More about the braces we offer

More about the braces we offer

22 December 2016

At Staplehurst Dental, we think it is important to offer our patients choices when it comes to their dental treatment. While we are happy to be the guiding professionals, we know that patients are happiest when they are in control and can make informed decisions about their own health and smiles.

This is especially true when it comes to getting braces in Kent. Teeth straightening requires a level of commitment even for minor work. You will need to visit us fairly frequently during the treatment process. The more we work in partnership with you by giving great advice and listening to your needs, the better those appointments will be and the more successful your overall experience will be.

What are braces used for?

When you get braces in Kent, it will be to realign your teeth in some way. Usually, this means straightening them to achieve a more pleasing look but it can also be beneficial in other ways. Having straighter teeth generally means that they are healthier overall.

In essence, the process of teeth straightening involves placing consistent pressure on teeth to move them in a desired direction. It will happen very slowly and gradually over a period of months. Total treatment time depends on the required goal, the method and the conditions within your mouth. The latter will be assessed at an appointment at our clinic in Kent. Braces are the equipment that is used to achieve the realignment.

What types of braces do we have?

We work with a number of tried and tested dental brands like Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. Each of these methods involves getting braces custom made for you.

Invisalign make a series of aligners for you to wear to achieve your desired result. You change your aligner every two weeks at home. Some patients like the fact that these braces are removable as they feel it gives them control over the process. However, you need to be disciplined enough to wear them for 22 hours per day to achieve the results you want.

Six Month Smiles involves clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires. The brackets are fixed to the teeth in planned positions and the wire is threaded through them. The wire then creates gentle pressure by pushing against the brackets which transfer force to the teeth.