Orthodontics

How can discreet orthodontics in Weybridge help me?

Orthodontics is a distinct branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and other irregularities in the jaw region. Orthodontists are specially trained to deal with a host of issues, including but not limited to, crowded, gapped, twisted and rotated teeth.

Orthodontics in Weybridge can also deal with bite problems such as underbites, overbites and crossbites. These issues are common in children and adults alike, but adults may struggle more with having metal braces. At Weybridge Orthodontics, we are happy to provide various brace-less options that work as effectively as regular brackets and wires.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeWhat problems can discreet orthodontics in Weybridge treat?

Discreet orthodontics can treat a wide range of dental problems and realign your teeth. Typical problems that require orthodontic intervention include:

Crowded teeth

An overcrowded mouth is a condition where there is not enough room in the jawbone for teeth to develop correctly. Ideally, overcrowded teeth should be fixed at a young age, but it’s possible to treat them later in life with the help of discreet orthodontics in Weybridge.

Overbite

An overbite is a condition where the upper jaw is protruding in relation to the lower jaw. Overbites put too much pressure on the jaw and are aesthetically displeasing. Again, they can be fixed with regular or discreet orthodontics, depending on the severity of each case.

Underbite

Someone who suffers from an underbite has a longer lower jaw and their chin can be quite prominent. Just like an overbite, an underbite can be caused by developmental problems in childhood or may simply be the result of genetics. Luckily, it can be fixed with the help of orthodontics in Weybridge.

How can discreet orthodontics help?

In order to determine whether you can have your bite problems fixed with the help of discreet orthodontics, we will have to examine your teeth and jaw thoroughly. Removable orthodontics like Invisalign can fix mild to moderate bite problems, while Incognito braces can deal with more complex bite problems.

We can help

Whatever your dental problems or your age, orthodontics in Weybridge can properly straighten your teeth and help you regain your beautiful smile. Not convinced? Get in touch today.

On-trend with invisible orthodontics in Weybridge

Popularity is important to teenagers and, if we’re honest, to adults as well. One of the bonding mechanisms of social groups is for everyone to follow certain trends as they arise. This is how people stand out and, conversely, make their unique statement about how they belong. Thirty years ago, wearing braces would not have been considered a smart move for anyone who wanted to make a positive impression. Times have changed.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeMore patients than ever are choosing to have their teeth straightened at Weybridge Orthodontics. There are many driving factors such as ease of use and shorter treatment times. One of the things that is making braces an easy choice for every age bracket, however, is the rise in popularity of invisible orthodontics in Weybridge.

What are invisible orthodontics in Weybridge?

Orthodontics is the practice of using various methods to straighten people’s teeth. This might be to adjust their bite or simply to realign their visible teeth to improve the appearance of the smile.

When people talk about invisible orthodontics, they are actually referring to the practice of using certain kinds of equipment during the process of realignment.

Equipment that is typically referred to as ‘invisible’ is designed to be harder or nearly impossible for someone to spot while you are wearing them. This might mean that the materials used to make the equipment are selected to be sympathetic to the user’s appearance. When it comes to fixed braces, this usually means tooth-coloured or white components. An exception to this is lingual braces which might be made out of traditional materials, but they are attached to the backs of the teeth, so they can’t be seen.

Removable aligners – also sometimes referred to as ‘invisible braces’ – are a different story. They are made from BPA-free thermoplastic which is very thin. This means that they cover the teeth, but they are transparent, so they do not affect the appearance at all.

If you want to join the trend for teeth straightening using invisible braces or aligners, join the revolution today at Weybridge Orthodontics. We can help you make the choice that matches the way you want to be in the world.

Taking responsibility for your home treatment

Teeth straightening can be a lengthy process, in some cases taking up 2-3 years before the realignment is completed. Often after the initial treatment, you will then also need to wear some form of retainer or support equipment to stabilise your realignment. It’s good to remember before starting treatment that the results will be worth the effort and you will go on to enjoy a much-improved smile. However, you will need to commit fully to the treatment method, following orthodontics in Weybridge instructions for home care.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeIf you have chosen orthodontics in Weybridge using Invisalign, you will need to follow an exact treatment plan and the home care maintenance information. During your consultation and fitting of these bespoke aligners, your dentist at Weybridge Orthodontics will give a clear treatment plan to follow. The aligners will need to be replaced according to your treatment plan once every 7-10 days. Invisalign also require special home care to maintain the aligners and take care of your teeth.

