14 Royal Terrace, Glasgow G3 7NY - NHS & Private Orthodontic Practice
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14 Royal Terrace, Glasgow G3 7NY - NHS & Private Orthodontic Practice
Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about teeth straightening.
Treatment time with the Damon System is much faster than conventional braces. Also, fewer appointments are required during treatment.
We understand that cost is a concern for anyone considering orthodontic treatment. However, we cannot give you a specific answer to that question as the cost of your treatment with Damon braces will depend on several things like the severity of your orthodontic problem, how long your treatment will take, and the type of Damon braces you choose. We can tell you that the cost of Damon braces is like that of traditional braces. Once our Park orthodontist has developed your customised treatment plan, we’ll let you know precisely how much your treatment will cost before starting.
Damon braces a more effective treatment, shortening overall treatment time and improving comfort during treatment. In addition to the advantages of self-ligating brackets, Damon braces offer one of the most reliable treatments.
Traditional treatments can stretch from 10 to 24 months, while Damon braces can accomplish stunning results in as little as 6 to 8 months.
You might not know that Damon braces often improve facial aesthetics in addition to straightening teeth. Many adult patients end up with a fuller, wider smile and improved facial balance (including smoother cheek contours). The result is a more youthful appearance.
Whereas many traditional braces are only available in the all-too-familiar silver finish, Damon Braces can be applied in colours such as pink, blue, pastels and others.
With the Damon® System, we do not tighten your braces; we just change your wires. Some slight discomfort may be present the first 3-5 days after each adjustment, but this can be alleviated with paracetamol.
Studies have shown that a fuller smile with a wider arch is more attractive. ¹ Having the teeth upright and aligned into a smile “arc” can also add to a smile's appeal. We call this a Damon Smile.
No. Damon braces feature small brackets with smooth rounded surfaces that make treatment discreet and comfortable.
Unfortunately, Damon braces aren't usually available as an option for NHS orthodontic treatment. This is because NHS funding is limited, and the focus is on getting the best result, using the most cost-effective brace – usually traditional fixed metal braces.
Invisalign treatment is a dental procedure that entails using a series of Invisalign or clear aligners. The braces are removable and help slowly correct or straighten the teeth without using wires and brackets.
Invisalign treatment is ideal for teens, adults, or anyone who wants a less conspicuous way of improving teeth and bite issues can try this dental treatment.
The treatment starts with a consultation, and we will create the first aligner that perfectly fits your teeth. We will then create the first aligner you will wear for a few months before making a new one for your next wear cycle.
The cost of Invisalign treatment is determined based on the complexity of your case. As for the payment options, you can use your insurance, pay in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.
The aligners are removable, so eating should not be an issue. You can take out your invisible braces when it’s time to eat.
You will not be able to properly speak with Invisalign due to the brace fitted to your entire teeth. You will likely have a slight lisp when you wear it for the first time.
The general length of time you will need to wear the Invisalign is 12 to 36 months. The results vary in each case, but it is typically shorter than traditional braces.
You cannot do a few things with Invisalign, including eating, chewing, and drinking, except water. If you do any of these things, your clear braces might end up with irreparable and costly damage.
How quickly the teeth move depends on how much time you wear your Invisalign. Generally, you will notice movement in about one to three months. Sometimes, seeing more noticeable movement will take about two to three months.
Wearing Invisalign at night is not ideal because you need to wear it 20 to 22 hours a day. Wearing it only at night is not enough time to cause significant movement in your teeth.
Patients say it takes up to a few weeks to get used to lingual braces. However, for most patients, it happens in a matter of days.
Lingual braces are just as effective as traditional fixed metal braces, and treatment is for 7 to 12 months. Both treatment techniques may take 20 to 24 months for more complex cases.
It takes some getting used to because the brackets are fitted closer to the tongue. But once you have adjusted, you can certainly eat most kinds of foods while avoiding hard, sticky and crunchy ones.
