The size, shape, and alignment of our teeth take centre stage when it comes to the quality of our smile and facial aesthetics. While some people are born with perfectly aligned teeth and a naturally beautiful smile, others may have certain tooth alignment flaws that affect their appearance and personality.
One of the most common orthodontic problems that affect one’s oral health and ruin the smile and appearance is an overbite. This article explains everything you know everything to need to know about an overbite and how it is treated.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an overbite – also known as a deep bite – is a condition in which the upper front teeth overlap the lower ones excessively when all the teeth come together. There are two main types of overbites; dental and skeletal overbite. A dental overbite occurs when the upper front teeth are positioned excessively forward compared to their lower counterparts. On the other hand, the upper jaw protrudes excessively forward in comparison to the lower jaw.
It may not be possible to detect whether one has an overbite or to ascertain its type just by the naked eye. Your orthodontist will perform a detailed clinical examination, including evaluating the x-ray images of your teeth to visualise the relative position of your jaws to confirm the type of overbite. Orthodontists use a special type of x-rays, the cephalograms, which provides detailed information regarding the relative position and angulation of teeth in relation to the jaws and other important facial landmarks. The cephalograms also help orthodontists in preparing a detailed treatment plan for treating the underlying problem.
As discussed earlier, a dental overbite occurs when the upper teeth protrude excessively compared with the lower ones. This type of overbite occurs primarily because of the improper angulation of the teeth, mainly caused due to parafunctional dental habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and nail-biting. The treatment of dental overbite is performed with traditional braces or Invisalign aligner – to close the excessive horizontal gap between the upper and the lower front teeth.
On the other hand, a skeletal overbite occurs due to the malformation or misalignment of the jaws. It can also occur when there is a mismatch between the size of the jaws. Treatment of skeletal overbites usually involves surgical treatment to reposition or realign the jaws.
The time required for fixing a 4mm overbite depends on various factors, including the type of orthodontic treatment, the skill and expertise of the orthodontist, and patient compliance. Your dentist may either recommend traditional metal braces or Invisalign aligners for treating overbite. Generally, it may take you anywhere between one to two years to get a 4mm overbite fixed. In some cases, your dentist may also consider using additional appliances, like elastics, to accelerate the tooth movement. Your orthodontist can give you a rough estimate required for your treatment based on your oral health status and orthodontic needs.
Metal braces are one of the most effective and time-tested options for fixing orthodontic problems, including correcting an overbite. However, they are not the only option for overbite correction. If you do not wish to get traditional braces for your treatment, you may also consider getting Invisalign aligners, which have the added advantage of being more convenient, comfortable, and virtually invisible when worn.
Any condition in which the teeth or the jaws are not optimally aligned can lead to various dental complications, in addition to causing aesthetic concerns. An overbite may result in the following problems:
Perhaps, the most significant complication of a deep bite is the risk of developing temporomandibular joint or jaw disorders. An improper bite puts excessive pressure on the jaws, leading to problems such as difficulty in opening the mouth, clicking or popping sounds while eating or speaking, jaw pain, and jaw joint dislocation. Therefore, you must seek treatment for overbite as soon as possible to avoid damage to your oral health and physical wellbeing.
Any problem involving the bite or jaw misalignment can affect your smile and personality. An overbite can have a significant effect on your appearance and facial aesthetics. Getting an overbite fixed with braces or Invisalign aligners can help you get rid of these aesthetic problems, and enjoy a healthy, lasting and beautiful smile.
Traditional metal braces are one of the most effective options for fixing a dental overbite. The orthodontic braces, or the brackets, contain a slot through which an orthodontic wire passes. The tension in the orthodontic wire exerts pressure on the teeth, resulting in their movement or realignment. In this way, braces gradually fix excessive upper teeth overlap compared with the lower ones. Another option for fixing an overbite is the Invisalign aligners. This system uses a series of aligners that apply gentle pressure on the teeth and move them in the desired position. Dentists may also use removable appliances to fix mild cases of an overbite problem.
