Orthodontics

River Practice Specialist Dental Centre in Truro, Cornwall, offers a wide range of options for orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile.

Following an initial consultation, your orthodontist will discuss the suitable treatments available for fixed or removable braces. For both options, there are ‘nearly invisible braces’ which are either removable clear aligners – such as Invisalign – or ‘behind-the-teeth’ fixed braces called Incognito.

Fixed braces

Fixed braces use small metal or ceramic brackets bonded to each tooth which are linked by a thin wire and held in place by elastic rings. The wire is adjusted over time to straighten teeth and correct the position of the jaw.

Fine corrections can be made easily with fixed braces. With no plastic plate in the roof of your mouth, your speech and what you can eat will not be affected.

At your first appointment, your orthodontist will explain all your treatment options and whether fixed braces are suitable for your teeth. You’re never too old to wear fixed braces; many of our orthodontist patients have chosen to use this method to correct their teeth in retirement.

Fixed braces will result in teeth which are straight and easier to keep clean. Not only does it make them look better, it also helps to improve your general oral hygiene and reduces the risk of future gum disease.

Straightening your teeth with fixed braces will typically take between 6 and 22 months, depending on the complexity of the adjustments required for a perfect smile.

Once the fixed braces are in place, you will need to return to River Practice every 4 to 8 weeks for the wires to be adjusted. Flexible opening hours are available, with evening and weekend appointments on request to make the treatment process as convenient as possible.

Following removal of the fixed brace, you’ll need to wear plastic clear retainers to ensure your teeth remain in the desired position. Initially, it may be necessary to use retainers full-time; however, as your teeth stabilise in their new position, you can reduce the wear of your retainers.

It is very important that you follow the advice of your orthodontist to ensure that your teeth don’t return to their original positions.

Fixed brace treatment is relatively pain-free. There may be a little discomfort when the brace is being fitted or following adjustments to the wire. However, this should pass quickly and a mild over-the-counter painkiller may be appropriate to use at this time.

It is important that you keep your appointments, follow all advice provided by your orthodontist and maintain exceptional oral hygiene during and after your treatment to experience the best results.

Braces are delicate appliances and it is advised to avoid hard, sticky or sweet food and drink whilst wearing the brace to prevent damage.

Excellent oral hygiene is essential with fixed braces to ensure that trapped food particles are removed and your gums stay healthy during treatment.

If your brace breaks, contact River Practice straight away by calling 01872 242444.

Find out more about our specialist orthodontists and orthodontic therapist in Our Team or view the price list for fixed braces treatment.

Removable Braces

Used when minor corrections are required, removable braces are non-fixed braces consisting of a plastic plate with wires which allow the teeth to move gradually by applying gentle pressure.

At your first appointment, your orthodontist will explain all your treatment options and whether removable braces are a suitable method for correcting your teeth. Often used for the top jaw only, removable braces are suitable for patients of all ages.
Removable braces will result in teeth which are straight and easier to keep clean, and so can improve your general oral hygiene and reduce the risk of future gum disease. Unlike fixed braces, removable braces can be taken out of the mouth for cleaning, flossing and for sport as necessary.

In general, treatment with removable braces takes less time than fixed braces. In some cases, removable braces are used in conjunction with fixed braces. The estimated length of your treatment will be discussed at your first appointment.

Following the removal of your fixed brace, you’ll need to wear clear plastic retainers to keep your teeth in the desired position. Initially, it may be necessary to use retainers full-time with decreasing use as your teeth stabilise in their new position.

At first you may experience a little discomfort following adjustments and tightening. However this will be short-lived and, where appropriate, mild over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce the discomfort.
It’s important that you keep your appointments, follow all advice provided by your orthodontist and maintain exceptional oral hygiene during your treatment to achieve the best results from your treatment.

Braces are delicate and so it’s advised to avoid hard, sticky or sweet food and drink whilst wearing the brace to prevent damage.

Excellent oral hygiene is essential with removable braces to be sure that your gums stay healthy during treatment. It is important that your brace is cleaned, using a separate toothbrush, at least twice a day with water and toothpaste.

If your brace breaks, contact River Practice immediately by calling 01872 242444.

Invisible Fixed Braces (Incognito)

Incognito braces are often considered to be ‘invisible’ because they are fixed to the back of teeth so they can’t be seen when you smile. They offer similar advantages to traditional fixed braces.

Using state-of-the-art technology, these 100% customised braces offer precise bracket placement to achieve the perfect fit. Our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Jeremy Peak, was amongst the first in the country able to offer ‘Incognito’ lingual orthodontic braces.

Incognito is often used if only the front teeth need straightening, or you have had previous orthodontic work. They are also suitable for minor alignment corrections.

The main benefit of Incognito is how hidden they are, whilst retaining the benefits of fixed braces. Only people you choose to tell will know they are there, so this option is ideal for patients with public-facing roles or those who are self-conscious.

As well as being totally custom-made to fit your teeth and mouth, Incognito braces remove the risk of damage to the front teeth surface and have fewer wires so require less visits to the orthodontist.

Incognito is also suitable for nickel allergy sufferers as the brackets are manufactured from gold.

You may experience a little discomfort when the brace is being fitted or following adjustments to the wire; however, this will pass quickly.
It is important that you keep your appointments, follow all advice provided by your orthodontist and maintain exceptional oral hygiene during your treatment to achieve the best results.

Braces are delicate appliances and it is advised to avoid hard, sticky or sweet food and drink whilst wearing the brace to prevent damage.

If your brace breaks, contact River Practice immediately by calling 01872 242444.

Invisible Removable Braces

Invisible removable braces are a series of clear, removable aligners which work in a similar way to traditional metal braces but with a number of benefits and advantages. Provided by Invisalign and Clear Step, invisible removable braces are a relatively new concept for treatment of minor orthodontic problems.

Firstly, we take moulds of your teeth and then use these to create a series of plastic aligners which are totally bespoke to your teeth. These aligners are worn for 2 weeks at a time and result in small movements of your teeth until they reach the desired location.

Invisible braces are a great solution for those with minor alignment problems and are self-conscious about being seen with more traditional braces. However, commitment is key with this treatment as you’ll need to be able visit us every two weeks for your new aligner to be created.

‘Invisible’ braces are often a preferred choice for those who are conscious about being seen wearing a brace. As they’re clear retainer-type braces, no-one need know that you’re having orthodontic treatment – only those you choose to tell.

As with all orthodontic treatment, having straight teeth will make it easier for you to keep them clean and reduce the risk of gum disease in the future. The benefit of removable braces over fixed braces is that they can be removed for cleaning, flossing and for sport as necessary.

As invisible braces are similar to a retainer, there are no protruding wires or brackets which could cause irritation on your gums or tongue. When you wear a new set of invisible braces you may experience some mild discomfort but this should be short-lived.

Invisible braces need a big time commitment so it’s important before beginning your treatment that you’re sure that you can attend appointments every fortnight. As with all orthodontic treatment, you should pay careful attention to the advice of your orthodontist to be sure you achieve the best results.

Invisible braces should be removed for eating and drinking. Be sure to keep then clean by brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste twice a day.

If your invisible brace breaks or your lose it, contact River Practice immediately by calling 01872 242444.