Lingual braces start at £2,000 to £3,000, but more complex cases can go as high as £10,000. You can, however, talk to a Park Orthodontist about plans and financing.
Lingual braces are attached behind the teeth closer to the tongue, meaning you can kiss with them on.
The length of treatment will vary on a case to cases basis. It could be as little as 6 months, or your lingual braces treatment may take up to 2 years.
To ensure your teeth alignment progresses well, you need to see your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments.
Lingual braces can be customised for your specific treatment plan, so you can only get them on your front teeth.
Lingual braces can give you a slight lisp but only for a short while. As soon as you have adjusted in a few days, your lisp will disappear.
The best advantage of lingual braces is that it’s hidden and practically invisible. They are attached behind the teeth. Other people won’t know you are undergoing a teeth alignment procedure.
Clear fixed braces are very similar to fixed metal braces. Both treatments take from 18 months to 3 years to straighten your teeth.
Like with fixed metal braces, you should avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky food to prevent dislodging the brackets of your clear fixed braces.
No, clear fixed braces will not damage your teeth. The only damage that may be caused when wearing braces is due to improper oral hygiene.
The average cost of clear fixed braces ranges from £1,500 to £10,000. They vary widely depending on the dental clinic and the specific type of braces you’re getting.
These days, neither clear fixed braces nor metal braces are necessarily better. It mainly depends on what you’re looking for in braces and your specific treatment needs.
Brush your teeth twice daily, and always rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Regularly visit your orthodontist to have the elastic ligatures changed.
There are three types of ceramic braces: clear, white, and coloured.
There are a few alternatives to fixed metal braces, including ceramic brackets, lingual braces, and clear aligners or Invisalign.
Clear fixed braces are equally effective as fixed metal braces. The main difference is that they use tooth-coloured brackets and wires, allowing them to blend in with the teeth better.
Clear fixed braces are not invisible, but they are certainly less visible. From a distance, they are not noticeable.
Patients say it takes up to a few weeks to get used to mini braces. However, for most patients, it happens in a matter of days.
Mini braces are more comfortable than traditional braces. Made of high-grade stainless steel, mini metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. Mini braces do not go around the tooth so you can avoid cavities and other dental problems associated with that type of braces.
It takes some getting used to because the brackets are fitted closer to the tongue. But once you have adjusted, you can certainly eat most foods while avoiding hard, sticky, and crunchy ones.
Mini braces start at £1,200 to £3,000. You can, however, talk to a Park Orthodontist about plans and financing.
Start by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brushing along the gum line. Next, shift the angle of the toothbrush so that you can carefully brush the tops of your brackets. Then, reposition the toothbrush so you can brush under the brackets and wire. Be sure to clean each tooth.
Everyone has a different set of teeth and will have different orthodontic needs. Typically, between 6 and 30 months is considered a standard treatment.
To ensure your teeth alignment progresses well, you need to see your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments.
It may take some getting used to, but braces should not stop you from participating in school activities such as singing or playing an instrument. If you participate in sports, you should wear a mouthguard.
There's no set "best" age to get mini braces. For most kids, the best time for mini braces is generally between ages 10 and 14, when a child's mouth and head are still growing, and the permanent teeth are erupting. The exact time depends on growth and how quickly a child's adult teeth come in. However, mini braces can still be effective in older teenagers and adults.
Many adults get mini braces because they couldn't afford them as a kid and now can or because their teeth have shifted with age. Even as an adult, getting mini braces can give you decades of more attractive straight teeth and correct serious structural problems, so many people see them as a worthwhile investment.
On average, adults require around 24 months of orthodontic treatment to ensure lasting results. This varies depending on the treatment type and the issue’s severity.
Properly aligned teeth are essential for good oral health. Problems can affect your speech, smile, and your ability to chew.
If you’re worried about showing your braces, you can opt for invisible ones. Other than that, adults can choose any type, from Invisalign to traditional braces.