When it comes to fixing orthodontic problems, it is imperative that you go to an experienced and qualified Specialist orthodontist . If you are looking for a reliable and renowned orthodontic practice in Harley Street, then look no more. 128 Harley Street Dental Suite is at your service! We take pride in offering the highest-quality dental services to our esteemed patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. So, book an appointment for a free e-consultation today and let us give you a beautiful, attractive and healthy smile.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Getting braces is a big step for individuals who are seeking a healthy and beautiful smile. Not only do braces give you an aesthetically pleasing smile, but they also fix underlying health issues like an overbite or underbite, tooth crowding and spacing.
While getting teeth braces is a simple and straightforward process, many people are unfamiliar with the process. If you are curious about how long it takes for your orthodontist to put braces on your teeth, then read on to learn more – and put your mind at ease.
Broadly, there are two types of braces; the fixed and the removable braces. The conventional fixed braces, cannot be put on your teeth at home. After your orthodontist cleans and drys your teeth, they will attach each bracket to your teeth using a special adhesives. On the other hand, if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment with removable aligners, then you will try in the orthodontic appliance at the practice and then have to learn how to put it in and take it out yourself at home, this is a simple process.
Wearing your removable aligners for the first time is not a complicated process. Your aligner manufacture will already design them in way that they should snugly fit over your teeth.
It is not uncommon to have pain and discomfort during initial few days after getting your teeth braces. However, as your mouth adjusts to these appliances, the pain should go away. Initially, you may find it hard to chew solid food because your teeth hurt and the brackets themselves might rub your cheeks causing irritation and pain. Therefore, orthodontists recommend eating soft foods for the first few days, such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt, soup and soft fruits. You can switch to semi-solid or solid foods once your teeth have become accustomed to the braces.
In the meantime, you can relieve the pain by using over the counter pain relievers. If the sharp edges of the brackets are injuring your cheeks or lips, you may try placing orthodontic wax over them. You can also minimise the inflammation around the teeth and oral soft tissues by rinsing your mouth with salt water.
The American Dental Association recommends avoiding hard and sticky foods while wearing braces. This is because sticky foods like popcorn, chewing gum and caramel, or hard foods like apples, corn on the cob, or steaks may result in the dislodgment of your braces. Therefore, it is always a good idea to eat soft or semi-solid foods while you are wearing braces.
During your first week of getting braces, you might experience some pain and discomfort during eating. This is because your teeth have become sensitive due to the pressure braces put on them. Therefore, you should eat soft foods such as yogurt, cereals, soft fruits and cooked vegetables during the early few days of your treatment with braces.
Every one loves to eat popcorn every now and then. Unfortunately, orthodontists advise against eating this snack when you are wearing braces. Why? Because popcorns can get stuck between your teeth, brackets and the orthodontic wire, and it’s very hard to completely remove them through brushing or flossing. Over time, harmful bacteria will utilise the food debris on your teeth and release toxins that cause teeth cavities and gum inflammation. Therefore, it is best to avoid popcorns, or any other sticky snacks while you are wearing braces.
The “tightness” of your braces is due to the tension in the wire that is attached to them. At every appointment, your orthodontist will remove the elastic wires that attach the wire to the brackets and replace them with fresh ones. Your orthodontist may also change the orthodontic wire to increase or decrease the tension. The orthodontic wire your orthodontist will use also depends on the type of braces you are wearing, the traditional metal braces or the ceramic braces. This tension in the orthodontic wire is transferred to the tooth roots, realigning the teeth, moving them in the desired direction. This entire process does not take very long – and it is normally completed in under one hour.
Once your orthodontic treatment has been completed, your orthodontist will remove the braces from your teeth – one by one – using a special instrument. Once your orthodontist has removed all the brackets, they will then professionally clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar deposits which may cause gum inflammation. Finally, your orthodontist will polish your teeth to improve their aesthetics, and to minimise chances of attachment of plaque and tartar deposits in the future. Therefore, your appointment for taking off your braces may take anywhere between one to two hours.
