Many people dream of having a truly captivating smile. To achieve this dream, they often plan on improving the alignment of their teeth. This usually involves seeking orthodontic procedures, which are among the most popular options for enhancing one’s smile.
Orthodontics is more than just aesthetics and straightening teeth. It also focuses on treating bad bites and jaw position, which are usually neglected. Undergoing certain orthodontic treatments can help fix this.
However, choosing a trusted dental practice that communicates the process very well to the patient is essential. Good communication and transparency help the patients feel confident and at ease during treatment; this way they know what to expect at every stage.
If you’re based in Glasgow and are wondering about our process, look no further. We pride ourselves at The Berkeley Clinic, offering the best orthodontic procedures.
Continue reading as we share how our orthodontic procedure works from pre- to post-procedure, including aftercare.
Pre-procedure Steps and Evaluation
Before getting into any orthodontic treatment, a thorough evaluation is the first step. At our dental practice, we ensure the following:
- Detailed Dental Examination: We carefully examine every aspect of your dental structure during this process. We will assess not only your teeth but also your jaws, bite alignment, and overall oral health. The examination may include X-rays, scans, and photographs to capture a detailed view of your dental anatomy. This in-depth evaluation allows the orthodontist to understand the condition of your teeth and identify and address any underlying issues.
- Visual Aid and Explanation: At the Berkeley Clinic, we ensure you fully understand the proposed treatment plan with the use of visual aids like models, diagrams, or digital simulations while explaining your tooth condition. The visual aids help visualise the anticipated changes and understand the rationale behind each step. We will also explain the potential challenges and benefits of the treatment plan, providing you with a clear picture of what to expect throughout the process.
- Discussion of Goals: Every patient’s orthodontic needs and desires are unique, so we discuss with you to understand your goals for treatment. Whether you’re looking to close gaps between teeth, straighten misaligned teeth, improve your bite, or address any other concerns, your input is crucial. We then create a treatment plan that aligns with your objectives, ensuring that the result meets your expectations.
- Tailored Treatment Plan Proposal: Once the detailed examination and goal discussion is complete, we will develop a custom plan tailored to your needs. This treatment plan will outline the proposed steps to achieve your desired results. It includes a comprehensive overview of the orthodontic journey, from the initial stages to the final stages. The plan may detail the types of orthodontic appliances to be used (such as braces, Invisalign, or ClearCorrect), the expected duration of treatment, and any specific milestones or adjustments that will occur along the way.
The initial evaluation process before starting orthodontic treatment is critical for a successful and rewarding outcome of the smile you have always wanted. Next is the actual orthodontic procedure.
The Actual Orthodontic Procedure
After reviewing the evaluation and treatment plan proposal, we discuss your chosen dental treatment and estimate how long the treatments may take. The option proposed by your Berkeley dentist will depend on the case of your teeth. Below are some of the procedures we have.
Braces Procedure
Traditional or fixed braces have been around for ages. Comprising metal or ceramic brackets are affixed to the teeth and connected with wires. Over time, they guide teeth into their desired positions.
This procedure has improved in recent years as clear braces have taken over primarily because of the comfort and discreetness it brings to patients. At Berkeley Clinic, we have several dental treatments we offer, and one of them is Invisalign.
Invisalign Procedure
Invisalign treatment is for those with mild to moderate dental issues. It treats overlapped, misalignment, dental drift and crooked teeth. For complicated cases, we have other treatment options available.
This procedure offers a virtually invisible method of aligning teeth using Invisalign trays called aligners. With customised clear aligners, Berkeley Clinic ensures a snug fit. These aligners gradually move your teeth, and their removability offers added convenience, perfect for social gatherings involving eating and drinking.
Throughout the procedure, we will provide you with a series of custom-made Invisalign designed slightly different from each aligner to move your tooth to the proper position. We repeat the process until you have achieved a better and straighter smile.
For it to be more effective, we advise you to wear it between 20 to 22 hours daily. The length of the treatment can vary, but it usually takes six months to a year, depending on the case of your teeth.
Patients also enjoy several benefits from this procedure as it is a quick treatment, non-invasive, painless treatment, removable and easy to clean, comfortable to wear and high result with less effort.
