Category: Braces

Do I need to have straight teeth?

When you think of reasons for straightening teeth, you probably imagine the result to be a more attractive smile. However, straight teeth are also very important for the health of your mouth too. If teeth are not well aligned, various teeth straightening procedures using braces in West Malling can help.

The major reason straight teeth are important is because problems with your bite can cause pain and structural problems with the jaw. These conditions will almost always lead to pain in the mouth and can even lead to problems with eating and speaking.

Braces in West MallingWhen the bite is not correctly aligned, the teeth will wear down more quickly and will be under more stress than teeth that are part of a well-aligned smile. This stress will almost certainly lead to dental problems, such as chipped, worn or cracked teeth.

In addition, crooked teeth are more difficult to clean and therefore more prone to infection than straighter teeth. Bacteria, food particles and plaque can become lodged or develop in places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss.

Straight teeth are essential for successful oral health. If you have wonky teeth or problems with your bite, Dr Yasmin George here at One Smile Oral Care can provide you with a remedy. She is a very experienced dentist with a special interest in providing braces in West Malling and has provided hundreds of brilliant teeth straightening results.

Can I achieve straight teeth inconspicuously?

An increasingly popular option for discreet teeth straightening is Invisalign. Invisalign braces in West Malling can be used for a variety of different dental issues such as: overlapping teeth, wide gaps in teeth, cross bite, overbite and bite irregularities. Invisalign are known as ‘invisible braces’. This is because they look less obvious compared to traditional fixed metal braces, which are sometimes viewed as unattractive.

Patients will replace their aligners every 7-10 days to gently reposition the teeth. Invisalign braces in West Malling are removable and can be taken out when eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. This is designed to make life a lot easier for patients, as they no longer must worry about food debris getting stuck in the braces or brushing around the wires.

Brace yourself for a new smile

Braces in West Malling are a long-term solution for teeth straightening and can be either for aesthetic or health purposes. Even if it is a case that your slightly misaligned teeth are not affecting you eating or your dental hygiene routine but you want a stunning smile nonetheless, then wait no longer. At our dental practice in West Malling, braces are just one of the many services we offer to assure you have the confidence and dazzling smile you have always dreamed of.

braces-in-west-mallingWhich braces to choose

At One Smile Oral Care, we now have a range of options for braces in West Malling. We can offer braces in the more traditional form such as the metal braces which are generally more suited to children, to the subtler invisible braces, which are only really noticeable up close. These are more than often used by adults. So, if your reason for getting braces is for purely cosmetic purposes, then opting for invisible braces ensures that your peers and work colleagues need not even know you are realigning your teeth.

How do braces work?

Braces are a systematic way of straightening your teeth by gently applying pressure which over time, move your teeth into your desired position. Braces are effectively a series of brackets and wires. The bracket is attached to either the outside or inside of your teeth, depending the type of brace you opt for, and the wire is clipped onto each bracket.

The wire can then be tightened at intervals so over the proposed duration of wearing the braces suggested by your cosmetic dentist, the whole unit applies a continuous pressure which slowly but surely realigns your teeth into the position desired. A bracket is made out of either metal, plastic or ceramic, depending on your choice of braces. They can be used to treat crooked or crowded teeth, re-adjust an over or under bite and other such dental problems. The duration of the treatment will depend on the original alignment of your teeth. This will be discussed during your initial consultation.

At our practice in West Malling, braces are just one more way for us to have our patients leave with a satisfied smile on their face.

Modern choices for a modern smile

Do you remember having braces as a child? A lot has changed in dental technology in the last few decades and modern braces in West Malling treatments at One Smile Oral Care will be a world of difference from what you may have experienced a child.

Braces in West MallingStart your braces in West Malling early

We now recommend that children get their braces in West Malling earlier. The old school way was to wait for all your adult teeth to come in and then put braces on to straighten them. This would have started around the age of 12 or 13. Today’s technology lets children as young as seven or eight start treatment with braces in West Malling. With modern dental technology, we can gently make room for teeth instead of waiting for them to all come in and then starting treatment.

