Is it normal to need braces?

Growing up, trips to the dentist are an unavoidable must, especially when we are young and our teeth and gums are still developing. It is quite common for a large percentage of people in England to need braces at some stage of their life.

braces-in-stevenageOnce the baby teeth have grown out, the second, permanent teeth come through, and it is these that sometimes grow at different rates or angles for various reasons. Braces are used to keep the growing teeth aligned and help them to develop in the areas of the mouth that they should be. The braces will be left on for a number of months, sometimes years, depending on the individual patient’s needs.

Nowadays it is more common to see grown adults with braces too; for us at Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage, braces can offer an opportunity to children and adults to help them get the smile they always wanted. Braces are a normal part of growing up for many young people, and the benefits far outweigh any negatives. There are different types of braces to choose from too, so if you are worried about colour or how they will look, there’s no need. Currently you can choose from the following types of braces:

–      Clear braces

–      Lingual Braces

–      Gold Plated Braces

–      Stainless Steel Braces

–      Titanium Braces

If you are considering braces, Stevenage is home to Smilecraft Dental Care, where a qualified dentist can fit the braces for you and advise you on how to best look after them whilst they are on.

It is beneficial to get braces when you are younger, as not only will it be covered by the NHS if you are under the age of eighteen, but you will likely need them on for less time if you are younger and the teeth are easier to manipulate.

So, for braces in Stevenage, contact Smilecraft Dental Care, and if you are worried about the thought of having braces fitted, think about the benefits to your mouth, speech, and overall smile if you have them, rather than the short-term problems or embarrassment they could cause.

What is orthodontics?

What exactly is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the general term used when talking about treatment of the teeth in order to improve their appearance and/or quality. Looking for orthodontics in Stevenage? Look no further than Smilecraft Dental. We provide some of the most popular orthodontics in Stevenage, including braces, brackets, and wires.

orthodonticsThe best age to begin orthodontics on a patient is between the ages of ten and fourteen, when the mouth and teeth are still growing and can be manipulated easier. Orthodontic treatment can be ongoing for many years, but this is of course dependant on the individual patient. Orthodontics can help with a multitude of problems including incorrect bite, wonky teeth, and poor speech due to teeth and jaw problems.

The procedures required will differ from patient to patient, and generally several visits to your dentist will be needed in order to fully assess the issues and potential orthodontic solutions. We can offer you a wealth of advice when it comes to looking after your orthodontics, such as not chewing on hard things such as pens or straws. We also advise using good oral health products at least twice daily to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.

Many patients find that braces and the like can be embarrassing at times, or painful to start with, but here at Smilecraft Dental we know that it is worth it in the long term. Seeing patients at the end of their treatment is a fantastic feeling, especially when they are so happy with the orthodontics. Stevenage residents have a range of services available with us at our practice, so ensure you choose the right one for you by doing your research and discussing your dental worries with us.

There are many tools you can purchase to help with your orthodontics if you are worried about maintenance, such as floss, picks, and mouthwashes; any good Stevenage dental centre will be able to advise you further if you require it. We recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year to keep up with your general oral health, but more visits may be required if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that looks after the alignment of your teeth, correcting all forms of issues, such as protruding individual or whole sets of teeth, closing large gaps between teeth and correcting over-bites, under-bites and cross-bites. At Smilecraft in Stevenage, orthodontics is an area that we feel particularly confident within; in fact, we believe we are at the top of our game.

orthodontics-in-stevenageTraditional braces

Traditional braces, the type most of us are familiar with, are still very much in regular use. In fact, they are often the best possible option for complex cases as they provide the most substantial results. These braces suit children well, and can be customised to match their favourite colours to make them more appealing for those at school.

Lingual braces

Lingual, also known as hidden braces, are a relatively new option that takes advantage of the latest advances in dental technology. These braces are fixed, like traditional braces, but sit behind the teeth instead of on the front. This means that they can have similar effects to traditional braces, without being anywhere near as visible.

Invisible braces

One step further in the lack of visibility stakes is the invisible, or clear brace, featuring popular brands such as Invisalign. These braces are made of completely clear thermoplastic resin. Clear braces are fitted very closely to your teeth, and replaced regularly, usually around 20 times, with slight differences in shape in order to create the movement needed from your teeth and gently push them towards where you would like them to be.

It is difficult making a decision when choosing a practitioner within the field of orthodontics in Stevenage, but at Smilecraft we believe that we would be an excellent choice. Our highly trained, constantly challenged staff team, state-of-the-art dental practice, modern techniques, and exceptionally friendly practice staff makes us one of the wisest choices you could make. Come and see us and allow us to show you the quality of our service. We always put our patients first when it comes to our services in orthodontics in Stevenage.

