82% of Londoners Are Happy with Their Smile, But What Are the Options If You Don’t Like Yours?

82% of Londoners Are Happy with Their Smile, But What Are the Options If You Don’t Like Yours?

A recent nationwide survey found that three in four British people think positively about their smile, with 55% of the people interviewed saying they like their smile and 18% of people loving their smile. In London, the figure for residents who like or love their smile is 82%! Across the UK, these results also show a strong link between people who feel good about their smile and have good oral health.

It’s very encouraging to learn that the majority of people do like their smiles, but there are plenty of options for people who don’t feel so confident in their teeth. At Marsh House Orthodontics, we specialise in a number of different orthodontic treatments to help straighten teeth and fix bite problems.

If you would like straighter teeth, let’s talk though some of your options:

Metal braces and self-ligating braces

Metal braces are the most traditional style of brace and feature metal brackets which are fitted to the front of your teeth, with a wire running between them which is kept in place by elastic bands. Metal braces may not be discreet, but they are certainly very effective for treating a number of different alignment and bite problems.

Self-ligating braces are a more modern alternative to metal braces. Whilst metal brackets are used, instead of elastic bands to hold the wire in place, small metal clips are used instead. As the bracket essential ties itself to the archwire, it is ‘self-ligating’. These braces are designed to be more comfortable and can help to reduce treatment times as wires don’t need to be tightened at every appointment.

If you don’t like the stainless-steel look provided by metal braces, you could opt for…

Gold braces

Gold braces work in the same way as traditional metal braces, but the brackets are gold plated and can be complemented with gold wires, providing an alternative to standard metal braces.

However, if you would prefer a more discreet type of fixed brace, a less noticeable option would be…

Ceramic braces

These braces use clear or tooth coloured brackets instead of metal, so they blend in with the natural colour of your teeth and are much harder to spot. Understandably, ceramic braces are increasingly popular as many patients feel better about a more discreet treatment option.

Removable braces

Invisalign clear aligners are an extremely popular orthodontic treatment as they are practically invisible, making them perfect for people who are worried about showing their braces. Invisalign uses aligners made from wafer-thin, medical grade plastic that fit perfectly over your teeth. These aligners are replaced around once every two weeks, until your teeth move into the desired position.

Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth, so mealtimes and maintaining good dental hygiene are much easier than with fixed braces.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are probably the most discreet method of orthodontic treatment. Like traditional metal braces, the are fixed to the teeth, however, the brackets are fixed to the back of the teeth. As well as being hidden, lingual braces are one of the latest advancements in modern orthodontic treatment and can help to correct a wide range of alignment and bite problems.

Top arrange for a consultation to find out more about your options for teeth straightening treatment, please contact our South West London practice on 020 8646 6200.