Fitting braces on your teeth is a simple process. Your dentist will attach each bracket to your teeth with an adhesive. The entire process can be completed in a short amount of time – typically, under an hour.
Getting braces is a painless and simple procedure, and there is no need for an anaesthetic. If you are also thinking about getting braces, then 128 Harley Dental Suite should be your first choice. Being a specialist orthodontist centre in Harley Street, we offer the highest quality orthodontic services to our patient. No matter what your orthodontic problem is, we can fix it for you. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free e-consulation appointment with us today and let us give you the smile of your dreams.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Imagine you are relaxing on a Saturday night, and all of a sudden you feel something sharp impinging on your cheeks. You rush to the mirror, open your mouth, and see that your orthodontic wire has broken and its sharp edge is touching your cheeks – hence the irritation. What to do in this case? Naturally, it would be hard to visit your orthodontist now. So, what to do now? Don’t worry, the orthodontic wax comes to your relief.
The orthodontic wax, is a soft, harmless protective material which is used for protecting teeth and gums for individuals who are wearing braces For orthodontic patients, orthodontic wax is nothing short of a blessing, as it comes in handy in preventing injury to the gums, cheeks and the lips – if there is a broken orthodontic wire or a lose bracket which impinges on the oral tissues.
Continue reading to find out more about orthodontic wax, why it is used, and how to use it.
The orthodontic wax is mostly composed of natural waxes. However, their constituents may vary according to different brands. Some dental waxes contains carnauba wax and beeswax, while others may contain paraffin wax. Also, wax manufacturers add various modifiers to give a pleasant taste and smell to increase their acceptability. Orthodontic waxes also come in different colours.
You may require an orthodontic wax in the following cases:
The orthodontic wax is absolutely harmless and safe for use in the oral cavity. In fact, the Canadian Association of Orthodontists suggests that it is absolutely normal it someone accidentally eats, or swallows a little wax in case it falls off from the bracket or tooth during eating or speech.
The orthodontic waxes are specifically designed to be solids at room temperature. However, when you hold the wax, the warmth of your hands and fingers will melt it so that you can easily mold it around an orthodontic wire, bracket, or a sharp edge of a chipped tooth to prevent accidental injury. The orthodontic wax also contains small quantities of sticky natural waxes which allows it to adhere to the tooth or bracket for some time – while you book an appointment with your orthodontist to get the problem fixed.
Whether you are using orthodontic wax for protecting your gums from new braces or aligners, or you have a sharp edge from a broken tooth, the procedure to use the wax is the same. Here’s how The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends using the orthodontic wax:
Orthodontic waxes can be used with any orthodontic appliance. Some people feel irritation or discomfort around the gums when they wear the Invisalign removable aligners for the first time. However, as they get used to their new appliance, the irritation goes away. While you are getting accustomed to your new aligners, there is no harm in using an orthodontic wax to reduce the discomfort.
The orthodontic wax does not contain any harmful or toxic ingredients. Therefore, you can place it in your mouth while sleeping. However, please note that the orthodontic wax is just a temporary solution. If you have a chipped tooth or a damaged denture which is creating discomfort, it must be treated immediately by your orthodontist. You can use the orthodontic wax while you wait for your dentist’s appointment.
For those who have been wearing braces or removable aligners, they would already be familiar with the dental wax. However, if you are thinking about getting braces, then getting familiar with the orthodontic wax will help you in making your orthodontic treatment a comfortable experience – as orthodontic wax will become a part of your orthodontic treatment journey.
If you are looking for an orthodontic clinic which not only gives you a charming, beautiful smile, but also restores optimal functionality of your teeth and gums, then 128 Harley Street Dental Suite should be your first choice. Our qualified and highly experienced dental team will ensure than you get the best and highest quality treatment in town. Not only this, if you visit our website here, you will become entitled to a free virtual consultation and cost estimation by our orthodontists.