Using Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces for straightening adults’ teeth

Six Month Smiles braces are designed to quickly and subtly correct mild to moderate alignment issues with the front teeth. They are a popular choice at Stevenage dental practice Smilecraft, being made from clear and tooth-coloured components and having, as the name suggests, an average treatment time of just half a year.

six-month-smiles-stevenageMany people come to our Stevenage dental clinic wrongly believing that their time for orthodontics has passed them by. Whether they missed out on having treatment in their younger days, perhaps not qualifying under strict NHS criteria, or they had treatment but failed at the retention stage, they think they are lumbered with crooked, crowded, or misaligned front teeth for life.

Furthermore, even those who have heard about adult orthodontic treatment think that it must involve wearing metal braces. Whilst some celebrities can get away with a metal brace as a kind of fashion statement, for your average professional man or woman the thought can be very off-putting.

That’s where Six Month Smiles come in. These cosmetic braces blend in so well with the natural colour of your teeth that the vast majority of people you meet in day-to-day life won’t notice them. Whilst they are not designed to correct major issues with your bite – that’s how your jaws meet together – for primarily cosmetic concerns including gappy, crooked, or crowded teeth – they are an excellent choice.

As with any type of braces, Six Month Smiles require scrupulous dental hygiene. After your braces are fitted you should book an appointment with the hygienist at our Stevenage practice in order to learn how to clean around them properly. You should also brush your teeth after every meal whilst undergoing any type of orthodontic treatment.

When your braces treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer. Your dentist will discuss the various retention options we have on offer at Smilecraft in Stevenage, because if one thing’s for sure it’s that you’ll want to keep your beautiful new smile and show it off to everyone.

By choosing these cosmetic braces from our Stevenage dental practice, the smile of your dreams could be just a few months away.

The benefits of cosmetic braces as an adult

Whatever type is used, braces always bring health as well as aesthetic benefits. At Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage, we offer discreet orthodontic treatment to adults, using the popular Six Month Smiles system of cosmetic braces.

cosmetic-braces-stevenageWhen people think of orthodontic treatment, they usually picture metal train-track braces that remain popular with teenagers. Modern appliances offer customisation options, and many teens enjoy decorating their braces with elastics in the colours of their favourite football or rugby team. But it’s not hard to see why these obvious appliances are considered incompatible with a professional adult lifestyle, and can be a significant barrier to treatment.

Six Month Smiles are different. They are made of clear ceramic braces and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires, meaning that they blend in well with the natural colour of your teeth so that they are not instantly noticeable in everyday life.

At our Stevenage dental practice we believe in breaking down barriers to treatment so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth, which is why we use these discreet braces.

Six Month Smiles aren’t meant for major correction of issues affection your bite (the way that your jaws meet each other) but for rapid correction of mild to moderate alignment issues affecting the front teeth, these braces are the perfect choice.

Here at Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage we find that it is these teeth – the ones on display when you smile – that the majority of adults are concerned about.

Stevenage discreet braces

Your journey towards straighter teeth begins with a consultation with a Six Month Smiles certified dentist at our Stevenage clinic. They will take photographs and impressions of your teeth so that your braces can be custom-made.

It’s worth noting that six months is actually the average treatment time, with some mild cases at our Stevenage dental practice being complete in half that time. They also use lower forces than standard appliances, thus are more comfortable.

Straightening your teeth helps to improve your dental hygiene, which will help to minimise your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as long as you have an effective home brushing and flossing routine and visit your dentist and hygienist regularly.

Exploring the world of Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces: your questions answered

Cosmetic braces such as Six Month Smiles are rapidly growing in popularity with adult patients who are looking for a subtler road to straighter teeth. We have carried out many successful treatments with Six Month Smiles at Smilecraft in Stevenage, and welcome new patients for consultations.

six-month-smilesWe appreciate that it can be a big decision to straighten your teeth later in life, but at our Stevenage dental practice we believe it is also one of the best that you can make. We’ve gathered some common questions about Six Month Smiles braces here. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please get in touch with Smilecraft in Stevenage – we will be more than happy to help you.

How do Six Month Smiles differ from regular braces?

The biggest difference between Six Month Smiles braces and traditional orthodontic appliances is that, unlike wearing a metal brace, this treatment will not be obvious. The brackets of Six Month Smiles are made from clear ceramic and the wires from tooth-coloured nickel-titanium. This means that they will blend in well with the natural colour of your teeth.

How is it possible to straighten my teeth in just six months?

