Everything you Need to Know about Invisalign Clear Braces

As shown in the attached PDF document, Invisalign braces can be used to create a straight, even smile while remaining virtually undetectable to the majority of people when worn. They can also be removed when attending important events such as big work meetings, weddings or other social occasions and for eating, brushing and flossing. Here, The Hospital Group answers some of the most frequently asked questions about clear braces.



Are clear braces right for me?

Clear braces can be used as an individual treatment or in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening or white fillings. The best way to discover how they could work for you is to book a consultation with an expert cosmetic dentist. At the consultation the teeth will be examined and you will be asked about the results you wish to achieve. Impressions are then taken of the teeth and sent away to the lab, where the technicians are able to create a visual of exactly what can be achieved and provide an estimated timescale for those results.

How do invisible braces feel?

As with anything that exerts pressure they can cause a little discomfort at first. Your cosmetic dentist may advise wearing the braces for just a few hours a day initially until you begin to get used to the pressure, gradually building up until you are wearing them for sixteen-plus hours per day. This includes overnight whilst sleeping.

How do I look after my invisible braces?

The braces themselves can be easily cleaned using a soft toothbrush at the same time as you brush your teeth. Unlike traditional braces there are no brackets, wires or elastic bands to trap food, making them easier to look after and keep clean. The braces are removed to let you clean your teeth as normal and should also be removed when you eat or drink anything apart from water.

Invisible Braces for an Even Smile

Invisalign braces are currently the UK’s most affordable system for tooth realignment. As shown in the attached video they are totally clear, meaning they are virtually undetectable to others when being worn. They are also removable, meaning cosmetic dentistry patients can take them out when attending events or to eat or clean the teeth. Patients who opt for invisible braces from The Hospital Group can even view images of exactly what their teeth will look like at the end of the treatment programme before deciding to go ahead. Unlike traditional metal braces there are no bands, brackets or wires to trap food, irritate the mouth or seem unsightly, resulting in a healthier and more attractive mouth throughout treatment and afterwards. Straight teeth that are not over-crowded or too widely spaced help maintain the overall health of the mouth, reducing the risk of issues such as swollen or sore gums, pocketing or redness which can in turn lead to gum disease. Where teeth are straight and properly aligned the gum fits around the tooth more snugly, reducing the risk of infection. Treatment plans for Invisalign braces start at just six months, depending on the original position of the teeth, the desired result and the number of hours in each day the braces are worn. The treatment is popular with over three million people to date having used Invisalign including a number of celebrities. You can learn more by booking a free, no-obligation consultation at The Hospital Group with a dedicated patient care coordinator and cosmetic dentist, who will be able to discuss the options for teeth straightening and provide examples of how Invisalign has worked for others.

Line up Your Smile with Invisalign

Invisalign is a revolutionary clear brace that gradually repositions and straightens teeth. As shown in the attached infographic, the procedure works by applying a series of custom-moulded clear aligners over the teeth which are almost undetectable to those that do not know they are there. The braces are also more comfortable than traditional metal braces and cause less irritation to the mouth. They can also be removed for eating or cleaning teeth, or when attending a special event. The Hospital Group have used invisible braces to help many people achieve a straight, even smile, including several celebrity patients willing to share their stories. When used as part of a treatment programme including teeth whitening, Invisalign braces can help anyone achieve a perfect smile with minimal disruption or discomfort. The cosmetic dentists at The Hospital Group take impressions of the teeth and work with the Invisalign experts to create a series of removable clear braces that gradually and gently reposition the teeth to straighten or to correct and under or overbite. In the post to follow, you will be able to view a short video demonstrating how Invisalign braces work and showing how undetectable they really are.

The Hospital Group Asks: Are You Addicted to Teeth Whitening?

A perfect smile can be a real asset for anyone, and increasingly people are using teeth whitening treatments in order to try and obtain one. However, there are concerns that a small percentage of people are overusing these treatments, especially in the case of over the counter products, in some cases to the point of addiction. Dentists including Marty Zase, DMD, the current president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, have stated that there is a definite tendency for some people to overuse over the counter teeth whitening products, although the majority of people do not. Professional teeth whitening can last for as long as eighteen months and is the most effective way of achieving that perfectly white smile. The Hospital Group offers a free initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist and patient care coordinator with no obligation, ensuring anyone considering professional teeth bleaching can discuss the procedure thoroughly before making a commitment. Many of the patient care coordinators at The Hospital Group have undergone a teeth whitening procedure themselves and are therefore able to provide first-hand information about the treatment. The Hospital Group have put together this article in order to take a closer look at teeth whitening procedures, both professionally administered and over the counter and discuss the concerns of dentists about the small number of people overusing these.    



Professional Teeth Bleaching at The Hospital Group

Professional teeth bleaching has been shown to be the most effective way of achieving a pearly white smile without damage to the teeth or gums. Gums are protected using gel or a rubber shield and the whitening agent is applied through the use of a specially designed tray that closely fits the mouth. While results are instantaneous after the very first appointment, The Hospital Group usually advise patients to book two appointments a fortnight apart to top up and make the effects last longer. There are also home whitening kits available. The procedure is safe and painless, with any side effects such as increased sensitivity or discomfort in the gums being very short term – they will usually go away within a few days.    