So, book an appointment today and take your first step towards a beautiful and lasting smile and perfect oral health.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
An underbite, first of all, also known professionally as a Class III type of bite, is when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper and ideally the reverse is true, where the top teeth meet the lower teeth by overlapping them. In this type of bite, the lower jaw protrudes beyond the top jaw, making it impossible for the lower row of teeth to align behind the upper row of teeth as they should.
They can be caused by the upper jaw bone being underdeveloped or the bone in the lower jaw being overdeveloped or a combination of both. It can also be due to the position of the teeth, due to a postural habit when closing or due to habits.
Underbites can also result from behaviours like thumb-sucking or caused by genetics or as the result of an accident. Whatever the cause, severe underbites should be treated immediately or as early as possible however there are occasions where delaying treatment is beneficial for you.
Underbites can affect 5-10% of the population and should not be confused with underbites.
It is once again normal for your top teeth to overlap the bottom teeth and just because your upper teeth extend somewhat over your lower teeth, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have an overbite. It is also normal for the top teeth to protrude over the lower by a certain degree. It is when this overlap is excessive that you might say that you have an underbite.
Minor overbites are very common and usually no treatment is needed.
The overlap should measure up to 4 millimeters. In excess of this, causes such as:
Also, sometimes its just the position of the teeth.
Overbites are technically referred to as Class II bites, there are a range of of devices that help in correcting this type of bite.
A team of specialist dental surgeons, also known as orthodontists will determine the best course of action to treat your misaligned bite.
Some treatment options for children with underbites include:
Depending on your type of underbite or the bite you present with, lengthier treatments, with braces can be accomplished with Dental extractions, to relieve the pressure of overcrowding and help the jaw relax into a more natural position.
Surgery to act as an adjunct to fixed braces to modify the position of the top and bottom jaws.
Please contact us on 02079358777 or via email to organise a consultation to discuss your needs. At 128 Harley Street Dental Suite we aim to tailor the treatment to your needs.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Our smile is a major determinant of the overall physical attractiveness and at 128 Harley Street Dental Suite we have only specialists at a Consultant Level providing this specialism of dentistry.
It is a known fact that people mainly focus on other people’s eyes and smiles during interpersonal interaction, with little time spent on other facial features. For the general public, the smile ranks second only to the eyes as the most important feature in facial attractiveness highlighting the importance of having a nice smile.
Our Smiles have different components that render them attractive. One of the most important factors is the buccal corridors.
Buccal corridors are defined as the space between the buccal surfaces of the maxillary teeth and the corners of the mouth during a smile. Their size plays a very important role. It is for this reason that at 128 Harley Street Dental Suite we place a lot of importance in expanding the upper arch to a reasonable level as broader smiles with no Buccal Corridors are more attractive than smiles with Buccal Corridors.
Other important factors to improve smile attractiveness is the symmetry between your left and right parts of your smile. The more symmetrical the nice and more attractive your smile is.
As we age our perception of what we deem attractive remains unchanged and therefore the smile attractiveness does not change as we age.
At our practice we first start with a consultation to investigate the reason for a Narrow Smile. This would lead to an increased in “negative mouth space” and hence an increased buccal corridor space. This can be caused by the width of the top jaw, misalignment of the upper teeth and/or missing teeth. This can in turn lead to unsupported muscles of the cheeks and lips eventually giving a more aged appearance and hence a less attractive smile. This also creates an illusion that the front teeth look too prominent or they stick out as the front teeth take prominence in your smile and are more noticeable than if your top arch was symmetrically rounded from front to back.
At 128 Harley Street Dental Suite we have several appliances that could help us manage such circumstances and your cooperation with wearing them and maintaining good level of cleaning is paramount for success. We are also able to place wire of big-enough dimensions to allow this correction. If your case is one where your jaw is too narrow, we need to widen it in order to make room for the teeth to be properly spaced. The only true, effective way to do this is with the use of palatal expanders.
We have published various other blogs about these type of expanders however if you have any queries about this please do not hesitate to contact us.
Aesthetics and beauty is a personal matter however it is important that you are happy with your new smile and more importantly notice an improvement with the treatment chosen.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
A crossbite is a type of bite problem due to misalignment of teeth between the top and the bottom teeth.
