Can I have braces as an adult?

Braces were once the domain of teenagers but have now become popular amongst adults who want straighter and healthier teeth. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the principal reason we would all like straight teeth is to make us look and feel our best while restoring our confidence and self-esteem. As our dentists at Harley Street Dental Clinic will tell you, straight teeth are not just a matter of aesthetics but of your overall health too.

To achieve this dream smile we can offer various choices of braces to fit your lifestyle. An increasingly popular choice is clear braces in Harley Street. Whether you have gaps in your teeth or crooked or overcrowded teeth, our specialist dentists can transform your smile using clear braces in Harley Street.

Clear Braces in Harley StreetProblems of misaligned teeth

Properly aligned teeth will function and wear better over your lifetime. If you suffer with alignment issues you will probably also have a poor bite and your teeth will suffer from elevated levels of stress, which can affect their lifespan. We can all expect a certain amount of wear to our teeth over our lifetime, but premature wear is exacerbated by poorly aligned teeth and can be easily corrected with clear braces in Harley Street.

Misaligned teeth are also more difficult to keep clean than straight teeth. With correctly aligned and spaced teeth, your toothbrush can easily reach all the surfaces of enamel and your gums.

Not only are misaligned teeth hard to keep clean, but the chances of contracting gum disease increase. If left untreated, it can affect both bone and gum tissues and lead to loss of teeth. If it becomes a chronic condition, it can lead to other serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Harley Street Dental Clinic adult braces

Adult braces are now nearly invisible and come in different forms: fixed and removable. Fixed braces can be attached to the back of the teeth, where they remain unseen for the duration of your treatment. Clear braces in Harley Street fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed while you eat and clean your teeth. They are comfortable to wear and give you an aesthetically pleasing smile and a healthy mouth in no time at all.

Don’t let your wonky teeth become a pain in the neck

At Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, we believe that tip-top oral wellbeing comes from two things. Having a mouth and teeth that are free from infection and cavities is the fundamental platform to oral wellbeing. On top of this, and equally vital, is having a smile that is a pleasure to look at. One fundamental aspect of oral wellbeing on both counts, is having straight teeth that bite together correctly. This aspect of dentistry is known in the profession as orthodontics. In Harley Street, this is an area of dentistry we take great interest in.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetIn Harley Street, orthodontics treatments lead to great oral health. When we straighten out your misaligned teeth, they become far easier to keep clean with brushing and flossing. There are far fewer nooks and crannies for plaque and tartar to build up in and for food to hide in. Less plaque means lower risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Getting your teeth well aligned and your bite corrected, can eradicate a great deal of unnecessary pain. When the teeth do not bite together properly, it results in an uneven distribution of the pressure of chewing, causing pain in the teeth taking most of the pressure, and it can lead to pain in the jaw muscle and joint, and even the headaches and neck ache.

When you choose orthodontics in Harley Street, there are several systems for realigning teeth and balancing out the bite. Each one has its own benefits.

If you want to keep comment on your treatment to a minimum, you might go for braces fitted to the inside of your teeth. These lingual braces use wires and brackets to gently move teeth into a new position, but no one can see them because they are behind your teeth, not in front.

If you are happy with braces on your front teeth, in Harley Street, orthodontics offer transparent ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured wires that blend in with your teeth rather than dominating them.

Orthodontics in Harley Street are available for both children and adults. Children may have consultations from the age of seven.

Braces that cannot be seen

Are you somebody that finds yourself struggling to smile and laugh confidently because of crooked and unaligned teeth? Bracket and wire braces have long been used as a means of teeth alignment treatment, however, in our dental practice at Harley Street, clear braces are considered by many of our patients.

What makes clear braces special?

Many people tend to shy away from wearing braces as they ruin your overall look, with the metal dominating the teeth. Treatment times, at 12-24 months, are also often deemed too long for many adults with mild misalignment issues.

Clear Braces in Harley StreetIn Harley Street, clear braces are the improved alternative to bracket and wire braces because they are more discreet, and more comfortable. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, clear braces are made from transparent plastic that is computer designed and 3D printed to fit snugly over your teeth, eliminating any discomfort from wires and brackets rubbing against your cheeks.

This becomes possible through prior X-rays, digital scans, and photos of your teeth that allow us to create digital impressions of its gradual alignment. Furthermore, clear braces in Harley Street can be removed to facilitate easy cleaning and are replaced every couple of weeks before they have a chance to discolour.

And because they are removable eating remains a pleasure, and cleaning your teeth is as easy as it ever was. You can even remove these clear braces for special occasions, as long as you keep in them for at least 22 hours a day.

You can expect to get through between 12 and 48 aligners, each one continuing the gradual alignment process. If after reading this you find yourself interested to try clear braces in Harley Street, a consultation with one of our dentists will provide you with a comprehensive idea of how to go about your treatment.

The most important thing

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our orthodontists are equipped with the technology and knowledge necessary to provide you with a smooth and hassle-free teeth alignment treatment. Clear braces obviate any reasons to live with crooked and unaligned teeth when you can get them straightened discreetly and comfortably.

Smile!

It is an unfortunate fact that poorly aligned teeth can have a detrimental impact on the appearance of your smile. While modern orthodontics in Harley Street has an effective treatment for this problem, there are many adults that have only recently started considering this as a viable option for improving their smiles.

If this applies to you, it is important to be as informed as possible before you decide about committing to improving your smile with orthodontics in Harley Street, at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetIsn’t orthodontic treatment only for children?

There is a common belief among some of our patients that orthodontic braces are only an effective option for children. Luckily, you will be relieved to learn that patients of any age can enjoy the benefits of orthodontic procedures.

For example, it is common for adults that have lost teeth to need braces before they can receive dental implants. This could be necessary when the teeth near the gap are crooked and it is necessary to straighten them before placing the implant.

To know if you are a suitable candidate for braces, it will be necessary for your orthodontist to inspect the health of your teeth and gums. If you are suffering from severe gum disease, you may have to wait until the condition is treated. This is because sickly gums may not be able to support the teeth during the shifting that occurs with braces.

Do they hurt?

You may be under the impression that braces could be painful. Luckily, most patients will only experience mild discomfort and swelling during the first few days. In most cases, these issues can be managed easily with over-the-counter pain medications. After a few days, you will need to return to your orthodontist to ensure your mouth is recovering from the procedure and that the teeth are starting to realign.

Deciding to have orthodontics in Harley Street can be a major decision for any of our patients to make. It is important to be armed with accurate knowledge about each treatment, to make it easier for you to understand what to expect and decide which option is correct for you.

To find out more, speak to one of our three specialist orthodontists at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Incognito teeth straightening

As we grow older, many of us begin to accept our imperfections and that can include crooked teeth, or a gaps in our smile. But, we don’t have to with invisible braces in Harley Street.

There are plenty of treatment options at Harley Street Dental Clinic that can straighten teeth, realign the jaw and improve the facial profile. Incognito lingual braces are one of them and they come with a bonus – they’re completely invisible.

Incognito braces are often considered to be invisible because they are fixed to the back of teeth so they cannot be seen when you smile. They also offer similar advantages to traditional fixed metal braces, without the stereotypical ‘train track’ brace look.

Teeth Straightening in Haley StreetHow do lingual braces work?

Because lingual braces are fitted to the back surface of your teeth, it makes them totally invisible from the front. The brackets are very small so they fit comfortably on the inside of your teeth.

As your teeth won’t be used to the feeling of lingual braces, afterwards you may notice a slight lisp when you talk, but this is only for a day or two while you adjust to your new invisible braces in Harley Street.

Incognito lingual braces are highly versatile and are totally bespoke to each of our patients’ requirements. Each individual brace is made for us by Incognito’s worldwide laboratory in Germany.

How much do they cost?

Incognito braces are completely custom-made to your mouth, which increases the initial cost of your treatment. The brackets are cast in gold rather than stainless steel and formed to the shape of your teeth perfectly.

These features make lingual braces at Harley Street Dental Clinic more comfortable and effective than traditional braces, but will increase the cost of straightening your smile.

Many of our patients feel this extra cost is warranted for the ease and success rates involved with Incognito invisible braces in Harley Street.

Our prices start from £4000 an arch. We are happy to offer payment plans to help spread the cost of your invisible braces in Harley Street. We offer a 0% APR option, as well as a no deposit option, so you can avoid dipping into your savings, or having to find a lump sum to start your treatment.

My teeth straightening options

Today, having braces doesn’t necessarily involve noticeable metal brackets and wires. In fact, modern braces at Harley Street Dental Clinic are clear and made from natural tooth-coloured porcelain, to provide our patients with an attractive, less noticeable alternative to traditional fixed metal braces.

What’s the difference between clear braces and clear aligners?

Clear braces in Harley Street are the same as traditional fixed metal braces except that they are completely clear. Clear braces are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces and provide patients with an equally effective treatment.

Clear Braces in Harley StreetClear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are made of hard plastic that is designed to fit into your mouth like a mouth guard. Here, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we are happy to be able to offer clear aligners too, as they are great choice for our patients requiring smaller changes to their teeth.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of clear braces?

As with any braces treatment, it is important to choose the right option for your needs and lifestyle. Clear braces in Harley Street are a great alternative to traditional metal braces and our highly-trained dentists will help you determine if they are the right treatment for you.

Advantages to clear braces

Appearance: Clear braces are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Clear braces in Harley Street offer an aesthetic alternative for patients seeking options other than traditional metal braces.

Confidence: Many of our patients who choose clear braces feel more confident; not only about the ease of their treatment, but about their new-found happiness from straighter and healthier teeth that they are proud to show off.

Disadvantages of clear braces

Discolouration: The clear ties used with ceramic braces may become slightly discoloured when you drink tea or coffee and eat certain foods or smoke. We are happy to give you aftercare advice to minimise discolouration.

Are clear ceramic braces the right choice for my smile?

We can provide answers to any of your dental questions and explain the benefits of your clear braces in Harley Street. If you would like to learn more about clear braces, ceramic braces and all other options available to you, please contact us today.

Can you see the benefits of invisible braces in Harley Street?

Say the words ‘dental braces’ to almost anyone, and an image of a teenager with their teeth covered in brackets and wires immediately springs to mind. A beautiful smile is something that many adults of all ages aspire to, but feel they may never achieve if they need to wear traditional braces. The good news is that now you can have braces and straighter teeth, but no one except you and your dentist will know the secret of your lovely new confident smile.

Invisible Braces in Harley StreetBecause many people are now recognising the value of having straighter teeth, the demand for more aesthetically acceptable treatments has lead to a range of different types of invisible braces. Harley Street Dental Clinic can offer you a range of different invisible braces according to your orthodontic and personal needs. In many cases, adults need much less orthodontic correction than children, and tooth-coloured fixed braces can be used on just your front teeth to straighten them. This type of treatment is more of a cosmetic treatment, although it will definitely help to improve your oral health as well as the appearance of your teeth.

Not seeing is believing

All braces work on the same principle, and apply gentle, sustained pressure on the teeth in the direction the dentist wants them to move. The main differences are that braces can now be fixed or removable. The best known brand of removable brace is the Invisalign system of clear aligners, which fit over your teeth. They may be removed when you eat and when you clean your teeth. To achieve the optimum results, they should be worn for a minimum of 20 hours each day. They are one of the most popular types of invisible braces in Harley Street.

If your teeth are in need of more comprehensive correction, lingual braces may be the best option for you. These braces are fitted to the backs of your teeth and can be used to correct a wide range of dental malocclusions on both the top and bottom teeth. They have proved extremely popular, with many actors and performers and even members of the royal family, such as Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing them.

Important reasons to visit an orthodontist in Harley Street

Most people mistakenly believe that visiting an orthodontist is just for aesthetic purposes. However, crooked, misaligned and crowded teeth, as well as irregular bites, can cause serious dental complications, if left untreated.

There are many reasons why people’s teeth grow crooked, and it can result in bite problems and uneven wear over time. Other problems associated with misaligned teeth include headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty in brushing the teeth, potentially leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Orthodontist in Harley StreetAt Harley Street Dental Clinic, we understand that misaligned teeth can put your oral health at risk, therefore we recommend visiting our Harley Street orthodontist for a thorough examination of your teeth and bite. Here are some reasons why visiting an orthodontist in Harley Street can be beneficial for both children and adults.

Avoid irregular sleep and sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a medical condition which derives from recurrent interruption of sleep at night. The problems usually stem from breathing problems related to the patient’s jaw development. Adults and children suffering from sleep apnoea hardly get enough oxygen to breathe normally, therefore cannot sleep properly at night.

