Author Archives: clbrmanchester

Invisible Braces – What Are They And How They 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

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?

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?

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.

invisalign braces manchester

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?

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.

Orthodontist Manchester – Invisalign vs Lingual Braces

Orthodontist Manchester – Invisalign vs Lingual Braces

If you’ve been reading a lingual braces blog and feel that a discreet form of tooth straightening treatment is what you need, then you might also want to take a look at what Invisalign offers Manchester patients. While both lingual braces and Invisalign treatments are indeed discreet, there are some differences. Our orthodontist Manchester explains….

Lingual braces

If you’re looking for a discreet form of orthodontic treatment then lingual braces are about as discreet as conventional bracket and wiring style braces get. Why? Because unlike traditional metal braces, the brackets of lingual braces are attached to the rear of the teeth, so all the action happens at the back. For this reason when you smile or speak the person that you’re speaking to or smiling at, won’t see that tell-tale glint of metal. Lingual braces work by applying continual gentle force to pull the teeth back into position. Just like Invisalign aligners, lingual braces are what is known as full-term treatments and can fix a wide variety of orthodontic problems including over/underbites and cross bites, plus helping to maintain correct teeth spacing. Because lingual braces are fitted to the rear of the teeth it does require specialist training. As a result not every orthodontist in Manchester will offer it. However those that do, suggest that it’s every bit as successful as many other brace systems.

Invisalign Aligners

Just like lingual braces, what Invisalign offers Manchester patients is complete discretion.  However that really is where the similarities end. Whereas lingual braces are fixed and utilise conventional brackets and wiring to move teeth, lingual braces are fully removable and use a series of clear acrylic aligners which help the teeth move in a natural way. Each acrylic aligner is worn over the teeth, just like an invisible gum shield, and is designed to move teeth to a certain position before the next aligner in the series takes over. Patients can expect anywhere between 24-36 aligners during treatment but in some cases there may be more. Treatments last on average 18 months but can take up to 3 years. While any good lingual braces blog will tell you that they take some getting used to, Invisalign aligners are usually worn with no problems from the start. Finally and just like lingual braces, Invisalign aligners can also treat a wide variety of  dental problems.

So there you have it! Hopefully this Invisalign/lingual braces blog has given you all the information you need to make an informed dental decision about what Invisalign offers Manchester patients vs lingual braces. If you’re still in doubt and need further assistance, then come and talk to our orthodontist Manchester today. Book yourself an appointment on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards restoring your perfect smile.

Orthodontics Manchester – How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

Orthodontics Manchester – How Do Braces Straighten Teeth?

If you’re in need of teeth straightening, Manchester dental practices specialising in orthodontics in Manchester can help. At our smiles dental Manchester office for example, we offer a wide range of treatments designed to help realign teeth. These include fast or accelerated orthodontic treatments such as C-Fast, Secret Smiles, and Six Month Smiles through to lengthier full-term treatments such as ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign aligners. While you don’t have to look far to find information about each individual treatment, it’s more difficult to find information on how braces actually work. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look.

The first thing to note is that despite the many different orthodontic appliances available they all perform the same function and that is to straighten teeth using applied gentle force. Although there are some subtle differences in the way that this is done, generally speaking appliances are either fixed to the teeth or placed over the teeth  to force them to move/turn/grow in the right direction. So how is this achieved?

Fixed appliances

Fixed orthodontic treatments are what most people would recognise as traditional braces. These are fixed to the teeth for the duration of the treatment and consist of four elements.

  • Brackets
  • Bonding material
  • Arch wire
  • Ligature elastic/O Ring

Firstly our smiles dental Manchester team will help you choose the right brace system to suit your needs and/or requirements. Once you’re happy, then small brackets are attached to each tooth using a  special type of bonding material. These can either be coloured or silver in the form of conventional braces, or ceramic tooth coloured for discretion. Alternatively, in the case of lingual braces, they can also be attached to the back of the teeth.

Next an arch wire is attached. This runs from bracket to bracket and is used to apply sustained gentle pressure on the teeth which in turn encourages them to move/twist back into the right direction.

Finally a small coloured piece of elastic known as a ligature or O ring holds the arch wire onto each bracket. The elastic ligature can be adjusted to help the arch wire to apply greater pressure in a certain position and is usually carried out by the dentist during a visit if necessary, although with some types of teeth straightening, Manchester appliances utilise O rings that can adjust of their own accord. These are known as self litigating braces. As pressure is adjusted and tweaked accordingly, the teeth respond and will eventually become straighter.

Removable orthodontics Manchester

As opposed to fixed brace treatments, removable orthodontics are designed to be easily removed by that patient during periods of eating, drinking, and cleaning the teeth. It’s suggested that it gives the wearer better dental hygiene because there is zero chance of food particles becoming trapped; but also, it gives the user greater control (within reason) over when they wear them. Treatments such as Invisalign aligners are one such appliance. So how do they work?

