Teeth Straightening

Teeth Straightening in London

Some people who are unhappy about the appearance of their teeth, and often seek to undergo straightening dental procedures. Teeth straightening is a common dental procedure these days.

A dentist can recommend teeth straightening for medical reasons, and people can also choose to undergo the procedure for personal cosmetic reasons.

Modern dentistry can now correct severely misaligned teeth, either way —the most common methods used are braces, although not everyone wants to use braces, especially those who are self-conscious. However, Braces are most suitable for straightening crooked teeth, so you want your teeth straightened if you wear them. You should read further to get enlightened on the following:

  • The benefits of straightening your teeth
  • The different types of braces you can choose from
  • Ways to straighten your teeth without using braces (the use of veneers and retainers)
  • The pros and cons of home teeth straightening kits
  • The cost of teeth straightening for different solutions

If you want to straighten your teeth, this article will help you know the options you have —keep reading.

Benefits Of Teeth Straightening

Some people think that teeth straightening is all about aesthetics; it is more than that. They are some valid medical reasons why you need to get straighter teeth.

Crooked teeth are responsible for various medical problems, and this depends on the severity of the misalignment. Some of the health conditions caused by crooked teeth are:

  • Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and increase your risk for heart disease
  • Increase in your risk of damaging other teeth
  • Strains your muscles
  • It makes eating and speaking difficulty

Excellent oral hygiene is essential for overall health. Slightly crooked teeth can affect anyone — it is harder to clean teeth that are not aligned properly.

Misaligned teeth will increase your risk of plaque buildup; this will lead to tooth decay, toothache, and so on. However, good oral hygiene will prevent all these health conditions.

Appearance is also important. People who are not happy with their teeth usually have low self-esteem. This affects their interactions with people or their involvements in social activities. People in this category will like to straighten their teeth even if there is no medical need for it.

Teeth Straightening Options In The UK

One of the initial options that come to mind when many want to straighten their teeth is metal braces. The appearance of metal in the mouth can be discomforting, and some teenagers do not want to be bullied at school and named “metal mouth”. Notably, there are a lot of options dentists can choose from apart from braces.

Modern technology has made more people who do not like wearing braces to embrace teeth straightening. Other options apart from the traditional metal braces used in teeth straightening are clear braces.

Treatment options for teeth straightening are:

  • The use of traditional metal braces
  • The use of tooth-coloured braces or clear braces
  • The use of clear aligners also known as invisible aligner braces
  • Home teeth straightening kits
  • Retainers
  • Veneers

Each of this option will be explained in detail, keep reading.

In some cases, teeth surgery can be carried out to treat severe cases of alignment problems which include severe overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite —this procedure is carried out in conjunction with orthodontic work.

Can Teeth Be Straightened At Any Age?

The best time to straighten crooked teeth is as a teenager. This is because the jawbones and teeth are still growing and can be easily corrected. This is why you must take your child for a regular dental checkup —so your dentist can identify the need for an orthodontic treatment early and plan treatment at the optimal time according to the development of your child.

During adulthood, the jawbone is fully developed, and it can be complicated to straighten the teeth at this point, although it can still be done. Teeth straightening for adults is also very effective. Our teeth position is not permanent; they can change position as we get older, therefore making them more crooked. This means your teeth that were once straight can become crooked later in life. Also, some people had crooked teeth but never had the opportunity to use braces as a child —this can be due to financial reasons.

Whatever your age, you can still straighten your teeth if you are unhappy with its position. There are various ways your smile can be fixed, and an orthodontist will help choose the one that is best suited for you.

Types Of Braces For Teeth Straightening

First, we will look at the different types of braces that are used to straighten the teeth of children, teenagers, and adults.

Metal Braces

These are the cheapest braces on the market, and they are also the only option offered at public healthcare. Metal braces involve attaching metal brackets to the teeth and threading a wire through them to pull the teeth into position.

Small elastic bands are also used to hold the wire in place. You will be asked to choose the colour of the elastic bands you want, and this will give your braces a unique style. You will have to visit the dentist every month or as scheduled by your dentist for adjustment.

Another option you can go for is the self-ligating metal braces —they do not need elastic bands because they adjust themselves automatically—therefore reducing the number of your appointments with your dentist.

Clear Braces

Self-conscious people might not want to make it obvious that they are straightening their teeth. Where this is the case, Clear braces are a better option as they are not very visible and they work in the same way as metal braces. Their materials are made of ceramics which are tooth-coloured or clear. This makes them less obvious to a casual observer who is in a close range.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces, also are known as clear aligners, are one of the most popular choices of braces. The most common brand is the Invisalign, and it is suitable for adults who want to be discreet about their teeth straightening —children and teenagers who are worried about school bullying can opt for this as well. These braces are clear and removable —they straighten teeth by applying slight pressure in the right places.

