Teeth straightening
If you’re researching teeth straightening or planning to have orthodontic treatment, you may have some questions. In this video, Richard Jones, specialist in orthodontics and oral surgery at Total Orthodontics, answers some of the most asked questions from our patients.
If you’re interested to learn more about teeth straightening and the services we offer, a free, no-obligation consultation is the perfect way to start.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Teeth straightening or orthodontic treatment involves the wearing of braces or clear aligners. These are custom-made to gradually move your teeth into a straighter, healthier and more aesthetically-pleasing position.
There are many reasons why people visit an orthodontist to get their teeth straightened. You may have a common alignment issue or malocclusion, such as crooked teeth, crowded teeth, an overbite or an underbite, or you may simply want your teeth straightened for a more confident smile.
At Total Orthodontics, all our teeth straightening treatments are carried out by specialist orthodontists. They first trained as dentists, then completed three years of specialist orthodontist training to learn how to straighten teeth with the latest techniques and methods.
We have a range of treatments and types of braces for straighter teeth available, including Invisalign aligners and cosmetic teeth straightening, fixed braces, lingual braces (also known as hidden braces), discreet ceramic fixed braces and traditional metal braces.
A smile to be proud of: Having crooked teeth can make many people feel self-conscious when they talk, laugh or smile. Teeth straightening with braces and aligners can greatly improve your confidence, creating a more aesthetic smile for life.
Improved bite: Alignment issues such as an underbite or overbite can cause stiffness in the jaw, discomfort and pain. It can also cause problems with speech, eating, and your confidence in your smile.
What are the different types of teeth straightening?
We offer a range of teeth straightening treatments to suit various needs. Our treatments include discreet and removable clear aligners such as Invisalign, hidden behind teeth braces known as lingual braces, fixed metal or ceramic braces, braces for children and jaw surgery for more complex cases.
As everybody’s needs and budgets are different, your orthodontist will recommend the best approach for your straighter smile.
Teeth straightening: What you need to know
Am I too old or too young to have orthodontics?
Braces are often associated with teenagers, but it’s never too late to straighten your smile. If you’re concerned about how braces will look, we have discreet options including Invisalign treatment, Six Month Smiles and lingual braces. Discreet teeth straightening has become popular with adults looking for a straight smile, but who don’t want traditional fixed metal braces.
Most of the time, orthodontists will not straighten children’s teeth until their back bite is fully formed or until they have lost their baby teeth, which typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 13. They also need to have adequate bone strength to ensure successful and lasting teeth straightening treatment.
If you’re interested in braces or teeth straightening for children, the best thing to do is book a free consultation at one of our Total Orthodontics practices. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss all your options with one of our orthodontists.
How much does teeth straightening cost?
The cost of teeth straightening treatment will depend on your individual needs, and your dentist will help decide on the best approach for straightening your teeth. To get an accurate quote for straighter teeth with Total Orthodontics, you’ll need to attend a teeth straightening consultation with an orthodontist. They’ll assess your mouth and recommend a suitable treatment for you.
Looking for NHS braces? Total Orthodontics provides NHS teeth straightening for qualifiable under 18s who have been referred by their dentist.
How long do braces take to straighten teeth?
Depending on how severe your misalignment is and the type of brace you choose, teeth straightening treatment times can vary quite significantly. Most teeth straightening treatments take between 12-18 months to achieve the desired results, but minor misalignments and some cosmetic treatments can be rectified within a year.
Your orthodontist will know how to straighten teeth to achieve the result you want, and will be able to give you an accurate timeline during your consultation.
Reasons why you may be refused teeth straightening treatment
Most people are suitable for teeth straightening treatment, but the type of treatment you can have will depend on your individual needs. You’ll need to attend a consultation with an orthodontist before you start straightening your teeth so they can make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for braces.
Occasionally, there are other problems that may need correcting before you can have your teeth straightened, such as bone loss.
