Tag: braces

Benefits Of Straight Teeth: Health, Beauty, & Confidence

Our teeth are important for various reasons. They allow us to eat and speak, but more importantly, they make us look beautiful. However, only perfectly aligned and stain-free teeth make us look pretty. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that people who had straight teeth were perceived prettier, friendlier, and more approachable than those with crooked teeth. So, having a straight set of teeth has many benefits. 

If you or a loved one has misaligned teeth and are wondering how beneficial it would be to straighten them, then this blog is for you. So, continue reading to learn about all the benefits of having straight teeth. 

How Important Are Straight Teeth In Society?

From society’s point of view, having straight and pearly white teeth means that you will be perceived as more confident, approachable, and attractive than those with misaligned teeth. This alone is a huge social advantage. According to another survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 45% of the respondents believed that a smile is the most attractive feature in people, regardless of age. 

What Are The Benefits Of Having Perfectly Straight Teeth?

As mentioned earlier, straight teeth have many advantages. Let us discuss them in detail:

  • Functional Benefits – straight teeth allow for optimal chewing and digestion. So, we can expect that people with optimally aligned teeth will have better physical health than those with crooked teeth. 
  • Oral Health Benefits – straight teeth are easier to clean. That is why, people with properly aligned teeth have a considerably lower risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Besides, people with properly aligned teeth have better digestion and immunity. As a result, they are more resistant to the development of various medical and dental diseases. 
  • Aesthetic Benefits – straight teeth make people look attractive and prettier. No matter how attractive your facial features are, you can’t appear beautiful unless you have a set of straight and milky white teeth. 

Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

Yes, crooked teeth should be straightened. Why? Because they offer several functions, health, and aesthetics-related benefits over misaligned teeth. So, as soon as one grows all their natural teeth, they should consider straightening them with braces or clear aligners.  

Are Braces Attractive?

Many people find traditional metal braces unattractive. This is because they have a conspicuous metallic appearance that significantly affects facial aesthetics. Besides, metal braces can also cause oral soft tissue injuries. 

However, there are other, less conspicuous braces available that can be used for teeth straightening, such as lingual braces and tooth-coloured ceramic braces. So, if you are avoiding metal braces due to their unaesthetic appearance, you may consider ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners. 

Are Uneven Teeth Unattractive?

Some people may find uneven teeth attractive. However, the majority of people find misaligned or uneven teeth unattractive. This is because uneven teeth affect the symmetry of the entire face and can significantly change one’s appearance and smile. That is why we find Hollywood celebrities – who have straight teeth – attractive and charming. So, if someone wants to appear attractive, they should have straight and perfectly aligned teeth. 

What’s Embarrassing About Crooked Teeth?

People with crooked teeth often avoid smiling or speaking in front of people. This is because they feel embarrassed about their crooked teeth. Another reason for feeling embarrassed about misaligned teeth is that most crooked teeth get stained due to insufficient cleaning and affect one’s facial aesthetics. Overall, crooked teeth can significantly lower one’s self-confidence and attractiveness, in addition to causing various health-related complications. 

Is It Possible To Treat Crooked Teeth With Invisalign?

Crooked teeth can be treated with various orthodontic treatment options, such as fixed braces and removable Invisalign clear aligners. Clear aligners have recently become the most sought-after option for straightening crooked teeth. This is because they are comfortable to wear and virtually invisible. So, they can be worn without affecting one’s smile and appearance. Besides, there is no food restriction with clear aligners and they allow for superior oral hygiene maintenance than fixed braces. So clear aligners are an excellent option for straightening crooked teeth. 

Will Braces Make Me Look Ugly?

Many people avoid getting braces due to their unaesthetic metallic appearance. When worn, metal braces are quite conspicuous and can affect one’s facial aesthetics. But, there is no need to worry. If you don’t want to get braces due to their conspicuousness, you can get your teeth straightened with Invisalign removable aligners. 

Invisalign aligners comprise a set of removable, tray-like, transparent appliances worn over the teeth. The aligners are designed such that they will exert pressure on your teeth and sequentially move them in the desired direction. Hence, each aligner tray will bring you one step closer to your dream smile. 

Besides, if you don’t want metal braces, you may also consider ceramic or lingual braces.

If you’re searching for the best orthodontic practice in Essex, your best option is Harrow Dental Practice. We offer all kinds of general and specialised dentistry services to our esteemed patients in a comfortable environment and at affordable rates. If you want to know more about orthodontic treatment and its benefits, you can download a voucher for virtual consultation and discuss your treatment options with our specialist dentists. So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with us today and let us give you a smile that you genuinely deserve. We look forward to serving you. 

