Misaligned Teeth and Gum Disease
If you have crooked or wonky teeth then you might have considered having orthodontic treatment to straighten them, but might have thought the effects to be purely cosmetic. While most people have their teeth straightened to make them look better, the benefits to oral health can be considerable. People who have misaligned or crowded and crooked teeth are more likely to have tooth decay and gum disease. The simple reason for this is that it is harder to clean misaligned teeth properly and this can result in plaque building up just below the gum line and in between the teeth, increasing the risk of disease.
Gum disease and tooth decay are problems we frequently encounter in patients visiting our Leeds surgery, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Today’s orthodontic treatments are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They can produce significant results within a shorter space of time and are often near invisible. These treatments are ideal for busy people who need something that will fit in with their lifestyle.
Modern Orthodontics Are Easy, Fast and Affordable
Leeds City Dentalcare uses two different methods of inconspicuously straightening teeth, and one of these is the Inman Aligner orthodontic system. This is a removable orthodontic appliance that can align the front teeth extremely quickly. It uses gentle forces that have a very large range of movement. The actual process involves the use of nickel titanium coil springs that apply force to the two aligner bows that oppose each other. The appliance needs to be worn for between 16 and 20 hours each day, and will need to be checked by Dr David Brown or another dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare every few weeks. The majority of cases can be completed between six weeks and five months. The exact timeline is something that will be discussed with you when you visit our Leeds surgery for your assessment. The other system used by our Leeds surgery involves the use of clear aligners that need to be worn for approximately 22 hours each day.
Both systems are able to produce very good results, leading to improvements in overall appearance and oral health within a very short period of time. While they can give impressive results, they are not right for everyone, but this is something we can advise you on when you visit our Leeds surgery for an assessment.
Orthodontic treatment not only improves gum health, but is also an ideal treatment to have prior to a smile makeover. Having your teeth straightened can make it much easier to perfect a smile, and can mean treatment can be more conservative. The Inman Aligner can help to straighten teeth so fewer veneers are required, conserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
If you are still trying to decide whether or not to get your teeth straightened then preventative dental care can help to reduce your risk of gum disease. This includes visiting our Leeds surgery regularly for a check-up and a scale and polish, and having great oral care at home. Next time you visit us then why not ask for tips and advice on how to clean your teeth more effectively? We are always more than happy to help.
Dr. David S Brown
David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.
