At College Dental Surgeries, the team understand that choosing to undergo teeth straightening treatment can be daunting. Don’t worry! We have helped hundreds of patients improve their smiles and their confidence. We can help you too!

In this month’s blog the team answer some of the most commonly asked questions about teeth straightening to help give you the information you need to decide if it is the right treatment for you.

What are the benefits of straight teeth?

The benefits of straight teeth go far beyond the aesthetic benefits. Straighter teeth will help to improve the health of your teeth and gums, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay as you will be able to perform a full oral hygiene routine. Straighter teeth will also improve your bite, making it easier to chew and reducing the risk of jaw strain, pain caused by misaligned teeth and inconsistent wear on tooth enamel.

What is the difference between the different types of braces?

There is no considerable difference between the effectiveness of different teeth straightening treatments as they are all designed to straighten teeth. The differences come regarding treatment time, price and the appearance of your teeth while undergoing treatment.

Will I have to have teeth extracted?

We will do everything possible to preserve your existing natural teeth and straighten your smile without having to carry out any extractions, although we will of course let you know if we feel an extraction would be the best course of action.

Is there an age limit for treatment?

There is no age limit for teeth straightening – it can be done at any time of life provided your teeth and gums are healthy.

How long will treatment take?

How long your treatment takes will depend on your individual case, the degree of movement we need to achieve, and the type of treatment you are having. We will explain how long your treatment will take once we put together your treatment plan.

Minor teeth straightening can be carried out in as little as four to nine months, while more complex cases can take anywhere between nine and 24 months.

How often will I need to attend for appointments?

The number and frequency of your teeth straightening appointments will depend again on which brace or aligner system you have. Typically, appointments occur four to eight weeks apart once your treatment has started but this can vary.

What is a retainer?

A retainer can be removable or fitted to the back of the teeth in order to keep the teeth in their final position after teeth straightening treatment has been completed and the brace has been removed.

How much will it cost?

At the risk of sounding vague, it really does vary case-by-case. You can see the starting price for different braces on our private fees page. But if you’re considering treatment, it’s always worth coming to see us for a free teeth straightening consultation, where we can provide you with a personalised quote.

If you would like to find out more about teeth straightening with a free cosmetic consultation, do not hesitate to contact College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340 and book an appointment.