Is it painful?
As with any orthodontic procedure there can be some discomfort for a few days after appliance is fitted. However because with Cfast the forces are very light usually after the first 7-10 days there should be little to no pain at all.
During treatment you may find that the teeth become a little mobile and sensitive to pressure. This is quite normal and will fully resolve when the braces are removed.
Will I be restricted in what I can eat?
If have opted for a fixed brace the it is advisable to avoid hard foods such as nuts, popcorns, crusty bread or any such foods that may accidentally dislodge the brackets. It is also best to stay away from heavily coloured foods which may on occasion stain the brace, however if this does happen your dentist will be able to easily restore the cosmetic appearance.
With removable aligners, it is best that these are removed before eating or drinking.
Will I have problems cleaning my teeth?
It can be a little more challenging to clean your teeth if you are wearing a brace. However good oral hygiene is very important during treatment and your dentist or dental hygienist will show you how to best look after your teeth as well as suggest the right products to use.
How long does treatment take?
Cfast is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry know as cosmetic orthodontics or short-term orthodontics. By definition treatment times are significantly shorter than conventional orthodontics. Treatment should take no longer than 9 months but the vast majority are complete in a 4-6 month period.
Your Dentist will be able to give you a rough idea of how long treatment will take in your case when you attend for your initial consultation.
How long does treatment take?
Cfast is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry know as cosmetic orthodontics or short-term orthodontics. By definition treatment times are significantly shorter than conventional orthodontics. Treatment should take no longer than 9 months but the vast majority are complete in a 4-6 month period.
Your Dentist will be able to give you a rough idea of how long treatment will take in your case when you attend for your initial consultation.
Will I need to wear retainers?
Regardless of how teeth are moved, either by normal orthodontics, removable aligners or Cfast, if they are not held in position there is a strong possibility that they will start to move in time. The Cfast protocol provides two types of retainers; a fixed retainer which is permanently bonded to the inside of the teeth as well as a removable retainer which is worn over night.
The removable retainer, which is worn every night is the main retainer. It is advisable that for the first year you wear the retainer every night while sleeping only and 3-4 nights per week thereafter. As long as you wear your retainer your teeth will not move. The fixed retainer is a very thin metal strip which is invisible and very comfortable. This is the back-up retainer and is there to ensure that there is no significant tooth movement should the removable retainer become lost or damaged. They can last over 2 years and may require repair or replacement.
Your dentist will explain retainers in more detail when you attend for your initial consultation.
Will I need to have teeth taken out?
With Cfast extractions are not required. Space to relieve crowding is gained by gently easing the contact points between the teeth using a polishing strip. This creates a very small space between the teeth that allow them to move and slide past each other into a more ideal position.
The conservative removal of enamel between the teeth using these special polishing strips is very safe and a well-recognised procedure in dentistry and does not damage the teeth.
In rare circumstances the dentist may advocate the removal of a front tooth in the lower jaw if there is extreme crowding. However, if this is required you will be consulted fully and further special investigations will be carried out before proceeding.