The past ten years have seen many new and exciting developments in orthodontic treatment, meaning that adults needing braces no longer need to worry about wearing awkward-looking, conspicuous braces. New treatments mean that patients have an unprecedented level of choice when considering what would be the best option for them.
In previous years, fixed braces have been the sole option for people suffering from dental issues such as gaps between teeth, crowding and problems with their bite. Nowadays, there is a wide range of treatments available for adults who require braces. The most prominent ones are detailed below.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of invisible braces which uses clear aligners to move teeth into the required position. The material used is clear plastic so that they are not noticeable to other people. Invisalign braces are removable so that you experience no issues when eating or brushing your teeth.
Inman Aligner
The Inman Aligner works to correct issues with a patient’s front teeth. It is a removable device that starts to achieve visible results in just a few weeks after treatment commences. The overall effect is achieved in between three and five months, when teeth will be straight.
Six Month Smiles
If fixed braces are required, Six Month Smiles achieves quick results. This system focuses on the front teeth as these are the ones that are visible when you smile. The effects of treatment can, in many cases, be complete in as little as six months. Six Month Smiles have been designed to match the colour of your teeth so that they are less noticeable, while the technology used works to minimise any discomfort felt while you wear them. For more information on the rage of braces treatments we offer and which would be suitable for you, contact the team at Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol.
When it comes to modern orthodontics, patients are spoiled for choice. Not so long ago, patients who had crooked or crowded teeth or problems with their bite had to wear fixed train-track style braces, but now there are so many options available and solutions suitable for all kinds of different orthodontic issues.
We offer fixed and removable braces and there are pros and cons to each type of treatment.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces have been around for a long time and are very effective. There are various systems, including traditional braces as well as lingual braces. Patients with minor, moderate or complex issues can benefit from fixed brace treatment. The simplicity of fixed brace treatment is appealing to many patients and also the fact that success is guaranteed, rather than hanging on the assumption that the patient will wear their removable brace for the required time each day.
Fixed braces do their have downsides. They are more difficult to clean than removable braces, they can be uncomfortable, especially if they need adjusting, and there is a risk that food can become stuck in the brackets and around the wires.
Removable braces
Removable braces give patients more control during the treatment process and many patients prefer the freedom of being able to take their brace out. This also makes it easy to eat and means that you can clean your teeth properly, which helps to reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. Many removable braces, such as Invisalign, are also very discreet, which makes for excellent aesthetics during the treatment process.
The cons of removable braces are that the process is more convoluted and you have to remember to swap your aligners or take them in and out. Also, the success of treatment is heavily dependent on the patient. If you neglect to wear your aligners for the required time, treatment may not be as successful as you hoped.
Braces have come a long way from the wire and elastic variety that haunted 80’s teenage movies in America. Here are just a few of the more modern brace systems available at Clifton Dental Studio in the city of Bristol.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign braces are practically unnoticeable, meaning you can achieve a naturally straight smile incognito. They consist of a series of removable aligners made from clear plastic. Aside from no one knowing you’re having orthodontic treatment, Invisalign braces are more comfortable than their fixed wire and elastic counterparts, which can inflame and irritate one’s gums. They are also more convenient, as you can take them out before eating and bypass the common issue of getting food trapped between your braces. The ability to take Invisalign out also aids with maintaining good oral hygiene, something important that can become complicated with fixed braces.
Inman Aligner
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t end once your brace is off. It is recommended you wear a retainer for up to a year after finishing brace treatment and, predictably, relapses during this period are quite common. The Inman Aligner is a fast working device optimised to correct teeth, particularly the front teeth, following a relapse. Utilising a unique coil and bow system, the Inman Aligner can have your teeth straight after six to eighteen weeks (which is a doddle compared to the three years that standard orthodontic treatment can take).
Braces have come a long way in recent years. Today patients are able to benefit from the amazing teeth straightening effects of braces without worrying about visible wires and brackets embarrassing them during treatment.
One of the most innovative and popular brace treatments is Invisalign, favoured by celebrities and dentists alike.
What are Invisalign braces?
Invisalign braces are made from clear plastic material and fit over your teeth. Your Invisalign treatment will involve several sets of clear aligners, with a new aligner used every two weeks. Every aligner is slightly different in shape, so gently ease your teeth into their new straighter position. Your aligners will be custom made from impressions of your teeth to ensure that you receive the very best treatment and results from your braces.
What are the main benefits of Invisalign braces?