If you have a crossbite the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth instead of the other way around. The top teeth should always close over the bottom teeth. This misalignment can be minimal or more extensive. If it is a mild crossbite it will affect a single tooth however if it is more significant it will involve groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both.
This should not to be confused with an underbite, when all the top teeth, or jaw, are behind the bottom teeth. This is a different bite problem and although the two can be related the cause of the problem could be very different.
At 128 Harley Street Dental Suite, all the assessments are done by specialist dentists in Orthodontics who have specific qualifications and training in orthodontics and will be able to assess your type of problem from the outset.
You do not have a crossbite if your teeth are lined up correctly and the upper teeth which are naturally wider lay on the outside of the bottom teeth.
A crossbite can occur from a discrepancy between the size of the top and bottom teeth or in the jaw sizes. Genetics could also play a role whilst if you didn’t look after your baby teeth when you were younger and they were lost early the adult teeth might not grow in the right position. On the other hand, if you lost your baby teeth quite late it can lead to abnormal eruption of permanent teeth.
Other causes include even habits like thumb sucking or swallowing in an abnormal way which can generate damaging pressure from the cheek muscles which might push the top teeth to the inside of the bottom teeth.
A crossbite may reveal an underlying jaw or bite problem and is best addressed. There is no specific age when this can be done however the younger the age, whilst your face and jaws are still developing, could allow for a less lengthier process. Leaving the crossbite untreated can cause difficulty eating, and your smile aesthetics can be compromised especially if this is visible.
Depending on the scope of the crossbite, treatment may involve the use of a top jaw expansion device called a palatal expander. This can be of a fixed or removable type with the primary intention will be to make the upper jaw wider. This would be used alongside an appliance designed to move the teeth, such as braces or clear aligners.
A trained orthodontic specialist dentist such as Dr Stefan at 128 Harley Street Dental Suite, will know which method will suit you best and will also help you determine which is best for you.
When you choose an orthodontist at 128 Harley Street Dental Suite for your orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected a highly skilled specialist. Orthodontists are experts in orthodontics, coordinating bites and dento-facial orthopaedics, ensuring properly aligned teeth and jaws. Specialist dentists in orthodontics also possess the skills and experience to give you your best smile.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Dental Impressions
It is important that any dental treatment starts with accurate dental impressions known as dental moulds. This is usually required for many aspects of dental work, however it is essential to plan orthodontic treatment. These dental moulds are used for planning your treatment and also to fabricate the appliances that will be used to obtain the desired tooth movements.
They also ensure that the treatment is done as efficiently as possible. There are many important factors that a dentist that specialises in orthodontics looks at when choosing how to take a dental impression, including:
1.Materials. The most commonly used impression material for orthodontics is an addition-type silicone or polyvinyl siloxane referred to as PVS for short. PVS materials are stable and therefore are ideal for transportation and postage to the place of choice. PVS materials have excellent handling, flow, flexibility, and elastic recovery properties and are very comfortable for the patients. They also have a relatively short setting time, good tear resistance, and have no objectionable tastes and smells.
2. Tray Design. The tray is the plastic vessel which is used to hold the PVS material and allow the clinician to conform it to your teeth and adapt it. This allows a precise copy and the selection of trays is important for accuracy of the impression, and also for your comfort. Trays should be rigid so as to not deform when taking the impression and perforated to retain the PVS in place once it is removed. Sometimes at 128 Harley Street Dental Suite we request custom trays which are needed at times as every individual has different sized-teeth and jaw shapes.
3. Tissue management. Manipulation of the PVS is essential by your treating orthodontist to take an accurate copy of not only your teeth but the surrounding gums. This prevents injury to the tissues of the mouth during preparation and impression-taking. The procedure of taking impressions is done by first preparing the trays, cleaning the site, removing moisture, then syringing the impression material around the tooth, and seating the tray properly. An impression or dental mould with modern materials usually takes around 30 seconds to fully set.
Accurate dental impressions are a fairly common procedure.
