Can braces work in 6 months?
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Individual and Tailored Orthodontics
Orthodontics is not a one-size-fits all solution for adult patients in London. Why is that you might wonder? And there is a simple answer to that- each person’s mouth, teeth, and gums are unique to every individual, almost like a fingerprint – making each treatment time different. Our orthodontists would be delighted to help you create beautiful straight teeth. We provide a range of orthodontic braces treatments near Elephant and Castle and London Bridge, including Damon Fast braces, clear braces , Ceramic brace, Invisalign braces and also hidden lingual braces. We are based in London Waterloo, next to Southwark Station or a quick walk from London Bridge.
Nowadays, adults want to know how long their treatment will take as much as teenagers. And the answer is: “It varies”. Every case is unique and treatment could take from several months to a few years. As you might have suspected, orthodontic treatment can take slightly longer for adults than teenagers and children. Faster results are possible when we treat children and teenagers because their jaws are still in the growing phase and teeth are still moving so they are easier to shift into the desired place. Teeth in adults have been in position far longer and therefore take more effort to move. There are four main factors that impact the orthodontic treatment time for patients –
- Age
- Complexity of the case
- Compliance
- Type of braces used
The complexity of the case and number of orthodontic problems being treated are the main factors affecting treatment time, not the patient’s age. Age only plays a minor role. Results will vary patient to patient and depend on many factors such as bone density, misalignment severity, and even the age of the patient. However, you will usually start to notice changes within four to six weeks. Within a few months, your friends and family will also start to notice that your brace are beginning to be effective. Each time you get your braces tightened or switch to a new Invisalign tray, your teeth will be slightly straighter. It can take a few years for the brace process to be completed, depending on how crooked your teeth were at the beginning but you will enjoy straighter and straighter teeth as time goes by.
What will your smile look like with braces?
Your appearance may change a little when you get bracs, depending on the type of braces you get. Traditional metal braces will be a silvery metal bracket that attached to your teeth, and then a metal arch wire will be placed to the brackets. Some people have brackets that hold onto the arch wire, while others will have rubber bands that join the brackets and wire. If you have an overbite or underbite, you may also need to wear small rubber bands that attach the bottom and top rows of teeth. These will gradually realign your bite to make it more effective. If you are one of those lucky ones who need rubber bands, you can pick you own colour! Who said brace had to be boring? They definitely can be a fun fashion accessory. If you are after a subtler look then clear brace are for you- the appearance will be more discreet. The only really noticeable part of your braces will be the thin metal arch wire that helps to shift teeth into the proper position. There is also the less common option of lingual braces– these are brace that fit on the back part of the teeth inside the mouth rather than the exposed front area. The subtlest option for straightening your smile are invisible braces. These clear plastic trays fit over your teeth and are barely noticeable. Your will be given a new set every few weeks by your orthodontist to gradually move your teeth.
What will your smile look like with braces?
Your appearance may change a little when you get bracs, depending on the type of braces you get. Traditional metal braces will be a silvery metal bracket that attached to your teeth, and then a metal arch wire will be placed to the brackets. Some people have brackets that hold onto the arch wire, while others will have rubber bands that join the brackets and wire. If you have an overbite or underbite, you may also need to wear small rubber bands that attach the bottom and top rows of teeth. These will gradually realign your bite to make it more effective. If you are one of those lucky ones who need rubber bands, you can pick you own colour! Who said brace had to be boring? They definitely can be a fun fashion accessory. If you are after a subtler look then clear brace are for you- the appearance will be more discreet. The only really noticeable part of your braces will be the thin metal arch wire that helps to shift teeth into the proper position.
There is also the less common option of lingual braces– these are brace that fit on the back part of the teeth inside the mouth rather than the exposed front area. The subtlest option for straightening your smile are invisible braces. These clear plastic trays fit over your teeth and are barely noticeable. Your will be given a new set every few weeks by your orthodontist to gradually move your teeth.
Can braces break?
Though braces are made of strong metal, accidents can still happen. However, there is no reason to panic if for example a bracket comes loose or an arch wire starts to slide around. You can usually gently push an arch wire into a more comfortable position if it has come loose and is poking you. If the bracket is no longer bonded to the tooth or a rubber band has popped off, the arch wire will typically hold it in place until it can be fixed. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about brace unexpectedly breaking and causing a great deal of damage. The main issue with broken brace is just that they are not functioning correctly. If left untreated, the amount of time you will need to wear brace may be prolonged. If something happens to your braces, you will need to see your orthodontist to fix the issue. Most brace related issues can be fixed quickly (in just a few minutes).
When they’re removed
All dental procedures can be slightly uncomfortable, but removing your brace shouldn’t be! You will be so happy to see your new straight teeth that you probably won’t even think about the pain. After your braces come off, your teeth will be cleaned. Your orthodontist might take another set of X-rays and impressions just to check how well your brace have worked. If you have wisdom teeth poking through, your orthodontist may recommend getting them removed. This will avoid your newly straightened teeth from being pushed out of alignment.
Getting your brace off is undoubtedly a great relief, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that your orthodontic treatment is finished. Your orthodontist will fit you for a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made device, usually made of rubber or plastic, that prevents your teeth from moving back to their original position. You might have to wear your retainer every day or you might need it only at night. Either way, it shouldn’t cause any pain.
If you are thinking of getting braces and would like to know how long you can expect treatment to last, why don’t you book a free consultation with us? We will be delighted to answer any questions you may have!
You can also find more information on braces on our homepage.
At Whites Dental in London Waterloo, we have some of the leading orthodontic dentists in London Bridge working with us, who provide traditional fixed braces, Damon braces, Six month smiles and Invisalign braces to patients near us in Elephant and Castle, Central London, Southwark and London Waterloo.
Our webpage provides information on whether braces can work in 6 months.
We are conveniently based in London Waterloo, adjacent to Waterloo mainline train station and across the road from Southwark Tube station. If you fancy a walk then we are also a 10 minutes’ walking distance from London Bridge, Elephant and Castle tube station and Borough Market and 5 minutes’ walking distance from Blackfriars and Southbank stations.