There are a number of positive benefits of Invisalign treatment, including:
Completely clear, so treatment is very discreet
Braces are removable, so you can eat and drink normally, as well as being able to clean your teeth properly.
Highly effective, yet gentle for easier treatment.
What can Invisalign braces treat?
Invisalign can treat a whole range of orthodontic problems, including:
Overbites
Gaps between teeth
Crooked teeth
Twisted teeth
Misaligned teeth
Straight teeth are not only attractive, they also have added health benefits. This is because plaque and dental bacteria are less likely to become trapped between straight teeth. Crooked teeth, however, have crooks and crevices, which are a perfect place for debris and bacteria to hide. This can lead to decay and gum disease, so straighter teeth can actually help maintain the health of your teeth as well as looking attractive.
We offer an impressive array of orthodontic treatments to straighten the teeth and create beautiful smiles and we are confident that we can find a brilliant treatment for every patient.
The wonders of braces
Braces are a really effective treatment for problems including crowding, gaps between the teeth, crooked and twisted teeth, issues with the bite and protruding front teeth. Braces have been around for many years, but today, patients have access to innovative new takes on traditional braces and there has never been a more exciting time in the world of Orthodontics. Today’s patients have a choice of all kinds of systems and appliances and treatments are faster, more convenient and more comfortable than ever before. Here are two of the amazing treatments we offer at Clifton Dental Studio:
Invisalign: Invisalign is a clear aligner treatment that uses virtually undetectable plastic aligners to move the teeth. With Invisalign, you can enjoy the freedom of a removable brace combined with amazingly discreet aesthetics. Treatment is suitable for most patients and the average treatment time is around 12 months.
The Inman Aligner: the Inman Aligner is a rapid treatment aimed at patients who have minor issues with the front teeth. Treatment takes just 16 weeks and the aligner is removable, comfortable and a lot more discreet than most fixed braces.
Orthodontic appliances can straighten teeth for improved smiles, but in addition they can also help patients from Bristol when a tooth is missing. They are generally worn for approximately two years, although the time required depends on the severity of the problem. There are mainly three types of orthodontics braces available today. The best type of orthodontics braces for an individual depends on various factors and each brace has their pros and cons.
Metal Braces
These are the traditional or conventional braces. The biggest disadvantage and the main reason why people look for other kinds of braces are because they are very visible and obvious. However, the main benefit of these braces is that they are the most cost effective solution and those who wish to retain the cost to a minimum may have to go with this option.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of materials that look like natural teeth. Due to this colour-match material the brackets become hard to see and are less obvious. Because of this low visibility they are also known as clear braces. Even the colour of the wire that goes through the bracket would be much similar to the colour of the teeth. The major concern with ceramic braces is that the material used is not as strong as the metal braces and could get broken. Along with being weaker than the metal braces, they are also expensive, which can be hurtful to your wallet.
Lingual Braces
The other major type of brace is lingual braces. They are fitted to the back and the inside of the teeth rather than at the front. Due to their positioning they can be barely seen and so are also known as invisible braces. These are certainly costlier than both ceramic and metal braces, but given the benefit of invisibility, these braces are in high demand.
Crowding is a common orthodontic problem that can often be solved very effectively with braces. If you suffer from overcrowding and are looking for a stress-free solution, we may have just the perfect treatment for you.
Why are crowded teeth problematic?
Crowded teeth can make your smile look unattractive but they can also increase your risk of developing dental diseases. This is because it is often very difficult to clean all the surfaces of the teeth when they are pushed up against each other. If you’re not happy with the look of your smile, it can also affect your confidence, especially when you’re around other people. Dental treatment creates more attractive smiles, boosts confidence and enables you to eat and clean your teeth without any trouble at all.
What can be done for crowded teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is the best course of action for crowded teeth and today there are all kinds of amazing treatments available. Crowding is a common problem that usually results from a lack of space in the jaw. Braces help to reposition the teeth, create more space and align the teeth perfectly.
The range of options available to you will depend largely on the severity of the crowding. In minor cases, aligners and fixed braces may be viable, while in complex cases, fixed braces are usually the best option. In some cases of crowding, it might be necessary to remove some of the teeth before the braces are fitted, as this creates space for the teeth to move. Your dentist will go through your options and the treatment processes when you have your consultation.
