In Liverpool, is it necessary to see an orthodontist to get straighter teeth? Pre-1990s, it was. Teeth straightening was done using fixed, metal braces that were complex to fit and maintain. This work was done by an orthodontist, a dentist who has trained for an extra 2-3 years in how to create a harmonious bite.

1. The Lowdown on
Cosmetic Braces
Liverpool Smile Studio

2. In Liverpool, is it necessary to see an orthodontist to get straighter teeth? Pre-1990s, it was. Teeth
straightening was done using fixed, metal braces that were complex to fit and maintain. This work was
done by an orthodontist, a dentist who has trained for an extra 2-3 years in how to create a harmonious
bite.
But in the last 20 years or so, braces have come on leaps and bounds. Advances in technology, materials
and digital software mean that there are more types of braces than ever, and they are lighter, smaller and
easier to fit than the traditional versions.
While for complex misalignments patients still need to visit the orthodontist, for cosmetic readjustments
of the teeth in adults and for some teens, that is no longer necessary. Cosmetic braces can be fitted by a
general dentist who has done some additional training in particular types of braces, as well as an
orthodontist.

3. Some cosmetic braces are fast-acting: aligner bows, for example, that both push and pull the front 6-8
teeth into position. Due to this intelligent design, they are effective in only 6-18 weeks. Then there are
clear, ceramic fixed braces that also work on the front teeth. These blend seamlessly into the tooth enamel
and do their job in only 4-9 months.
Other braces that can be fitted not only by an orthodontist are clear aligners, such as Invisalign. This
treatment is where the digital dental revolution really comes into its own. There was nothing like
Invisalign on the market 20 years ago. It came into being when a business student at Stanford University
had the thought, at the end of his dental treatment, why can’t braces be more like retainers? They are
much easier to wear and maintain.
This was the genesis of Invisalign, a braces system that uses pairs of thin, clear plastic aligners to push
the teeth into position over 12-18 months. It uses digital scanning, computerised treatment plans and 3D
printing to create the bespoke aligners, that are custom-made for each patient.
Invisalign doesn’t need the input of an orthodontist because the aligners don’t need to be adjusted during
treatment. The patient simply swaps for the next set in the series every 7-10 days.

4. Sources:
Cosmetic orthodontist in Liverpool:
https://www.liverpoolsmilestudio.co.uk/orthodontist-liverpool.html
Braces overview:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/braces-and-orthodontics/
Clear aligners:
https://www.bos.org.uk/Public-Patients/Orthodontics-for-Children-Teens/Treatment-brace-
types/Removable-appliances/Clear-aligners