Clear Fixed braces vs Removable Braces – Which Is Best?

While the majority of clear braces offers Manchester patients a discreet form of orthodontic treatment there are still important decisions to be made. Whether it’s long-term or accelerated treatment, patients will be faced with the dilemma of opting for clear fixed braces Manchester or removable braces; but what exactly are they and more importantly, which is best?

Removable braces

Aligner style braces such as Invisalign, offers Manchester patients the chance to easily remove their orthodontic braces whenever they like. Instead of the traditional bracket and wiring style orthodontic systems which are fastened directly to the teeth, Invisalign braces are placed over the teeth and are designed to be removed by the patient at various times. Doing so allows the wearer better control over dental hygiene (eg, when cleaning teeth) and also gives a patient greater flexibility in when they decide to wear their braces.

Other aligner style brace systems such as the Inman aligner are also designed to be removable. However rather than ‘gum shield’ style Invisalign aligners known as trays, the Inman Aligner relies on a series of bows and springs to gently push and pull the teeth back into position. Just like Invisalign, the Inman aligner is designed to be removed prior to eating and cleaning the teeth, giving the wearer total flexibility.

Long- term vs accelerated removable treatments

In addition removable clear braces, offers Manchester patents the chance of either long-term or accelerated treatment; but what’s the difference?

Treatments such as Invisalign, offers Manchester wearers total orthodontic care because they concentrate their efforts on the entire mouth. This means that problems such as tooth root alignment and bite can all be corrected if necessary, using this system However in terms of time scales, because they have the ability to correct underlying as well as visible tooth problems, treatments take anything from 12 -36 months to complete.

On the contrary, the Inman aligner (also a removable brace system) is more of an accelerated treatment because efforts are focused only on the top and bottom six teeth that are visible when you smile. This is perfect for someone who isn’t entirely happy with the aesthetics of their smile, but isn’t particularly concerned with treating any underlying dental issues such as tooth root alignment. Treatment times for the Inman aligner usually takes anywhere between six weeks and 6 months.

Fixed braces

As the name suggests, clear fixed braces Manchester also provide a discreet form of adult orthodontic treatment. However the difference is that this style of brace is fixed securely to the teeth. Any adjustments or removal has to be carried out by the dentist in the dental practice. Just like removable braces, fixed braces can either be accelerated or long-term treatments, meaning that they can be used for cosmetic purposes or to correct underlying dental issues. In the main, fixed braces normally consist of bracket and wiring style systems which are secured directly onto the teeth using tooth coloured brackets and wires, so discretion is guaranteed. However certain fixed brace systems such as lingual braces which are attached to the back of the teeth, offer a higher degree of discretion than others.

So what are the advantages of fixed braces?

Simply put, although removable braces can easily be taken in and out at will, they still need to be worn for a specific amount of time per day to achieve the desired results within the time frame specified (eg 16 -18 hours a day for the Inman Aligner and 20-22 hours a day for Invisalign). As a result, the wearer needs to be both committed to wearing them and disciplined enough to follow procedures. Because clear fixed braces are permanently attached for the duration of the treatment and can’t be removed, it eradicates the problem of having to remember to put them back in. Therefore fixed orthodontic treatments might suit those who don’t particularly want to wear braces and/or don’t follow procedures well.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both clear fixed braces Manchester and braces which can be removed. Removable braces such as Invisalign, offers Manchester residents a form of discreet brace system unlike any other, while treatments such as lingual braces offer a similar type of discretion, but in a fixed format. As a result it really boils down to recommendations from your dentist and personal preference.

To find out more about what clear braces offers Manchester patients should talk to Shi Karim and the team at Church Road Dental. To book a no-obligation consultation either visit our website at www.clearbracesmanchester.co.uk or contact us directly on 0161 660 1218.