Your dentist at One Smile Oral Care can also check for airway issues, sleep apnea, impacted teeth, tooth eruptions, tongue thrusting and thumb sucking issues. This is another important reason why we encourage children to come in earlier to see us.

See the result before you start

Today’s modern dental technology lets us show patients what their smile will look like when they have finished treatment with braces in West Malling. Giving patients a preview of the final product helps them understand the goal they are working towards. This helps them stick to their responsibility of maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods and keeping up with their appointments.

Say goodbye to brace face

Today’s braces in West Malling are smaller and sleeker. Not only can you get them in different colours but you can even get clear or invisible braces for a subtle look to straightening your smile.

Much less pain

Some of the worst pains as a child may have been from your braces. They sometimes ached so much that it was hard to eat. Today, after the initial period of getting used to braces, adjustments and tightening only cause a mild discomfort. Although the pain is not completely gone, it is a fraction of what it used to be.

It’s time for a change

Today, there are so many different options that you can choose from to get a straighter, more appealing looking smile. What will work for you depends on a lot of different factors including how much work needs to be done and your personal preference.

Invisalign braces in West Malling at One Smile Oral Care could be just what you need. They are clear plastic aligners that you remove to eat and drink and are, in general, comparative in price to traditional fixed metal braces.

Braces in West MallingIs Invisalign worth the cost?

One of the biggest selling points of Invisalign braces in West Malling is that they are made of clear plastic and won’t be noticeable to the casual observer. Whether you are a teen, a student or even an adult, you will love that you don’t have to worry about flashing a mouth full of metal when you smile. Invisalign aligners are also softer on your mouth and there are no wires that can cause irritation to your gums.

No more food restrictions

Because metal braces are permanently attached, there are certain foods and drinks you will need to avoid during treatment. Invisalign aligners however are removable so you can eat and drink whatever you like, whenever you like!

Quicker treatment

While it can vary patient from patient, in general, treatment with Invisalign braces in West Malling, at One Smile Oral Care will takes less time than other teeth straightening treatments. This is because you are given a new set of aligners every two weeks, which allows your dentist to have more control over the force applied to the teeth.

Do they work for complicated issues too?

Invisalign braces in West Malling will work for more than just for small issues like crooked front teeth. They can even handle more complicated issues like over bites and under bites.

Innovative technology

The creators of Invisalign realised the need for innovation and the need for plenty of available options to achieve a brighter smile in a subtle way. Therefore, they provide different types of Invisalign aligners dedicated to the specific differing needs of patients.

When should I consider getting my children braces?

As we all know, every child is unique. Not surprisingly, the same goes for their dental treatment needs. Choosing the kind of teeth straightening treatment or braces your child needs is a decision that can only be made with the help of an experienced, specialist orthodontist like Dr Yasmin George here at One Smile Oral Care.

Braces in West MallingMore good news is that it’s never too late to get braces in West Malling. The optimal age to begin wearing braces will depend on the child and their particular dental problem. Ideally, you should take your child for regular dental check-ups from a young age so that any potential problems, like an overbite, overcrowding or problems caused by thumb-sucking, are spotted as early as possible. Usually, children begin wearing braces in West Malling when they are around 11 years old (although some children may need braces as young as seven or eight years old). While the average treatment time is around two years, complex dental cases may require longer treatment times to achieve the desired effect.

Fixed metal braces in West Malling

Traditional fixed metal braces, which attach to your child’s teeth with metal brackets and are connected by a wire, are still the most common type of braces worn by children here at One Smile Oral Care. That said, fixed metal braces have come a long way from the large, unattractive ‘train tracks’ of the past. Today’s metal braces in West Malling have smaller, stainless-steel brackets, making them less obvious and more comfortable than their predecessors.

When is the right time for my child?

The ideal age varies from child to child but, for some, it can be as young as eight years old. As we have mentioned, the average age for having braces is 11, but the right age for your child really depends on their physiological development and treatment needs.

