Here at Central Orthodontics, we offer a range of different types of braces for your teeth. Different orthodontic issues will suit different types of braces. Traditional metal braces are used for more severe orthodontic issues and can also be used for almost all teeth straightening treatments. Less severe orthodontic issues can be solved with Invisalign or ceramic braces. These braces are also perfect for patients who want their braces to be discreet in appearance during treatment.

To find out the best kind of braces for your desired results, book a consultation with us today.

What Are the Different Types of Braces for Teeth? 

Metal Braces 

Metal braces are one of the oldest and most traditional forms of teeth straightening treatments. Despite this, they are still one of the most popular treatment options. This is due to the amount of control metal braces offer when teeth are being moved. Traditional braces offer the most control during treatment than other orthodontic methods. This means your orthodontist is able to make finer and more accurate tooth movements during treatment. Tweaks to your smile can be made much quicker compared to removable appliances, resulting in a perfect smile. Metal braces are almost always used for more complicated orthodontic issues due to the amount of control they allow.

Metal braces are made using a mixture of metal brackets and wire. The metal brackets are fixed to your individual teeth and the metal wire is then clipped into these brackets. During the course of treatment, the metal wire will change in tightness and thickness and this is what moves your teeth. Elastic bands are then wrapped around the brackets to secure the wire. If you are considering braces, you should book a consultation with Central Orthodontics today. We can asses your smile and advise you on the best course of treatment.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are a modern approach to teeth straightening. They gently straighten your teeth without requiring extractions. Whereas traditional braces require regular appointments for tightening, Damon braces are self-ligating. This means that the Damon system gradually tightens over time using a sliding mechanism. They are also aesthetically much more discreet than traditional metal braces.

Although Damon braces look similar to metal braces, they work differently. Damon braces use slide brackets. A memory wire is then clipped into these brackets. This helps to reduce the amount of pain during treatment. The sliding mechanism within the brace is set to gradually move your teeth continuously and tighten over time.

Ceramic Braces 

Ceramic braces are a popular treatment option for patients concerned with the appearance of their braces during treatment. The tooth coloured material used to secure the braces to your teeth make ceramic braces and aesthetically discreet teeth straightening treatment. 

Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces, however, the brackets are made of ceramic and not metal. The ceramic material used also makes ceramic braces less painful during treatment as they are less abrasive and won’t irritate your gums or the side of your mouth. Due to the higher quality material used for this treatment, it can be a more expensive option compared to other teeth-straightening methods.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign is an invisible orthodontics technique that corrects the positioning of your teeth to work towards an improved smile. Special trays are custom made for your teeth from clear plastic, making them invisible during wear. Invisalign is suitable for patients of 15-years old and above and can be used to correct a variety of dental alignment issues.

You’ll also be able to get a perfect idea of how your Invisalign treatment will look through our iTero 3D Scanner, which can be used during the consultation/treatment period. This scanner will take a 3D image of your current teeth and show you how they will move during the course of your treatment to your desired position.

Different Types of Metal Braces for Teeth 

Here at Central Orthodontics, we offer two different types of metal braces. These are traditional metal braces and Damon braces. Metal braces will be used when teeth are severely misaligned as they offer the most control during the movement of the teeth. The course of orthodontic treatment that will work best to straighten your teeth will be entirely dependent on your individual situation.

If you wish to go ahead with braces for yourself or your child, you should begin by booking a consultation with us. Here at Central Orthodontics we can assess your teeth, offer a rough treatment time scale and provide you with the cost of treatment. We offer discounts on up-front payments or you can devise a payment plan with us across your appointments.

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When you have braces, brushing your teeth properly is highly important to ensure you get the best results from your treatment. Due to the design of braces, cleaning your teeth effectively can become a little tricky. Here at Central Orthodontics, we understand the importance of brushing your teeth properly during teeth straightening treatments. We’ve compiled all the information you need to know to brush your teeth effectively with braces below.

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces Step-by-Step

You should first begin by brushing your teeth the same way you did before you had braces. We’ve compiled a short step by step on how to brush your teeth with a proper technique.

