2020 is flying by and January has thankfully passed with slightly longer days ahead of us. Our case of the month for January involves a simple yet effective smile makeover using the Social 6 lingual brace to make one tooth more visible on smiling. Often we seen huge dental transformations where there is huge difference in the overall smile with multiple veneers, crowns and crazy white shades that resemble white goods rather than teeth! This is not our style. For those of you that read our blog, you will know that we strongly believe in minimally invasive dentistry that looks natural, highly aesthetic and lasts a long time. Our case involves one using the Social 6 lingual brace (one of our favourite treatments), to align one tooth and dramatically change the smile in just 3 months. Here are the before and after photos:
 

Our case of the month for September 2019 is one featuring a lingual brace. For those of you that follow our blog and case of the month series, we love lingual braces. They are hidden braces placed behind the teeth and hence the ONLY invisible brace despite what others may have you believe. Before we show you the case, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of lingual braces. The technique is not for everyone and hence this is really useful information.

Advantages of Lingual Braces 
 

1. Cannot be seen; hidden from view
2. Excellent at alignment, leveling, rotation correction when space is present
3. Excellent at space closure when the bite allows
4. No lip irritation
5. No damage to the outer surfaces of the teeth whilst placing and removing

Disadvantages of Lingual Braces
 

1. Contact on the brackets whilst biting, eating, chewing which is hard to get used to
2. Harder to clean
3. Tongue soreness
4. Greater likelihood of knocking the brackets off inadvertently
5. Use of lower night guard essential if only upper teeth are being treated
6. Cannot be used if teeth are very crowded as there will not be enough space for the brackets to be placed
7. Extremely fiddly for the treating dentist to place and adjust!
8. More expensive than conventional braces- for good reason!

Here is our case, a great end result:
 

We are a bit late for the January case but it is well worth waiting for. The case involves one of our favourite treatments; ABC. As you may well, we believe in minimally invasive dentistry. We can create stunning smiles without having to drill away your teeth; we simply enhance what you already have.

Our case involves teeth straightening initially using full mouth lingual braces. Lingual braces are the only braces that can be said to be 'invisible'. They are placed behind the teeth so that no one will know that you are having your teeth straightened. Of course, we can use alternative systems such as conventional outside braces or Invisalign also. There are many choices available, long gone are the days of metal train tracks as the only option. 

After we achieved a beautiful straight smile, tooth whitening was done using our in chair Phillips ZOOM whitening and take home kit. 

This was followed by cosmetic bonding to create symmetry of otherwise uneven and asymmetrical teeth. The results are simply awesome and this is a case of a true smile transformation. Please take a look at the before and after photos:
 

Our case of the month for September 2017 is a wonderful teeth straightening case using one of our favourite braces- Social 6 lingual brace. Lingual braces are placed on the INSIDE of your teeth which means it is the only invisible brace treatment available. Other techniques such as Invisalign or Six Month Smiles may say their treatment is discreet but there is only one truly invisible brace. Aside from this, most treatments are incredibly quick. We have found the average time to be 3-4 months. This really flies by and the brace is removed before you know it. Another huge bonus is that the brace is only placed on 6 teeth making it the smallest fixed brace on the market and therefore very comfortable. 

Here is a case we completed today:
 

At Progressive Dentistry, we are advocates of non invasive treatment to produce the very best results. We believe that treatments kind to the teeth and gums will produce longer lasting, natural results yet still highly aesthetic. For example, this week in the Daily Mail, a double page spread on celebrities who have had their teeth done. This included Simon Cowell, Noel Gallagher, Cheryl Cole (sorry Fernandez Versini), Tom Cruise, David Bowie, Catherine Zeta Jones, Gordon Brown (yes, our ex Prime Minister), Mel C, Nicolas Cage, Demi Moore, Ronan Keating to name but a few. 

The key factor with all of these cases, was the use of porcelain veneers for the smile makeover. Whilst we agree that porcelain veneers can produce dramatic results within a few weeks, the fact remains that this technique requires heavy preparation of the underlying teeth. Therefore, the hardest tissue in the human body- tooth enamel- is completely destroyed. In the long term, there will be consequences. 

Why go for a quick fix when a non invasive solution will last for a life time? For example, take at look at our case below. Our patient hated her crooked front teeth. With the celebrity option, all of the tooth enamel would need to be stripped away for porcelain veneers. Crazy. We opted to straighten the teeth over the period of only a few months, and an amazing transformation was evident. Just take a look:
 

We are delighted to announce a fantastic lingual brace offer for September. A full arch lingual brace is now just £2000, saving £1500 (usual fee £3500). 

Lingual braces are the truly invisible brace as they are placed on the inside of the teeth. If you would like a discreet way of straightening your teeth, then lingual braces could be the answer. In many cases, lingual braces are also extremely quick. Mild crowding could be corrected in just a few weeks! To learn more, please view a recent case study:
 

We strongly believe in the non invasive dentistry wherever possible. There are many benefits to a minimal approach such as:

1. Less invasion leads to healthier teeth and gums.
2. Less biological damage.
3. Less risk of complications.
4. Maintenance is simple and cost effective.
5. Less costly!
6. Natural results.

For example, just look at our case below with regards to a non invasive smile makeover:
 

Our case of the month for May 2015 involves teeth straightening of the lower front teeth. Crooked lower front teeth is a very common problem that affects many adults. In fact, there is a term for this as the teeth gradually become more and more crooked - 'late lower incisor crowding'. There are a number of reasons for straightening lower teeth: 

1. Cosmetic 

2. Improved hygiene - often plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) readily forms on the inside of lower front teeth 

3. Improved bite 

4. Prevent further movement 

Just have a look at our case below. He was originally told that one incisor tooth required removal. However, we managed to create a great result without removing any teeth.
 

One of the most common questions we are asked is how can I straighten my teeth quickly and without anyone knowing. Well, we have the answer- lingual braces. Here are some FAQs about lingual braces: 
 

What are lingual braces?

These are braces placed on the inside of the teeth, completely hidden from view. 
 

Are they suitable for me?

Lingual braces can be used for virtually any condition. 
 

Why are they not as readily available as conventional braces?

Lingual braces are technically more difficult as teeth have a different anatomy on the inside. The surface area is reduced and the enamel surface is very different. It is also far more difficult for the dentist to access the inside of the teeth and make the necessary adjustments-skill is required!
 

Can they be used just to straighten my front teeth

Yes, of course. A technique called Social 6 lingual aims to straighten the front 4 teeth only. The brace is only placed on the front 6 teeth so it is very small, comfortable and quick. 
 

Is it painful?

Remarkably, in most cases no. This is because the forces used are very light but constant. The forces also act in a different plane to conventional braces. However, the tongue may get caught and irritated by the brace and this can be sore! 
 

Will it affect my speech?

Yes. In most cases, there will be some lisping especially with 's' and 't' sounds. This usually resolves after a few weeks.
 

Will I be able to eat whatever I like?

No. It is advised that you stick to a soft diet for the first few weeks and then gradually eat harder, chewy foods as you become used to the brace. It is generally much more difficult to eat with lingual braces than conventional braces. 
 

How much do they cost?

This depends on each individual case. In general, lingual braces are more expensive than conventional orthodontics and are a premium product. For full mouth lingual hidden braces, prices start from £4000 upwards. 

If you have any questions on lingual braces, hidden braces, invisible braces then please do not hesitate to contact us. We provide a free quick consultation over e mail- just send us some photos of your teeth.