From Invisalign To Lingual Braces – Manchester Braces Explained

There are a wide variety of orthodontic treatments available on the market and as such, it can get a little confusing. Systems range from lingual braces, Manchester Invisalign, and accelerated treatments such as C-Fast, through to conventional metallic style braces and removable braces such as the Inman Aligner. Manchester patients therefore can feel overwhelmed with the amount of choice available. In order to bring clarity to the type of orthodontic braces that are suitable for you, here’s what you need to know.

Fixed vs removable

Brace systems come in fixed or removable varieties. However just to confuse you more there isn’t really one specific type that is suitable for a specific type of treatment. Instead braces may be selected based on the needs, requirements, and/or budget of the patient.

Systems such as lingual braces Manchester for example are a longer-term bracket and wiring style brace that’s worn on the inside of the teeth, so they’re completely invisible to others when you smile, eat, or speak. Conversely braces such as Manchester Invisalign are fully removable and are designed to be taken out by the wearer during meal times and when brushing their teeth. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages although they both do the same job of straightening teeth using gentle applied force.

Brackets vs aligners

In days of old, there really was only one type of brace system and that was the metallic ‘train track’ style variety that gave onlookers more than a glint of metal every time the wearer smiled. Effective? Yes, but discreet? Absolutely not!

Nowadays discretion plays a big part in children’s and indeed adult orthodontics. As such, many bracket and wiring style brace systems are made using tooth coloured wiring and white brackets to give a more discreet appearance. Despite this, they can still be seen by others if they’re close enough. On the contrary aligner style brace systems such as Invisalign and the Inman Aligner Manchester are different. While it’s true that the Inman aligner has a very thin metal bar that runs across the front of the teeth, neither use a bracket and wire system to straighten them and are therefore arguably more discreet. However the Invisalign system takes it one step further and does away with springs and bows altogether in favour of a series of simple clear plastic devices known as trays, which are worn over the teeth rather like a gum shield. The result is an orthodontic treatment that can not only be removed, but because it’s made of thin clear plastic and there are zero brackets and wires, is incredibly discreet.

Short-term vs longer-term

Many adults these days choose to wear braces because they’re unhappy with the way that their smile looks. They maybe aren’t interested in treating the whole smile, but instead want to focus their attentions on the top and bottom 6 teeth which are visible when they smile. For this reason there are fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments. Systems such as C-Fast, Six Month Smiles, and Secret Smiles can correct crooked, twisted, or even slightly gapped teeth in as little as a few weeks. Because of this, they’re ideal for those who have an upcoming event such as a wedding, a job interview, or even a date, and would like to look and feel their best.

On the contrary longer term treatments such as lingual braces Manchester and Manchester Invisalign can take anywhere between 6 and 24 months to complete. However unlike accelerated treatments, as well as correcting the placement of the visible front and bottom teeth, they can also correct underlying problems such as tooth root alignment as well as bite placement, so you get a better overall treatment.

So there you have it! Hopefully this has brought a little clarity to the world of orthodontic treatments. If you’d like to find out more about the Inman Aligner, Manchester Invisalign or lingual braces, Manchester residents might want to speak to Shi Karim and the team at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. To make an appointment you can either visit our website at www.clearbracesmanchester.co.uk or contact us directly on 0161 660 1218. Remember you shouldn’t have to put up with a less than perfect smile, so take action today.

Are Invisalign Braces In Manchester Worth The Cost?

Are you considering Invisalign braces in Manchester? If you are it might be worth pointing out that they are one of the more expensive orthodontic treatments, ranging anywhere from £1500 to £3500. So the question is, are they really worth the cost? Firstly before we answer this let’s take a look at Invisalign braces Manchester in greater detail.

If you’re looking for a discreet type of orthodontic treatment that doesn’t show others that giveaway metallic smile, then it has to be Invisalign. Manchester dental practices throughout the area are finding that patients who need to undergo orthodontic treatment for longer periods of time will favour Invisalign because of this fact. But that’s not all… they differ in many ways and are about as far removed from conventional train track style braces as they could possibly be.

