Have you heard invisible braces cost more? 5 myths about Invisalign debunked
When you are looking to straighten your smile as an adult, you may think that the only course of treatment open to you is going to involve traditional metal or orthodontic braces.
And as an adult, you want to avoid that!
But orthodontic technology has come a long way over the last 20 years and today, the majority of dental surgeries are able to offer their patients either clear or invisible braces or aligners. As the names suggest, these are visually discrete and can provide you with the same movement that you would have once only been able to achieve with a metal brace.
At Aura Dental, we have not fallen behind the times and can offer our suitable patients clear braces, while also being able to offer the world-famous Invisalign in St Johns Wood. As the name suggests, this aligner is the closest aligner on the planet to being visually invisible and is custom-fitted to your mouth. Removable, comfortable and easy to clean, it is no wonder why it is so popular!
However, you may have heard some myths about Invisalign in St Johns Wood which make you question its effectiveness. Here, our team breaks down some of the most popular myths about this aligner.
Myth- It’s only suited for adults
Fact- Invisalign in St Johns Wood is used primarily on adult patients. However, this is due to adult patients being more reliable per se, and not taking the aligner out for hours on end, which can delay treatment.
We do offer this brace to teenagers and there is even a set of these aligners being trialled in children, so one day, your child may be able to wear this brace too!
Myth-It can’t treat bite issues
Fact- Invisible braces have become exceedingly powerful over the last few years and now, the majority of them can treat overbites, underbites and indeed crossbites.
However, if there is a misalignment with your jaws, you will probably need a metal brace.
Myth-It takes longer than traditional braces
Fact- Many people remember that one friend in school who wore metal braces for seemingly years on end. And it stands to reason that as invisible aligners provide less force when they are realigning teeth, that the treatment will take longer.
But, as this aligner is best at treating mild to moderate cases of misalignment, the average treatment time is between 3-6 months. So, very short!
Myth- It’s painless
Fact- We truly wish that all orthodontic treatments were comfortable but the fact is that when it comes to moving teeth, there is going to be discomfort.
When wearing an invisible brace, we recommend using over the counter pain relief, such as anti-inflammatories to keep discomfort levels low.
Myth It’s more expensive than traditional braces
Fact- It can be cheaper but this will depend on how long you need to wear it for.
Which is one reason why we advise patients to keep aligners in their mouth’s for 22 hours per day; to keep costs down!
Worried about oral cancer? 5 signs you need to see our dentist for screening
Are you finding it harder to chew and swallow food? Do you have oral ulcers that you cannot get rid of?
If so, you need to see our team.
As scary as it is to consider, the rates of oral cancer are rising in the UK and in fact globally, making it all the more important to see your dental team regularly for check-ups. If you are in a worrying place where you aren’t sure if you have oral cancer, don’t worry! With early detection and treatment, it has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers and so, you should really see a member of our team if you have concerns.
Because at Aura Dental, we know how important it is to screen for oral cancer and so, our dentist in St Johns Wood provides all of our patients with cancer screening as part of our biannual check-ups. If you have concerns about cancer between check-ups, however, please contact us right away so we can help.
But what are some of the signs of oral cancer to look out for at home? Our dentist in St Johns Wood answers that question below.
It’s hard to chew and swallow
If you are having issues biting into food, chewing it or swallowing, then you need to see our dentist in St Johns Wood for a check-up.
If you are suffering from a cold or flu, then these problems could be due to inflammation or may even signify a long-term undiagnosed allergy. However, if they persist for more than 2 weeks, come and see our team.
Weight loss
Unexpected weight loss is always worrying and should always be explored by a medical team.
As before, just because you have lost weight, it doesn’t immediately point to the big c, but may once again highlight an issue with food intolerance, allergies or even stress and mental health issues.
But if you have seen a doctor and all of these issues have been screened for, you may need to see our team for oral cancer screening.
