Cosmetic Braces, Your Questions Answered

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Cosmetic Braces, Your Questions Answered

Many people avoid orthodontic treatment because they do not want to wear uncomfortable and conspicuous metal braces. As an increasing number of adults opt for orthodontic treatment, the demand for cosmetic orthodontic treatment is also rising. According to the British Orthodontic Society, as people are becoming increasingly conscious of their smile and appearance, dentists in the UK have seen an increase in adult patients who wish to get their teeth straightened – but without having to wear the traditional braces.

If you have avoided getting your teeth straightened because of the traditional braces – which appear like train tracks on your teeth – you should consider getting cosmetic braces. Your dentist can use different types of cosmetic braces, which are as effective as the metal brackets but are virtually invisible. Therefore, they will not affect your facial aesthetics, and people will not notice that you are wearing braces.

Interested? Continue reading if you would like to know more about cosmetic braces.

What Are The Different Types Of Cosmetic Braces?

Thanks to modern orthodontics, there are several cosmetic orthodontic systems available to treat tooth misalignment. Broadly, there are two types of cosmetic braces; fixed and removable.

Fixed Cosmetic Braces

Ceramic Braces – The fixed cosmetic braces are similar in shape and design to the conventional braces. However, they are much less visible. Ceramic braces are made from tooth-coloured ceramics so that they blend in perfectly with your natural teeth and are barely noticeable when attached to your teeth. The orthodontic wires in ceramic braces are coated with a tooth-coloured material to maximise facial aesthetics.
Lingual Braces – Another type of cosmetic dental braces is the lingual braces. Although these braces are made from metal alloys, they are virtually invisible because they are attached to the teeth’ inner (lingual) surface of the teeth. The lingual braces are custom-made for each individual – after preparing an individualised treatment plan – to accommodate the limited space available inside the oral cavity and ensure optimal adhesion of each bracket to the teeth.

Removable Cosmetic Braces

As the name suggests, these braces do not remain fixed to the teeth, and they can be removed from your own will. These braces are made from transparent materials so that they are virtually invisible when you wear them, the one most people have heard is Invisalign. You can find more details about the removable cosmetic braces in the following sections.

Another type of cosmetic braces is the six-month smiles. Offered as both removable and fixed treatment options, this orthodontic system is designed to treat mild orthodontic problems in a short duration. Generally, minor orthodontic issues can be corrected with six-month smiles within six months. There are also the Inman Aligners which can fix minor orthodontic problems with six to nine weeks. Alternatively, your dentist may give you porcelain veneers for straightening the teeth with minor orthodontic problems.

What Are Clear Cosmetic Braces?

Clear cosmetic braces, also known as the removable aligners or the clear aligners, are removable appliances made from high-quality, transparent polymers that make them virtually invisible. Unlike the conventional braces attached to your front teeth surfaces, the clear braces are designed in the form of retainers. Your dentist will give you a set of numbered aligners, which you have to wear for at least 22 hours each day for optimal results. After wearing each set of aligners for about two weeks, you should switch to the next set of aligners. In this way, each aligner set will gradually move your teeth until all your teeth have been optimally aligned.

How Much Do Cosmetic Braces Cost?

The cost of treatment with cosmetic braces depends on various factors, including the patient’s age, the severity of the problem, and the type of braces used for your treatment. In the UK, the cost of treatment with removable clear aligners starts from £1850. If you are looking for treatment with ceramic braces, then it may cost you £1700 on average. On the other hand, if your dentist recommends six-month smiles for your treatment, then you can expect around £1800 for getting your teeth aligned.

Your dentist can tell you the actual cost of treatment after a thorough clinical examination. The cost may also increase if you need additional procedures like removing your teeth, fillings, or teeth cleaning. Sometimes additional orthodontic appliances are necessary for your treatment, such as the attachments for aligners and the brackets.

Are Braces Cosmetic Or Necessary Dentistry?

Correctly aligned teeth are essential for having a beautiful smile. According to the National Health Service (NHS), crooked teeth can alter our face’s shape, directly influencing our appearance and personality. According to a survey, 58% of Americans find people with straighter teeth and a naturally beautiful smile as being more successful. Similarly, research has shown that individuals with an attractive smile are more popular with people of the opposite sex.

But that’s not all. Our teeth are equally crucial for allowing us to eat and speak without difficulty.

Uneven teeth are harder to clean. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing teeth cavities and gum problems. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, misaligned teeth can cause various tooth wear, an improper bite, and temporomandibular joint problems. In advanced stages, improperly aligned teeth can also lead to sleep problems such as sleep apnea.

Hence, the alignment of crooked is not just an aesthetic requirement. If your dentist has told you that you need teeth straightening treatment for correcting your crooked teeth, it does not necessarily mean that your only option is metal braces. There are other aesthetically superior and comfortable options, such as the clear braces and the removable aligners you can choose from.

If you live in Leicester, and you wish to get your teeth straightened with cosmetic braces, then you have come to the right place. At Glen Dental, we take pride in having highly qualified and experienced dentists who can treat even the most complicated orthodontic issues. We also boast a wide range of cosmetic braces options for you to choose from.

So, what’s stopping you? Visit our website here today to book a FREE online consultation with our dentists – and make your first move towards a smile that you have always dreamed of.