If you’re thinking about orthodontics treatment to straighten your teeth, you probably have plenty of questions. This month, we wanted to take a moment to answer some of the most common questions, but please do ask us about orthodontics in Wetherby at Blossom Dental Care as our friendly dentists will be happy to answer any questions you have in relation to your individual case.

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics relates to treatments designed to straighten teeth and correct your bite. Using braces or aligners, we can improve the function of your teeth, tackle dental problems and give your teeth better facial harmony.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

When people think about having their teeth straightened, the cosmetic benefits are often at the forefront of their minds. A straight smile tends to look more attractive and can be a great confidence booster. Beyond aesthetics though, it tends to be easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy when they’re straight. Orthodontic treatment has been shown to help prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.

Can a general dentist offer orthodontics in their practice or do you need to see a specialist orthodontist for braces?

Yes, dentists can offer orthodontics without being registered as a specialist orthodontist. However, it is important to choose a dentist who has the appropriate skills, training and experience in the brace or aligner system you choose. Here at Blossom Dental Care, for example, we are one of York’s leading Invisalign providers and are approved to provide this system.

Can anybody have orthodontics?

Yes, when it comes to having straighter teeth, age is no barrier. We’ve had patients who are well into their 60s who are keen to improve the function and appearance of their teeth.

How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

The only way to get a definitive idea about how long your treatment will take is to speak to us about your individual case. Average Invisalign treatment times are nine to 12 months, but more complex treatments can take longer.

Will I need to have teeth taken out?

Most modern brace systems give us the flexibility to straighten your teeth without taking any out first. In some cases, extractions are advisable to create space in your jaw for your teeth to sit properly, but we would never remove a healthy tooth unless we felt there was no other option, and we would always discuss this with you first.

What will my treatment consist of?

The nature of your treatment will depend on whether you have fixed braces or a system of removable aligners. Here at Blossom Dental Care, we use Invisalign for teeth straightening.

We will ask you to come into the clinic for an initial consultation where we will fully assess your case, take photographs, impressions and X-rays of your teeth, and discuss how Invisalign works with you.

At the beginning of your treatment, we will use Invisalign’s specialist ClinCheck software to plan how we want your teeth to move and show how your smile will look at the end of your treatment.

You will be given a series of custom-made clear and removable aligners to wear for a minimum of 22 hours a day. You will need to change these every two weeks to gradually move your teeth into the correct final position.

Will it hurt to wear braces?

No, your treatment should not hurt at all. You may experience some tenderness and a feeling of pressure for a couple of days each time you change to a new Invisalign aligner, but this should pass without intervention.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

It shouldn’t. Occasionally people find that they need a day or two to adjust to wearing aligners, but your speech should quickly return to normal.

Will I be able to clean my teeth?

Invisalign is a popular choice for orthodontics in Wetherby because the clear aligners can be removed whenever you want to eat, drink or brush your teeth. This means that you can care for your teeth as usual.

Will I need to wear a retainer?

It is advisable that everyone wears a retainer after orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign, we may give you your final aligner to wear as a retainer or we can discuss other options such as a fixed retainer on the back of your teeth. We will also give you a clear retention plan so you know when to wear your retainer and for how long each day.

How much will my orthodontic treatment cost?

The cost of your treatment will depend on the type and complexity of your treatment. Therefore, it is different for every patient. We will give you an estimate for your treatment at the same time as your treatment plan, as well as information about payment options such as 0% finance so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to go ahead.

If you would like to know more about orthodontics in Wetherby and the surrounding areas, book a FREE Invisalign consultation by calling Blossom Dental Care & Implant Studio in York on 01904 653356.