If you’re asked to think about orthodontic braces it probably conjures up pictures of those metallic train track style braces that children wore at school. Nowadays however, things have moved on and many adults now wear either removable braces or clear fixed braces. Manchester orthodontists will usually offer both types so let’s compare the two.
Removable braces
Removable braces such as Invisalign, offers Manchester patients a chance to take control of their own orthodontic treatment within reason. Just as fixed clear braces offers Manchester patients a certain degree of discretion, removable braces can do exactly the same. The difference being that the former are designed specifically to be easily removed and replaced by the patient at various stages throughout the day (particularly when eating and cleaning the teeth) whereas the latter aren’t.
Removable braces such as Invisalign are an ‘aligner style’ brace which is far removed from the bracket and wiring style of brace that most of us are used to. This type of orthodontic treatment relies on a series of bespoke trays which are unique to the patient. These are worn over the teeth like a close fitting gum shield with each tray designed to gently coax the teeth into a certain position before the next tray can be worn. Each tray is designed to be worn for a period of around 2 weeks after which it’s changed for the next one in the series. There can be as few as 12 or as many as 48 aligners, depending on the treatment, but what Invisalign offers Manchester patients that clear fixed braces don’t is flexibility. With removable braces the patient is very much in charge of when and when not to wear them, so if they’re going out to eat with friends, then they can easily be removed. That said the caveat is that removable braces do still need to be worn for anything between 18 and 22 hours a day depending upon type.
Clear fixed braces Manchester
What fixed Clear braces offers Manchester patients is a wide variety of choice. From fast orthodontic treatments which can work in as little as a few weeks through to discreet lingual braces which are attached to the back of the teeth. Unlike most removable braces, fixed braces are very good at correcting complex orthodontic issues such as extreme malocclusions, but they can also be used to correct more simple issues such as twisting, flared or gapped teeth. Clear fixed braces blend in to the natural colour of your teeth using tooth coloured wiring and brackets and provide a cosmetic alternative to metallic braces. They work by applying gentle and continuous pressure to the teeth gradually moving them into position over time. The brace is attached by your orthodontist at the start of the treatment and remains in place for the duration. Usually the fixed brace will need to be adjusted several times during the course of your treatment and this is carried out back at the dental practice. When the teeth are finally in the correct position the brace is removed.
As you can see there are advantages to both clear fixed braces Manchester and removable braces. While Invisalign offers Manchester patients flexibility, fixed clear braces offers Manchester patients more scope for treatment, so there are pros and cons to each type. If you’re looking for orthodontic treatment to restore your smile, then come and talk to Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. With an experienced team of orthodontists we can help you decide on a course of treatment to suit your needs. Contact us today on 0161 660 1218.
