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.