After the procedure, we will guide you and share aftercare tips for maintaining your teeth.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect is an advanced orthodontic solution designed to help you achieve a perfectly straight and harmonious smile. It’s a discreet, comfortable, and highly effective alternative to traditional braces, offering a comprehensive and modern approach to teeth straightening.
These clear aligners are custom-made to fit your unique dental structure, gently shifting your teeth into the desired positions. Whether you’re dealing with overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment, ClearCorrect can address a wide range of orthodontic issues.
ClearCorrect stands out with near-invisible, convenient, and quicker treatment options, making your orthodontic journey discreet, comfortable, and time-efficient.
We understand that the journey to a straighter smile is a personal one. ClearCorrect aligners are designed with your comfort in mind, ensuring that you can go about your daily activities without discomfort or interruption.
Post-procedure Care and Follow-up Visits at Berkeley Clinic
Post-procedure care is an important part of your orthodontic journey. Regular follow-up visits allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress, provide guidance on oral hygiene tailored to your specific needs, ensure timely aligner replacements, and address any concerns. By actively participating in post-procedure care, you contribute to your treatment’s success and your smile’s overall health. Here’s what regular follow-up visits ensure:
- Treatment Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits are vital in monitoring your treatment progress once your orthodontic treatment begins. These visits allow your orthodontist to assess how your teeth respond to the treatment plan. Through careful examination and assessment, we make adjustments to ensure your teeth move according to the desired trajectory.
- Guidance on Oral Hygiene: When you have braces or Invisalign, it’s crucial to adapt your oral care routine to accommodate these orthodontic appliances. To maintain good oral hygiene, cleaning your Invisalign aligners is a must.
- Follow-up Dental Visits: During your follow-up visits, the orthodontic team can provide tailored guidance on maintaining proper oral hygiene throughout your treatment. They can offer specific techniques and tools to effectively clean your teeth and appliances, helping to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease, and white spot lesions.
- Aligner Replacement: Invisalign treatment involves a series of custom-made aligners that slowly shift your teeth into the desired position. As your teeth move, new aligners must keep up with their progress. Regular follow-up appointments allow your orthodontist to provide you with the next set of aligners in the series. It ensures that your treatment continues without interruption and that your teeth keep moving as planned. This replacement process is important for maintaining the effectiveness of your Invisalign treatment.
- Addressing Concerns: Throughout your orthodontic treatment, questions or concerns may arise. Regular follow-up appointments allow you to discuss discomfort, appliance issues, or other questions. Your orthodontist can provide solutions, adjust, and advise on managing any challenges you face during your treatment.
In the next section, we will share questions often asked by patients or people looking for this treatment.
Orthodontics Procedure FAQs
Q: How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
A: The cost may vary depending on the case of your teeth or the tooth you want to correct.
Here is the current price we have for the treatment:
- Invisalign Lite – From £2300
- Invisalign Moderate – From £3800
- Invisalign Severe – From £4990
At Berkeley Clinic, we want everyone to be able to afford the treatment, so we offer payment options that will make the treatment cost more accessible and manageable. If you wish to know more about the cost, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Q: Is Invisalign suitable for me?
A: Whether you are a teen or an adult, Invisalign is for everyone as it features a non-invasive, more comfortable procedure.
Q: How long does the treatment take?
A: As mentioned, treatment can generally take six months to a year, depending on what you want to achieve for your teeth.
Q. Is the procedure painful?
A: We understand that some patients are discouraged from getting dental treatments because it can be painful. However, rest assured that the Invisalign process is a non-invasive and painless treatment. It can be removable and designed to be comfortably worn on the patient’s teeth.
If you are still unsure and anxious to see a dentist, we have our dental anxiety management clinic that helps the patient overcome their anxiety. We understand that each patient is unique, and we are here to help make their dental experience the most comfortable.
Consider a smile makeover with the Berkeley Clinic, Glasgow
An award-winning oasis in Glasgow, Berkeley Clinic specialises in cosmetic dentistry and restorative dental treatments. From teeth straightening, teeth whitening and dental implants to veneers and facial rejuvenation, our skilled team has a solution for all.
Our most popular offerings are orthodontics, dental crowns, and revolutionary clear braces. At the heart of our services is the desire to bestow upon our patients a radiant smile that boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. Are you considering a “smile makeover”? Explore the Berkeley Clinic website or contact our dedicated care team for advice.