With continuous advances in technology, orthodontic treatment (teeth straightening) has never been more popular. At Ikigai Smiles & Aesthetics Studio we offer both traditional braces and the more discreet Invisalign® clear aligners to achieve the smile you have always wanted.
Orthodontics is a specialist form of dentistry which aims to straighten teeth and align jaws to produce a healthier bite and a perfect smile. In the past, most orthodontic patients were children, but now we see more adults searching for the perfect smile.
Crooked teeth often do not fit together correctly, are harder to keep clean and have increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, these functional problems can lead to headaches and jaw pain. Correctly aligned teeth help with the functions of eating and chewing, are easier to clean and an amazing smile can boost-self confidence and self-esteem leaving you to enjoy life to the full!
Metal braces are used to treat a variety of orthodontic treatments ranging from minor teeth misalignments to more complicated teeth straightening needs. They are highly effective and are generally more affordable compared to other types of braces. The braces come with a tight metal wire that gradually moves the teeth into better alignment. Metal braces require regular check-ups and adjustments to ensure that the expected results are achieved.
The traditional route to correcting issues such as gaps, crooked teeth and overcrowding has long been visible braces. However,the Invisalign® system uses no brackets or wires – the aligners are clear, removable,and comfortable and therefore won’t interfere with your appearance or your day to day life
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Open bite often occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite.
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Deep bite occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth.
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Gaps between teeth can occur with abnormal continued growth of the jawbone. Missing teeth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift due to extra space, creating gaps in your teeth.
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Teeth crowding occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally.
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Underbite can occur when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth.
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Crossbite can occur when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned.
Lingual braces are used to address most orthodontic problems, just like conventional metal braces. The main difference between the two options is the way they are positioned, with the lingual braces attached to the back surfaces of the teeth (instead of in front) to guide the teeth into better alignment. This makes the teeth straightening treatment more discreet since the braces cannot be seen from their position behind the teeth.
Book onlineThe Six Month Smiles treatment focuses on improving the alignment of the six front teeth (top and bottom) that can be seen when you smile. As only minor alignment issues are addressed, the procedure can be completed in as short as six months, with the reduced timeframe also translating to a more cost-effective orthodontic treatment. Six Month Smiles uses tooth-coloured wires along with orthodontic brackets to gently move teeth into better alignment, making this a more comfortable treatment compared to traditional metal braces.
Book onlineThe Inman Aligner is a removable appliance that uses opposing forces to guide teeth into a straighter position. This treatment concentrates on improving the alignment of the front teeth and can be completed in as short as 6 to 18 weeks (depending on the severity of the case). The aligner is minimally visible for a discreet orthodontic treatment and it can also be removed easily for special occasions, social events, and photograph taking when you do not want anything getting in the way of a naturally beautiful smile.
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We will discuss all the possible types of brace that can be used to achieve your best smile and explain each of these options together with the costs, considerations and benefits of each one. The brace choice is therefore how we are proposing meeting your needs and achieving the best outcome from your current condition or problem. There are also different options for what can be improved such as simple straightening or full bite correction.

We will ask about what you are hoping to achieve and then will examine your mouth to assess your current condition and any problems. You may need to have X-rays and/or photographs taken. At Ikigai Smiles & Aesthetics Studio will then want to discuss the options for treatment with you and agree how to proceed. Digital scans of your teeth are usually always completed as part of the process.

We appreciate that the cost of treatment is an important consideration. This is completely dependent on your unique mouth and the type of treatment you have. Different types of braces are more expensive and some patients will need longer treatment than others. However, as a guide, you could expect to pay anywhere between £1,500 and £4,500 for an effective course of treatment. Typically for most patients, costs are between £3,000 and £3,500.

No, orthodontic treatment doesn’t hurt, although at various stages throughout your treatment you may experience some discomfort. This is usually around the time you have your braces tightened or you are given your next set of aligners. This discomfort can be effectively treated with simple pain relief such as paracetamol.

Our dental care membership scheme encourages regular attendance, enabling us to spot problems before they arise and results in helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.
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