At home you will need to:

  1. Remove your Invisalign to eat and drink, you may drink water without removing your aligner. However, since they are made from clear plastic, eating your meals and drinking tea or coffee is likely to discolour your aligners. This reduces their effectiveness as a near invisible brace option.
  2. Always clean your teeth before putting the aligner back into your mouth. You will need to get into the routine of doing this after each meal, snack or drink. This is to stop small particles of food getting trapped into the aligner or against your teeth. This is both unhealthy for your teeth and can cause bad breath as well as being unsightly, creating again conditions for your aligner to be stained.
  3. Your aligner will need to be cleansed thoroughly at least once a week, with a recommendation of twice a week. You will need to wear your aligner for around 22 hours a day, so you will need to find time to properly soak your aligner in dental solution.

Invisalign in one example of orthodontics in Weybridge treatments. At Weybridge Orthodontics, we have a full comprehensive list of treatments available. Call us today for your consultation.

 

Reasons to choose orthodontics in Weybridge

In recent years, more and more general dentists have begun to offer their patients cosmetic braces to straighten mild to moderate misalignment issues with their teeth. It can seem very tempting to jump in and say yes to getting braces from a general dentist, but there is still good reason to get orthodontics in Weybridge from trained and experienced orthodontists.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeEducation and training

Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, our orthodontists have all been through 3 years of postgraduate training in orthodontics, following on from 8 years of study to become general dentists. Some of our orthodontists are also consultants at important dental hospitals, for which they must complete 2 years intensive hospital training. Compare these years of extra training to the few days training needed to become accredited in various cosmetic braces.

Staying abreast of developments

Every dentist has to complete about 20 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year. They do this by attending courses. Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, we have taken CPD one step further and set up a peer review and continuing education forum that we call OrthoProgress. As founder members, we can’t help but stay up to date with the latest developments in orthodontics.

Equipment

Some dentists are still not really digital, but at Weybridge Orthodontics, we have become completely digitised. This means you can expect to have your teeth scanned and see images of them on a nearby screen, rather than have impressions made from dental putty. Scanning is more accurate and detailed and the results are quicker to send to manufacturers.

Orthodontic therapists

We were one of the first practices in the country to train and set up a team of orthodontic therapists.

Referral dentistry

We are a referral dentist. This means that other dental practices that do not have their own orthodontists refer their patients to us for treatment. We even treat the children of some of our referring dentists.

When you come to us for orthodontics in Weybridge, you know you will be receiving high quality treatment, whether it is NHS or private. Why not book a consultation to get your teeth straightening underway in early 2019?

Your child and orthodontics in Weybridge

You have probably noticed how everyone under the age of about 30 has perfectly straight teeth these days. That’s because of the great strides orthodontics have made in the past 20 years. Braces have got a lot smaller and more comfortable, and there is much more choice for people who have mild to moderate misalignment issues, which is most people.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeYou may also have noticed that kids seem to be getting braces at a much younger age these days and that is also thanks to advances in braces technology on the diagnostics front. These days, at Weybridge Orthodontics, we can take a look inside your child’s jawbone at the adult teeth lining up to come through behind their baby teeth. We can use our advanced diagnostics to accurately predict how those teeth will come through and whether they will need some help to arrive well aligned.

That’s another big difference with orthodontics in Weybridge today, we can help teeth descend into the right place rather than having to wait until they have arrived and then move them around.

Also, if your child has alignment problems with their jaws, then the earlier treatment starts the easier it is. The jawbone is pretty malleable when your child is young, but after the age of 18, it sets hard and the shape of it can no longer be altered.

Timing

All this means that we can give your child an orthodontic assessment when they are as young as 5-7 years old. If we think they are going to need orthodontics in Weybridge, treatment can begin when they have a mixture of adult and baby teeth, at around the age of 9.

Having braces fitted so early means that children can get their treatment completed and out of the way before they are 12-13 years old and the agonies of adolescence begin. They can go through the awful self-consciousness of being a teenager without having to feel awful about either their wonky teeth or having to wear braces.

So, if you’d like us to see what lies in store for your child, bring them along for an orthodontic assessment soon. Certainly, if they are aged 9 or over, the sooner the better.