It’s crucial that you make an appointment with one of our experienced dentists as soon as possible if you think your child’s teeth may need straightening. If your child has crowded, misplaced or protruding teeth it is time to give us a call and arrange their first appointment for braces in West Malling.

How to treat your braces in West Malling

Your dentist at One Smile Oral Care is there to help guide you through any teeth straightening treatment that you have. The way that you approach your braces in West Malling can have a positive effect on your experience so we give you guidance on that as well.

Look forward to your treatment

Getting braces in West Malling is a long-term commitment even if you only need minor work. It can take quite a few months or a number of years in some cases. Your feelings about your treatment and your smile can really affect the way that this time period feels for you.

Braces in West MallingWe recommend looking forward to your treatment as much as possible. Yes, it will involve a few trips to the dentist and, yes, it will mean wearing some form of braces for a while. However, we do everything we can to make your appointments as comfortable as possible and, at the end of all of this, you will have a beautiful smile!

Choose the right treatment

If you know what your needs are, this increases the chances that we can find the right teeth straightening method for you. For example, if you know that you want your braces to be as unobtrusive as possible, then invisible aligners might be the way forward. We can help guide you through the process of choosing braces.

We assess your requirements based on your needs and a thorough examination of your mouth to check what treatments might be suitable for your particular issue.

Be meticulous about hygiene

Your end goal is a lovely smile. In order to achieve this, you need to keep your equipment and teeth clean throughout your teeth straightening treatment. This will take a little more effort than usual as debris can get stuck in your braces. You need to get into the habit of brushing after every meal as well as flossing and using mouthwash. This will also help to ensure you have fresh breath throughout your treatment.

Your dentist at One Smile Oral Care can give you specific advice about caring for your teeth and braces during your teeth straightening treatment when you have your braces in West Malling with us.

Different braces for different faces

In this age of public image, the way you look can determine much of your academic, social and even professional success. An increasingly popular way to improve the way your smile looks is by choosing braces in West Malling. There would seem to be some irony in the fact that to look better, you must look awkward for a while. This is no longer the case with the help of One Smile Oral Care.

Whereas children have become used to wearing braces and are seldom picked on due to this fact, adults have a hard time getting used to wearing traditional fixed metal braces in their mouths. Consequently, newer, less unsightly alternatives have been created and are now available here at One Smile Oral Care.

Braces in West MallingWhat are ceramic braces in West Malling?

One of the less noticeable types of braces treatments are ceramic braces. They have been specifically designed to cater for adults and their need to look after their dental health without looking like a teenager. By blending with your natural teeth colour, these types of braces in West Malling are far less conspicuous and much more becoming than their traditional metal counterparts.

Ceramic benefits

A huge benefit of our ceramic options is that they cannot be seen so easily because the brackets are either white or tooth-coloured. However, brackets are not the only clear thing. The wires and ties are also clear-coloured to complement the brackets. Even metal arch wires look less evident with this innovative system.

Another reason these are more suited to our adult patients is that they need a little extra care than metal types. Since grown-ups are more normally more capable of looking after these braces than younger patients, we don’t normally recommend ceramic braces for young teenage patients.

In some cases, the brackets are more prone to breaking than metal ones and although these brackets do not stain, the wires or ties used to hold them together can do. This means that taking care of invisible braces in West Malling is vital, not only hygiene-wise, but also (and above all) with the food you eat to ensure damage does not happen.

You’re never too old for braces in West Malling

If you think braces in West Malling are just for young teenagers, think again. This is a common misconception because it used to be that only adolescent kids wore braces. Actually, the teeth can be moved no matter what your age. The reason so many kids in their early teens get braces is because this is the ideal time to deal with any problems with their jaws. At that age, the jaw is still growing and is therefore malleable. By the late teens, the bone has set hard.

Not so the teeth, which is why at One Smile Oral Care, we are seeing more and more adults who want braces in West Malling so that they can have the straight teeth they missed out on getting when they were younger.

Braces in West MallingGentle forces that bring results

Teeth are easy to shift in the jawbone. All it takes is gentle sustained pressure in one direction for about 72 hours and the bone responds to relieve that pressure by dissolving the cells in front of the direction of pressure, and building it up again behind it. That’s how braces work, and when only the teeth are being moved, the pressures required to do so are much lower. This is especially true of the front teeth.

