Our case of the months for November is a simple yet effective teeth straightening case involving the lower front teeth. Straightening lower front teeth has a number of benefits which include:
- Improved aesthetics
- Improved access for cleaning
- Improved anterior guidance (bite)
- Reduces damaging forces on the edges and reducing tooth wear
- Improved contact
For those of you who are not dentally trained, point 3 is how the lower teeth move up against the upper teeth forwards, right and left movements. The smoother the guidance the better. Teeth that are very crooked cannot, by nature, have smooth contacts with the upper and often one or two teeth take the force and are damaged as a result. A simple test is to stand in front of the mirror and bring your teeth edge to edge. Do they meet evenly? Does one tooth make most of the contact? Are your lower/ upper teeth worn and uneven? If so, it is worth considering treatment. Here are the before and after photos for our case:
Lower front teeth are crooked and uneven in height.
After treatment using the Social 6 lingual brace. Straight front teeth and even edges.
Here is a classic case of improving the lower front teeth. The treatment took only a few months using one of our favourite treatments; the Social 6 lingual brace. After treatment, it is essential to hold the teeth in position. In most cases, this is done using a fixed retainer which is bonded on the back of the teeth.
Fixed wire retainer.
Here you can see the lower fixed retainer in situ. It is very flat and smooth and easy to clean using inter dental brushes. On top of this, we also provide a removable retainer which is worn at night. Retention is for life! If you have crooked lower front teeth and would like them straightened in a few months, please contact us. Treatment completed by Dr Nissit Patel. Photographs are the sole property of Dr Nissit Patel and may not be reproduced for any reason.