Orthodontics is the practice of using force to straighten teeth. This is usually a device or series of aligners more generally referred to as braces or dental braces. So called because they “brace” the teeth and enable the mouth’s own pressure to push the teeth gently into a more aligned position within the mouth. There are a wide range of orthodontic treatments available to patients who visit Harley Street, but they fall into three main categories.
The first category is wire braces. Wire braces are traditional braces which are made from metal wires which are then attached to brackets, which can be bonded to the teeth with a bonding agent to fix them firmly in place on the outside of your teeth.
Once they have been placed, our Harley Street orthodontic dentist can adjust them. The process can take anything between four months and two years or more, and patients will need to visit the practice regularly to have the braces checked and adjusted.
The second category of braces is clear braces or clear aligners. There are a range of clear braces solutions now available, including many branded orthodontic treatments you may have heard of in Harley Street. Orthodontics is easy with clear aligners. Most clear aligners are made using a cast or scan of your mouth. After a consultation with your dentist, you will know what is available and what outcomes are possible for you using your chosen treatment. There are a wide range of clear braces to choose from, and we can help you decide on the right solution for you, your budget and your lifestyle!
The final category of braces are lingual braces. These are possibly the most discreet option, and if your case can be treated with lingual braces, your close friends and family may not even notice you are wearing them. How do they work? Well, they are very similar to traditional wire frame braces, in that they use brackets which are bonded to the teeth, and a wire which connects them and uses force to straighten the teeth. The big difference in this case is that the braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, meaning the ultimate discreet solution!