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Most of us understand that we need to take care of our teeth with a good oral health routine. But did you know that if we let it slide and gum disease develops, it can have an impact on our whole body? According to the Oral Health Foundation, (1) when problems develop in our mouth, they can become a trigger for a whole host of other serious health concerns. These include heart attacks and strokes, diabetes, dementia, and even some types of cancers. Gum disease can even cause one in four pregnant women to be at an increased risk of premature birth (2) or having an infant with low birth weight.
Genetics can make you more susceptible to developing gum disease, but it is usually caused by plaque. Plaque is a form of bacteria, (3) and over time, it can build up in those hard-to-reach places such as in between the teeth. For this reason, you must brush your teeth at least daily, floss more often than you admit to, and have regular dental check-ups that include scale and cleans. Mouthwash can also help prevent tooth decay but does not replace brushing or flossing. It's best not to use it straight after brushing, as it can rinse away the fluoride and other beneficial additives in your toothpaste. It can, however, be good to use throughout the day, such as after lunch when you may want to freshen your breath and rinse your mouth without the need for brushing or flossing your teeth. If you're not sure how to brush effectively, floss comfortably, or when to use mouthwash, have a chat with your dentist next time you're having a check-up. And if you don't remember the last time you visited the dentist, it's time for you to book your next appointment!
Wanting straighter teeth is often associated with aesthetics, but did you know that a straight smile can also help you maintain good oral health? When teeth aren't in perfect alignment, it is increasingly difficult to maintain good oral health care at home. It becomes a challenge to clean in between teeth or along the gums effectively. Understandably, many adults don't want to be seen sporting traditional braces. So discretion is one of the main reasons people opt for clear aligner style teeth straightening over metal 'bracket and wire' style braces.
If your teeth are making it hard for you to feel good about yourself, it may have a more significant impact on your health than just a higher risk of gum disease. The link between mental health and physical health (4) can't be ignored either. It's thought that people suffering from poor physical health will often also have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression, and vice versa. That isn't something to smile about. Advancements in dental treatments like clear aligners mean that teeth straightening - which boosts oral health and self-confidence - is now more accessible and popular than ever before.
Wearing traditional braces involves attaching metal or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets to the tooth's surface, which remain permanently fixed for the duration of your treatment. Typically, treatment takes 18 months-2 years, and during that time, braces become part of your mouth. So you will need to get used to wearing them. While the long-term goal of having straight teeth for improved oral health outweighs many of the short-term negatives, traditional braces can be restrictive.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, are made from state-of-the-art, medical-grade plastic that is custom-designed to fit over your teeth. The main difference is that, unlike metal braces, the individual can remove their aligners for eating and brushing their teeth. Not only does this mean there are no food restrictions but it's also easier to maintain good oral health with effective brushing and flossing.
Even though the benefits speak for themselves, the cost can become a factor in discreet orthodontic solutions. Now that direct-to-consumer clear aligners are available in the UK, teeth straightening at home using clear aligners is more affordable than ever. The main advantages include the fact that there are no ongoing dental visits. The overall cost of having clear aligners is roughly one-quarter of what braces or clear aligners would cost from an orthodontist. Moreover, there are payment plans available.
Yes! While it is recommended you continue to see your dentist for check-ups regularly, it is possible to get the smile you want and straighter healthy teeth without ever leaving your home. While you'll often visit your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks with traditional braces or an in-practice clear aligner option, your entire can be carried out remotely if you decide to take this option.
You can choose from an extensive line of at-home clear aligner brands. Try out Caspersmile’s All Day and Nightlong clear aligners. They provide budget-friendly and effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of misalignment.
Hurry over to Caspersmile’s website and take their free assessment to determine your candidacy for the clear aligner treatment.
Curated the best for your knowledge
If you or your child may need orthodontic treatment, you might be asking: Can you get braces on the NHS? The answer is yes, but it comes with some conditions. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) offers free or reduced-cost dental care. However, access to orthodontic services like braces isn't guaranteed for everyone, it depends on specific eligibility criteria. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including who qualifies for NHS braces, the types of braces available, how long you might wait, and when private treatment could be a better option.
Read MoreAnyone who ever wants to straighten their teeth thinks braces are the way to go. And this thought can sometimes make you retract and think, do I even want to wear metal wires for months, if not years? You're not alone. More and more people are looking for alternative ways to fix crooked teeth without braces, and the good news is, it's absolutely possible. Whether you're put off by the look of traditional braces, worried about the discomfort, or just want a faster, more discreet solution, there are non-braces teeth straightening options that can help. In this blog, we'll explore the best alternatives, what works (and what doesn't), and how to decide what's right for your smile.
Read MoreA perfect smile is often viewed as one where the teeth are straight and close together (in nature's perfect design). One of the most obvious traits that deviates from this image is the spacing between the teeth, which usually appears in the upper front teeth. This dental spacing condition is called diastema. And people often ask questions like: Is diastema normal? Yes, it is. It is much more common than people typically think. While some people rock their diastema as a badge of uniqueness and charm, for others, it can put a hamper on self-confidence, speech, or oral health in general. Whether you just want some clarity around this condition or you want to do something about it, this complete guide covers everything from causes and possible concerns associated with diastema to treatment options, including the leading brands of clear aligners.
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