Braces As An Adult – What To Expect When Straightening Adult Teeth?

“Is it possible to get teeth straightened with braces as an adult?” this is one of the questions that is commonly asked from orthodontists. Just a few years ago, it was thought that teeth straightening was only possible for youngsters and teenagers, and adults weren’t eligible. However, times have changed now! Today, no matter how old you are – sixteen or sixty – you can get your teeth straightened and enjoy your dream smile with orthodontic treatment. 

But what’s the difference between braces treatment during teenage and adult life? If you are looking for an answer to this question, you have come to the right place! This blog will discuss everything you need to know about adult braces treatment. So, continue reading to find out more about adult orthodontics. 

What Is It Like To Wear Braces As An Adult?

Today, many adults are considering orthodontic treatment to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. Although the process largely remains the same for youngsters or adults, the difference mainly lies in the treatment speed. At a young age, the bones are flexible and allow for easy movement and realignment of the teeth. On the other hand, bones tend to become brittle due to limited blood supply. As a result, tooth movement takes longer and may cause slightly more discomfort. So, orthodontic problems can be completely treated at an older age; just that it can take slightly longer to do so. 

When Should You Get Braces If Your Teeth Are Crooked?

The ideal time for getting braces is when almost all the permanent teeth have appeared – except the wisdom teeth – and the jaws are still growing. According to the NHS, the ideal age for kids to get braces treatment is 12 or 14. However, parents should bring their kids for an orthodontic visit earlier in life so that the orthodontist can identify any underlying issues and take preventive measures. 

But this does not mean that you can only get braces at a young age. According to the British Orthodontic Society, treatment with braces is possible at any age. However, the best results are achieved when the treatment starts at an early age. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Metal Braces?

Metal braces are one of the most commonly used and time-tested options for straightening crooked and misaligned teeth. However, like all dental restorations and treatment options, metal braces also have certain merits and demerits. 

Some of the advantages of metal braces are:

  • Treatment precision 
  • Braces can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, even the complicated ones 
  • Treatment can be performed by almost every dentist worldwide
  • Less expensive than other treatment options 

Similarly, the drawbacks of metal braces are:

  • Conspicuous metallic appearance creates aesthetic concerns 
  • Difficulty in eating and chewing 
  • Oral hygiene maintenance becomes challenging 
  • Dietary limitations 
  • Potential for soft tissue injuries from orthodontic wires and sharp edges of the brackets

Do People Notice When You Get Braces As An Adult?

Despite being a time-tested and highly effective treatment option, a limitation of traditional braces is their conspicuous metallic appearance which is not liked by many. Unfortunately, metal braces become visible when worn, especially on the front teeth. However, if you have been avoiding orthodontic treatment because of the unaesthetic appearance of these braces, don’t worry; other aesthetically more pleasing options are available such as ceramic and lingual braces or clear aligners. 

What Should One Know Before Getting Braces?

The foremost thing one should remember before seeking treatment is that braces require long-term commitment and adherence to the dentist’s instructions. You can expect a complete resolution of your view with minimal risk of relapse if you follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter. Otherwise, you may soon observe after your treatment that your teeth return to their old positions. So, patient compliance is very crucial in treatment with braces. 

Is It True That Braces Weaken The Teeth?

It is a common misconception that braces weaken one’s teeth. However, this is not true. The fact is that braces won’t harm your teeth, gums, or oral health if you look after your oral health. Our teeth only weaken when we ignore oral hygiene during braces treatment, leading to plaque and tartar formation, causing gum disease. If gum disease is not treated timely during orthodontics, it can make our teeth weak and cavity-prone. 

How Long Until Braces Start Moving Teeth?

Braces start pressuring your teeth to realign themselves as soon as you wear them. However, you may not observe significant tooth movement or shift until a few weeks. This is because it takes time for the teeth to degrade the bone around them so that they begin to move. So, you can expect your teeth to start moving after a few weeks of initiating the orthodontic treatment. 

What Should I Expect About My Teeth Before Taking Off Braces?

Congratulations on completing your braces-wearing period. Now, it’s time to remove them and place retainers over your teeth so they don’t move backwards. However, once your braces are removed, you may observe yellowish spots around your teeth. These are the adhesive remnants used for bonding your brackets with the teeth. But there is no need to worry. Your dentist will remove these yellow spots. 

So, are you ready to get your teeth straightened with braces and enjoy a beautiful smile? If you live in Hornchurch and looking for the best orthodontic practice in town, then Harrow Dental is the best place for you. We offer our esteemed patients a wide range of orthodontic and general dental services in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So, Book an appointment with us today and begin your journey towards a beautiful and healthy smile. 

How To Get That Straight Teeth Smile?

