Expert Advice on Braces

Take a look into the quickest treatment times for fixed braces and other options.

Braces are often the most suitable treatment for many different Types of Malocclusions.

Often the main interest is in the minimum time and shortest time to have braces – additionally, we are often asked for the fastest braces

The answer here is very much dependent on the above factors and a consultation is the best initial step towards finalising the type of braces treatment, if you are looking for answers or comparisons on Invisalign treatments – we are happy to discuss with you whether Invisalign is faster than braces? For your specific circumstances.

Additional Information:
Shortest time to have fixed braces
How long do braces take?
Can you request to remove braces early?
Is Invisalign faster than braces?

Braces can alter both the teeth and face. Wearing braces for too long can have detrimental effects, such as root resorption, where the roots of your teeth shorten. Some people worry that braces may permanently change their facial structure or weaken their teeth, but in most cases, braces lead to improved facial symmetry and healthier alignment, this intrinsically strengthens teeth.

Braces apply controlled pressure to move teeth. Train track braces (traditional metal braces) don’t pull teeth downwards; they reposition teeth according to a predetermined plan to align the bite. The question likely arises from the sensation of pressure during orthodontic treatment and the visible design of the braces, which can make it feel as though the teeth are being pulled in specific directions. In reality, braces apply controlled pressure to move teeth in all directions to achieve proper alignment, not just downwards. Some vertical adjustments are part of correcting bite issues like overbites, which might contribute to this misconception. Any discomfort or sensitivity felt during the early stages of braces is temporary and part of the overall movement process.

Do braces weaken teeth?

Braces don’t weaken teeth when properly managed. However, if oral hygiene isn’t maintained, the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and even gum disease increases, potentially affecting the health of teeth.

• Do teeth need to be removed for braces?
  In some cases, orthodontists may recommend tooth extraction to make space for alignment. This is common when overcrowding prevents the teeth from properly aligning.
• Do Invisalign braces ruin your teeth?
  Invisalign, when used correctly, does not ruin teeth. However, as with traditional braces, poor hygiene or not following orthodontic instructions could lead to issues like cavities or gum disease.

For more information, or to learn more about the side effects of braces you are welcome to contact us directly, or arrange a free online consultation.

Braces can cause discomfort, especially in the first few days after tightening or getting new aligners. However, this is usually temporary.

• How to stop my teeth from hurting with braces
  Mild pain from braces can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Orthodontic wax can be applied to brackets to prevent them from irritating the mouth, and eating soft foods can help reduce discomfort.
• Can my teeth feel like there is something stuck if wearing braces?
  It’s common to feel as though something is stuck between your teeth or brackets because of the added pressure and the physical presence of braces. This sensation is normal and usually fades as you get used to wearing braces.

Maintenance And Care

Brushing and Cleaning

Keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces is essential to prevent plaque buildup and avoid staining around the brackets. Also many people ask about whether they can drink coffee while wearing braces, this is a valid question, due to the staining that can occur, similar issues are true of red wine and taking actions such as drinking water and a slight change of habits will allow for a  moderate amount of either to still be taken.

• How to clean your teeth after removing braces
  Once braces are removed, it’s crucial to continue proper oral hygiene. Consider a professional cleaning to remove any remaining plaque or tartar. Regular brushing and flossing should continue to maintain straight, healthy teeth.
• How to brush teeth with braces
  Keeping your teeth clean with braces requires extra care to avoid plaque buildup, staining, and decay around the brackets.
  Brushing with braces requires more attention to ensure all surfaces of the teeth and braces are cleaned properly:
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush: Bristles should be soft to avoid damaging the wires and brackets. Alternatively, you can use an orthodontic toothbrush, which has a V-shaped design to clean around braces more easily.
• Angle the brush: When brushing, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline and brush both above and below the brackets. Make sure to clean under the wires and around each bracket individually.
• Interdental brushes: These small, cone-shaped brushes are excellent for cleaning between the brackets and under the wires where a regular toothbrush can’t reach. They help remove food particles and plaque in hard-to-reach areas.
• Electric toothbrushes: An electric or sonic toothbrush can be more efficient at cleaning braces because of the rapid movement of the brush head, which helps remove plaque more effectively.
• Fluoride toothpaste: Using fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel and helps protect against cavities, which is especially important when wearing braces.
• Flossing with braces: Regular floss can be tricky with braces, but using floss threaders or orthodontic floss (which has a stiffened end for threading between the teeth and braces) can make the process easier. Water flossers are also effective in removing debris and plaque around braces.
• Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial fluoride mouthwash to help reach areas that are difficult to clean and provide an extra layer of protection against decay and gum disease.
• Orthodontic wax: Apply orthodontic wax over the brackets or wires that are causing irritation to prevent discomfort while cleaning your teeth.

By using these specialised tools and techniques, you can maintain good oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment and avoid problems like staining, bad breath, and decay. It is for these reasons – poor oral hygiene – that bad breath occurs and give rise to concerns about braces making your breath stink. Food particles can get trapped between the brackets and wires. Regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help avoid this.