Why are orthodontics in Weybridge important?

Teeth straightening is not just about achieving a beautiful smile, though many people are predominantly attracted to orthodontics by this promise. Orthodontics involves the correction of structural problems that can lower the quality of your life and make basic functions like eating, chewing and speaking unbearable.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeAt Weybridge Orthodontics, we value aesthetics and functionality in orthodontics in Weybridge equally and that’s why we offer treatments that combine these characteristics. From Invisalign aligners to Incognito lingual braces, you can choose from a wide variety of orthodontic solutions that are customised to fit your individual needs.

Protect your teeth from gum disease and tooth decay

No matter how hard you try, crooked, misaligned, gapped and overcrowded teeth are really hard to brush and floss properly, even if you are using special equipment. Pieces of food can get stuck anywhere in-between your teeth or in the small crevices and crooks created by your teeth. Instead of spending time and money on the dentist every so often, investing in orthodontics in Weybridge can help you simplify your oral care routine and help you keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy without the constant intervention of a dentist.

Protect your teeth from damage

Misaligned teeth carry an increased risk of being damaged. Just a small force or pressure, can cause misaligned teeth to crack or chip, even leading to more serious injuries. Thanks to orthodontics in Weybridge, you can say goodbye to common damages caused by crooked teeth such as chips and cracks and enjoy a healthier smile.

Protect your jawbone

Last but not least, crooked teeth cause unnecessary strain on the jawbone, causing tooth movements that are not normal. Moreover, people with crooked and misaligned teeth experience chewing problems, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Orthodontics in Weybridge can solve these problems and improve the quality of your life considerably.

We are here to help you

Not convinced about the benefits of orthodontics in Weybridge? Simply give us a call and we will book a consultation appointment for you. Our helpful team is happy to assist you in answering your questions and help you understand that orthodontics can vastly improve your oral health and quality of your life.

Does your child qualify for NHS orthodontics in Weybridge?

Having well aligned teeth is important not only for appearances but also for how long people’s teeth last and for physical health. Very few people have naturally straight teeth, but not everyone can have orthodontics in Weybridge on the NHS. That said, everyone under the age of 18 can have an assessment on the NHS to see how they stand on the NHS’s index of orthodontic treatment needs.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeIn order to qualify for treatment on the NHS, the orthodontic needs must be more than just an improvement in appearance. There needs to be improvement in dental health too.

Signs that your child needs an improvement to their dental health with orthodontics in Weybridge include:

  • Significant crowding of the teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Problems with the bite that are causing trauma or functional issues.

If your child’s issues are more cosmetic than functional then it’s unlikely they will qualify for NHS treatment. And, even if they do qualify, they may not be able to start treatment straight away as there are long waiting lists and only so much funding to go around.

However, all children who need it can have private orthodontics in Weybridge. Private treatment can usually start straightaway, saving valuable time, especially if there are issues with the jaw that need resolving. After the age of 18, although the teeth can still be moved, the jawbone has set hard and can no longer be changed in shape.

It is important to ask how long the waiting list is and then weigh up whether it is worth the wait, or whether treatment needs to start straight away and therefore should be private. Our orthodontists can advise you on this.

When can child start having treatment?

These days, it is recommended that children start having treatment earlier than in the past, guiding teeth into position rather than waiting until they are all in place and then repositioning them. With advanced imaging technology, we can look inside the jawbone and make accurate diagnoses as to how the teeth will erupt and draw up an early treatment plan. Children can have their teeth straightened by the time they are about to face adolescence.

Treatment with orthodontics in Weybridge: what to expect

When you come to Weybridge Orthodontics for orthodontics in Weybridge, you are making a wise choice. We are the only practice dedicated to straightening teeth in Surrey that has 6 surgeries. We have a team of 5 orthodontists on hand to help you on the way to straighter teeth. They are backed up by 2 orthodontic therapists and a dental nurse, a head nurse and 2 dental hygienists. Between them, they have treated more than 21,000 people in Surrey.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeYour first appointment

During your first appointment for orthodontics in Weybridge, you can expect to start off by meeting our receptionists, who will be able to give you any guidance required in filling in the various forms we need in order to be able to attend to any medical or other needs you have.