No, there is no age limit. While many children and teens get orthodontic treatment, adults may also need it.
The average time of treatment will take around 24 months. Some adults will require less time because they only have mild misalignment issues.
They may affect your speech as you get used to them, but it won’t be noticeable after that.
Yes, you can still get braces if you have a crown. It doesn’t affect it in any way.
Yes, you can still have adult braces with dental implants. However, since implants have titanium fused to the jaw, they will not move with the braces, but it will still work with your other teeth.
For traditional braces, appointments will happen every four to eight weeks. They will help see if your braces are working and adjust as needed.
You’ll have to wear them 24 hours a day unless using Invisalign or other clear aligners.
Fixed metal braces are a great choice because they are the most economical. They are also the ideal choice for younger teens because they are the most flexible and can change with your teen's needs.
The average time is about two years.
Traditional braces may cost anywhere from £2,000 to £5,000. More modern braces or Invisalign may cost more, depending on how long your teenager needs the orthodontics and how many practice visits they have.
There are four different types of braces generally available today.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common variety of braces today and the least expensive, in general. Thanks to modern technology, the metal brackets are much smaller than they were before. Braces usually need monthly or bi-monthly adjustments.
Ceramic or Tooth-Coloured Braces
Ceramic braces are much less noticeable because they look much closer to the natural colour of your teeth. They are about the same size and shape as traditional metal braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, rather than sitting on the front of your teeth, are cemented on the back of your teeth. These kinds of braces are just like traditional metal braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign represents the most advanced type of braces. Orthodontists typically recommend Invisalign for mild cases of misaligned teeth. It is much more comfortable than traditional braces, and Invisalign uses about 30 invisible trays that gradually align teeth. Your orthodontist replaces trays every couple of weeks.
You may experience slight discomfort with your braces once you have them on because your teeth aren’t used to the slight pressure from the wires. Your orthodontist might suggest a mild pain reliever to alleviate the discomfort. Your teeth and gums may feel tender the first week you wear braces. You can also use dental wax to protect your lips and the sides of your mouth from irritation.
YES!
The appointment to have braces put on your teeth takes around one to two hours.
Between the ages of 11 and 14 is generally the best time to start orthodontics for a teenager because this is when your child has lost most or all their childhood teeth while having most adult teeth.
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an appointment at our orthodontics practice.
Yes. Whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouth guard when playing most sports. Generally, if you play an instrument, you can play just as you did before, but you may need a short time to adjust after getting braces.
A general rule of thumb is that your kids should look at getting braces between 9 and 14. Usually, this is before they've gone through puberty. If they've already gone through it, it'll be harder to adjust their jaw and teeth, as they've already settled into their post-puberty positions.
If you bring in your child for regular dental check-ups, your dentist will help determine whether they need early orthodontic treatment.
Free orthodontic treatment is only available on the NHS for young people under 18 years of age and with a clear clinical need for treatment. A rating system known as the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is used to assess the condition and eligibility of individual cases.
With the NHS, all children below 18 can have an orthodontic assessment for free. The NHS will pay for treatment, but they only cover severe cases.
Your child should see a dentist/orthodontist at nine years old. If not, they should get an orthodontic assessment when they already have all their adult teeth.
The most common option is fixed braces, but children can also get clear aligners.
Yes, your child will need a retainer. Your child’s teeth will continue to change throughout their life, which is why getting one is necessary.
Your child may only need to wear braces for about six months. However, more complex issues often mean wearing braces for about one to two years.
Some foods like popcorn and gum are not recommended. Overall, a child won’t need to make significant changes to their diet. Your child’s orthodontist will give you a list of prohibited foods.
Typically, your child needs to visit for a regular appointment every 4 to 10 weeks.
If you are supposed to wear them all the time, they should be replaced every three months. If your usage is limited to night-time only, you can replace it after every nine months.