Are Over the Counter Whitening Kits Safe?

There are two main types of home whitening kits available to purchase over the counter. There are either tray-based systems to be worn over the teeth for a certain amount of time, or whitening strips that can be applied to the surface of the teeth. The majority are supposed to be used on a daily basis for a period of two to four weeks before treatment is complete. There is no evidence to suggest that these products are unsafe, although they are far less effective than professional bleaching as the amount of peroxide used is so small. Most products have built-in safety measures to prevent people from over-treating unless they abuse the product. When the product is left on for too long, most people begin to experience throbbing pains in and around the tooth, although these go away after a time.    



Tips for Teeth Whitening  

The Hospital Group recommends that even in cases where a home treatment plan is going to be used, anyone considering teeth whitening first see a dentist to discuss whether or not this is a good option in terms of individual dental health, what results to expect and the reasons for discolouration in the first place. Having realistic expectations from the beginning is important, as some people will simply not have the teeth for the results they want. People thinking about having a teeth whitening treatment should do some or all of the following:  

• Use a desensitising toothpaste preceding and following treatments
• Have teeth professionally cleaned immediately prior to the first application
• Ensure all directions and instructions are followed precisely to avoid accidentally overusing products
• Avoid food and drinks that can cause staining such as tea and coffee
• If any increased sensitivity occurs at any point, stop the treatment immediately – once the sensitivity is gone treatment can be restarted, but for a shorter period of time or at a lower level of intensity
• If you have bridges, crowns or veneers, these cannot be treated with a whitening product

A perfect smile can make a huge difference to an individual, but it is important to go the right way about getting it and not ending up with teeth that glow in the dark or sore and sensitive gums. A free, no-obligation consultation with The Hospital Group lets you talk over your needs and any fears you may have with someone who has already experienced the procedure before making any commitment to any form of treatment, be that at home or chair-side. There is no damage to the structure of the teeth and the procedure is entirely painless, resulting in a much younger, fresher look.

Smile Like the Stars with Cosmetic Dentistry from The Hospital Group

Cosmetic dentistry has long been a popular option for celebrities chasing that perfect Hollywood smile. Over the years many of those in the spotlight have chosen to ask for a little extra help in ensuring that their pearly-whites are actually pearly and white. From Tom Cruise to Celine Dion, David Beckham to Cheryl Cole, Miley Cyrus to Morgan Freeman – the list of celebrities who have chosen to brighten up their smile is endless! Cosmetic dentistry is safe, relatively pain-free and can have a huge effect on self-confidence. There are various types of cosmetic dentistry to choose from, starting with basic whitening treatments and moving on to treatments for reshaping teeth, filling in gaps and repairing damage. The Hospital Group offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments including teeth whitening, invisible braces, veneers and much more, with many celebrity patients on the books. Here we take a look at what treatments some celebrities have opted for and how The Hospital Group has helped ensure that their smile shines bright:

 

• Tina Malone – Bridge Work and Veneers. The Shameless and Celebrity Big Brother star had a lifelong fear of the dentist following an experience with an infected abscess as a child. Finally overcoming her fears, Tina came to The Hospital Group for a free- no-obligation consultation to see if they could help her achieve the smile she had always wanted in a relatively pain-free way. Tina opted for bridge work and “pain-free” NuSmile veneers to close a bothersome gap and create a whiter, brighter smile. Tina was amazed with the results and stated that she had only felt mild discomfort throughout the procedure.
• Marvin Humes - Invisible Braces and Whitening. Quarter of boyband JLS, Martin Humes decided he wanted straighter teeth for two reasons – one being his smile in the spotlight and the other being his upcoming wedding! Martin opted for a course of invisible braces with The Hospital Group, finished with a teeth whitening procedure to really make them gleam. It’s not only celebrities that are inspired to fix their smile in the run-up to a wedding – plenty of people prepare for their wedding day with cosmetic dentistry to ensure they look their very best in their wedding photographs.
• Nicola McLean – As a glamour model and television personality, having perfect teeth is part of the job of Nicola McLean. Already boasting an even smile, Nicola wanted to brighten that smile even further before her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother and so came to The Hospital Group along with her boyfriend for teeth whitening and was thrilled with the results.
• Joey Essex – Whitening and Veneers. Joey Essex originally came to The Hospital Group looking to have his teeth whitened. After consultation with one of the expert cosmetic dentists, he decided on a treatment plan that included whitening on the lower teeth and veneers on the upper, resulting in a fantastic, gleaming smile that he calls his “new reem smile”. Many other TOWIE cast members have since followed suit.
• Amy Childs – Much like Tina Malone, Amy Childs had previously been terrified of visiting the dentist and this fear made her reluctant to undergo dental work of any kind. However, she still wanted the perfect smile and the consultants at The Hospital Group were soon able to put her mind at ease. Amy opted for the “pain-free” NuSmile veneers which fit over existing teeth, meaning there is no need to grind down any original teeth and making the procedure as painless as possible.