Another big difference between Six Month Smiles and standard braces is that these appliance focus on the front six teeth in either the upper or lower jaw (or both). These are the teeth that show when you smile, often called the “social six” teeth, and it is these teeth most patients who come to our Stevenage dental practice are most concerned about.

It’s worth bearing in mind that six months is the average treatment time – some mild cases at our Stevenage dental practice complete in just half that time.

Will I need a retainer after treatment?

Yes. A retainer is always needed after orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth in their new position. Your Stevenage dentist will talk you through discreet retention options.

Is it hard to clean my teeth with braces?

Many people think maintaining dental hygiene whilst wearing a brace. In reality, it’s not that hard. Your Stevenage hygienist will teach you how to clean around your braces.

Cosmetic braces: the secret way to straighten your smile

In the modern world, braces don’t have to be made from metal. Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage offers a subtler tooth straightening option, using Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces to improve the position of your teeth in just a few short months.

cosmetic-braces-stevenageSix Month Smiles are primarily focussed on improving the appearance of the “social six” front teeth – in other words, the teeth that show when you flash your smile. It is these teeth that the majority of adults who come to our Stevenage dental practice are most interested in improving the alignment of.

Unlike metal braces, which are very obvious, Six Month Smiles braces are designed to blend in with the natural colour of your teeth. They are made from clear ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires, offering maximum discretion and being practically unnoticeable during day to day life.

Six Month Smiles braces are suitable for mild to moderate correction of issues such as crooked or crowded front teeth. Because they use lower forces than standard orthodontic appliances, they are also more comfortable than many traditional brace systems.

As the name suggests, the average treatment time with these braces is just six months. Indeed, some mild cases at our Stevenage dental practice complete even more quickly – sometimes in as little as three or four months. Almost all cases complete within nine months.

You will need to come into Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage for regular check-ups during treatment with Six Month Smiles, to make sure it is progressing as planned. It is also a good idea to book an appointment with our Stevenage hygienist, who will teach you how to clean around your braces effectively, including using special tools such as floss threaders to clean underneath brace wires.

At the end of treatment, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new and improved position. Your Stevenage dentist will talk you through the discreet retainer options available from Smilecraft.

As well as improving your smile, straightening your teeth will make it easier to keep them clean. This can be a significant boost to your oral and general health.

Cosmetic braces: making your smile dreams come true

Cosmetic braces provide a dentist with a fast, subtle, and effective method of straightening adult teeth. At Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage we have used the popular Six Month Smiles system of cosmetic braces to straighten the teeth of scores of happy patients. Read on to discover how you, too, could benefit from treatment.

six-month-smilesNo more metal braces

In the 21st Century, metal braces are not the only option for straightening teeth. Whilst they remain popular with children and teenagers, who enjoy the customisation options available with modern metal fixed appliances that enable them to use their brace as a fashion statement.

However, at our Stevenage dental practice, we appreciate that a fixed metal appliance can be a barrier to orthodontic treatment for many adults, because an obvious metal braceis not particularly compatible with a busy professional lifestyle.

Stevenage cosmetic braces

Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces are not designed for major correction of issues affecting the bite – how the jaws meet each other – but for rapid correction of issues affecting the front teeth they can be the perfect solution.

It is these “social six” front teeth that the majority of adults who come to our Stevenage dental practice are concerned about – in other words, the teeth that show when you flash a smile.

Although Six Month Smiles are classed as cosmetic braces, at our Stevenage dental clinic we are always keen to point out that there are health benefits to teeth straightening, too. By improving the alignment of your teeth it makes them easier to keep clean, because there are fewer tricky areas where plaque can build up.

As long as you come in for regular appointments with the dentist and hygienist at our Stevenage clinic, Six Month Smiles can help to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease – two leading causes of tooth loss.

These braces comprise clear ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires, which means that they blend in with the natural colour of your teeth. They also employ lower forces that standard orthodontic appliances, which makes treatment a lot more comfortable. In as little as six months, you could have a beautifully-aligned smile.

Tooth-coloured braces for teeth straightening: the benefits

If the thought of metal braces is putting you off straightening your teeth, why not contact Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage for a Six Month Smiles consultation? Six Month Smiles are an increasingly popular method of straightening adults’ teeth, without a glint of metal in sight.

cosmetic-bracesHow it works

Six Month Smiles are cosmetic braces that take the traditional principles and mechanics of orthodontics and modernise them to create a tooth straightening option that is much quicker and subtler than standard metal braces.

They are a popular cosmetic dental treatment at our Stevenage clinic, favoured by adults with busy professional lifestyles who want to enjoy the benefits of teeth straightening without everyone they meet knowing they are undergoing treatment.

