisible. A favourite with celebrities and those in the public eye.

Why choose Secret Smile?

Secret Smile is specifically designed to straighten your front six teeth. Rather than treat how your teeth bite together we focus on improving your smile. This means treatment is much quicker than traditional orthodontics.

How does Secret Smile work?

Secret Smile braces exert light forces onto your teeth to gently encourage them into their new positions and uses a series of traditional and modified techniques.

Is Secret Smile suitable for you?

Due to the invisible appearance of Secret Smile braces, this technique has become popular with celebrities looking for special orthodontic treatment that does not interfere with work or socialising.

“Secret Smile was surprisingly fast and the whole process was very straight forward. Secret Smile has given me perfect teeth in time for my wedding day" Louise Schroeter - Secret Smile Patient

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Is the brace invisible?

Yes, the brace fits behind your teeth so nobody can see them.

Is there any food that I should avoid eating?

You should follow a healthy diet, avoid sugary foods and also hard crunchy foods which may damage your brace.

Why is treatment so quick?

Because we are simply improving your smile rather than treating your bite which can take around two years.

Will my teeth stay straight after treatment?

As with all orthodontic treatment, we recommend that you wear a retainer to make sure your teeth don't move back to their original position.

We have treated many cases where patients main concerns were:    

straightening crooked teeth alignment of the gum line closing spaces between teeth alignment of flared teeth

Why not book a free consultation, where one of our specially trained dentists will be able to listen to your concerns about your teeth and assess you for suitability. Treatment fees for Secret Smile are from £3000.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Rapid Orthodontics with 6 Month Smiles A revolutionary combination of proven orthodontic techniques, modern materials, and innovative thought Six Month SmilesÂŽ utilizes specialized clear braces to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months.

What Is Six Month Smiles?

Six Month SmilesÂŽ is a modern twist on tried-and-true orthodontics. There is little debate within the orthodontic community that braces are the most widely used and most effective method to give patients straight, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.

Six Month Smiles has taken the best aspects of braces and modified the treatment and the materials to give adults a common-sense, cosmetic solution that fits your lifestyle.

Here’s a selection of people with crooked teeth treated with 6 Month Smiles.

Before

After

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles Here is what makes Six Month Smiles so innovative …

Average treatment times of only six months 

Six Month Smiles Lucid-Lok™ clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires are barely visible



Use of braces has shown to provide the most conservative and predictable final result



Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits™ ensure that your appointments are fast and comfortable



Low forces and short overall treatment times increase comfort, safety, and hygiene



Six Month Smiles is typically less expensive than traditional braces, aligner therapy, or veneers

Typical treatment cost with 6 Month Smiles is from £2400

Before 6 Month Smiles

After 6 Month Smiles

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Rapid Tooth Movement with the Inman Aligner

We've found the Inman Aligner to be very useful in very minor tooth movements.

So if you are unhappy with your smile or have some crooked teeth with crooked then the Inman Aligner may be an option for you.

The Inman Appliance is removable but you need to wear the aligner for 20 hours a day for it to be effective.

You should remove it for eating and can be taken out for important social occasions.

The aligner works by an innovative mechanism which pushes and pulls your teeth at the same time.

The Inman Aligner isn't suitable for moving back teeth, or for moving teeth great distances however for simple movement of the front teeth it is often ideal and provides a simple orthodontic solution.

Inman Aligner treatment can last as little as 16 weeks.

Compliance is paramount. The Aligner will only work if you wear it every day for the treatment time. Ideally patient should wear the Aligner for 20 hours a day maximum.

Any less and the treatment could take longer to complete.

It should always be removed before eating and you should clean your teeth and your Aligner before you refit it back into your mouth. It is okay to take your aligner out for photos, special occasions and eating as long as this is not for longer than a few hours.

Your Inman Aligner Dentist will give you a realistic guide of what to expect.

Normally lower front teeth move a little faster than uppers.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

Your General Orthodontic Questions Answered Questions that you should ask before having treatment While the treatments above can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, specific training is needed.

All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with these services must attend training before cases will be accepted from their premises.

So here are a few questions to ask your dentists before having any of the above: *

are you certified

*

how long have you been doing it

*

how many cases have you treated

*

can I see examples of your work

*

how often will you review my progress – different appliances require different frequency of reviews

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

The Top 6 Questions Everyone asks about Orthodontics 1. How much will treatment cost?

We know price is an important consideration for you. There is no way to accurately answer this question without first coming in for a consultation.

At that initial meeting the dentist will examine you.

From this he will be able to give you an accurate figure of cost.

In our practice the average investment is in the region of ÂŁ1800-ÂŁ4000 dependent on the complexity of treatment and the appliance chosen to treat you. This will include all necessary impressions, records, radiographs and materials.

There are many factors that determine the cost of your Orthodontic treatment: how extensive the issues you want corrected, how long your treatment plan will last, and the specific treatment details prescribed by your orthodontist.

2. How can you prepare for treatment?

We would carry out an extensive oral health assessment ensuring that you are dental ready for any treatment. We would need to make sure all teeth are disease free and the gums healthy. This will provide optimum conditions for the best result. You may require your family dentist to help you get to a position where you can undergo orthodontic treatment without complications.

3. How can your dentist work out if you are suitable for treatment?

The best way is to book in for an assessment. At this appointment we can see which treatment is suitable for you and what kind of final result you would expect.

4. How long will the process take?

Each individual case varies. This can range from 6 months to up to 2 years for more complex forms of treatment.

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles 5. What are the downsides/side effects of treatment?

There are very few downsides to these systems. With any orthodontic care you need to ensure that you clean adequately each day, and we provide help and advice on how to do this.

6. Will it hurt?

There could be some discomfort during the initial stages of tooth movement. The way orthodontics works is to introduce constant but steady pressure on your teeth. This results in you only feeling light pressure on the teeth. You would not experience any pain, just some mild discomfort at first, which means the teeth are moving.

Before

After

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568

Call 01204 304568 Email info@harwooddentalcare.co.uk Healthy, attractive, natural smiles

What next?

How would it be if we could help you smile more confidently?

Would it make a difference to your life if you could smile without putting your hand over your mouth?

How much would you like to smile eat and chew with absolute confidence again?

With that in mind, we offer you:  An experienced team of dentists with a special interest in orthodontics  Choice for every treatment option and NO pressure to choose any option. We will help you make that choice so you receive the appropriate treatment for the best results.  Structured and affordable payment methods including a 0% payment plan  Risks vs. Benefits advice, providing you all the information  Long term solutions for the best results  Quality care and exceptional personal service Please call us today on the numbers above and book for an initial assessment, or download a voucher for a refund of your initial assessment fee from our website.

This means this is a low risk and low cost way to finding out more about smiling, eating and chewing again with straight teeth – call us to book your free consultation today …

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Dr Dipesh Patel

Harwood Dental Care | 21 Longsight | Bolton | BL2 3HS | Tel: 01204 304568