Braces – ancient and modern

Ever wondered when humans first started correcting the position of their teeth? Well, wonder no more. After a bit of sniffing around we’ve uncovered some surprisingly interesting facts about the history of braces.Of course, the technology used by Romans and Egyptians was somewhat different to the appliances we use today. In fact, by modern standards their braces look more like instruments of torture!

invisalign-braces-in-weybridgeAncient Egyptians left traces of their orthodontic experiments in their mummies. Some of these were discovered with metal bands wrapped around their teeth because for them it was important that teeth remained in place in the afterlife. The Romans used techniques for straightening teeth in living patients. At Surrey Braces, we too focus on living patients! At our practice in Weybridge, Invisalign, a brand of invisible braces, is increasingly popular. This would not be the case if we were still employing ancient Roman or Egyptian techniques that’s for sure.

The beauty of the Invisalign brace is that it addresses so many of the concerns and reservations and problems people used to have about the idea of braces. While most of our patients are children and young adults, who have a medical need for treatment, the biggest growth is in adult patients seeking cosmetic dentistry solutions.

Instead of the traditional metal ‘railway track’ braces, invisible orthodontics offer the wearer the option to have a clear and sometimes a removable brace. For many teenagers, their image is so important that the thought of having metal braces on their teeth is too traumatising. They fear bullying and isolation.For adults who need to look good for their job, the ability to have treatment that is practically unnoticeable is a crucial feature of Invisalign in Weybridge.

The length of treatment is also an issue that is addressed positively by the new invisible orthodontics. In some cases the braces only need to be worn for six months. Another advantage is something that everyone can relate to – comfort. The modern wire technology used in the design of invisible braces means that the force exerted on the teeth is reduced. Anyone who has been through the traditional braces treatment process will appreciate what a bonus this is.

In Weybridge, Invisalign is making its mark. You just can’t see it!

Bite-size orthodontics in Weybridge

The term orthodontics is defined in the dictionary as ‘the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teeth’. At Surrey Braces, Our practice in Weybridge, orthodontics is our core business. We see many forms that these irregularities can take.One area of irregularity occurs with a patient’s ‘bite’.

orthodontics-in-weybridgeIn dental terminology, the bite is the alignment of the rows of teeth when they are resting against each other. If a bite is not properly aligned it can lead to all sorts of problems. It can affect chewing, which might encourage uneven wear of the teeth aswell as discomfort. People can also find their speech is impaired by a misaligned bite. Over time, bite issues can lead to general oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth loss. There are different types of bite to consider.

  1. Open bite. This describes the condition where the patients’ front teeth do not meet when the jaws are shut. Inevitably the back teeth will suffer excessive wear and tear compared to the front teeth, and ultimately deterioration.
  2. Cross bite. This is when the upper set of teeth sit either inside the bottom teeth or just outside. This makes it difficult for the patient to chew.
  3. This term describes a situation where the lower teeth project further forward than the upper teeth.
  4. This happens when secondary teeth grow in a small space within the dental arch.
  5. This occurs when people have teeth that are missing or particularly small teeth that leave larger than normal gaps between them.

So what happens to people who are diagnosed with a bite that is not aligned and must be corrected? The two principal appliances used in this situation are retainers and braces. Both work by applying pressure on the teeth to move them into the required position. So what’s the difference?

Braces can be either fixed or removable. Contrary to popular belief, a removable brace is not a retainer. A retainer, as its name suggests, is an appliance specifically employed to maintain the position achieved by braces once they have been removed.Many patients looking for orthodontics in Weybridge will receive braces and/or a retainer as part of their treatment.

Are you ready for your new smile?

Do you suffer from any misaligned teeth? A straighter smile can change everything – your confidence and your outlook, overall your life.

Here at Surrey Braces, we understand that the decision to have braces is not one made lightly. We therefore do everything in our power to make sure that your experience is the highest quality that it can possibly be. Technology has evolved, and the way to a straighter smile is much more simple. In Weybridge, Invisalign is changing lives.

invisalign-teethPart one – your assessment

Come into our modern, comfortable clinic and be greeted by our friendly staff.They will guide you through the forms we need to understand your medical history thoroughly, in order to provide you with the most appropriate treatment for you.All of our treatments are tailored to the individual.