Recurrent ulcers
From time to time, most people get oral ulcers; usually due to stress or illness.
But if you are noticing consistently occurring ulcers in your mouth, on your tongue or on your lips (they can look like a cold sore) then you need to see our team.
If one of the ulcers grows to the size of a 5 pence piece or larger, seek emergency medical assistance.
You can’t move your tongue and jaw correctly
As you may have guessed, if you struggle to stick out your tongue or are having issues with jaw movement, this could point to a hidden tumour underneath your tongue or in the jawline or joint. Of course, it could also indicate nerve issues, but nevertheless, if you notice that your tongue feels heavy, is not as mobile as it once was or is just feeling stiff, then you should contact our team for an oral cancer check.
New to invisible braces? Our Invisalign survival guide from Aura Dental
So, you’ve seen our team and have been given the green light to go ahead and have invisible aligners fitted. How exciting!
As you wait for your custom-fitted aligners to be made, you will probably be thinking that, well, there is nothing else to do but wait. However, as is the way with all orthodontic procedures, there are a few things you can do to make your transition into wearing invisible braces a bit easier for yourself.
Why? Because you are probably going to struggle a little bit with wearing your new invisible aligners and to ensure that you don’t give up on your treatment, we have written the following tips.
At Aura Dental, we know all about the struggles that our patients can have with orthodontic pieces and want to help you to achieve that gorgeous smile. While we know that invisible braces like Invisalign in St Johns Wood can be easier for many patients, we also know that they can also create a set of unique challenges that can take some getting used to.
So, here are our top survival tips for those first few weeks with Invisalign in St John’s Wood.
Invest in a small toothbrush
When you take Invisalign in St Johns Wood out to eat food, you are going to need to brush your teeth before putting the aligner back into your mouth.
And to ensure that your teeth stay as clean and healthy during your treatment, we recommend buying a travel toothbrush to carry in your pocket.
You will need dental wax!
OK, so we have already spoken briefly about how invisible braces are more comfortable than regular ones.
But, just like regular ones, we will recommend that you use dental wax to protect your tongue and inner cheeks. Those newly crafted edges of the invisible aligners can be hard, and rough, creating friction against the softer areas of your inner mouth and so, to keep you comfortable, we will provide you with some dental wax.
Pain relief
Back to comfort!
Invisible aligners are comfortable, yes, but they are still moving your teeth. And to ensure that you stick with the treatment as planned, you should invest in pain relief. We recommend anti-inflammatory pain relief, such as Ibuprofen to keep inflammation-based discomfort to a minimum.
If you feel you are experiencing excessive levels of discomfort, however, feel free to call our team for a consultation.
Use the case
A key appeal of this invisible brace is that you can take it out.
And while you are out with friends or family eating in restaurants, we recommend placing them safely within the cases that they came with. This will prevent it from becoming damaged, warped and of course, will keep it clean!
Keep an eye on the time
For invisible braces to be effective, you need to wear them for 22 hours per day.
We advise you to build up a routine of checking your watch until you become acclimated to wearing the aligner correctly.
Need to have endodontics performed? Common FAQS about root canals answered by our dentist
When you are recovering from a dental infection or abscess, you may be curious as to how your dental team will prevent it from recurring.
Historically, the easiest way to get rid of a dental infection was to simply remove the tooth via extraction but, if the tooth was located at the front of the mouth, this would pose an obvious aesthetic issue.
In the last 100 years of dental care, there has been a way to retain any infected teeth while also treating an infection; with a root canal or endodontic procedure!
At Aura Dental, our dentist in St Johns Wood knows all about performing root canals and has helped thousands of people to retain their gorgeous smiles using this technique. But, we are also well aware of the rumours and myths that surround this procedure and are here to assure you that it is perfectly safe!
So, when our dentist in St Johns Wood talks to patients about root canals, what are the most common questions that are asked about the procedure? Read on to find out!