Process and Effectiveness

How Braces Work

Braces work by applying continuous pressure to move teeth over time. The exact timeline depends on the severity of the case. You should get a sensation and feel teeth shifting with braces as the brackets start to gently re-align the teeth.

• How soon do your teeth start moving with braces?
  Teeth usually begin to shift within a few weeks of getting braces. However, noticeable changes often take a few months, depending on the complexity of the case.
• How to prepare for Braces Treatments
  If you are considering a dental treatment and would like to know more about the process of getting braces, our friendly clinic teams are on hand to help explain and advise on the best type of braces and plans for your type of malocclusion.

Directions To Our London Clinics

Discover our clinics and some of the best orthodontists in town – if you are looking for a dentist to fit braces in London – choose Whites Dental for experience, satisfaction, results and a friendly, welcoming clinic at Waterloo and Marble Arch.

Aesthetic Concerns

Appearance with Braces

Braces may impact speech, especially when first installed. However, these effects usually diminish as you adjust. However, the process of a braces treatment is an ongoing process over a period of months and your orthodontist at Whites Dental is approachable and on hand to provide advice or adjustment if you are experiencing any issues.

• Do braces change your voice?
  It’s uncommon for braces to permanently affect your voice, but you may notice temporary speech changes as you adapt to them. Some people might experience a slight lisp during the initial adjustment period.

• Do braces give you a lisp?
  Yes, braces can cause a temporary lisp, especially if the braces are on the front teeth or you’re using a retainer. The lisp usually resolves itself as you get used to the braces.

• Do dentists whiten teeth after braces?

  Sometimes, throughout orthodontic treatment you can experience slight discolouration around the braces where you perhaps haven’t been able to manoeuvre your toothbrush around every angle – we understand that it’s a bit of a tricky job. Naturally, with newly straightened teeth it seems only fitting to want your teeth to be just as white as they are straight, for that glistening ‘Hollywood’ smile. You’ve gone through all the hard work of wearing braces, so what’s the best way to get whiter teeth to finish the job? You’ve reached the finish line and you have bid your braces a (somewhat fond) farewell, to unveil the beautifully straight smile beneath. If you’ve had your braces removed, you’ll know that nothing quite beats the feeling of being able to show off your new smile, feeling the smooth surface of your brace-free teeth, and enjoying that first bite of a nice crisp apple (without it being shredded by brackets!).

  Stained teeth can make adolescent and adult patients feel insecure about their smile, even after completing orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. After all, you’ve gone through the work of wearing braces, how can you get whiter teeth to create an all-around beautiful smile? This is where professional teeth whitening comes in to help restore stained teeth to a bright, white smile. It is always recommended to opt to whiten teeth after braces and you can see the results of before and after teeth whitening, and get advice from our team during consultations. Teeth whitening before braces can result in uneven shades across the surface of teeth from where brackets and wires sit, and from shifting teeth. One of the common reasons patients seek out braces is to fix crooked teeth. Crooked teeth often overlap, which means if you whiten your teeth before braces, the whitening agent is unable to reach some areas of the teeth. As your teeth shift during your orthodontic treatment, this will create an uneven shade spectrum across your smile.

  Our orthodontists at Whites Dental often recommend that their patients wait about six months after their braces are removed to whiten their teeth. There are two reasons why this is recommended; tooth sensitivity and saliva. There is no additional charge for this treatment, as most of our Braces packages include teeth whitening as standard.

  Wearing braces can cause teeth to feel weak for a short period of time, so giving yourself time to adjust will make teeth whitening as effective and comfortable as possible. In many cases, a patient’s saliva will be enough to reduce the intensity of discolorations and differences in shades after their braces are removed. However, if six months pass and your teeth are still looking discolored, teeth whitening after braces may be necessary to create a whiter, healthier-looking smile.

Common Questions

• Will all of my teeth have brackets on a brace?
  Not necessarily. Brackets are usually placed on teeth that need to be adjusted. Some teeth may not need brackets if they’re already in the correct position or if they don’t require alignment.
• How to get straight teeth without braces or Invisalign
  There are alternatives to traditional braces and Invisalign, such as lingual braces (which are attached behind the teeth), retainers for mild cases, or consulting with a cosmetic dentist for treatments such as veneers to improve the appearance of teeth.
• How to fix buck teeth without braces
  Buck teeth (overbite) can sometimes be corrected using removable appliances, such as retainers or clear aligners, though traditional braces are often the most effective. Severe cases may require surgery or orthodontic appliances designed to adjust the jaw position.
• How to straighten teeth without braces
  Clear aligners like Invisalign offer an alternative to traditional braces. In minor cases, retainers or cosmetic treatments (e.g., veneers) can improve the appearance of teeth. For more severe cases, consult an orthodontist for specialised treatment options.
• Do six-month smile braces damage teeth?
  Six Month Smiles braces are designed for cosmetic alignment, focusing on the front teeth. They generally do not damage teeth, but like any orthodontic treatment, good oral hygiene and regular checkups are essential to prevent complications.