You will then be invited into a treatment room where our dentist will carry out a thorough examination of the face, jaw and teeth.We follow this with an x-ray examination and take digital images of your teeth.From here, a suitable treatment plan can be built as to what exactly your needs are. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at any stage.

Part two – payment

If you are happy to proceed with treatment after your assessment, you will need to pay a deposit to manufacture the Invisalign aligners. The remaining fee can be paid in interest-free instalments over 18 to 24 months.

Part three – the treatment

We are leading provider of Invisalign in Weybridge.Invisalign is a new and popular form of brace (used by over 3 million people worldwide!)It straightens teeth using a series of near invisible (hence the name!) aligners, which we custom make to fit perfectly over your teeth.We replace the aligner every fortnight and the positioning slightly changes, meaning your teeth are moved gradually towards the position they would look best in.Invisalign braces can be removed any time you like, and fit snugly so as not to cause problems with speech or eating.

So if you are looking for a quality provider of Invisalign in Weybridge, contact our friendly staff at Surrey Braces to make the first step towards a straighter, more confident smile.

Misaligned teeth? Go Incognito!

As demand for cosmetic dentistry increases, advances in technology have risen to improve the ways in which dental patients can achieve the brightest, whitest, straightest and healthiest smile possible. Here at Surrey Braces in Weybridge, Incognito is one of our favourite ways to achieve a straighter, tidier smile.

misaligned-teethWhat is Incognito?

Incognito is the ultimate solution to remedy misaligned teeth. It is increasingly important to our patients to have discreet, convenient and comfortable options. Uncomfortable and high visible braces are now a thing of the past.

The Incognito™ Lingual Bracket System is a new invention to suit people from all backgrounds. The braces are placed behind the teeth. This means that nobody will ever know you are wearing braces, unless you choose to tell them. In Weybridge, Incognito braces are 100% customised to fit your mouth by our highly trained professionals. Incognito also boasts to be the only tooth straightening remedy currently on the market to be completely customisable.3D imaging is used to predict the final result with high accuracy.

Incognito braces are extremely comfortable to wear. There is no need to remove the braces as they are completely hidden and will therefore be constantly functioning to straighten your teeth.Smiling, eating and drinking can all be done as normal without any need or worry.

Why Surrey Braces?

We are a very experienced dental practice, having now treated over 21,000 patients. Our dentists are highly trained have undergone five years of study to obtain their dental degree, then three years of postgraduate training at the most prestigious dental schools in the UK.They are all are members of national and international professional dental organisations.

Our friendly nurses are all registered with the General Dental Council and thus meet the high standards and qualifications that are set by the GDC.

Patient satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We are delighted to receive many word of mouth referrals and stories from happy patients.So why not come and see for yourself by visiting our dental practice in Weybridge. Incognito is just one of many cosmetic procedures we offer and we would be happy to discuss your treatment options with you.

Fixing your teeth is easier than you think

Are you having an issue with misaligned teeth? Would you like to have a bright, confident smile? Do you have concerns about visiting the dentist to address the issue? We can help with all of these things.

orthodontics-in-weybridgeAt our practice in Weybridge, orthodontics is one of the things we offer to help specifically with these issues. We can give you guidance on what you might need to make your dream of correcting your dental misalignment come true.

What is Orthodontics?

That is a good question to start with. Orthodontics is a particular branch of dentistry that deals with aligning and straightening the teeth. Normally, brackets are fixed to the teeth to gently move them back into place. This is a long term procedure and we support you at every turn.

You will need to take special care of your teeth as good oral hygiene is essential whilst you are undergoing treatment. The brackets are periodically adjusted as the teeth shift to ensure that they continue to move into the desired position.

After the treatment is finished, a permanent, invisible retainer is put in place to ensure that the teeth do not return to their original positions.

Does it hurt?

There can be some discomfort associated with the treatment. This is generally after fitting and when the adjustments are made. However, at Weybridge Orthodontics, we do everything we can to minimise discomfort and to keep you informed about the sensations you can expect to feel so that you are prepared. We also offer tips on caring for your orthodontic work so that everything stays clean and healthy.

Why Weybridge Orthodontics?

We believe in working in partnership with our patients to ensure that everything we do is shaped by your individual needs. At our practice in Weybridge, orthodontics is a specialty and we have a team of highly skilled professionals ready to work with you and offer you the right advice and information.