Nowadays scanners are also available for a digital copy of your teeth however the gold standard remains dental moulds and more modern scanners are continuously compared to this very well-known and established technique.
Your treatment journey starts here!
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Invisalign treatment is the process of sequentially wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that have been programmed and are custom-made for you personally to gradually straighten your teeth. This system uses No brackets and No wires, so are very different to conventional fixed braces also known as “train track braces”.
At 128 Harley Street Dental Suite a lot of people ask us what Invisalign is made of. The material that Invisalign is a specifically and a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®.
The process starts by taking a copy of your teeth and once they are uploaded on the Invisalign digital system, your orthodontist can plan your individual tooth movements needed to create the smile you have been wanting.
The orthodontist will also make provisions to see you every 6-8 weeks to ensure that the progress is maintained as originally planned and if this is not the case, provisions are made to ensure progress is restarted.
Clear aligners are much more discreet than normal fixed braces and allow you to remove them to be able to clean your teeth and gums and maintain them during the treatment duration.
The aligners are trimmed to cover your teeth only and there won’t be any coverage of the inside of your mouth nor will they cover part of the palate.
Tooth sizes, shapes and bites are very unique and the Invisalign treatment would be completely custom-made to your teeth and mouth.
If you are wondering whether Invisalign is a good option for you, you must be aware that Invisalign is a good option for both teens and adults. Everyone leads a busy lifestyle and can take advantage of the flexibility of the system.
Each aligner should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day and the aligners changed as recommended by your orthodontist.
Invisalign can be used to treat one jaw at a time or both depending on your needs.
At 128 Harley Street Dental Suite we recommend that you wash your aligners after use with lukewarm water and placing them in your dedicated container when not in use.
Following treatment, you will need to have a set of retainers made to prevent unwanted tooth movement as much as possible.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
Due to COVID-19, our orthodontist’s office is currently closed and all procedures have to be postponed and rescheduled for a later date. At 128 Harley Street we would have given you instructions and you may also contact us in case you have any difficulties. In case you are still wondering how to handle potential orthodontic issues at home, there are some steps that you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate any discomfort and ensure continuity of the progress achieved so far. We would still encourage you to get in touch in case you have any difficulties. In our specialty, most issues can be handled with no untoward consequences.
During this time, make sure to stay in contact with your orthodontist, Dr Stefan about when we plan to reopen. The government gave us guidelines to reopen in June and is currently limited to treatment such as emergencies to start with. Normality is expected to return by July. We will remain available over the phone and email and we will be more than happy to answer any queries that you might have.
With these accessories at hand, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues
An elastomeric (coloured or not) sometimes referred to as “O” rings are the tiny rubber bands, that holds the orthodontic wire and forms the brace system. If a rubber o-ring came off partially, you may be able to put it back in place using disinfected tweezers. If a wire ligature came loose, simply remove it with the tweezers. In case this fine wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation.
It’s normal to have some discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move however it should not last longer than a couple days. It should also be alleviated with pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water by dissolving coarse salt in tepid water should also help with the discomfort. If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple days, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores without braces. The braces do not cause them, however they may be precipitate or exacerbate the existing or new irritations even more. The cheeks, lips or tongue are common areas where ulcers may appear. This is not an emergency but may be very uncomfortable especially until the ulcers heal. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anaesthetic which can be found over the counter such as Difflam™ spray or Orabase protective paste, which are applied directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab – reapply as needed. If after a couple days the discomfort does not resolve, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss this further.
Sometimes braces can irritate the mouth or parts of the mouth, especially initially till your mouth are getting used to them and you are getting used to daily life wearing them. The wires come in different sizes and the initial ones are very small in size however tend to cause the most discomfort as you are least used to them. The best solution is to use a small amount of orthodontic relief wax makes an excellent cushion between the wire and the mouth usually in the cheek area. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. Wax can be purchased at any drug store if you are unable to get some from your orthodontist during this time. We have completely shut the practice and we are following the government guidelines as to when we can reopen safely.
