Benefit from the expertise of our highly experienced Borehamwood orthodontic dentists who offer a fantastic range of highly effective and affordable orthodontic treatments from our 5* rated state-of-the-art clinic.
Our unique orthodontic department is led by Dr Ash Vora (GDC No. 82548), who has over 18 years extensive dentistry experience and holds a Diploma in Primary Care Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons. We offer a full range of orthodontic treatments and also proud to be a a fully certified Invisalign provider.
Dr Vora is also one of the few dentists in the country to provide comprehensive treatments in Restorative, Orthodontics and Implantology.
What makes us different
Dr Ash Vora's approach is different to most dentists and orthodontists as he offers a truly holistic approach when delivering your new smile. As we are the only digital orthodontic practice in the area, we have the ability to show you in advance the outcome of all types of orthodontic treatment.
At this stage we can show you other treatments that can complement you smile such as composite bonding. We are fortunate to have over 10 years experience in doing this that you can be confident with our recommendations and advice your smile will be better than your expect.
Your orthodontic experience will involve 3 simple stages:
- Appointment 1 - Complimentary Consultation and a Free Initial Digital Scan. You are then given all the options, orthodontic report and finance options
- Appointment 2 - Accurate second scan (Invisalign) or fitting of fixed brace
- Appointment 3 - Come in and collect the aligners or have adjustments until you are happy with your smile
What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Nothing is as important as a genuine and heartfelt smile. Whether in your professional life or when you are out socialising, an attractive smile can make you feel happier and more relaxed.
- A beautiful smile
- Improved self confidence
- Improved dental function to aid chewing by creating the ideal bite
- Improved dental health by reducing crowding and closing spaces oral hygiene is easier to maintain
- Facilitation of restorative treatment - Orthodontic treatment can enhance the results of restorative dental work, particularly for cosmetic dental treatment and dental implants
Is orthdontic treatment suitable for adults?
Yes, most definitely. The ideal time for orthodontics is during teenage years. However, with the correct approach and treatment planning we are able to correct alignment and improve the position of the teeth.
Age is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment and the number of adults seeking treatment is on the increase with many of these adults wishing they had taken advice or had treatment when they were younger.
How do braces work?
Orthodontic treatment consists of a series of controlled movements of a tooth or teeth. In order to achieve this a low force has to be applied and held against the teeth.
This causes a chemical reaction in bone around the teeth to help stabilise this new position. To apply this force, the correct orthodontic appliance / brace will be required.
At Harley House we look at the desired outcome by discussing your expectations and then decide how to achieve this new teeth position. With this information we can recommend the best type of brace for you.
Rather than you having to choose a brand or type of brace we can customise different orthodontic products to produce the bespoke package for you.
Can orthodontics change my profile?
When teeth are aligned and placed in a more harmonious position this can give the illusion of a ‘better’ profile. At the consultation phase we will diagnose the cause of the misalignment and advise you on the realistic outcome.
Dramatic changes in a person's smile and profile can be achieved. A person can actually look years younger by straightening crooked teeth or correcting an overbite or under-bite.
A beautiful smile can increase your self-confidence and, in turn, enhance your sense of well-being.
What movements can orthodontics achieve?
Teeth can be moved in any direction with a brace. The tricky part is to move them in the correct direction in relation to the tooth next door so the smile looks natural. In order to correct teeth alignment, the following are common movements.
Orthodontics can treat:
- Misaligned teeth
- Crowding
- Overlapped teeth
- Narrow smiles
- Protruding teeth
- Deeps bite
- Crossbites
- Gummy smiles
- Impacted teeth
Can I have a brace behind my teeth?
Yes, and they are called lingual braces. Having tried all the lingual orthodontic braces on the market, Dr Vora has settled for two that work well.
Again once these appliances are custom made so can be tailored to the specific type of movement desired.
Will my teeth move back?
Teeth, like all parts of the body, are constantly changing and adapting. You must remember, teeth that have been crooked for years have marvellous memories.
Minor movement or relapse must be expected, but conscientious wear of retainers following treatment can minimise these changes. Once the orthodontic treatment is complete retainers will be made to keep the teeth in place.
There are many available but we will only select the ones right for you that suit you.
Are there any limitations to orthodontics?
Yes. When we align teeth we cannot change the shape or colour of the teeth. In order to achieve this, you would need to consider the ‘cosmetic orthodontic’ approach.
Is short term orthodontic treatment any good?
If the movement is minimal and localised to one or two teeth, then yes. If more teeth need to be moved and more complex movement is required, then no.
During the consultation we can advise whether short term or conventional orthodontic is best.
What types of braces are there?
There are many different types of braces from different brands. Over the last 15 years Dr Vora has probably used them all at some stage.
Removable braces
These are ones that can be taken in and out when required and include aligners such as Invisalign and Smile 3D.
These are clear plastic braces that are virtually invisible and fit snuggly over the teeth. A series of aligners can move teeth when they are changed every two weeks.
Generally, they are limited to the simpler types of movement and work best in mild cases where they can produce great results.
Fixed braces – Conventional
These consist of brackets that are glued to the front surface of the teeth. They can be either metal or ceramic. A wire is placed within the brackets and the teeth can then be moved.
They are the most common and most successful type of brace that can achieve the best result and they really do not have any limitation in the movements they deliver.
In order to achieve the best results, we use the best quality brackets and wires, this in effect will reduce treatment time and discomfort.
Fixed braces are placed by Dr Vora and are not made by a third party so the outcome is the most predictable and guarantee success. In fact they are the treatment of choice for most dentist themselves.
Fixed braces – Lingual
These braces work on the same principles as above but are fixed to the inside surface of the teeth so they are unnoticeable. They are very popular and can deliver outstanding results if prescribed correctly.
Functional braces
These are removable braces that work best in the growing adolescent where the growth of the jaw can be utilised in reducing overbites and improving the profile of a receded jaw.
They are worn in two parts a top and bottom removable brace and are commonly referred to as twin blocks.
Mini implants
These are small screws that can be placed so that teeth can be moved. Common examples of movements include expansion of the arch and reduction of overbites.
Retainers
These are probably the most important ‘brace’ of all. They are custom made and will keep the teeth from moving once aligned. They are either plastic aligners or a thin fixed wire glued behind the teeth.
Many patients benefit from a combination retainer of the two mentioned.
Cosmetic orthodontics
This is a branch of orthodontics that is focused primarily for adult. Our approach to orthodontic differs to a conventional orthodontist – where an orthodontist would just straighten teeth.
We utilise all the techniques and tools in modern day dentistry to produce a complete smile solution.
Once the orthodontic treatment is complete we can offer adjunctive therapies.
- Use certain whiting methods to lighten teeth
- Use diode lasers to level gum margins
- Reduce gummy smiles
- Restore fractured enamel and repair enamel mineral
More advanced therapies such as the provision of ultra thin veneers, replace crowns and place implants can also be planned. As Dr Vora practices advanced dentistry as well as orthodontics, you can rest assured that the teeth will be placed in the optimum position to allow for further dental procedures.
This is something unique to an orthodontic treatment and will be delivered to you by us. If you do need other treatment as well as orthodontic please come and see us before you decide to have treatment.
During the consultation phase Dr Vora will give you thorough details of how this all can be achieved and will be planned at the start of the treatment. As all the treatment is carried out by Dr Vora you will not need a referral to another dentist or specialist to achieve your desired smile.
