Something borrowed, something blue – and a brand new smile

Gone are the days of simply bringing in a make-up artist and hairstylist – brides-to-be are checking into their orthodontist months in advance of the big day to make sure they have a perfect smile in their photos. According to The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic (londonlingualbraces.com), they have seen a 30% increase in women booking in to get their teeth fixed for their wedding day.

Orthodontists at the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic say the trend of women getting cosmetic dentistry for their wedding is being put down to people delaying marriage until they are older – with many not tying the knot until their early thirties. Whilst the wedding itself is not the only reason that women opt for cosmetic dentistry, it is often the catalyst for those who have been considering the treatment for some time.

According to Dr. Asif Chatoo, dentist and co-Founder of the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic;

“The wedding day is such an important part of women’s lives and now they want a perfect smile for their perfect day. Women want to be able to look back at their wedding photos and remember it as one of the happiest days of their lives.”

Louise Jenkins, a 32-year-old customer services project manager for British Airways, put getting her teeth corrected at the top of her wedding agenda;

“I had always wanted to get my teeth straightened and the wedding proved to be a real incentive to get it done. I knew it would give me greater confidence if I felt that my teeth looked perfect, and this was definitely the case on the day – I was so pleased with how they looked in the photos”.

Louise opted for lingual braces as her preferred orthodontic treatment, as they are placed discreetly behind the teeth instead of in front, avoiding the ‘Ugly Betty’ look. The computerized, made-to-measure design ensures the wearer is less affected by lisping or tongue irritations.

Louise adds;

“I loved the idea that I could have the braces on without anyone knowing, which was important to me in the run up to the wedding”.

Louise had orthodontics with lingual braces for the upper and lower teeth to reposition the teeth prior to having veneers for the upper central incisors. The central incisors had been previously treated but, the length of the two central teeth was not equal. The lower teeth were treated to move the canines into a better position for the bite.

Initially impressions of the Louise’s mouth were taken using a high-resolution 3D scanner to produce bespoke brackets that are placed behind the teeth, making the braces invisible. Silicone impressions of the teeth were taken and plaster casts created. The plaster teeth were cut and positioned perfectly aligned on a wax base. The ‘mock up’ of the Louise’s teeth was scanned and brackets designed to fit each tooth individually. The precision made brackets were then bonded on the teeth, guaranteeing a perfect fit.

Dr. Asif Chatoo, dentist and co-Founder of the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, advises:

“Brides-to-be considering lingual orthodontics treatments should seek advice at least 12 months prior to their wedding, so that there is sufficient time to straighten the teeth and create a perfect smile for the big day”.

The clinic’s high-profile patients have included Sadie Frost, Kelly Brook and Steve Jones from T4. For further information please contact the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, visit Londonlingualbraces.com.