Invisible Braces UK – What Are They And How Do They Work?

Let’s face it, most adults looking to wear braces don’t want to be seen sporting metallic ‘train-track’ style orthodontic appliances. As a result that rules out many types of full-term and fast orthodontic treatment. What’s more, when most people think of orthodontic appliances they tend not to think of discreet or invisible braces UK – yet that’s exactly what Invisalign offers adult patients. So what are they and how do they work?

Invisalign is in fact a fully removable, clear acrylic aligner-style brace system which is designed to be worn over the teeth like an invisible gum shield. Rather than one singular appliance that’s worn for the whole duration of the treatment, Invisalign aligners are meant to be removed and replaced every two weeks (just like throw-away contact lenses). Not only this, they’re also designed to be taken out every time you eat, drink, or clean your teeth. Ultimately this means that the patient has full control over when they wear their invisible braces UK and is not restricted in any way by wearing them.

So how do they straighten teeth?

Most conventional full-term braces and fast orthodontic treatment utilise a series or brackets and self-tensioning wiring. Over time the wiring which is threaded through the brackets tightens and moves the teeth by applying sustained but gentle pressure. While Invisalign offers patients this same sustained forced movement, it’s done in a completely different way.

As there are no brackets and wiring, tooth movement is carried out by the clear aligner itself. Each aligner (also known as a tray) is unique and is designed to fit the patient’s teeth with each one maintaining a slightly tighter fit. As each tray is worn the teeth are moved sufficiently enough, so that when the two weeks are up, the next tray in the series fits. Typically each tray moves the teeth just one quarter of a millimetre. This inter-changing of aligners continues until the teeth have reached perfect alignment. This can take anywhere between 9-18 months depending upon the severity of the condition, but can take longer.

So what are the advantages?

Of course the main advantage that Invisalign offers patients is complete and total discretion. Because there are no visible brackets and wiring, the appliance can’t be seen when you smile or speak. This is why they’re commonly known as invisible braces. UK patients may also be pleased to know that because they’re designed to be fully removable, they have full control of when and where they wear them. If for example you’ve got a meeting, a family gathering, or even a date and don’t really want to be wearing them, then you don’t have to. That said, it should be noted that for best effect they need to be worn for at least 20 hours a day. Finally because Invisalign braces are a full-term treatment and not a quick fix short-term fast orthodontic treatment, they can help with a wide number of dental problems.

To find out more information about invisible braces UK and how they can help you restore your great looking smile, contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 and talk to Shi Karim and the team who can help.

What Are Invisible Braces And How Do They Differ?

When it comes to adult teeth straightening in Manchester, it’s good to know that people have a multitude of options open to them. While patients can of course opt for conventional metal braces, others prefer a more discreet form of orthodontic treatment such as tooth-coloured ceramic clear braces. However for some, even the thought of having fixed braces (tooth-coloured or not) permanently attached to the mouth for the duration of their treatment is a major obstacle. For this reason a sensible option may well be Invisalign Aligners – more commonly known as invisible braces.

So what exactly are invisible braces and how do they differ?

While ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear fixed braces are all designed to be more discreet than say conventional metal braces, they still utilise a system of brackets and wiring which are fixed to the teeth. The issue for some people is that they can take some getting used to, especially when it comes to speaking. On the contrary, Invisalign aligners do away with brackets and wiring altogether in favour of a series of clear acrylic trays which are worn over the teeth like a gum shield. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth into a certain position before it’s removed, discarded, and changed for the subsequent one in the series. Eventually after a number of aligner changes and 9-24 months down the line, the patient has straighter teeth.

Are they really invisible?

In a word yes! Because they’re manufactured from a clear acrylic, they’re virtually invisible. Braces under normal circumstances can be seen when a person smiles or speaks (even the tooth coloured, clear braces variety if you look close enough). However Invisalign are virtually impossible to spot, making them the perfect option for image conscious adults. That said there is a caveat….

Invisalign aligners do need to be removed every time you eat or drink anything except water. The reason for this is that the aligners can stain easily. Obviously when this happens your invisible braces won’t be quite so inconspicuous. So to avoid this they should always be removed and replaced directly after any eating or drinking.

What conditions can they treat?

When it comes to teeth straightening Manchester orthodontists can treat a number of conditions including malocclusions, overcrowding, twisted or crooked teeth, tooth gapping and root alignment. The good news is that because invisible clear braces such as Invisalign are a full-term treatment, they can help to treat most of these conditions. However it’s always best to ask your dentist for advice.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know about invisible braces and how they differ. If you’d like to find out more information, or you’re interested in invisible brace treatment, contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 for an appointment. Dr Karim and the team are standing by to help.