Additionally, the condition can also cause diabetes, depression or heart disease in adults. In children, a common cause of sleep apnoea is an underdeveloped lower jaw. Luckily, sleep apnoea can be treated by your orthodontist at Harley Street who will perform a jaw operation to correct the problem if needed.

Restore your smile with orthodontic treatment

While your child is growing up, getting braces can necessary to guarantee healthy development of the jaw. Crooked teeth and misaligned jaws can be prevented with orthodontic treatment at a young age, however, if such problems are ignored, they could lead to serious and costly oral health implications.

Not only children are in need of teeth straightening. An increasing number of adults, who either had braces as children and relapsed, or never had orthodontic treatment as children, are looking into teeth straightening options. Adults are less likely to prefer traditional braces due to aesthetic concerns. Luckily, at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer a number of discreet orthodontic treatments for adults to achieve beautiful, straight teeth without everyone knowing.

Trying to find clear braces in Harley Street

If you’re looking for clear braces in Harley Street, Harley Street Dental Clinic may be just the place that you’re looking for. We have helped to correct many orthodontic problems for our adult patients with our range of clear braces, which allow you to enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth without anyone else knowing. Because your orthodontic needs are unique to you, we offer a number of different types of clear braces that are suitable for both simple and more complex corrections. In Harley Street, clear braces are proving to be ideal if your appearance is an important part of your work. They simply allow you to carry on with your professional daily life and help to improve the appearance of your teeth and your self-confidence.

clear-braces-harley-streetIt has been estimated by the British Orthodontic Society that almost three quarters of all adults would benefit from having their teeth straightened. In many cases you may either have missed out on the chance to have braces when you were growing up, or if you did have braces and did not have a fixed retainer fitted to your teeth at the end of the treatment, you may have noticed that they have moved back towards their original position. The reason many adults have not had their teeth straightened is because they do not wish to wear the traditional fixed braces with stainless steel brackets and wires.

Technology to make you smile

Thankfully advances in the types of materials available have lead to the development of a range of different types of clear braces. These can be made from porcelain, or clear plastic and some are fixed, while others are removable. Porcelain braces have brackets and wires in the same way that traditional fixed braces do, but they are made from tooth-coloured materials, which are virtually unnoticeable once they are fitted. These braces work in the same way as traditional braces but are far more difficult to see.

Removable Invisalign aligners allow you to enjoy eating all your favourite foods whilst having your teeth straightened, something that can be more difficult while you are wearing fixed braces. Although they need to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours each day, they can safely be removed whilst eating and for cleaning your teeth or the aligners.

Straighten your smile with discreet orthodontics in Harley Street

Contrary to popular opinion, orthodontics are not just for children. In recent years, an increasing number of adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles as more people realise it’s never too late to get the smile of your dreams.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we appreciate that orthodontics can have a deep impact on multiple aspects of an adult’s life, including their oral and overall health and confidence. Achieving a straighter smile as an adult can make a significant different in the health of your teeth and gums, thus reducing the risk for gum disease and tooth decay. However, traditional braces can be more visible than some adults would prefer. Luckily, we offer several cosmetically-pleasing options for adults seeking to straighten their teeth with orthodontics in Harley Street.

Orthodontics in Harley StreetLingual braces

Unlike conventional metal braces, lingual braces made of high-quality nickel brackets and wires are fixed onto the back of your teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable and invisible. Lingual braces work just like traditional braces and can treat a number of moderate to severe teeth straightening issues as effectively.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an innovative teeth straightening treatment, which, instead of wires and brackets, uses customised, removable, transparent, plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth and gums. Each aligner has to be worn for at least two weeks before moving to the next one in the series, helping move your teeth gradually until they reach the right position. The clear aligners are removable and can be easily taken out to brush and floss your teeth as well as eat your favourite foods and snacks. However, you have to wear them at least 22 hours a day for effective treatment.

Clear braces

Clear braces work just like metal braces, but offer the patient confidence whilst they are wearing them, as they are made of tooth-coloured, porcelain brackets and wires. This way they blend more naturally with your teeth. Clear braces are ideal for self-conscious adults with busy lifestyles.

Book an appointment

If you are interested in orthodontics in Harley Street, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team today and take advantage of our discreet teeth straightening treatments.