Are You Considering Teeth Alignment?
A patient’s guide to straight teeth: Orthodontics & Braces
A Patient’s Guide to Straight Teeth: Orthodontics & Braces At Wessington Dental we care about you and would like to personally take the time to make sure that you not only get the highest quality treatment available, but that all of your questions are answered prior to your treatment. If you’re considering treatment options to align your teeth for the perfect smile, then we have created this comprehensive guide to explain each treatment option and answer some of the most commonly asked questions. If you’re interested in finding out more about our straight teeth treatments, please don’t hesitate to book a complimentary consultation with a member of the team. This guide has been compiled by Wessington Dental.
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Meet the Orthodontics Team Specialist Orthodontist
Chris Baillie GDC 71829
Cosmetic Orthodontists
Chris Hanford
Jas Jandoo
Christopher Rutter
GDC 113603
GDC 150110
GDC 150240
We are delighted to have four highly skilled clinicians that make up our ‘Straight Teeth’ team here at Wessington Dental. Chris Hanford, Jas Jandoo and Chris Rutter are very gentle and caring Dentists offering many years of experience and knowledge in this field. They are pleased to offer three of the latest orthodontic treatments available, creating the perfect smile for patients across the North East of England.
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A Patient’s Guide to Straight Teeth: Orthodontics & Braces Cosmetic orthodontic treatment is focused on the alignment of teeth and is carried out to straighten and move teeth to improve their appearance. There are different types of cosmetic orthodontic treatment to consider, our clinicians will propose a treatment plan for how to achieve the best outcome for you. As we say; “We are experts on teeth, but you are an expert on what is right for you.”
Who is suitable for orthodontic treatment? Cosmetic orthodontic treatment is used to help straighten crooked teeth or move crowded teeth into a better position. Having cosmetic treatment mainly improves the way the teeth look, it can also improve the way the teeth work and bite together making them easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene. Not everyone will be suitable for cosmetic orthodontics. An initial consultation with your dentist will determine whether you are able to have this treatment. If the desired outcome cannot be achieved using cosmetic orthodontics, you may need to be referred to see our specialist orthodontist, Chris Baillie.
What should I expect at my appointment? Prior to starting treatment, your clinician will carry out a comprehensive ‘Full Case Assessment’. This will include assessing the health of your teeth and gums, taking x-rays and photographs, as well as taking plaster models of your teeth. Following this assessment, your clinician will discuss the best course of treatment for you.
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About Our QuickStraightTeeth™ (QST) Service
Fixed Braces are used to correct minor misalignment of the front teeth. The wires apply mild force to move the teeth, there is no need for drastic tightening minimising the discomfort that may be experienced in typical orthodontic treatment. The tooth coloured fixed braces and wires are almost-invisible. They have a proven track-record worldwide not only for their performance but also for their aesthetics.
Removable Braces have been developed to deliver a quick, discreet and cost-effective option for those who don’t like the idea of traditional fixed braces. There are a unique range of QST aligners, so there is sure to be an option for you.
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About Our Invisalign Service
Invisalign is the world’s most advanced clear aligner system for teeth. These removable, clear teeth aligners are clinically proven to be more effective than a standard removable aligner. With an experienced Invisalign Provider such as ourselves, the aligners can be used to treat mild to complex teeth alignment problems. The aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth and are placed snugly over your teeth, fitting seamlessly along the gumline. The aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day and can easily be removed for eating and brushing your teeth whenever you like. The state-of-the-art digital treatment planning tools mean you only need short and usually non-invasive visits with your dentist every six to eight weeks. Your aligner will need to be changed every one to two weeks, but these will be given to you early on in your treatment plan so that you can change them on your own time without extra unnecessary visits to the practice. Following treatment you will need to wear a retainer for a period of time to maintain alignment until it permanently sets - your dentist will be able to give you an accurate estimate for how long this may take based on your personal circumstances.
Key benefits of Invisalign: • Clear - hardly anyone will notice that you are undergoing teeth straightening treatment • Comfortable - custom-made to fit your mouth for optimum comfort • Fast - a straighter smile within as little as three months • Proven - Invisalign has transformed millions of smiles around the world • Removable - allowing you to brush, floss and eat as normal during treatment
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Straight Teeth: Orthodontic Treatment Facts Questions and Answers How long will the treatment take? The length of treatment is usually between three to twelve months.
Will it hurt? The cosmetic orthodontic appliances will feel strange during the initial stages and can cause a bit of discomfort. The discomfort will normally settle after a little while without any intervention, however will be monitored throughout the course of the treatment and your clinician may make small adjustments to help.
Is cosmetic orthodontic work permanent? What happens when the teeth are in the right position? When treatment is complete, the teeth will need to be held in place for some time after. This is called the ‘retention’ period and the appliance used is called a retainer. They are designed to help keep newly straightened teeth in position whilst the gum and bone settles to the adjustments. Depending on the severity of the initial problem, a retainer may be removable or fixed. You may be advised to wear both. After the retention period there is still a chance your teeth may move, so we would advise wearing your retainer as a lifelong commitment.
How many appointments will it take? You will be required to keep regular appointments, but the frequency of these will depend on the type of treatment used and the complexity of your individual case. It is not advised to undergo treatment if you are not able to commit to regular visits with your dentist.
How successful will the results be? The success of the results will depend on the skill of the clinician and how compliant you are with the maintenance process.
Will I need to have teeth extracted? The course of treatment varies from patient to patient, but your dentist should be able to advise in your initial consultation whether extraction is necessary and you may be referred to our specialist orthodontist as teeth may need to be removed if there is a particular problem with crowding.
How do I care for my brace and teeth? Attend all required appointments throughout treatment and continue to attend regular check-ups following the completion of treatment. It is also necessary to add extra cleaning to your dental hygiene routine. Clean your teeth carefully every day, at least twice a day, including in between teeth where possible. Extra care should be taken during cleaning whilst wearing a brace as they can become easily damaged. Your clinician will advise the techniques you should use to efficiently and safely clean your teeth during treatment. Cut down, or if possible avoid sugary food and drinks - especially fizzy drinks. Sticky or hard foods may damage a brace, so take extra care when eating. Your clinician may recommend a special toothpaste, mouthwash or gel that is higher in fluoride to use during your treatment period.
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Will they affect my speech? Some types of braces and aligners can affect your speech in the initial stages, but as you adjust to wearing them this tends to resolve quickly.
Can I whiten my teeth after? Yes, you will be able to whiten your teeth once treatment is complete.
Are there any age limits? Orthodontics can be carried out at any age, however cosmetic orthodontics are usually advised for adults.
How do braces move teeth? Fixed braces are made up of brackets and wires. The wires apply a gentle pressure to the teeth and the brackets take the force of the pressure. Throughout treatment, the pressure will be adjusted by your clinician to continue movement. Removable aligners move the teeth through adjustments in the mould that place pressure on the specific teeth than need to move. Your aligner will be changed every couple of weeks to maintain gradual movement of the teeth.
Where do I get this treatment? If you contact our friendly team, we will be happy to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our clinicians who will assess your suitability for cosmetic orthodontics and can refer you to our specialist if necessary.
Wessington Dental, 1b Hylton Park Rd, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR5 3HD PHONE: 0191 549 8888 | EMAIL: smile@wessingtondental.co.uk