Lingual Braces Before And After – How They Straighten Teeth

If you’re one of the many millions of adults who suffer with crooked or misaligned teeth your best option is to opt for orthodontic treatment. Whether you choose conventional metal braces, ceramic clear fixed braces, or more discreet varieties such as Invisalign Manchester or lingual braces, before and after results can be quite a transformation. In this post, we’re going to focus on lingual braces and take closer look at what they are and how they straighten teeth.

So what are they exactly?

Lingual braces are often referred to as inside braces or hidden braces because rather than being attached to the outside or front of the teeth, they’re secured to the inside or rear (lingua is Latin for tongue). This means that all the metal parts such as brackets and wiring which would normally be visible when you smile or speak, are now hidden behind the teeth. Because of this, nobody need know that you’re wearing them. In fact, it’s fair to say that they’re about as discreet as fixed braces get, and for this reason they are popular with image conscious adults who want straighter teeth but don’t particularly like the image of sporting a mouth full of metal.

How do lingual braces work?

The principle behind lingual braces is the same as any other orthodontic appliance such as ceramic clear fixed braces or aligner style braces such as Invisalign. Manchester patients may be surprised to learn that aside from the way they’re attached they really are no different. Just like standard braces, tensioning wires threaded through brackets work to apply gentle sustained force on the teeth. Over a period of time (this could be anywhere from 9-24 months) the teeth gradually move and eventually realign. The only real difference is that any force applied is carried out on the back of the teeth and not the front.

Are lingual braces difficult to wear?

Like conventional fixed braces, they may take a little getting used to. Because they’re attached to the back of the teeth they can interfere with the tongue causing a slight lisp when speaking. However, the good news is that this is normally only short lived and most people (after some practice) return to speaking normally within a few weeks. In addition and again, like many other types of fixed brace system, patients may experience slight discomfort for a few days after adjustment appointments. However any discomfort felt soon dissipates as your teeth get used to the new applied force.

So are lingual braces worth it?

For the vast majority of patients the difference in appearance between lingual braces before and after pictures is astounding. As well as a perfect straight smile, patients can experience an improved bite, improved oral health, and an all-round healthier you!

For more information about lingual braces, clear fixed braces, fast orthodontic treatments, or aligner style appliances such as Invisalign, Manchester-based Church Road dental and Cosmetics is the place to go. Dr Shi Karim and the team have a wealth of experience in orthodontics and have the ability to correct any dental problems no matter how severe. To find out more, why not contact us on 0161 660 1218 and book a no-obligation consultation today.

Orthodontic Manchester Treatment – How Are Teeth Moved?

It’s fair to say that most people know that teeth straightening in Manchester involves orthodontic Manchester treatment. Where typically a series of fixed brackets and wiring move teeth through applying sustained gentle force, Invisalign Manchester utilises a series or aligners (trays) to gradually move teeth. Either way teeth are realigned through force; but how exactly does this work? Let’s take a closer look.

You may be surprised to know that tooth movement is actually quite a complex process and it involves many different cells, tissues, and sensing signallers. When force is applied to the tooth root via the brackets and wiring of an orthodontic appliance, the tissues surrounding the bone and the cells within the tooth are stimulated to act.

Firstly pressure directed at the point of the orthodontic bracket applies both pressure and tension down at the tooth root. This then signals to cell sensors to take action. In this case cells surrounding the tooth (known as osteoplasts and osteoclasts) work to add and/or remove bone respectively, depending upon which direction the force is being applied. As such there’s a time lag from the point of pressure to the moment any tooth movement occurs. This delay in movement results in the way that the body adds or removes bone adjacent to the tooth. On most occasions when pressure is applied, the bone that’s closest to the tooth root isn’t moved initially. Instead bone some distance away from the root is removed at first.

Gradually after a period of 1-2 weeks the teeth straightening Manchester process starts to become more noticeable as the bone undergoes significant and more rapid changes. At this point bone is now being removed and being rebuilt closer to the new position of the tooth root, and as a result the next few weeks will see more noticeable changes. However this does depend heavily on the amount of force still active against the tooth.

