Category: Orthodontics
When Should My Child Get Braces?
We have had a lot of enquiries recently from local parents in and around St Johns Wood asking about when and how to check whether their children are ready for braces.
Many parents realise their children have crooked or gappy teeth which will need braces at some point, but just not sure when the best time is to start the process.
Usually kids or young teens have braces once all their adult teeth have come out. The dentist can then correct any misalignment/crowding, gaps or bite issues with teeth that the child will have for life. Advances in technology mean there are more options for orthodontic treatment beyond just the ‘train tracks’ (fixed braces) we used to all know and hate. These days, brackets on teeth can be discreet or even more flamboyant with coloured bands. There are also removable aligners which are very convenient for eating and cleaning your teeth, but require discipline to ensure they are being worn for enough time every day so as to not prolong the overall treatment.
Early orthodontic treatment has the aim of preventing issues with the teeth or mouth from developing as the child grows up. These can include misaligned bite and crowded/crooked baby or adult teeth. In some cases early intervention can help avoid or minimise more complex treatment later on.
So what are some of the signs to look out for that will tell you if your child’s teeth or bite are not quite right?
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Difficulties chewing or biting into food
- Often biting into their cheek or tongue
If you see any of these with your child, it would be best to take them in to see the dentist. The dentist will be able to assess your child’s teeth, bite and overall oral condition and then advise you on the best course of action.
It is always best to get kids into a regular check up and hygiene routine at an early age so the dentist can spot changes to your child’s mouth that may cause problems later down the line.
At Aura Dental, our dentists will guide you and your child through the entire orthodontic journey. If you are worried or unsure about your child’s teeth, book in for a check up and chat with the dentist to explore the options available.
Dr Korosh Majidi is our resident kids orthodontic dentist. Korosh has extensive experience in kids and teens orthodontic treatment and strongly believes in finding the least invasive course of action for child and young adult cases.
You can read more information about kids orthodontics at https://www.auradentallondon.co.uk/kids-orthodontics.html
DDS DipDCSc MFDS LDS (Eng 2016) MFGDP Pg(Ortho)
GDC No. 108283
Smile Story
Smile Story – Pubudu Rupasinghe
One of our own, Pubudu from our Admin team had fixed braces put on in June 2016 to straighten his teeth. After completing his treatment, he talks about the impact it has had on his life…
“I used my hand to cover my mouth every time I smiled so that no one could see them.”
Ever since I was little my teeth were really crooked. I was always ashamed to smile because I didn’t like my teeth. I used my hand to cover my mouth every time I smiled so that no one could see them. I envied people who have straight teeth and would always dream of having teeth like theirs.
I had been to many dentists in London and Milan, where I used to live and they all told me I would need expensive maxillofacial surgery, teeth removed and a very expensive course of treatment. When I started working at Aura, I spoke to David and Maggie about my options and they recommended fixed braces and something called a quad helix to help expand my jaw…no maxillofacial surgery required and no teeth removed!
I was so happy to be given an option that I could afford and would not mean breaking my jaw! I was told that having braces might be painful at times but I didn’t care because I told to myself that I was ready to do anything. I had waited so long to get my teeth fixed that if I had to bear a bit of temporary pain to relieve the emotional pain I have felt for years, I could manage with it.
“I’m not afraid anymore about the thought that other people can see my teeth and judge my smile.”
Now that I have removed my braces I’m smiling all the time, sometimes like a fool just to show my teeth! I’m not afraid anymore about the thought that other people can see my teeth and judge my smile. I also stopped using my hand to cover my mouth when I’m talking to people. I really discovered the thrill of how it feels to laugh without worrying about the fact that other people can see my smile.
I would definitely recommend braces for people looking to get their teeth straightened. Sometimes people don’t feel comfortable with what they have and fantasise about how their lives would be different if they will be able to change their smile. I had that opportunity and I will be thankful for all my life to the Aura Dental.
To find out more about straightening your teeth at Aura Dental, visit our website at www.auradentallondon.com or email Nadia to arrange to have a chat.
