An orthodontist has more options than just metal braces to straighten teeth. At Sheen Dental in Richmond, our orthodontist offers a number of far subtler methods of teeth straightening treatment, designed for adults who find the thought of obvious metal appliances a significant barrier to treatment.
Teeth straightening benefits
Although some of these appliances are referred to as “cosmetic braces”, any orthodontist will be quick to point out that straightening your teeth has numerous additional benefits for your general as well as your dental health.
Depending on the severity of your current orthodontic situation, these may include:
Making teeth easier to clean
Treatment from an orthodontist reduces the gaps in which plaque bacteria can build up, which makes your teeth easier to clean. With prudent dental hygiene this reduces your risk of both tooth decay and gum disease, which can ultimately result in tooth loss.
Studies have linked gum disease to a number of general health problems, including heart disease, so reducing your risk of gum disease has many benefits.
Reducing the risk of damaged teeth
If you have protruding front teeth (“buck teeth”) they are at a higher risk of damage from accident and injury. Correction this protrusion helps to protect the teeth.
Spreading the forces generated by biting and chewing
Improving your bite means no teeth suffer excessive wear and tear.
Treating bruxism
An orthodontist can sometimes help cure night-time tooth grinding.
At Sheen Dental in Richmond, our orthodontist Dr FotisStavaras welcomes patients of all ages for consultations. After assessing the type and amount of correction you need, he will talk you through all the appropriate treatment options. These include:
Ceramic braces
Made of tooth-coloured nickel-titanium wires and clear ceramic brackets, these braces provide the benefits of traditional orthodontics without the metal. We use Damon and Clarity tooth-coloured braces at our Richmond practice.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces can treat a full range of orthodontic issues. Your Richmond orthodontist fits them to the rear surface of your teeth, so no-one will see them.
Invisalign
Treatment involves using a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into a better position.