Once your forms are completed, you can move onto your clinical assessment. This is carried out by one of our orthodontists, or orthodontic therapists. They will carry out a detailed examination of your face, jaws and teeth. We will also take x-rays, impressions and photographs of your teeth. We keep these for our records, but they also help in determining whether you have any underlying problems, such as with your bite, and to create the right treatment plan for you.

You will be encouraged to ask as many questions as you like throughout your visit.

Our orthodontists may need more time to look at your x-rays and photos before deciding on the most suitable treatment for you. If this is the case, we will ask you to come back for another appointment to discuss treatment.

The braces systems

One of our treatment co-ordinators will show you the differences between the various braces systems we have on offer. They will also be able to tell you all about the different payment plans we have. You can find out if you qualify for NHS funding, and, if you do, how this treatment differs from private treatment.

You don’t have to make your mind up about anything straight away. Go home and have a good think about it all before deciding how you wish to proceed.

Upgrade your smile with adult orthodontics in Weybridge

Ever wondered what is the difference between orthodontics for children and orthodontics for adults? As their names already suggest, the former is designed for children, whereas the latter is intended for adults. However, metal braces – which are very popular among children – can also be used by adults. Unfortunately, they are not discreet.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeAt Weybridge Orthodontics, we want to encourage adults to have their teeth straightened and for this reason, we offer adult orthodontics in Weybridge. Incognito and Invisalign are two innovative and popular teeth straightening methods that have been developed to tackle alignment issues prevalent among adults.

Is Invisalign truly invisible?

Invisalign was developed in the 1990s and has become very popular in recent years. A clever type of orthodontics in Weybridge, Invisalign uses invisible aligners that push rather than pull teeth into their correct alignment. Invisalign aligners are made of a very durable plastic material which can sustain all the forces required to help the teeth move. And if you are considering this orthodontic option for your teeth, you will be delighted to find out that Invisalign aligners can be removed whether you wish to eat or brush your teeth. Invisalign has introduced a laid-back attitude to teeth straightening. However, this treatment required a high degree of responsibility and for this reason, it is not an ideal option for children – Invisalign aligners should remain in the patient’s mouth for 20-22 hours per day in order to work as they should.

Subtle teeth straightening with Incognito

Incognito refers to a specific type of lingual braces, which have been trademarked. Just like other types of lingual braces, Incognito orthodontics in Weybridge are attached to the back of the teeth, one by one. Unlike metal braces, Incognito braces are customised to provide more effective treatment. They can treat a wide range of dental problems – from moderately misaligned teeth and bite problems to heavily twisted and rotated teeth. Incognito braces are permanently attached to the teeth and are connected by an archwire, which is equally invisible, helping the teeth move gradually into their correct position over a specific amount of time (12-24 months).

Does your child need orthodontics in Weybridge?

What do you want for your children’s teeth? Let’s take a guess. Let’s assume that you want them to be strong and healthy, free from decay and gum disease and last for as long as possible once they reach adulthood. Let’s assume that, given one wish for your children and their teeth, it would be that they never lose any of them. Seems like a tall order, perhaps, but there are some things that you can do to make this wish come true and one of those is invest in orthodontics in Weybridge.

Orthodontics in WeybridgeTreatment with orthodontics in Weybridge happens earlier

Here at Weybridge Orthodontics, we like to see children for an orthodontics evaluation when they are about 7 years old. By this time, their adult teeth are just starting to come through and during an evaluation, we will be able to predict how well the rest of them will align. If we think there is going to be a problem, then we can do something about it while the teeth are coming through. This is earlier than in the past, when children would come for orthodontics in Weybridge once most of their adult teeth were in place.

Treating children earlier, say from the age of 9, means that we can guide the teeth into the correct positions rather than moving them once they have already arrived and settled into their homes.

The other big bonus about your children having orthodontics in Weybridge earlier in life is that the treatment can be done and dusted by the time they hit puberty and appalling self-consciousness sets in. With their teeth already straightened, you can spare them months of anxiety about being stared at, every adolescent’s nightmare.

Discreet braces

Also, depending on the severity of your children’s alignment issues, we may be able to treat them with smaller, more discreet braces that take over their mouths like an invading army.

Discreet braces include those by Six Month Smiles, which treat mild to moderate misalignments on the front 6-8 teeth. So if you have left it a bit late, your teenager can still get their teeth straightened without dying of embarrassment every day for months on end.