When you’re told you might need orthodontic Manchester treatment it can seem pretty daunting and you’ll probably want a lot more information before deciding whether or not to go ahead. For instance, we’re frequently answering questions such as “Does wearing braces in Manchester hurt?” or “How long does Invisalign Manchester take to work?” That said we know that having a good understanding of how teeth braces work and how they can help you, makes the process much less daunting and can better prepare you for your orthodontic journey towards a healthier smile. With this in mind, here are some of the most common FAQ’s answered.
Is there an ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
Chronologically speaking there is no specific age when it’s best to get braces. The fact is that whether you’re nine or ninety, teeth can be moved at any age with the right treatment. That said, adult teeth may take slightly longer to move because they have denser bone mass and a lower metabolic rate and there are certain things that cannot be accomplished once the jaw stops fully growing. Therefore children between the ages of ten and fifteen are considered the best age to incorporate any early orthodontic intervention, but adults can still benefit greatly.
Does wearing teeth braces hurt?
With advancements in technology orthodontic braces in Manchester have been made smaller and are more comfortable than their predecessors. For example, with Invisalign, Manchester patients get to wear invisible lightweight aligners which are designed to be fully removable. This is in contrast to the heavier metal style braces of old which were permanently attached to the teeth. As such, problems such as catching on the tongue and rubbing on the gum are now pretty much eradicated. That said, where patients may feel some slight discomfort is when the braces have just been adjusted or (in the case of Invisalign) a new aligner fitted. This usually lasts for a few days only and can normally be brought under control using over-the-counter painkillers.
How long does orthodontic Manchester treatment last?
Orthodontic treatment in Manchester varies from one patient to another depending on the severity of their condition. As a result, there is no set time. In cases where a patient has a slight aesthetic problem with their smile such as a crooked or unevenly spaced front tooth, then they may only need fast or accelerated orthodontic treatment. In this case, it may take as little as 6-12 weeks. Conversely, if a patent has more severe malocclusions then treatment can take 2-3 years. Generally speaking, for short-term treatment the average is 4-6 months and for longer term treatment the average wear time is 18 months.
Can I eat a normal diet?
In essence, the answer is yes, but you may want to avoid certain hard or sticky foods. Sticky foods such as toffee can cause damage because it can stick to your tooth braces and cause tooth decay. Whereas harder foods such as boiled sweets, raw carrots, and ice cubes have been known to break teeth braces. In addition, avoiding foods which are high in sugar is a good idea because plaque can get lodged in between the braces making it harder to reach with a normal toothbrush. As a result in some cases, tooth decay can occur. That said, braces such as the Inman Aligner and Invisalign Manchester are designed to be removed every time you eat and drink. This means that wearers can continue to eat what they like provided they brush their teeth before placing the aligner back in the mouth.
How often do I need to visit the orthodontist once treatment is underway?
Once your braces in Manchester have been fitted you can expect to return to the practice every 4-6 weeks for adjustment. Even with removable aligners such as Invisalign, which are replaced every two weeks by the patient, they can still expect to return to the practice periodically for progress checks to ensure that teeth are moving where and how they should be. This way any problems or issues can be addressed early on before they become complicated to fix.
Do I have to wear a mouthful of metal?
The good news is that orthodontic Manchester treatment has evolved over the past decade or so and nowadays orthodontic manufacturers recognise the need for discretion. After all, not everyone wants to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal. Appliances such as lingual braces which are worn behind the teeth and the clear acrylic nature of Invisalign means that in these cases, the only people needing to know about your braces is you and your orthodontist. Ceramic braces using tooth coloured brackets and wiring are also popular and can help eradicate that metal smile.
So can I lead a normal life?
Absolutely yes! Modern day braces in Manchester allow you to do exactly that. There’s nothing to stop people from leading a normal healthy life as you should still be able to exercise and play a sport. That said for certain contact sports such as rugby or American football, it’s advisable for patients to wear a mouth guard. In addition (especially with removable braces) patients are advised to clean their teeth after every meal. However aside from that there really shouldn’t be a problem.
Will I need a retainer after treatment?
Yes! Retainers are an integral part of the overall treatment and they continue to keep the teeth straight once treatment is complete. Moreover, they help the muscles and tissues adapt to the new position so that the teeth don’t revert to their previous form. Depending on the degree and seriousness of your condition, your retainer may at first have to be worn permanently for several months, but after a period of time, it may only need to be worn on some occasions at night. Either way, your orthodontist will advise you on the best course of action when your treatment is coming to an end, so don’t worry!
So there you have it. Hopefully, this has answered some of the most frequently asked questions enabling you to have a better understanding of orthodontic Manchester treatment and what it entails. If you’d like to know more about Invisalign Manchester, or any other type of braces in Manchester then book yourself a consultation with Dr. Karim and the team at Church Road Dental. Remember you shouldn’t have to endure a less than perfect smile, so to make an appointment pick up the phone and dial 0161 660 1218 today.