Just to complicate matters, Invisalign aligner treatment doesn’t rely on just one appliance for the duration of the treatment. Instead it involves a whole series of appliances/aligners (sometimes as many as 48 over a 2-3 year period). Each aligner is made from clear acrylic and is designed to be worn over the teeth like an invisible gum shield for a short period of time (approximately 2 weeks). As the first aligner is worn, it’s been made to fit snugly over the teeth forcing them to move a fraction of a position (usually around 1/10mm). After two weeks, the teeth should have moved sufficiently so the first aligner is discarded and the next one in the series is worn which moves the teeth a little more. The whole process is repeated again and again every two weeks until eventually, the teeth have reached the desired position.

As you can see, both types or orthodontic appliance have the ability to move teeth using sustained and gentle force, but it can be achieved in different ways. If you’d like to find out more about how orthodontics Manchester can help you achieve a straighter healthier smile then talk to our smile dentist Manchester about teeth straightening Manchester today. Why not book yourself a consultation by calling us on 0161 660 1218 and take the first steps towards having a smile that you can be proud of.

Adult Braces In Manchester – Are They Worth It?

Adult Braces In Manchester – Are They Worth It?

While many people know children who are currently wearing braces to help correct a bite or straighten teeth, not many people know of other adults who are in the same position. That’s because adult braces in Manchester have been developed extensively in recent years, yet are still relatively unknown. With this in mind, if you’re not entirely happy with your teeth, are adult braces Manchester the way forward? Our Smile dentist Manchester explains……

Provided the right type of orthodontic appliance is used, adult brace systems can treat a wide variety of problems. These include, malocclusions, overcrowding, crooked or flared teeth, and cross bites to name a few. That said, not every appliance is able to treat every treatment and appliances can either be classed as fast (in the case of accelerated orthodontics or slow (in the case of full-term treatments). Because of this you’ll need an experienced orthodontist who will decide on a particular type of appliance that will cure your dental problem and fit in with your requirements.

For instance, if you have an annoying gap in your teeth that’s visible when you smile but your remaining teeth and gums are healthy, you might want to try using accelerated braces in Manchester. These are quick-fire treatments that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Treatments such as C-Fast, Secret Smiles, and Six Month Smiles are considered some of the most popular, although there are many others.

Alternatively if you have relapsed teeth because you didn’t wear a retainer as a child after having conventional orthodontic braces, your dentist might suggest Inman Aligner braces. Manchester  patients will be pleased to know that like other fast treatments, they can take a little as a few weeks to correct any problem.

What about if you have larger underlying problems such as a bad bite or crooked back teeth? Your dentist may suggest full term treatments including conventional metal or ceramic braces. For that added discretion patients have an option of lingual braces which are attached to the back of the teeth rather than the front, or Invisalign removable aligners.

Despite the various types, any smile dentist in Manchester will tell you that all orthodontic treatment straightens teeth using the same principle. This is to apply sustained gentle force using either retainers or wiring to move the teeth back into position

For those who really care about how they look, particularly in regard to their smile, adult braces Manchester are definitely worth it. They can ether be used as a quick-fix, aesthetic solution in the form of fast orthodontic treatment, or a long-term holistic solution. Either way, braces in Manchester have the ability to improve lives and boost confidence and that in many respects makes them life changing.

If you’d like to find out more about how our smile dentist Manchester can help you to create that perfect smile using the power of orthodontics, contact us on 0161 660 1218 and book yourself a no-obligation consultation today.

Clear Braces UK – How They Straighten Teeth

Clear Braces UK – How They Straighten Teeth

You only have to look at pictures of teeth braces before and after to know that they work. However  despite the fact that orthodontic treatments are known to improve teeth, many adults are put off from wearing them. It seems that the thought of seeing drastic improvements in a smile from braces before and after isn’t enough for some to seek the treatment they need. Why? Because people still visualise having to put up with a mouthful of metal for months, even years on end. However with clear braces, UK this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. So what are clear braces and how do they straighten teeth?

As the name suggests clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that are designed to be discreet. Made from a clear plastic acrylic, they’re a million miles away from the bracket and wiring style treatments that we all know. In fact when a patient wears them, in most cases, others won’t know about it unless the person tells them. It’s true! Clear braces UK do away with traditional bracket and wiring systems to move teeth in favour of clear removable plastic aligners. In fact, because there are no signs of tell tale wires or brackets,wearers can speak and smile with confidence.

While most people are aware of how conventional braces straighten teeth, they probably aren’t so sure how clear braces straighten teeth. Let’s take a closer look…

The first difference is that instead of utilising one appliance for the duration of the treatment, clear aligners utilise a whole series of appliances (sometimes as many as 48 over a 2-3 year period) to achieve that perfect braces before and after look.

The second difference is that rather than utilise tensioning wires to move teeth back into position the movement is carried out by natural force. Each aligner is designed to be worn over the teeth like a gum shield. As it does so the aligner gently forces the teeth to fill the position inside the aligner space. Once this position is filled (usually every two weeks) that aligner has done it’s job and is discarded in favour of the next aligner in the series. When the next one is worn it forces the teeth to take up the next position. Movement is usually very slight (often only 1/10mm per aligner) but over a period of time, the teeth return to their naturally straighter position, giving the patient that all important teeth braces before and after look.

If you’d like to find out more about clear braces UK and how they can help to discreetly restore a confident looking smile, then contact Church Road Dental on 0161 660 1218 today.