So what does all of this mean for a patient seeking orthodontic Manchester treatment? In essence this has a bearing on the frequency of ongoing adjustment appointments. For example early on in the treatment the dentist may use a flexible tensioning wire with a longer activation time. This is so that gentle force is sustained over a longer period of time, and allows for easier stimulation, which in turn kick-starts the realignment process. With this in mind appointments might be somewhere between 6-12 weeks apart. However as the treatment progresses the wires will be less flexible and as a result more frequent activation is needed to maintain stimulation. This is why later on in the treatment appointments might be 2-6 weeks apart.

Ultimately the length of treatment does depend upon the severity of a patient’s condition. In addition there are also many variables that can shorten or lengthen treatments. These include patient co-operation (this applies to removable appliances such as Invisalign Manchester), speed of bone growth/regeneration, and speed of tooth movement. For this reason each treatment is different,

If you need teeth straightening Manchester and would like to talk to us about Invisalign Manchester or any other form of orthodontic Manchester treatment, contact Church Road Dental and Cosmetics on 0161 660 1218 today and book a consultation. Dr Karim and the team are here to answer any question or concerns you may have, allowing you to make an informed dental decision.

Fast Orthodontic Treatment – Does It work?

Whenever you seek orthodontic Manchester treatment it’s usually because you have a problem with the alignment of your teeth. This can be anything from a slightly misaligned or crooked tooth that spoils the appearance of your smile, through to severe bite problems due to malocclusions. Fortunately there are a variety of treatments available ranging from Invisalign offers to super-fast orthodontic treatment.

While there has been much written about the wonders of Invisalign, there isn’t much information available about fast or accelerated orthodontics. In fact many people don’t even know that such a thing exists. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look.

First of all, what exactly is fast orthodontics?

You’re probably aware that conventional braces involve having a series of permanent brackets and wiring fitted to the teeth. You may have even worn braces as a child. If you did you’ll also know that it wasn’t a quick treatment. In fact on average children wear braces for around 18 months but depending upon the severity of the condition, this can be anywhere up to 30 months. While this might be okay for children, as adults it seems that we want everything faster and cheaper. Unfortunately, conventional brace appliances don’t fall into either category.

As adults, we also desire a healthier, better looking smile, but we don’t necessarily want to wait over 2 years to get it. This is where fast orthodontic treatment comes in. Over the last decade or so, orthodontic Manchester treatment has included treatments such as C-Fast, Six Month Smiles and Secret Smiles, all of which are designed to straighten teeth quickly. In fact some of which can do the job in a matter of weeks not months.

So how do they work?

In essence, they work in exactly the same way as most other fixed orthodontic appliances in that they move teeth by applying continual gentle force (whereas aligner style treatments, such as Invisalign, offers patients a more discreet treatment using invisible trays worn over the teeth). Normally this is achieved via a series of self-tensioning wires that are threaded through small brackets, which in turn are attached to the teeth. The only real difference is that accelerated orthodontic treatments do it quicker. While this sounds great, there is a caveat and it’s this…….

When full term orthodontic appliances are in action they actually move the teeth relatively quickly. That’s the easy part. The harder part, and one that takes the most time, is moving the tooth root. This is because it takes a while for the bone structure to move and reform. Therefore, it’s impossible for fast orthodontic treatment to do this in just a few months. As such the teeth are moved, but the tooth roots aren’t. In addition, to cut down ‘appliance time’ even more, accelerated orthodontic treatment concentrates only on the upper and lower front teeth which are visible when you smile. So that’s the trade off!

Of course you might argue that speedy orthodontic treatments only do half a job and I guess you could say that this is true. As such they certainly wouldn’t be beneficial for a patient with more severe orthodontic issues. That said they are ideal for those patients who have mild orthodontic problems and are looking for a quick cosmetic fix. It may be that they have a crooked or flared tooth that spoils their smile; or alternatively they have a slight tooth gap and want to look their best before an upcoming event, such as a job interview, a family gathering, or even a date. Whatever the reason, these people are looking for a speedy cosmetic solution and fast orthodontic treatment gives them exactly this.

So in answer to the question in the title – “Does fast orthodontics work?” The answer is that provided a patient is concerned purely about the cosmetic side of straightening teeth, and is aware that it will only work on the visible upper and lower front teeth, then absolutely YES!

If you’d like to find out more about fast orthodontic treatment, or what longer treatments such as Invisalign offers, then contact our orthodontic Manchester practice at Church Road. To book a consultation call us on 0161 660 1218 today and take the first steps towards a healthier smile and a happier you.