Braces for all faces: discreet orthodontics in North London
Braces as you might picture them – obvious metal “train-track” appliances worn by your peers at school – are not the only option by which a dentist or orthodontist can straighten your teeth. At Aura Dental in North London we embrace 21st Century orthodontics, understanding that wearing traditional metal appliances can be just as embarrassing, or more so, than having crooked teeth.
Fortunately, there are many discreet alternatives available. At our North Londondental practice we use both fixed appliances – braces – and removable appliances – aligners – to straighten the teeth of men and women young and old. The best way to find the perfect option for your needs and lifestyle is to book an appointment at Aura.
North Londonbraces and aligners
Different orthodontic appliances work best in different situations, and the ideal one for you will depend on a number of factors, including the amount and type of correction that is required. At Aura DentalNorth London we also take lifestyle factors into account, because we believe that whatever treatment you require, it should have the minimum of impact on your day-to-day life.
Your dentist will discuss the plus and minus points of all relevant treatments during your initial consultation.
Braces
We offer treatment with Cfast and Six Month Smiles cosmetic braces at our North London clinic. These devices are designed for quick correction of issues with the front six to eight teeth, and comprise clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires.
Aligners
We use Invisalign and the Inman Aligner at Aura. The Inman Aligner is designed to correct adult relapse and protrusion or crowding issues with the front teeth, acting in between six and 18 weeks, whilst Invisalign often takes longer, but can correct a larger number of issues. Aligners are both clear and removable, affording you maximum discretion during treatment.
Ways your dentist can straighten your teeth – discreetly
As a dentist, one of the most common complaints you hear from patients of all ages is that they would like straighter teeth. At Aura Dental in North London, we know that there are more than just aesthetic benefits to improving the alignment of your teeth. Straighter teeth are, generally speaking, healthier teeth, because they are easier to keep clean. With fewer gaps for food particles and plaque bacteria to build up in, your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease are reduced – so long as you pay regular visits to your dentist and hygienist, and maintain a good home cleaning routine, of course.
Discreet orthodontics – a thoroughly modern treatment
One of the main barriers faced by adults who want straighter teeth is the thought of wearing traditional metal braces. Metal train-track style wire and bracket braces are often thought to be synonymous with orthodontic treatment.
Whist it’s true that these traditional metal devices are very effective at treating a full spectrum of orthodontic problems, they are not particularly compatible with a hectic professional lifestyle. Discreet orthodontics have seen enormous advances in recent years, giving your dentist or orthodontist many subtler ways of straightening your teeth. At our North London dental practice we offer both fixed and removable devices designed to give you straighter teeth without a metallic glint in sight.
What’s best for me?
The best treatment option for you will depend on your clinical need and your personal preference. When you come for a consultation at our North London dental practice, your dentist will examine you and will explain all the options available to you, letting you know the pros, cons, and projected length of each option.
Among the discreet orthodontic devices available at our North London clinic are:
Six Month Smiles
These fast-acting cosmetic braces work quickly on the teeth that show when you smile. They comprise clear and tooth-coloured components.
Clear aligners
We offer a range of removable clear aligners to collect a wide range of problems.
How your dentist can make you smile again
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, a visit to your dentist may just change your life. Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of the profession that deals with the aesthetic appearance of your smile. At Aura Dental in North London, our skilled clinicians offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments to improve the shape, appearance and symmetry of your teeth.
What can a cosmetic dentist do?
The cosmetic dentists at our North London practice have a wealth of techniques to improve the appearance of your smile. Whether you have missing teeth, crooked or gappy teeth or would like to improve their shape, size or colour, there are many treatments available.
Here are just some of the things the team at Aura Dental can do. . .
Dental implants
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are the only permanent tooth replacement solution, acting as bionic tooth roots that hold bridges, crowns or dentures firmly in place.