Celebrities are always in the limelight and as such having a photogenic smile is something of a necessity. However, even non-celebrities can benefit from the increased confidence a truly photogenic smile can bring. Cosmetic dentistry from The Hospital Group helps ensure you have the brightest, whitest and straightest smile. Once those teeth are perfect, knowing how to approach the camera provides the finishing touch. Experts advise standing up straight, turning your head slightly and dropping your chin a little so as not to be square with the camera. Smiling gently helps ensure your smile looks relaxed, with your lower lip matching the natural curve of your upper teeth. The right lipstick can make a huge difference, with blue or pink based undertones cancelling out any faint yellowing on the teeth. Above all, practice makes perfect – try out your smile in the mirror until you find the pose that looks the most natural for you.

Dental Veneers – Shortcut to a Great Smile

Many people are embarrassed about the condition of their teeth. They may suffer from cosmetic problems such as discolouration, caused by tea, coffee, red wine or smoking, or they might be crooked and unevenly spaced. Happily, the wonders of modern dentistry mean that these are just some of the problems that can be corrected using a new type of super-thin veneer.



The Hospital Group is at the forefront of this new technique, and is now offering this pain-free alternative to traditional veneers. The Hospital Group also has a Pinterest page which is packed full of all the latest information on cosmetic procedures. 

What Is Different About The New Veneers? 

Traditional veneers have been around for a while, and in order to apply them, the existing healthy tooth has to be ground down, which can be uncomfortable or painful. The new type of veneers are made of very strong porcelain and are paper thin, which means that there is no need to file down teeth, so the tooth structure can remain strong and intact.

As the veneers are made individually for each patient, it is possible to choose the exact shade – either colour-matching to existing teeth or going a few shades brighter.



All About Tooth Wear

Some patients suffer from excessive tooth wear. While this can be considered to be part of the normal ageing process, excessive wear is a problem which needs to be addressed. If there is too much wear, the enamel can be completely eroded, exposing the dentin underneath. This can lead to dental decay as well as increased sensitivity. Enamel does not regenerate, so the problem should be dealt with before too much damage has been done.

There are a number of symptoms of excessive wear. To start with, the appearance of the tooth may be altered. The biting edges of the front teeth may round or sharpen; the molar teeth may appear flat and the teeth may assume a level appearance. Wear does not always cause pain, but in some patients the teeth may become more sensitive. In addition, the teeth may appear yellowed; once the enamel has worn away, the yellow dentin underneath will show through.

Causes of Tooth Wear

Excessive tooth wear is caused by tooth on tooth contact, and can be accelerated if a tooth is rubbing against a porcelain filling in the opposite tooth. It can also be triggered by an acidic diet – for example, if the patient eats a lot of fruit or drinks a lot of fizzy drinks. Acid reflux can have the same effect.

Bruxism is also a common cause. ‘Bruxism’ means ‘tooth grinding’ – patients may grind their teeth together if they are stressed, and might not even realise they are doing it as it is possible for it to happen while they are asleep.



Treatment of Tooth Wear

If the wear has been caused by bruxism, the best way to prevent it from getting any worse is for the patient to wear a custom-made bite guard overnight. The condition of the teeth can be monitored to see if this is helping.

The decision on the degree of repair which should be made to the teeth depends on the patient’s needs, the severity of the wear and whether it has stabilised. Fillings, partial dentures and crown lengthening treatments are available, and veneers can also be used to repair teeth.

The super-thin veneers can be applied straight onto the damaged teeth without filing them down any further, giving quick and painless results.

With this advance in dentistry, there is now no reason for patients to be afraid of getting the smile they have always wanted. Even those with a strong aversion to dentists and dental treatment will find this procedure pleasantly acceptable, and can enjoy perfect teeth without years of treatment.

Braces: Cosmetic Dentistry for All Ages

Our previous article discussed the benefits of cosmetic dentistry and the one of the procedures available for those looking to improve their smile, veneers. This time the series will look at more of the options and procedures available.



Braces have been used for decades to correct the teeth of teenagers and adults alike. Aside from repositioning unevenly spaced teeth, they can also be used to fix other dental issues like jaw positioning, overbites or underbites. The number of potential uses have rendered braces one of the most widely-used of all cosmetic dental procedures.

There are many factors that can contribute to problem teeth. Your dentist may choose to form a treatment plan that combines a number of different procedures in order to obtain your desired results. Implants are another popular cosmetic dental procedure, which are a long-term solution for missing teeth. An alternative to removable dentures and bridges, a surgeon can implant these titanium teeth into the jawbone.

There are several steps involved in obtaining implants. First, there is the initial comprehensive exam, X-rays and a consultation. The process involves surgically implanting the screws and taking impressions of the jaws. The cosmetic dentist will then prepare a model of to create crowds or dentures and finally secure the crown or denture in place. While a relatively complicated process, implants are one of many cosmetic dental procedures known to give users dramatically improved results and subsequently greater self-confidence, which to many, can be priceless.

For more information about The Hospital Group’s wide array of cosmetic dental surgeries, visit their website.