Every 2weeks you will be required to get a new set of aligners, and you will have to go for a dental appointment every 4 – 6 weeks to check your progress.

Invisalign braces are ideal for mild or moderate cases of teeth misalignment —they cannot be used in severe dental cases. However, Invisalign braces are speedy options, especially if you want to straighten just your front teeth.

Visit The Harley Street Dentist in Harley Street, London, to find out the most suitable braces for you or you can contact us on 02071830903 to book an appointment.

Lingual Braces

These are also known as “hidden braces” —they are the least noticeable of all braces, and they are as effective as the traditional metal braces.

Lingual braces are fixed at the back of the teeth, next to the tongue. Therefore, making them only visible when you open your mouth wide. However, they are the most expensive type of braces, and they cause more speech problems than other braces.

Invisible braces might be a good option for you if you are concerned about aesthetics, and you want a cheaper option for straightening your teeth.

TEETH STRAIGHTENING WITHOUT BRACES

Braces remain one of the most effective ways to straighten crooked teeth, and invisible braces are very common now as more people want their treatment to be discreet.

However, there are some alternative methods to braces that straighten the teeth—they may be useful in straightening your teeth depending on your condition. These alternatives are discussed below.

Use of Retainer

Retainers are mostly used after treatment with braces is complete. They help to retain the teeth in their new position, hence the name.

It is also possible to straighten minor crooked teeth using retainers. Retainers are of different types such as metal and clear retainers — they are both effective in straightening the teeth.

However, their results are far more limited when compared to braces. Clear retainers work differently from clear aligners even if they look the same.

If you want to use an affordable teeth straightening method for minor cases, you can use retainers. Your dentist will also recommend it to you, especially if you have worn braces in the past.

These retainers can be adjusted slightly as the treatment proceeds. But the result you will get is limited when compared to braces. If you want more effective results, you have to consider other options outside retainers.

Can Veneers Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Veneers can make your teeth straighter, but they cannot change the position of your teeth. In this procedure, your dentist will drill down part of the crooked teeth or tooth; then porcelain veneer will be applied over the top. This will make your teeth to look better aligned, but underneath the original teeth can still be crooked.

This technique is only used for mild cases and not for severe cases. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps in between teeth. It is a cheap option for straightening teeth compared to braces, but this depends on the number of teeth to be treated.

Use of veneers is a quicker method of straightening your teeth, and it just needs two appointments with your dentist. Notably, the veneers are not a permanent fix —they can wear off in 5 – 10 years, and they have to be replaced. In replacing you will have to do so with new veneers or crowns. This method can cause irreparable damage to your teeth underneath because the enamel has been removed.

So before deciding on the possible treatment to use in straightening your teeth, you have to consider the long term implications before undergoing a procedure.

If you need to speak with an experienced dentist in the most suitable teeth straightening option for you, then you can book an appointment with the Harley Street Dentist in Harley Street, London by calling us on 020 71830903.

Contouring And Bonding

In some cases, less drastic cosmetic works can be done by drilling parts of your teeth. Examples of the parts to be drilled are the protruding parts and the rough edges.

Then other areas will be built up using composite materials, like veneers —this will make the teeth appear straighter without actually moving the teeth like braces.

Teeth Straightening At Home

Some people who want cheap teeth straightening at home can decide not to visit the dentist and try it at home—there are various ways to go about this if you decide on this option.

Teeth Straightening Kits

In recent years, home teeth straightening kits have become more rampant in the UK. This is because they are cheaper than getting braces, and a lot of people use because of this fact.

These kits also remove the need for a middle man, as everything is done by post —you can use this kit to create an impression of your teeth from the comfort of your home, or you can visit a local dentist —most brands do not have this option. The company will create a treatment plan and give you clear aligners every couple of weeks in the post.

These kits are useful for mild cases, and although they carry some risks. One of the main disadvantages of this method is that you will not meet personally with a professional who can evaluate your teeth better.

You need to visit a dentist before you undergo a teeth straightening procedure, sending photos and impressions or having a video call is not the same thing as a proper consultation with a professional to discuss your treatment. The success of home straightening kits also depends on the accuracy in capturing your dental impressions. Your aligners might not fit you properly if anything goes wrong, therefore making the whole treatment ineffective.

Despite all its cons, teeth straightening kits can give good results in straightening your teeth. There are many brands available, so you have to choose with caution. Also, you can consider getting invisible braces from a dentist if you can afford it.

Mewing For Natural Teeth Straightening

Another teeth straightening technique you can try at home is “mewing”. It involves a conscious effort in pushing the tongue against the roof of the mouth until it becomes its permanent resting position.

You are not advised to try this because this is not yet a proven method. However, if you do this correctly, it can expand the palate and reduce the problem of overcrowding.

If your teeth are already misaligned, you will need a dental brace to straighten them. You should discuss this with your dentist who will advise you on the best treatment option

Cost Of Teeth Straightening In The UK

Below is a table showing the cost of teeth straightening using different methods in the UK.

