Aesthetic Braces

If you don't want to compromise on the result but are concerned about how you'll look with braces, then these are the answer. They are the choice of many celebrities and people in the media who wish the treatment to be less obvious. The aesthetic braces we use are the most discreet braces available, they won't stain or discolour over time, so you'll look great throughout your treatment. If you want more information about these braces please visit:

http://www.invubraces.com/aboutinvu.html 

CERAMIC BRACE:

These braces are usually associated with adults but increasingly teenagers are requesting cosmetic braces as we are able to achieve exceptional results with this group of patients who seem more motivated for treatment when offered this type of tooth coloured brace.

Self-Ligating Braces (Damon System)

Fixed appliance orthodontics has been revolutionised by the introduction of self-ligating low friction appliances fixed appliances that have a built-in mechanism to secure the wires rather than relying on elastic ligatures. This type of appliance has been shown to reduce the:

• need for the extraction of permanent teeth
• need for headgear and additional appliances such as expanders and palatal arches
• number of visits required for treatment
• average time of treatment by four months

We have used self-ligating appliances since 1999. The Damon System is one of the world's leading self-ligation systems and we have great expertise in its use and have personally published research on self ligating treatment.

DAMON BRACE:

Damon Web Links

Patient site http://www.damonbraces.com/

Doctor site http://www.ormco.com/index/damon

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Lingual Braces

These braces offer the ultimate in aesthetics with the very best results possible. They are similar to conventional braces but attach to the inside surface of the teeth so making them completely invisible. If you want more information about these braces please visit:

http://www.lingualtechnik.de/patient.html?&L=1

LINGUAL BRACE:

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Metal Braces

The major difference with these braces is the material they are made of and the visible stainless steel appearance. We use high quality metal braces on our NHS patients and achieve excellent results. There is also the option of high speed Damon braces as described above.

METAL BRACE:

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Functional/Orthopaedic Braces

The most common functional appliance we use is the Twin Block Appliance. It is a two part removable brace which is custom made by a laboratory from measurements that we make. The brace encourages the patient to posture their lower jaw forward. Typically these are used in growing patients to correct the bite of the back teeth at the same time as tucking back prominent front teeth. They can in many cases also bring about a beneficial improvement in the facial profile where the patient has a small lower jaw.

FUNCTIONAL/ORTHOPAEDIC BRACE:

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Invisalign or Clearstep

These braces are the answer for many patients who want straight teeth but will not accept any compromise on aesthetics during treatment. This is a revolutionary new way to straighten teeth without braces using a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of wires and brackets. The clear aligners move your teeth, week by week, millimetre by millimetre, to the desired position. Using 3D computer technology we design the aligners which are produced from CT scans of special moulds taken of your teeth. The clear positioners sit snugly over your teeth and unlike braces can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. This treatment is particularly suitable for adults and most teenagers.

If you want more information about these braces please visit www.invisalign.com

INVISALIGN BRACES:

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Removable Braces

Sometimes we need to use a removable brace instead of or in conjunction with a fixed appliance. A removable brace is custom made and consists of a plastic base with metal wire components, which are used to secure the brace and move the teeth. These braces are less commonly required with the advent of newer technologies.

Retainers

Retainers are the appliances that keep your teeth straight at the end of treatment. This is a very important phase of treatment as without them your teeth could go slightly crooked again throughout growth and even in adulthood. As a general rule we recommend that teenagers wear their retainers until they finish growing as a minimum and that adults wear them pretty much indefinitely.

Retainers come in two general types. Removable Retainers look very much like a rugby player's mouth guard only much thinner and more comfortable. This type is usually worn just in bed at night. Fixed Retainers consist of a fine wire glued to the tongue side of the teeth; these are generally left in place for an extended period of time, often many years.

Retainers are a vital element of Orthodontic treatment and worth asking your Orthodontist about if you want further information.

RETAINER BRACE:

For information on caring for your braces please click here.

If you would like to book and appointment to see us please click here

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