Consultant Specialist Orthodontist with over 25 years' experience
There are different types of dental braces Marylebone to meet your individual dental requirements and your personal preferences. If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth then you need to speak to our orthodontist Mary Lo and find out about the different options that are available for you. Braces Marylebone can be fixed or removable and they can be metal, clear or coloured to match your teeth. Our orthodontist will carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums which will help us provide you with options that are most suited to your unique dental needs.
Traditional braces are fixed metal braces that are most commonly seen in teenagers. These can be used in patients of all ages and are perfect for those with complex orthodontic issues. Straightening your teeth with traditional braces Marylebone takes between one and three years depending on how severe your orthodontic issues are. They can be used to correct most types of orthodontic issues. They can be used to correct the alignment of crooked or overlapping teeth, as well as for addressing overcrowding or issues with spacing. Fixed braces can also be used to correct an abnormal bite, this includes an overbite, underbite or open bite. In some severe cases you may need a combined treatment plan which includes a tooth extraction or other dental surgery, but in most cases fixed braces are effective at correcting complex misalignment issues of the teeth.
How do braces work?
Braces work by applying constant pressure to your teeth either pulling them apart or pushing them together. Each of these teeth are supported by periodontal ligament or PDL. The PDL consists of mechanoreceptors that act as shock absorbers and recognise if too much force is applied to your teeth. For example if you bite down too hard on an object then you will recognise the pain and stop doing so. The way that braces work is that when they apply constant pressure to the teeth, the mechanoreceptors in the PDL recognise this pressure and signal osteoclasts to break down bone cells in front of the teeth. They then move according to the direction of the force and osteoblasts form new bone cells behind the teeth so that they remain supported. This shifts the position of your teeth and also changes the shape of your jaw, creating a neatly aligned smile. This is known as bone remodelling. This is a natural bodily process and is happening across the body at all times.
We will carry out regular check-ups to make sure the process is coming along successfully. Altogether it should take between 12 to 36 months to straighten your teeth depending on your individual dental needs. Once the process has been completed it is important that you speak to our orthodontist and find out about retention. Your braces will be removed and you will be provided with a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position. Your teeth and ligaments have a memory, therefore it is very important that you wear a retainer as instructed so that your teeth do not relapse. Speak to our specialist orthodontist in London today and find out more about braces and straightening your teeth.
