If you haven’t yet been a patient at our practice on the Wirral we welcome you to register your interest today!

How often should I brush my teeth?

Twice a day, every day! That means morning breath doesn't have to be a thing anymore.

How often should I floss?

Flossing isn't just for show-offs. Flossing is the new yoga - aim for at least once a day to keep your pearly whites healthy and happy.

Why do I need to go to the dentist regularly?

Because the dentist is your tooth fairy godparent! Regular check-ups can catch problems before they become major pains in the mouth.

Are whitening toothpastes effective?

They can definitely help brighten your smile, but if you're looking for a serious glow-up, ask us about our professional whitening treatments.

Can I have pearly whites without worrying about safety?

Yes, you can! Teeth whitening is generally safe when done correctly and under the supervision of a dental professional.

Can I trust those teeth whitening strips or kits that I see in ads?

Well, it's important to do your research and make sure you're using a reputable brand. Legally without a dental license, over-the-counter whitening products must be less effective, and can even be harmful if used incorrectly.

How can I ease my fear of going to the dentist?

You can channel your inner Zen master with some deep breathing or let your musical tastes shine with some tunes during your appointment. And don't forget, we're here to help you feel comfortable and at ease! We manage many patients who come in frightened of us but our little secret is that we want to convert all of these to smiley confident dental goers.

What's the best way to get rid of bad breath?

Well, the obvious answer is to brush your teeth regularly and floss daily. But if you're looking for some extra tips, try using a tongue scraper or chewing sugar-free gum after meals.

What if my bad breath is really stubborn?

If you've tried all the usual remedies and your bad breath persists, it might be worth seeing a dentist to rule out any underlying dental issues. You can also try drinking more water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Are there any foods that can help freshen my breath?

Yes! Foods like apples, carrots, and celery can help scrub away odor-causing bacteria in your mouth. Plus, herbs like parsley and mint can help freshen your breath naturally but eat these in moderation.

What about drinks? Can they help with bad breath?

Drinking green tea can help reduce the sulfur compounds in your mouth that cause bad breath. And of course, drinking water can help flush out any food particles or bacteria that may be lingering in your mouth.

Is it true that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones?

Well, it's not that simple! While electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque and promoting good oral hygiene, it ultimately depends on your brushing technique and consistency. Should you follow the instructions given by your dentist or hygienist.

Can electric toothbrushes damage my teeth or gums?

Not if they're used correctly! Make sure to choose an electric toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid pressing too hard when brushing. And as always, make sure to brush for the full two minutes recommended.

How to Know If You Need Braces

If you have ever hidden your smile or felt something off with your bite, you might be wondering whether braces could help. Crooked, misaligned, or overlapping teeth affect more than just your appearance and confidence. These issues can also make teeth cleaning difficult and strain your jaw over time, but you don’t have to suffer for long. Watch out for the signs that tell you it’s time to get braces, so you can get the help you need.

How To Tell If You Need Braces

There are 2 main ways to spot whether you might need braces: by what you can see in your smile and by what you can feel in your bite. Here are the things to look out for.

Signs You Can See

Teeth that are crooked or in uneven positions

Crooked or uneven teeth are one of the clearest signs that your bite may need correction. These issues affect the appearance and function of your teeth. An orthodontic treatment straightens the teeth to give you a healthier, more even-looking smile.

Too many teeth in the upper/lower jaw

The problem with overcrowded teeth doesn’t end with aesthetics - it also has functional effects. According to the NHS, crooked or crowded teeth are more prone to damage. When your teeth are almost overlapping to the point where they become challenging to clean, there is a higher risk of plaque build-up that can lead to decay, and gum disease.

A smile with gaps between the teeth

Spaces between your teeth make your smile look unhealthy. They can increase the likelihood of the neighbouring teeth shifting, which can cause more gaps to form. If you are always bothered by your smile’s appearance, the unsightly gaps should convince you enough to have your teeth straightened.

Research from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Paraná, Brazil shows that people who are self-conscious of their teeth’s appearance tend to avoid social interactions. If you are in the same boat, it’s time to consider braces for your oral health and well-being. Contact us now – we look forward to helping new clients in our dental practice in Wirral.