Aligner style

Firstly it’s classed as an ‘aligner style’ brace system in that it does away with the traditional brackets and wiring system that many people wear. Instead, Invisalign looks more like an invisible sports gum shield rather than a type of orthodontic treatment. Also just like a sports gum shield it happens to be worn over the teeth in a similar kind of way. Because of this design the Invisalign brace can also be removed easily by the wearer every time they eat and drink, with the idea being that it’s placed back onto the teeth immediately after.

More than one element

When you imagine orthodontic braces in Manchester, you probably think of one complete unit that’s permanently attached to the mouth for the duration of the treatment. While this is the case with the majority of brace types, with Invisalign braces, Manchester patients can have up to 48 aligners in total. Each aligner (or tray as it’s otherwise known) is designed to fit over the teeth in a specific sequence throughout the duration of the treatment. After 2 weeks the current tray is discarded, since the teeth will have moved to where they need to be, and replaced with the next one in the sequence. The severity of the dental problem is reflected by the amount of aligners that you’ll have.

“Okay” I hear you say, “I get it but where does the cost come in?”

Tailor made to suit

While many braces are indeed tailored to fit the mouth of an individual patient, nothing comes close to the engineering involved in making Invisalign. Manchester patients for example will first have to undergo a whole series of measurements and impressions of their teeth. These impressions are then sent away to a central laboratory where they’re plotted digitally. The computer image is then sent back to the dentist and the patient so that they can see at any one stage of the treatment what position their teeth should be in and how the end result will look. (A kind of virtual trial smile). If all is okay, then the lab will set to work making each individual aligner in the sequence.

Ultimately what you end up with is a carefully manufactured, almost invisible piece of craftsmanship with each aligner in the series made to fit a specific 2-3 week time period of your treatment. Not only this, because it’s designed to be removed, it gives you the flexibility (within reason) of when you want to wear it. These are the reasons why the Invisalign Aligner is one of the more expensive orthodontic treatments on the market.

If you’d like to find out more about Invisalign, Manchester-based Church Road Dental and Cosmetics can help. With our experienced orthodontics team we can advise you on the most suitable braces in Manchester for you. So if you’re a little confused or overawed about braces, Manchester patients should give us a call. To book a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us on 0121 660 1218 or alternatively, make an appointment online at www.clearbracesmanchester.co.uk

Invisible Braces Manchester – What Are They And How Do They Help?

Okay so you probably know that there are many types of clear braces Manchester offering a more discreet way of wearing adult braces, but what about truly invisible braces Manchester? Is there really such a thing? Let’s take a closer look…

While many Manchester clear braces offer higher levels of discretion than say a conventional metallic style brace would, many systems can still be seen close up when the wearer smiles. For someone who for whatever reason doesn’t want anyone to know that they’re wearing them, this can still be a huge stumbling block to having straighter teeth. Because of this there are other forms of brace systems on the market commonly known as invisible braces. Manchester patients may be pleased to know that there are in fact two brace systems that really can justify the ‘invisible’ tag and that’s Invisalign and Lingual Braces.

Lingual braces

Similarly to many other forms of clear braces Manchester, lingual braces operate using a conventional bracket and wiring system. However unlike most Manchester clear braces, lingual systems are attached to the inside of the teeth and not to the outside. This means that they can’t be seen at all when a person smiles or speaks. Lingual braces are otherwise known as ‘incognito braces’ for obvious reasons and on the whole, they are a longer-term treatment, meaning that they can correct the whole mouth, not just the teeth you see when you smile. As such they can treat a variety of orthodontic problems usually within 1-2 years.

Invisalign

If you aren’t entirely sure whether you like the thought of wearing fixed braces permanently for 1-2 years, then another form of invisible braces Manchester is Invisalign. Unlike most other brace systems, including the lingual variety, Invisalign don’t straighten teeth by means of a tensioner at all. Instead the Invisalign system utilises a series of clear plastic trays, known as aligners which are placed over the teeth (rather like a gum shield). Each one is is made from a medical grade polymer similar to the material that contact lenses are made from. The idea is that each aligner is made to fit exactly over your teeth at a specific stage of your orthodontic journey. Every 2-3 weeks the patient takes the old aligner off and changes it for the subsequent one in the series. This carries on until they’ve reached the required number of aligners to reveal straighter teeth. In addition Invisalign aligners are supposed to be worn for 20-22 hours a day and are designed to be removed when eating and brushing the teeth. Ultimately Invisalign are about as invisible as braces get and what’s more, because they’re a longer-term treatment just like lingual braces, they can solve a wide variety of orthodontic problems.

