Author: Aura Dental
A guide to adult braces in St John’s Wood
Unlike popular belief, braces aren’t just for children and teenagers. Teeth can be shifted at any age; it’s the jawbone that sets hard around the age of 18. In fact teeth straightening treatment later in life can significantly improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important and teeth straightening can help with that too. Misaligned teeth can make toothbrushing more challenging, leaving teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay and uneven wear, as well as contributing to jaw problems.
At Aura Dental, although we appreciate the importance of traditional fixed metal braces for effective teeth straightening, we understand that they are not the best option for everyone and so provide alternatives. Adult patients are more self-conscious of their image and they tend to find metal braces unattractive and a hassle to deal with day to day. Luckily, modern dentistry has come a long way in recent years and we now offer many other types of braces in St John’s Wood.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are transparent and custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth and gums. Since they are easily removable, Invisalign aligners make it easy to brush and floss the teeth. However, you must wear them for at least 22 hours per day for effective treatment. Invisalign is a great option for those who want to shape up their smile on the sly and avoid conspicuous traditional braces.
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles are adult braces, which straighten the front teeth on average within just 6 months using clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires. Unlike traditional metal braces, Six Month Smiles braces are discreet and blend into the background of the teeth. They are ideal for people who wish to straighten their front teeth for a more appealing smile.
Inman aligner
We also provide treatment with the Inman aligner, a removable appliance that gradually guides your front teeth into straighter positions within a matter of a few weeks, ranging from 6 to 18 weeks. The Inman aligner uses 2 spring-loaded bows to push the teeth into alignment.
Healthy teeth can be straightened at any age, so if you are interested in adult braces in St John’s Wood, contact us today.
Why choose Invisalign in St John’s Wood?
In St John’s Wood, Invisalign clear braces are a popular choice for our patients at Aura Dental. There are several reasons for this. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Transparent
The number one reason patients love Invisalign in St John’s Wood is because it means you can get straighter teeth without the stigma of conspicuous braces. Wearing metal ‘train tracks’ on your teeth for up to 2 years is quite a price to pay for lining up your smile. And while for some, braces are medically necessary, if they aren’t and you’re looking only for a cosmetic enhancement, there’s even less reason to put up with visible braces.
Invisalign changed all that because once the clear aligners are in place over the teeth, they can’t be seen. Someone very close up may be able to spot them, but for the purposes of normal daily interactions, they are invisible. This is a great benefit for self-conscious teens and adults with high profile jobs.
Removable
The aligners are taken out for eating and cleaning, meaning they are easy to maintain. Food doesn’t get caught in the braces and there’s no lengthy cleaning routine to follow. Some mindfulness is required however, because Invisalign in St John’s Wood need to be taken out for eating or drinking anything other rather plain water, and then you have to remember to clean your teeth and replace them. However, if you have the discipline to stick with this, then Invisalign in St John’s Wood could be for you. Patients also find that bringing this extra awareness to their eating routine cuts out mindless snacking.
Custom-made
Not all braces are made to measure. Many are off-the-shelf appliances that are fitted by your dentist. Invisalign, however, are created using digital software that plots the course the teeth need to travel with pin-point accuracy. The measurements are then given to the Invisalign technicians who make each pair of aligners to fit each patient’s unique needs.
Digitally enhanced
As mentioned above, Invisalign braces use 3D software to create the aligners. The measurements are taken using a handheld digital scanner, getting rid of the need for messy putty impressions.
Get ready to chew again
Dental implants offer a diverse range of options for those who need to replace missing teeth. Had one tooth knocked out in a rugby scrum? Check. Fell face first into a curb and lost a few teeth in a row? Yes, can do. Tooth decay got the better of you and you need a whole new arch? Got it covered.
And as well as these treatments, implants can also replace a whole set of missing teeth in St John’s Wood. Dental implants at Aura Dental can stabilise a new or existing set of dentures, offering you back the full chewing power of natural teeth.
The reason the implants become so secure is because they are made of titanium. This miraculous metal is biocompatible, which means that the body views it as natural tissue. It grows blood vessels and bone around the implant, making it a functioning part of the body.
How does it work?
We offer a service called Teeth in a Day. This replaces a whole arch or set of teeth in a single visit. First, any remaining teeth will be removed. Then, 4-6 implants will be placed in each arch.
If you need your jawbone shoring up to secure the dental implants in St John’s Wood, our implant surgeon may also carry out bone augmentation work at this point.
