Simon Littlewood and Ronan discussing available treatments
Thanks to many developments in recent years, wearing braces is much easier than it used to be. Provided your teeth and gums are healthy, orthodontic treatment is usually possible for most patients. We often think that braces are for children only, but many more adults are now seeking a better a smile.
The importance of wearing comfortable, less visible braces is now important for many patients, and Simon Littlewood can discuss various options that are available to you, finding out which option best suits you. As every patient is unique, at your first consultation Simon Littlewood will listen to you what you would like to achieve, examine your teeth and smile, and then discuss the various options open to you. He will explain what the treatment options would involve, the costs and answer any concerns you have.
Fixed Braces
Photo of one of Mr Littlewood’s patients wearing tooth-coloured ceramic brackets.
Specialist orthodontists use fixed braces to get the best possible results for their patients. As the name suggests they are fixed onto the teeth during treatment and are used to straighten the teeth and create the best possible smile. They are much smaller, more comfortable and more subtle than ever before and are available in tooth-coloured material to make them more aesthetic to wear.
Functional Braces
Functional braces are sometimes useful in certain cases in growing patients, so are typically only used in patients between the age of 10-14 years old. Simon Littlewood can explain whether they are the best option for you or your child.
Lingual Braces
Photo of one of Mr Littlewood’s patient’s wearing lingual braces, hidden on the inside of her lower front teeth.
Some patients prefer to have their braces hidden completely. One option is to stick the braces on the inside surface of the teeth. At your consultation Simon Littlewood can discuss whether this is an appropriate option for you.
Clear Aligner Braces (Invisalign)
Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made specifically for your teeth. As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week, gradually moving towards the projected final position. Mr Littlewood will discuss whether this option is appropriate for your teeth and how the treatment works.
Visit Invisalign website
Retainers
Retainers are worn by all patients at the end of treatment. These help prevent the teeth slipping back to the start position and crossing over and becoming irregular as we get older. Mr Littlewood is a recognized expert in this area and will discuss the best option for retainers for you.