We understand that long term dental treatment can seem a bit daunting at first but can reassure you that this is a great investment in the future of your smile and your overall oral health. Give yourself the opportunity to feel more confident and have a brighter, healthier smile by booking a consultation appointment with us.

A modern, comfortable solution

Realign your smile with invisible braces from Invisalign. Weybridge Orthodontics offers the latest in tooth alignment technology to ensure you have a beautiful smile during treatment as well as afterwards.

invisalign-in-WeybridgeTooth alignment has come a long way and now you no longer need to wear visible, fixed braces over long time periods to get the look you desire. You can choose invisible braces to get the results you want in a way that is discreet and comfortable and that you are in control of.

We know that having even minor issues with your smile can affect your confidence and we want to help give you back a look you can be happy with.

Invisalign in Weybridge

At our modern clinic in Weybridge, Invisalign is one of the solutions we offer to correct tooth misalignment.

It works like this – first of all, we ask you to come in for an assessment to see what treatment you need, to get an idea of how long it will take and to give you all the information you need to make decisions about your dental care. Technology has improved so much that it can take as little as six months to achieve the results you want.

Next you will be fitted for your Invisalign braces. They are custom made to fit your teeth and they are removable so you can take them in and out according to your lifestyle. We’ll give you guidance on how to do this so that your treatment continues to be effective. You change your braces yourself every two weeks to gently nudge your teeth back into place.

Why choose us?

We offer a full consultation prior to any treatment so that we can assess and meet your needs. We have guided many patients through the process of tooth realignment and can offer you excellent advice every step of the way. Our patient centered approach means that we offer you all the information you need to make the right decision for your oral care.

We support you before, during and after treatment. You will need to take good care of your teeth and we can give you advice on how to ensure you have excellent dental hygiene.

A history lesson by Weybridge Orthodontics

Many people know that orthodontics are a great solution to the problem of having overcrowded, gappy, misaligned or crooked teeth, but did you know where it all started?

The history of orthodontics

As far back as 400 BC historical figures like Hippocrates and Aristotle were considering different ways to straighten teeth, amongst trying to fix other dental conditions. It might sound really disgusting but the first braces were made by early dentists from animal products and though primitive, worked much in the same way that wires do today, to pull the teeth into the desired position. It just goes to show that even then people would go to extraordinary lengths to create the perfect smile!

weybridge-orthodonticsOrthodontics as a scientific discipline really took off in the 18th century when a Frenchman called Pierre Fauchard published a book called “The Surgeon Dentist” which referenced a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron that helped expand the arch of the mouth.

It wasn’t until 1819 however, that anything like braces as we know and recognise them today, started to appear. Another French dentist named Delabarre introduced the “wire crib”, marking the birth of contemporary Orthodontics.

Gum elastic was added later to make the braces more efficient. The bands were made from rubber tubing and in 1858 the first official article was written on Orthodontics in a book called “Treatise on Oral Deformities”, published in 1880.

This was the beginning of the movement of orthodontics, the science of using force to realign teeth and create straighter smiles!

Modern Orthodontics in Weybridge

At Weybridge Orthodontics, we are glad that we have come a long way since those early days of animal guts and iron retainers! These days braces are made from the highest quality plastics, metals and elastic, as well as using a variety of other high tech materials and equipment to make the process as hygienic, easy, and efficient as possible.

You can search our website for the full range of treatments available, browse our staff information, testimonials and smile gallery. You can also give us a call on 01932 831 825 or email us at tc@weybridgeortho.com to find out more or book an appointment.

Weybridge’s incognito solution – Incognito!

Hidden in plain sight, Incognito is a brilliant system designed for those who want braces but are concerned about how they might appear or what might be seen as a “childish” dental treatment.

incognito-solutionThe number of adults taking orthodontic treatment in the UK is growing every year, however despite this, many people still feel that there is a stigma attached to wearing braces as an adult and for this reason many adults refuse to have treatments for fear of feeling too self-conscious or being judged by society’s ever more pressuring high standards for our cosmetic appearance. Luckily in Weybridge, Incognito is the perfect solution for those who feel self-conscious about braces. At Weybridge Orthodontics we are proud to deliver Incognito’s unique lingual braces to our patients.