Teeth whitening
Our teeth become stained by drinks such as coffee and tea, habits such as smoking and by certain medications. Teeth whitening under the care of a dentist is a safe and proven way to gently remove these stains, leaving your teeth brighter and whiter.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the front of your teeth with a strong dental adhesive. They are like false fingernails for the teeth and can disguise permanent stains or discolouration, small gaps and cracks, and slightly crooked teeth.
Discreet orthodontics
Our North London dentists offer a wide range of discreet ways to straighten your teeth. We have a series of tooth-coloured and clear braces and clear aligners to correct a wide range of alignment issues.
To find out more about what our cosmetic dentists at Aura Dental can do, book a consultation at our North London dental practice.
How discreet braces can quickly straighten your teeth
Think orthodontics and you may well think of traditional braces, with metal train-track style wires and brackets. At Aura Dental in North London we appreciate that while these traditional systems are effective at straightening teeth, they are not always compatible with a busy adult lifestyle. That’s why we are pleased to offer treatment with discreet orthodontics.
What are discreet orthodontics?
There have been huge advances in orthodontic technology in recent years, and one of the areas that has seen the most development is discreet orthodontics. This comprises braces that use tooth-coloured wires and clear brackets, along with various clear plastic aligners. The best option for you will depend on the type and amount of orthodontic correction needed, and your dentist will advise you on the most suitable treatment options.
From simple crowding to more complex issues, the friendly and experienced team of dentists at Aura Dental in North London have successfully straightened the teeth of hundreds of patients to give them the smiles they have always wanted.
Here are the options for discreet orthodontic treatment at our North London practice with braces or aligners. . .
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles discreet braces use tooth-coloured wires and clear brackets to correct a range of alignment issues with your front teeth. Six months is the average treatment period and your dentist will advise you how long your treatment should take.
Inman Aligner
The Inman Aligner is a clear, removable aligner that quickly changes the position of the front teeth. Typical treatment times range between six and 18 weeks, depending on how much correction is needed. Again, your dentist will advise you of your predicted treatment time at the outset of treatment.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners, also known as invisible/removable braces, can correct a wide range of orthodontic problems. You can take them out to eat, clean and to brush your teeth.
Invisalign May Help Prevent Periodontitis, Diabetes and Heart Disease
Research shows that malocclusions have significant links to serious conditions, such as periodontal disease, diabetes and heart disease. To establish this point further, studies even suggest that the chance of an adult with malocclusion having periodontal disease is up by 50 percent.
The question is this: how does malocclusion lead to periodontal disease?
Crowded or crooked teeth can become a serious problem due to inefficient cleaning. The areas that cannot be reached by brushing can turn into hiding areas that promote plaque build-up and gum infection. This may lead to periodontal disease, which is strongly linked to a vast number of serious diseases such as kidney and heart conditions.
The Way to the Heart and to the Kidneys
Diabetes and periodontitis have a two-way relationship, according to collaborative research conducted by specialists from related European institutions over the years. The study shows that inflamed gums can result in poor glycaemic or blood sugar control, with diabetes then increasing the risk of developing periodontitis.
The same study also suggests that cardiorenal syndrome, or disorders that involve the heart and kidneys, is three times more likely in diabetic patients with severe periodontitis. Although there is no concrete evidence that pins periodontitis as the major culprit in the development of heart problems, related studies are looking into gum infection as a trigger in atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease.
Orthodontics and Periodontitis
Orthodontic treatment is an indirect method of preventing these interconnected diseases. In fact, the studies suggest that diabetics should include orthodontics as part of their treatment. Fortunately, orthodontic solutions, such as Invisalign, help make the prevention more effective.
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment created to fix malocclusion, thereby resulting in straighter teeth. Beyond just fixing your smile, straighter teeth allow for more thorough cleaning and reduces the chances of developing oral bacteria. By gently moving the teeth with custom fit aligners, you can have straighter teeth and stand a better chance against diabetes and heart disease.
Learn more about the benefits of Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments we provide by scheduling a consultation with us today. Contact our specialists; we look forward to working with you.