At our Stevenage dental practice we are swift to point out that there are more than just aesthetic benefits to be gained from treatment with Six Month Smiles, even if they are referred to as “cosmetic braces”.

When you bring your teeth into better alignment, you make them easier to clean. With fewer awkward gaps in which plaque can build up, you can cut your risk of both gum disease and tooth decay – two leading causes of tooth loss. So long as you visit your Stevenage dentist and hygienist as often as they tell you to, using cosmetic braces can bring significant benefits to your dental health.

Stevenage cosmetic braces

When you come into Smilecraft in Stevenage for a Six Month Smiles consultation, your Six Month Smiles accredited dentist will ensure that you are suitable for treatment. These braces are designed for rapid cosmetic correction of issues affecting the front teeth, and are not meant for significant problems with the bite.

Your dentist will take measurements and photographs as necessary to aid in the design of your braces. As the name indicates, treatment is usually complete within six months. In addition, because Six Month Smiles are made from clear and tooth-coloured components, they will blend in with the natural colour of your teeth, so few people will immediately notice them in everyday life.

You will need to attend monthly check-ups at Smilecraft in Stevenage during treatment to monitor your progress.

How cosmetic braces bring more than just aesthetic benefits

Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces are a fast and discreet method of straightening the front teeth. At Smilecraft Dental Care in Stevenage we have helped many patients to improve the alignment of their smile using these discreet braces. We welcome new patients for Six Month Smiles consultations.

cosmetic-bracesSecret benefits of cosmetic braces

Although they are considered cosmetic braces, at our Stevenage dental practice we are always keen to point out the additional health benefits to straightening your teeth as an adult. When teeth are better aligned, they are easier to keep clean. So long as you have a good brushing and flossing routine, and visit your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis, using Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces can cut your risk of gum disease and tooth decay – both of which can lead to tooth loss.

Straightening your teeth can also boost your body image and self-confidence, which can have a positive impact on both personal and professional relationships.

Stevenage cosmetic braces

Come into Smilecraft dental practice in Stevenage for a teeth straightening consultation, and our Six Month Smiles certified dentist will assess your suitability for treatment with these cosmetic braces. Six Month Smiles are not meant for correction of major issues with the bite, but are designed to improve mild to moderate issues with the front teeth.

Often referred to as the “social six” teeth – because they are the teeth that show when you smile – it is these teeth the majority of adults who are interested in orthodontic treatment at our Stevenage dental practice are bothered about.

As the name suggests, Six Month Smiles work in an average of half a year. Some cases of mild correction at our Stevenage dental clinic take just half that time to complete.

Unlike metal braces, Six Month Smiles will not be obvious in day-to-day life. They comprise clear ceramic braces and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires, which means that they blend in well with the natural colour of your teeth.

If you are interested in treatment with Six Month Smiles, why not join us for a consultation at our Stevenage dental clinic?

Using cosmetic braces to straighten your teeth

Cosmetic braces are a great solution for adults who need mild orthodontic correction of issues affecting their front teeth. At Smilecraft dental practice in Stevenage we use the popular Six Month Smiles system of cosmetic braces which – as the name suggests – take on average just half a year for treatment to be complete.

straighten-teethAn increasing number of adults are taking an interest in orthodontic treatment, and there are now a number of systems of cosmetic braces on the market. Six Month Smiles is one of the best-known, and is renowned for its fast action, gentle treatment, and outstanding results.

The barrier many adults face when it comes to straightening their teeth is that they still picture the metal braces worn by their friends at school, which are not particularly compatible with a professional adult lifestyle.

Cosmetic braces are different. The Six Month Smiles system we use at our Stevenage dental practice are made of clear ceramic brackets and tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires. This means that they blend in well with the natural colour of your teeth, and won’t be immediately obvious as you go about your daily life.

Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces are also gentler on your teeth than standard fixed appliances, because they use lower forces. Add to that the contracted treatment time – six months being the average, with some minor cases at our Stevenage dental practice complete in half that time, and the vast majority complete within a nine-month timeframe – and you can see why they are proving so popular.

Stevenage cosmetic braces

The Six Month Smiles system of cosmetic braces is designed for mild to moderate correction of issues affecting the social six teeth – those that show when you smile. At our Stevenage dental practice we have found that it is these teeth that most adult patients are concerned about.

It’s the fact that they focus primarily on the front teeth is the reason Six Month Smiles work so quickly. You will need to attend monthly check-ups at our Stevenage dental practice for the duration of treatment to ensure that everything is progressing as planned, and to make any necessary adjustments.