Are they uncomfortable?
In a word, no.
Our dentist in St Johns Wood will numb your gum before beginning any dental procedure, so while in the dental chair, you won’t feel a thing!
But, interestingly, as a root canal removes the infected debris from the inside of the tooth, even when our injectable pain relief wears away, you will likely notice a decrease in discomfort. Great stuff!
Do they cause the infection to spread?
Again, no they do not.
A root canal is performed by our team drilling into the infected tooth and removing the infection, then filling the tooth with a putty-like material to prevent a recurrence. And so, this method actually prevents the infection from spreading to surrounding soft tissues.
How long does it take?
Your root canal can take a single appointment or, if it is being performed on a molar, it can take two. A root canal performed on a single-rooted tooth will usually take between 60-90 minutes to complete.
If we spot, during the diagnostic X-Rays, that you have misshapen roots (very common!) then we may need to refer you to a specialist endodontist to have the root canal performed.
Will the infection come back?
It is highly unlikely that an infection will reoccur in a tooth that has had a root canal.
In fact, endodontics in general have a success rate of over 97%, but if you suspect that an infection is occurring in your mouth, please contact our team for an emergency appointment.
How long does a root canal last?
With proper oral hygiene, a root canal can last for the rest of your life without hassle!
Our team will always check on the condition of any endodontic or restorative work at your biannual check-ups.
If your root canal does fail, we will aim to reapply it. If it continually fails, we will then consider extracting the tooth and will discuss restorative options with you.
Want to learn more about Invisalign? Your top 5 FAQs answered by our team at Aura Dental
Want straighter teeth as an adult, but don’t want the hassle of metal braces?
In the last 10 years, orthodontists have designed an array of new appliances to help adult patients get straighter teeth, without the undertaking of a traditional metal brace, via clear and invisible aligners.
At Aura Dental, we have helped hundreds of our adult patients get the straighter teeth they want using Invisalign in St John’s Wood. An innovation of design and functionality, this aligner provides you with a discreet way to straighten your teeth, without the need for metal brackets.
Curious to learn more about Invisalign in St John’s Wood? Read on for answers to 5 popular invisible brace related FAQs.
How do they work without attachments?
Invisalign in St Johns Wood works due to its custom-fitted design.
When you come to us to begin using this aligner, we will take a 3D scan of your teeth to begin making the aligners. Using digital technology, we will plot the required movements that the aligners will need to make to straighten your teeth.
When you wear your first aligner (and every one in the sequence thereafter), you will notice that they feel tight; this is what helps them to move your teeth into their new positions. When the aligner feels loose, (usually 14 days later) move on to the next one!
Can they treat an underbite?
They can, but remember, this aligner cannot be used to treat severe or complex cases. So, if you have a more complicated underbite, then our team may recommend you undertake treatment with a clear aligner or even with metal braces.
Are they uncomfortable?
Sadly, there is no such thing as completely comfortable orthodontics.
While this aligner is more bearable for many patients, many report feeling pressure on their teeth when they change between aligners; this is normal and is part of the orthodontic process.
But if you have worn metal braces in the past, you may be in for a pleasant surprise relating to how agreeable these aligners are in daily life.
How long do most people wear them?
The average treatment time for wearing an invisible aligner is between 3-6 months.
But you must remember that the length of time you wear these aligners will depend on how severe the misalignment is and if you stick to the regime set down by our team. We know it can be tempting to leave any removable orthodontic treatment out, but to see the desired effects in the set time frame, please keep them in for a minimum of 22 hours per day.
Aren’t they expensive?
It is a concern for many patients that this aligner is going to be outside of their price range.
However, our team at Aura Dental is aware that most people will need a bit of help spreading the cost of orthodontics as adults, and so, we are able to offer our suitable patients’ financing options.
Talk to our team today to see if you are applicable.