What does the treatment look like

Incognito, Weybridge Orthodontics’ totally invisible braces solution is invisible because the brace is placed behind the teeth rather than on the teeth, meaning that only the wearer will know that the brace is there.

It takes the form of a lingual bracket which is custom-shaped to the shape of your teeth and mouth, meaning that it is comfortable, reliable, and won’t come pinging out when you try and speak or eat!

Many patients report that they can go through an entire course of treatment and even close friends who aren’t in the know will confess that they were totally unaware that the patient was having orthodontic treatment. What a wonderful way to give yourself the straight teeth you’ve always wanted.

Incognito in Weybridge, how does it work?

First of all you will see the dentist in an initial consultation, then after that you will be given a treatment plan which may involve regular trips to the orthodontist to tighten and rearrange then braces as necessary throughput the course of the treatment. You will be given all the information needed to look after your braces, this may involve things you should avoid eating if possible, as well as advice for cleaning your braces as it is important that you maintain them in order to get the best results possible. To find out more or book a consultation you can call us or pop in to have a chat with our friendly team.

We know about orthodontics in Weybridge

At Weybridge Orthodontics, we have spent many years refining our philosophy, practice and staff to create the best experience possible for patients who visit us at our practice in Weybridge. Orthodontics is the art of straightening and correcting the position of teeth, usually with a range of treatments and/or braces.

orthodontics-in-weybridgeBraces in the 21st century are very different from the wire braces of old, however you can still receive wire braces at our practice. You will be given the option of having clear brackets though, which can make all the difference to someone who is self-conscious about their smile and how their teeth are perceived by others.

Alternatively there is a range of clear braces available to our patients. These can be clear aligners, or invisible, lingual braces (braces which go on the inside of your teeth so they out of sight completely!) To find out which braces will suit you, it is worth considering the following factors.

What should I be asking myself?

What is your budget? How much can you afford to spend correcting your smile and giving yourself renewed confidence and functionality?

What is the minimum/maximum amount of time you are willing to wear braces for? Treatments can take anything between 4 months and upwards of two years depending on the scale of the problem and the work that may need to be carried out.

What result are you looking for? Are you attached to having the perfect straight smile or are you content to just make your bite slightly better aligned. Are you aiming for improved functionality or an enhanced aesthetic from a cosmetic viewpoint?

What are you looking for in terms of aftercare? Are you happy to wear a retainer? Most orthodontic treatments require you to wear a retainer to make sure that your smile stays in place following the treatment.

Our treatment coordinators can discuss this with you at our practice in Weybridge. Orthodontic treatment is perhaps the best and easiest way to improve your smile, it is non-invasive and you get to see the improvement gradually over time, eventually leaving you with the smile you have always wanted.

Invisalign Weybridge. A near invisible braces solution!

Maybe you want to get that job, be taken more seriously, get promoted at work, stand out or attract the partner of your dreams… Whatever the reason behind getting braces there is a solution for you at our practice in Weybridge. Invisalign is one of many braces solutions available. When considering braces it is important to consider the different options available. Our team can help you and guide you towards the right solution for you.

invisible-bracesWhat is Invisalign? Weybridge Orthodontics answers your question!

We believe that dental treatment should not be a downer. There is enough going on in the world without your world being turned upside down again with a dramatic change in your appearance. We know that the results of waiting for straight teeth are worth it, but isn’t there an easier solution? Or one at least which doesn’t make us even more self-conscious about our mouth?

Luckily, the clever people at Invisalign have invented a system, which gives you straight teeth without the tight-lipped smiles! But what is Invisalign?

Invisalign in Weybridge

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system, which uses a series of nearly invisible aligners that are made out of a clear hygienic material, which sits in your mouth in much the same way that a gum shield would. However, because we tailor the aligner to your mouth, it is far more comfortable, and many patients report that they forget that the aligner is even there!

Invisalign treatment is barely visible and so won’t attract the wrong kind of attention, but best of all, Invisalign is removable, so you can take it out if your mouth comes under too close scrutiny, or if you want to eat or clean the aligner. What a difference that is from wire frame braces! Now nobody will have to endure having food stuck in their braces again just to get straighter teeth!

You can visit us any time or call us to find out more. We are happy to provide patients with Invisalign treatment at Weybridge Orthodontics. The consultation is key for making sure that you choose the right braces for you. With our help you can decide what your outcome is and choose the right system with our guidance and support.