When it comes to orthodontics, we believe in wonderful smiles and have the best treatments on the market available right here in Bristol. We invest constantly to make sure we offer the newest and most effective treatments and are proud to expand our treatment list on a continual basis to ensure we’re up to date with the latest innovations. If you have crooked, crowded or twisted teeth or are looking for a solution for a misaligned or uneven bite, we are confident that we can find an amazing treatment for you.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment is designed to benefit those with issues that affect the alignment of the teeth, the relationship between the upper and lower sets of teeth and the jaw joint (this is known as the bite). As well as producing beautiful, straight smiles, orthodontic treatment also helps to increase confidence, improve speech, reduce the risk of oral health problems and improve the overall facial aesthetic.
Nowadays, treatments are faster, more discreet and more effective than ever before and there is a wide range of treatment options available to patients of all ages.
Our speedy straightening treatments
We offer an array of orthodontic treatments suited to patients with varying orthodontic prescriptions. Our treatment list boasts fixed braces, removable braces, braces that work incredibly quickly and those that straighten the teeth in secret.
If time is of the essence and you want to get that new smile without delay, we have some excellent options. Our speedy systems include:
Inman Aligner: a removable aligner ideal for patients with minor issues that affect the front teeth, the Inman Aligner takes just 16 weeks to straighten the teeth.
Six Month Smiles: a fixed brace treatment that takes just six months to straighten issues that affect the front teeth. These braces are clear and use the latest technology to prevent pain and enhance comfort.
Image is important to most of us and in the past, the look of braces and the thought of a mouth full of metal have been a barrier for many thinking about having orthodontic treatment. Now, thanks to innovative invisible braces, we can correct orthodontic imperfections without compromising your looks or the image you portray and nobody need know that you’re wearing braces. We are delighted to offer Invisalign treatment, which offers you the chance to undergo treatment in secret and achieve a beautiful smile with minimal hassle.
The ins and outs of Invisalign invisible braces
Invisalign has really changed the face of orthodontics and many people who were reluctant to have treatment in the past have found this a much more accessible and appealing option. Invisalign is different to conventional orthodontic treatments because it uses a series of appliances, known as aligners, rather than a single brace. Each patient is given a set of aligners, which are created based on their individual treatment plan. This plan is drawn up using state of the art software and it plots the movement of the teeth. Each aligner is slightly different and there is a set order to follow.
The beauty of Invisalign aligners is that they are virtually invisible. They are made from clear plastic and there are no unsightly metal parts. When the aligner is in place, it is undetectable, so you won’t have to worry about hiding your smile away or contending with comments or looks from others.
The treatment process
The treatment process for Invisalign is slightly different to that of fixed braces, as you wear a series of aligners. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and then you swap them over until you reach the end of the sequence. Although the aligners are removable, it’s important that they remain in place for a minimum of 21-22 hours per day to ensure the best results. You can take your aligners out to eat, drink and clean your teeth and this makes it very easy to maintain good oral hygiene and keep decay at bay.
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign or see whether this could be a good match for you, why not call us today and start your journey to a beautiful smile?
At Clifton Dental Studio, we understand that time is of the essence for many of our patients and we offer a host of fast, effective orthodontic solutions to bring you rapid results. Whether you’ve got a special date, occasion in mind or you simply don’t want to wait ages to show off the results of your treatment, we have the perfect treatment systems for you.
Our terrific treatments
We are proud to offer Inman Aligner and Six Month Smiles treatment to bring you incredible smiles in record time.
The Inman Aligner is one of the fastest treatments around, with an average completion time of just four months. This swift removable aligner uses powerful friction-free forces to straighten the teeth comfortably and quickly and it is an ideal choice for patients who need corrective treatment for issues that affect the teeth at the front of the mouth. Ideally, this system suits those with minor issues, such as slightly crooked front teeth and mild crowding. As well as benefiting from short treatment times, patients can also enjoy the convenience and flexibility of a removable appliance and better oral hygiene.
Six Month Smiles, as you may have guessed, is a treatment that delivers results in just six months. This fixed brace system targets the front teeth and is an excellent alternative to traditional fixed braces for those who require treatment for crowded or crooked front teeth and spaces between the front teeth. The braces work very quickly, but they also offer discreet aesthetics, as the brackets are clear and the wires are tooth-coloured.
Which orthodontic treatment is best for me?
The best treatment is usually determined by your orthodontic needs, as well as the kinds of treatment you prefer (for example, fixed or removable braces) and additional factors, such as cost. When you have your consultation, we can discuss options with you and ensure you know everything there is to know about all the options before you make a decision.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