The braces are active and when the teeth are moving, the end of a wire can elongate towards the back of the brace. This “growing wire” at the end can irritate the cheeks. It might be a good idea in such a case to use a Q-tip or clean tweezer and try to push the wire so that you push it flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. This normally is provided to you in a tiny little box. You can select a very small sample, round it and press it against the end of the protruding wire so that the sharp end does not rub against your cheeks. This is very similar to the process described above.
If the braces or bands have come loose in any way, please call us at 128 Harley Street Dental Suite so that your orthodontist can plan and prioritise your next appointment.
During this temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, we suggest to give your mouth a “break” and stop using the elastic bands. This won’t compromise your treatment in any way but it will give us the time to catch up with your progress when we are able to meet again in person at the practice. We are hoping that normality is achieved in the next few weeks.
We would like to thank you for your understanding during these times and we will certainly be looking forward to welcoming you back in due course.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.
We all know that in order to be exceptionally good at a particular job or task we need to focus exclusively on one thing. Inevitably, trying to be an expert in all things is just not possible. This blog post is dedicated to people looking for total satisfaction, total orthodontics from a total specialist and seeks to explain why this is often the preferred option.
Did you know that all orthodontists are also dentists but not all dentists or orthodontists?
An orthodontist is a dentist that has undertaken postgraduate Masters level education focusing totally on orthodontic treatments. They understand the biological processes involved in moving teeth, they understand the impact of moving teeth on biting and chewing. An orthodontist has total understanding of the potential problems and pitfalls that can occur when we try to move teeth and bone. A specialist orthodontist is a total expert in moving teeth!
The question here is always to ask, what is it that you want to achieve with your teeth braces? Wherever possible the dental profession like to maintain the integrity of natural teeth, other ways to straighten teeth including veneers, bonding or dental crowns involve either covering your natural teeth or partial removal of natural tooth structure in order to accept a new dental crown or veneer.
Inevitably, there is then a junction between the restoration and the natural tooth and it’s this junction which can become the weak point, if it lets in even the tiniest amount of bacteria then it is possible for decay to take hold.
If you rely on total orthodontics rather than other restorative procedures then you maintain this tooth integrity and therefore have a higher chance of avoiding decay in years to come.
The cost of braces is made up of a multitude of factors:
People often want to know how long it will take for braces to straighten their teeth, having a total orthodontic treatment can run from anywhere between 7 weeks and 2 years, this is sometimes why patients opt for more rapid teeth straightening treatments such as dental bonding or veneers, however we urge you to take caution with these treatments for the reasons mentioned above.
A good specialist in orthodontics will give you an idea of how long treatment will take and then plot your progress at each visit, this can then be tracked in software which allows you to see how far a long your treatment you have come at any given point.
It also allows your orthodontist to modify treatment if the teeth are not moving as initially planned.
There are a variety of online clubs which offer removable braces direct to the patient without seeing a dentist.
Buyer beware!
Here’s what to think about if you are considering purchasing orthodontics direct:
One of the advantages of going to someone that specialises in total orthodontics is that you get the highest level of one-to-one care, so not coming to orthodontic appointments firstly means that you may be wasting your valuable money and not receiving the level of care that you would expect.
If your orthodontist doesn’t see you as often as they would like they are also not able to modify treatment accordingly. This can then impact both your results and the treatment time, meaning you may have to wear braces for much longer then you would ideally like.
Regular appointments will also have checks which you are not able to do at home, example brackets may have worked loose without you noticing. Loose bracket, if left could potentially harbour harmful bacteria underneath and lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. At your regular braces appointment your orthodontist will be able to spot the loose bracket and bond it back into place. Another problem with an unnoticed loose bracket is that it won’t be doing the job it is there to do and could therefore extend treatment times.
A total orthodontic treatment is a total investment in yourself and your smile. Visiting a specialist orthodontist gives you the assurance that you’ve got the most appropriate type of braces, offered with the highest level of skill and delivered to give you the ultimate smile.
Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed
Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.
Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.