Worried about wearing a metal brace as an adult? 5 benefits from Aura Dental
When you visit an orthodontist as an adult, it can feel like a bit of a let down to be told that, despite all the different aligners available, that you need a fitted orthodontic retainer.
Known to many as ‘metal’ or ‘full’ appliances, these are often associated with younger children and teenagers, thus making many adults who wear them feel a bit, well, odd.
But it is a fact that sometimes as we age, our teeth move and with other things such as extractions and trauma, this can cause our smiles to fall out of perfect alignment. Or, perhaps you weren’t given access to orthodontics as a child and are looking to set it right as an adult (which we applaud!).
At Aura Dental, we have helped thousands of adults who have worn traditional braces in St John’s Wood to get the smiles that they deserve. We provide everything from the initial consultation up to the customised retainers, to ensure that your teeth move exactly the way you want them to, and give you the confidence boost that comes with straighter teeth. Perfect!
So, what are the other advantages of wearing traditional braces in St John’s Wood?
They work!
OK, this may sound a bit obvious but in every case where fitted braces in St Johns Wood have been applied, the teeth will move as our team or any other dental professional wants them to.
And while this may take a bit longer in an adult due to the teeth being more set in position, we can assure you that when your teeth move, your smile will be transformed for the better.
Simple
In your search for adult orthodontics, you may have read about the different types of aligners that are available and while it sounds ideal to have removable appliances, it can make treatments complicated.
An invisible aligner has to be worn for so many hours a day, it has to be worn in succession and the wearer has to invest in a toothbrush to carry with them to clean their teeth after they eat.
With regular appliances, none of this is needed, allowing you to simply have them in your mouth and for our team to make the adjustments as required.
Oral health
Once again, you may have concerns that your teeth will become rotten if you wear a fitted appliance.
But, with the regularity of check-ups and visits to the hygienist to keep them clean, the majority of adults who wear fitted orthodontics improves. So once they are off, your smile will glisten!
Preventive
Wearing an appliance to straighten your teeth at any age can have a dramatic impact on your health; with gaps being closed and your teeth becoming straighter, this can prevent decay and allow for correct brushing.
Confidence
OK, so you may not feel over the moon when they are first fitted, but as your teeth move, you will feel your confidence grow and once they are off, well, your smile will be stunning!
Are there any advantages to wearing Invisalign? 5 benefits from our team at Aura Dental
With the rise in celebrities talking about orthodontic treatment, chances are that if you have a crooked smile or a minor misalignment, you have looked into having it fixed using braces or aligners.
And if you are like most adults, you want a brace or aligner that is subtle but can offer you the strength of a regular brace without the metal affixed to your teeth. If you are suitable, then you may be able to undertake a clear or invisible aligner.
As the names suggest, these orthodontic options offer a visually discrete alternative to regular braces but can provide the necessary movement required to straighten teeth.
At Aura Dental, we are exceedingly proud to be able to offer our patients many different types of clear and invisible braces, including Invisalign in St John’s Wood. This world-famous aligner is custom-fitted to your teeth and it is simple to fit into a busy schedule, making it ideal for older teenagers and adults.
Are there any other advantages to trying Invisalign in St John’s Wood? Read on to find out!
Better oral health
Unlike conventional braces, when you try Invisalign in St John’s Wood, you can maintain good oral hygiene.
As this aligner is not fitted, it offers you the ability to clean your teeth as you would every day and it doesn’t provide plaque attracting sharp angles on your teeth. You can even take them out when you visit our team for a check-up!
Removable
OK, so as highlighted in the previous point, this aligner is removable.
And while that has obvious advantages for hygiene, it also offers you the chance to take them out when you eat, play sports or even give talks at work. As tempting as it is to leave this aligner out for as long as possible, you must remember to wear it for at least 22 hours a day to see any benefit concerning orthodontic straightening. So, keep them in!
Accelerated
Interestingly, clear and invisible aligners offer patients an accelerated treatment time too.