1. Rinse your toothbrush and apply your toothpaste of choice.
2. Position your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and brush.
3. Hold your toothbrush in the same position but now brush the tops and bottom of your braces.
4. Gently move the brush in short circular motions over your braces and teeth.
5. Brush the front, back and all chewing surfaces of your teeth.
6. Brush your teeth thoroughly for around two minutes – 30 seconds per each quadrant of your mouth.
7. Remember to brush your tongue to keep your breath fresh and remove bacteria.
8. You may choose to rinse with mouthwash after this stage of brushing or after thoroughly brushing your braces.

This method can be transferred across all types of fitted braces including ceramic and Damon braces.

Once you’ve finished brushing your teeth and braces with your toothbrush, it’s time to use an interdental brush. You can get one of these from your orthodontist. Interdental brushes are shaped like a tiny bottle brush and make it easier to get into those harder to reach areas that having braces can create. This can be used to brush between your archwires and teeth.

• Start with your bottom teeth and move from one side of your mouth to the other. Use the interdental brush to brush all the spaces between brackets and underneath wires thoroughly.
• Complete this process again for your top teeth.

How to Brush Your Teeth With Braces Electric Toothbrush

To clean your teeth and braces with an electric toothbrush you should follow the same steps as above. However, we recommend choosing a softer bristled brush and opting for a slower setting to avoid causing damage to the brackets and wires. Should you experience any breakages of your brackets or wires, or sudden discomfort from your brace after brushing, you should book an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible.

Electric toothbrushes are known to clean gums and teeth much better than a manual toothbrush. This is because they allow for a much more thorough cleaning. Scientists have found that people who use an electric toothbrush experience less tooth decay and maintain healthier gums.

How to Keep Your Teeth Clean With Braces On 

Keeping your teeth nice and clean can become a little more challenging if you have fixed braces. Wires and brackets can create more areas for food residue to become trapped. We recommend cleaning your teeth thoroughly morning and night and also brushing them after each meal. This will help to remove any food that has become trapped in your braces and keep your teeth nice and clean.

Here at Central Orthodontics, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments from Damon to lingual braces. If you would like to have a brace fitted, we recommend booking a consultation with us to discuss your desired results and to help you decide which would be the best style of brace for you.

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 How Do I Know If I Need Braces?

If the alignment of your teeth is affecting your self-confidence or the functioning of your teeth (chewing of food), you may be considering braces. In recent years the need for cosmetic perfection seems to have increased. Having straight teeth means so much more than a beautiful smile. Straight teeth are also crucial for maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. Bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease are all issues that can be caused by crooked teeth.

Here at Central Orthodontics, we are experts in teeth straightening treatments. We offer a range of cosmetic braces to help you achieve a straighter smile.

If you are not suitable for NHS braces, or you don’t want to deal with the long waiting lists, you may want to consider private orthodontic treatment. It is available to everyone and there are no waiting lists. When you choose to go for private orthodontic treatment, you are not held back by NHS funding and can choose from several of the latest braces.

Here at Central Orthodontics, we offer traditional braces, as well as ceramic braces, Damon braces and Invisalign aligners. To find out more about private orthodontics, you can contact us directly to arrange a consultation. If you have any questions about NHS treatment, please get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

What Are Cosmetic Braces? 

Cosmetic braces are a gentle, minimally invasive treatment. They use sound orthodontic principles to straighten the upper and lower front six teeth. These teeth are known as the ‘social six’. This is because they are the six visible teeth when a person smiles.

Do I Need Braces If I Have Spaces or Gaps in Between My Teeth?

Some people suffer from teeth too close together, some people have large gaps in between their teeth. Gaps can occur due to:

• Teeth are smaller than average
• High frenum attachment (the band of skin between teeth attaching lip to the jaw)
• Mismatch of the jaw and size of teeth
• Lost teeth
• Bad habits such as thumb sucking
• Ageing factors (gum recession and bone loss)

Properly aligned teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and hygiene and caring for the overall health of your body. Large gaps between the teeth can lead to bacterial growth and plaque buildup. This can lead to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Gaps can also create difficulty chewing, biting and swallowing. It may also cause pain in your teeth or jaw. This is why it is always best to close gaps in the teeth.

