Over the years, the stigma attached to braces has gradually been worn away. There are a number of reasons why this has happened. Firstly, a general change in prevailing attitude has meant it is now more important than ever to have straight teeth. Secondly, improvements in technology have meant that braces are more affordable to all patients and are no longer prohibitively expensive. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the technological improvements have meant that braces are no longer the large unsightly metal brackets of the past. All sorts of new developments have seen the introduction of more comfortable and less visually intrusive braces.

The first significant change was the introduction of effective invisible, or clear plastic braces. In 1999 Align technologies introduced their Invisalign range which for the first time made invisible braces an effective alternative. Initially expensive, the cost of Invisalign treatment has come down in the last few years and is now an option available for all.

Although the most discreet, the Invisalign system is quite a lengthy one. Other braces on the market now offer incredibly rapid straightening. Both the Six-Month Smile and Inman braces offer visible straightening results in less than six-months, an astonishing reduction in treatment time of 75 per cent on more conventional braces. More suitable for smaller overcrowding issues, threes braces are perfect for more mature patients wanting to put the finishing touches to a beautiful smile.

Even the old metal brace has had an overhaul. Damon braces are similar in style to the old train-track braces but utilise clear plastic and ceramic brackets to offer a more discreet treatment. Also, by using their revolutionary sliding mechanism there is no need for painful regular tightening.

Whatever your straightening needs, there is a brace that is best suited for your teeth. Whether it be a complete straightening procedure or just moving that last tooth into position, a City of London dentist will be able to advise you on the most suitable brace for you.

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the study and treatment of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. Treatment can focus on dental displacement only, or can deal with the control and modification of facial growth. Orthodontic treatment can be done for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons that are, improving the general appearance of your teeth and face. However, treatment is often prescribed for practical reasons, like providing functionally – you have to bite and chew to eat your food, get nourishment and stay healthy.

You can get orthodontic treatment at any age – 4 to 90. Orthodontic treatment works best and is less painful new when you are 8 to 14. Jaw growth is at its fast between the ages of 8 to 9 this is best time to reshape the mouth. Then you wait till 12 or 13 for most of the permanent teeth to grow and start full orthodontic treatment. As you get older the treatment takes longer and hurts more. By the time you are 20, you may need surgery to expand your jaw.

London teenagers like flashing a Stainless Steel Smile. Your mouth is usually sore for the first week after you get braces and whenever the braces are tightened. You will get so used to the braces. Standard braces should not affect your talk or voice. If your lips get sore, you can put wax on the braces to prevent the braces from scratching and inflaming the sore. If you start orthodontic treatment when you are 18 or older, your teeth feel like they are loose in your mouth.

You will have to avoid contact sports like boxing, wrestling, and karate. Wear an orthodontic mouth guard during any sporting activity.

You cannot chew gum! You may also have to avoid hard sticky, gooey or crunchy foods – Caramel, toffee, – anything that can stick on your braces and pull them off your teeth. You will have to be careful with crunchy foods like carrots and apples.

The cost of orthodontic treatment in London can be between £1,000 and £3,000.It may appear costly, but it is not really so. A normal orthodontic treatment can mean about 100 visits to the orthodontist. This works out to about £10 to £30 per visit. It appears costly because the bill is the lifetime costs of straightening your teeth. The total bill is less than the total amount you have to pay for the lifetime maintenance and repairs on your car.