These teeth, the social six as they are known as they are the most on view in daily life, only have one root each and so require even lower forces to move them around. That means less discomfort and also quicker treatment times.

Your options

At One Smile Oral Care, we offer various systems of braces in West Malling. Of course there are the metal bracket and wire braces, but we also offer braces where the brackets are made of clear or tooth-coloured ceramic and are much smaller. This allows them to blend in with the teeth rather than dominating them.

We also have a system of clear aligners, which look rather like mouth guards, from Invisalign. They snap on over the teeth and patients receive a series of them, each one worn for about 7–10 days, to move the teeth into alignment. They are almost invisible when worn, and are removed to make eating and cleaning easier.

Straightening your teeth with braces in West Malling

For adults, it’s important to have straight teeth. Not only do straighter teeth look better, but they are also actually stronger when they are all working together with evenly distributed chewing pressure.

Here at One Smile Oral Care, we understand that we can’t control how our teeth come through. We offer a range of different teeth straightening treatments to combat crooked or misaligned teeth.

In West Malling, braces come in a few different forms that can help you to get the straight teeth you’ve always dreamed of. Most braces work on the same principle of exerting gentle pressure on your teeth that, over time, moves your teeth into position.

Braces in West MallingMost treatments are predictable and easy to control, so your teeth will be adjusted to a more desirable position.

Types of braces in West Malling

There are a few different types of braces available here at One Smile Oral Care. Depending on your age and personal preference, different braces may be suitable for you.

The most common types of braces are traditional metal fixed braces. These braces are the most tried and tested method of teeth straightening. They are usually associated with kids and teenagers as it’s important to straighten teeth as they are developing.

For adults who may not want the metal appearance of traditional braces, advances in dental technology and materials have allowed for braces to be made from tooth-coloured ceramic and clear materials. Although these are less conspicuous, they can be more delicate, which is a factor you may want to consider before committing to treatments.

Alternative to traditional braces

There is an alternative to traditional braces that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Invisalign treatment can straighten your teeth without having any visual implications on your smile.

Invisalign uses custom-moulded plastic tooth trays that gently re-position your teeth. The whole treatment is planned before it even starts and you change the aligners yourself at home.

A big advantage of this type of treatment is that the aligners are completely removable, making keeping your teeth clean much easier. This makes mealtimes much less of a hassle.

Would your smile benefit from straighter teeth?

Does your heart sink when you look in the mirror? Crooked, unevenly spaced or crowded teeth can detract from your appearance and make you feel self-conscious. If you long to stop worrying about how your teeth look then having braces in West Malling could be the solution. At One Smile Oral Care, we provide treatments that are focussed on straightening your teeth so that you can relax and enjoy your smile again. We treat children, teenagers, and adults in West Malling. Braces could improve your appearance and prevent longer-term problems arising from misaligned teeth.

Who can have braces?

Braces in West MallingIt is often thought that childhood is the best time to have treatment, when the jaw is still growing and developing. However, if you are an adult with wonky teeth, then it is certainly not too late to have them straightened. As people have different requirements, we offer a range of braces in West Malling. Fixed braces are usually more popular with children and metal is the most durable option. Adults may prefer their braces to be more discreet and could choose ceramic brackets or a system that uses clear plastic aligners. Your satisfaction is our priority so the initial consultation is a chance for us to find out exactly what you would like to achieve. We also check the teeth thoroughly, taking photographs and impressions to ensure that the teeth and gums are sound before we start treatment.

What should I expect from my treatment?

Our aim is for you to have a smile that you are proud of and a treatment that suits your lifestyle and budget. We check your teeth regularly when you have your braces and will talk you through every stage so you know that you are being looked after from start to finish. If you are looking for braces in West Malling but are worried about the cost, we offer 0% finance so that having treatment is possible for most patients.

Take the first step towards having an attractive new smile today and contact us to see how we can help you with braces in West Malling.