On average, it can take a regular brace up to 2 years to move teeth but with an aligner, this can be accomplished in 6 months. Remember, this will be based on the severity of the misalignment you have and if you don’t keep the aligner in for the time required each day, this will slow the procedure down.
Comfortable
As invisible braces gently push your teeth into their new positions, there is no need for adjustments or ‘tightenings’ to be made.
This means there is less pressure on your jaw overall, which equates to a more comfortable experience while wearing this aligner. But, you may feel some pressure when you change between aligners, which is to be expected.
Easy to use
If your aligner needs cleaning, run it under a cool tap. If it needs changing, then you can do it yourself. Best of all, you can send updates to our team about its progress via an app on your smartphone!
Curious about lingual braces? Our team at Aura Dental answers your top 5 FAQs
When you are an adult with misaligned teeth, chances are you have had a fair few searches on the internet looking for a solution.
Well, in the past 10 years, your choice for treatment has exploded! Everything from clear aligners to lingual braces are now available for you to explore with our team, and like always, what we help you to choose will be based on the most suitable appliance type for your misalignment.
Because at Aura Dental, we know more than you may think about braces in St Johns Wood, offering our patients 9 different types of orthodontic treatments. If you need to straighten a front tooth or need something a bit more advanced, we have them all here and can see you through each procedure with confidence and care. Perfect!
But which of our braces in St Johns Wood is right for you? In this article, we will look at lingual braces- a hidden gem that can straighten your teeth without the stares!
What are they?
First things first, a lingual brace in St Johns Wood is fitted; you won’t be able to remove it as you would with Invisalign.
However, it is fitted onto the back of your teeth, providing discretion- hence why this appliance is so popular among adults. It is made from brackets and wires in the same way as an orthodontic option, and it will require adjusting and tightening in the same way to move your teeth.
How do they work?
Much like the traditional orthodontic treatments, this appliance uses wires, brackets and tightening to move your teeth into their new position.
This means that, unfortunately, you may experience a more intense sensation of pressure in your mouth after each adjustment. But, they work well with more advanced cases of misalignment and can help patients who need to have their molar or canines rotated.
Can anyone have them fitted?
Almost, yes!
While this appliance is popular with adults and teenagers, it is possible for children to have them fitted but our team may advise against this.
As they are behind the teeth, they are harder to clean and so, they may be unsuitable for younger children. Also, the adjustment process can be a bit fiddly and invasive, which can make children a bit more nervous about their dental care, so we may advise regular orthodontics for smaller children.
Are they more expensive than regular braces?
Yes, they are but this is due to the skill of the orthodontist who fits them; it is tough to fit braces on to the back of teeth and requires additional training.
Also, if you want to brag to your friends, another reason for the expense is that part of the brackets are made from gold. Very classy!
Can any dentist fit them?
No, additional training is required for an orthodontist to fit a lingual appliance but when you come to Aura Dental, we have team members who have that expertise and more. So why not call us today?
Curious if Invisalign is for you? 5 FAQs answered by our team at Aura Dental
When it comes to braces in adulthood, it seems that the traditional metal brace is being replaced with either clear or invisible braces.
Of course, if you have a more severe or complex case of misalignment, then our dentists and orthodontists will recommend a metal brace, but for the majority of cases involving misalignment, you can now have them treated more subtly. This is a major step forward in allowing sometimes reluctant patients to feel having their teeth aligned is something they are happy to do.
As the name suggests, clear and invisible braces are visually discreet and as such, no one will be able to notice you are wearing them. With certain invisible braces, you can even take the brace out to eat, meaning no brushing underwires to remove food debris.
At Aura Dental, we are proud to be able to offer suitable adult and teenage patients clear and invisible braces, especially Invisalign St John’s Wood. Custom fitted to slot over your teeth, this brace gently pushes on your teeth to straighten them, without the need for tightening or adjustments. You can even take it out!
