Our case of the month for June is a short term orthodontic treatment (STO) to correct the upper teeth. STO has become extremely popular as a cosmetic dental option due to the non-invasive approach and the speed of treatment. In the past, traditional cosmetic dental treatments involved cutting down the teeth for veneers or crowns. Orthodontic treatment would often take 18-24 months, However, although there is a still a place for these treatments, there are alternative options. Please take a look at our before and after photos:
 

Our case of the month for April is an unbelievable smile makeover using a fixed metal brace. Our patient wanted to be able to smile for her wedding photographs and we were given a time span of just 8 months! Now the level of tooth crowding was quite severe and we were unsure whether the treatment could be completed in time. However, we did not need to worry. The treatment was complete ahead of schedule. We used high tec metal brackets which have minimal friction and allow quick alignment of rotated, crooked, displaced teeth. Just take a look at the before and after photos:
 

If you have ever thought about straightening your teeth but have dreaded the thought of metal braces, then we have the solution - lingual braces. Lingual braces are placed on the INSIDE of your teeth so that no one will know that you are wearing an orthodontic brace.

The days of the 'Ugly Betty' type brace have long gone - invisible lingual braces are the future. One of the most popular types of lingual brace is called the Social 6 brace. This aims to straighten the front 4 (upper or lower) teeth in a matter of weeks. So if you are after a cosmetic improvement to your smile and do not want to wait for months or years for results, the Social 6 brace could be for you. For example, have a look at our case below. A wonderful result in just a few weeks:
 

Our case of the month for April 2014 involves the closing of a gap between the front teeth in only 3 months using invisible lingual braces. The before and after photographs speak for themselves:
 

Our case of the month for March is a wonderful teeth straightening case. Our client was extremely unhappy with her crooked and uneven smile but was conscious of wearing braces that were visible. After a full clinical analysis and careful treatment planning, we decided on using invisible braces. Take a look at our before and after photos- great end result.
 

In the old days of cosmetic dentistry, the lower teeth were often forgotten and treatments were geared primarily to upper teeth. This included treatments such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges and dental implants. Often, this was a mistake. The lower teeth are VITAL to overall cosmetic dentistry, the main reason being occlusion or the 'bite'. In simple terms, if the dental occlusion is not adequate, then there are long term consequences. This could range from loss of function, increased tooth wear, increased likelihood of tooth fracture and jaw joint problems. In many cases now, we treat just the lower teeth due to phenomenon called 'late lower teeth crowding'. The lower front teeth are the smallest teeth in the mouth and lack of space is often an issue. As we age, the lack of space can become more apparent. A classic example is below:
 

We believe in the least invasive techniques to create beautiful smiles. If you have crooked teeth, overlapping teeth or teeth that are out of alignment then they SHOULD NOT be cut down for veneers or crowns. This is destructive and will cause harm in the longer term. Due to the advances of cosmetic dentistry, teeth can now be straightened discreetly and quickly to enhance your smile and improve oral hygiene. One of the most popular techniques we use is the lingual brace, which is the truly invisible brace as it sits on the inside of the teeth. Our case study highlights a wonderful result achieved with a lingual brace to straighten crooked lower front teeth.
 

Our case of the month for March involves straightening lower crowded teeth using invisible lingual braces. As we get older, our lower teeth tend to become more uneven and crooked. This can impact on dental hygiene, affect the bite and of course look unsightly!

However, there is a solution. Invisible braces placed behind the teeth are an excellent way of correcting such misaligned teeth. There is no need for the dreaded train tracks that can be seen a mile away. Lingual braces are placed on the INSIDE of the teeth and therefore no one will ever know you having your teeth straightened! Teeth whitening was also carried out and the difference is simply amazing. Our case demonstrates just this:

Very crooked lower front teeth and below straight teeth! What a difference.
 

Teeth straightening is now a very popular treatment to improve the cosmetic appearance and why not! If teeth are crowded, out of alignment, suffer from spacing issues then they should be treated with orthodontics such as invisible braces. One of our most popular invisible braces is the lingual brace. This is placed on the inside of the teeth making it the truly invisible brace. If the thought of fixed braces on the outside of your teeth fills you with fear, then this is the solution for you. Dr Nissit Patel has a great deal of experience in invisible braces and lingual braces. A case study is presented below: