Two ways to do it
We'll recommend the system that suits your teeth and explain why.
- Clear aligners: a series of thin, removable trays, each moving your teeth a little. You wear them most of the day and take them out to eat and clean.
- Clear fixed braces: small tooth-coloured brackets and a thin wire, fixed to the front teeth.
What it can and can't do
Cosmetic alignment is designed for front teeth that are crowded, gappy or slightly rotated. It doesn't change how your back teeth meet. If your bite needs correcting, full orthodontics may be the better option, and we'll tell you so.
Teeth can drift back after any straightening, so you'll need retainers afterwards, for as long as you want to keep the result.
What happens
Consultation
We check your teeth and gums, talk about what you'd like to change and whether alignment can do it.
Records
Photos and impressions or scans, so your treatment can be planned.
Treatment
You wear your aligners or braces, with regular check visits.
Retainers
Retainers hold your teeth in their new position.
NHS or private?
Cosmetic tooth alignment is private treatment. Your dentist will always explain the options and give you a written estimate before treatment starts. How NHS charges and private fees work.
To confirm: Which alignment systems do you currently provide (Cfast, Six Month Smiles, Invisalign)? We'll only name systems you're a current provider of, and who provides them at Bearsden.
Questions people ask
How long does it take?
It depends on how far your teeth need to move. You'll get an estimate for your own case at your consultation.
Is it available on the NHS?
No, cosmetic tooth alignment is private. If you have a clinical need for orthodontics, we'll talk about whether NHS orthodontic treatment applies to you.
Can I whiten my teeth too?
Yes. Some people whiten after straightening. We'll plan the order with you.