Then a temporary bridge is fitted to the implants. This is because the implants need 3-6 months to heal and fully integrate with the jawbone. During this healing period you need to be careful with your temporary teeth and not place them under too much strain, especially in the first few weeks following surgery.
What are the benefits?
Because implants replace the root as well as the crown of the tooth, they provide as much chewing power as natural teeth.
Once your dental implants in St John’s Wood are fully secure, your permanent dentures can be fitted. You can then once again enjoy any food you like, without fear of your teeth getting stuck or falling out. This puts crispy apples, chewy steaks and crunchy nuts back on the menu. Good for your nutritional health as well as your taste buds.
Brace yourself for fast and discreet teeth straightening
At Aura Dental, we help our patients achieve straighter smiles with 3 types of braces in St John’s Wood: Invisalign, Six Month Smiles and the Inman Aligner.
Invisalign braces in St John’s Wood
Adults love these braces because they allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. Invisalign clear aligners are like thin, transparent gum shields, and once in place over the teeth, can’t be seen.
As well as being discreet, the aligners are also removable. This means that they are easy to take care of. They are removed for eating and drinking anything but plain water and are cleaned and replaced after each meal. There’s no chance of any food getting caught in the aligners, and, there’s an added benefit that patients who wear Invisalign tend to cut out mindless snacking too.
The aligners are custom-made by technicians in the US, using a digital treatment plan that our Invisalign dentist creates. Each pair of aligners is worn for 7-10 days until the course is complete, which takes around 12-18 months.
Six Month Smiles braces in St John’s Wood
These are loved for a different reason: they act fast. Because Six Month Smiles only work on the front teeth that show the most when we smile, they can do their job quickly, in 6 months on average.
These braces in St John’s Wood use the same technology as traditional metal braces, but use tooth-coloured and ceramic materials, so blend into the teeth, rather than stand out from them.
Inman Aligner
These braces work even quicker and are effective in 6-18 weeks. The braces are removable, so are taken out for eating and cleaning. And although there is a single metal wire across the front of the teeth, with such quick work, it’s not going to disrupt your life too much.
Retainers
All treatment with braces in St John’s Wood is followed up by the fitting of a retainer. This can either be fixed or removable, depending on your individual circumstances and preferences.
Find out more
Call into our surgery today and chat with our teeth straightening dentist. Find out which braces in St John’s Wood are the right fit for you.
Teeth Whitening
Did you know that people with shiny white teeth are more likely to go on dates or even get jobs at interviews? No you didn’t, right? Neither did I. Mostly because there’s nothing like that. So if you are one of those people thinking the sun won’t need to shine because your teeth are so bright, here’s a chance to quit the daydream and learn a few facts.
Let’s start from the basics. It’s all in the name. Teeth whitening simply means making your teeth as white as they should naturally be or whiter, usually by removing long standing stains or by other means which would probably make this definition too long.
Now you may be thinking, “Shouldn’t a toothbrush do the job?” Well, correct me if I’m wrong but keeping anything white always requires special attention, whether it’s a bathtub, a shirt, your sneakers or your teeth. Of course, the only difference is people actually spend more than 5 years studying teeth, so it’s safe to assume they’re more delicate. You may want to avoid experimenting with them.
So while anyone can whiten their teeth, the process will vary based on a number of factors –from how badly discoloured the teeth are, how soon you want to see results or how long you want the results to last to simply postponing teeth whitening due to mouth related diseases or pregnancy. In effect, the whole process should be tailored to suit you personally including deciding if and when you can do it at home.
Meanwhile, the more effective whitening products contain higher quantities of the active agent (hydrogen peroxide) which can be very dangerous and are only legally allowed to be used or prescribed by dentists as the case demands. Even your insurance company is sure to have a few paragraphs waiting to deny you if you somehow get into trouble by using those products without supervision. Naturally, access to such products means that whitening done by dentists produces better results than the ones done at home.
This next part may break a few hearts but certain foods must be avoided during the period of teeth whitening. Some of them include strawberry, black tea or soda, black coffee, snacks with powdered cheese, tomato or red sauce, blueberries, chocolate, red wine,and others you can confirm from your dentist but yes, no pain no gain. You can still however have ice cream or yoghurt, rice, bread, milk, even sushi. But if you really must have a drink that causes discoloration, you must use a straw without shaking the drink around in your mouth. Although that is the whole point, isn’t it?
Professionally, there are two new major teeth whitening treatments – Zoom teeth whitening and Enlighten teeth whitening.