Invisible Braces Manchester – The Various Types Explained

As an adult, one of the biggest stumbling blocks that prevents people from having orthodontic treatment is a lack of discretion. Let’s face it, no adult wants to be seen sporting a mouth full of metal, but fortunately this is where dentists can recommend invisible braces. Manchester patients for example can wear them without feeling self-conscious about smiling or speaking. Indeed, treatments such as Invisalign braces in Manchester are about as discreet as teeth braces can be. That said, Invisalign Manchester are only a small part of what are designated as ‘invisible braces’ so let’s take a closer look at the various types available.

Ceramic ‘clear view’ braces

Similarly to traditional metal style braces, ceramic clear view brace systems utilise brackets and wiring which work together to move teeth back into alignment. Also just like conventional braces they are fixed to the mouth for the duration of the treatment. More often than not this may be 1-2 years. However where they differ is that rather than being made from metal, ceramic clear view braces make use of tooth-coloured wiring and brackets to ensure better discretion.

Lingual braces

If you’re in search of something slightly more discreet, you might want to consider lingual braces. Again they work by using brackets and wiring to push/pull teeth back into position and likewise they’re considered a longer-term treatment. However instead of the brackets being attached to the front of the teeth, instead they’re attached at the back. Ultimately this means that when you smile or speak your lingual braces aren’t on show. When it comes to Invisible braces, Manchester dentists will often recommend these to fix a wide variety of issues. The downsides are that because all the action takes place at the back of the mouth, they aren’t that easy to fit and in addition they can take some getting used to. That said, lingual braces are a popular choice.

Invisalign

Perhaps the ultimate in invisible brace systems is Invisalign. Manchester dentists often recommend these to patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment, but want treatment that is totally discreet. Invisalign braces Manchester are radically different in many ways. In fact, they’re as far removed from conventional braces as it’s possible to get. For example where the others are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment, Invisalign braces are designed to be fully removable. In addition brackets and wiring are exchanged for aligner-style clear acrylic shells which are worn over the teeth. I say ‘shells’ plural because rather than the one singular appliance, Invisalign treatment utilises a whole series of aligners which are changed every two weeks. This can mean as many as 48 different appliances all working to move the teeth spanning the duration of your treatment. On the downside, it’s thought that acrylic aligners aren’t as bio-metrically strong as bracket and wiring style braces and therefore aren’t recommended for those needing major orthodontic treatment. However for the ordinary person who simply wants straighter teeth as discreetly as possible then Invisalign ticks all the right boxes.

If you’re seeking Invisalign braces Manchester then come and talk to Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. With our experienced team on hand, we can answer all of your questions and concerns, allowing you to make an educated dental decision. To book a consultation call us on 0161 660 1218

Clear View Braces – Are They Better Than Invisalign?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment in Manchester, Invisalign aligners are often considered the ultimate in adult brace systems; but are they really better than more conventional clear view braces? Let’s take a closer look.

Let’s face it, even those adults who would benefit greatly from the type of fastest orthodontic treatment never go through with it because they are put off by the way that braces look when attached to the teeth. Now however, patients have the option of Invisalign.

Prior to 1998 when Invisalign burst onto the scene, the only alternative to metal style braces were fixed clear view ceramic braces or lingual braces, which were worn on the inside of the teeth. Although more discreet than say the metal variety, they could still be seen when the patient smiled or spoke. Now for the first time patients could have their teeth straightened without any unsightly wires or bracketing. Utilising a series of clear plastic aligners, each Invisalign aligner is designed to be worn over the teeth just like a gum shield. What’s more, unlike traditional style orthodontic treatment, each invisible aligner is designed to be easily removed.

So the question is…. Why then do dentists still use clear braces when on the surface of it, Manchester Invisalign appears to be so much better?

The main reason is that despite all the advancements in technology, Invisalign are arguably bio-metrically inferior to more traditional types of clear view braces. Some dentists suggest that it’s more difficult for plastic shells to create the complex forces of movement needed to properly align both the tooth and the tooth root. For this reason many dentists still prefer to use conventional brackets and wiring to correct more complex or severe cases and/or those requiring the fastest orthodontic treatment.

So to sum up…

Manchester Invisalign is radically different from any other type of orthodontic treatment and has revolutionised the way we think about adult braces. In most mild to moderate cases it presents the perfect longer-term solution for those people who want a better looking smile, but don’t want to go through the hassle of having a mouth full of metal. For this reason, Invisalign is very popular. However for those with more severe orthodontic problems, or those looking for a quick-fix solution, then traditional metal style braces or ceramic clear view braces are arguably the better option.

To find out more about the right type of orthodontic treatment for you, why not book a consultation with the team at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. To make an appointment call us on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards achieving a great looking smile.