When it comes to orthodontic treatment, we want all our patients to enjoy the best results and this is why we offer the world’s leading treatment systems. One of our most popular treatments is Invisalign, a clear aligner system that moves the teeth without anyone being able to see a brace.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an invisible alternative to fixed braces and uses a series of aligners to re-position and realign the teeth. These aligners work in a set order to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is different, but all are worn for two weeks and treatment is planned in advance, so you can see images of the treatment process and get an idea of what your smile will look like once you remove the last aligner for the final time.
This system is hugely popular because it provides patients with an option that eliminates anxiety and worry about image. With these aligners, the look of the smile won’t change and you can go through your treatment without suffering from a lack of confidence when you smile or speak to people.
What is so good about Invisalign?
Invisalign is simple, effective and invisible. The aligners cannot be seen, which gives you more confidence once you start treatment, and they are removable, so you have control of your treatment and can enjoy more flexibility than with a fixed brace. Invisalign aligners contain no bands or metal parts and they are suitable for patients with a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor and moderate crowding to spaces between the teeth.
How does treatment work?
The treatment process is fairly straightforward and involves wearing each aligner in a set order for two weeks at a time. The aligners should be worn for a minimum of 21 hours per day and removed when you intend to brush your teeth or eat.
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.
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.
Invisalign has taken the world of dentistry by storm, but why is it so popular and should you be rushing out to enjoy the benefits of Invisalign treatment?
The ins and outs of Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear brace treatment that has already helped more than a million people to enjoy stunning straight smiles. Invisalign offers a new take on orthodontic treatment as it uses a series of custom-fit removable aligners rather than a single fixed brace. The aligners are light, comfortable and most importantly for many patients, they are virtually invisible.
Invisalign treatment involves a simple process: you are given a sequence of aligners, each of which is worn for two weeks at a time and then replaced until treatment is complete. The aligners should be removed when you eat, drink and clean your teeth, but you should wear them for at least 21 hours per day.
What’s so good about Invisalign?
Invisalign has been developed with the needs and preferences of patients in mind and provides a solution to any of the complaints commonly made by dental patients. Firstly, the aligners are incredibly discreet, so you can smile with confidence and go through the treatment process without worrying about what other people think or how you feel when you smile in public. The aligners are also comfortable and convenient as you can carry on as normal in terms of brushing your teeth and eating and you don’t have to worry about uncomfortable metal bands or tightening the braces. Invisalign is also versatile, as it is suited to patients with a wide range of mild or moderate orthodontic issues.
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth and are looking for an invisible treatment that has it all, call today and find out more about incredible Invisalign.
If you are interested in Invisalign, the best thing to do is to book a consultation. The consultation is an informal appointment where you get to meet your dentist, learn more about the treatment and other potential options and ask any questions you may have.
What will we talk about during my Invisalign consultation?
A consultation is nothing to be worried or anxious about and there’s no pain involved or dreaded dental drill encounters. We simply have a chat with you to talk about the treatment, why it could benefit you, how it works and what treatment entails. In order to make sure you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment, we carry out some basic tests (such as X-rays or scans) to ascertain more information about your bite and the nature and complexity of your orthodontic needs. Invisalign has many benefits for patients, but it is sometimes not the best option if you need a lot of movement, so it’s essential to carry out these tests and examinations in order to achieve the best possible results for you. None of the tests are painful and your dentist will explain exactly what they are looking at and why the tests are required. They will also discuss their findings with you, so you have a sound understanding of your dental needs and you can learn more about why orthodontic treatment could be beneficial.
During the consultation, your dentist will outline the stages of treatment, talk to you about what actually happens to your teeth when treatment is underway and discuss issues such as cost and projected treatment time with you. They are on hand to answer your questions, so fire away and don’t be afraid to ask questions you think sound silly or aren’t relevant. If you want to know the answer to a question related to your treatment in any way, our dentists will help.
Once you are clear about the ins and outs of treatment and are sure you want to go ahead with Invisalign treatment, we can set the ball rolling and make impressions and take photographs of your teeth. These are then sent away to the laboratory in the USA and we will await the arrival of your custom-made Invisalign aligners shortly after.
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