A beautiful smile is an immensely valuable social asset. Some people are born with naturally beautiful, dazzling smiles, while others are not that lucky. One of the most common reasons for having a flawed smile is poor tooth alignment. If you are also concerned about your misaligned or crooked teeth ruining your smile and personality, there is no need to worry. Thanks to orthodontic treatment, no matter how flawed your smile is, it can be fixed. Continue reading to find out how you can get that straight-teeth, Hollywood smile with orthodontic treatment. 

How To Get Straighter Teeth?

When it comes to getting your teeth straightened, there are several options available. Broadly speaking, there are two main options: cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatment. If you have minor orthodontic problems like spacing or overlapping teeth, your dentist may fix it with veneers or crowns. However, for more severe issues, your dentist will eliminate the underlying issue with traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners for more severe issues. Depending on the severity of your problem, your dentist will advise a teeth straightening option that best suits your needs. 

Are Dental Braces’ Sole Purpose To Straighten Teeth?

Short answer, no. As discussed earlier, you can either get your misaligned teeth cosmetically fixed with veneers and crowns or fix them orthodontically with braces or removable aligners. If you cannot wait for the completion of your orthodontic treatment – which may take anywhere between 8-24 months – or if you cannot afford orthodontic treatment, you may opt for cosmetic teeth straightening. When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, the removable aligners are generally reserved for mild to moderate problems, while braces effectively treat more severe bite problems. 

What Are The Benefits Of Having Perfectly Straight Teeth?

Apart from the most obvious benefit of enjoying a beautiful and attractive smile, there are several other benefits of having straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, straight teeth offer the following health benefits:

  • Easy teeth cleaning – lower risk of gum problems and teeth cavities 
  • Lower risk of temporomandibular joint problems, headaches and migraines – due to decreased pressure on the jaw joints
  • Lower risk of tooth wear and sensitivity 
  • Improvement in sleep pattern

A poor bite is a reason behind some of the most common dental problems. Even if you have a single misaligned tooth, it will prevent your other teeth from mating optimally, thereby causing various dental problems that may ultimately result in tooth fracture. Hence, getting your teeth straightened as soon as possible to avoid complications later in life is recommended. 

Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

The biggest problem with crooked teeth is that they can ruin your smile, especially if they are the front teeth. Besides, if your teeth are not aligned properly, you will have difficulty cleaning them properly, putting you at a higher risk of developing gum problems due to plaque and tartar deposition. Furthermore, an improper bite can lead to a host of problems that may ultimately result in tooth loss. 

Why Is It Necessary To Straighten Your Teeth Alignment?

Getting your teeth straightened is important for your smile and your dental health, and general well-being. As discussed earlier, misaligned or crowded are difficult to clean properly. The resultant gum problems not only affect one’s oral health, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it can also affect overall general health. Research has shown that the bacteria inside the inflamed gums can travel to other body organs and may cause serious, even life-threatening medical complications like heart attack, stroke, and preterm births. 

Do Clear Aligners Really Work To Straighten Teeth?

Clear aligners are removable appliances, just like retainers that are worn over the teeth. These removable aligners are designed so that each aligner set will gradually move your teeth in the desired direction. Your dentist will ask you to wear each aligner set – one for upper and lower teeth each – for about 14 days. Afterwards, you should switch to the next set of aligners. In this way, the removable aligners will continue to move your teeth and align them optimally. 

What Are The Teeth Straightening Options For Adults?

Today, there is no restriction to using any orthodontic treatment options for elders. In fact, using a specific orthodontic treatment option is more of a preference than a treatment requirement. Both fixed braces or Invisalign aligners can be used for treating orthodontic problems in adults. You should consult with your dentist regarding an orthodontic treatment option that best suits your dental health needs. 

Is It Possible To Get Perfect Teeth Without Braces?

The ideal treatment for straightening misaligned teeth is orthodontic treatment. However, if you cannot wait for 12-18 months for your orthodontic treatment to complete or cannot afford orthodontic treatment, your dentist may fix your teeth alignment problems cosmetically. There are several cosmetic options available for straightening teeth:

Your dentist will guide you on whether you are a suitable candidate for getting straighter teeth with cosmetic dentistry. 

Did you know that your smile is the first thing people notice about you? So, if you want to make a great first impression on people you meet for the first time, you must have perfectly aligned and pearly white teeth that beautify your smile if you don’t have straight teeth, no need to worry. If you live in or around Hornchurch, Harrow Dental Centre can help you. We take pride in having a qualified and experienced dental team that strives to provide high-quality dental services to our patients in a comforting and relaxing environment. So, book a free orthodontic consultation today and let us give you a set of pearly white teeth and a beautiful smile.