So yes, although there are a multitude of clear braces, Manchester residents looking for 100% discretion guaranteed will be pleased to know that in Lingual Braces and Invisalign, they have two of the best forms of invisible braces Manchester that money can buy.

To find out more about invisible braces or indeed any other type of Manchester clear braces, contact us on 01621 660 1218 for help. Alternatively, if you’re seriously considering improving your smile using adult orthodontic treatment but don’t know where to start, why not speak to Shi Karim and the team about a no-obligation consultation. We’ll take a closer look and listen to what you’d like to achieve and then make suggestions based around your needs.

Lingual Braces Manchester – How They Differ From Other Systems

Chances are that if you’ve done any research on orthodontic treatments you’ll have come across lingual braces. Manchester residents looking to undergo treatment might be surprised to learn that they are unlike any other form of cheap clear braces Manchester. In fact despite many of the benefits that clear braces offers Manchester patients, the lingual variety have one trump card that others don’t and that’s total invisibility.

Otherwise known as incognito braces, lingual braces are custom made to fit onto the inside surface of the teeth (lingual means tongue). In doing so they offer all the benefits that other fixed brace systems have by offering the best possible results, but they can’t be seen when you smile, or eat. Ultimately this means that for anyone who for either personal or professional reasons doesn’t want others to know that they’re wearing them, they offer the ideal solution

So what’s different about Lingual braces Manchester?

Unlike many other forms of cheap clear braces Manchester, lingual braces are generally classed as a longer term treatment (although there are varieties of lingual brace that are shorter term). In most cases treatment takes anywhere between 1 and 2 years to complete depending upon the severity of the patient’s case. Also unlike many other types of fast orthodontic treatments, lingual braces can treat an entire arch of teeth, not just the upper and lower front teeth that are visible when you smile. They can also straighten tooth roots and deal with specific issues such as bite alignment.

Are there any downsides?

Firstly while many clear braces offers Manchester patients a cheaper alternative to teeth straightening, lingual braces are more expensive. This is because of the fact that they’re fully customised to your specific requirements. The other downside is that because they’re fitted to the inside of teeth they can take longer to adapt to, and in some cases they may affect speech at first. That said, the majority of wearers state that they fully settled into them within 2-3 weeks.

The making and fitting process explained

The first stage upon deciding that you want lingual braces is to visit the dentist for some impressions of your teeth. Once these have been done, they’re sent off to a centralised laboratory where your bespoke braces are made. This can take around 4-6 weeks.

Once your braces have come back from the laboratory we’ll invite you to back to the practice to attach the braces. This takes on average 1-2 hours and is a pain free process. You will of course need to keep your mouth open for much of this period, but apart from this, there is no drilling or injections involved.

After the brace is fitted you’ll be invited back to our practice every 6-10 weeks so that we can check on progress, but aside from this you can carry on your normal life with nobody aware that you even have them. When you come back to see us, we’ll normally adjust the tension of the wire so that your teeth can move some more. You may feel a little discomfort at first but this is usually brought under control quickly using over-the-counter pain killers.

The bottom line is that lingual braces Manchester offer the ideal solution for those people needing long-term orthodontic treatments but who really don’t want to be seen wearing braces. They’re also becoming increasingly popular with older teenagers too. In both scenarios, incognito braces offer the perfect solution.

If you’d like to find out more about lingual braces or indeed cheap clear braces Manchester or what clear braces offers Manchester patients then contact our friendly but experienced team who can help. Call us on 0161 660 1218 and start the ball rolling towards better, straighter teeth today.