Vivera retainers from Invisalign offer many benefits over other clear retainers: According to Invisalign, their retainers are 30% stronger than other retainers. This makes them more durable and better at keeping your teeth aligned. They are lab-tested to last longer than other retainers.
Invisalign Vivera retainers are designed to last for several years after your orthodontic treatment. Usually, you get four sets of your retainers initially, which should also help them last a long time because you can switch them out if they break or change shape.
With Vivera retainers, you get four sets of retainers, so you're always ready with a backup.
This process is called a mesial drift, meaning your pearly whites are always on the move. Your retainers will help prevent this from happening as you age. To maintain a straight smile for a lifetime, you will need to wear your retainers for the rest of your life.
Never pull on the centre of the wire. It would help if you always were sure that your retainers are seated completely. Do not allow them to “flop” around. Please don’t leave your retainers in a hot car or put them in hot water (such as boiling them or putting them into the dishwasher.)
The first three months after you've completed your orthodontic treatment, you need to wear your retainers full-time, which means approximately 22 hours a day. That does mean you will need to sleep with them. However, you can remove them when you eat or brush your teeth.
Just like with braces, retainers also need precautions, and you must follow some oral hygiene tips to ensure your progress with your teeth is not harmed. Whether your orthodontist gives you plastic or a metal retainer, you must brush your teeth before putting them back in your mouth.
Yes definitely! Vivera retainers are custom fit to every smile and work for children, teens, and adults alike.
Talk to your orthodontist about specific care instructions. Still, we typically recommend using the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System, a similar product, a soft bristle toothbrush with water or a small amount of toothpaste. Don’t forget to rinse each retainer thoroughly with water after each cleaning.
Dermal fillers, micro-needling, anti-wrinkle treatments, chemical peels and profhilo are among the top 5 most popular facial aesthetic treatments for the better version of ourselves. However, it's essential to choose an aesthetician with experience and proper training who can give appropriate and safe injections.
Anti-wrinkle treatments and Dermal Fillers. While anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers refer to two distinct treatments, they're both designed to reduce facial wrinkles and lines and increase the skin's volume to make it appear more youthful.
The results depend on what treatment you have. For example, anti-wrinkle 2-3months and dermal fillers 6-12 months before they need to be re-administered, but the results are different for everyone.
Facial aesthetic medicine can broadly be categorised as surgical or non-surgical treatment of the face. At Park Facial Aesthetics, we offer non-surgical treatments to help improve the appearance of your skin, reduce and soften expression lines and enhance facial features by gently volumising with fillers.
These treatments are designed to target specific areas and problems such as lines on the forehead or frown and plump the cheeks.
UK law dictates that you must be over 18 before any treatment is considered. You are unsuitable for many injectable therapies if you are allergic to lidocaine or suffer from neuromuscular disorders. If you are unsure, please mention this at your pre-consultation appointment. Treatment is not available if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you decide to stop having treatments, the results will wear off gradually, and you will return to your regular appearance without any lasting effects or visible changes. There is no harm in having a filler or anti-wrinkle treatment just once for a special occasion to give yourself a lovely fresh glow. However, optimum results will be achieved by repeating treatments on a regular cycle or timescale, as advised by our clinicians.
Depending on the look you aim to achieve, your clinician will inject the dermal filler into the required area with a tiny needle. The effects of dermal filler treatment usually last between three and 12 months, depending on the type of filler and the area you have treated. You’ll need to have repeat treatments if you want the effects to last longer.
A fine needle is used for these treatments, and your clinician is skilled at administering injections. Most patients experience slight discomfort during treatment; sometimes, an anaesthetic can be used.
Side effects are generally minimal. You can resume normal activities straight after treatment. Most clients experience mild swelling and bruising that subsides after a few days.
You can also take a look at our 5-Star Google & Facebook reviews from happy patients.
Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment for you or your children? Read articles by specialist orthodontist Dr Andrew McGregor to help you on your journey to a better, straighter smile.