Treatment method

Cost

Pros

Cons

Metal braces

£1,500 – £3,000

It is the cheapest type of brace, and it is available at the public healthcare

It is very noticeable

Ceramic braces

£2,000 – £5,500

It is clear or tooth-coloured, making it less obvious

It is more expensive than metal braces

Invisible braces

£1,500 – £5,500

It is removable and hard to notice

It is not suitable for every case, and it requires discipline

Lingual braces

£2,000 – £10,000

It is hidden behind the teeth

It can be costly

Retainers

£50 – £300 per device

It is a quick cosmetic fix

It can only be used in cases where mild correction is needed

Porcelain veneers

£400 -£1,000 per tooth

It is a quick cosmetic fix

It damages your tooth enamel, and it is not a permanent solution

Composite bonding

£100 – £300 per tooth

It is cheap and a quick cosmetic fix

It is not a permanent solution, and it damages your enamel

Home kits

£1,400 –

£1,800

It is convenient and affordable

There is no face-to-face checkup with a professional

From the table, it is obvious that the cost of teeth straightening depends on the method used —Also, it is important to note that the cheapest treatment option is not always the best, so you should consider a lot of other factors before making your decision.

Can One Get Teeth Straightening option at Public Healthcare?

Children whose misaligned teeth are deemed a medical necessity can get free orthodontic treatment at the Public healthcare —this covers the cost of metal braces, retainers and also the cost of surgery if it is needed. There is no provision for teeth straightening for adults at Public healthcare, except in rare cases where it is done to prevent a medical problem. You will have to use private treatment, or other affordable teeth are a straightening option.

The Cheapest Way to Straighten Teeth

The use of home straightening kits is the cheapest way to straighten teeth. But you can see from above that they are not always very effective and they may also pose some risks.

Most people who want to straighten their teeth with braces usually go for metal braces because they are the cheapest and most affordable.

Invisalign braces are also equivalent in price to metal braces. You can choose Invisalign, especially if you do not want a long-term treatment.

While you are searching for teeth straightening near you, it is advisable to get a quotation from 2 – 3 dentist —the prices for this treatment can vary quite considerably from one place to another.

Getting a quote from a different dentist can help you save some money. You can also find out other ways you can make your treatment more affordable —you can do that by spreading your payment with a payment plan or a dental loan.

Summary

When you want to straighten your teeth, you should meet with a dentist first so you can get professional advice. It does not matter whether it is mild or severe treatment. There are also several options for dental treatment you can choose, but with the help of your dentist, you can pick the most suitable option for you.

The most common treatment plan for teeth straightening is braces —it involves fixing metal, ceramic, or clear braces to the teeth. Some braces are noticeable while others are not. You can also check with your dentist to decide if you are suitable for an Invisalign brace. Veneers are appealing, quick, and convenient, but they do not straighten your teeth but masks the problem. You also have to consider the long-term cost and the inconvenience of replacing them when they fail.

FAQs

Braces: how long does it take to straighten teeth?

It natural to want to know how long you will be wearing braces. However, there is no answer definite for this because of how fast your treatment is completed depends on the severity of your case.

Mild dental cases might need 3 – 6 months, although it applies to the front teeth only. Severe cases can take 2 years or more. Notably, the type of braces you choose can also affect your treatment time to an extent.

The average time teeth straightening with braces take is 12 to 18 months. But you will know your precise time when you visit your orthodontist.

Can an old retainer be used to straighten teeth?

You are not advised to use your old retainer. Although it might look like an excellent way to save money, you will be damaging your teeth if you do so. Your teeth have moved out of that position since you last wore it.

The main aim of retainers is to keep your teeth aligned after braces. You have to follow your dentist’s instructions to keep your teeth straight after your orthodontic treatment. 

Can a night retainer be used to straighten teeth?

A retainer might be required to be worn at night to keep your teeth straight after braces, and there is no part-time treatment for straightening. Your teeth can slip back to their old position during the downtime if they are not under constant pressure to move. Retainers and aligners should be worn for 20 – 22 hours daily.

You only take them off during meals and for cleaning. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your mouth, you can go for invisible braces. They are hard to notice and also effective.

Can Teeth Straighten Themselves?

Yes, teeth can straighten themselves only when they are still erupting. The first few permanent teeth can come out crooked and later correct themselves as the others erupt. In adults, the teeth can not get straighter, but they are likely to become more crooked over time.

Can Surgery Be Used For Teeth Straightening?

Yes, jaw surgery can be carried out to straighten your teeth —it can also be added to treatment with braces. This does not rectify your teeth surgically, but it will re-align the jaw. Therefore helping the teeth come together properly.

If you have any questions or you want to book an appointment with a dentist in London, then you should contact The Harley Street Dentist in Harley Street, London. Give us a call on 02071830903 today!

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