Alternatively, you may experience these functional issues, which can be improved with an orthodontic treatment.

Signs You Can Feel

· Frequently biting on your tongue/inner mouth

Biting your tongue or inner cheek can be a sign that something is not right with your bite. Dental braces help correct the way your upper and lower teeth meet, giving you a smile that’s gorgeous and comfortable.

A bite that feels off

One way to determine if you need braces is by checking the condition of your bite. The most common signs are upper teeth protruding too much over the lower ones, or if your lower teeth are sticking out. These issues can be improved with an orthodontic treatment in our clinic in Wirral.

Struggling to be understood when speaking

Another way to determine if it is time to get braces is to observe the way you speak. If you keep mispronouncing words or are lisping because of crooked teeth, this is a clear sign that you might need braces.

Hearing the jaw click or pop with movement

Do you hear clicking when you open your mouth wide? According to the Cleveland Clinic, this may be caused by a strained jaw joint (called the “temporomandibular joint” or TMJ). Braces help by moving the teeth to a better position, reducing the strain on the joint so it does not ache or click.

Advantages of Getting Braces

The rewards you can get from dental braces go beyond aesthetic improvement. If you are still unconvinced about getting your teeth straightened, check out these benefits that you can enjoy after an Invisalign treatment.

Smile glow-up

One of the signs that you need teeth straightening is when you always feel embarrassed about your crooked teeth. Treat yourself to a well-deserved smile makeover by having braces to straighten your teeth. After the treatment, you can expect your grin to improve dramatically and boost your self-esteem.

Improved dental hygiene

It is challenging to clean teeth if they are crooked or overlapping. Maintaining good oral hygiene becomes easier when you have straighter teeth, so you can avoid dental problems and keep your breath smelling fresh.

Functional improvement

Braces can improve the way your teeth come together when you bite. This reduces the strain on your jaw, making it easier for you to speak and eat comfortably while promoting good oral health long-term.

Confidence boosting

According to the British Dental Nurses’ Journal, severe malocclusion (incorrect positioning of the teeth) has a huge impact on your social and psychological well-being. It can negatively affect the way you interact with others.

Are you embarrassed to smile because of crooked teeth? Thanks to orthodontic braces, the gorgeous smile of your dreams is now within your reach.

If you are not keen on having metal braces, we can check if you are eligible for more discreet Invisalign aligners. We hope to welcome you to our dental practice in Wirral - contact us now to schedule an appointment.

Conclusion

Your dentist or orthodontist will usually say if you need braces. However, you would also know when you start seeing and feeling the signs nudging you to get your teeth straightened. Once you know how to tell if you need braces, you can achieve your goal of a beautiful smile and better dental health more quickly.

Are you ready to get braces? Contact us now, and we will help you achieve a straighter, more beautiful smile.

FAQs

1.Can I have braces as an adult?

Yes, you can have your teeth straightened well beyond your teenage years. In 2023, a survey by the British Orthodontic Society reported a 76% increase in the number of adult patients wanting orthodontic treatments. So, having adult braces is more common than you think.

2.I don’t like the look of metal braces – is there a less obvious option?

Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) are more discreet in straightening teeth compared to conventional braces. We can assess your suitability for this treatment – contact us now for more information.

3. How long will I have braces?

Straightening your teeth with braces will typically take 1 to 3 years. The timeline will depend on case complexity, how well you take care of your teeth, and other factors.

4. Do I need to have teeth removed for braces?

Not necessarily. Tooth extraction is done only in some cases, such as when there is severe overcrowding.

5. Why are crooked teeth more prone to damage?

If your teeth are in unnatural or twisted positions that are difficult to clean, they are more susceptible to cavities and gum problems.

6. Do I need general anaesthesia when getting braces?

No, because the procedure is non-invasive and typically involves only minor discomfort.

7. Will braces ruin my teeth?

No, but teeth decay is a risk when you have braces and don’t practice good oral hygiene.

8. Can braces help my gapped smile?

Yes, the treatment can close the spaces to make your smile look healthy and attractive.

Thomas LiuJanuary 23, 2026