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teeth straightening - Discover your options for confident smiles

Teeth straightening - Clear aligners and Orthodontics

Solutions to align your teeth and improve your smile

Orthodontics, or teeth straightening, is a dental specialty that treats misaligned teeth and bad bites.

Orthodontic treatment can help if:

  • You want to straighten crooked teeth
  • You are worried about an abnormal bite

There are a range of different services on offer through mydentist that can help to straighten your teeth. With the largest group of qualified UK registered dentists and orthodontists, you can rest assured that whatever your needs you can relax in the knowledge that we can help.

Teeth aligners, braces and straightening solutions

Clear aligners

Clear aligners

Clear aligners, also known as invisible or transparent aligners, can be an alternative to fixed braces for those who want to straighten their teeth. A clear aligner is a transparent tray made from plastic that fits over your teeth, helping to straighten them in increments. Unlike a fixed brace, you will wear your tray consistently, but it can be removed when you eat or for cleaning.

Fixed ceramic braces

Fixed braces

Fixed braces are small brackets attached to each tooth and connected by a wire. The wire is periodically adjusted by your dentist or orthodontist to apply gentle pressure on your teeth and move them into the desired position. As one of the more popular tooth straightening methods, fixed braces offer predictable and reliable results. Unlike clear aligners, fixed braces remain fitted throughout treatment and are not removable.

What teeth straightening treatment is best for you?

Speak to our team and discover your options

Retainers

Teeth straightening after care

It’s natural for your teeth to move after tooth straightening treatment, so we offer a diverse selection of retainers to maintain your smile.

Read more about retainers

Why choose mydentist for teeth straightening?

At mydentist we can help you achieve straighter teeth safely and conveniently under the care of the UK’s largest group of qualified dentists. With convenient locations near you, we are dedicated to helping people discover their smiles. As we’re UK based and owned, you can be assured that we are on hand every step of the way.
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See our teeth straightening results

  • Teeth straightening case 01 beforeBefore
  • Teeth straightening case 01 afterAfter
  • Teeth straightening case 02 beforeBefore
  • Teeth straightening case 02 afterAfter

Want to speak to someone first?

Speak to our team and discover your options

Teeth straightening FAQs

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

In the case of adults, straightening solutions, like dental braces and tooth aligners are considered a cosmetic procedure and are not offered through the NHS. Children sometimes have the opportunity to access publicly funded orthodontic treatment, though this is offered on a case-by-case basis depending on the condition of the teeth.

We believe everyone should have access to the dental care they need, even if it is for cosmetic purposes. That’s why we offer a range of competitive prices and finance options to make sure as many people as possible can experience the benefits of an aligner or brace.

Is orthodontic treatment safe?

Orthodontic treatment is safe, especially when planned and performed by one of our clinicians. With certain types of braces, it can be difficult to brush the teeth using normal brushing methods, so you may need to take extra care when caring for your teeth – especially during treatment when additional brushing is essential.

Can teeth be straightened at any age?

Although a good time to straighten teeth is in the teenage years, as the teeth and bones are maturing, your teeth can change position as you age, usually becoming more crooked. If teeth that used to be straight cause you concern later in life or if you have had crooked teeth since childhood, you may want to consider orthodontic treatment. Teeth straightening for adults is very effective, and a range of orthodontic treatments are available at mydentist to help correct your smile.

Is orthodontic treatment for adults different from treatment for children?

Teeth can be straightened at any age if the teeth and gums are healthy. Therefore, treatment doesn't differ massively depending on the patient's age. However, tooth movement in adults can take more time.

When should a child first see an orthodontist?

It is important to visit your dentist regularly so that we can monitor the growth and development of your child's teeth. Most children would be referred to an orthodontist at around the age of 12 or 13. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment, however orthodontic treatment is available on the NHS for young people under the age of 18 who need it. If you are concerned about the position or health of your child's teeth, you should seek advice from a dentist or orthodontist.

What happens at my first orthodontic appointment?

To begin with, your orthodontist will examine your mouth to assess your teeth and gums; in some cases, they will also perform a scan, or take dental impressions, of your teeth to determine their position and condition. Your clinician will then discuss their findings with you and agree on how to proceed with your treatment.

How many appointments will I need for teeth straightening?

The number of appointments you will need for teeth straightening will depend on the condition of your teeth and your chosen treatment. All patients can expect an appointment to determine their suitability for treatment, a fitting appointment and regular progress reviews once their treatment journey has started. You may require more visits to the clinic in more complex cases.

What happens before my brace or aligner is fitted?

Healthy teeth and gums are the most important part of a great smile, so before your orthodontic treatment begins, you’ll have an assessment with your dentist, just to check your oral health is in top condition. If they have any concerns, they’ll arrange a treatment plan for you to improve your oral health before your brace or aligner is fitted.

How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

On average, it can take anywhere from three months to a year to straighten teeth with clear aligners. It can take one to to years, or longer, to straighten teeth using braces. Every case is different and will depend on how much your teeth need to move. Your dentist will be able to tell you how long your treatment is likely to take after you have had a digital 3D scan of your teeth. Some cases can take over a year.

Do I need to see a dentist during orthodontic treatment?

Your teeth are at greater risk to conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease during orthodontic treatment, and it is essential to maintain regular contact with your dentist. Your regular dentist will help you look after the health of your mouth, gums and teeth and the clinician handling your orthodontic treatment will ensure you are on track to your perfect smile.

Will my teeth move again after straightening treatment?

After straightening your teeth, you will need some form of retainer to prevent your teeth from moving again. Our team will provide you with a retainer to help maintain the new position of your teeth.

What is a retainer?

After you have straightened your teeth, you will need a retainer to prevent them from moving again. You can have a removable retainer that you wear at night, like a clear aligner. Your clinician may suggest a fixed retainer, a discreet metal wire bonded to the back of your teeth to keep them in place.

* Whitecross Dental Care Limited (registered office: Europa House, Europa Trading Estate, Stoneclough Road, Kearsley, Manchester M26 1GG. Company No. 244415) is part of the mydentist group. Whitecross Dental Care Limited is a credit broker not a lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with registration number: 674183. Credit is provided by Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance with whom we have a commercial relationship (and so we are unable to provide independent advice) and is subject to age and status. Minimum spend applies. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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