The type of treatment you can have depends on your individual needs. For example, if you have severe orthodontic problems, you may need fixed braces rather than removable ones. Your orthodontist will explain everything when you see them for your free consultation.
Do I need my teeth straightened?
There are many reasons why you might benefit from straightened teeth, and our orthodontists help people just like you achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. You may need teeth straightening treatment if one or more of the following is true:
I’m self-conscious about my smile: Misalignments, malocclusions, wonky teeth - no matter what you call them, having a straighter smile can boost your confidence and improve your overall wellbeing. If you are worried about the way traditional metal braces might impact your smile, ask your orthodontist about the range of discreet and near-invisible options suitable for your needs.
I have difficulty chewing: Misaligned bites - often referred to as underbites, overbites or crossbites, depending on their position - are relatively common, and can often cause difficulties with eating or closing your mouth comfortably. Orthodontic treatments and teeth straightening can help rectify these issues permanently.
I find it hard to clean my teeth: Crooked teeth can be challenging to clean, as sometimes the teeth overlap one another and create surfaces that are difficult to reach. Straighter teeth are much easier to brush and floss so orthodontic treatment can improve your daily oral health.
I struggle with jaw pain: People with crooked teeth sometimes need to alter their jaws when eating or speaking, correcting their movement to make these actions more comfortable. Sometimes these alterations – along with the additional pressure crowded teeth can apply to the jaw, gums, and supporting bones – can cause issues including headaches, neck pain and ear issues.
Teeth straightening treatment can help correct problems with jaw alignment, which allows the muscles to relax and stops jaw clenching, teeth grinding and pain.
Before
After
The patient underwent teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners on the top and bottom arches. The final result was further enhanced by teeth whitening treatment for a confident and aesthetically-pleasing smile.
What is the process of teeth straightening?
You may be ready to begin teeth straightening treatment straight away, or your orthodontist may feel your oral health needs improving first and will refer you to your dentist to ensure the best results. Either way, your teeth straightening journey will begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your smile and design a treatment plan to suit your individual needs. Find out more about what happens at your first appointment.
Do braces hurt?
Simply put, you can’t straighten your teeth without some level of discomfort. Teeth straightening gradually moves your teeth into a straighter position, which makes them temporarily more sensitive. As you wear your braces or aligners more, you’ll get used to them and they’ll feel more comfortable.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will help to ease any initial discomfort. You can also attach orthodontic wax to any areas of your brace that start to rub, which you can get from your orthodontist.
Can I straighten my teeth without braces?
There are no safe or reliable methods to permanently straighten your teeth without the care of a qualified orthodontist. All of our orthodontists have undergone specialist training, meaning they know which teeth straightening technique is best for your smile.
Removable aligners, such as Invisalign treatment, allow you to straighten your teeth without the need for fixed braces. Your orthodontist will tell you if your teeth and jaw are suitable for clear aligners for teeth straightening without fixed braces.
Can I straighten my teeth at home?
The past few years have seen a considerable rise in ‘at-home teeth straightening’ kits or DIY teeth straightening products.
For teeth straightening to be safe and effective, and to include the regular adjustments, professional attention and aftercare required for success, it must be carried out with appointments with a qualified orthodontist.
Book your free teeth straightening consultation*
If you’re interested in teeth straightening, why not speak to us about your options? Fill in the form below to book your free consultation* and we’ll be in touch.
Why choose Total Orthodontics?
We have practices all over the UK creating happier, healthier smiles.
We have over 30 practices across the UK providing orthodontic care
A wide range of treatments available, from discreet Invisalign aligners, to fixed braces and cosmetic teeth straightening
We have over 20 years’ experience straightening smiles, meaning we’re really good at it
We offer free, no-obligation consultations* for teeth straightening, so you can talk through your options before committing to any treatment
Our specialist orthodontists first trained as dentists and then completed a further three years of training before earning the title of specialist
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