Cosmetic braces are an excellent treatment for gaps or spaces in between your teeth. There is a range of options available, speak to your dentist to see which options are best for you.

Do I Need Braces If I Have Crowded Teeth?

Crowded teeth are the most common reason people decide to go ahead with teeth straightening treatments. Overcrowding is when there is not enough space in your mouth or on your jaw for all of your teeth to sit comfortably. Crowding is prone to getting worse with age.

When teeth are crowded, this makes it much harder to clean and floss your teeth adequately. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss as there is more room for the toothbrush bristles to get to the tooth’s surface. This can cause an accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Built-up plaque on the teeth can lead to gum disease, bad breath and even bone loss around the teeth. Cosmetic braces are a great treatment for overcrowding.

Requirements for NHS Braces 

When deciding if a patient is eligible for NHS braces, we use a rating system called ‘The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need” (IOTN). This rating system is used by every other orthodontist. Here at Central Orthodontics, our orthodontists have undergone dedicated training to ensure they provide a fair and objective assessment every time.

During your first appointment, your orthodontist will use the IOTN to grade your teeth. Receiving grade 1 or 2 unfortunately means that you are not eligible for NHS-funded treatment. Grade one means that your teeth are almost perfect and you do not require teeth straightening treatment for health reasons. Grade 2 is awarded for minor irregularities that again don’t need treatment for health reasons. When receiving a grade 2, your teeth may have minor irregularities such as protruding upper front teeth. However, these issues are not prone to causing further health problems.

If you receive grade 3, you may still be eligible for NHS funding. Receiving a grade of 3 means that your case is borderline. Your orthodontist will consider the appearance of your teeth and give them an aesthetic score from 1 to 10. Receiving a grade 3 and aesthetic score of 6-10, means you will qualify for NHS treatment.

Grade 4 is for more extensive irregularities. These irregularities require treatment for health reasons. These include upper front teeth that protrude by more than 6mm, open bites of more than 4mm, additional teeth and lower front teeth that protrude more than 3.5mm. Receiving a grade 4 means you are definitely eligible for NHS treatment.

Grade 5 is for severe irregularities. These irregularities need to be treated to improve your dental health. This could be numerous missing teeth, facial anomalies including a cleft lip or palate or upper front teeth that protrude more than 9mm.

We will let you know the results of your IOTN assessment at your first consultation. If you are not suitable for NHS treatment, we can discuss private treatment options.

Types of Cosmetic Braces

Here at Central Orthodontics, we offer a range of cosmetic braces. Metal braces are the most traditional form of teeth straightening treatment. Although they are one of the oldest forms of teeth straightening treatments, they are still one of the most popular among patients. This is due to the control of the tooth movement metal braces provide.

If you want to achieve beautifully straight teeth, without worrying about the appearance of traditional braces, then Invisalign is your answer! Invisalign is an invisible technique that corrects the positioning of your teeth to work towards an improved smile. Special trays are custom made for your teeth from clear plastic, making them invisible during wear. Ceramic braces are also a great option for patients concerned about the appearance of traditional braces.

How Long Will I Need a Brace For? 

Orthodontic treatment is not a precise science. Every individual is different. The amount of time will usually depend on the severity of the misalignment that is being corrected, how well you follow your treatment plan and the kind of brace you choose. Your oral health can also be a determining factor. If your oral hygiene is at a poor standard, you may need to have some hygiene treatments before you can go ahead and get braces. As a rough estimate, orthodontic treatments can take between six to 24 months to complete.

If you are looking for orthodontic treatment in Birmingham or surrounding areas, contact Central Orthodontics today. We offer a range of teeth straightening treatments from Invisalign to traditional metal braces. Our orthodontists are highly experienced in all aspects of teeth straightening and have achieved some fantastic results.

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