Orthodontics in Colchester: what are the options?
Here at The Dental Studio, we know how important it is to have a great smile and offer a wide range of treatments that help our patients to achieve that. Here, we explain why orthodontics in Colchester is important and explore some of the options that are available to our patients.
What is orthodontic treatment? 
Orthodontics in Colchester is an umbrella term for the options that are available for correcting teeth that are misaligned. This means teeth that are crooked, protruding or overcrowded. The treatments available include traditional braces, six-month smiles and Invisalign. Each patient is an individual case, so what works for one is not necessarily the best choice for another. Anyone considering having their teeth straightened should talk to us to find out the best option for them on an individual basis.
Why is it important to correct misaligned teeth?
Teeth that are misaligned can cause a person to feel much less confident regarding their appearance. They may feel self-conscious about smiling or even talking, and this can be very limiting when it comes to socialising and meeting a life partner. If a person lacks confidence in this way, it can also have an impact on their career success too and result in a failure to meet their potential.
Misaligned teeth also have an impact on a person’s oral health. Teeth that are not straight are much more difficult to clean, which means that they are more likely to retain food debris and plaque. This can cause bad breath and can also result in the development of gum disease. Both of these issues can erode one’s confidence even further as well as having a negative effect on their general health.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces are what most people think of when they consider orthodontics. They are composed of metal arches that are fitted across the front of the teeth and secured by brackets at the sides. These braces are very effective and can be used for almost any issue related to misalignment of the teeth. They offer great results that many of our patients are very happy with.
Six-month smiles
This is a popular type of braces because it is a fast way of correcting the teeth. They are made up of titanium wires that match the colour of the teeth, and as such are barely noticeable to others. Treatment with these braces takes between 4 and 9 months, with 6 months being the average. Other kinds of braces can take 18 months or longer to do their job, so the speed of this treatment is very impressive and a big part of its appeal.
Invisalign
Invisalign is also known as invisible or clear braces. It takes the form of trays made of very soft transparent plastic that are fitted over the teeth. They are undetectable by others, which makes them a great choice for those patients who are self-conscious about the idea of wearing braces. Treatment is usually completed within a matter of months, and the patient does not have to change what they eat or indeed their lifestyle while wearing the braces.