Zoom actually fits its description. It is much faster and you would be done in less than 2 hours. Perfect for a quick fix but it only makes your teeth about 6 shades lighter and lasts roughly about a year.
Enlighten on the other hand gives a shade B1 which is up to 15 times whiter than the current shade and can last up to 4 years, especially with good oral hygiene practices. Although, as you may have guessed, this is no quick fix. It takes about 3 weeks to complete the process.
BEFORE ENLIGHTEN
AFTER ENLIGHTEN
As with every new treatment, you would be right to guess that there are side effects. Provided it was done professionally, your teeth may just be very sensitive to hot or cold water or have a slight ache but it should all resolve on its own. If you did, however, assume you bagged a dental degree from a YouTube crash course, well, keep your friends close and your dentist closer.
How to use Invisalign in St John’s Wood
There’s no 2 ways about it, choosing Invisalign in St John’s Wood as your method of teeth straightening means you are in for a wonderful and interactive experience. If you are going to reap the maximum benefit from this method of teeth straightening, you are going to have to be a self-disciplined self-starter.
The way that Invisalign has been designed means that, for the most part, you are in charge of your straightening treatment. It’s not that we at Aura Dental are not here to back you up, of course we are and you can call us for an appointment whenever you feel you need one, but the very nature of these ultra-thin plastic aligners means that you are the one making many of the important decisions along the way to getting that lovely straight set of teeth you have been hankering after.
What we do
It all starts with a free consultation. We take a look at your wonky teeth and determine whether Invisalign in St John’s Wood is the right approach for your issues. If it is, then we go ahead with a detailed measurement process, the information from which goes into creating a 3D image of your teeth on a nearby screen. We can manipulate this to show you how your teeth will move to become aligned, and then we send that information off to the Invisalign factory, where your aligners will just be a tiny percentage of the 80,000 printed that day.
When they come back, we will fit your first aligners, and give you a lesson in how to take care of them and how to change from one set to another.
After that, much of the treatment is up to you. Because the aligners are removable, you are in charge of the progression through the set, swapping the current aligners for the next in the series about every 7-10 days. You have far fewer appointments with us. Also, you need to be disciplined to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day to keep on schedule with your treatment.
If you can do all that, you are onto a sure-fire winner. As have more than 4 million Invisalign customers before you.
Clear and removable Invisalign in St John’s Wood
Getting braces as an adult is a treatment that promises thousands of moments of mild embarrassment as strangers clock the metal brackets and wires on your pearly whites, look up to gauge your age and then do mental acrobatics that you read as ‘No! You’re far too old for braces’.
Some will even go on to comment and ask you why you are wearing braces as an adult. This can get tiresome over the months you will be wearing braces, and at times you may even wish to say something rude, which may not be a good plan if you are in a public-facing job.
You can avoid these many moments of social awkwardness if you get Invisalign in St John’s Wood from us at Aura Dental.
Invisalign is a way of straightening mild to moderate misalignments that is both invisible and removable. Teeth straightening Nirvana, frankly.
Here’s how Invisalign in St John’s Wood works:
The consultation
You start with a free consultation, where we determine whether or not Invisalign is the best system for you. Because Invisalign is based on mouth guard-style aligners, there are some alignment issues it cannot help with, such as partially descended teeth.
If you are suitable, we take detailed measurements of your teeth and feed that information into a programme that will show you how your teeth look now and how they will move into alignment.
The treatment
You receive a series of bespoke clear, very thin plastic aligners. You start at aligner #1 and wear it for at least 22 hours a day. Over the course of the next 10 days or so, it will feel increasingly comfortable as the built-in pressure points move your teeth. Once it fits perfectly, it’s time to move onto the next aligner.
The advantages
Very thin, transparent plastic means your aligners disappear from view once in place. No funny looks, no comments, just magically straighter teeth.
You take your aligners out to eat and drink so there is much less hassle than with fixed braces.
To find out more about Invisalign in St John’s Wood, call for a free consultation.
Advantages to Invisalign aligners
If you are concerned about crooked or uneven teeth but don’t want to go through the long process of wearing braces, Invisalign in St John’s Wood could be the answer for you. At Aura Dental we can fit your with Invisalign aligners and help you get the smile you want.
Invisalign aligners are practically invisible
What puts many people off getting traditional braces is the way they look. This isn’t a problem with Invisalign in St John’s Wood. Invisalign aligners are made from thin, clear plastic and are almost invisible unless someone looks closely at your mouth. What’s more, Invisalign are removable, so if you are having your photograph taken or giving an important speech, you can simply take them out.