Curious to learn more about Invisalign St John’s Wood? Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions that our team at Aura Dental is asked about this brace.
Is there an upper age limit?
In a word, no!
Provided that you have good overall oral health, there is no upper age limit on Invisalign St John’s Wood.
However, if you are a teenager who wants this brace, our team will need to assess that your dental roots are fully formed before using it, which usually occurs when you are about the age of 17 years old.
How long does the process take?
One of the key benefits of this brace is that, thanks to its ever-evolving technology, it can straighten a greater range of orthodontic problems.
However, depending on the severity of the orthodontic case you have, you may be wearing it for anywhere between 3-18 months. And of course, if you take it out too regularly, this can slow down its efficacy concerning straightening your teeth.
Does it straighten your jaw?
No, it doesn’t.
If you need to have your jaw straightened, our team will probably suggest a metal brace as a starting point and then, if your jaw straightens via this process, you may be able to wear this brace at a later stage.
However, the overall treatment process depends on the severity of your orthodontic case.
Does it make your breath smell bad?
As this brace is removable, it shouldn’t make your teeth smell bad.
But when you take the brace out to consume food, our team will recommend that you brush your teeth before putting it back in. Not doing so can allow bacteria to become pressed against your enamel, which can lead to bad breath and of course, tooth decay.
Can I take the aligner out for an entire day?
No; this aligner must stay in your mouth for at least 22 hours per day for you to notice its benefits as predicted.
Unsure if your wisdom teeth need removing? A guide from our dentist at Aura Dental
When your adult teeth come in at about the age of 7-11, it can be a time for relief; no more teething issues, or uncomfortable swellings to contend with.
Sadly, for 80-90% of the population of teenagers, there are another 4 teeth that need to erupt and will do so between the ages of 13-17. Known as wisdom teeth, these 4 teeth appear behind the second molars on both the upper and lower jaw. While this may sound straightforward, they rarely come without their own set of issues and can cause havoc with your already erupted adult teeth.
Luckily, we can help! Our team at Aura Dental knows how uncomfortable wisdom teeth can be and can assess yours as they begin to erupt. Our dentist in St John’s Wood will be able to identify any potential issues with these additional teeth following an examination, allowing you to decide if you want to have your wisdom teeth removed.
But what are some of the more tell-tale signs that our dentist in St John’s Wood needs to remove your wisdom teeth?
Eating issues
As wisdom teeth rarely erupt straight in the way that other teeth do, they can cause issues with eating. If you notice that your wisdom teeth are preventing you from removing food debris, or ache when pressure is applied, you need to see our dentist in St John’s Wood to discuss your options.
Gum inflammation
As you may or may not remember, when teeth erupt, the surrounding gum becomes sensitive to touch due to inflammation.This is part of the process for wisdom tooth eruption too, except over 40% of patients experience gum inflammation once the teeth have finished erupting, making brushing and eating harder. If your teeth have erupted and your gums still look red and are sore to the touch, contact our team at Aura Dental.
Sinus issues
Wisdom teeth that grow in the upper jaw can press against the sinuses once they have fully rooted and developed.
And as you know, blocked sinuses can lead to congestion, pressure and extremely painful headaches. If you have been having congestive issues since your upper set of wisdom teeth erupted, then our team can take an X-Ray to assess if the issues are related and then discuss a treatment plan with you to alleviate the pressure.
Stiff jaw
From the upper jaw to the lower jaw!
As the more mobile of the jaws, if you notice that there is stiffness in your jaw, such as pain when you are trying to bite into food or when you yawn, your wisdom teeth may be at fault once again. This is caused by the wisdom teeth pushing against your other teeth and leading to pressure in the jaw, or stiffness. If you have a hard time opening your mouth, talk to our team.
Pressure
Or you may just experience a sense of pressure in your jaw, which can feel like a persistent ache. If you do, contact Aura Dental today!
