Braces in London: things to know before you go

Having a crooked smile can impact your self esteem and lead to dental problems. Braces might bring back memories of teenage angst – but our helpful answers below might help reassure you.

Are braces right for me?

Braces aren’t just for kids. They can straighten your teeth – boosting your self esteem and improving dental hygiene. Braces can correct crooked and crowded teeth. If you have an underbite or an overbite, braces can help align your jaw position too.

There are many places to get braces in London. An orthodontist will be able to give you professional advice, and let you know if there are any alternatives to consider. For the best results, your braces could be fitted for up to three years, with regular check-ups and adjustments in between.

What are the pros and cons of braces?

There are lots of different braces on the market. Here’s a quick summary of the most popular types of braces in London – and the pros and cons of each:

Metal braces.

Pros: Very effective for correcting crooked teeth

Cons: More noticeable than other braces

Ceramic braces.

Pros: Subtle appearance, with clear or tooth-coloured brackets available

Cons: Usually more expensive than metal braces

Lingual braces.

Pros: Applied to the back of the teeth, so they’re not visible

Cons: Useful for fixing minor imperfections but may not help with more serious alignment problems

Clear braces.

Pros: Clear plastic aligners that aren’t visible and can be removed when you’re eating

Cons: Rarely as effective as metal braces and usually more expensive

Other popular dental treatments that can boost the cosmetic appearance and dental hygiene of your teeth are whitening and cleaning.

Is Invisalign really better than braces?

Invisalign is a clear brace that can’t be seen – making it a great option for people who are self-conscious about their braces. You can also take it out, for example at meal times, and keep it clean and fresh with a quick toothbrush scrub. Many people prefer Invisalign to classic metal braces.

One potential drawback of Invisalign is that it’s not as effective as a metal brace – despite being more expensive. However, you can dial-up the quality while dialling down the cost with these deals on Invisalign in London.

Which is better: removable braces or fixed braces?

• Fixed braces are an effective way to fix imperfections. Once they’ve been fitted, you don’t need to worry about taking them out and putting them back in. But you’ll need to be careful when brushing and flossing, because food and plaque can easily get stuck.
• Removable braces are more flexible. You can remove them when eating or brushing your teeth. But you’ll need to wear them for up to 22 hours a day – which means that if you’re heading for a date or a night out, you’ll have to keep them in.

Whichever you prefer, check out our amazing vouchers on braces in London and start saving. Browse through our current offers and clinics to find one near to you.