You can eat whatever you want with Invisalign in St John’s Wood
Invisalign are designed to be removed when eating, so there is no need to alter your diet. No danger of food getting caught in them, or having to avoid crunchy or sticky foods. It is important to keep your teeth and the aligners clean though, so ideally you should clean your teeth after eating before putting the aligners back in.
Less disruption to your life
Each set of aligners is worn for one or 2 weeks, and you will be given a number of sets at a time which you will swap over yourself at the right time. This means that you will only need to visit us every 6 to 8 weeks to check on progress and get a new batch of aligners.
Comfortable to wear
One advantage of using Invisalign in St John’s Wood is the level of comfort they offer. They are made from a specially designed SmartTrack material that is thin but sturdy, and are custom made to fit snugly around your gums. They are designed to be worn for 22 hours a day, and you will soon get used to the feel of them.
All sorts of issues can be treated with Invisalign in St John’s Wood
Whether your teeth straightening issues are mild or complex, Invisalign can work in most cases. Gaps between the teeth, overcrowded teeth, and misaligned bite can all be corrected with Invisalign in St John’s Wood.
Dental implants – frequently asked questions
If you are thinking about getting dental implants in St John’s Wood, you probably have plenty of questions. This is an advanced procedure you can’t go back from, so it is worth making sure you’ve considered everything before going ahead. At Aura Dental, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about dental implants in St John’s Wood.
How many teeth can implants replace?
Whether you are missing just one tooth or a whole set, dental implants in St John’s Wood can work for you. A single implant can replace a single tooth, or a few teeth in a row. If you have missing or failing teeth, a full arch can be replaced with a fixed bridge, supported by 4-6 implants.
Can anyone have dental implants in St John’s Wood?
If you are considering dental implants, the best thing to do is come in for a consultation. We will take x-rays to assess whether your jawbone is dense enough to support the implants. We will also look at the general health of your mouth to see if you need any treatment prior to the implant procedure. If you have had dentures for a while, your jaw may have receded, making it unable to support the implants. In this case, the dentist will talk to you about bone grafts.
Are dental implants expensive?
It’s true that dental implants aren’t cheap, but keep in mind that this is a lifetime investment. Looked after carefully, your implants should last the rest of your life. At Aura Dental, we offer a monthly finance option so you can spread the cost.
What are the advantages to dental implants?
There are many reasons to invest in dental implants in St John’s Wood. They can do wonders for your self-confidence. Many people get embarrassed about their teeth, or lack of, as they get older. Dental implants can give you a beautiful smile to be proud of. Implants also have an advantage when it comes to eating. There are lots of food that denture wearers have to avoid, but if you have implants you will find you can eat whatever you like. Come in for a consultation if you want to find out more.
Braces – your questions answered
There are many different types of braces available, and the choice can sometimes be confusing. If you’re thinking of getting braces in St John’s Wood, here at Aura Dental we can help you decide which type is best for you.
Types of braces
The type of braces best suited to you will depend on your teeth and bite, how long you are willing to wear them for, your budget and your lifestyle. Classic braces with brackets and wires are no longer the only choice. Braces in St John’s Wood have come a long way in recent years, and there are much more discreet options available now.
Six Months Smiles are braces that use brackets and wires, but they are aimed mainly at adjusting the front, most visible teeth, and results can be achieved in just 6 months. The braces are made from clear or white parts, so they are much more discreet than traditional braces.
Lingual braces are fixed to the backs of the teeth, so when viewed from the front they are practically invisible. Removable aligners are also an option.
How long do braces take to work?
The time you will need to wear braces in St John’s Wood will depend on the type of braces and the amount of adjustment required. Aligners can work on the front teeth in just 6-12 weeks, Six Months Smiles braces take around 6 months, as suggested by the name, and more complex issues with traditional braces can take up to 2 years to fully adjust.
Are braces expensive?
Again, it depends in part on the type of braces or aligners you choose. Here at Aura Dental we can offer a monthly finance option for braces in St John’s Wood, making getting braces much more affordable. If you are thinking of getting braces, talk to our staff about finance options.
Do braces hurt?
Braces work by gently forcing your teeth to slowly change position over time, so there is bound to be some discomfort, but it’s not as painful as you might think. There can be some soreness just after the braces have been fitted, and after adjustments, but a good dentist will make sure this is kept to a minimum.